MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) For a century and a half, Savings Bank of Walpole has grown alongside the communities it serves, adapting to changing times while remaining rooted in local relationships and community investment.

Founded in 1875, the bank opened its doors at a time when banking looked very different. Horse-drawn wagons filled local streets, checks were still a relatively new way to pay for goods, and hundreds of state and national banks competed across the country. From the beginning, Savings Bank of Walpole focused on serving local residents and businesses throughout Cheshire County.

That local focus proved invaluable during some of the nation’s most difficult economic periods. The bank was the only financial institution in Cheshire County to survive the financial panic of 1896, continuing to serve customers while many other banks failed. Decades later, it remained a steady presence throughout the Great Depression following the stock market crash of 1929. More recently, the bank weathered both the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support customers and local businesses.

As banking evolved, so did Savings Bank of Walpole. The institution embraced new technology over the decades, installing one of the region’s earliest automated teller machines in 1975, introducing telephone banking in the mid-1990s, and launching its website and online banking services as internet banking became mainstream.

Growth also meant expanding beyond its original Walpole location. After opening its first branch on Westminster Street in 1892, the bank gradually added locations throughout the Monadnock Region. Today, customers are served through seven branches in Walpole, Keene, Winchester and Rindge, providing personal, business and mortgage banking services throughout southwestern New Hampshire.

The bank’s expansion has mirrored the region’s own growth. Branches opened in Keene beginning in 1992, followed by additional locations on West Street, Marlboro Street and Court Street. A Winchester branch opened in 2021 after that community lost its only local bank, and a Rindge office followed in 2023.

Throughout its history, the bank has steadily increased its financial strength. Total assets grew from approximately $1.46 million in 1930 to more than $15 million by 1964. By 2016, assets had reached $361 million, surpassing $700 million in 2022 before finishing 2024 at approximately $790 million.

One significant milestone came in 2016, when Savings Bank of Walpole became the only bank still headquartered in Cheshire County following a series of mergers among larger financial institutions. Two years later, the bank joined NH Mutual Bancorp, allowing it to strengthen operations while maintaining its local identity, leadership and customer-focused approach.

As a mutual community bank, Savings Bank of Walpole operates differently than publicly traded financial institutions. Without outside shareholders, earnings are reinvested in the bank, its customers and the communities it serves rather than distributed to stockholders.

That philosophy extends well beyond banking. Each year, the bank supports hundreds of nonprofit organizations, community events and educational initiatives throughout the Monadnock Region. Employees also play an active role in the community, with more than 40 percent serving on nonprofit boards and volunteer organizations.

Financial education remains another priority, with the bank offering programs on fraud prevention, digital banking, homeownership, credit building and financial wellness.

The institution has also earned national recognition as an employer. In 2024, American Banker magazine named Savings Bank of Walpole one of the nation’s Best Banks to Work For for the eighth consecutive year.

Today, Savings Bank of Walpole continues to emphasize local decision-making, personalized service and long-term relationships. Whether helping families purchase their first home, providing financing for local businesses or supporting community organizations, the bank says its mission remains the same as it was in 1875: strengthening the communities it serves.

As it celebrates its 150th anniversary, Savings Bank of Walpole marks not only a milestone in its own history, but also its enduring partnership with the people and businesses of the Monadnock Region.