MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A cornerstone of the Hutchinson community is marking a major milestone as First National Bank celebrates 150 years of continuous operation, reflecting on a long history of growth, resilience, and local investment.
Chelsea Barker, Senior Vice President of Marketing, said the bank’s origins date back to 1876, when a small group of local founders pooled $50,000 in capital to establish what was initially known as Reno County State Bank. The institution was later recognized as First National Bank in 1884.
“They knew that if the town was going to survive, it had to have a bank,” Barker said, noting that early leaders brought lessons from Europe about the importance of financial infrastructure in developing communities.
The bank’s first president and cashier was S.W. Campbell, while E.L. Meyer — one of the most influential early figures — would go on to lead the bank for 45 years. Meyer helped guide the institution through periods of economic uncertainty, including inflation and national financial instability.
Originally operating out of a purchased building with a stable attached, the bank eventually moved in 1911 to its current downtown location at Sherman and Main, which at the time was considered Hutchinson’s first skyscraper.
Over the decades, the bank has marked several key milestones, including the creation of a farm management department in 1962, the introduction of drive-through banking in 1974, installation of ATMs in 1979, and the launch of online banking in 1988. More recent expansions include acquisitions in surrounding communities and the opening of a wealth management office in Lawrence in 2026.
Barker said the bank’s stability has been tested at various points in history, including the nationwide bank panic of 1893. While many local banks failed during that time, First National continued to grow.
“Eleven banks in town either closed or merged in the next 11 years, but First actually grew,” Barker said.
Leadership has played a critical role in that success. Alongside E.L. Meyer, other key figures include Fred French, E.W. Meyer, Nation Meyer, and more recent leaders such as R.A. Edwards, Kent Hughes, Greg Benz, and current President and CEO Tory Hutton.
The bank has also maintained a strong commitment to agriculture, forming one of the state’s largest farm management programs to support producers and landowners — a reflection of the region’s economic foundation.
As part of the 150-year celebration, First National Bank is hosting a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. at its main downtown location, along with additional activities throughout the week.
Looking ahead, bank leadership says its mission remains rooted in the same principles that guided its founders.
“We hope the community sees us as a steady, trusted partner,” Barker said, “someone they can count on to support people, businesses and organizations with integrity and consistency.”