Owatonna, Minnesota

Two large arched murals portray agricultural scenes … remember, this was a farmer's bank. The fact that cows are depicted is not surprising since Owatonna is where the mechanical butter churn was invented ... and in the early 1900’s was known as the butter capital of the world.

The four 18 foot cast iron electric chandeliers, called “electroliers” weigh over two tons each.

The ornamentation on this brass teller's window suggests affluence and security.

Located in the uppermost corner of each wall are large “B” cartouches. These were Sullivan’s tribute to the Bennett family, founders of National Farmers’ Bank.

This Arts and Crafts style light fixture at the side entrance made quite an impression on Sherry.

Downtown Owatonna has several other interesting buildings. One of our favorites is the Zamboni Building with its colorful stonework and flamboyant terra cotta. Originally a bicycle repair and gun shop, it later became a dodge dealership. Click here to see detail.

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You might say that when you step inside, you're entering a honorific space, but that's something totally different than experiencing it. And in architecture the experience comes first. That has the deepest effect on us.

— Thom Mayne —