Traveling Through Time With the Shelby County Historical Society
Feature Article on Firstar Bank. Topic: DOWNTOWN/BUILDINGS
Written by Rich Wallace in September, 1999

FIRSTAR'S ROOTS IN SIDNEY SPAN 100 YEARS...Pg 3
Although the Depression years were difficult, and the payment of dividends were suspended, First National Exchange Bank survived and ultimately prospered once again. The first drive-in bank in the county was opened by First National in 1956. Located at the rear of its Poplar Street property, it had the first underground currency transfer system ever built in the country. It was used to safely transfer money into the main facility.

The bank opened its first branch bank in 1960 on West Michigan Avenue, followed by a number of others. The West Michigan was the site of three of the most notorious robberies in Sidney history, all committed by the same person. The third time was not the charm for the lone, masked gunman, who was caught and shot in the third robbery. Lloyd Blackford fired shots at Police Chief Warner, and one of the bullets lodged in his holster. Blackford was convicted.

The need for a larger downtown banking facility resulted in the decision to purchase the Court Street location of the Sidney Printing and Publishing Company and build a new facility. First National's headquarters were moved in April 1977.

The trend of consolidation among financial institutions involved First National Exchange Bank in several instances. It acquired the Loramie Banking Company in 1981and the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Anna 3 years later. After 89 years of independent existence, the bank was the object of an acquisition. The bank was acquired by Star Bank in 1988. Another acquisition by Star Bank resulted in the bank changing its name to Firstar in 1998.

As the bank's 100th anniversary arrives, it is interesting to speculate on what values and business principles have contributed to its prosperity and durability. Perhaps the answer can be found on the facade of the Court Street structure. Conceived and planned by Bill Ross and Karl Freytag, the cast aluminum sculpture contains 20 elements. They depict the key factors that have contributed to the progress of both the community and the bank.

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Above are some of the early employees of the First National Exchange Bank, now known as Firstar.   Shown are:  L-R C.W. Nessler, teller; Miss Bertha Wells; Teal Robertson; and Asa H. Fogt, bookeeper. 

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