The CSB Story A Historical Timeline

Celebrating our first 125 years of Community Banking

At Community State Bank we’re proud to announce that 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of CSB. What started in 1898 as a very modest 1-room brick building in Union Grove, WI, has thoughtfully grown into a network of 7 locations serving Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties.

Over the last 125 years Community State Bank has seen a lot of changes, and weathered many storms; including recessions, a depression, and two world wars. It’s fair to say that the founders of the bank could not have predicted what the world (or the bank) would look like in 2023.

Although many things have changed since the bank began, two things have remained the same. First, we’ve always focused on building long-term partnerships based on respect and trust with our customers and the communities we serve.

Second, we’re committed to steady, local growth. With turmoil once again in the financial industry, we know it’s more important than ever to stay committed to our values.

As we celebrate our 125th Anniversary, we want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to our communities and our customers for their continued support. And to those who have not yet had a chance to experience community banking, I’d invite you to check us out.

1898

John Blakey, a Union Grove grain mill operator, organized a group of mostly local investors to start a private bank in Union Grove. The Bank of Union Grove commenced business in a small one-room brick building located at 1055 Main Street on July 18, 1898.  

1903

On September 15, 1903 seven stockholders met to re-establish the bank, to be incorporated as the State Bank of Union Grove. The bank opened its doors on September 24, 1903 at 1023 Main Street. Four days later the state commissioner of banking made it official when he signed and issued the bank’s charter on September 28, 1903.  

1933

In October of 1933 the State Bank of Union Grove successfully applied for FDIC membership. The bank was one of the first in the state to be covered by the new Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation program.

1969

On Sunday, September 14, 1969 State Bank of Union Grove moved to their brand new building located on the corner of 12th and Main Street.

1972

In 1972 the State Bank of Union Grove opened its first branch office in Kansasville, Town of Dover, WI.

1983

In April of 1983 State Bank of Union Grove opened its third office location, this time in the town of Rochester, WI. Because of the expansion, the bank was officially renamed Community State Bank (CSB).

1995 | 1996

In 1995 bank assets exceed $100 million for the first time. In October 1996, CSB hosts a grand opening of their new facility located at 1500 Main Street, Union Grove, WI.

1998 | 1999

In 1998 CSB continues to expand its branch network, opening a new facility in Waterford, WI.

1999 ushers in CSB’s first virtual branch when the bank launches its first website: communitystatebank.net.

2001

CSB opens first banking branch outside of Racine County in Paddock Lake, WI.

CSB exceeds $200 million in total assets for the first time.

2004

Along the banks of the Fox River in historic downtown Burlington, CSB opens its 5th branch location in 2004. 

The office would undergo a refresh in 2018 that included the addition of solar panels on the roof. The solar cells generate enough electricity to power the entire branch office.

2009

To better serve the communities of Racine, Mt. Pleasant and Sturtevant, CSB builds a stand-alone facility in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

2012

CSB exceeds $300 million in total assets for the first time.

2018

In 2018 CSB’s main office location in Union Grove, WI undergoes an extensive remodel. The renovation includes the addition of Shepherds Community Café and two community rooms.

CSB also establishes a permanent office in Lake Geneva, WI.

2020

In June 2020, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, CSB opens its second branch in Kenosha County, this time in the city of Kenosha, WI.

CSB also launches a new website that focuses on a better user experience, simple financial tools, and a more secure domain: CSB.bank.

2021

CSB surpasses $600 million in total assets.

2023

CSB celebrates 125th Anniversary. Since 1898 CSB has been serving the communities of Southeastern Wisconsin 

CSB will open a new Waterford, WI branch facility in the late summer of 2023. The new office anchors the corner of East Main St. and North Milwaukee Ave. near Waterford’s historic downtown.