Banks Auto Parts (Site)

These coordinates mark the exact spot where the store once stood. No visible remains exist.


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Here follows an excerpt from the Spring 2011 edition of the "Franconia Legacies" newsletter published by the Franconia Museum:

IN MEMORIAM
Olander Banks Sr.,
June 30, 1922 - January 11, 2011

Olander Banks Sr., devoted husband and father was born June 30, 1922 in Danville VA, to the late Annetta Richardson and Algie H. Banks. The family moved to Alexandria, VA in 1924 where Olander grew up at 934 North Columbus Street with his five brothers and one sister.

In 1941, Olander married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Lomax. From this union they had six sons: Olander Jr., Cardell, Michael, Gregory, Ronald and Kenneth: three daughters, Deborah Williams, Bernadette Banks and Carolyn Summers. He leaves one dear sister, Ernestine B. Lipscomb and one sister-in-law, Doris Banks; two daughters-in-law, Ernice Banks and Octavia Banks; two sons-in-law, Alvin T. Williams and Hosea L. Summers; 25 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Olander was a successful businessman. As a young boy growing up in the City of Alexandria, Olander would get up at 4:00 a.m. to sell ice. He also worked with several local businesses in the City of Alexandria. A few of his employers were: The City of Alexandria, National Airport, Torpedo Factory, and the Washington Gas Company. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Olander first started buying homes in Alexandria and renting them out. He also established the Zero Cab taxi service and afterwards, his trucking business in 1952. A short time later, Banks Auto Parts at 718 North Henry Street in Alexandria was established. This business would provide means for his family, careers for many brothers, cousins, a large number of family members and friends. Olander moved his business to Prince William County (now resided as Potomac Mills Mall), then he relocated once again to Spotsylvania, VA in the late 1980’s before he decided to retire in 2000.

In 1958, Olander purchased a ten acre tract in Fairfax County, VA. This is where he, along with his late wife Margaret, would raise their nine children. For over 40 years, the family would enjoy Fourth of July celebrations, family reunions, graduations, birthday parties, weddings, receptions and celebrations of all types. For generations, Olander hosted friends and family. On March 14, 1996, his beloved wife, Margaret, was called home to rest, ending a 54 year loving union of marriage. Olander continued on without the bride of his youth.

Later in August 2001, despite many offers for his beautiful estate, Olander wanted to do something far greater that would benefit the community. Under a mutual agreement with Fairfax County Park Authority, the home has become the Margaret Lomax and Olander Banks, Sr. Community Park in Kingstowne, VA. For his generosity to the community, Olander was presented with the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Elly Doyle Park Service Award.

Olander retired in 2000 to have more quality time at home. He would spend his quiet days reminiscing of the good old days with his family and friends and swimming in his pool. He and his sister, Ernestine, would spend every Friday together and often Bernadette would bring them both lunch and they would eat, talk and laugh about the old times. On November 11, 2001, Olander joined First Agape Baptist Community of Faith Church and was baptized on November 26, 2002.

Olander was truly a remarkable man. He loved to fish, and working with his hands doing remarkable landscaping. This was evident if you ever walked the grounds of the home. He built his home himself along with a few faithful friends. His masterpiece was the design of his rock garden that he created himself. Olander succeeded against all odds. He loved his family and would do anything he could to help anyone that was in need. Olander would often say, “Do good, and good will be rewarded to you.”