[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S7449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE BARABOO NATIONAL BANK

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to take the time to 
recognize and honor Baraboo National Bank located in Baraboo, WI. This 
year, the bank celebrates 150 years as Baraboo's first and oldest bank.
  On July 15, 1857, Simeon Mills joined with Terrell Thomas to open 
Sauk County Bank, Wisconsin's 15th chartered bank, in a building just 
down the street from its present location. They began with $50,000 in 
operating capital and by the end of that year were well on their way to 
establishing a successful institution. By the early 1860s, the Sauk 
County Bank had grown their operating capital to break the $100,000 
mark. A fire in their first location caused the bank to move into 
temporary quarters on the back of a lot purchased on the corner of Oak 
and Third Avenue. The new building would soon be built on this corner 
and stand until today.
  In 1873 the charter for Sauk County Bank changed and the bank renamed 
as First National Bank of Baraboo. For a 7-year period after the bank 
changed its name, banks in Wisconsin were financially stressed and many 
were closing across the State. However, through the actions taken by 
the principle officers and stockholders, the bank was able to avoid 
disaster. Otto Ringling came to the First National Bank of Baraboo and 
deposited a large sum of money to show his support for the bank. To 
show their appreciation, the bank would often send the Ringlings money 
when they needed help.
  The 1880s brought more prosperity to Sauk County and the bank grew 
well beyond its neighboring competitors to over $400,000 in assets. By 
this time the bank decided it was time for a name change. In doing so, 
was now called The Bank of Baraboo, which would remain for about 58 
years. Baraboo was now the 25th largest city in the State. Industry and 
small businesses all over the county were helped by the bank to get 
their start.
  This included the Circus Industry. The Bank of Baraboo was a strong 
supporter of the Ringling and Gollmar Brother's Circus. When the 
Ringling brothers needed money to expand their circus in the 1900s, 
they turned to The Bank of Baraboo for help. Through the 1920s this 
bond grew to the point that a few of the Ringlings were appointed 
directors and became stock holders who were very loyal customers.
  In 1938 a final national bank charter changed the name from The Bank 
of Baraboo to The Baraboo National Bank. As banking products expanded, 
the bank was now able to provide more services to the community. They 
even had a minibank at the local Badger Army Ammunition Plan. The 
Baraboo National Bank continued to expand the building on the corner, 
taking in space to the south and to the west.
  In 1975, Merlin E. Zitzner became the eleventh president and CEO of 
The Baraboo National Bank. Zitzner, a Viroqua native, graduated from UW 
Whitewater and a graduate degree from UW Madison. Under this leadership 
The Baraboo Bancorporation Inc. was formed as the holding company of 
The Baraboo National Bank and later the State Bank of Viroqua and Green 
Lake State Bank.
  The Baraboo National Bank continued to grow by adding the Downtown 
Drive-up Bank branch, West Baraboo branch, East Baraboo branch, 
Southwest branch and opening the Lake Delton National Bank branch. 
Later would follow the acquisition of the Rock Springs and Bank of 
Wonewoc branches. Most recently the Reedsburg National Bank and the 
Portage National Bank where built as well as the acquisition of the two 
locations of the Northwoods National Bank in Rhinelander and Elcho.
  Today with assets nearing the $800,000,000 mark and a market share in 
Baraboo averaging 66 percent, The Baraboo National Bank has a lot to be 
thankful for. Customer loyalty going back for several generations and 
local businesses enjoying growth are what the bank is really all 
about.

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