ARG Bradford Federal Credit Union History
On May 18, 1936, a group of nine employees from the Kendall Refining Company submitted an Organization Certificate asking for permission to organize and to operate a Federal Credit Union in accordance with the provisions of Public Act No. 467 of the 73rd Congress. N.V. Meyers, Governor of the Farm Credit Administration (Washington, DC) approved their request on May 28, 1936; and the Kendall Employees Federal Credit Union, Charter Number 1417, was born.
The Kendall Employees Federal Credit Union originally served employees of the Kendall Refining Company, members of their immediate families, and any association of such employees.
The nine founding subscribers of the credit union were:
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L.L. Akerlind
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34 Lorana Ave., Bradford |
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C.S. Hastings
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Rew, PA |
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J.P. Brown
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319 Jackson Ave., Bradford |
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W.R. Duncan
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RFD No. 2, Bradford |
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N.K. Drysdale
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66 N. Kendall Ave., Bradford |
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R.H. Magee
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Star Rt. No. 1, Bradford |
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H.B. Campbell
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Derrick City, PA |
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E.C. Walker
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57 Clark St., Bradford |
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Frank O. Wilcox
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2 Newell Ct., Bradford |
The Credit Union has seen three changes of their sponsoring companies. Kendall Refining Company, the original sponsor, was sold to Witco Chemical Corporation, and on September 14, 1972, the credit union name was changed to Witco Bradford Federal Credit Union. Once again, on July 31, 1997, the credit union name was changed to ARG Bradford Federal Credit Union; following the sale of the refinery and related operations to American Refining Group, Inc. of West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
The Credit Union has been very fortunate to have generous sponsors willing to provide a home for its operations and to help foster the vision of the nine founding members. Their goal was to have a cooperative organization available to company employees and their families, which would make credit available to people of small means.
For 71 years, member volunteers and staff have diligently sustained the ideal of “people helping people.” Thanks to their efforts, In excess of $46.3 million have been loaned to members in need, and regular dividends have always been paid on members savings accounts.
Presently, we have over $2.5 million in assets and approximately 724 active members who we proudly serve.