Doland
This afternoon I ventured to Doland, South Dakota. A city with less than three hundred residents, it feels like a page from the past. There is a tiny library, a hair salon, a bar and grill, and a bank. The Wells Fargo Bank holds a friendly staff, large, hardwood desks, and well-worn marble countertops at the teller windows. Trent and I have worked together on his family’s farm over the last couple of summers. Today we ventured north of the farm to Doland. We enjoyed lunch at the Bar and Grill, and had some fun at the bank.
Where in the world can you show up with eighty dollars in change and have pleasant conversation with the teller who will help you count it? The answer: Doland, South Dakota.
The electronic PIN pad was largely in the way. Who needs technology when there is good conversation and a grooved piece of wood for sorting? The well-used board sitting next to the mouse is a very simple tool. It never needs re-booting, isn’t prone to getting a virus from the internet, and needs no batteries.
With a swift hand, Donna slides the pennies into the wrapper.
Trent and I spent over an hour in the bank. We talked with the tellers, we counted change, and I opened a savings account. There’s a relaxed way of life here that’s mellow and sweet. There are automated change counting machines at other banks that can count out a large jar of pennies in a matter of seconds. I’ve used them. I drove past one on my way to Doland. Why would I drive 30 miles to sort change, when there’s a Wells Fargo less than a mile from where I live? Because the change counting machine doesn’t know my name.
This feels like a historic event, and in some way, I guess it is. The bank in Doland is closing down the end of April. The grocery store next door has already shut down, and the school has been converted into apartments. Small town life is changing, it feels like it’s getting smaller.
In the coming years I can drive through any Wells Fargo bank nationwide and make a deposit to my savings account. I can transfer funds on-line. A world of modern conveniences awaits me. The only thing missing will be the stately, antique fixtures and the black marble countertops. And. . .the friendly folks who are kind enough to count out change and discuss local happenings.
The Doland Wells Fargo branch closes the end of April. The town folk have that on their mind. Trent and I were not the only customers who brought in change today. We were the fourth counting session, and were briefly interrupted by a young man who returned to claim his empty penny jar.
Have a jar filled with change? Take it to Doland and count it out with Donna. It’s worth the drive.
Fun Fact: Doland is the home of Hubert H. Humphrey.
