The Farmers & Merchants Union Bank in Columbus was the last of Louis Sullivan's eight "Jewel Box"…read morebanks that he designed as his career was winding down. The other Jewel Boxes, scattered around the Midwest, are all still standing. (The Peoples Savings Bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was severely damaged in the Flood of 2008 and is undergoing renovation.) Sullivan, founder of the Prairie School of Architecture and the father of the modern skyscraper, was a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. He coined the phrase "Form follows function." His signature was ornamentation, very evident on this bank, designed to draw the eye upwards. Terra Cotta ornamentation on the cornice are his exclamation point on his design. The Farmers & Merchants Union Bank was founded by John Wheeler in 1861. He chose the name "Union" in honor of Abraham Lincoln and his efforts to preserve the Union. On the cornice of the building is a Terra Cotta eagle, representing Old Abe, the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. The word, "Forward" is cast into the sculpture, it is the motto of the State of Wisconsin. The bank also appears in the 2009 Johnny Depp film "Public Enemies" as a location shot for a John Dillinger bank robbery. (The bank was never held up by Dillinger.)

We walked into this bank not knowing what great service we would receive, just looking for a bank…read morethat would accept us for a car loan. What we found was the kindest heart most loving man on the face of the planet. He not only gave us a loan but became our friend for life. This man is Dave Harle, he is a must see in search of a loan. This man will jump through hoops to get you what you are looking for. If your in search of a compassionate bank with no bs, stop by Farmers and merchants union bank. Even if you must drive and are not from Columbus. Make the road trip. You won't be disappointed.

I love this bank. I've been here multiple times. Everyone is absolutely wonderful. It truly feels…read moreyou and your finances are well taken care of. I have an associated bank very close to my house but I will drive fifteen minutes out of my way to come here. That's how good they treat you here !!!!!!!!!!

From the owner: Associated Bank offers a full range of banking services, financial products, and services --…read moreChecking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Certificates of Deposits, Home Loans, CDs, and more. Bank of the Milwaukee Brewers | Bank of the Green Bay Packers Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

I have been with BLM for almost 20 years. I recently was the victim of fraud and BLM and their…read moreaccount person accused me of the fraud. This happened to me at my other bank as well but they knew right away about this type of fraud and were very good about it. How do you justify sitting in the middle of the lobby telling a 20 year customer that they probably committed this crime themself. I wanted to give a 0 rating but had to pick one.

All around a very great bank for your personal or business needs. Lobby and drivethru hours are…read moreconvenient especially with the late hours on Fridays and a full morning on Saturdays. Bank of Lake Mills is a local bank that combines all of the best attributes of a smaller bank with the sophistication of a larger institution. You are recognized when you come through the door, and employees are always friendly. questions and help can be obtained easily in person or on the phone. Online banking is available and convenient and straightforward. There is typically alot less hassle and paperwork for loans on homes and businesses. Definitely a great business partner at either the Main location in Lake Mills or the Watertown branch.