Celebrating BMO’s History in the U.S.
2024 marked a year of milestone celebrations for BMO in the United States. This heritage display counts down our special anniversaries across our U.S. footprint.
Top shelf
In 1994, Bank of Montreal became the first Canadian bank listed on the New York Stock Exchange (stock symbol: “BMO”). The original Press Release announced BMO’s intention to be listed and the event is celebrated by a special commemorative medal.
In 2011, BMO announced the acquisition of Marshall & Ilsley Bank, opening up additional business opportunities in the Midwest. Historically based in Wisconsin, M&I dates back to 1847, as seen in Ledger Book #1 in this display case.
Celebrating 30 and 10+ years
Items:
Medal commemorating BMO’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), 1994.
Bank of Montreal Annual Report, 1994.
Photograph celebrating the 10th anniversary of BMO’s listing on the NYSE, 2004.
Press release announcing BMO’s application to list on the NYSE, 27 April 1994.
M&I Bank savings passbook, c. 1888.
Photograph of 721 North Water Street (former M&I Bank headquarters), 1965.
Photograph of Bill Downe (President and CEO, BMO) and Mark Furlong (Chairman, M&I Bank) at the conclusion of the M&I Bank acquisition, 2011.
Ledger No. 1, Marshall & Ilsley Bank, 1847-1851.
M&I Bank commercial loan advertisement, c. 1960s.
Middle shelf
In 1984, BMO made history by acquiring Harris Bank – the first acquisition of an American bank by a Canadian financial institution. This display celebrates the 40th anniversary of the acquisition, tracing the history of Harris Bank from its creation in 1882 as N.W Harris & Co. to its integration into BMO.
Celebrating 40 years
Items:
Photograph of Norman Wait Harris, c. 1910.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank Statement of Condition, 1917.
Harris lion coin bank, c. 1920s.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank coin saver, 1942.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank passbook, 1924.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank advertisement, 1917.
Hubert the Harris Lion alarm clock, c. 1979.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank playing cards, c. 1960. Donated by Frances C. Meinken.
Chicago Blackhawks Little Hubert doll, c. 2010s.
Harris Trust & Savings Bank safety deposit advertisement, c. 1960s.
Medals commemorating acquisition of Harris Bank, 1984.
Harris Bank automation advertisement, 1966.
Press release announcing acquisition of Harris Bank, 4 September 1984.
BMO Harris Bank Little Hubert doll, c. 2010s.
Photograph of W.D. Mulholland (Chairman, Bank of Montreal) and B. Kenneth West (Chairman, Harris Bank) sealing the acquisition of Harris Bank, 1984.
Photograph of BMO Tower Chicago (320 South Canal Street), 2022.
Bottom shelf
BMO’s activities in the US stretch back to 1818 when we opened our first international agency in New York. Our presence in the City of Chicago began in 1861, when a group of local grain merchants invited Bank of Montreal to set up a permanent agency in their city. BMO’s presence in California (through our acquisition of Bank of British North America) dates to 1864.
As our network grew across the U.S. and Canada, BMO became an important driver of for cross-border economic activity. BMO is now a top ten North American bank, and we continue to grow in key U.S. markets. In 2023 we completed the acquisition of Bank of the West (originally Farmers National Gold Bank of San Jose and later First National Bank of San Jose), bringing 1.8 million new customers to BMO. You can see the evolution of Bank of the West here.
Celebrating over 200+ years in the US
Items:
Photograph of Bank of Montreal Chicago branch after the Great Fire of 1871.
Bank of Montreal private wire advertisement, c. 1920.
Telegraph machine, 1930.
Telegram, c. 1880s.
Bank of Montreal New York Agency seal, c. 1920s.
Bank of Montreal cipher codebook, c. 1895.
Photograph of the opening day of the Bank of Montreal (California) Office, Los Angeles, 1963.
First National Bank of San Jose Statement of Condition, 1939.
First National Bank of San Jose dime saver, c. 1940s-1950s.
First National Bank of San Jose advertisement, May 1945.
Bank of the West Annual Report, 1978.
Photograph of unknown First National Bank of San Jose branch, c. 1960s.
First National Bank of San Jose car loan advertisement, August 1963.
Ledger, First National Bank of San Jose, c. 1930s.
Bank of the West teddy bear, c. 2010s.
Bank of the West Annual Report, 2004.
Photograph of Darryl White (CEO, BMO) and Nandita Bakhshi (CEO, Bank of the West), 2023.
