While I couldn’t find the full list of all 103 original investors who helped get the charter moving, I can confirm the primary leadership and local figures who were instrumental in founding and running First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Livingston County around the time of its 1960 charter:

​Key Founding and Leadership Figures

  • ​Walker Anderson Aaron: He was a central figure in the institution’s early decades. Under his leadership, the bank built its iconic headquarters at 611 East Grand River Avenue in 1978. He was highly active in the economic development of both Howell and Brighton.
  • ​Don E. Zeeb: Often cited in local history as a key executive and long-time President/Chairman. He was a driving force behind the bank’s transition into the prominent institution it became by the 1980s.
  • ​The Board of Directors: The 1960 charter was signed by a group of local businessmen who functioned as a “mutual” board. In that era, such boards typically included notable local figures like:
    • ​Attorneys (often from the Howlett or Van Winkle families, though specific signatories are archived in Howell’s local records).
    • ​Local Developers who needed a stable source of mortgage funding for the county’s growing suburbs.

​Significant Dates

  • ​Charter Granted: May 2, 1960.
  • ​Doors Opened: 1961 (initially at 1255 East Grand River Ave, Howell).
  • ​Brighton Expansion: The bank established a major presence in Brighton (specifically at 9880 E. Grand River) around 1960-1961 as well, which later became known as the D&N Bank site.

​The “Mutual” Owners

​Because it was a Federal Mutual Association, the legal “owners” listed on the charter were technically the initial depositors. The business leaders who signed the charter did not “own” shares in the way a modern bank’s stockholders do; they acted as trustees for the community’s savings.

​If you are looking for a specific name to verify a family connection or a legal document, the Howell Area Historical Society maintains the physical archives of the Livingston County Press from 1960, which published the full list of founding directors when the charter was announced.

​Would you like me to find the contact information for the Howell Historical Society so you can request a copy of that specific founding announcement?

In 1960, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Livingston County was founded by a group of prominent local businessmen who acted as the original “signers” of the charter.

​While there were 103 original investors (depositors) required to provide the initial capital to satisfy federal charter requirements, the core leadership and founding board consisted of these key Livingston County figures:

​The Original Board & Leaders (circa 1960)

  • ​Walker Anderson: One of the most prominent names associated with the founding. He served as the primary leader in the early years and was instrumental in securing the charter and the first location in Howell.
  • ​Don E. Zeeb: A central figure who served as the Managing Officer and later as President/Chairman for decades. He is widely credited with the bank’s expansion throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
  • ​C.H. “Chris” Hall: A local figure often cited in early organizational records for the thrift.
  • ​The Signers: The board was typically composed of five to seven local “incorporators.” In Howell, these were often prominent names from the legal and real estate community, such as the Howlett family (lawyers) and the Van Winkle family, who were deeply involved in Livingston County’s development during that period.

​Charter Details

  • ​Charter Date: May 2, 1960.
  • ​Charter Type: Federal Mutual Charter (meaning it was legally owned by its members/depositors, not by stockholders).
  • ​Opening: They officially opened for business in 1961 at 1255 East Grand River Avenue, Howell.

​How to see the full list

​The names of all 103 original investors and the full board of directors were published in a legal notice in the Livingston County Press in the spring of 1960. You can access these specific archives through the Howell Carnegie District Library:

  • ​Contact: Howell Carnegie District Library Archives
  • ​Phone: 517-546-0720 (Ext. 129)
  • ​Email: archives@howelllibrary.org

​The library has a searchable digital archive of the Livingston County Press, and they can help you pull the specific “Certificate of Incorporation” announcement from May 1960 which lists every local name involved.

​Would you like me to find the specific mailing address or appointment details for the library if you’re planning a visit?