Biography of Harold J. Englehardt
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Biography of Harold Englehardt
Harold J. Englehardt lived in Lowell, Michigan for most of his life. He was born the youngest of five children in Frankenmuth on December 13, 1900. After briefly attending Ferris State College and working at a bank in Merrill, Michigan, Harold traveled to Lowell in 1922 to accept a bank cashier's position at the Lowell State Bank.
The stock market crash closed the bank in 1929. Harold purchased the Lowell Granite Company in 1930, but he also went to work to raise capital and organize investors for a new bank. He was successful, and in 1934 it opened under the name "State Savings Bank." Harold continued to operate his business for many years while lending his expertise to the bank as a board member. In 1960 he accepted the position of bank president, and eventually sold the Lowell Granite Company to a long-time employee.
Harold's concern for the well being of the community extended to helping stimulate commerce in business and agriculture, and providing funds for several local capital improvement programs. During his long and successful banking career, he helped many people achieve their dreams of home ownership. If someone didn't have a home, Harold at least saw to it that they had food. During the Great Depression, he sent many homeless individuals to Lou Racine's restaurant for a hot meal, paying the bill weekly.
In his personal life, Harold was devoted to his wife, Mildred. The couple did not have children.
Mr. and Mrs. Englehardt both had a special interest in quality education. Of all areas supported by the Lowell Area Community Fund, Mr. Englehardt most ardently supported education. The Englehardts established several scholarship opportunities for Lowell area students. They also donated $380,000 toward the new Lowell library, which was named in their honor in 1997.
Harold Englehardt died in April 1997 at the age of 96.
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