1 of 5

The old Home Federal building on Fountain Square in the heart of downtown Middlesboro. (Photos submitted)

The staff and leadership of the bank gathered for a ribbon cutting when the institution officially rebranded and changed its name to Hearthside Bank.

Construction on the Home Federal Bank building on Cumberland Avenue that is the current home of Hearthside Bank.

One of the old Home Federal branches.

Home Federal, now Hearthside Bank, expanded into New Tazewell in the mid 1990s and now Hearthside Bank has locations there as well as Jacksboro, Harrogate and Knoxville along with Middlesboro and Harlan in Kentucky.

For over a century, Hearthside Bank has been a cornerstone of financial stability and growth in the communities it serves. Established in 1920 as the Peoples Building and Loan Association in Middlesboro, Kentucky, the bank has evolved alongside the region, adapting to the changing needs of its customers while maintaining a steadfast commitment to service and integrity.

What began as a modest financial institution with a focus on dependability grew into a federally chartered bank in 1961 under the name Home Federal Bank. By 1975, the bank had expanded beyond Middlesboro, opening a second location in Harlan, Kentucky. As the financial industry progressed, Home Federal Bank transitioned into a stockholder-owned institution in 1992, allowing for further growth and modernization. This expansion extended into Tennessee in the mid-1990s with the opening of the New Tazewell branch, strengthening the bank’s presence in both states.

The early 2000s marked continued development, with a full-service branch opening in Jacksboro, Tennessee, in 2003. Recognizing the growing needs of the Harrogate and Lincoln Memorial University communities, another branch was built in 2010, strategically located across from LMU’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2016, the bank established its first Loan Production Office in Knoxville, which later transitioned into a full-service branch in Farragut in 2024.

In 2021, as the institution celebrated more than 100 years of service, it underwent a rebranding, changing its name to Hearthside Bank. The new name was chosen to reflect the warmth, trust, and family-style atmosphere that the bank has always provided. While the name evolved, the core values remained unchanged—integrity, customer service, and community commitment.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Hearthside Bank remains dedicated to offering personalized banking solutions that meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. With a customer-first approach and a deep connection to the communities it serves, the bank continues to build lasting relationships while adapting to the ever-changing industry.

Looking ahead, Hearthside Bank is positioned to serve future generations with the same dedication that has defined it for more than a century. With a strong foundation, a legacy of trusted leadership, and a vision for continued growth, the bank remains a vital part of the region’s financial future.

At Hearthside Bank, the philosophy remains unchanged, “Always Within Reach”.

Hearthside Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

More News

Pine Mountain State Resort Park continues to spark local economy over 100 years after its start

Chu-Con is now MidSouth Power Services

Middleton honored at Sweet 16 for his work in radio, television

Elks Lodge #119 partners with FOS and Lighthouse Ministries to distribute pet food