History
Our History
In 1933, times were hard in Headland, Alabama, just like everywhere else. The First National Bank of Headland, operated by the Espy family, and the Farmers and Merchants Bank, operated by the Solomon family, were among the institutions affected by the “Banking Holiday” (several days banks were allowed to close to reorganize due to the depression) declared by President Roosevelt.
The two banks came up with the idea of a merger.
On August 16, 1933, The Headland National Bank was born. The second president of the bank, Major W. Espy, came to the job in 1934 at age 26 by virtue of the death of his father. He was the youngest bank president in the state at the time and served in the position for 45 years. He became president of the Alabama Bankers Association in 1948.
From total resources of $191,563.56 in October of 1933, the bank began a growth that continues to this day.
The best organization
When first organized, the bank was housed in the building that would later become the Village Inn Restaurant and the Headland Jewelry Company.
It remained there until 1948. In 1948 the bank expanded its facilities, moving into a new building next to the old location. Through the 1960s and 1970s seven additions were made to the existing building.
In 1980 the bank was completely renovated and 9,000 square feet of working space was added to the bank. The limestone facing of the new building was in keeping with the traditional architecture of the facility.
