Farmers State Bank Adds Interest Through 106 Years
Farmers State Bank, the oldest bank in Center, teamed up with the First National Bank of Carthage, the oldest local bank, in a merger that became effective July 21, 1999. Locally, the bank lays claim to 106 years of history.
"Farmers State Bank was the oldest bank in Center and we were the oldest bank in Carthage," said Sandi Bardwell, assistant vice president of lobby services. "We've both been very community centered over the years."
Bardwell noted the characteristic of Farmers State Bank that makes them ideal for a rural area like Panola County.
"They're very strong in agriculture and that will be good for Panola County."
First National Bank, which began in 1894, is getting back to its roots in a sense, because of the merger.
Bardwell explained, "We started out as a state bank, then became a national bank. Now we're a state bank again."
The bank was originally located on the Carthage Square at the intersection of Sabine and Saint Mary Streets. The historical building is now home to the Panola County Heritage Museum and the Texas Tea Room.
Its move did not take it very far from home, however. Farmer's State Bank is currently located at the intersection of Wellington and St. Mary Streets, just one block south of The First National Bank's original site. The merger means that customers are not limited to the Carthage location anymore.
"Carthage customers can now bank in the Center branch and Center customers can bank at the Carthage branch," concluded Bardwell. "(Farmers State Bank leaders) have told us that they're here for life and we believe them."
(Thanks to The Panola Watchman insert for this information.)
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04/02/2008