91 We share with his widow and son, his family and friends the sorrow that comes from his death, and we offer them our abiding sympathy in the hour of their bereavement. Mr. Floyd L. McWilliams, Sr. was hired on March 10, 1949 to replace Mr. Keller. Mr. McWilliams was from Toms Brook and began his banking career at Toms Brook Bank in 1925. He was the Assistant Cashier and Assistant Trust Officer of the Massanutten Bank of Strasburg, Virginia, having worked there since 1931. Mr. McWilliams had experience in all departments of the bank and was unanimously elected to the position. Mr. McWilliams was a member of the Spurmont Lodge No. 98 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and was their Past Master and Secretary for 10 years. $50 was contributed during 1949 to Enders Fire Co toward the purchase of a new fire truck to be used principally for country fires. Mr. Potts reported the largest volume of business in its history at the January 12, 1950 stockholders meeting. “The Bank’s surplus, undivided profits and other reserve accounts now exceed four times the bank’s capital stock. The Bank made its largest number of loans in 1949. Because of the merger with Boyce State Bank, Bank of Clarke County is in a better position to supply the financial needs of its customers than at any time since its organization in 1881.” He urged stockholders to recommend their friends to the trust department in the settlement of estates and all fiduciary capacities. The stockholders adopted a resolution expressing appreciation to President/Cashier Potts who completed 15 years of service during which time the bank’s resources increased from ½ to in excess of 2-1/2 million dollars. On July 6th of that year, Mr. Potts requested to be relieved of his Cashier position to give consideration to the promotion of other officers and employees. Mr. McWilliams was promoted to Cashier. Mr. Edmunds, his training period having expired, was promoted to Assistant Cashier. In consideration of Miss Webb’s “splendid service to the bank”, she was given the title of Assistant Cashier and became the “first woman officer of the bank.” However, the promotion was qualified by the Board with the statement “this recognition was not to be construed to be a change in the Director’s policy of employing men as officers.” Miss Wisecarver was designated Head Teller. The following month Mrs. Elaine F. Moore, who had considerable banking experience, was hired for “an indefinite period of time.” In October of 1950, Bank of Clarke County made the decision to close all future real estate loans at the bank. Mr. A. Garland Williams was officially designated as the Bank’s attorney. The January 1951 stockholders’ meeting saw the re-institution of a buffet lunch following the meeting. Bank of Clarke County’s 1st dealer paper was recorded on February 8, 1951 when Clarke County Motors received a line of credit for the purpose of discounting their customers’ notes bearing their endorsement. On July 21, 1951, Mr. Potts was stricken with partial paralysis and his condition was described as “guarded.” This setback caused him to take a leave of absence.