Headquarters for Home Loans and Insured Savings Since 1909
- Passbook Savings - Certificates of Deposit - Money Market Accounts - IRA Accounts
Mebane's First Savings and Loan, known then as Mebane Home Builders' Association, opened its' doors in 1909. The first home of the Association was a small corner inside the Reliable Home Furniture Company Building. The institution was charted by local businessmen for the purpose of offering a safe place for members to save funds and earn interest on their money.
Having survived the Great Depression of the 1930's, the Association began to grow with the housing demands following World War II. In 1948, the Association officially changed its' name to First Savings and Loan Association, a requirement for deposits to become F.S.L.I.C. insured. A milestone was reached in 1952 as assets reached the $1,000,000 dollar mark after 43 years in business. It was also that year that a new home was found for the institution at 124 West Clay Street. In 1962, the institution moved to its' present location at 206 West Center Street.
The mid 1970's saw the U.S. financial markets in turmoil. High inflation and interest rates threatened the American dream of home ownership. The governmental deregulation of the banking industry in the early 1980's contributed to thrift failures nationwide. Despite these very disturbing times, First Savings stayed the course.
The 1980's saw the beginning of a consolidation of the financial world that continues today. Mergers and acquisitions of the industry began in earnest resulting in large financial giants. Left in this wake of financial charge was the customer. Instead of making banking better for the customer, it became a bureaucracy. First Savings held onto its' small town roots and continued to experience success.
The community experienced a housing boom in the 1990's. Because of this, First Savings saw unparallel growth in purchase and construction loans. In today's complex and often confusing financial world with 800 numbers, brokered mortgages and impersonal service offering barriers instead of solutions, it's nice to know that First Savings has not taken that road to "Financial Modernization".
The decade of 2000 is here and it continues to be a time of change for First Savings, the financial world, and for the city of Mebane. L. Neal Smith retired in 2002 after 49 years as CEO of First Savings. Ricky N. Smith stepped in as CEO to fill his father's shoes.
It's nice to reflect back and see how much things have changed. But it is also refreshing to see that some things still remain the same. No one has ever lost a penny deposited or has failed to receive interest. It is you, our customers, who have been the key to our success. Thank You!