First Bank of Tigard

Dr. Barbara Bennett Peterson wrote a feature article in "Tigard Life" that tells the story of The First Bank of Tigard.  She writes that the bank was established to meet local farmers’ needs, eliminating the long travel to neighboring towns like Portland or Hillsboro for banking. The inspiration for the bank and its first president was Charles F. Tigard, the son of Wilson Tigard, for whom the city of Tigard is named. 

Charles Tigard served as bank president from its inception on April 5, 1919, until his retirement in 1942. The bank was first capitalized with $15,000 and was located in a new brick building on Tigard’s Main Street in Old Town. This brick building had been constructed by H.F. Bonesteel and remains in its original location today, surrounded by other buildings along Main Street.

Charles F. Tigard was a recognized community leader. He had served as a state legislator in 1895 and 1911, operated the Tigardville Store on Pacific Highway, and previously managed the family farm. He had named the area East Butte “Tigardville” when he opened a postal station in his general store in 1886.

THA would like to acknowledge and thank "Tigard Life" publishing this article.  Photo:  Tigard Historical Association

Learn About the Origins of Tigard

Dr. Barbara Bennett Peterson wrote a feature article in "Tigard Life" that tells the story of how our Tigard was settled in 1876.  The City has come a long way since then and you can see the majestic John Tigard House at the corner of 103rd and Canterbury.  Built in 1880, the home was a wedding gift from Wilson Tigard to his son to John.  

Pandemic permitting, THA hopes to celebrate Curtis Tigard memories at the John Tigard House in April 2023.

Dr. Barbara Bennett Peterson is a former professor of history at Oregon State University, the historian/writer for the Tigard Historical Association, which preserves the John Tigard House Museum.

THA would like to acknowledge and thank "Tigard Life" publishing this article.