150th Anniversary Trivia
Welcome to our 150th Anniversary Trivia Game! It’s just a quick and fun way to impart a feeling for the long history of our bank. 150 years in business is a rare accomplishment and we’re very proud of our heritage and our continuing record of service to our customers, friends, and communities.
ANSWERS
July 22 question - In 1896 when The Bank of Marion was only 22 years old, the “world’s greatest sports event” was launched. What is it?
Answer: The Modern Summer Olympics began in Athens Greece in 1896, a revival of the original “Ancient” Olympic Games which ended the 4th century. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris opens on Friday, July 26.
July 15 question - This question is for our customers and friends in and around Damascus, Virginia. Who was the first manager of our Damascus Branch?
Answer: Grey Preston was the first and only Manager of the Damascus branch until his recent retirement. Teresa Bebber is the new manager. Grey and Teresa both joined the branch when it opened in 2003.
July 8 question - In 1965 when The Bank of Marion was only 91 years old, professional baseball’s strikeout king - and all-time no-hit record holder with seven no-hit games - played his first professional game in Marion, Virginia. What is his name?
Answer: Baseball’s Hall of Fame pitching legend Nolan Ryan began his professional career in Marion, Virginia with the Marion Mets in 1965. Robert “Bob” Garnet, who was President and CEO of The Bank of Marion at that time, was also the Manager of the Marion Mets.
July 1 question – On July 1, 1973, a customer cashes a $5.00 check at The Bank of Marion and asks for his $5.00 in three bills. How does the teller do that?
Answer: The teller gives the customer two $2.00 bills and a $1.00 bill.
Of course, that could still be done today, but there are far fewer $2.00 bills in circulation today. Many people are not aware that $2.00 bills exist. They used to be a quite popular currency. We still get request for them from some of our customers, especially around the Christmas season.
June 24 question - The Bank of Chilhowie opened in the same year that President Reagan challenged Gorbachev to “tear down” the Berlin wall, and The Beatles released their first CD. What was that year?
Answer: All three of these events happened in 1987.
June 17 question - Which came first, The Bank of Marion or Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb?
Answer – The Bank of Marion was founded in 1874. Thomas Edison made his incandescent light bulb in 1879, which could “burn long enough to be practical to light a home for many hours,” according to The Thomas Edison National Park. This paved the way for universal electric lighting.
June 10 question - Who was President of the United States when The Bank of Marion was founded?
Answer – Ulysses S. Grant was president of the United States in 1874, the year The Bank of Marion was founded. He went on to serve in that capacity until March 4, 1877.
June 3 question - What great American sports event also celebrates its 150th Anniversary this year?
Answer - The Kentucky Derby. 2024 saw the 150th running of this great and enduring sporting event.