First National Bank of Del Rey

The First National Bank of Del Rey was incorporated on July 20, 1917, as a reliable and sanely conservative institution. Founded through the hard work of local rancher H. S. Hulbert and cashier A. A. Werner, it quickly opened its doors that August. The banking house immediately established a high standard of commercial integrity that served as a financial bulwark for Fresno County.

By the spring of 1918, the bank reported impressive total resources and liabilities exceeding $139,000, driven by significant individual deposits. The enterprise continued to expand its community services and prepared to relocate into a modern, secure concrete building in 1919. Simultaneously, its leadership funded substantial new local construction projects that greatly accelerated the economic growth and future prospects of Del Rey.