43 clerical because he “seemed to possess the qualities that would make him a suitable and satisfactory officer.” Director C. T. Hardesty died in June of 1928 and the Board marked the moment: Whereas, Almighty God in the exercise of his Divine Providence has taken from this life Charles Triplett Hardesty , for many years an active member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Clarke County and – Whereas, the Board being deeply sensible of its loss and desiring to memorialize his efficient service as one of its members and to express their sorrow over his going, and deep sympathy for the surviving members of his family. Now, therefore, Be it Resolved; that in the death of Mr. Charles Triplett Hardesty the Bank of Clarke County has lost one of its truest friends, a man of strong character and exemplary demeanor, jovial and capable, who ever had in mind the welfare, progress and development of this institution. Mr. Archibald Cummins, “whose worth in this community is so well known and appreciated that we need not comment on his selection,” was chosen to fill the unexpired term of the late Mr. Hardesty. One year later, Mr. Cummins resigned from the Board due to his “feeling constraints as a result of my increasing deafness.” Mr. J. M. H. Clagett, a farmer and livestock dealer, “whose sound judgment and successful career as a business man fit him well for the duties of a director,” was appointed to fill Mr. Cummins’ Board seat. In 1929, Bank of Clarke County agreed to pay Paramount Scenic Studios $42 for an ad for one year that appeared on the curtain at the Clarco Theatre in Berryville. Mr. Julian C. Glascock was hired on December 5, 1929 as a bookkeeper. “He comes highly recommended and gives promise of being a most efficient officer.” Also on that date, Mr. Spates was appointed Assistant Trust Officer and was authorized to perform the duties of Mr. Glover during an extended absence. Mr. Spates’ salary was $1,800 per year. The stock market crash of 1929 had immediate effect on decisions at Bank of Clarke County. Board compensation was reduced from $4 to $2.50, President Bradford’s salary was reduced from $25 to $20 per month, Miss Augusta Forster was released from employment and turkey and oyster dinners were discontinued at stockholder meetings. However, with the exception of forced closings during President Roosevelt’s “bank holidays,” Bank of Clarke County maintained its daily operation on a 100% basis. A Depression rumor took root in Clarke County in 1929 stating that the bank would close and would pay depositors by alphabet. After the rumor subsided, one customer whose last name started with a “Z” came in and opened another account with the last name of “Aaron.” The Board lost another member, Mr. J. H. Bell, to death in 1931 and memorialized him in the minutes: