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Bank Of Stockton Celebrates 150 Years
Bank group
The staff at Oakdales Bank of Stockton groups together around their cake for a picture. Shown, from left: Amanda Pace, Edgar Guevara, Liz Ochoa, Charlotte Brock, Anita Gentry, and Suzette Solis (crouching). The staff hosted a special celebration in honor of the banks 150th anniversary. - photo by Autumn Neal/The Leader

Bank of Stockton, established on Aug. 12, 1867, celebrated its milestone 150th anniversary this past week, culminating in cake and candles at all of its 19 branches, on Friday, Aug. 11 at 10a.m.

Customers and friends were invited to join in the celebration this week. Bank of Stockton is the oldest bank in California still operating under its original charter. Opened two years after the end of the Civil War, Bank of Stockton has 19 branches in 16 cities spanning nine contiguous counties and is $2.9 billion in assets strong.

Locally, the candles were lit, blown out and the cake was cut at the 1376 E. F St., Oakdale, bank branch. Branches in neighboring communities range from Ripon to Sonora, Manteca to Modesto.

“When we opened our doors a century and a half ago, banking looked a little different than it does today,” said CEO and Chairman of the Board, Douglass M. Eberhardt. “Transactions were recorded in ledger books by hand, and a visit to the bank was made on horseback, by way of dirt roads. Today, our customers can enjoy technological innovations like our mobile app with remote deposit, but regardless of how our customers like to bank, our tradition of personalized service, strength and commitment to the communities we serve have remained constants throughout our history.

The bank’s history stretches back to the end of the Civil War, and has been rich with great stories and achievement, Eberhardt added.

“The Bank of Stockton has weathered panics, recessions, the Great Depression, two World Wars and many cyclical down-turns,” he said. “The Bank’s growth and prosperity is attributed to a history of sound banking management principles, generations of loyal customers and many dedicated employees over the years.” he said.

Bank President, Douglass M. Eberhardt II, said, “It’s not every day that you get to celebrate the distinction of serving customers for 150 years. We are very proud of this milestone and it is fun to be making history as we celebrate history. We look forward to serving customers in our communities for at least another 150 years.”

 

In honor of the occasion, the Bank is giving out a Commemorative Historical Photograph book, featuring historical photographs used in their annual Historical Calendars over the years, as well as a booklet on the interesting and unique history of the Bank of Stockton.