Artist: Othmar J. Hoffler (1893–1954)
Frank C. Rathje Sr.
RATHJE, FRANK CARL SR. (1882–1967), inducted 1947
With a law degree from Northwestern University, Frank C. Rathje founded Mutual National Bank of Chicago in 1917, and was, simultaneously, president of the Chicago City Bank and Trust Company. Credited with predicting the forthcoming stock market crash and financial crisis, he prevented a run on his banks during the Great Depression. His institutions were two of the seven Chicago banks that the US Treasury allowed to remain open. Rathje was elected president of the American Bankers Association in 1945 and served as a regular economic advisor to President Harry Truman. He was also president of the Transportation Association of America and a member of the Chicago Plan Commission from 1937 to 1954.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 164