Merkel Landis (January 5, 1875 – September 28, 1960) was an American lawyer and banker. A native resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he was the treasurer and president of Carlisle Trust Company in Pennsylvania. He used his banking talents to help organize several banks and was president of a district of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He used his legal talents to govern and direct community organizations. Landis started the Christmas club savings program, now used by many banks nationwide. Starting with an idea from men working at a local factory, Landis made a system for the general public to develop a savings account with a yearly payout. This club concept involved depositing a small amount of each week's income into a bank account that was paid interest. The totaled accumulated amount then could be withdrawn in December for Christmas gifts. Early life and education Landis was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on January 5, 1875, to John B. Landis and Barbara Merkel Landis. He grew up and lived his childhood on North College Street. Landis attended the local Carlisle public schools and graduated from Carlisle High School in 1891. He then went to the Dickinson Preparatory School before entering Dickinson College. He started at the college in 1892 for a four-year degree of Bachelor of Philosophy and graduated in 1896. He then worked at the Carlisle Deposit Bank as a clerk for about a year. Landis then went back to Dickinson School of Law to get his law degree. He passed the Cumberland County Bar exam and was admitted on June 5, 1899. Mid life and career Landis entered the field of banking in 1901 and started working for Merchant's Bank. It was incorporated and renamed Carlisle Trust Company in 1905 and he become their treasurer. He remained in this position for many years. He became their president in 1921 and held that position until he retired in 1937. Landis helped organize banks in York Springs, Landisburg, Blain and Millerstown, Pennsylvania. He also served as president of a district of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. Landis was the last surviving member of the businessmen who became the governing board of the Carlisle Hospital in 1916. He also was among the organizers of the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce. Landis was an organizer of the Carlisle Community Chest and its first president. He received the first Khwanis Club award for distinguished service to the community.