There is no future without a past. And while the past does not dictate the future, it gives it a start - a foundation to grow on. We would like to share our past with you.
Security BankUSA was chartered in 1910. Originally the bank was located on Third Street in downtown Bemidji. Homer Baer moved to Bemidji in 1910 to work at Security State Bank. In 1915 he purchased the bank. Homer served on many civic organizations, including the original committee that worked to get the state normal school, now Bemidji State, located in Bemidji. Between Homer and his wife Isabelle, they were involved in virtually every civic and charitable enterprise within the city.
On January 24, 1935, the bank burned in a fire that consumed several buildings and nine businesses and apartments. When the bank's vault was entered all books and records had been preserved intact and were not damaged by the fire. The bank took up temporary residence in the gas office on Third Street where a vault remained from the time when it housed the old Bemidji State Bank. Security State Bank then rebuilt in the same location on 323 Beltrami Avenue.
The deep commitment to Bemidji shared by Homer and Isabelle was continued by their son HC (Bill) and his wife Jessie. Bill and Jessie returned to Bemidji in 1946 and immediately became involved with the bank and the community. Bill became president of the bank in 1959. Several years ago, Bill was asked, "why banking?" Bill replied: "My father once told me, "There is no greater feeling than knowing you helped someone start a business or have a home for their family." That's "why" banking.
In 1975, Security State drive-up facility was opened. Four years later, John W. Baer, Bill and Jessie's son, became president of the bank and continues to be president today. In 1982, the bank opened their mall facility. In the following 15 years, the bank saw considerable success and in order to keep up with its expansion, decided to build a new main bank facility along Paul Bunyan Drive N.W. With the new bank, the main bank in downtown Bemidji was closed along with the bank in the Food 4 Less North Building.
The same year as the new bank was opened, Bemidji State University honored three generations (Homer C. and Isabelle S. Baer, H.C. "Bill" and Jessie Baer, John Baer, and Carl Baer) of the Baer family for their commitment to the University and to the community during a special Founders' Walk ceremony.
Ten years following the opening of the main bank facility on Paul Bunyan Dr NW, the bank saw a need to expand once again. It nearly doubled its space and added additional officers in real estate and commercial lending.
Today, the bank continues to grow. The family tradition also continues with the 4th generation of Baers working in the bank. In 2010, we are celebrating 100 years of community banking in the Bemidji area. We are proud to be your community bank, with a past and a future of service and promise. SAFE, SOUND AND SECURE.
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