Forty years of continuous banking service to the people of Lowell and vicinity marks an enviable records. In one corner of the Hunt and Hunter drug store, in the building now occupied by the Lowell Ledger, was the private banking office of Bowne, Combs and Striker, out of which grew the present Lowell State Bank.

On the sixth day of January of the year 1891 the Lowell State Bank was incorporated, under the Laws of Michigan, to operate as a Commercial and Savings Bank, with a paid-in capital of $25,000.00. The incorporators were Merritt C. Griswold and Jennie C. Griswold, of Lowell, A.J. Bowne, of Grand Rapids, Daniel Striker, of Hastings, and Russell E. Combs, of Middleville.

On January 12^th of the same year the Lowell State Bank purchased the building which the bank now occupies and opened for business on February 16, 1891.

During the year of 1894, W. L. Moyer, F. E. Jennison and C. B. Ensign, of Chicago, purchased stock and became actively interested in the institution, then recognized as having a prominent place in the banking world.

The Lowell State Bank continued to gain favor with the people of Lowell and vicinity and on June 30, 1894, was purchased by local capitalists, the original stockholders transferring their stock and holdings to Francis King, Frank T. King, Charles McCarty, M. Ruben, A. H. Force, L. J. Force, M. C. Griswold, all of Lowell, and Robert Hardy, of Keene.

For forty years the Lowell State Bank has taken an active interest in the welfare of the village and, for forty years, during which this community has suffered its times of depression, has safeguarded the savings of its depositors.

The loyal support of the depositors, the stockholders and the directors, throughout the past forty years, among whom are those whose names were familiar along the Main Street, now lettered on monuments at Oakwood, has made it possible for the Lowell State Bank to take an honored place among those who celebrate the Centennial in this year of 1931.

Perusing the minutes of the stockholders’ and directors’ meetings covering a period of forty years brings to mind the loyalty and self-sacrifice of men and women who always stood for the honor and integrity of the institution. Were wee allotted the space in this history of 100 years of Lowell and vicinity we would publish an honor roll of those who at one time or another have had a part in the forty years of the bank’s history and who by their confidence have aided in its success.

Among the depositors of this day we find the names of those who were depositors forty years ago. Village and countryside, people in all walks of life have made the Lowell State Bank their banking home and may another forty years add more honor to the enviable record of the past.

We write into this history the names of those who occupied the offices of president and cashier during the past forty years and as nearly as possible the years of their incumbency:

President 1891 to 1894, A. J. Bowne; cashier, M. C. Griswold.

President 1894 to 1900, Francis King; cashier, M. C. Griswold. The death of Mr. King occurred this year and Mr. Griswold filled out the unexpired time.

President 1901 to 1902, M. C. Griswold; cashier, W. E. Marsh. In February Mr. Griswold resigned and Charles McCarty served out the unexpired time.

President, 1903 to 1905, Charles T. McCarty; cashier, W. E. Marsh.

President, 1905 to 1908, Frank T. King; cashier, W. E. Marsh.

Mr. King, finding it impossible for him to continue in the office, asked to be relieved. Again Mr. McCarty was elected to the chair and served until the time of his resignation in 1911. Cashier, D. G. Mange, who occupied the position until the time of his death in 1929.

President, 1912 of 1915, Thomas F. Doyle.

President, 1915 to 1917, E. L. Bennett.

President, 1917 to 1924, E. D. McQueen.
President, 1924 to 1931, C. H. Runciman; cashier, 1929 to 1931, F. H. Swarthout.

In December, 1927, the bank suffered a fire loss, making it necessary to remove the office into temporary quarters in the City Hall. The building was remodeled inside and out and today is a modern banking institution of convenience and beauty. In 1929 the latest type of safety deposit boxes were installed in the vaults and sizes to meet all requirements are available at a reasonable rental.

The bank is examined at regular intervals by the State Banking Commission and at regular meetings of the Board of the Directors.

While not affiliated with any other bank or combination of banks has correspondents at every large banking center: Chatham-Phoenix, New York; First National, Detroit; Harris Trust, Chicago; Grand Rapids National.

Member of the Michigan Bankers’ Association.

Statement of condition are published as required by the State banking laws. The stockholders meeting January of each year, the directors once month.

All employees are bonded.

Among the stockholders are those who have been affiliated with the bank since its incorporation and, to their wise council the directors govern the affairs of the bank accordingly.

Past-president alive today are Frank T. King, E. D. McQueen and M. C. Griswold.

1831-1931—one hundred years—The village of Lowell celebrates its centennial.

1891-1931—forty years—The Lowell State Bank celebrates its anniversary.

The Lowell State Bank appreciates the loyalty and friendship of the City State Bank and appreciates the congratulations of its officers upon our fortieth birthday.

May prosperity come to all and may we ever maintain and merit the confidence which we have enjoyed for the past forty years.