First National Bank of Bellevue received its national charter on September 30, 1875. At that time, the founding fathers made a commitment to serve the needs of the Bellevue area, and this has been carried forth through the generations, from that day forward. The dedication of this independent, home-owned financial institution was maintained in the Bellevue area until leadership responded to the needs of the Catawba community.

        On July 5, 1988, First National Bank opened its doors at 200 S.E. Catawba Road, Port Clinton. The full-service branch facility was housed in a modular office building and was staffed with quality, efficient personnel. Subsequently, in the summer of 1990, an automatic teller machine (ATM) was installed to better service the off-hour needs of our customers, as well as seasonal tourists.

        This office soon grew beyond its capacity and the decision was made to expand the facility into a more permanent structure. Throughout the summer of 1992, the community anxiously awaited the completion of the enlarged, state-of-the-art facility. Along with this expansion, the ATM machine was housed in the drive-thru lanes complete with three modern drive-thru units. The completed facility was opened for business in October, 1992 and stands ready to service the full needs of the permanent residential and seasonal tourist communities, as well as the surrounding areas.

        When a large bank announced its intent to close their branch office at Put-in-Bay, First National Bank seized the opportunity to service the needs of that community. On April 10, 1991, the Bank officially opened its full-service branch at 172 Delaware Avenue. This small office was located in the rear of the fudge shop. At this same time, an ATM was placed in the Island General Store to service the needs of the community during bank after-hours.

        The Bank welcomed the opportunity to transfer this machine over to the newly constructed Bath House in DeRivera Park in the spring of 1992. With this location change, the residential and seasonal tourist users witnessed an improved accommodation for transacting their business.

        With the expansion of business, the Bank soon realized its need to enhance its facility. Land was purchased at 180 Erie Street and plans to construct a modern office structure were underway by the fall of 1992. Local residents watched as the new building was "floated" across Lake Erie aboard the Miller Boatline Ferry. The building was completely constructed in a factory with final construction of the two units taking place on-site. By mid-summer of 1993, the Bank welcomed its customers to this enlarged facility exhibiting its nautical decor.

        In 1995, the Bank announced its plans to again respond to the needs of Ottawa County residents and business concerns, with the purchase of the former Elks building at 117 W. Perry Street in downtown Port Clinton. The Bank razed that structure and erected an eye-appealing, functional office space designed to enhance the financial services of the area. We are proud to mention that this office building received the 1996 Beautification Award from the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce.

        First National Bank opened its first office located within the boundaries of Erie County, with the purchase of a former bank site located at 3410 Venice Road. Management then proceeded to complete extensive building modifications required to update the facility and extend financial services to the residents and businesses in that area. The doors at this office were opened to the public for the first time on January 30, 1998.