The History
In 1920, First National Bank opened its doors on Main Avenue in Brookings. The bank changed ownership and names a few times before becoming the Northwestern National Bank in 1930.

In the fall of 1938, Brookings county authorities were baffled by the robbery of the Corn Exchange Bank in Elkton, South Dakota. The robbers, Ben and Stella Mae Dickson had eluded police and planned their next heist in nearby Brookings. On October 31, 1938, assistant manager, John Torsey was opening for business when he found Ben armed with a sawed-off shotgun and revolver. Once Ben had gained access, Stella joined the heist. The pair held up the bank for two and a half hours while they waited for the timed locks on the safe to disengage. They escaped with 75 pounds of loot - totalling $30,000. Eventually their luck ran out and the duo, then public enemies one and two were caught in Missouri in the summer of 1939.

The Northwestern National Bank moved in 1972 to 6th and Main to eventually become Wells Fargo while the old bank building became, in 1973, the Ram.

The Restaurant
Open daily Monday through Saturday at 4 PM, the Ram features certified angus steaks, award winning burgers and pastas.