Clear Mountain Bank’s Terra Alta branch will celebrate 125 years of service to the Terra Alta community this month.
The branch was originally chartered as “The Terra Alta Bank” on October 21, 1891. The bank constructed its first branch on the Fogle Drug Store property located on Washington Avenue. Construction on the three-story building was completed in 1892, and the facility would serve as The Terra Alta Bank’s home for nearly 100 years.
The building underwent many renovations during its time as the bank’s home, including the addition of a drive-thru facility in 1981. The drive-thru was unique in that it was located along State Avenue, approximately 30 feet above the main bank on Washington Avenue. Employees operated the drive-thru from the main lobby of the Washington Avenue building via television cameras. In 1991, the branch moved from its Washington Avenue location to a new location on East State Avenue, where it continues to serve customers today.
In 1987, the stockholders of The Terra Alta Bank elected to become part of State Bancorp, Inc., a local bank holding company headquartered in Bruceton Mills, which also operated Bruceton Bank. The Terra Alta Bank and Bruceton Bank officially combined in 2005, keeping the same local ownership and management, but changing the name of both banks to Clear Mountain Bank.
“It’s a significant milestone for a branch to reach 125 years of service to the community,” said Roger Metheny, Clear Mountain Bank’s interim president and CEO. “The success of any community bank is really tied to the success and the support it
receives from the community. Terra Alta has always supported us, and we’ve been able to support the community. It’s a win-win.”
Kathy Roy, branch manager of the Terra Alta office, said that the branch has been an integral part of the community over the years.
“We’ve provided a lot of support to the community, and our customers really appreciate that,” said Roy. “Our branch is somewhat of a local gathering spot. We have many customers that stop by regularly just to say hello.”
As part of the bank’s recognition of the branch’s 125 year anniversary, each of the six full time employees at the office were given $125 to donate to their favorite local organization. The employees selected the Terra Alta Food Pantry, Terra Alta/East Preston School, Terra Alta VFD, Terra Alta Public Library, Project North Pole, and Hospice of Preston County to receive the donations.
“The donations were a nice way for our employees to recognize and give support to their favorite charities,” said Roy.
The bank will host an open house at the Terra Alta office on Thursday, October 20th, from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Everyone is welcome to stop by to enjoy some light refreshments and register for prizes.
