Historic PointWest Clock

Mr. T. M. West, the founder of the city of West, operated a general store and had the only safe for miles around. When customers and friends asked to use his safe for their valuables and money, Mr. West said “yes” and accepted the responsibility. That’s how business was done in 1893. That’s how neighbors helped each other. He then conceived the idea of creating a private bank to accept deposits of friends and neighbors and to lend money in the community. Thus in early 1893 the West Bank began operating, and for over one hundred years, has been a vital part of the community. This simple concept of meeting the needs of valued customers and friends was the cornerstone of an institution that is still vigorously serving a hundred and eight years later.