Walden Savings Bank’s board of directors, bank employees and others met on Tuesday, November 22 on the bright green hill outside of the Montgomery Walden Savings Bank to bury a time capsule in honor of their 150th anniversary.

The event is part of the ongoing celebration of Walden Savings Bank opening 150 years ago in 1872. Throughout 2022, there have been numerous events and efforts made to commemorate the long-standing bank.

President and CEO Derrik Wynkoop was in attendance and noted many memorable things they’ve done during the year. He mentioned two mixers with the Orange and Dutchess Chambers of Commerce, as well as local efforts made by specific branches. Wynkoop mentioned that the Walden branch placed a bench on the rail trail, while Gardiner put a picnic table at one of their local parks.

“On October 16 there was an employee brunch to celebrate the employees, who are the critical linchpin in Walden Savings Bank’s success for 150 years,” said Wynkoop.

He mentions a time capsule presentation that took place at that brunch. Bank employees were invited to place items into the time capsule, and many of them ended up relating to anniversary events that happened this past year.

Items include a Walden Savings Bank Hudson Valley Brewery IPA (India Pale Ale) can that was specially crafted by Hudson Valley Brewery in Beacon for a mixer they had in October with the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce. There is also a cowbell in the capsule, which derives from the Orange County’s Cow Milking contest. Their bank attorney, Kevin Foley, competed against other local attorneys and ended up winning the top prize. He beat his opponents by collecting almost 14 ounces of milk from his cow “Sherbert” in three minutes. This event raised $40,000 for the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
There are a total of 15 items in the capsule and it will be opened in fifty years.

“April 25, 2072 will be the bicentennial for Walden Savings Bank. I will be 107, so I don’t think I’ll be here,” Wyncoop jokes.

A plaque was also placed on the hill to honor their 150-year ceremony. “It will be permanently there with our 150th logo celebrating our community, customers and, again, our employees and directors that are here today,” said Wyncoop.