Peshtigo National Bank Uncovers 125 Years of History Inside Former Vault

Sometimes history isn’t found in archives — it’s discovered behind layers of concrete and steel.

In February 2026, as part of preparations tied to Peshtigo National Bank’s 125th anniversary year, the bank undertook a unique project at its former building: gaining access to the original vault that had long remained sealed. The task was anything but routine.

Ed Langer of Ed’s Concrete and Masonry, who is preparing for retirement, accepted what may be one of the most memorable jobs of his career — carefully breaking through the heavily reinforced vault wall. Over the course of several days, Langer worked methodically through dense concrete and embedded rebar before finally achieving a breakthrough.

What waited inside proved to be well worth the effort.

Among the discoveries was the bank’s original Diebold Safe, shipped March 16, 1901, from Diebold Safe & Lock Co. of Chicago, Illinois. The historic safe — built to be anti-dynamite and weighing just shy of 2,000 pounds — carried an original price tag of $850, a significant investment at the time and a powerful symbol of the bank’s early commitment to security and trust.

Also found inside the vault were documents prepared by bank staff ahead of Y2K, offering a fascinating snapshot of a very different moment in banking history.

After the wall was opened, Case Financials’ Kyle Dolata assisted by accessing the vault from the interior, helping complete the process and allowing the team to fully document the find.

For Peshtigo National Bank, now celebrating 125 years of service since its founding in 1901, the discovery was especially meaningful.

“This discovery is a powerful reminder of the legacy we’re entrusted to carry forward,” said Kelly M. Heroux, President & CEO. “Seeing our original 1901 safe firsthand brings our history into sharp focus and reinforces the pride we feel in continuing to serve this communities 125 years later.”

What began as a challenging demolition project ultimately became a powerful reminder of the bank’s long-standing legacy of stability, preparedness, and community trust.

Peshtigo National Bank plans to incorporate the discovery into its ongoing 125th anniversary storytelling throughout 2026.