Special Pages

Presidents Farmers & Merchants National Bank Ashland, Nebraska Ernest A. Wiggenhorn, Sr.; Edwin A. Fricke; Hugo A. Wiggenhorn; Robert H. Fricke; Ernest A. Wiggenhorn, Jr.

   On November 15, 1883, Ernest A. Wiggenhorn, Sr. founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank, a private institution. Mr. Wiggenhorn had been a resident of Ashland since the 1870s and had been in several businesses in town such as the Leola Mill built in 1873 and the lumber and coal business.

   The Bank opened its doors to the public with a capital of $10,000.00, in a room in the old Snell Block on the corner of 14th and Silver. Mr. E.A. Wiggenhorn, Sr. was president and H.A. Wiggenhorn, his son, was cashier. After a few years it was obvious that more space was needed and in 1887 a new building was erected at 15th and Silver on the location of Mr. Wiggenhorn's lumber yard. The new building, which also included a hotel, The Selma, cost $20,000.00 to erect.

   In 1930, the bank again expanded and remodeled adding space to the south. Additional remodeling occurred in 1959 and again in 1983, the bank is expanding into space once part of the now closed Selma Hotel adding additional office space and updating the front of the building.

   In 1904, the bank was incorporated as a State Bank and in 1930 became the Farmers and Merchants National Bank.

   Management of the bank has remained in the same family since its founding 100 years ago. After the death of E.A. Wiggenhorn, Sr. in 1904, his son, Hugo A. Wiggenhorn became president. Serving until his death in 1931, H.A. Wiggenhorn was succeeded by his brother, Ernest A. Wiggenhorn, Jr. In 1940, Edwin A. Fricke, husband of Louise Wiggenhorn Fricke, granddaughter of the first president, was elected president. Robert H. Fricke current president was elected in 1970. The fifth generation is now represented by Robert C. Fricke, cashier.

   A celebration of 100 years of service to its community is planned for November, 1983.

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   The Saunders County community wishes to express their thanks for the great publicity given through the Wahoo Newspaper. Without the cooperation of a great paper -- our time and efforts could not have reached thousands of people. The time and space your paper gave to publicize the Saunders County History Book brought forth volunteers, stories, and interest, so that much Saunders County history could be recorded in this book for those reading it at present and for many generations to come.

   The entire community appreciates the excellent coverage of schedules and meetings of churches and organizations, 4-H and Extension clubs, Legion, Garden Clubs, Women's Clubs, and all others.

   Thank you for your efficient service of getting the news to our people.

   Two Community Service Awards, accompanied by a check of $200 each, which were, in turn, returned to the Wahoo community.
   Four Outstanding Service Awards, presented in the years, 1960, '63, '69, and '73, all presented by Ak-Sar-Ben, Omaha.
   Sigma Chi Journalism Award, for Professional Writing, from the University of Nebraska, 1953. This was the first such honor bestowed on a weekly editor in 35 years.
   Five Outstanding Awards to Community Service and Agriculture.
   Two Nebraska Press Association Awards for Outstanding Service, 1964-66, Past Presidents' Award.
   Second Place, Best Idea in Advertising; Second in General Excellence, both from the Nebraska Press Association.
   Outstanding Service to Wahoo Jaycees
   VFW Award
   Meritorious Service to Saunders County 4-H'ers
   First Place, Certificate of Award, Wahoo Newspaper, Annual Best Page Competition, in its class
   Environmental Award
   Keep Nebraska Beautiful
   United States Junior Chamber of Commerce
   American Red Cross for cooperation and providing necessary publicity for success of program
   Saunders County Kiwanis Club
   Outstanding support and public service to Air Force, 1977

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