Newly Preserved Presidential Check Collection Unveiled

U.S. Presidents take the spotlight not only on President's Day, but every day with the recently restored presidential check collection at the First National Bank of La Grange.

Every check in the extensive collection, which features 38 checks endorsed by American Presidents, has been meticulously cleaned, matted, and reframed adhering to conservation standards.  A portrait of each president, his name, birth and death dates, and a check signed by the president are included in each framed piece.  For example, Lincoln wrote a payroll check to "self" for $800, on March 15, 1865, one month prior to his death.

The public is invited to stop in and view the collection on the lobby walls at the bank between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturdays at 620 W. Burlington Ave., La Grange, across from the Stone Avenue train station.

The presidential check collection began more than 40 years ago, with Chairman John R. Madden and U.S. collectors, dealers, and historians working together to establish this unique historical collection.  By the early 70's, at least 25 authenticated checks had been collected.  The collection was first exhibited in 1974 at the bank.  Today it is recognized as one of the most complete and unique collections of presidential signatures in the country.