Historical Marker

Industry State Bank

Historical marker location:
16886 Fordtran Blvd., Industry, Texas
( Northeast Corner of Highway 159 and Highway 109)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

ON FEBRUARY 11, 1911, A GROUP OF LOCAL CITIZENS TOOK THE FIRST STEPS IN FORMING A BANK TO BE CALLED FIRST GUARANTY STATE BANK OF INDUSTRY. DR. B.E. KNOLLE SERVED AS THE BANK’S FIRST PRESIDENT AND E. LINDEMANN SERVED AS FIRST VICE PRESIDENT. BY JUNE OF THAT YEAR, THE BANK OPENED FOR BUSINESS AT 1559 MAIN STREET. SHAREHOLDER AND CASHIER H.L. SCHULZE SERVED AS THE BANK’S ONLY SALARIED EMPLOYEE, WHILE HIS ASSISTANT H.H. BOELSCHE RECEIVED HOURLY PAY. IN SEPTEMBER 1919, SCHULZE’S DAUGHTER, THUSNELDE, WAS HIRED BY THE BANK AND SHE CONTINUED AS AN EMPLOYEE FOR 49 YEARS, UNTIL HER RETIREMENT IN 1968.

WHEN H.L. SCHULZE DIED IN 1926, BOELSCHE WAS NAMED AS HIS REPLACEMENT. BOELSCHE MANAGED THE BANK UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1956, WHEN ARNO KREBS BECAME THE BANK’S PRESIDENT. BECAUSE OF A CHANGE IN THE TEXAS BANKING STRUCTURE, THE BANK’S NAME WAS CHANGED TO INDUSTRY STATE BANK IN 1927. THE DEPRESSION CAUSED A DOWNTURN IN THE DEPOSITS AND INCOME OF INDUSTRY STATE BANK. WHILE DEPOSITS HAD PEAKED AT $206,000 IN 1924, THE LOW POINT FOR DEPOSITS OCCURRED AT THE END OF 1932 WHEN THEY FELL TO $95,000. DEPOSITS WOULD NOT AGAIN REACH THEIR 1924 LEVELS UNTIL 1937.

A NEW BANK BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED AT THE MAIN STREET LOCATION IN 1957, AND BY 1962, THE BANK’S ASSETS HAD GROWN TO $1,500,000. THE BANK RELOCATED TO A NEW STRUCTURE IN 1973 AT THE CORNER OF HIGHWAY 159 AND HIGHWAY 109. INDUSTRY STATE BANK ACQUIRED ITS FIRST ADDITIONAL BANKING FACILITY, NEW ULM STATE BANK, IN 1989. THE INTEGRATION OF IMPROVED BANKING TECHNOLOGY THROUGHOUT ITS EXISTENCE HAS ENABLED INDUSTRY STATE BANK TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF THE REGION WITH BANKING FACILITIES IN FIFTEEN COMMUNITIES

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

business banks, bankers, banking topics
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Austin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Akokisa. In the early 1820s, the Mexican government granted land to Stephen F. Austin, also known as the "Father of Texas," who established the first Anglo-American settlements in the region.

In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.

Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.

Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Austin County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Austin County is established as one of the original 23 counties in Texas.
  • 1831 - Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas", passes away and is buried in Austin County.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, leading to an influx of settlers in Austin County.
  • 1856 - The town of Bellville is established as the county seat of Austin County.
  • 1861-1865 - Austin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The Texas state legislature formally recognizes Austin County as the "Cradle of the Republic".
  • 1887 - The San Felipe and Southwestern Railroad connects Austin County to the rest of Texas.
  • 1907 - The Brazos River floods Austin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1965 - The Stephen F. Austin State Park is established in Austin County.
  • 1992 - The Austin County Historical Commission is formed to preserve the county's history and heritage.
  • Present - Austin County continues to thrive as an agricultural and historic region in Texas.