1952
Douglas County Bank
Douglas County Bank was founded in 1952 as the “bank of friendly service” by local community leaders. The founders saw the need for more banking services and loan financing to help the growth of business, jobs, housing, and other services for families in Lawrence. With the Kansas Banking Commission’s charter approval in 1951, the bank opened for business in May of 1952 at the southeast corner of Massachusetts and Ninth streets. The lobby was so narrow, the tellers could shake hands with each customer who came into the bank.
Douglas County Bank founders were forward thinking leaders who wanted the community to grow and prosper. John Vogel, Conrad McGrew, Chet Jones, George Clem, C.I. Moyer, Raymond Rice, Dick Williams, Skipper Williams, Tom Constant, and Everett Hopp were founders, directors, or officers who made the bank succeed and grow. Dorothy Rooney, one of the original employees, became Executive Vice President and Cashier during her long career. She served on the Kansas Banking Commission and continues to serve on the bank’s Board of Directors.
Strength, stability, and sound banking practices are the legacy built by the bank’s local Board of Directors and executive leadership, including Chet Jones, George Clem, R.A. Edwards, Joe Kelly, Bob Georgeson, and Ted Haggart. An extensive history of the bank’s officers, directors, shareholders, employees, customers, and community service is found in the 40th Anniversary booklet printed in 1992.
Ross Beach, Kansas business leader and philanthropist, purchased Douglas County Bank in 1964. Ross and Marianna Beach provided the commitment and resources for growth and community support for decades to come. The bank has expanded steadily, with branches at 23rd and Louisiana in 1973, Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway (15th) in 1980, Brandon Woods at Inverness Drive and Bob Billings Parkway in 1989, the new Downtown Bank at 9th and Kentucky in 1992, 31st and South Iowa in 1995, Eudora on South Church in 2000, and at West Sixth and Folks Road in 2004.
The bank’s commitment to Lawrence’s heritage and future is reflected in the Downtown Bank, which combines historic style with modern architecture and is surrounded by a full city block of attractive green space, trees, and landscaping. The “Douglas County Bank” name is literally “carved in stone” above the entries to this signature bank, and at the distinctive South Iowa and West Sixth branches.
Douglas County Bank’s support of the arts, education, and cultural programs includes many premier events and programs. Foremost among these is the Beach Center for Disability at the University of Kansas, the Lied Center’s message center on KU’s West Campus, the Lawrence Art Center, the Douglas County Community Foundation, and many more. The Douglas County United Way and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce gave the Spirit of Caring Award to Douglas County Bank in 2004 in recognition of this long tradition of volunteer leadership and financial support.
1952 was an exciting year for Lawrence, marked by KU Men’s Basketball National Championship, the birth of Kansas Public Radio (KANU), and the founding of Douglas County Bank. Douglas County Bank is proud to celebrate Lawrence’s 150th anniversary by joining with the community leaders to create the Sesquicentennial Point.
Step Sponsored By: Ross and Marianna Beach