Hummelstown Historical Society has unveiled a new exhibit, "Take It to the Bank," in the History House, 32 W. Main St. The exhibit is open on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

The exhibit was inspired by the donation of the Spire Safe by Nancy Chubb. The safe is from the original Spire Electric store on Main Street. Upon the retirement of Henry Spire, ownership transferred to Harold Chubb, but he kept the store's name.

The exhibit celebrates past banking and financial operations in Hummelstown. In addition to the safe, it includes vintage photographs and memorabilia.

Before online banking, brick-and-mortar banks provided checking accounts, savings account, Christmas accounts, and loans. The opening of the bank's drive-in window was a major event for customers and foreshadowed the future popularity of drive-ins for retailing and eating. The Farmers Bank and Trust, today M&T Bank, and the Hummelstown National Bank, now Fulton Bank, were the two town banks, but the earliest known bank was in the Hummel stone house on the square. Local businesses also provided financial services. At Spire Electric, one could purchase a stove after signing a note agreeing to pay on time.

For more information, call the historical society at 717-566-6314.