Citizens Bank & Trust was established in 1916 in Plaquemine, Louisiana. We are a community bank that strives to provide extraordinary customer service. Through hard work and dedication, Citizens has grown within the community and into the Baton Rouge area.
Mission
Financial Success for our customers and lasting relationships for us.
History
Citizens Bank and Trust opened its doors for business in July of 1916. The bank was run at the time with only five employees. These included; Henry J. Levy, president, V.J. Kurzweg and E.B. Schwing Sr., vice presidents, W.B. Middleton, first cashier and Joseph Leblanc, first assistant cashier.
The first board of directors consisted of the following individuals; Mark Arnold, Andrew H. Gay, Maurice Hirsch, Dr. W.A. Holloway, H.J. Levy, W.B. Middleton Sr., Sam Polizzoto, Charles W. Row, Judge Calvin K. Schwing, Edward B. Schwing Sr. and H.N. Sherburne.
Citizens first operations were conducted, temporarily, in the former Merchants Hardware building in Plaquemine, Louisiana while construction on the original bank building was completed. The first Citizens Bank building was in the same place the main office stands today, original cost $12,012.76.
Officers of the Bank changed for the first time in 1947. Mr. Levy and Mr. Middleton Sr. retired and made way for Mr. W.B. Middleton Jr. and Mr. C.E. Postell. Mr. Middleton Jr. assumed the role of bank president.
As business increased, Citizens Bank began to outgrow the facility. The main office underwent three renovations between 1927 and 1962. The first drive-through window was added in 1962. By 1974, the drive in was expanded to three lanes and a walk up service window.
In 1969 the Belleview branch was built due to the southerly growth of Plaquemine. In February of 1984 Edward B. Middleton became President and CEO of Citizens Bank and his father Mr. W.B. Middleton Jr. was named Chairman of the Board.
In November of 1984 Citizens Bank Operations Center was opened, housing the administrative offices, data processing, bookkeeping and insurance department.
In 1991 Citizens Bank purchased what was once a Louisiana Savings and Loan, becoming Citizens Bocage Branch and its first Baton Rouge location.
In August of 1994 Citizens expanded again purchasing the Oak Tree Savings and Loan on Sherwood Forest Boulevard in Baton Rouge.
On July 19, 1999 Citizens added its 5 branch with the opening of its O’Neal location in Baton Rouge. This was the first branch in the Baton Rouge area Citizens built from the ground up.