photo by Lt. Col. Kendall Bergmann (Ret.)
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MASON NATIONAL BANK
Marker Text: Throughout the 1890's, private banking institutions sporadically served Mason residents. In Dec. 1903 several pioneer settlers met to form a new bank. It received its authorization in Jan. 1904 as the German American National Bank of Mason. John Lemburg, Sr. served as the first president. J. W. White as vice-president and F. W. Lemburg as cashier. During the bank's first 100 years six other men would serve as president, including J. W. White who served two different times.
Anti-German sentiment during the first World War caused the ban board to change the name in 1918 to Mason National Bank. The institution led the community in purchasing liberty bonds during the war. In 1932 amid the Great Depression the First State Bank of Mason merged into the National Bank. J. D. Eckert, formerly president of First State Bank, became president. That same year the bank received certification by the Federal Deposit Insurance (FDIC).
In 1934 Eckert retired, and White resumed the position of president until his death in 1939. D. F. Lemburg followed him in the office, remaining until his death in 1953. Following Lemburg's death, Wilburn "Bill" Lemburg (d. 1972) grandson of John, Sr. became the bank president. Under his leadership, the bank moved in 1968 from the north side of the town square to the present location previously the site of his grandfather's house.
Throughout it's history, the bank's leaders have been active in local organizations. Mason National Bank is well-known and respected for its generous support of community programs.(2004)