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Bonita's first bank had assets topping $20 million 30 years ago this week, a milestone for First National Bank of Bonita Springs.

"In the first three months of this year, our deposits increased approximately $3.5 million," said John Raney, bank president.

First National opened in Bonita Springs in 1963 with $275,000 in original capital.

In 1971, the bank doubled the size of its building at Old 41 and Bonita Beach Road and added modern drive-through services. Officials planned to open a branch facility in San Carlos Park by early 1977.

In addition to Raney, the bank boasted several experienced professionals. David Edge, who had been with the bank since 1968, was vice president of operations. Rick Camp served as vice president of the lending area. Josephine Hogue was the cashier and Howard McIntosh was the loan officer. The bank had a staff of 22 people, with a payroll output of about $225,000 annually.

Another local institution that was growing was the Bonita Springs Water System Inc., now known as Bonita Springs Utilities. The water board voted that week to proceed with phase three of an expansion program. That plan included six new wells, a 2-million capacity storage tank for treated water, a lime slaker and a silo to store bulk lime. The expansion was being financed through a loan from the Farmers Home Administration.

Banner readers met a homegrown son in that issue of the paper. Byron Liles, then 32, was profiled along with his 26-year-old wife, Linda. As owners of Byron Liles Insurance Agency, they enjoyed serving people and making a difference in their community.

"We thoroughly enjoy our business," said Byron. "It's not a tangible product, but we enjoy working with people. It is a real reward in seeing people financially secure where they might not be otherwise.

Outside of work, Byron and brother Alan were building a religious retreat on 25 acres east of town. They planned a 2½ acre lake surrounded by a chapel and camp sites.

Linda and sister-in-law Iris were involved in a Christian singing group called the Shiloh Singers that performed for churches and clubs.

At the Trail Drive-In, Robert Redford was starring in "All the President's Men" and Joseph Cotton had top billing in "Doomsday Voyage."