Bank Continues 150th Anniversary Celebration

By Jennifer L. Warren

MONTGOMERY – Derrik Wynkoop is quick to point to what sets Walden Savings Bank apart: Keeping things fresh and fun, a commitment to the community, and a place where it’s not just about work.

All of these variables have especially been on full display this past year, one that marks the nation’s 11th oldest mutual savings bank’s 150 Anniversary. Last Tuesday, yet another creative, joyful and memorable event took place: The official burying of a Commemorative Time Capsule, filled with items signifying the times.

“It’s been a long journey, one that started way back in 1872 and has included a long list of events for this 150th Anniversary year,” Wynkoop, Bank President and CEO of Walden Savings Bank, told a group of employees and Board Members outside of the Scott’s Corners, Montgomery branch (the only one to have gone through a digital transformation), near a flagpole, site of the Time Capsule’s placement. “The items we have put in here, when unearthed on April 25, 2072- 50 years from now- will be very different to those who see them.”

Executives of the Walden Savings Bank bury a time capsule, assembled with objects of the times by bank employees. The capsule was buried Tuesday afternoon, outside  of the Scott’s Corners, Montgomery branch and will be unearthed on April 25, 2072.
Executives of the Walden Savings Bank bury a time capsule, assembled with objects of the times by bank employees. The capsule was buried Tuesday afternoon, outside of the Scott’s Corners, Montgomery branch and will be unearthed on April 25, 2072.

Some of those symbolic, time-reflective pieces placed in the Capsule included; a 50th Anniversary Coin, Walden Savings Bank branded beer, Walden Harvest Fest Guide, Contact Center Headset, Cowbell, Walden Investment Services Mouse Pad & Brochure, Scott’s Corner’s Branch transformation photos and information, hand sanitizers and masks, information on shred days and fraud prevention, details centered upon the Old Chime Clock’s restoration, and the 150th Anniversary Employee Journal. Many of those treasured items carry with them the distinction of having other events riddled throughout 2022 saluting their significance, such as the official ringing of the Old Chime Clock, once dormant for many years as well as the official creation of the 2022 commemorative coin, honoring Walden Savings Bank and bearing the iconic Chime Clock insignia.

It’s a long-standing, treasured history that makes so many who work for Walden Savings Bank beam with pride as well as revel with excitement each day they enter their unique work setting. Their direct involvement in being able to contribute to the Time Capsule is just one of many ways they are made to feel empowered and special, making their jobs about much more than simply work.

“We are a fun, fun place that isn’t just about work,” said Wynkoop. “We are all about involving the community, and making everyone in it a part of us.”

With 34,000 customers in their 11 branches, each laden with intriguing nuggets of information-such as Cornwall’s distinction of a working fireplace, Middlehope’s Old Dillon Water Pump, and Montgomery’s mural-laden walls, bearing images of community and bank history- that can be seen in the 150th Anniversary Journal, Walden Savings Bank continues to have a profound impact throughout the region. 150 years of working with and giving back to the community, showing no signs of slowing down while staying intent on letting the fun continue.

“This time capsule event today signifies the history of the bank; 150 years brings notoriety,” said Steve Burger, a 22 year Board Member. “We have had a lot of fun, and it’s great to know some of us are really going to enjoy seeing this Time Capsule opened up 50 years from now.”