Here I am again, back on Main St. of Saguache, in the 30’s. From the Dec. 21, 1988 “Smoke Signals", The Saguache County National Bank Building has always been the site of a bank. It was the Saguache County Bank for 16 years and after 1927, when it consolidated with the First National Bank of Saguache, it became the Saguache County National Bank.

From the time of my first recollections, E. G. (Gordon) Gotthelf was president of the Saguache County National Bank. I believe he served in this capacity until shortly before he and his wife (Agnes) moved to Denver in 1959. Gordon Gotthelf was also president of Gotthelf Investment Co. and one of the office rooms of the bank also served as headquarters for this family corporation. Back in those days, folks did not hop around and change jobs, as is the case today. Gordon Gotthelf, Wm. Boyd, Herbert Hazard and Mabel Redhead are the people who I remember as maintaining a very solvent bank during the depression years. (I must not forget my friend, Tom Shoji who shoveled the sidewalks and handled the janitorial duties.

After WWII our little town was going strong - we had a population of approximately 1200 citizens. At that time, I recall some other employees of the bank were Noma Hawker, Doris Kay, Nellit (Lockett) Hammel. (I have probably overlooked some).

In my opinion, Mabel Redhead, was some kind of an angel - can you imagine your banker calling you, and maybe even putting her own money in your account so you wouldn’t be overdrawn? Mabel did this!

Sally and I moved away in 1955 and were gone from Saguache for 20 years. Sometime after we moved away, the bank was sold and before long there was trouble in “River City.” The problem was solved, but some good folks got “scorched”.  Since that time, the bank has changed hands several times and it is presently Vectra Bank-Colorado.

Several years ago, Lou Baughman did extensive remodeling on this sturdy old building. Underneath the modern paneling and carpeting there still remains some beautiful tile work. I think it is great that Saguache has not gone crazy with the wrecking hammers.