Podcast Summary: Paul Harvey - Zion First National Bank

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to listen to popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Paul Harvey - Zion First National Bank
• Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, the renowned storyteller Paul Harvey delves into the fascinating history of the Zion First National Bank in Vernal, Utah. Harvey masterfully weaves a tale of ambition, ingenuity, and perseverance, showcasing how one man's vision shaped the economic landscape of a burgeoning town in the early 20th century.

The Visionary: Bill Coltharp

Timestamp: 00:01

Paul Harvey introduces listeners to Bill Coltharp, a prominent merchant in Vernal, Utah. Coltharp's ambition was evident as he recognized the town's need for a bank and office space, leading him to conceive the idea of a combined establishment.

"Bill was a prominent merchant in Vernal. His dreams were big and he wanted them to last." (00:45)

Coltharp's proactive approach led him to enlist an ambitious young architect by early spring of 1916. The resulting design was lauded for its efficiency and modernity, incorporating only the finest materials. However, a significant challenge emerged: sourcing the necessary fine-textured bricks required for the building's exterior.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Brick Conundrum

Timestamp: 02:15

Harvey recounts the logistical nightmare Coltharp faced. The nearest supplier of the desired bricks was in Salt Lake City, 400 miles away, accessible only by precarious, winding roads unsuitable for easy transportation.

"No railroads passed through Vernal, and the roads were primitive, making the transportation of bricks a daunting and expensive task." (02:45)

The cost of shipping bricks by wagon was exorbitant, threatening to derail Coltharp's grand plans. Faced with this dilemma, Coltharp considered two options:

1. Use Local Materials: Compromise on quality and durability.
2. Import Bricks from Salt Lake City: Maintain high standards but incur substantial costs.

Coltharp, embodying the spirit of a doer, sought a creative solution to preserve his vision without breaking the bank.

Ingenious Solutions: Shipping Bricks by Mail

Timestamp: 05:30

Demonstrating his resourcefulness, Coltharp discovered a fortunate discrepancy in postal regulations. By sending bricks individually through the mail, addressed one at a time, he could take advantage of nominal postal rates charged by weight.

"Bill found that the postal rates by the pound were nominal, allowing him to send each brick individually and significantly reduce costs." (05:50)

This innovative approach enabled the transportation of thousands of bricks from Salt Lake City to Vernal without incurring the prohibitive expenses of traditional shipping methods.

The Cultharp Building: A Legacy of Durability

Timestamp: 08:20

Thanks to Coltharp's ingenuity, construction of the Cultharp Building commenced in 1916. The building featured the desired fine-textured bricks on the exterior, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

"The Cultharp building was constructed in 1916, and roughly a century later, it's still here—the Zion's First National Bank." (09:00)

Coltharp's decision to invest in quality materials paid off, with the building standing as a testament to his vision and determination. The Zion's First National Bank became a cornerstone of Vernal's financial and professional landscape, housing both the bank and various offices.

Community Impact and Lasting Recognition

Timestamp: 12:45

Harvey highlights the lasting impact of the Zion's First National Bank on the Vernal community. The building not only facilitated economic growth but also became a symbol of ingenuity and tenacity.

"Folks in Vernal refer to their own Zion's First National as the bank that came by mail." (13:10)

Coltharp's story serves as an inspiring example of how creative problem-solving and unwavering dedication can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Today, the Zion's First National Bank stands as a proud landmark, embodying the legacy of a man who dared to dream big and make those dreams last.

Conclusion

Paul Harvey's episode on the Zion's First National Bank offers a compelling narrative of ambition, challenge, and triumph. Through the lens of Bill Coltharp's endeavors, listeners gain insight into the entrepreneurial spirit of early 20th-century America and the enduring importance of community-driven initiatives. This story not only preserves the rich history of Vernal, Utah but also serves as a timeless reminder of the power of perseverance and innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Bill was a prominent merchant in Vernal. His dreams were big and he wanted them to last." (00:45)
• "No railroads passed through Vernal, and the roads were primitive, making the transportation of bricks a daunting and expensive task." (02:45)
• "Bill found that the postal rates by the pound were nominal, allowing him to send each brick individually and significantly reduce costs." (05:50)
• "The Cultharp building was constructed in 1916, and roughly a century later, it's still here—the Zion's First National Bank." (09:00)
• "Folks in Vernal refer to their own Zion's First National as the bank that came by mail." (13:10)

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio not only entertains but also educates, providing a vivid snapshot of a bygone era where determination and cleverness paved the way for lasting legacies.