First Commercial Bank's parent
company, Cross County Bank, dates back
to 1891
Here's the story:
The idea to form
a bank in Wynne came about in 1891. A group of the area's most
influential men, gathered daily at the old Commercial Hotel to discuss
the day's events...partly social, partly business.
Now let's step back
in time for a moment and try to imagine what it must have been like in
that small hotel lobby, with these men sitting around a few tables
anxiously waiting to hear each others tales of the day. It's
probably safe to assume the air was filled with cigar and cigarette
smoke, while the occasional sound of a train whistle pierced the outside
air, since the hotel was located right across the street from the train
depot. You get the picture. It was in this atmosphere that
the group of businessmen discussed the need for a bank in their young
town...only incorporated for three years, with a population of 1000.
It was Isaac Block, a
planter who owned a large amount of valuable land just outside Wynne,
who provided the leadership to change discussion into action In
late May of 1891, he persuaded 31 people to commit to $30,000, and an
application was made to the State to charter Cross County Bank.
The application was promptly approved and the charter (#25) was granted
on June, 5, 1891. It was the second bank established in all of
Eastern Arkansas.
With
chartering accomplished, these men set about
purchasing land and constructing the
building to house the bank. The original bank building, located at the
corner of Front and Union, was expensive. Purchase price was $700.
That was almost a third of the total construction cost. The
building was $2,275 and
when fittings and
furnishings were added in, the men
had spent
a total of $5,042.63
With
construction completed it was time to do business. The first financial
report figures are almost amusing. The gross income was $280.37
and expenses were $123.80, producing a clear profit of
$156.57. The area's need for a bank proved itself very quickly though.
From the beginning with $30,000 in total resources, Cross County
Bank grew to $52,666 two years later. And the rest, as they say, is
history!
Today
we carry forth the dreams of our founders and we're proud to say we are
a part of a vision that has lasted for 120 years! We believe that
Cross County Bank's strength and stability are due to a commitment made
by a group of determined men long ago to meet the financial needs of
their community. As 2011 marches on, we are determined to give our
customers the best service possible and to carry on the tradition of
strength and stability that began way back in 1891.