Pennington County Biographies - Part II These biographies are from "Eastern Pennington County Memories", published by The American Legion Auxilliary, Carrol McDonald Unit, Wall, South Dakota and is uploaded with their kind permission. Pages 57-84 Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net, 1999. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm Dowding Story by Kate Dowding We had been living in Nebraska for several years, and sold out there and bought the John Kloke homestead. We arrived in Wall, May 29, 1913. The day, I believe, that Mr. Goetch was buried. The first person we met was old Mr. Sebade. He asked, "How far out you goin'?" We told him that Klokes was as far as we were going. He said, "That is good, get you some cows, you have a woman there that looks like she can work." Mr. Lewis was running a store. I bought a broom, and some groceries. We stayed that night about where Joe Bielmaire's house is. As we drove toward the promised land, we got in pretty rough country. We stopped, and I went across the canyon to a small house to inquire the rest of the way. The lady of the house saw me coming, and came to meet me. I asked her, how far it was to the John Kloke place. She replied. "See that washing on the line"? I said yes, she said, "about half-a-mile this side of that". That was Mrs. Jack Skinner. We went on, and finally got out half-a-mile this side of that washing. There was a little sod house and stable. Mr. Percy, Glen Percy's father saw us and came down, then Mr. Gus Kloke and Fred (Big Fritz) Walyen came. We put the overjet on the ground and worked all day trying to get things arranged so we could move in the house. Our furniture was in Rapid City. That evening it rained and just poured down. The roof leaked and the overjets were open. We had a tarp in the house. We spread that down where it was driest and slept. Next morning we were trying to dry out and start over, Mr. Heitzenroeder and John Schlodtfelt came along and we were one of the community. One of the first things we discovered was bed bugs. They were there for the rest of the time we lived in that house. We put the bed legs in cans of kerosene, but they crawled up the wall and dropped down on the bed. Our first real job was to build on another room of sod. We turned the sod over, of course, with the plow, cut them off about thirty inches long. They weighed more than I did, but I got them up there just the same. We laid them up brick style with grass clown. Then we plastered the walls inside and out with clay from the hill side. We papered the wall and ceiling, roof in this case, and we had a warm house in winter and a hot one in summer. That flat tar paper roof was hot in the sun. When the roof was on we wanted a chimney. Mr. Lurz had the hardware store. He asked Charley if he wanted a saddle or a flat. Charley didn't know what that meant, but said he wanted a flat, which was what he wanted. We had board floors and mop boards and it was clean. Snakes would get in once in awhile. When Earl was about eight months old I had him in the kitchen with me, sitting on a quilt while I did my morning work. I took him to have his nap, and when I went to the kitchen, there was a big snake coiled just where Earl had been. It was just a bull-snake so was harmless. Doctor Meissrow was our doctor when Earl was born. The McDonnell twins were born about the same time. Every one knew every one so no one was a stranger very long. We built a new frame house about 1920 and couldn't get material to finish it for about a year. When we moved in there were bedbugs crawling on the walls. There had been bugs in the sod house too when we moved in. I fought bed bugs for nearly fifteen years. I saw the last ones in 1931, but I think I would know him if one showed up anywhere. After that big hail and wind storm when Frank Williams got so badly beaten up, we had a good garden and I divided with the neighbors. Parkins was at our house one day and we went to the garden and filled a two-bushel sack as full as they could drag it along. That was just surplus in my garden. Before we had our well dug, we hauled water from a spring about 120 rods from the house, up hill about half of the way. It was good soft water. I don't know what picture you have of a sod house, but I'll bet the water barrel is in it. Some things happened in old times that are unpleasant to recall. Some are just too sad to hand down as part of Old Times. I hope I have told some things that others can remember. [Photo - Mr. And Mrs. Dowding on their anniversary and Mrs. Dowding's two sisters.] [Photo Mr. And Mrs. Dowding with cake, Mr. And Mrs. Galbraith, and Mrs. Dowding's two sisters.] Herman Sebade, Sr. and Herman Schone Families by Louis Jensen Our father and stepmother and we children--Anna Scheer, Lena Christesen, Dora Lambert, Louisa Schone Jensen, Henry Sebade, Ella Mulden and Edith Huddleston, came to Wall in 1909. We bought the land and a small house west of the railroad tracks which is now owned by Violet Smoot. There was a small claim shack which my father moved and built the home which still stands. Herman Sebade ran a meat market, later selling it to Ole Soma and buying out the dray line. He sold his home to Charlie Nelple and took up a claim on Bull Creek. It was below the hill that was called Sebade Hill for many years. Later he moved back to Wall and ran an ice house until he wasn't able to work any longer. He sold this business to Herman, Jr. [Photo - Herman Sebade Sr. Meat Market. Olie Soma and Herman Schone are other men in the shop.] [Photo - Herman Schones' Blacksmith Shop Located where Emanual Geigle lives now.] [Photo - Louisa Sebade and Herman Schone (Wedding Picture) Married by Lutheran minister in Wall, So. Dak. On October 18, 1912.] [Photo - The Schone Family] [Photo The Schone Family Lt. To rt. - Margaret Klingbile (Tacoma, Washington), Alvin Schone (Boulder, Colorado), Donald Schone (Boston, Mass.), Robert Schone (Interior), Mr. Herman Schone, (father). Front row: Mrs. Louisa Sebade Schone, (mother), Vernon Schone (Wall), Delores Culver (Rapid City), Mary Jane Kelly (Wall).] [Photo - Anna and her boss] [Photo - Anna Mooney Homestead] [Photo - Henry Sebade Homestead] [Photo - Group picture about 1910 or 1911, submitted by Henry Sebade.] [Photo - O. Soma and Eskel Nelsen] I was married to Herman Schone in 1912 in the Babcock Hotel, We had eight children--Alvin of Boulder, Colo.; Margret (Klingbile) of Tacoma Wash.; Donald, Boston, Mass.; Mary Jane (Kelly) of Wall; Delorse (Culiver) of Rapid City; Bobby of Interior; Vincen, deceased as a baby; Vernon of Wall. My husband was a blacksmith and worked on the Cottle Ranch down by Wasta as well as many other places before running a shop in Wall. The shop was located where Emanuel Geigle's home is now. Our home was west of the shop, a two-story building. The top story was used for the Odd Fellow Hall, the Lutheran Church and school house. He blacksmithed for many years and then became janitor for the Wall School, until ill health forced him to quit. We then ran a cafe in Wall for many years. After my husband's death in 1943, Delorse, Vernon and I moved to Tacoma, Wash., for several years. All four of our sons served in the Navy during WW II. All were serving their country at the same time. I later married Charlie Jensen. We only had three years together before he passed away in 1949. I am now residing in Wall. The following was read in honor of Mrs. Jensen at - one of the Old Timer's Day in Wall when she was honored: Louisa Jensen If you want to spend some real fun hours, go to see LOUISA JENSEN--and over a cup of coffee, get to reminiscing. Louisa came to Wall in March of 1909, with her father, Herman Sebade, her step mother Emma, two brothers and six sisters They lived in the house where Violet Smoot lives now. Louisa's father owned a meat market, located where the Gamble store is- now. Sid Soma's dad and Louisa's dad were great pals. She tells me they had some wonderful times visiting together. Talking with Louisa, I could see a red-headed, blue eyed girl of nearly 16, sitting on the north side of the house, crying. Some of her sisters had homesteaded north of here and she was lonesome for them, and for her former home in Creighton, Nebraska and her friends there. In no time at all she was liked by the girls, and courted by the boys. Herman Schone, a blacksmith, was the lucky boy. Herman and Louisa were married October 18, 1912, at the home of Louisa's parents, by Reverend Safskie, the Lutheran minister from Underwood, who came to Wall every two weeks. Louisa tells me that Schone liked girls--he would rent a two-seated buggy and a team of horses and they, Schone, Louisa and a group of girls-would go to barn dances and dance 'till morning. When Louisa and Herman Schone were married they gave a free supper at the Babcock Hotel and a free dance afterward. After the supper, Louisa's father passed a big box of candy around to the guests. After everyone had been treated, the box was opened and inside was a potty chair, and a coffee can full of candy. Everyone roared with laughter except Louisa. She said--"I was never so embarrassed in my life, to have that done -- and by my own father to boot." The next morning the dray wagon stopped at their house, boxes were shuffled around and looked over, with a "No, this isn't it" --- and finally, with a cry of "Here it is", a package was delivered ...the same "potty chair", recrated. Schone had his blacksmith shop where Emanuel Geigle's house is now. He also owned a building where Joe Beilmeir's house stands. Schone and Louisa lived in the apartment downstairs. The Lutherans held church upstairs. The Odd Fellow Lodge also held their meetings there. After several years, Schone sold the blacksmith shop and moved to the country, on the place that used to be Tony Ogerliels. They lived there 7 years. Louisa said Schone was such a GOOD blacksmith, and such a POOR horseman. He had more runaways. Time after time when he was out after wood, the horses would run away, break the double trees and come home, minus Schone and the wagon. Schone and Louisa had seven children, four boys and three girls. One day, Schone and the kids had gone to town after groceries, and a storm came up. Louisa had stayed home to bake bread. Louisa was alone and scared. She ran to the top of the hill, waved and yelled until her brother, Henry, who lived just over the hill, saw her and came riding to the rescue. Louisa said ... "It was just before one of the children was born, so I couldn't ride, but I held onto the stirrup and walked to Henry and Annals house and stayed until Schone came back from town. I wasn't alone, so I felt safe." Louisa said she put the yeast in the cellar until after the storm. Another incident that happened while they lived there--Schone was out in the field working, Louisa looked out the door and saw a man coming toward the house. He was dressed in a stovepipe hat and a swallow-tailed coat. She got scared; locked the door and stuck the four kids under the bed and crawled under with them. The man knocked and knocked and knocked. Louisa finally went to the door. It was the Lutheran minister. He had walked from Wasta to Wall to see her folks and then out to see if Louisa wanted the baby baptized. I believe Mary Jane was the baby. After Schone came back from the country they bought the house on the Corner where the Lutheran church now stands, and Schone bought the blacksmith shop back and ran it for a number of years --- then sold it due to Schone's ill health, and bought the Home Cafe from Clara Johnson, which was located near the present Gamble store, later moved across the street, to where the Wall Cafe is now. Schone had heart trouble and didn't feel too well, so they moved to an apartment in back of the cafe. Three of Louisa's boys were in the service when their father died July 25, 1943. Louisa tells me that one of the best Christmas presents she ever had was word from Don, who was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. She hadn't heard from him for a month and was so worried, and in December got a letter saying he was all right. Such a relief!!!! A month after Schone died, Louisa, Vernon and Delores moved to Washington, Vernon joining the services there --- so all the boys were in the service at the same time. They sold the cafe to brother Henry. Louisa didn't like Washington too well, was lonely for family and friends at Wall, so came back in 1945 and bought the cafe back. In 1947 Louisa married Charley Jensen. They lived where Louisa does now. It was Louisa's parents' former home. They ran the Cactus Cafe, and were running it during the blizzard of 1949. We did a bit of reminiscing about the blizzard also, people stranded--no place to stay, so they slept on the floor of the dining room and in the booths, nearly ran out of food, but everyone was so wonderful helping out that they made out---Louisa told me about a jigsaw puzzle as big as a big table that two old maids played --- about Bessie Beilmeir helping bake buns when they ran out of bread, about the morning her son Bob said--"Mother, there's no sense trying to open the .cafe for breakfast, Helen and I used the last of the pancake flour last night". Louisa was sure she had more, so she started out and got stuck in a snowdrift. Bob pulled her out and she hung onto his coat-tail while he plowed through the snow to the cafe---then he came back for Charley. They opened the cafe and sure enough--she had some flour stuck away where no one could find it but Louisa. Charley died of a heart attack in 1949. That spring, Louisa was in Rapid City for a checkup and a woman walked into the room and said--"Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" It was one of the women who were stranded in Wall during the blizzard --- small world, isn't it??? In 1952 Louisa bought another cafe. It is now part of the Jack & Jill store. Louisa has kept school kids---roomers and boarders, and kept herself busy in general. Her brother Henry stays with her now. Louisa always hated her red hair, said --- "I hope none of my children will be called 'carrot top' or 'red' --- " and do you know, she didn't have a redheaded child, but out of her 16 grandchildren, she has 4 redheads. She also has one great grandchild. Louisa's hair is nearly grey now, but she still has a merry twinkle in her blue eyes, a keen sense of humor, and the ability to make you re-live the fun she had. She's real fun to visit with, because she dwells on the happy and funny things in life. She keeps herself busy and she's a fine neighbor. I KNOW-- because I lived across the street from her for quite a few years. LOUISA, we are proud and happy to honor you, and TODAY add your name to our list of OLDTIMERS. Henry Sebade The Mooney family came to Wall in 1907, and homesteaded 17 miles north of Wall, and lived there until 1921, when they moved to town. In 1917, I married Anna and we lived on my homestead at the top of the hill west of Mr. Allen Smiths place for two years, but we were happy, we raised six children, Delbert, Norman, Dayton, Eunice, Edith and Bernice. My wife passed away in May 1961. The following was read in honor of Mr. Sebade at an Old Timer's Day in Wall: Compiled by Ben Doyle. Heinie Sebade, a lad of 14, came to Wall with father, Herman, and stepmother, Emma, one brother and seven sisters, from Creighton, Nebraska, in March 1909. They lived in the house where Violet Smoot now lives. Heinie says that as a young lad he used to haul water to town from wells around Wall. Most of the water went to the Babcock Hotel. Heinie said --- "I drove a team of mules that would balk every time I started up a little grade, and the water would run out of openings in the top, so I would have to turn around and pump in some more." The school house used to be near Ted's dinosauer. Heinie went to school in Wall. Dr. Mills was one of his teachers. Heinie homesteaded at the top of Bull Creek Hill, just west of Allen Smith's. He bought a house and moved it there. Heinie and Anna Mooney were married in Deadwood April 8, 1916. They came down from Rapid City on the freight train --- everyone did. The train always stopped at what was known as the Sebade Hill. This day it didn't stop, just slowed down a little. Heinie had to grab suitcases and bride Anna, and jump. They got a little dusty but weren't hurt. Father Connolly was on the same train, coming to Wall to take over the parish here. They lived on the homestead until it was proved up, then on Anna's parents' place in Creighton area for a year. They lived on Tony Ogerlies' place for a while--moved there from the homestead because the water was better. One evening, before one of the boys was born, Anna said "call the doctor". Heinie did --- the doctor came out --- examined Anna and said--"It will be a while," Anna had popped a big pan of popcorn that day, so Heinie and the doctor ate popcorn and played cards all night, waiting. The baby was born a month later. Heinie and Anna had six children, 3 boys and 3 girls. Heinie has 17 grand children and 5 great grandchildren. Heinie bought the dray line in Wall and ran it for a few years. He tried farming on George Knapp's place for a year. Heinie said he worked at just about everything--tried trucking for awhile but didn't like it-away from home too much--so moved back to Wall. They lived in the house on the corner, that Grace Pippert now owns. Heinie was a volunteer fireman all the time he was in Wall, told me about running with the chemical cart to the schoolhouse --- it was a false alarm, lightning had struck but there wasn't any damage. Heinie bought the drug store from Rovart, and later sold it to Ted Hustead. I asked Heinie where his children were born and he said "in and around Wall". In 1951 Heinie and Anna moved to Washington, where they lived until Anna passed away May 15, 1961. Heinie was lonely for Wall and his old friends, so he moved back here -- ; lived in a trailer house for awhile then in Rapid City, but didn't like it too well, so came back to Wall and is living with his sister, Louisa, and I'll bet they have a ball swapping stories. Heinie was one of the honored guests at the dedication of the new Fire Hall, and we are proud and happy to honor him TODAY, and add his name to our list of OLDTIMERS. W. H. Miller Family by Ruth Rock W. H, Miller, better known as "Billy" Miller or "Dad" Miller, came to Wall in 1906. Being a Civil War Veteran, the time he spent in the service for his country was subtracted from the allotted five years in "proving up" after staking a claim. His claim was where the Joe Knapps now live, extending north of the railroad track. Later, he had land below the hill and south. Tefts used to live at the foot of the hill and Josh Street used to tell his girls that the reason the Teft kids had such white hair was from drinking that white (dam) water! Huldah Miller stayed in Anthon, Ia., and managed their undertaking business, furniture and millinery store. She came out to Wall later. Through letters of correspondence which have been kept in the family we are able to quote a few instances. In December 1907 Miller wrote his wife- "They are canvassing the town to incorporate. Guess I will plot 20 acres and hold them until I prove up. Plan to plant two and a half acres of potatoes as they bring $1.75 per bushel." He also spoke of having a dam built for stock. This was the same dam where, some years later, the little Marks boy drowned. Miller's claim was 320 acres with 180 in good farm land which reached up to the town. He had a man break the land for $4 per acre for the use of the land for two years. In 1908 Miller's son, Willie, Jr., staked a claim. He was a pharmacist and had a drug store in Quinby, Iowa. He was also a land agent seeking people to stake claims. He and his wife, Bertha Miller, took turns staying on the claim and operating the drug store in Quinby. In a letter from Bertha to Dad Miller she asked how many fence posts Willie had cut and said, "I can just see him with an axe; bet he won't be so fat when he gets back." Willie, Jr., was instrumental in getting the following people from Iowa to come and stake a claim: Mr. and Mrs. J. Beason, Mrs. Graham and Bev, the Colemans, H. and H. McKown, (Incidentally Dad's daughter, Berdie, sent chickens out to him with the McKowns) August Hightman and Jeddie Brandt (these two were later married), and Dave Huffman. Josh and Cora Street staked a claim south of Wall just over the wall east. Old "Daddy" Green had a claim down in there too. Cora, her little sister, Wilma, and Cora's daughter, Ruth, went via horse and buggy to the claim one day. They had to cross a dry creek bed and steep banks and they thought the buggy would tip over for sure. A good old South Dakota "thunder and blitzen" storm came up that night and that tar paper shack did the "Watootsie"! The next day the mud was ankle deep and the horse was gone! When they walked to old Daddy Green's, he had caught the horse. They had no bridle so Daddy Green took off his suspenders and made one. Bill and Dora Yeager had a claim near Quinn. He worked for Hugh Estes, who was newly married and had a place nearby. Frank Miller staked a claim south of Wall on the road to the Pinnacles. He worked in the butcher shop, part time, to get money to improve his place. He married Olive Drey. Dad Miller wrote his wife: "Frank was married today. They had a church wedding. I overslept and missed the wedding but I made it for dinner!" Babcock had the first hotel in Wall. Witten was one of the first bankers; also Mr. Kiddoo. Kiddoo owned what is now "Town View Farm". He came right from college to the bank at Wall and from here went to Minneapolis and then Chicago. He finally retired on a cattle ranch in Arizona. In 1908 Dad Miller wrote that he had a good buggy which didn't rattle, 20 chickens and two roosters that cost $16. "I'm going to set the hens and roosters, likewise. I am going to fence the 80 south of the track. To fence with a two wire fence, it will cost me eight cents a rod or about $135. Wire costs $3.80 per hundred. The country is filled with land seekers. Eight emigrant cars today and five yesterday; five cars of sheep and two of cows. Four new buildings going up, everything looks good. Two steam breaking plows have come in, breaking for $3 per acre. Corn is worth $2.25 per hundred and oats the same." Wilma was Mrs. Miller's niece. She was the last of 12 children and her mother died shortly after she was born. She was quite small when Dad Miller staked the claim and Mrs. Miller had her hands full taking care of three business places. For that reason Wilma's early childhood was spent between Yaegers, Streets and her foster parents, the Millers. As a teenager her favorite past time was telling younger children ghost stories. In 1909 Dad Miller wrote his wife, Huldah, "Two women from Rapid City and one from Pierre came to Wall with millinery and other items and did real well." He encouraged her to sell out, come to Wall and go into business-which she did. Dad Miller had quite a reputation for horse trading. He loved good horses. The Millers eventually owned and operated a general store, hotel and cafe, as well as owning quite a bit of residential property. Yaegers finally left, as did Willie Miller, Jr. and the Streets. However, Streets moved back again in 1924 and operated a hardware and furniture store. Over the years it was said as much went out the back door (free) as what was sold out the front door at Miller's Store. People would come in, no money, no food, children needed shoes, etc. Dad and Huldah Miller would fit them up and never put it on the books. I, Ruth Street Rock, was leafing through a book just recently. which had a few charge accounts in that were never paid. Many times there would be listed cash 50c or cash 25c. They were very charitable people. There were a few celebrities who stopped at the Miller Hotel-Amos and Andy, Ford and Glen. Glen is now in Rapid City. Dad Miller was a professional when it came to doing the "Jig", which was, similar to tap dancing. He asked Glen to play "Turkey in the Straw" so he could jig. Glen played it--the modern way with trills, etc.--and when he finished Dad said, "That was pretty, now play "Turkey in the Straw"! Peter Norbeck was another who often stayed at the hotel. Gumbo Lil used to stay at the hotel once a year for a week or two. She was short and buxom with bright red (dyed) hair. She was as much a character as Calamity Jane. As soon as she arrived the word sped around, "Gumbo Lil's in town!" She owned land south of town and would hire a horse and ride out there, always in her riding habit. She never pulled her shades at night and you would hear the men "titter" on the street "I saw Gumbo Lil unlace her corset last night?" Dad Miller promised Wilma a white horse when she and Mrs. Miller came to South Dakota. I remember we came to Wall to visit and Wilma took me on the horse to see the Lurz girls, Lizzy and Anna. Some lady walked by and it being a hot day, was carrying an umbrella. Whitey shied and then started galloping for home. Wilma was on the ground with the girls and I was sitting on the horse. I know I flapped in the wind all the way home and almost squeezed that saddle horn to a new shape! That was my first experience with a horse and I've never forgotten it. The original building, where Hustead's Drug is located, was a land office. A Mr. Sanders had his office there. He was a bachelor and loved by young and old alike. Mrs. H. E. Miller planted the tree that is now in Wall Drug and she used to tell us how she planted it. Dad Miller was quite a yarn spinner. One story he used to tell his grandchildren was: "When I was young the dance hall was near a glue factory. The girls all danced barefooted and the man from the glue factory would sweep up the toenails after the dance !" [Photo - Mrs. Huldah Miller and daughter, Cora Street, in the lobby of the Miller Hotel. Shows Dad Miller's hobby - race horses and Huldah's hobby - agates. Amenites and a chambered nautilus sitting on the showcase.] [Photo - Mrs. Huldah Miller and Carl Lurz in the Miller store.] [Photo - The Miler homestead where Joe Kapps now live.] [Photo - Frank Miller's claim shack. Frank and George Drey skinning a coyote. Olive Drey Miller in foreground.] [Photo - W. E."Dad" Miller and R. F. Lewis] [Photo - Aunt Esther Hardenbrook and Mrs. Huldah Miller] [Photo - W. H. and Huldah Miller on the homestead.] [Photo - Dad Miller and Clyde Jones at State Game Lodge in 1924.] [Photo - Josh Street in his hardware store -1924] [Photo - Left to right: Dora Welch, Cora Street, Mrs. Miller, Frank Miller, Dad Miller and Berdie Gilman] [Photo - Dad Miller - 1924] Dad Miller's oldest sister, Lucy DeLong, came out to keep house for him while he was on the claim but she didn't like it so went back to Iowa. After Mrs. Miller and Wilma came out and got established, Lucy, came back and made her home with them. She died and is buried in Wall. Huldah Miller's younger sister, Esther Hardenbrook, a widow, came out to make her home with the Millers too. She cooked in the hotel until her health failed. Esther was a fabulous cook. She had previously cooked in the depot at Sioux City and the hotel at Lemars, Iowa. She won the hearts of everyone and was Aunt Esther to all, young and old. Her son and daughter both preceded her in death. Her son, Clyde was a professional artist and Dad Miller had a horse picture painted by him which hung in the hotel lobby and looked just like a colored photo! Willie Miller's widow, Bertha and son, Wayne, both lived in California. Dora Yaeger Welch and son, John also live in California. Berdie Miller Gilman is living with her oldest daughter in Smithland. Besides this daughter she has a younger daughter in Smithland, a son in New York and a son in Des Moines, Ia. She has a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank Miller is dead. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Ernest (Lucille) Schleuning of Rapid City; two sons, Claire and Jerald in California, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cora and Josh Street are both dead. Ruth Street Rock, the oldest daughter, lives in Kadoka. She has three children: Jeraldine, a computer operator and math technician at the Navy Electronics Lab in Point Loma, Calif. (Incidentally, she wrote a book on the fundamentals of a computer which the government published and have copies in their lab libraries); a son, Gene, who is soon to be a doctor, and another daughter, Nancy, who is married and will soon, and at long last, make Ruth a grandmother. Bernice (Street) lives in Washington and has a son who works for GE. He has three children: a daughter married who has five children; a son who is a minister and a son who is still in college. Huldah Street Fairhurst lives in Rapid City, making her home with her only daughter, who is married and has a son. She lost her eyesight last winter and the doctors have been able to bring it back somewhat. The handicapped association trained her for three months in order for her to take over the stand in the Rapid City post office. She is happy in this new venture as she was too young to sit and do nothing. She enjoys her grandson very much. A Few Memories by Huldah Street Fairhurst Everyone stayed at the Miller Hotel. Senator Peter Norbeck often ate there. Since he ate peas with his knife, there was always some neck craning. Someone took him in hand finally and he became very polished. He helped promote Rushmore and proposed the Stratosphere Bowl. Gram used to encourage Ben Millard before he got the place at Cedar Pass and Senator Norbeck helped get the park started. Princess Martha of Norway stayed over night during the war at the hotel. One of the ladies -in-waiting told Grandma Street who she was. Grandma said that the Princess was one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. The first jail was used as a chicken house and finally hauled to the dump. Everyone contributed to the park--Mrs. Graham gave flowers, John Harnden gave some shrubs and the people took care of it. Dad had Joe Bielmaier fix the overflow pipe on the water tower so the overflow would water the trees. The second year so many people came and dug things up that the original donors took most of it back. When they built the Hut everyone gave a rock with their initials on it. Carl Gustafson was a Scandinavian bachelor who worried about having enough food. He came in and said he plucked some chickens and hung them in the cave and they grew little feathers again. His sister came out and cleaned and moved things around in his place. He told her he couldn't stand it and that she'd have to go back. There was a fire at the bakery in the 30's. There was no extensive damage, but as the bank carried the insurance, Leonel Jensen did the survey. It had an odd look to him, especially when he discovered a cork smelling of kerosene in the debris. He and the baker canvassed the town to see if any corks had been sold recently. When it was established that he had bought one at the drug store recently, the baker confessed he had set the fire because business was slow. He left town soon afterwards. Kalkbrenners had a place on Deep Creek and when he was out working she was left alone with the baby. She set some bread out and went to the creek to get water when up came an Indian. She said he looked like an awful Big Indian, but she was quite short to begin with. He stuck his hand in his shirt and she thought sure she was a goner, but he pulled out a card with his name on which said that he was authorized to hunt porcupines off the reservation. He said, "Me good Indian." She said, "Oh.11 He said, "You bake bread?" and she replied, "Uh- Uh. No, it isn't done yet," wondering if he was sort of a peeping Tom. He said, "Me come back,"--he did and she gave him some bread! The Odyssey of E. S. Johnston Back in Guernsey County, Ohio, on March 20, 1851, a son was born to George and Margaret Johnston. This son was given the name Edward Smith, which was shortened to Ed. As a small boy, just four years old, his parents moved, by the "covered wagon" route, westward across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to Black Hawk County, Iowa. Here on a farm the boy, Ed, lived until he was seventeen. Schools were few in those days and he was ten years old before he was able to attend school, walking a distance of three miles. At seventeen he started teaching, first in the country and later in town. He spent eleven years teaching, and also attending high school and a year of college at Iowa College, Grinnell. When he was 26 years old, during the summer of 1876, Ed Johnston made a trip to Canton, Dakota Territory. He stayed one summer and returned to Iowa for two years. In 1879 Ed was admitted to practice law in Waterloo, Iowa. That same year he moved to Dakota Territory, coming to Yankton, which was the end of the railroad. He rode with a farmer to Springfield but he did not stay long. He moved on north to Firesteel. He stayed there until the town of Mitchell was established. After spending three years in Mitchell, the new town of Mt. Vernon called him because of his interest in the town site. The next year--1883--he purchased the Mt. Vernon Gazette which he published for six years until the "Great Fire" destroyed the printing plant in 1889. During his second year in Mt. Vernon, Ed was married on February 19, 1884 to Nellie C. Haynes. Nellie was born at Cross Plaines, Wisconsin, where she lived for 22 years, coming to Mt. Vernon in 1882 where she took a homestead. In 1883 she returned to Wisconsin and then immediately after their marriage, Ed and Nellie moved to Mt. Vernon. Three children were born to them while living in Mt. Vernon--Tom, George and Lillian. After the fire Johnston moved his paper to Mitchell and called it the Mitchell Gazette. After fourteen years of publication he sold the paper. Ed lived in Davison County for 27 years. During this time he was County Judge for four terms. Here six of his children were born and four graduated from high school. He took an active interest in all things that were for the growth of the city and country. From 1907 Ed Johnston lived in Pennington County-first at Quinn, then Rapid City and finally at Wall. For 24 years this county was his home, during which time he, witnessed great changes in this area. He established the Quinn Courant which he printed until 1925 when it was moved to Wall and called the Eastern Pennington County Courant. As U. S. Commissioner in Quinn, starting in 1907, E. S. Johnston met and assisted hundreds of homesteaders to "prove up" on their claims. A homestead was taken in 1908 just three miles west of Quinn. Later Highway 14 went through the land. In the fall of 1912 the family moved to Rapid City so the children could attend high school. During this time "E.S.J." was also County Judge for one term. Returning to Quinn in 1917 the family lived there for another eight years before the move was made to Wall. In 1938 he went to Rapid City to make his home and lived there until his death in 1940 at the age of 89. The last five years or so he was retired. The Henry Mutchler Family by Mrs. Dorothy Mutchler Chambers Mary Frances Christy and Henry Mutchler were both born in 1862 in Bloomfield, Iowa. In 1881 they were married and lived near Floris, Iowa for three years before moving to Dakota Territory to locate near Yankton, S. Dak. They lived here for twenty years, then moved to Ticonic, Iowa where they lived two years, then came to Wall, S. Dak. Eleven of the then living children were born at Yankton, S. Dak.: seven sons, Frank, Elmer, Roy, Orian, Ira, John and Walter; four daughters, Ella, Freda, Vera and Dorothy. The two oldest, Alma and Etta were born at Floris, Iowa. One summer when Henry was only sixteen he worked for a cousin, Jim Daughtery of Yankton, who hauled supplies from Ft. Pierre to Deadwood with teams of oxen hitched to a single wagon or sometimes three wagons fastened together. Often there were 24 to 32 head used on a wagon, or as many as 40 head when going was bad, or when pulling three wagons. When weather was good they could make 15 to 20 miles per day', but when bad and it was muddy sometimes they could only travel five miles a day. At Ft. Pierre the wagons were ferried across the Missouri River but the Bad and Cheyenne Rivers and many other streams had to be crossed and only a trail for a road. There were times when they encountered Indians along the way. One night when they were camped on a creek near Bear Butte, one of the night riders was killed by Indians. The Mutchlers moved to Wall by covered wagon. While crossing one of the swollen streams, the wagon Mrs. Mutchler was driving was all but swept away by the high water. In the wagon with her were some of the smaller children. Henry filed on a homestead about twelve miles north of the present Wall. Frank, the oldest son and a daughter, Etta (Mrs. John Blair) also filed on homesteads. Occasional bands of Indians would wander through the country. On one occasion they came very close to the Mutchler home but they did not molest anyone. Of course there being no school, it was up to the homesteaders to furnish the material and build one and also make the desks etc. for the inside of it. Besides the Mutchlers attending this school there were the Mills, Burgess, Hastings and perhaps a Babcock child or two. Miss Ruth Hafky was one of the early teachers. Roland Mutchler, Frank's oldest son was born March 1, 1907 and was the first white child to be born on Lake Flat. The Mutchlers owned and operated the first grocery store in Wall, having to haul their supplies from Rapid City with team and wagon. One of the old wagons used to haul supplies is still in the family. In 1909 the family again moved westward by covered wagon, trailing their herd of cattle. They moved about four miles southwest of Sulphur, S. Dak. Here both Mr. and Mrs. Mutchler filed on desert claims. Again it was build a new home, build another school house, etc. Three of their sons served their country in World War I, Roy, Orian and Ira. Orian (Ode) served in the Cavalry. Roy and Ira (Shy) served overseas. Both were stationed in France. Roy with the Engineers, and Ira for one and a half years as an M.P. On February 3, 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Mutchler celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary when over a hundred relatives and friends came to their ranch home to help them celebrate. They continued living there until December 1945, when they moved to Newell, S. Dak. where they both died the following year, he was 84 and she was 83. They shared a lifetime of good and bad times but always remained cheerful and enjoyed life to the fullest extent. Ten of their children are still living. Alma, Ella and Roy have passed on besides two who died in infancy. [Photo - Mr. And Mrs. Mutchler on their 60th Wedding anniversary.] [Photo - A later store. Mrs. Mutchler is standing in the door.] C. M. Lewis Family Charles M. Lewis, wife Zella E. Lewis and children Gail, Gladys and Neme came to South Dakota in 1907 from Pierce, Nebraska, arriving in Wall on July 24th, Mrs. Lewis's birthday. They made the trip by mule-drawn covered wagon and were three weeks enroute. They camped first at Pedro, S. Dak., and made plans to file on land near there, making an overland trip to Wasta for the purpose of filing. During a stopover at Wall, the end of the railroad at that time, he bought out Brook's general store, and went into business there. A new building was built that fall at the present townsite, it was later enlarged and doubled in size. It was named, "The Fair Store" and was operated by Mr. Lewis assisted by Gail and Gladys for ten years, when it was sold to a Minnesota firm. After a short period on their farm north of town, the family returned to Wall. Gail entered the Armed Forces. Mr. Lewis served as Postmaster there until ill health forced him to retire. His death occurred in December 1921. Mrs. Lewis passed away in Rapid City in Feb. 1941 after a long illness. Gail, his mother and Neme moved to Rapid City where Gail served two terms as County Treasurer. He, later bought the Rex Oil Refinery, but had retired from active management a few years prior to his death in October, 1963. He was married to Christine Lysne (deceased). Gladys married Charles F. Clark. Before her marriage she had taught school and worked at Farmers State Bank in Wall. After her husband's death in Rapid City in 1947, she was employed at the Credit Bureau, serving for ten years as manager before her retirement. She passed away in June 1962 after an illness of several months. [Photo - This is a picture of the school on Lake Flat at Wall, South Dakota in 1908. The teacher is Miss Hofke, who rode horseback six miles every day. There are five of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Mutchler's children in the picture. The smallest boy not yet school age is Roland Mutchler, now an employee of Homestake Mining Company of Lead South Dakota. The rest of the children are unknown. Roland Mutchler was the first white child born on Lake Flat and his sister, Mrs. Fritz Jensen of Fairpoint, South Dakota, was the third child to be born.] [Photo - Building the Fair Store 1908] [Photo - Earl Custis I lived at Wall for twenty years. While I lived there Gale Lewis, Henry Sebade, Osborn Kitterman and I went to Custer and each shot a bull elk. I am sending you a picture of the one I shot.] Three Grandmothers by Helen Eisenbraun These three Grandmothers are, from left to right: Mrs. Gustav Eisenbraun, Mrs. Martin Eisenbraun, and Mrs. Herbert Eisenbraun. This picture was taken in April, 1965, in Mrs. Gustav Eisenbraun's home. The room is part of the old Packman house that Gustav bought, in North Wall, when he retired from farming at Creighton, South Dakota. Mrs. Martin Eisenbraun lives in what used to be the first Doctor's home in Wall, and Mrs. Herbert Eisenbraun lives in North Wall in a home Herbert built himself, with the help of his sons and sons-in-law. These widows still do all their own housework and take pride in the pretty flowers they grow. They do a lot of crocheting, embroidering, sewing and patching for their children and grandchildren. They all belong to the Lutheran Church at Creighton, South Dakota. They enjoy having company. Mrs. Gustav Eisenbraun took a three week vacation trip to Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota, with the Erhard Eisenbraun family last summer and she really enjoyed that immensely. These three Grannies are a credit to our community, we're sure. [Photo of three women] The William Clark Family by Mrs. Myrtle Clark William Clark, or Bill, as he was always known, came to S. Dakota in 1910. He first came to Pierre, and worked in the country north of there. He herded cattle along the Missouri river bottom, and thought it was the most wonderful country he had ever seen. The cattle had plenty of water there and the grass in the breaks was sufficient. It never rained and Bill thought that was really something, they could play baseball any time. So at first he did not realize how serious the drought was. To give a brief history of his life before he came "out west"; he was born in Iowa, April 1894. He broke his leg when only a small child and when it was not set properly, blood poison set in and it had to be amputated. His Mother died shortly after this, so he had a double misfortune in early life. He was Irish, and always tried to do everything his friends could do, took a paper route, helped his father as a carpenter, drove horses for a livery stable, there were no taxicabs then, also worked for a fisherman, and did various other types of work. He also took a course in telegraphy, and worked for the postal telegraph. He also worked for the railroad for a time. He was adventuresome, and when one of the neighbors were going to homestead in South Dakota, the urge came to him to "Go west, young man, go west". They came by emigrant car to Pierre, an rove the teams to the homestead, forty miles beyond. Bill did various types of work in that country, including herding sheep, he found it was the best paying job, and since they could not leave the herd often, they saved their money. He would go to Pierre when the legislature was in session, and find work in the state house, usually as "sergeant-at-arms". He also went to business college while in Pierre. However he still had the urge to "go west", and when he was offered a job to come to the north of Quinn country, he accepted. So it was in 1913, when he came to this part of the country, where he herded sheep for Harry Packman and Ben Williams. In the cloudburst and terrific storm in 1915, Bill was out on the prairie near Deep Creek, with the sheep. They bedded down near the dry creek bed; but when it appeared the storm was imminent, Bill had the dog help to get them to higher ground. It was fortunate that he did so, for a short time later, a wall of water swept into the dry creek bed, and every living thing in its path was drawn into the swirling waters and drowned. During the same storm, in another creek, east of where Bill was, three people drowned. That creek was known as "Dirty Woman" and the folks who lost their lives in that accident were, Mrs. Harry Smith and her daughter, and her father, whose last name was Kirkpatrick. Their home was close to the creek bank, and the house was washed downstream. Bill said it was the worst storm he had ever been in, he was on a side hill and the water was running over shoetops there, and the thunder and lightning were terrible. Bill had also herded sheep for Jerry Sanders in that country. He later worked for Bill Pippert doing farming, shocking grain and other farm chores. He also worked for Claude Steele, who kept race horses. Bill then moved into Wall, where he clerked in the store at "Miller's" and was night clerk at the "Miller Hotel". He also started to do painting and contracting and lived with the Millers. He still had an urge to "go west", so with Ted and Perry Marshall, decided to go to California; they camped out, and the trip took them twenty-one days. The first night they got to Box Elder, as it was muddy and only a dirt road! They were almost broke when they got there, but Bill who had learned to look after himself, saw a house that was being built; was ready for shingling, and hired himself and the other two as shinglers. He had helped his Dad years before, so he got it started all right, and the boys managed fine. They found plenty of work, so kept busy. Bill also worked for a fruit ranch for a time, and later ran a Pool Hall at Tipton. He came back to Wall, and ran a Pool Hall for a time and also did barbering, in a building south of the present Courant office. He then continued his contracting and painting, doing the interior decorating (painting and varnishing) for the Wall, Philip, and New Underwood high schools. He then married Myrtle Johnson and they moved to Peno Basin, where they farmed and kept sheep for a neighbor. Later they moved to a place on her parent's farm, where they helped with the farm work. Bill also worked in town doing any job that was available, for this was the beginning of the depression years, and times were bad. To add to the bad times, extreme drought was experienced, and little if any, crops were raised, and there was no price for that which was raised. When Peggy, the oldest child was ready to enter school, they moved to town. The other three children born while living on the farm were, Evelyn, Patricia Ann, and William Jefferson, (Billy). This was the time when work provided by the government to the distressed people in the area was called WPA. Bill worked as timeskeeper and was in charge of equipment. When the work terminated, Bill went to work for the Highway Department in Rapid City. He later started to work for the Highway Department in Wall; which work he continued to do until he retired twenty-four years later. The last five years were spent in Pierre in the materials testing Laboratory. The two youngest children were born during the early years in Wall, and in those years they bought their present home and also some land, which was near the parent's farm. Luckily it had a good grade of gravel, and when no crop was raised on top of the ground, they could dig up the gravel and sell it, that is of course, when they had the opportunity. They kept a few cows in town and pastured them nearby. The children were all in school by this time and they all remember the "Blizzard of 149". They were on the outskirts of town then and though the cattle were kept in a barn close to the place, they had a hard time getting feed to them. So many cattle froze to death in that four day storm. Wall had 400 people who took refuge from the blizzard. It was not so bitter cold but it snowed unceasingly and the wind blew until the drifts it created took days to remove. The highway crews and the train crews worked around the clock, to make a path to get through, but it seemed that one storm followed another until roads were blocked for days. When the snowplow would get a road open people would follow the plow in to get supplies before the roads were blocked again. Wall folks fed and took care of all the stranded travelers who almost had to tunnel their way to the hotel and the stores. Everyone had to make bread, but the yeast was soon gone; it was an item that everyone kept on their emergency shelf after that. The family grew up in Wall and all attended school there. The girls all attended college and taught for a time. Matilda, the youngest, completed four years and received her degree. All the family but John, the youngest, are married. Peggy, now Mrs. George Hauk, lives in the Grindstone country, northeast of Wall, where they own a farm. She has four sons. Evelyn, who is now Mrs. Charles Rush, lives in Anchorage Alaska, where they all managed to escape the devastating effects of the awful earthquake of last year. She has one daughter and two sons. Patricia Ann, or Patty, is now Mrs. Wyman Schmit and lives in Missoula, Montana. She has one daughter and four sons. Billy is married to the former Kathryn Sieler and farms and ranches in Peno Basin, north of Quinn. He has two sons and one daughter. Matilda, or Tillie, lives in Lancaster, California. She is now Mrs. Lanny Myers and is teaching school there. Her husband is a testing engineer for space rockets. John is attending college in Spearfish. He is majoring in accounting and business courses. He spent three years in Germany while in the Army, so is not through school yet. We have had a busy life and remember "the Old Days" as well as the new. All the commonplace things taken for granted now, we remember seeing and hearing for the first time; the car, airplane, radio and television. The telephone then was a rarity, only found in a few homes. All our electrical equipment now is a far cry from the old ways, with electric washers, dryers, ranges, and everything to make life comfortable and convenient for us. We think sometimes of those times as not being so rushed or hurried, and often think they were not so bad, because we were young then. However we do appreciate the comforts of our modern day living, but are glad we have the opportunity to share some of the early experiences of our lives with the younger generation, who might not otherwise know of our experiences in the "Old Days". [Photo - Mrs. Bill Pippert, Bill Clark, Pippert and a hired man shocking grain at Pipperts in 1915.] [Photo - Bill and Myrtle Clark in Pierre] [Photo - Bill Clark home after '49 blizzard. Tillie and Billy Clark by the spruce tree.] [Photo - The Clark Family - December, 1952] John Bielmaier John Bielmaier who is a familiar person in the Wall area, came here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bielmaier in 1914 and settled in the Lake Hill area northeast of Wall. This being a fairly new country at that time, it was very common to kill four or five rattlesnakes a day. The Indians had become very friendly by this time, and often traveled through, stopping at farm homes inquiring to see if they had any dogs or a nice fat pup that they could trade for this was one of their favorite meats at that time. In 1915, after one of the numerous blizzards had blocked all the roads (in those days the snow was left to melt where it fell). John and his two brothers walked 7 miles to Wall to write their eighth grade examinations, walking back again after the two day test. After spending a number of years at home, John went to work for Teuber Bros. who operated a large farm further northeast. There he broke up many acres of sod which later grew wonderful fields of wheat. Then he operated their threshing machine for a number of years, sometimes for a run of over six weeks a season. In 1926, when the first combine in eastern Pennington County made its appearance, he took over the operation of it and recalls the many people who came for miles around each day to watch its operation. In 1927, John moved to Townview farm two miles northwest of Wall where he lived for seventeen years. In February of 1929, on a business trip to Rapid City he was stricken with a ruptured appendix for which he had surgery and spent three weeks at St. Johns Hospital. The next February, one year later, he married his nurse Miss Bessie Brehm. They have two children, Elaine (Mrs. George Behrens) and Robert both of Rapid City. They were both born while their folks were living on the farm. In 1944, the Bielmaiers moved to Wall. John carried mail on the rural route for almost two years while the regular carrier was transferred into wartime defense work. In 1946, John built the first locker plant in the area, operated it for seven years then sold it to the present owner, James Clark. After that, John went into the building business and built a number of new homes in and around the area, the latest one being the beautiful new Catholic Rectory in Wall built in 1964. He served many years on the Board of Education in Wall and for a number of years he has served as clerk, he has signed High School diplomas for hundreds of graduates of the Wall High School. [Photo - Teuber Brothers farm. Threshing in 1926. John Bielmaier operator.] [Photo - First combine in eastern Pennington County. Fred Teuber on tractor. John Bielmaier operating combine on Teuber farm.] Homestead Days by Myrtle Johnson Clark My earliest recollections, when I was very small, Were lullabies Mother sang to us, on the homestead west of Wall! In the early dusk of evening, began the nightly serenade, By the wildly yipping coyotes, of which we children were afraid! So before the evening chores were done, and to calm our childish fears, Mother'd sing us songs of Norway, and her own early years! Those songs were always happy, of a rooster on a hill, And of a young and happy girl, who sang and played at will! We all at once grew quiet, and soon were fast asleep, While she went back to finish chores, and perhaps, sometimes to weep! For those songs bro't back thot's of her homeland, across the ocean, wide and deep And her valley home on Hardangar fjord, below the mountains, high and steep! The prairie was such a contrast, for as far as eye could see, Were rolling plains of buffalo grass, and seldom ever a tree! My Father as a carpenter, in the city, felt he must stay, To provide us with life's necessities, till the farm could pay its way! Our older brother in Father's stead helped Mother on the farm, And helped watch we younger children, to keep us safe from harm! The vast plain was our playground, bordered by the Cheyenne breaks, The most dangerous enemies we all feared, were the prairie rattlesnakes! We later herded cattle in those breaks, where the early crocus grew, And every vale, draw, trail and hill, our early childhood knew! I remember the weary treks to town, with a work team, always slow Meant four hours on the road each way, so the children could seldom go! But oh! how worthwhile it all seemed, when the weary trek was oe'r, When we beheld the wonders of both Pierce's and Miller's store! The shelves were lined with merchandise, bolts of cloth, groceries and shoes, And oh! the wonderful glass candy case, with candies of all kinds, from which to choose. For our parents that was a busy time, with cream and eggs to sell and trade, And horses to the livery barn, were trips that must be made! The groceries must then be got, and necessities all had to have at least, Were matches, kerosene, coffee, oatmeal, sugar, flour, salt and yeast! It seemed that life was so secure with our parents on the farm, I loved that dear old prairie home, it seemed that there never could come harm! But many years of toil and hardship, times of joy and times of pain, Were our parents' lot in the early years, to raise us children, and to grow our cattle, food and grain! But my parents were sturdy pioneers, who showed their Viking blood! They survived blizzards, drought, wind, hail and fire, but they never feared for flood. So, hail to all those pioneers, who settled here in days of yore, We honor, love and bless them, now and forevermore! [Photo - Balloon ascension at Wall's first celebration on July 10, 1908. A man by the name of Winteringer from Hardington, Nebraska was to go up in the balloon. He became too intoxicated and talked a crippled barber from Yankton, S. Dak. Into going up in it in his place. He knew nothing about a parachute and when the balloon lifted he became sober enough to become scared. The balloon drifted clear to Sage Creek before coming down and it took them until the late hours of the night to get it and the barber brought back to Wall. The barber was unharmed but well sobered up.] [Photo - William Lanam, Milton Lanam, Mrs. William Lanam and unknown customer.] [Photo - The Fair Store. C. M. Lewis and Gail M. Lewis, pictured.] [Photo - A July 10th Celebration] [Photo - 1910 Anniversary Celebration] [Photo 1911 Anniversary Celebration] [Photo - Front row, left to right: Otto Alfs, Mary Anderson (sister of George) Back row, left to right: Agnes Alfs O'Donnel, George Anderson, Nellie Lanam Anderson, Cowboy Jimmy Moran] [Photo - Jennie Eunice Steele, 8 years and Lois Marion Welch, 20 months.] [Photo Viola M. and M. Tom Smith - 1917] [Photo - Submitted by M. J. Jones] [Photo - Anyone know these people?] [Photo - Mrs. Louisa Pacman said this was a big feed at Mrs. Tweeds; our first aid chicken dinner.] [Photo - How about those hats??] Dorothy and Ted Hustead by Ted Hustead Dorothy and I and our small son, Bill, came to Wall, S.D., in December, 1931, from Oldham, S.D., where I was in charge of a bankrupt store. A drug salesman for the Nyal Co., Joe Miltenberger, recommended that we come out here. Dorothy and I first drove out here to investigate the store and town. Dr. G. W. Mills, Father John Connolly and A. S. Nystrom, local banker, all recommended Wall as a good place to locate. We stopped to see Father Connolly and he first thought we were looking for a handout, as many stopped at his door in those times. He finally let us in after a few minutes of visiting, and after he realized we were interested in moving to Wall. Dorothy and Bill rode out to Wall later with Dave Whitwer and Louis Jensen in Whitwer's truck, along with our household belongings. I think an article which was published about our Drug Store in the Redbook Magazine and later condensed by Readers Digest, tells the story best and I quote: "A Fortune In Ice Water" "On a hot summer day, a glass of ice water can be the summit of man's desire. But who ever heard of making a fortune out of it? Ted and Dorothy have done just that. "The Husteads bought a little drug store in Wall, South Dakota (population 740) on a shoestring back in 1931. Ted, just out of the University of Nebraska School of Pharmacy, was 28; Dorothy was 24. The first of their four children had already arrived. Hopes high, the Husteads moved in and went to work. They banged smack into the depression. Business was no more than a fitful trickle. But the Husteads hung on, living in the room behind the store. "One stifling Sunday in the summer of 1936, Dorothy Hustead got to thinking about the tourists who motored through Wall by the hundreds, bound for the Black Hills and points west. If only there were some way of persuading them to stop. Suddenly she had an idea. It sounded fine to Ted. So he had a bunch of signs made up, and posted them along the Highways: FREE ICE WATER-WALL DRUG STORE. "Druggists had been giving away ice water for years, but none had ever thought of advertising the fact. To tourists, the Hustead signs provided first a hearty laugh and then a welcome invitation. The combination worked like a charm. "In 1950, the Husteads are dispensing ice water sometimes at the rate of 5,000 glasses a day. During the tourist season, they have 28 employees to help. Their signs are all over the map, even in Europe and Greenland. People who have spotted the signs in strange places often drive hundreds of miles out of their way to meet the Husteads. And, of course, the Husteads sell everything from postcards and sodas to jewelry and petrified wood 'by the pound or ton.' " Of course, in 1965, Wall Drug is still dispensing ice water. Many other attractions have been provided for the public and there are now many signs in every state of the Union, and in practically every foreign country, with actual photographs in the store to verify their location. Wall Drug advertises in 20 London Underground (Subway) Trains. Three more children were born to Dorothy and me after we arrived in Wall, Mary, Catherine, and Charles. Our oldest son, Bill, has been in business with me since 1951. Bill and his wife, Marjorie, have seven children, many of whom work at the store. He is now serving his second term in the State Legislature as representative of Pennington County. Mary is married to Roswell Bottum, Jr., who is a practicing attorney. They and their four children live in the Los Angeles, California area. Catherine is married to Dr. Thomas Roe, a pediatrician, who is at present serving in the U. S. Air Force with the rank of Captain. They have one child and are stationed in Labrador. Charles just recently graduated from high school and is taking more schooling in Topeka, Kansas. [Photo - Some of the many signs advertising Wall Drug Store] [Photo - Ted Hustead] [Photo - Bill Hustead] [Photo - The Bill Hustead Family] [Photo - Ted and Dorothy Hustead] Charles and Blanche Best Charles M. Best was born at Centerville, S.D., May 25, 1895. He grew up in the eastern part of the state and married Blanche Thickett, July 14, 1916. She was born February 22, 1896 at Montrose, S.D. Five children were born while they were living around the Iroquois area; Dale, Glenn, Wendell, Donna and Thelma. They moved to Wasta in 1930 and farmed in the Dalzell country. In 1934 they moved to Wall and first lived in the Gail Lewis house on the hill. He took over the Socony-Vacuum Oil bulk plant at that time and operated it until 1946, when son, Glenn, came home from the service and took it over. They built the Best Cottage Court in 1939 and was in business there until 1962. Charlie was mayor or member of the town board several terms. He served as Town Marshal and Deputy Sheriff most of the time he lived in Wall. He was director of the West River Electric Association for many years and secretary for 13 years. Blanche was an active member of the Methodist Church and many benefit organizations in town. Immediately following World War II, Charlie and son, Wendell, started the Wall airport which is still in operation. Son, Dale, passed away in 1936 and Wendell in 1946. Charles died of a heart attack while hunting September 23, 1963. Blanche resides in Rapid City. [Photo - Henry Sebade and Bert Smoot with Frank Long's oxen team.] [Photo Mr. And Mrs. C. M. Best - 1937] [Photo - The Best Cottage filling Station] Personal Reminiscences of Pastor Theodore Carl Predoehl (As Written April 14, 1965.) Just one hundred years ago an event of memorable significance occurred in our Nation's Capital, Washington, D. C. That was the assassination of the "Civil War" President, Abraham Lincoln. He passed away that morning, having been shot the night before, which had been a Good Friday. But he had accomplished in his lifetime of only a little over 56 years the work for which he had been born. We live only so many years, or serve in an area for a longer or shorter period of time, and leave behind us some foot-prints on the sands of time. The undersigned and his family were privileged to serve a three- congregation parish in eastern Pennington County, South Dakota, for six years, beginning early in June, 1949, and ending early in June, 1955. The divine call came late in 1948, when we were residents of Redfield, South Dakota, where also the parish situation had involved us with three congregations, from 1946 to 1949. Almost simultaneous with the reception of the call, late in December, 1948, also came the disturbing news of the worst blizzard since 1888 in the region of Wall, Quinn, and Creighton, to which we were being called. The "we" would include the other members of the pastor's family, which consisted of the wife, Dorothea nee Blesse, and five children, namely: Nelson, aged 18, and already enlisted in the U. S. Air Force since the fall of 1948, thus no longer at home; Martin, aged 16, and not willing to discontinue high at Redfield, where he was an honor student, so he continued at Redfield Hi, even after we moved to Wall; Luella and Lois, twin, daughters, who had just been graduated from the 8th grade at Redfield, and also confirmed there in the spring of 1949, ready to enter high school at Wall at the beginning of the new term,-born May 1, 1935, so 14 years old; and Theodore Gerhart, 11 years old, but going on 12, as his birthday was to be Sept. 19th. We were kept informed about developments in the Wall -Quinn-Creighton Parish by Pastor Carl H. Mueller, then serving his regular parish of Philip and Milesville, some 30 miles north thereof, but having had charge of the Wall- Quinn-Creighton Parish, at least 30 miles west of Philip, since Pastor Dubbe had accepted a call to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in the summer of 1948. We made our first "inspection" trip to Wall on Easter Sunday, April 17, starting out in the afternoon, about one o'clock, and arriving in the evening about 7 or 8 o'clock, Mountain Standard Time. We learned that the First Lutheran Church was conducting an evening service that very same Sunday "night"', but we were too late for that, so did not attempt to see the members of the church and Pastor Muller, but searched for a motel, which we found on the northeastern outskirts of the thriving village. This was the so called "Hillcrest Cabins." The following morning we had to drive down to the Badlands, about 8 miles south of Wall, where we took a good many pictures, and enjoyed the unusual, bizarre-shaped scenery, which while not composed of rocky terrain, at least has the appearance in color and shapeliness of some of our national parks, such as Bryce Canyon, in Utah. Then we returned to Wall, and became acquainted with the two Eisenbraun brothers, Erhard and Martin, who were operating the E & E Service Station, on the corner of Wall's "Main Street" and Highways U.S. 14 and 16. It was Erhard who took us to the parsonage and permitted us to view the interior. At that time the parsonage, which William Harnisch had bought for the benefit of the rather newly-organized congregation at Wall, and which the congregation was buying from him, had a rather short-stubby look. Later, about 1952, it was to be enlarged, when the kitchen was made almost twice the size it was when we first lived in it. Our actual moving to Wall took place early in June, after the completion of the public school term at Redfield, so that our children, all of whom were attending, except the oldest, might finish their terms without suffering from a change of teaching personnel and curriculum. The installation took place on Sunday, June 12, 1949, beginning at First Lutheran Church, Wall, early in the morning, at 9:00 o'clock. As I recall it, there was no visiting pastor present to assist at this ceremony. In the 11 A.M. service, at Creighton, I was installed there in a "German" ceremony, since all forenoon services at Emmanuel Church, Creighton, were in that language; and at 2:30 o'clock that same afternoon there was a third installation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 11 miles north of Quinn, in English. It goes without saying that dinner was eaten at Creighton, since here the forenoon service closest to the noon hour had just been conducted. If my memory serves me correctly, the meal was served at the home of the youngest elder of the church, Erwin Eisenbraun. There was a warm, friendly climate in evidence in this parish. No doubt the fact that the pastor could associate with the families, especially those at the Emmanuel and St. Paul's churches, by eating his Sunday dinners with them, contributed to making the feelings between him and the membership one of friendliness and trust. For the truth is that never did the pastor have opportunity to eat a meal in his own home on Sundays throughout those years, 1949, except when there was some special occasion at Wall, such as a mission festival, when services would be dropped at the two other churches. Vice versa, services were also dropped at Wall when Creighton had a mission Sunday, or when Quinn had such a festival observance. Former Pastor A. W. Kraft, who had served the Creighton and Quinn Parish for more than a decade, and whose three daughters, Mrs. Fauske, Mrs. Emil Sieler and Mrs. Edmond Eisenbraun (Goldie), have remained as members within this parish, was invited to be the mission festival speaker at St. Paul Is Church, north of Quinn, on the second Sunday in September. Conversely, the congregation of Pastor A. W. Kraft invited the undersigned (Theo. C. Predoehl), to be its mission festival speaker on the third Sunday in September, Aug. 21, 1949, at Norris, South Dakota, 100 miles southeast of Wall. The Creighton Church was successful, through its appointed committee, in getting a brand new organ. This was not a mere reed organ, as originally suggested, but an electronic one. After trying out a few others, the committee-- or rather the voters--decided to purchase the one-manual Wurlitzer model, the cost of which was about $1,000. There was no trouble at all in obtaining subscribers in the congregation, so that the organ was virtually paid for at once. The dedication of the new organ took place on the second Sunday in October, which was Oct. 9, 1949, an afternoon service. Pastor Carl H. Mueller, of Philip, who had been invited, was the dedication preacher, and the undersigned was requested to play a number of dedication numbers, practically all of which were from "Choral Preludes by Johann Sebastian Bach," compiled and arranged by Felix Guenther. Such numbers as: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "In Dulci Jubilo," "Christ Lay in Death's Dark Prison," "The Old Year Now 'Hath Passed Away," "To God on High All Glory Be," "Wake, Awake, a Voice is Calling," "Lord, Hear the Voice of My Complaint," and "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word," constituted the organ "concert" at the conclusion of the service. With such a low ceiling as the old Creighton church had, there was no problem about resonance, as seems to be the case in the newer church edifice,--where an organ with a larger volume of tone possibility seems to be desirable. As stated, we lived and worked in the Wall-Quinn-Creighton Parish for six years, 1949-1955. One of the most memorable remembrances was the first Christmas we celebrated there. It so happened, that the Christmas service at the Creighton Church was to be held on Christmas Eve afternoon, Dec. 24th, 1949. The weather seemed to be pleasant enough, and we feared no evil. The program was given, as prepared by the Sunday school, in both English and German language parts, as continued to be the case during all of the years we served Creighton; but a 'change in weather became apparent even while the worship service was still in progress, and everybody was ready to go home as quickly as possible when the service was over, at about 5:30 P.M. And since there was to be a Christmas Eve service at First Lutheran Church, Wall, that same evening, we started out for "home", as though nothing were in the offing, whereas we might have stopped at some home and gotten some radio weather reports. The going was easy and possible as long as we were driving southward in the so called "Creighton Valley," but when we ascended Mooney Hill, and were on the plateau above, where the wind was blowing at a speed of about 60 m.p.h., we became completely lost. Visibility was reduced to zero, and no road was visible at all, and our driving south was rather by a sense of direction rather than by any road-marks. Nothing was visible of the road, all was the blowing a snow at a terrific speed across the surface. But suddenly the car began to lurch to the right, for we had come too close to the ditch, and try as we might, the car merely went deeper and deeper downward, so that we could not back out or steer out of it. We were stuck there, in a wild, untameable blizzard! However, the gracious Lord did not forsake us in this trouble. Though I began looking for help, wandering northward, with the intention of going to Adolph Geigle's, perchance, I was gratified when a pick-up truck came along driven, it seems to me, by one of the Huffmans, whose son I confirmed some time later, as he was married to one of the Huether daughters. This man permitted the members of our family, which included Mrs. Predoehl, our twin daughters, and Gerhart, to get into the cab, though, I think Gerhart and I got into the truck itself, -outdoors, exposed to the blast of the icy blizzard, and slowly and very carefully, the driver managed to get us as far as the Jans place, where we were sheltered on our first Christmas Eve until the following morning. Mrs. Janz was an elder sister of William, John, and Charlie Harnisch. While we must admit that Mr. and Mrs. Louis Jans had no Christmas tree up, nor any decorations, since they were all "grown up" and didn't think that adults needed such embellishments in the home to give it the Christmas spirit, we did feel somewhat sad because we missed getting home with our boys, both of whom were visiting us from afar, Nelson from way down south in Texas, Martin from Redfield. But we were comfortable and they were hospitable, and we enjoyed a most pleasant night, when it could have ended tragically for us, had no one come along to help us. Thus God helps those who are in need and answers their wishes, oftentimes even when unexpressed. Rev. Theo. C. Predoehl [Photo - Rev. and Mrs. Theo. Predoehl] [Photo - Joe Herink] [Photo - Stuck!!] [Photo R. F. Lewis] [Photo - "Sky Pilot" Loocke holding Church in Bad Lands] [Photos of Blizzard of 1949] To Our Pioneer's by Myrtle Clark Our pioneer's came out to this land, and spent long hours in toil, To try and wrest a living from the virgin prairie soil. Some built at first, a house of sod, and some a house of frame, While others built a little prairie shack, upon their homestead claim! But pride in ownership was theirs; to have a house and a piece of ground With horses, wagon, a milk cow or two, a humble home, indeed it was; but with their children playing 'round. Then as they prospered new homes were built, cattle herds roamed pastures green, And many a waving field of wheat, on the homestead claims was seen. More horses were either bought or raised, as homesteaders sons grew tall, And helped break up more prairie sod, in the countryside near Wall. The tractor later replaced the horse then the womenfolks did plead, For machines to help with indoor tasks, and this the men did heed. The gasoline powered washer, made its debut, to help ease the hardest task, And to those with water piped inside their homes, no more from life would ask. The bottle gas stove was next in line, which helped to liberate women From corncob, cowchips, axe and chopping block, sooty ashes lids and grates! Those Good Old Days - or were they such? Chimneys of lamps and lanterns to clean and wicks to trim, Water pails that were always empty, slop pails full to the brim. It seemed this task never was fulfilled, for a way of life it seemed to be, That slop pails were always running over, and water pails were empty constantly! Ohl Yes, the tempo of life was slow, it took hours to go to town, With horseflies thick in summertime, and gnats and "skeeters" buzzing 'round. No homes were air conditioned, in summer they were hot, But in icy drafts of winter, they decidedly were not! Today our homes are modern, with plumbing and electric lights, And the very latest in TV, so the men can watch the fights! Many settlers have moved to other states, and some to realms above, But those folks who've stayed here through thick and thin, We honor, bless, and love! "Wandering" Sitting at home in New York State I tho't to be a western cowboy would be great. My clothes I exchanged for cowboy ones- Hat and chaps, boots, spurs and six-guns. Two days later it was my fate, To land in Wall on board a freight. I asked for hire at the sale ring. They said you are forty years late for that thing. Ted Hustead had a job at hand, To sit on the bench with his cowboy band. All I did the whole day thru Was sit upright like a statue. A dude came along and poked me with a cane. Said to his gal, "He's a statue of wild Jessie James." I gathered myself and swung my right paw, It landed right under that dude's lantern jaw. I lost my job, then, that's why I am home, Right here I am planted, I will never more roam. --Ed Dartt [Photos - Typical Rodeo Scenes] [Photos - Around Wall]