Henry Hamlin, the bank's founder opened the Hamlin Exchange Office in 1863, the same year President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the National Banking Act, which set up a network of national banks.

The first bank was located in Hamlin's store, a building on the corner of Church and main streets, Smethort.  That structure was owned and built by Henry Hamlin and his uncle, Byron Hamlin, in 1857.

In 1874, Henry Hamlin, retired from his mercantile business to devote his time to the bank.

Twenty-five years after it was built, the bank's building was lost in a fire which started in the Bennett House and spread across the street.

THE BANK continued to do business by locating in carious stores in the community.

With the oil business in the county increasing, it became necessary to move into a larger building.  In 1886, the bank's present home was completed at a construction cst of $15,000.

In 1897, the founder's son , Orlo J. Hamlin, joined his father at the bank.  The nam was changed to the Banking Office of Henry hamlin and Son.

The Hamlin Bank and Trust Co. was incorporated and received its state charter on March 17, 1902.

In 1922, the bank once again outgrew its space, and business was moved cross the street to the imperial Hotel temporarily while the main office was remodeled.  Another expansion of the facility, including more office space, conference rooms and additional parking, took place last year.

In 1962, when the bank was 99, it purchased the Mt. Jewett National Bank.  One year later, the Kane Bank and Trust Co. was acquired, and in 1984, t First National Bank of Eldred was purchased.

THE BANK had only three presidents during its first 100 years:  Henry Hamlin, founder; Orlo Hamlin, his son; and O. Albert Johnson, who held the office from 190 to 1969.

In 1969, Robert A. Digel was elected president of the bank, a post he held through 185.  mr. Digel had begun his association with the bank in 1922, and was a vice president when he assumed the president's job.  He remains with the bank as chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer.

Richard Brown was elected president of the bank in 1985, and continues in that capacity.

The current board of directors of the bank are Mr. Digel, Mr. Brown, Charles Bell, Charles Crockett, Robert A. Digel Jr., William Grow, Noble W. Hill, J.M. Hamlin Johnson, Frederick F. Loop, hamlin D. Redfield and Lawrence M. Woods.