Centier Museum

The original Vault Door can be found in the vault, located in the South East corner of the museum.

Original vault door from Centier Bank’s first location at 1738 119th Street.

This composition of women who trailblazed the path of the Bank and also middle America can be found in the entry foyer.

Carolina Wustenfelt was among the first families in the Whiting-Robertsdale area. She and her husband, Henry Sr., had six children. She managed their general store and provided goods and services for the growing community and visitors passing through.

Her contributions allowed Henry time to work on therailroad and focus on his community leadership.

Lois Coffin was born in Crown Point and married Walter Sr., in 1909. She supported her husband throughout his political career as Mayor of Whiting for four consecutive terms. Together, they raised three children, Genevie, Virginia, and Walter Jr.

Doris Schrage began her career at Bank of Whiting as Walter Sr.’s Executive Assistant. An alumna of the University of Illinois, she was very involved in day-to-day business and was so knowledgeable that she essentially ran the Bank after Walter Sr.’s passing. This led her to working with Wally Schrage, whom she assisted in managing the Bank and carrying on the family legacy. They married in 1944 and had two children, Pat and Mike.

Pat Burgess is one of Wally and Doris’ two children, has been supportive in her brother Mike’s roles as chairman, CEO, and president of the Bank for the past five decades. She focused her career on teaching and raising three children of her own. Pat’s commitment to the Bank has been unwavering and has supported the family business through some turbulent times. Her loyalty to the Bank supports the family’s “Not For Sale” promise.

Jill Schrage is a member of the Bank’s Marketing Department for nearly 30 years. She plans many of the Bank’s associate events, manages the Quarter Century Club, selects art and décor for branches, and devotes her time and talents to philanthropic engagements. Jill has worked side-by-side with her husband, Mike, to nurture and grow Centier’s corporate culture. She takes great joy in working alongside her daughters, Laura, Melissa, and Stephanie to support bank and community projects.

Located inside the vault, this safe was made by the Victor Safe & Lock Co. in 1904.

Produced in Cincinnati, OH, this safe has an estimated weight of 3,000 pounds.

The Victor Safe & Lock Co. dates back to the 1880s, and catered to a growing demand for small, secure safes used by lawyers, doctors, clergymen, and more.

Located on the South Wall, this arch framed the entryway into the original Bank of Whiting building.

The original location of Bank of Whiting was down 119th Street, closer to the railroad tracks and lakefront. Henry and Caroline Schrage's general store and post office were on of the earliest businesses, and central to the town of Whiting.

When Henry founded the Bank in 1895, it was the first bank established in the town. When the original building was torn down in the 1980s, new owner Edward Korosi preserved the arch.

Withstanding more than 125 years, this relic is a community treasure for Whiting.