Oldest and Largest Independently Owned Bank in Franklin County
Beginning
A lot has changed since the Bank of Washington first opened on November 2, 1877. Ulysees S. Grant had just left the White House, Edison had not yet invented the light bulb, and the Wright brothers were still 26 years from their historic flight when Bank of Washington opened for business.
Then, as now, officials of the Bank of Washington were civic leaders and local businessmen. Men such as Frederick Hendrich (owner of a box manufacturing company), Leopold Wattenberg (who owned a tannery), Frederick W. Stumpe (clerical worker), John D. Hibbeler (general store owner) and John B. Busch (Busch Brewery) were board members.
1923 "Classic Style" bank building
at the corner of Main and Oak.
Original bank locations on the
south side of Main Street.
Buildings / Expansion
The Bank's first home was an impressive 1-year old building on the South side of Main (between Oak and Lafayette), which later became the home of Robert Voss's Washington Bazaar. It didn't take long to outgrow this space, so in 1880 a new building was constructed on the empty lot just East of the original building. Both buildings still stand today.
On February 27, 1923 Bank of Washington opened a new "classic style" bank building at the corner of Main and Oak, which remains the bank headquarters today. A major expansion and modernization of this building was completed in 1967, and another major expansion was completed in 2009.
Strength and Stability
The Bank of Washington has represented strength and stability for generations. There have only been 9 presidents in the 130+ year history. From starting capital of $10,000 the bank grew quickly to over $50,000 in resources during the first two months. It became a million dollar bank in 1916. This quintupled to nearly $5 million by 1946, and by 1977 ten times that, at over $49 million. Bank assets today exceed $700 million.
1967 expansion and modernization of
Main and Oak location.
Community Leadership
During these many decades of service to the Washington and Franklin County region, nearly every large civic enterprise has been financially supported, encouraged, or aided by the Bank of Washington. Bank officers and employees are extremely involved in the community through volunteer efforts and charitable giving. As our community has grown, so has our bank. One thing remains: our commitment to aid the health and prosperity of the region through a wide array of financial products, superior service and community involvement.
Main and Oak location after 2009 expansion.
Branch locations added as the Washington area grew.
The network of ATM machines has grown to 14 convenient locations in Washington and surrounding communities.
