On Sunday, Oct. 11, Webster Bank turned 80.
To kick off its anniversary, on Oct. 9 Webster held a day of celebration at all 163 of its banking centers and each of its 14 hub sites across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, and at HSA Bank in Wisconsin. Refreshments were served and proclamations from several elected and appointed officials were presented.
According to a press release, “Founded during the Great Depression, Harold Webster Smith borrowed $25,000 from family and friends to start up the bank. Because he was the sole employee initially and the bank grew slowly in the early years, it was known around the city as ‘Harold’s Bank.’ The bank was officially renamed Webster Bank 20 years ago to honor Harold Webster Smith.”
Special events and offers will continue through early next summer in celebration of the anniversary, including a bank volunteer initiative entitled 80 Days of Giving which launched Oct. 11 and offers bankers the opportunity to earn $1,000 for a nonprofit of their choice.
Webster Bank is a northeastern regional bank with a location in Wilton.