Fernando Ontiveros, the Bank of Stockton Dixon community branch manager, stands proudly alongside the Pony Express Bronze monument honoring both the bank’s and Dixon’s illustrious history. Photo by Kendall Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Bank of Stockton, 2200 N. First St. opened its 21st Branch in Dixon on Nov. 4, 2024. The organization, originally founded as a community bank in 1867, has survived more than 150 years. The bank celebrated this achievement by installing a bronze sculpted monument to honor it and Dixon’s long-spanning heritage. According to Angela Brusa, the Bank of Stockton’s vice-president/director of marketing, the organization has always greatly respected history.

The Pony Express Bronze, crafted by Scott Rogers of Scott Rogers Sculpting, was installed on Feb. 11. Inspired by Silveyville’s halfway house monument, the 80% life-sized Pony Express Rider, according to Brusa, captures Dixon’s historic contribution connecting the continental East to West due to the California Gold Rush. 

In 1852, during the early years of the Gold Rush, Elijah S. Silvey, of Silveyville fame, built a house and corral along a trail between Benicia and Sacramento called the Halfway House. This structure would accommodate travelers headed to the gold fields. By 1860, when the Pony Express was founded, Silveyville had become a thriving community, making it a designated stop along the route between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento.

 

Fernando Ontiveros, the Bank of Stockton Dixon community branch manager, stands proudly alongside the Pony Express Bronze monument honoring both the bank’s and Dixon’s illustrious history. Photo by Kendall Brown

The Pony Express lasted from April 1860 to October 1861. The introduction of the transcontinental telegraph system led to its end. Similarly, Silveyville evolved into Dicksonville around the same time. The Vaca Valley Railroad needed to run through Thomas Dickson’s land to be completed, so, to accommodate the build, he donated 10 acres of his property, changing the community forever. Eventually, “Dickson” was misprinted as “Dixon” on a freight bill. establishing the community as an official town and the name stuck.

“It’s been wonderful to finally open our doors and do business,” said Brusa. “Initially, we had some challenges opening the branch because we were waiting on some electrical switch plates to arrive and they took a long time to get here. Since we opened, things have been sailing smoothly.”

The organization has respect for history and also future growth. According to Brusa, the Bank of Stockton is committed to bringing customers the latest banking technologies to make banking as easy as possible. Digital banking services are centered around the organization's mobile app which has a mobile deposit functionality. This means patrons can deposit checks with a picture. The app also has features such as security, account, transaction and history alerts, as well as bill pay and Zelle, which includes real-time money transfer capabilities and alerts. 

Moving forward, The Bank of Stockton intends to be a fixture in town.

“We are proud to be a permanent part of Dixon and to bring our brand of banking to the community,” Brusa said. “Our level of personalized service, expertise and responsiveness to your needs is second to none.”