In 1934 is when First Federal Savings & Loan was founded

It first opened on the corner of Central and Tennessee Avenues

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- First Federal Saving and Loan opened in Lafollette in April 1934 on the second floor of the ADRO building, later called the Riggs Building on the corner of Central and Tennessee Avenues.

In January 1940, it moved to the back of the Lafollette Hardware Company on West Central Avenue. Back then. the hardware was beside the first First National Bank building.

In 1941, it moved to 108 South Tennessee Avenue opposite of the Russell Hotel, now where Russell Tower sits.

The next move was to the Lawson building at 107 West Central Avenue. This is the location of today’s picture. 

In June 1970, First Federal moved one door up to 109 West Central Ave., the former location of Walters Funeral Home. This building was owned by Mrs. Mattie Miller.

In October 1976, construction began on their new location, the land where the Lafollette High School and later the Lafollette Jr high stood.

First Federal Savings and Loan moved into this new building in September 1977. 

Today, this is the location of the new Lafollette McDonald’s.

On a side note, in 1952 First Federal Savings and Loan planned to share the Masonic Lodge 623 F & A. M. building. First Federal would have been on the ground floor and the lodge on the second floor. This plan never developed. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-10/30/2025-6AM)