Building 41331 turns 100 years old, Credit Union hosts celebration

Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- The American Southwest Credit Union hosted a centennial celebration Aug. 8 for the building they operate in, Building 41331, which has been home to a variety of tenants throughout the years.

The building was originally constructed in July 1917 as a radio station at a cost of $2,833. The building also functioned as a Western Union telegraph office. In the early 1950's, the building briefly operated as a church (Baptist Mission) before becoming a bank operated by the First National Bank of Arizona. An agreement between American Southwest Credit Union and the U.S. Army to operate a credit union on post was entered in 2007.

Jennifer Martin, American Southwest Credit Union marketing director, said that "back in 1917, it was one of the few first buildings here on post. It then had additions that were added to it as different occupants came through and the post grew." Martin explained that "with each new entity that came in the building, additions and changes were made so the building could grow.

Martin said the American Southwest Credit Union branch was celebrating the centennial by "having a ribbon cutting with the Chamber [of Commerce] and [Fort officials]. We are cutting a nice beautiful cake. We are giving tours, we have some beautiful safes. We have a beautiful vault that was built, you just don't see doors like that anymore."

Martin thanked the Fort Huachuca Museum for sharing some archival photos and information about Building 41331 over the years.

"We are telling some of the history from the museum," she said. "They have been kind enough to donate photos and pictures of the people who worked here as well as the building and the changes over time."

"If these walls could talk," joked Col. Whit Wright, Fort Huachuca garrison commander. "I just want to thank the entire team here for the great partnership. It's pretty meaningful to be here celebrating a building that has so much history, so much legacy in supporting the Army. There have been multiple partners that have been here through the years. We are all proud to come be part of this special day."

Rick Mueller, City of Sierra Vista mayor, said he found the history component interesting.

"I was looking for a picture that was between '51 or '52 when my folks were here way back when, and the closest we got to that was one from when this was a Baptist missionary center," Mueller said.

Members of the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce, the garrison commander, employees of American Southwest Credit Union and area volunteers cut the ribbon and enjoyed cake and tours of the building, included photographs and informational displays about the history of Building 41331.