CIBC turns 100

Ken Johnston
Editor

As Rainy River’s centennial approaches, a number of its pillars also have reached or will be reaching that milestone and CIBC is one of them.
In 1903 the Canadian Bank of Commerce opened 11 new branches across Canada and on October 3rd of that year one opened in Rainy River. As business improved in the newly incorporated Town of Rainy River (Jan. 1, 1904), the Bank of Commerce chose to invest in the community and constructed a new brick building to house its operations at the corner of Fourth Street and Mill Avenue in Rainy River.
They moved into it in 1912 and still operate out of it to this day.
A sub-agency of the Bank of Commerce reported from Stratton to the Rainy River b ranch from 1920-26.
In 1961 the Bank of Commerce merged with the Imperial Bank of Canada to form the Canadian Imperial Back of Commerce (CIBC).
For a number of those decades the manager of the bank lived above the branch. And for a number of years the bank owned a house on Third St. where managers later lived.
The bank has undergone many major renovations and it continues to have a strong commitment to community events, donating to various causes including the annual RR Walleye Tournament. Its staff members participate in parades and have dressed up for occasions like halloween and community anniversaries.
Managers from 1903 to the present were:
1903 J. A. Smith
1905 H. W. Graham
1915 F. A. Chapman
1919 G. Brown
1924 H. H. Lowe
1936 F. Galliker
1949 W. G. Mitchell
1955 D. L. Cairns
1957 R. Shewfelt
1962 A. O. Palmer
1965 W. Tymchyshyn
1966 H. J. Drysdale
1967 I. B. Murdoch
1969 R. W. Best
1976 D. M. McAllister
1982 W. A. Langner
1989 D. Jarvis
2002 J. Irish
Last Wednesday they held a birthday party at the bank. It was delayed due to construction that was taking place in October at the bank.
They served up cake and were busy with visitors that included former staff members Janice Wiersema, Joan Hagarty, Janeva Erickson, Bonnie Wood (and husband Floyd) and Donna Noga. Former managers Bill Langner and Dave McAlister sent their regrets.
Coffee and cake were served by the staff. The cake had a vintage photo of the bank on the top of it.
The bank was decorated by staff for the occasion. Draws for a CIBC jacket and bag were held that day with Margeurite Larocque winning the jacket and Sheila Jolicouer the bag.
Branch Manager Jeri Irish was very pleased with the turnout and was grateful to all who visited and brought them best wishes.