CARTHAGE, N.Y. -- It's a big birthday for one of the biggest mainstays in the Jefferson County Village of Carthage. Carthage Federal Savings & Loan celebrated its 120th anniversary Wednesday.

The bank started serving the Jefferson County area in 1888 and has survived two World Wars, the Great Depression and several financial disasters, including the current one.

One hundred or so community leaders and bank users filled the lobby for the party. The theme was from the movie “It's a Wonderful Life," representing the local bank's big role in the community.

"We've had an awful lot of people over the years call us the George Bailey Bank of Northern New York. We consider that very much a compliment. I know Seneca Falls may consider itself the actual true inspiration, however there's a lot of little George Bailey banks out there if you just look around,” said Thomas Piche, CFSL President & CEO.

Carthage Federal Savings & Loan also has branches in Watertown and Clayton.