Step back to the late 1800's. Imagine a Victorian world set in a bustling Kansas frontier town, home to the United States Land Office. Hundreds came each day looking for a new home. In 1886 their first night's stay would have been at the Oberlin House, the St. James or other inns that rivaled their counterparts to the east. After claiming their 160 acres of Kansas prairie they were off to the brand new Bank of Oberlin to set up their banking business in their new hometown. Of the Bank of Oberlin's completion, the Oberlin Eye (Sept.23,1886) said ...It is the prettiest building in the city and elicits words of praise from the many who see the city. Such buildings, beautiful, permanent, and durable are of incalculable value to Oberlin...And strengthen the onward march of the Queen City of Northwest Kansas.