The Farmers & Merchants Union Bank in Columbus was the last of Louis Sullivan's eight "Jewel Box"…read morebanks that he designed as his career was winding down. The other Jewel Boxes, scattered around the Midwest, are all still standing. (The Peoples Savings Bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was severely damaged in the Flood of 2008 and is undergoing renovation.) Sullivan, founder of the Prairie School of Architecture and the father of the modern skyscraper, was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. He coined the phrase "Form follows function." His signature was ornamentation, very evident on this bank, designed to draw the eye upwards. Terra Cotta ornamentation on the cornice are his exclamation point on his design. The Farmers & Merchants Union Bank was founded by John Wheeler in 1861. He chose the name "Union" in honor of Abraham Lincoln and his efforts to preserve the Union. On the cornice of the building is a Terra Cotta eagle, representing Old Abe, the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. The word, "Forward" is cast into the sculpture, it is the motto of the State of Wisconsin. The bank also appears in the 2009 Johnny Depp film "Public Enemies" as a location shot for a John Dillinger bank robbery. (The bank was never held up by Dillinger.)

We walked into this bank not knowing what great service we would receive, just looking for a bank…read morethat would accept us for a car loan. What we found was the kindest heart most loving man on the face of the planet. He not only gave us a loan but became our friend for life. This man is Dave Harle, he is a must see in search of a loan. This man will jump through hoops to get you what you are looking for. If your in search of a compassionate bank with no bs, stop by Farmers and merchants union bank. Even if you must drive and are not from Columbus. Make the road trip. You won't be disappointed.