Sometimes while searching for any insight into the life of  Lizzie May, I find some miniscule information that while completely random and meaningless, is actually fun to find.

Back in 1876, our Lizzie May Ulmer maintained an account with the Portland Savings Bank of Maine. According to the Annual report of the Bank Examiner of the State of Maine volume 42, Lizzie May Ulmer had a balance of $2.85. The last date of withdrawal on the account was June 12,1876. Unfortunately the amount withdrawn is not mentioned in the ledger nor could I find any other information into her accounts.

The Portland Savings Bank was established in 1852. When the bank opened, its hours were 11-1 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Albion K. Parris, Portland’s mayor, was the first President. The purpose of the bank was to support community and public projects.

How large was Lizzie May’s withdrawal ? Could she have been purchasing clothing, sundries for life on the road? Perhaps she purchased a train ticket or used the funds for a hotel or dinner. How long she maintained a balance at the bank is not clear but I imagine that she was withdrawing her savings in order to go on the road with William Nannary’s theatre troupe.

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