The 1960s: A Decade of Growth
The 1960s were transformative years for O Bee Credit Union. By the mid-1960s, credit union assets exceeded $1 million, reflecting the economic prosperity of the era. In 1968, O Bee adopted its first data processing system, replacing handwritten ledger cards. This step into automation made it easier to serve members while staying ahead of the times. The decade also saw the retirement of Vi McGill, who worked alongside her husband, founder Ted McGill, for more than 13 years. She was dedicated to the credit union, and integral to O Bee’s early success. Carolyn Caruso, past board president and current board member, stepped in to fill Vi’s role at the credit union in July of 1969. Throughout her career, Carolyn had the unique honor of working with every single CEO, from Ted McGill in 1955 to Andrew Downin today. She has been a mainstay of our organization for more than 70 years.
The 1960s were also a time of cultural and technological revolutions. The Beatles landed in the U.S. in 1964, sparking Beatlemania and changing the music landscape forever. By the decade’s end, Neil Armstrong had taken his famous first steps on the moon, fulfilling President Kennedy’s challenge to land a man on the lunar surface. Back on Earth, the cost of a new car was around $2,750, and families were buying homes for an average of $15,625. Meanwhile, in 1967, the first handheld calculator made math a little easier for everyone.
With its new services like travelers’ checks and student loans, O Bee helped members save for college, plan family vacations, and achieve their financial dreams. By expanding membership to include brewery retirees in 1968, the credit union showed its commitment to keeping the community connected.