Equitable's history started over 100 years ago, when Charles Pittelkow, a hard working German immigrant fled from the Chicago fire and came to Milwaukee looking for work. Even his boots were destroyed in the fire. He first tried his old-world trade as a mason. Then in 1878 he started his own insurance company, which prospered.

He was a hardworking German immigrant who had come to this country at the age of 17. His insurance business was very successful. He also would make mortgages to new arrivals in this country so they could buy homes. His source of funds was simple. People would bring their savings to "Uncle Honest Charlie," as he was known, for safe keeping until they saved enough to buy steam ship tickets to bring their loved ones over from the Fatherland.

Many times these immigrants came from the old country with one tag of identification labeled "Steerage - Pittelkow - Milwaukee." Upon arrival they somehow found their way to the little office.

He thought it would be advantageous to bring a partner to run the business. Unfortunately, the partner was dishonest and he took the repayments of loans to his own pocket and accounted to no one, except his maker, for he hanged himself.

Charles thought he was ruined, but refused to go through bankruptcy. So he sold all of his assets, as well as those of his wife and paid off every trusting soul. A short time later he took his son, Robert J. Pittelkow, into business with him. Not long after that last debt was paid off, he died at the age of 59 in the year 1912. Robert J. Pittelkow struggled with the now small and overburdened business to support a young wife and a young son who was to be born a year later, as well as a mother and a maiden sister.

In the mid-nineteen twenties, R.J. dreamed of opening a building and loan association, as they were known then, to expand the money lending business portion of the insurance agency. Equitable was formed and commenced business on May 24, 1927.

Robert C. Pittelkow, son of R.J., became president in 1941, and Charles R. Pittelkow, son of Robert C., became president in 1982. In December of 2002, John P. Matter was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of The Equitable Bank then promoted again in 2004 to Chief Executive Officer. Charles Pittelkow remains as the Chairman of the Board. John has been an employee of this bank since 1980, having held numerous positions through the years, most recent, Executive Vice President. During his tenure, the bank has grown not only in size, but in providing superior customer service. The Pittelkow's are proud to have John following their family in the leadership of the bank.

Equitable's primary purpose today is the same as "Uncle Charlie's" business back in the early 1900's, providing a safe, secure place for people to save, and loans for the purpose of purchasing homes.