Capital Region Business Celebrates 115th Year

Trustco Bank opened its doors a full 115 years ago, on June 9, 1902.

According to their own website, Trustco started with eleven employees and a little over $750,000. By the 1990s, when I was introduced to Trustco - which had been my grandmother's bank for decades - they had 53 branches. Back in the 1990s, I remember my grandmother had these little Trustco sponges that were really tiny and dense until you put them in water and then they would expand to full size. It's funny what you remember when you sit down and think about it - I don't think I've thought about that in at least twenty years.

Things change fast in the Capital Region, so it's nice to take a moment and think back to the businesses and staples in our community that have been here for the long haul. Maybe Trustco is not the one that stands out in your mind, but we all have one that we associate with the area one way or the other. What is it for you? A local chain? A mom and pop store somewhere in the Capital Region?