Our History

The story of Citizens National Bank of Albion began when the city of Albion had been without a bank for approximately eight years due to the First National Bank of Albion closing its doors during the Great Depression.  Several young enterprising business and professional individuals realized the need for a bank in a town of 2,000 residents.  They persuaded the shareholders and employees of the First State Bank of Golden Gate to make application for a national charter and eventually become the Citizens National Bank of Albion.  The new bank would move from Golden Gate to Albion and occupy the previous location of the failed First National Bank of Albion.  On August 5, 1940, the Citizens National Bank of Albion opened for business on the west side of the square at 11 North Fifth Street.

Over the years, there have been many outstanding directors on our board and six bank Presidents since the bank was first chartered:

Charles A. French (1940-1942), who had ties to the Golden Gate area
Allan B. Gill (1942 – 1958)
Ray D. Withrow (1958 – 1970)
Don  L. Broster (1970 – 1982)
Marilyn J. Wolfe (1982 – 1999)
Jan D. Ridgely (1999 – Current)

In 1966, construction began on a new facility located at the corner of Fifth and Elm Street in Albion.  The work concluded with the grand opening on August 14, 1967.  In the mid-1980’s, additional adjoining property was purchased for the purpose of enlarging the bank and adding more drive-up lanes and parking.  The bank never closed during the expansion, which finished in 1986.

Our first branch office, the Olney Banking Center, was officially opened on January 22, 2002, in the original Trust Bank building.  Much of the original flooring, vaults, and lock boxes are still intact.

Our second branch, located in Mt. Erie, was acquired on November 21, 2003, from the First National Bank of Olney, which had purchased the Mt. Erie State Bank several years prior.  Our Mt. Erie Banking Center allowed us to extend our customer base beyond Edwards and Richland Counties into the communities of Wayne County.

The Crossville Branch opened on February 8, 2007, in a temporary building in Crossville, Illinois.  However, the official grand opening did not take place until August of that year, when our staff moved into the newly renovated Old National Bank building.  Our bank had purchased the Old National Bank facility because it was the best location to establish a permanent presence for us in White County.

During the past several months, renovations at the Albion office have been underway.  With the popularity of direct deposit, digital check capture, and internet banking, bank management decided to reduce our front-line tellers from eight to six and eliminate our proof room.  This enabled us to add two new offices.  Although our teller windows were reduced in number, this did not affect our employees.  No one lost their job due to the downsizing.  Also, our drive-up facilities have been updated with state-of-the-art equipment.

With the growth of direct deposits and payments, debit cards, on-line banking, bill-pay, and check capture, banking has changed a lot in the last few years.  This has completely transformed the landscape of how we do business, making it easier for our customers to connect with their hometown bank anywhere in the world.  We look forward to the future and what technology will make available.

Citizens National Bank of Albion is still growing and proudly offering the same products and services that are found at the larger banks.  What sets us apart, however, is the fact that we are a community bank . . . owned by shareholders who live and work in the communities we serve.  The decisions about the direction of our bank are made right here by people who understand the needs of the local area.  Another great asset is our “personal touch,” and our pledge that quality customer service must always come first.  Rest assured, Citizens National Bank of Albion will be here to serve you now and in the future.  We are your bank for a lifetime.

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