Celebrating Community and Legacy: Port Washington State Bank Donates to Schowalter Park

In celebration of 125 years in business, Port Washington State Bank (PWSB) contributed $35,000 to install new playground equipment in Schowalter Park. It is one of five major contributions to county parks in Ozaukee County in honor of the bank’s anniversary. This generous donation underscores the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to enriching the community and honoring family.

Schowalter Park holds a unique and cherished place in the history of both the Schowalter family and PWSB. The land on which the park sits was once the childhood home of Ron Schowalter, the third-generation owner of the bank. Back in 1899, Ron’s grandparents Jacob and Barbara Schowalter purchased a 50-acre farm where the park now stands. Jacob and Barbara had seven children. One of the seven children, James, was born on the land in 1900. In 1930, James and his wife Ludmilla bought the farm, turning it into a homestead for their children: Ruth, Ronald and Robert. Then in 1985, Ron and his mother donated the park as a memorial to the Schowalter family. This personal connection makes the donation even more meaningful, serving as a tribute to the family's longstanding ties to the area and their dedication to fostering community well-being.

The new equipment funded by PWSB’s donation will provide numerous opportunities for children to stay active and engaged.  The updated playground now features a new double-slide structure with a climbing wall, new children-and toddler-sized swings, two sand diggers and a log roller, all designed to promote physical activity and social interaction.

James S. Schowalter, President and COO and fifth-generation owner expressed the bank and family sentiments about the donation: “Schowalter Park is a special place where the earliest days of the Schowalter family are cherished and celebrated now 125 years later. Our family and our family-owned company, Port Washington State Bank, remain committed to Saukville and the greater Ozaukee County area. This gift represents our continued desire to reinvest in the community that has been so supportive of our family.”

The addition of new equipment is a fitting celebration of PWSB’s milestone anniversary, reflecting the bank’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing the local community.

As Port Washington State Bank celebrates its 125th anniversary, the donation to Schowalter Park is a testament to the values that have guided the institution for over a century: community, family, and a dedication to fostering growth and joy for generations to come.