Minnesota's Myth?

By Dennis Waller

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.)