"Alden, Kansas, December 1903 - Minutes: At a meeting called for the purpose of organizing a joint stock company to operate a bank, the following proceedings were had: C.N. Fair was made President and F.W. Ross was made Secretary. On motion of G.A. Morris, it was decided to proceed with the organization of an incorporated State Bank with a capital of $10,000 to be located in the city of Alden, Rice County, Kansas. On motion, the Capital Stock was fixed at one hundred shares of $100 each. After considerable discussion,it was decided to call it The Alden State Bank."

On motion, the following named persons were named as the Board of Directors the first year: C.N. Fair, President; G.A. Morris, Vice President; F.W. Ross, Secretary and Cashier; George B. Ross, and William Werner.

On motion of G.A. Morris, the first assessment of 100 percent on the Capital Stock due and payable February 1, 1904 was ordered.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of The Alden State Bank, the full board being present, the following proceedings were had: Board organized by electing C.N. Fair, President; G.A. Morris, Vice President; F.W. Ross, Secretary and Cashier. The president and secretary were appointed a committee to purchase a building site, build a building, and purchase all other supplies that are needed. Minutes approved, board adjourned subject to call of the secretary.

On December 31, 1903, a charter application was completed and signed by C.N. Fair, George A. Morris, F.W. Ross, George B. Ross, and William H. Werner. The Charter of "THE ALDEN STATE BANK" was filed for record on January 7, 1904 and officially approved on January 8, 1904. The Bank's Charter gives a list of 43 stockholders who originally subscribed stock to the new corporation, none of whom are now living.

The present site in Alden, which was then the location of a feed mill and blacksmith shop, was selected and a brick building constructed. The bank opened for business on the morning of May 24, 1904. First depositor was J.K. Idol. During the day, 15 customers opened accounts with deposits totaling $2,495.88.

At the close of the first day, the bank's Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

ASSETS
Cash & Sight Exchange	$9,340.66
Building	1,793.76
Furniture and Fixtures	1,017.75
Expense	213.41
Total	$12,365.58
LIABILITIES
Capital	$10,000.00
Exchange	.60
Deposits	2,364.98
Total	$12,365.58

C.N. Fair was president until his death in March 1921. He was succeeded by R.J. Engel who continued as president until January 1940. J.H. (Jim) Fair began work in the bank as a bookkeeper when it opened for business; served as cashier, then as president until his retirement in April 1947.

F.L. (Fred) Fair became president in 1947, having been associated with the bank as cashier since December 1939. Fred served as president and chairman of the board until August 1, 1984 when C.P. (Chuck) Rowland was elected president and C.E.O. Fred continued to serve as chairman of the board and director until his death in March 1993.

In August 1992, Alden State Bank purchased the 92-year-old State Bank of Plevna, located 20 miles south of Alden.

On January 20, 1999, the new Sterling branch of Alden State bank opened its doors for business.