Page 4 - The History of Watertown Savings Bank_Neat
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The bank’s original hand-written ledgers Watertown Savings Bank’s Vision Statement
provide detailed accounts of those early has been clear for years:
meetings held by the WSB founders, and “To be the best Bank in Jefferson County; excelling
offer a true sense of their deep-rooted belief in service to our customers, rewarding opportunities
in helping the community and those less for our employees, and philanthropic giving to our
knowledgeable about financial matters. The community”.
historical records provide some context of
where the phrase “rich banker” came from, as We maintain the number one market share for
these founders were the financial backers long deposits and loans in Jefferson County, the bank
before the existence of the Federal Deposit currently employs 120 people in nine locations and
Insurance Corp. (FDIC). we have been recognized as the “Top Community
Supporter” in New York State by Banking New
The bank’s detailed history also highlights York magazine – a fitting tribute to the vision
how the bank and this community actually established by the founders 125 years ago.
survived and prospered through the Great
Depression, and how the baby boomers It has been my honor to assemble this history.
impacted housing after WWII. The historical I hope that you find the information and pictures
accounts tell the story of how the increased as interesting as those of us who have worked on
utilization of the automobile in the United this project together.
States moved WSB from the busiest corner We look fondly upon our past, which has
in downtown Watertown to a residential positioned us for a bright future that can
neighborhood on Clinton Street after be shared with the next generation of our
considerable debate by bank officials. Finally, community.
the bank history highlights how the U.S.
Congress and its deregulation laws changed the
landscape of banking to what we know today -
a far cry from what existed in the beginning.
The people and events in this book have Mark Lavarnway
shaped the bank into what it is today. We are President & CEO
proud of our 125-year history. I believe the
bank’s founders would also be proud of what
April 22,1936
Watertown Daily Times Advertisement the bank represents to its employees, customers,
and the community.
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