By Mary A. Kedron, MBA, PhD

The Black Rock Savings and Loan was a pillar of the community and was a fundamental part of its growth for many years.  Many of us can recall stepping into the building at 52 Amherst St with their parents to pay their mortgages or do their banking.  If you are like me, I still recall the little books everyone had to record the transactions. 

The bank itself was organized at a meeting held on March 31, 1890 at Heitzmann’s Hall at the corner of Amherst and Dearborn St, Buffalo, NY. The ideals of thrift and homeownership were on people’s minds. This action absorbed what was then known as the North Buffalo Independent Savings and Aid Association which had been in existence for about a year into the new and larger banking association.

Black Rock Savings and Loan operated out of Heitzmann’s from 1890-1912. The association then occupied another building from 1912-1930. 

In Oct, 1930 the Black Rock Savings and Loan opens its new headquarters at 52 Amherst St.  The guest of honor was Conrad May who has been president of the association for 25 years and a director for more than 35 years. Mr. May was also president and founder of May & Sons Furniture at 1877 Niagara St. 

Most people today would not know that there was also a Parkside Office at 1534 Hertel and a Lancaster office at 39 Central Ave. 

Above: The Parkside and Lancaster offices of Black Rock Savings & Loan.

As with most banks, robbery was a constant threat.  Dec 24, 1971 saw two bandits take $3,010.00 at gunpoint. Another robbery was noted on April 19,1975 where a toy gun was used to rob $7,798.00 from the bank.  

The bank continued to serve the public and community as an independent bank until it evolved into other commercial banks such as Key Bank through various purchases and takeovers.  The building itself was sold and in private hands for a number of years before being donated to BRRAlliance to use as their headquarters and evolve into the Black Rock Harbor Center. 

It continues to serve the community now as the Black Rock Harbor Center and is home to the BRRAlliance, the Niagara River Land Trust, Believe in Black Rock, Birds on the Niagara, the Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning and Leadership, and the Western New York Environmental Alliance.

Above: 52 Amherst St., near the corner of Amherst & Niagara St.