Like most over-hyped slogans,
punch lines and ditties, "Minnesota Nice" may seem like a shirt worn
once too often, but we beg to differ. There is no finer example of niceness
than in the days after a hurricane-strength gale hit the Brainerd area in July,
slamming trees onto roads, homes and major resorts. Neighbors and strangers
were out in force, responding to the super cell storm - pitching in to open many roads and driveways.
Our transition from
Washington State to the lakes area of this fine state has had its challenges,
but not because of Minnesotans. We arrived in frozen March and - late in
unloading - had trouble finding an open restaurant.
Nearing survival mode, we
considered gas station hot pockets until we found an open café. Exhausted
mentally and physically, our relief ended when the waitress said the grill shut
down a half hour ago. Dejectedly walking to our car and backing out, we had our
first nicety. The waitress knocked on our fogged windows. She'd noticed our
weariness and the grill was still warm. It was the best Reuben sandwich ever.
She engaged in small talk
about our move and like most natives, didn't linger or probe. Edna was simply
polite and cordial and we found this typical in outstate (non-urban) Minnesota.
Clerks, attendants, service providers and civic personnel go out of their way
to greet and help - though of course not getting personal.
Paul, the rural mail carrier,
brought a mail overload to our door and welcomed us. The recycling man took
time to chat. The clerks at the local hardware seemed genuinely happy to help
and didn't act like our questions were ridiculous. The people in the police
station (suspected stolen flatware - found) and clerk's office (beach blanket
permit - granted) smiled while explaining policies.
Pete, the cabin care
provider, is responsive, thorough and honest. Our cordial neighbors left cake
at our door. Church folk and members of a fellowship to which we belong are
responsive, never probing.
My wife's first wood tick
bite showed signs of Lyme's disease, but Doc David at Essentia was gentle and
reassuring. When a whitetail deer ran into my car, the auto body and insurance
people worked together easily and efficiently. The pontoon salesman was not at
all pushy.
Minnesotans welcome newcomers
- especially year-around lake residents. At each summer's end our family
gathers from across the country and they'll attest to our views of local
hospitality. Though it could take only one rude clerk or a raging driver to dispel
such a positive stereotype, our minds are made up. Hopefully this stance
enables us to pass along the goodwill.
A friend explains:
"Minnesotans will tell you everything except their names." That
doesn't disqualify them from being Minnesota nice. Is the slogan true? As we locals say,
"youbetcha."
(This article appears in the fall, 2015 issue of The
Bright Side of 50.)
