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National Bank Notes > North Dakota

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Drake, First NB, 12393
Fr. 609 $5 1902PB
Grade: PMG VF 20    

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This bank was a late charter and the second national bank for the town. While the other bank is unreported, this bank now has four large notes reported with the addition of this example, which is likely the best of the four known. The bank issued only $5 notes, including 6,247 sheets, since it opened in June 1923. Faint stamped signatures of Olaf A. Refling, President and another Refling as cashier. Drake, McHenry County, is in the Minot metro area; the population was 275 at the 2010 census. The community was founded in 1899 at the junction of the Devils Lake-Max and Valley City-Minot lines of the Soo Line Railroad. The community was named for Herman Drake, the original homesteader of the townsite. The post office was established September 15, 1902 with Henry R. W. Bentley as Postmaster. The village incorporated in 1906, and became a city in 1916; it reached a peak population of 831 in 1950. In 1973, the Drake school board ordered books considered obscene including Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut and Deliverance by James Dickey assigned to be confiscated and burned in 1973. The resulting national controversy surrounding burning resulted in an out of court settlement including permission for it to be taught to the high school juniors and seniors.

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