Here for Generations
tells the remarkable tale of a town and a bank that have moved in concert for 150 years. The book captures their sweeping history through triumph and tragedy and brings to life the fascinating people and events that have shaped their journey. The bank's roots were set in the 1830s, when the bustling city of Bangor lured the best and the brightest of Maine's adventurers to its port and commercial center. Bangor was the Lumber Capital of the World, complete with all the intrigue of a riverfront boomtown-potential riches and busted dreams, wealthy lumber barons, and rowdy lumbermen and sailors. Among those who arrived in this city on the rise were Elijah L. Hamlin and 23 other men. Most came from humble origins, but all came with a dream. Through hard work and vision, they built businesses and institutions and emerged as the city's great leaders. In 1852, these men—businessmen, lawyers, artisans, and merchants—came together in a philanthropic effort to create Bangor Savings Bank.