History
First National Bank of Giddings has been serving the needs of Giddings and surrounding communities since 1890. As the 16th oldest bank in Texas, it has a long history, but has never strayed from the goal of providing the citizens of Lee County and surrounding counties the friendly customer service that it’s customers deserve.
The First National Bank of Giddings might well be called the first bank in Lee County, although there was a private banking business in Giddings a few months prior to First National coming here, known as P. M. Cuny and Company.
On September 1, 1890, the Comptroller of the Currency authorized the First National Bank of Elgin to begin the business of banking. The President was A.H. Jones. In March, 1891, the First National Bank of Elgin consolidated with P. M. Cuny and Company and moved to Giddings. It was named the First National Bank of Giddings and has since been called that.
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| Early exterior of First National Bank of Giddings |
First National Bank Lobby circa 1900 |
The first Board of Directors in Giddings consisted of Dr. J.A. Fields, I.J. Fariss, P.M. Cuny, E.J. Archinard, Ed R. Sinks, J.L. Rousseau, and S.F. Wade. When the bank moved to Giddings, Fields was its President, Cuny was Vice President, and Archinard was Cashier.
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| Counter check from the 1890’s |
First National Bank $20 bill |
J.C. Hillsman became President after Fields' death and served for nine years when E.R. Sinks became President for the next twenty years. Following Sinks' presidency, G.H. Fritsche served as President until 1942 when Monroe Hannes took over the position. He served until his death in 1978. After his death, Emmett Hannes served as President until 1982. Chief Executive Officers who have served since 1982 include Gary Falke, Mark Sheffield and the current President and CEO, Bill Landiss.
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| First National Bank lobby at Christmastime, 1954 |
In 1947, assets and liabilities of the Guaranty State Bank, Paige, were transferred to First National, and Guaranty's President, H.G. Lehmann, was employed by First National Bank.
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| Nighttime view of First National Bank in the 60’s |
The same building on Austin and Main Streets was used for many years. It has been remodeled and redecorated several times; a night deposit vault was instituted in 1948, a glass door installed in 1949, and a director's room built in 1950.
In 1959, two adjoining buildings were purchased and in September temporary quarters were set up in the former York drug store while the old building was razed to make way for a more modern structure. Walter Droemer was the contractor for the new building, which featured a suspended mezzanine.
In 1976, the bank began construction of a modern drive-thru facility and in 1978 moved into the presently occupied spaces. The new motor-bank and the expansion to the main building were constructed by Gaeke Construction Co.
After all of these years, only 15 banks in our state now own a Charter predating 1890. First National Bank of Giddings shares this distinction with several other reputable established banks to lay claim as the 16th oldest bank in Texas. We appreciate your continued patronage.
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| Postcard of the architect’s rendering of the current First National Bank building in 1978 |
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