On Monday, May 15, 1972, Lake City Bank opened for business a little differently than usual. The day before had marked the 100th anniversary of the bank’s founding, and everyone wanted to celebrate. Bank president Bruce Wright stepped in front of the doors to deliver a speech.

“Lake City Bank commenced business May 14, 1872, as a private bank. The original capital was $60,000, which was increased to $80,000,” began Wright, who quoted from the 1879 Atlas of Kosciusko County. “The bank did a very satisfactory business. November 1, 1875, the Lake City Bank was re-organized and incorporated as a State Bank…The organization adopted a code of By-laws, to which they rigidly adhere, thus securing the harmony of action, and safety to all.”

When he finished speaking, Wright, just the ninth president in the bank’s history, presented a key to Greater Warsaw President James Ellison. As he did, Wright made a bold promise.

“Lake City Bank will open to the citizens of Kosciusko County the facilities of the bank and the best abilities of its people for another century of service,” declared Wright.

After a round of smiles and handshakes, Warsaw Mayor Paul Hodges stepped forward. He gave a short speech before approaching the ribbon made of dollar bills strung across the bank’s entrance. With a quick cut of his scissors, the ribbon fell away and the bank began its weeklong birthday party.