Commercial Bank

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Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Bank, Picton (Later the National Australia Bank)

Standing prominently on the corner of Menangle and Argyle Streets, this historic bank building has long been one of Picton’s most recognisable landmarks. Its story reflects the growth of Picton from a small rural centre in the mid-1800s to a bustling commercial hub.

A Busy Corner With a Long History (1840s–1880s)

Before the bank ever stood here, the site was already a hive of local industry. In the 1840s, wheelwright and blacksmith Arthur Walker leased the corner, followed by Malcolm McInnes in the 1850s. As Picton grew, so did commercial interest, the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBC) was already showing interest in the site by 1850 and eventually purchased the land in 1884 for £500.

The bank began serving the district before it even had a purpose-built home. Its first manager, Mr. Styles, arrived in 1877 and operated out of the George IV Inn. Within months he was replaced by Walter S. Burt, who likely moved operations to the Royal Hotel (now the Picton Hotel), which soon adopted the name Commercial Hotel because of the bank’s presence. The bank shifted again to Wendover House in Menangle Street as business expanded.

A Landmark Building for a Growing Town

In 1880, George M. Webster became manager and quickly made his mark on Picton. He bought and subdivided land near the railway, creating Webster Street, still visible today.

Under Webster’s supervision, the CBC commissioned distinguished Sydney architects Mansfield Bros to design a substantial bank building, likely constructed by local builder William Pritchard. Work began in 1884 and was completed the following year at a cost of £3,066.

The Picton Argus proudly announced that the new premises would open on Monday, 3 August 1885, signalling a new era of financial confidence in the district.

Bank Managers Who Shaped the Community (1880s–1930s)

For decades, Picton’s bank managers were not just financial leaders but active community figures. After Webster left in 1888, George B. Forster took over and soon became an auditor for the newly created Picton Borough Council, though head office later decided this was inappropriate!

Forster was well-loved in the community and was farewelled with a commemorative book of local views when he departed in 1898. Tragically, he later enlisted in the Boer War and was killed in 1901.

His successor, Alfred Hort Brown, went on to become Picton’s longest-serving bank manager, remaining until his retirement in 1924. Brown’s family, known socially as the Hort-Browns, were passionate supporters of the Picton Red Cross during World War I. Brown himself became part of local folklore when a runaway cow burst into the bank at the beginning of the War; believing he was under attack, he rushed out armed with his revolver before the culprit was finally removed.

In later years, A.J. Webster (son of George Webster) served as manager between 1929 and 1939, continuing the family connection to the site.

Renovations, Mergers and the Modern Era (1924–2009)

The bank underwent significant renovations in 1924, and the busy corner location meant the building experienced occasional damage from heavy traffic and even a minor earthquake in 1973.

Further changes included:

1958 – a single-storey eastern addition
1972 – further improvements
1981 – merger of the CBC and National Australia Bank
1999 – property sold but leased back
2009 – final closure of the Picton branch

Though no longer operating as a bank, the building remains an important piece of Picton’s commercial and architectural heritage, a reminder of the township’s role as a financial centre for the wider Wollondilly region.

Early bank managers:

G.M. Styles: 1877

W.S. Burt: 1877 – 1880

G.M. Webster: 1880 – 1888

G.B. Forster: 1888 – 1898

A. Hort-Brown: 1898 – 1924

A.R.W. McKellar: 1924 – 1929

A.J. Webster: 1929 – 1939 (son of G.M. Webster)

A.G. Mullens: 1939 – 1943

H.M. Potts: 1943 – 1947

G.W. Breyley: 1947 – 1956

L.H. Cook: 1956 – 1962