First State Bank named Texas Treasure
Burnet's First State Bank will be recognized with a Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) during the July 25 regular Burnet County Commissioners Court meeting.
The Texas Treasure Business Award program pays tribute to businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state's economy for 50 years or more.
Created in 2005 through legislation authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) and sponsored by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), the program recognizes well-established Texas businesses and their exceptional historical contributions to the state's economic growth and prosperity.
"Since its inception in 2005, there have been more than 300 businesses receive the Texas Treasure Business Award,” County Judge James Oakley said. “I'm proud to recognize Burnet’s own First State Bank as the first to receive this award in the county. The bank president, Cary Johnson, is the epitome of what one would think of as a hometown banker. He moved here from the Texas Panhandle in the early 1980s and fit in like a glove. He is truly a community leader and ready to help anyone with their banking needs.
“I opened my savings account there in 1973 when I was eight years old and had money from mowing yards,” Oakley reminisced. “I still have that four digit account and simply grin when I provide the number to the teller and they ask for the rest.”
He added, “There are many more businesses in the county eligible to receive a Texas Treasure award, and our County Historical Commission is busy identifying them and helping with nomination forms."
A special decal identifying the business as a Texas Treasure will be publicly displayed in the First State Bank. Consumers will know when they spot the familiar Texas Treasure Business icon, they are doing
business with a well-established, Texas-owned-and-operated business that has long contributed to job growth, stimulated the local economy, and generated state and local tax revenues.
The First State Bank was chartered October 5, 1908, with 31 shareholders. The first officers were W. W. Taylor, President, and W. C. Galloway, Cashier. It was first located in a two-story brick building on the southwest corner of Pierce and Jackson Streets, on the square. They have been at their present location at Pierce and Washington street since 1964.
More historical information about the bank is documented in Darrell Debo's “Burnet County History, Vol I,” page 249, available at most public libraries.
“It is a privilege for us to recognize our long-established businesses that have remained committed to Texans for generations, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,” said THC chairman John L. Nau III. “May this recognition serve to increase your success and productivity for many years to come.”
For more information about the Texas Treasure Business Award, contact the THC at 512-463-6092 or visit thc.state.tx.us.
