First National Bank

The First National Bank (commonly referred to as the Meadow Brook Bank) originally opened in 1911. Despite its name, it was the second bank in Freeport, formed after the Freeport Bank in 1892.

In 1929, a six-story building was constructed as Art Deco in a style evocative of the Flatiron Building in Manhattan. It was the tallest building east of Jamaica when it was completed.

The building was designed and built by noted architects, the Hoggson Brothers. During World War II, an observation tower was constructed on the roof of the building for enemy plane spotting. The bank was also authorized to receive and honor all ration checks. For decades this bank served as a depository for Village municipal funds.

In the 1940s, the First National Bank and Trust Company began to merge with other Long Island financial institutions.

In 1991, the freestanding four sided clock that is located near the bank’s entrance was locally landmarked and restored.