About Us

The story of Chessie the Cat and Chessie Federal Credit Union is a fascinating journey that spans nearly a century, beginning with a simple yet powerful image of a sleeping kitten and evolving into a trusted financial institution.

The Birth of Chessie the Cat

Chessie first made her appearance in a 1933 advertisement for the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway. The ad, published in Fortune magazine, featured a black-and-white image of a sleeping kitten with the slogan “Sleep Like a Kitten.” Though the kitten was not named at the time, the image became an instant success.

Building on this popularity, C&O decided to print 40,000 calendars featuring Chessie (named after the railroad's name) in 1934. The calendars quickly sold out, proving the kitten’s appeal and setting the stage for Chessie to become the official mascot of the railroad.

The Birth of Chessie Federal Credit Union

While Chessie the Cat was growing in popularity, a different kind of institution was taking shape. In 1948, nine men in Cumberland, Maryland, pooled their resources to create the Cumberland B&O Employees Federal Credit Union. With just $65 in initial deposits, they received a federal charter on January 21, 1948.

As the credit union grew, the need for a dedicated office became clear. In 1952, it moved to its first official location on Harrison Street. 

The Evolution of Chessie

In 1964, the C&O/B&O Railroads filed for permission to acquire the Western Maryland Railway. Less than a decade later, in 1973, the C&O officially renamed itself the Chessie System, adopting the name of its beloved mascot. That same year, the credit union followed suit, changing its name to Chessie Employees Federal Credit Union to align with the railroad.

The Chessie System later merged with Seaboard Coast Line Industries in 1980 to form CSX Corporation. The name “CSX” reflected the combination of Chessie (C) and Seaboard (S), with the “X” symbolizing the unification of the two companies.

Growth and Expansion

The credit union continued to expand over the years. In 1987, a merger with Sacred Heart Hospital Federal Credit Union brought in over 1,000 new members. The following year, another merger with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 27 Federal Credit Union added more than 2,000 members.

By 1998, Chessie purchased a three-lane drive-thru from First Federal Savings Bank, allowing it to offer full-service banking in Downtown Cumberland. That same year, the institution officially became Chessie Federal Credit Union.

The 21st century brought even more growth. In 2013, Chessie purchased the former Blue Cross/Blue Shield building at 15 Commerce Drive in Cumberland, establishing its Corporate Office. In 2020, the credit union merged with Al-Gar Federal Credit Union, adding 3,000 new members. Another major merger in 2021 with Kelco Federal Credit Union brought in an additional 3,000 members and added a new branch at 321 Greene Street in Downtown Cumberland.

Chessie Today

As of 2025, Chessie Federal Credit Union serves 34,000 members and manages $435 million in assets. With eight branch locations across Cumberland, LaVale, and Frostburg, Maryland, as well as Grafton and Keyser, West Virginia, Chessie continues to grow while staying true to its mission of serving its members.

From a simple kitten in a railroad ad to a thriving financial institution, Chessie has remained a symbol of trust, growth, and community for nearly a century.