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About Hardin County Savings Bank

Together With You for Life Since 1868

“For life” may seem like a long time, but we’ve been making our promise to be there for our customers since 1868. Situated in the heart of Iowa, we have proudly been serving – Eldora and Union – as well as the surrounding communities.

As a full service, locally owned community bank, we specialize in meeting the needs of rural communities and agricultural businesses. We’ve also stayed current with ever-changing technology, and offer the latest in online and mobile banking technology. But most importantly, we’ve stayed true to our main purpose of reinvesting in our communities in order to make them better places to live and work. 

As a locally owned and operated bank, we are committed to making a positive difference where it matters most – right here at home.  Our dedicated team of staff members understands the importance of giving back, which is why we actively volunteer our time and expertise to support a variety of local organizations and initiatives

In 2023, our collective efforts resulted in over 2500 hours of volunteer service to 70 organizations and $106,490.93 in donations to the community and organizations. These numbers reflect our deep-rooted commitment to strengthening the fabric of our communities and improving the lives of our neighbors. We aim to create lasting positive change and build a brighter future for generations to come. We are proud to stand alongside our community partners in making a meaningful impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

South Hardin High School Fieldhouse - We are excited to announce a new fundraising initiative to support the renovation of the South Hardin High School athletic complex fieldhouse. Built in the early 1980s, the current fieldhouse has served our students well, but it is now in need of modernization. This project enables the school to support our students' athletic endeavors and provide a top-notch experience for both athletes and visitors. 

“We’re looking at renovating (the existing building) and building a new building to the east of the entrance,” says David Vander Wilt, President. “We thought this would be a good project that could benefit a lot of people.” All the plans were made possible with the help of Chris Cummings, local resident, parent and architect with Turnkey Associates. Vander Wilt said they also met with South Hardin football and track coaches along with school administration for their input.

The vision for this project includes remodeling the current field house structure with new locker room space, athlete restrooms, a training room, coaches' room, and a refreshed exterior. In addition, the plans include a new facility featuring a visitor locker room, modern public restrooms, a spacious concession stand, and a ticket booth.

The school district, while dedicated to supporting its students, does not have the funds available for this project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $425,000. Hardin County Savings Bank, Brown-Hurst Insurance, along with Jim and Marty Brown have agreed to donate $300,000 to the project. This is where your support becomes vital. We invite you to join us in making this vision a reality.

Any donation amount, big or small, will make a difference. Contributions can be made directly to the South Hardin Athletic Boosters (a 501C3) via Marc Anderson, treasurer. HCSB will be accepting donations for the project as well. We hope you will help us spread the word by sharing information about the project with friends and family who may also wish to contribute or get involved. 

The school district, coaches and athletes alongside HCSB will be hosting several events in the coming months to raise funds and awareness. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. Together, we can transform the fieldhouse into a facility that will benefit our students for years to come.

Thank you for entrusting us with your banking needs, and for allowing us the privilege to serve and support the communities we call home.

We have well over a century of service to our name, and we’re excited to continue to be “Together With You for Life!”


Our Mission Statement

The Hardin County Savings Bank will partner with its customers to ensure financial success.

Our Pledge to You

  • We pledge to provide you with excellent banking experiences for life!
  • We pledge to provide excellent customer service with competency and professionalism.
  • We pledge to provide qualified staff to meet your needs.
  • We pledge to provide innovative products and services, state of the art technology, and a friendly environment to handle the most delicate financial needs.
  • We pledge to channel loan dollars back into our neighborhoods where we live and work, to support and strengthen our communities.
  • We pledge to partner with you to ensure financial success! 

Message from Chairman of Board, Jim Brown and President & CEO, David Vander Wilt

Thanks for coming to our website to learn more about our rich history.  We also invite you to stop in the bank to see our treasured ledgers and keepsakes. We look forward to another 150 years!

In 2018 HCSB celebrated 150 years! HCSB was organized on December 20, 1868 in Eldora, Iowa by seven men: HP Liscomb, New York; Tomas Kensett, Baltimore; George Green, Cedar Rapids; FWH Sheffield, Dubuque; and HL Huff, EW Eastman and C McKeen  Duren of Eldora. Its first officers were FWH Sheffield, President; EW Eastman, Vice President; and C McKeen Duren, Cashier. All of the gentlemen, except Mr Eastman and Mr Duren, were involved in the Eldora railroad, which was built that year from Ackley to Eldora.

In 1959 the Hardin County Savings Bank was purchased by a group of businessmen headed by Robert R. Brown. The Brown family continues to lead, direct and play an active role in the day-to-day operations of HCSB. Current President, David J. VanderWilt, represents three generations of family in the president's role.