Once upon a time

Early downtown — This photo in Sandy Williams’ book, “Images of America — Hinsdale,” was taken on west First Street looking east, almost in front of The Hinsdalean’s office. “In this interesting view of east First Street in 1909, only the Hinsdale State Bank, built eight years earlier, is visible on the south side of the street. Just beyond the bank on First Street, construction activity can be seen on a safety deposit vault annex, ‘to be wired with a burglar alarm, the latest and best in bank protection.’ A new bank building, which still stands, replaced this on in 1927.”