Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Mendocino, CA

Judging by the exterior of this 120 year old Mendocino Lodge No. 179, this historic establishment is a well-preserved remnant of California's bygone era. Originally constructed between 1866 and 1903 as a local Masonic Lodge, the structure is adorned with a sculpture upon a cupola. The carving, rendered from a solid piece of indigenous redwood, was created by Erick Albertson, a Dane who likely migrated to California from the state of Maine. Albertson became a local laborer, then later rose to the occasion of becoming First Master of Mendocino's Masonic Lodge, before sadly dying at age 37. The statue is an impressive, longstanding rendition of, "Time and the Maiden", a complex Masonic interpretation symbolizing how “time, patience and perseverance will accomplish all things."

A very quaint building that's kept immaculately clean and furnished very tastefully had me instantly feeling comfortable. Several tellers looked over at me and acknowledged me with a nod or smile as I waited, which was appreciated. Sadly the teller who ended up helping me showed none of that attention to social courtesy, and instead actively avoided addressing me directly as much as possible; I was only aware of the progress on my request through overhearing them speaking with colleagues for the just under 20 minutes it took to complete. In the end I can't complain and award four stars without hesitation, since what they lacked in charm they more than made up for in competence and diligence, and I left having accomplished everything that had brought me there. Normally I'm not even that chatty, but the warmth of the other tellers had me grabbing the shifter and putting it in "Smile & Banter" mode at first, then doing a lot of revving in neutral while enjoying the plush seat I'd been offered in silence. I'll take it any day over a friendly moron, though! 😉