[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HAPPY 100TH THUMB NATIONAL BANK & TRUST

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 1995
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that one of the most 
important relationships people can have in their lifetimes is the one 
with a good, stable bank. We depend upon banks to hold our savings, to 
help finance our homes and cars, and to provide some additional 
resources at times of emergencies or special opportunities. The people 
of Michigan's Thumb--a multicounty area in my congressional district--
have had the good fortune of dealing with the Thumb National Bank & 
Trust Co. which this Thursday celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  Thumb National started as the Farmer's Bank, in Pigeon, MI, in 1895, 
with five customers and total deposits of $1,900. In 1908, it bought 
out the Pigeon State Bank, and assumed that name. It grew through the 
years, undergoing several building projects, growing as the surrounding 
community grew, becoming Pigeon's longest continually operated 
business. The bank plans to add 50 percent more space to deal with the 
growing demand for its services.
  Twenty-five years ago, the Pigeon State Bank charged its State 
charter to a national bank charter, and became the Thumb National Bank 
& Trust Co. It was the only bank in the entire area to offer full trust 
services. Now, with several branches, automated teller machines, and a 
complete array of current financial services, its customers are 
fortunate to continue to be served by a bank that truly believes in its 
philosophy of know the customer.
  To its good fortune, Thumb National, has had the consistency of a 
limited number of chief executive officers, including three generations 
of the Clabuesch family, including the current president, Paul 
Clabuesch. Working with chairman of the board Arthur Luedtke, and other 
board members Nelson Binder, Ann Marie Clabuesch, Clare Comment, Eldon 
Diefzel, Lowell Kraft, David McCormick, Curtis Strickland, and Robert 
Webber, Sr., the bank continues to set an example of success and 
frugality for the Thumb. It also continues to be involved in a number 
of community projects, just as it was over 20 years ago when it 
provided financing to build Scheurer Hospital, after State and Federal 
officials said no funding was available.
  Mr. Speaker, certain institutions are vital to the success of our 
communities. Thumb National Bank & Trust Co. has certainly been such an 
institution for the several counties of the Thumb. I urge you and all 
of our colleagues to join me in wishing the officials, the 54 
employees, and the thousands of depositors, a very happy 100th 
anniversary with a positive outlook for 100 more years of careful, 
innovative, and successful banking.


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