In January 1939 Ashe Building and Loan Association received its charter and set up shop in the Parker Tie building in downtown West Jefferson. The shareholders met and elected ten directors, including Glenn B. Graybeal who also acted as Secretary-Treasurer and managed the day-to-day affairs of the building and loan. Twelve years later the Association expanded beyond its initial scope of lending and became Ashe Savings and Loan Association. The year 1964 brought two major changes to the Association. Following Graybeal’s death in July, the directors turned to Ashe County native William O. “Bill” Ashley, Jr. and he accepted the role of managing officer and later director. That same year, Ashe Savings and Loan moved to 205 South Jefferson Avenue, which continues to serve as a branch office today.