Retiring banker leaves mark on community, profession
Staff reporter
Elora Robinson has seen many changes in her 38 years at Marion National Bank, and nearly 50 years in the banking business.
When Robinson began her career at Marion National Bank in 1967, women were housewives, secretaries, and nurses.
At that time, Elora Robinson fit into the category as secretary to then-president Matt Classen.
When banker Boyce Bumgardtner left the bank, Robinson said she was given more responsibilities such as completing reports and other bank paperwork.
Even by the late 1970s, women often were overlooked in positions of authority. However, in Robinson's case, her abilities were recognized, and she was promoted to assistant vice president of the bank.
Customers and employees came to know Robinson as a consummate professional, and caring person.
"I started doing loans at that time," Robinson recalled. She enjoyed helping people and liked being able to assist people with financial services.
Her quiet leadership and banking abilities led bank officials in the early 1990s to promote her to her current positions of vice president and cashier.
Prior to her affiliation with Marion National Bank, Robinson started in the banking business straight out of high school in 1956.
"My first job was in Elmdale with 'Slats' Dawson," Robinson said. She left the Elmdale bank in 1958 when her oldest son, Bob, was born.
She worked part-time at Florence and Cedar Point banks while her children were young.
"I came to Marion National Bank when my daughter, Melissa, was three," Robinson said.
The banking business has changed over the years, Robinson said. Modern technology has replaced hands-on.
Since the savings and loan problems of the 1980s and events of Sept. 11, 2001, banking regulations have changed, and that has changed small town banking.
Robinson adapted to the changes and continued to provide professional, quality service to her customers.
"Everything used to be done by hand," Robinson said. "We used to handle checks three times; now we don't even see them anymore."
During her career, Robinson was busy raising three children. Her children reside nearby — Bob lives in Marion, Mike in Hutchinson, and Melissa in Shawnee.
Her two granddaughters are her pride and joy, and she looks forward to spending more time with Hannah, 10, and Elora, 3.
A vacation in 2006 to Australia with her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Bruce McCallum of Manhattan, is being planned, Robinson said.
Not one to be idle, Robinson is looking forward to doing the activities she enjoys and remaining active in the community.
"I've got a new set of golf clubs that needs to be broken in," Robinson said with a smile. She said she also likes to sew, read, quilt, and do volunteer work.
"It's been fun," Robinson said, reflecting on her successful career. "It has been especially gratifying to make loans to the children of the people I've helped over the years."
Current bank president Jim Hefley said he has appreciated Robinson's professionalism.
"It has truly been a privilege to work with a professional banker of Elora's caliber," Hefley said. "She has helped to build Marion and Marion County.
"This bank and community are better because of Elora," Hefley said.
