Bay-Hermann-Berger Bank is one of the oldest businesses in the area.

In 1911, seven men, six from the Bay community drew up the Articles of Agreement, which stated their intentions for establishing a Bank of Deposit and Discount.  The name of the corporation became The State Bank of Bay, Missouri on October 20, 1911.  The Board of Directors would consist of seven shareholders.

Its first manager, Ernst Engelbrecht, saw to it that the bank would become a trusted banking institution.  Proof is the fact that it was the only bank in Gasconade County to remain open during the Depression of the 1930’s.

In 1978 the charter of The State Bank of Bay was moved to Hermann, and the name was changed to the Bay-Hermann Bank.  The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Berger was purchased in 1989 and the bank then became known as Bay-Hermann-Berger Bank
On March 17, 1995 Warren County Bancshares, Inc. purchased the bank and is the current owner.

The new bank was built at the corner of Fifth & Market St. in Hermann.  We moved to the new bank  on September 2, 1999.  Our grand opening/open house was held on October 20, 1999 on the 88th anniversary of the original charter date of the Bay Bank.  The Hermann facility houses the central operations of the institution.

The exterior of the two branches has changed very little since they opened the doors but the interiors have been modernized to accommodate modern day equipment.

Harold M. Bakameyer, president and CEO of Bay-Hermann-Berger Bank, says that the bank continues to operate under some of the same rules that were in the articles of incorporation.  This seems fitting, since many of today’s customers are from the same families who signed on when the bank opened.

From small-to big-to bigger, that’s banking today.  But throughout history we have the small bank to thank for the start of paving the way for the vast options we have today to fulfill your banking needs.

Gasconade County now has many banks; the Bay Bank will always  hold fond memories for many of the county residents.  Today, just like then, our goal as a bank is to show our customers we care through our customer service and community support!  WE ARE PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE OLDEST BUSINESSES IN THE AREA!