The Yorkton branch of the Royal Bank of Canada marked its 100th year in Yorkton with a reception at the branch on Wednesday, November 3.

It was on July 1, 1899 that the Union Bank (forerunner of the Royal Bank) opened its doors in the Village of Yorkton with Mr. C.W.R. Pearson as manager.

Mr. Pearson had been manager of the Pickering Private Bank which was taken over by the Union Bank. A year later the bank built its own building on North Front Street.

The bank occupied the front half of the building with the rear divided into two rooms, one used for stationery and the other as a bedroom occupied by an officer of the bank. The top floor was rented out to the Dominion Lands Office and a soliciter, both offices being reached by an outdoor staircase.

The first competition, the Bank of British North America, opened for business in 1903, followed by the Bank of Toronto in 1906 and by the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1909.

Later the Northern Crown Bank and the Bank of Montreal opened giving Yorkton six financial institutions. Northern Crown pulled out, but returned followed by the Dominion Bank and the Imperial Bank.

In 1907 the Royal Bank built its own building on property at the corner of Third Avenue and Broadway, now owned by Dr. Steve Yaholnitsky.

In 1967 the bank relocated next door where Dr. Jack Junek is now located.

The bank moved into its present location at the corner of Fourth and Broadway in 1996.

During the ceremonies various articles were placed in a time capsule by clients, organizations and businesses.

The Yaholnitsky family of Jean, Vickie, Dr. Richard and Dr. Steve were asked to cut the anniversary cake because the Yaholnitsky accounts, both business and private, are the oldest continuous accounts with the branch.

Special guests were Bill Dunn and Brian Cove, area managers of the bank, and Omar Sather and Ken Hodgson of the bank.

Former Yorkton branch managers in attendance were Gene Landry and Ed Camrud of Regina, and Roger Bierwagon and Larry Hilworth of Yorkton.

A former branch manager of the Foam Lake and Ituna branch provided musical entertainment.

Yorkton branch manager Linda Broda was master of ceremonies.