A Brief History
The Bank of Stronghurst was organized in 1946, being granted a charter by the State of Illinois on April 24, 1946. On April 27, 1946, the Bank opened for business with 130 depositors and $192,000 in deposits.
The original directors of the Bank of Stronghurst were Clarence E. Neff, Joe R. Peasley, O. W. Lauver, A. W. Nolen, M. H. Lovitt, Howard A. Smith, and Wayne L. Waddill. At the first Directors Organizational Meeting, Clarence E. Neff was elected as President, Joe R. Peasley as First Vice President, O. W. Lauver as Second Vice President, and Howard E. Grigsby as Cashier.
For eighteen years, the Bank occupied the old bank building on the corner of Main and Broadway. This property had been purchased from Charles E. Fort. In 1964, a new building was erected on the lot just east of the old building, additions to which were added in 1976 and in 1992.
In 1996, the Board of Directors decided to increase the market area by opening a branch in Lomax, Illinois. The spring of 1996 found us applying for permission to open the Lomax facility, and soon thereafter purchasing property and beginning construction. On November 25, 1996, we officially opened the Lomax Banking Center for business, marking also the opening of our first branch bank.
In 2004, we applied for a branch bank in Dallas City, Illinois. We purchased property and constructed the Dallas Banking Center, which opened for business on November 15, 2004.
Throughout our history, the Bank of Stronghurst has enjoyed steady growth, solid earnings, and exceptional capital levels. Our stockholders are comprised of people we know and we continue to be a locally owned and operated independent community bank serving Henderson and Hancock County residents.
Message from the President
At the Bank of Stronghurst, our goal is to provide friendly and professional customer service in whatever we do. We also strive to build lasting relationships one customer at a time. We are vested in our community and many employees engage in organizations, boards and local government outside of the bank and within our communities.
We love networking with our customers and community by offering a free farmer’s appreciation breakfast during our county fair, providing an Easter egg hunt in conjunction with our local Lions club and holding an open house during our Village of Stronghurst Christmas walk. We also engage in a Bank It Forward campaign during the fall by spreading kindness throughout our communities.
You will find that we have a diverse staff to fit any of your banking needs. Stop in and visit with us and let us show you why the Bank of Stronghurst is a perfect partner for your future.
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