We are celebrating our 150th anniversary this year with a series of planned events and fun surprises for community members. The “150th Anniversary Sweetheart” sweepstakes launches on February 4th, and participants are offered a chance to win one grand prize romantic getaway to Church Landing at Mill Falls in Meredith, valued at over $1100, or one of two second prize restaurant gift certificates valued at $100 each.
Anniversary celebrations kicked off in January with in-branch raffles for commemorative Yeti tumblers, as a well as several chances to win winter getaways to local attractions. We will be hosting an array of events and contests throughout the year to honor this 150-year milestone.
“We have several gifts and surprises open to any and all community members who wish to celebrate our anniversary with us,” said Rick Wyman, President. “Service and giving back was a founding principle, and we are proud to uphold this tradition. Although we cherish our long and rich heritage, we see ourselves as 150 years young. We will continue to uncover more opportunities to serve customers and our communities over the next 150 years.”
To participate in MVSB’s “150th Anniversary Sweetheart Sweepstakes”, participants must upload a wedding photo in the comments section of the Bank’s official “150th Anniversary Sweetheart” Facebook post between February 4th and February 13th. Winners will be selected at random by the MVSB anniversary committee. Be sure to visit our Facebook page for more details.
The Grand Prize getaway includes a two-night Romance at the Lake package for Church Landing and gift certificates to Hermit Woods Winery, Lee’s Candy Kitchen and Lakeside Deli and Grille in Meredith. Two Second Prize winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to their choice of restaurant group: Common Man, Magic Foods or Portsmouth A La Carte.
Charted on June 30th, 1869, Meredith Village Savings Bank was founded by Seneca A. Ladd, a Meredith, NH-based businessman who opened the bank as a way to instill good money management habits in his employees. At the age of 15, Ladd began his career in the carriage construction industry, quickly moving on to operate a thriving three-story carriage business in the building that now houses the Meredith Historical Society. A decade later, and following a hunch that pianos would become a staple household instrument for the American people, he leased an idle cotton mill to produce pianos and melodeons on the site where the shops at Mill Falls Marketplace now stand. One of Ladd’s melodeons is being displayed on the second floor of our Main Office located at 24 NH Route 25 in Meredith.
An employer who cared deeply about his workers, Ladd observed that many employees lacked skill in managing money. He formed the bank as way to help his workers become savers, and to provide a borrowing resource for the rapidly growing community. Joining with several other associates, Ladd procured a charter from the New Hampshire Legislature to establish Meredith Village Savings Bank. Under his leadership, the Bank became a central part of the Lakes Region community.
As a mutual savings bank, MVSB remains steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community, while maintaining prudent stewardship of resources, and preserving long-term financial stability. Our founding principle of being a safe depository for the savings of customers in the communities we serve continues to guide present-day operations.
Today, MVSB has expanded from a one-room operation in downtown Meredith to 13 offices in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Wolfeboro, though many customers also use our extensive services offered through online and mobile banking.
