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Pilot Grove Savings Bank

History

Humble Beginnings in Pilot Grove, Iowa in 1911


Pilot Grove Savings Bank home office in an old saloon; photo taken in 1916 by Al Stuekerjuergen

{The building on the left photographed above captures a glimpse of what Pilot Grove Savings Bank looked like on April 12, 1916}

23 Investors Pooled $10,000 to form Pilot Grove Savings Bank

Situated in the small town of Pilot Grove, Iowa, lies a seldom told success story.  With origins in a tiny 30-foot by 30-foot structure, the Pilot Grove Savings Bank was established on May 12, 1911.  Then, twenty-three investors pooled a total of $10,000 to start the Bank and set up business in the small building on the western side of the only street in Pilot Grove, Iowa.


The Home Office in Pilot Grove went through many Expansions

Since that day, the bank has continued to grow and prosper.  The main location in Pilot Grove has grown significantly in size, with additions in 1951, 1962, 1983 and 2007.   Along with the growth in the building size in Pilot Grove over 100-plus years, the institution itself has grown with the addition of operations in 12 neighboring towns.   


  • Houghton – 1980
  • Donnellson – 1983
  • West Point – 1992
  • Mt. Pleasant – 2000
  • Packwood – 2000
  • Winfield – 2004
  • Ft. Madison - 2006
  • Keokuk – 2013
  • Fairfield – 2014
  • West Burlington – 2020
  • Wayland - 2024
  • Bonaparte - 2024

Founded on the Core Values of Trust, Loyalty & Commitment 

With customer loyalty on its side, Pilot Grove Savings Bank has prospered throughout the years despite the depression during the 1930's, countless recessions, and rapidly fluctuating farm economies.  Now, into the 21st century, with more than 125 employees, more than one billion in assets, and some of the most technologically advanced banking systems available, the institution’s main goal remains as it was in 1911 – to serve the customer well.



Second Pilot Grove Savings Bank building. Photographed are Frank Overton, Joe Nichting, Joe Steffensmeier (cashier), Theodore Schinstock, and B.J. Holtkamp.

{The above photo is the second Pilot Grove Savings Bank building in Pilot Grove, Iowa. Photographed are Frank Overton, Joe Nichting, Joe Steffensmeier (cashier), Theodore Schinstock, and B.J. Holtkamp.}