Bank History

More than 100 years ago, we began assisting the people of our communities with financial services and products. We started out small and our growth has been steady, stable and measured over the years. We changed with the times, embracing technology and trends, but only if those changes facilitated better products and services for our customers.  

Take a trip back into time and chart the beginning and the growth of the financial institution that is now Clear Mountain Bank. 

FROM PAST TO PRESENT

In 1891, Terra Alta, WV, had a population of about 500.  There were no paved streets or sidewalks, no automobiles, and crude oil lamps lit the town’s streets.  Few people had bank accounts, as most folks carried their money in their pockets.  A group of leading businessmen, however, recognized the value of a bank and chartered The Terra Alta Bank on October 21, 1891.

  In 1903, just down the road from Terra Alta in Bruceton Mills, WV, a group of community leaders applied to the Department of Banking of West Virginia for a charter to be issued in the name of The Bruceton Bank.  Business began in an office formerly occupied by McGibbons Saddle Shop.

  The Terra Alta Bank and Bruceton Bank continued to grow and operate separately for nearly 100 years.  Each bank earned a reputation for offering excellent financial products, friendly service, and a commitment to the local communities.  In 1987, the stockholders of The Terra Alta Bank elected to become part of State Bancorp, Inc., a locally owned and managed company in Bruceton Mills, which also owned Bruceton Bank.  Although both banks worked together as part of State Bancorp, Inc., each bank continued to operate under separate names.  Eighteen years later, in 2005, The Terra Alta Bank and Bruceton Bank officially combined, keeping the same ownership and management, but changing the name of both banks to Clear Mountain Bank.

In 2006, Clear Mountain Bank acquired a new office in Rowlesburg, giving the bank its tenth location overall and its fifth location in Preston County.

Through more than 100 years of growth and changes, one thing has remained constant: friendly and professional hometown service and a dedication to helping the local communities grow.  We may have a new name, but we guarantee that our commitment to serving our customers won’t change, even in the next 100 years!

TIMELINE

1891 – The Terra Alta Bank chartered

1903 – The Bruceton Bank chartered

1921 – Attempted robbery at Bruceton Bank, resulting in the shooting death of             one of the would-be thieves. (click to read more)

1931 – Bruceton Bank forced to close for two months due to The Great  

          Depression.

1970 – Bruceton Bank constructs new office in Bruceton Mills.

1982 – Bruceton Bank opens office in Reedsville.

1984 – Bruceton Bank opens office in Kingwood.

1987 – The Terra Alta Bank and Bruceton Bank become co-owned by State

          Bancorp, Inc.

1988 – Bruceton Bank opens office in Cheat Lake.

1990 – Bruceton Bank opens office inside Kroger in Sabraton.

1991 – The Terra Alta Bank constructs new office in Terra Alta.

1991 – Bruceton Bank opens office inside Kroger Patteson Drive in Suncrest.

1997 – The Terra Alta Bank opens office in Oakland, MD.

2002 – Bruceton Bank Cheat Lake office moves to Glenmark Centre.

2005 – Bruceton Bank opens second office in Sabraton.

2005 – The Terra Alta Bank and Bruceton Bank combine, creating Clear

             Mountain Bank.

2006 -  Clear Mountain Bank acquires new office in Rowlesburg.

2008 -  Clear Mountain Bank opens office inside the Kroger at Suncrest                Towne Centre.

CLEAR MOUNTAIN BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Glenn Adrian

Linzy Burge

Joseph Elliott

Willard Feather

Kenneth Frankhouser

Roger Hardesty

Howard Metheny

Roger Metheny

Brian Thomas

David Thomas

Walter Whitehair