Bank History

Our roots are 136 years deep.

1st National Bank is proud to be the second oldest chartered bank in Wisconsin, with eight community-driven locations. Area residents can celebrate 1st National Bank's longevity and constant growth while maintaining excellent customer service, providing community support and improving its attention on business banking. During the last 10 years, 1st National Bank has expanded its geographic footprint from its main location in Berlin to a total of eight locations.

Full-service financial centers in Berlin, Poy Sippi, Green Lake, Montello, Westfield, Omro, Winneconne and Waunakee make 1st National Bank a solid presence in East-Central Wisconsin.

Enjoy a peek at the expansion history.

1878

1st National Bank was chartered Sept. 15, 1876, as a private banking house under the name of Sacket, Fitch & Company in an old wooden building, currently occupied by 1st National Investment Services in Berlin, WI.

1897

Half of the block that included the bank's rented quarters was destroyed by a fire. Following the fire, the corporation purchased the Huron Street and Fox Alley location in Berlin and erected the present brick structure.

1914

1st National Bank became a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve Association. Growing business required facility enlargement. An addition was built, the vault remodeled and new marble and mahogany fixtures installed.

1929

Controlling stock in the bank was acquired by Wisconsin Bank Shared Group and was operating as one of their subsidiaries until May 1, 1943, when wholly local ownership was reestablished.

1976

The processing of checks and deposits on computers began. The service improved efficiencies with the ever-increasing number of accounts.

1982

The first drive-up teller window was opened.

1991

The bank formed a one-bank holding company, First Berlin Bankcorp, which positioned the bank to remain independent.

1992

Two additional drive-up teller units were opened and the entire exterior of the bank was refurbished in original style.

1994

The bank had more than $57 million in assets and was serving more than 4,200 clients.

1998

The Poy Sippi, WI financial center opened in October.

The bank had more than $75 million and $10 million in assets and capital respectively.

2000

The Green Lake, WI financial center opened in April.

2001

The Montello, WI financial center opened in May.

Russel Kuehn succeeded Mr. Thomas Ries as president.

2002

The Westfield, WI financial center opened in April.

The Omro, WI financial center opened in October.

2004

The Winneconne, WI financial center opened in May.

1st Online Internet Banking and Online bill pay were introduced.

2006

Happy 130th Birthday 1st National Bank!

Thomas Jensen succeeded Russel Kuehn as president.

1st National Bank was chartered in Waunakee, WI.

eStatements were introduced.

2007

A focus was placed on business banking and treasury management services. EZdeposit™, a remote deposit processing service for businesses was introduced.

2008

The Waunakee, WI financial center celebrated its grand opening in October.

1st National Business Banking Center opened in the historic Berlin, WI train Depot building.

Mobile banking and a new suite of consumer checking accounts were introduced.

2009

1st National Bank launched a new website.

2010

1st National Bank celebrated 10 years of service in the Green Lake community.

Enhanced Online Bill Pay was launched in October.

2011

1st National Bank celebrated 10 years of service in the Montello community.

2012

The Omro and Westfield branches celebrated 10 years of service in their communities.