Full Text of "75 Years of Sully County History, 1883 - 1958", pages 209 - 223. This file contains the full text of a part of "75 Years of Sully County History", edited by Mrs. E. L. Thompson. Scanning and OCR by Joy Fisher, http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000031 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 This book was produced by the Onida Watchman and is not copyrighted. Reproduction of all editorial and pictorial matter is explicitly permitted. GRAIN STORAGE AND ELEVATORS The contract for the erection of a grain elevator, of 30,000 bushel capacity, in Onida was let by the Atlas Elevator Company in August, 1909. Citizens of Onida and vicinity donated the hauling of forty loads of lumber which was used in the erection. In March, 1921, the Co-Operative Elevator Company was organized, and the officers for the first year were F. W. Johnson, W. H. Durrstein, Al Shires, Van Ludwig, Frank Fagner, John J. Hofer and Harry Huffman. The newly organized Farmers Co-Operative Company purchased the elevator and good will of the Onida Grain and Stock Company in June of that year. The new company obtained the finest grain house in the county. A Mr. Foster, of Doland, South Dakota, was hired to manage the elevator. As of August, 1942, the local AAA had a total of 36 bins. Glen Hughes, chairman, reported that there were eight bins erected in Onida and five in Agar, as well as 13 sold and delivered to farmers in the territory. Local farmers took immediate advantage of the bins and hauled their 1941 grain into Onida and Agar. In 1954, about one million bushels of grain storage was added to that which the Commodity Credit Corporation already had in the County. Determination on the part of a handful of local men to provide additional storage and marketing facilities for small grain raised in this area was culminated with the completion of a half-million bushel steel and concrete elevator by the Oahe Grain Corporation of Onida. The grand opening and public inspection of the giant $300,000 structure was held on March 30, 1955. Directors of the corporation include Gordon Day, Wilber Day, John E. Sutton and Josh J. Hofer, of Onida, and Ralph Wagner, of Agar. The corporation is a local-owned concern, with Gordon Day as president, comprising 38 stockholders. In 1958, the capacity of the elevator was nearly doubled with the addition of 12 new tubes, making it near a million bushel capacity structure. [photo - Oahe Grain Elevator, Onida, 1958.] Soil Bank Signup As of July 20, 1956, 47,469 acres had been placed in the acreage reserve program of the 1956 Soil Bank. The indicated return from this acreage was approximately $321,442.35, with 581 agreements signed in Sully County, all of which were in wheat. Sully's Biggest Grain Farmer The small grain harvest in Sully County was completed when W. J. Asmussen, of Agar, completed combining operations on August 19, 1958. This was not an indication that he was slow-he just had a lot of harvesting to do. Carl Rieger, custom combiner from Belleville, Kansas, one of the largest operators in the business, with an even dozen machines and as many trucks, completed Asmussen's mammoth harvest. Rieger combined over 6,400 acres, 10 sections, consisting of wheat, rye and oats, for the big Sully County operator. It took about three weeks to complete the job with ideal harvesting weather. SULLY LAKE The formal opening of Sully Lake, situated in a beautiful valley six miles west of Onida, took place on June 17, 1927, with an estimated crowd of two thousand people. The ceremonies opened with Dr. B. M. Hart, president of the Sully Lake Association, introducing Mayor Hipple, of Pierre, who delivered the dedication address. The Onida band played several selections, after which boat races took place. "Miss Sully", the first motor craft to make its appearance on the waters of Sully Lake, piloted by Henry Chamberlan, was kept busy all that day with over three hundred people taking rides around the lake. Several new canoes and launches also made their appearance. Forty-one lots were sold that day averaging about $50.00 each. The lots were situated along the west bank of the lake. Two thousand catfish, averaging about a foot long, were placed in the lake in that evening. The committee in charge of the dance pavilion announced that the offical chosen for the pavilion was "Okarda" suggested by Mrs. Frank Frahm, of Onida. The name was very appropriate, as it represented the three principal towns in Sully County - Okobojo, Agar and Onida. [photo - Celebration at Lake Sully, 1927] [photo - Orville Fairbank and Emma Brasel, shortly before they were married, displaying their 94 fish caught in Lake Sully, 1948.] The generous rains in the spring of 1937, did much to bring the oldest and most popular artificial lake in central South Dakota back to its former fame and glory. The water rushed over the spillway and on down toward the big muddy Missouri. Young and old from all over Sully County flocked to the cooling shores to enjoy a refreshing dip in the soft rain waters of the lake. Schools of tiny fish were carried across the outlet and down into 0kobojo Creek. During the years that the water gradually receded under the merciless evaporating forces of the sun and hot winds, Bess Gropengieser moved her boat landing pier farther and farther toward the center of the lake, but after the heavy rains she was able to step right into her boat off the former shore. The cottage owners, adjoining the lake kept right on through the drought planting and taking care of shade trees around their property. The Gropengieser cozy lake retreat was almost hidden in shady trees and brush. Improvements were made on the bath house, the pier recarpeted, a new spring board put into position, and at the end of the pier, a fifteen foot, three-floor life guard tower put in place, two life-saving rings with ample rope were provided for the safety of swimmers and two floating rafts were also provided. Members of the Sully County Sportsmen Club, along with the cooperation of the Onida Fire Department and county and city employees took advantage of the low water level of the lake in March, 1957, and sanded the beach, cleaned up debris and trimmed the trees, making swimming activities at the lake more desirable. ORGANIZATIONS Crop and Livestock Improvement Association About sixty farmers met in Onida on January 4, 1947, and organized a joint crop and livestock improvement association. The directors were Henry Hertel, James Brooking, Gordon Day, John Sutton, Vernon Garrett, John Nystrom and Garrett Reynolds. The spraying program, under the direction of County Agent John F. Neu, sprayed 4,229 head of cattle on 25 different farms that spring. The sprayer was kept busy as over 10,000 head of cattle were signed up for lice and grub spraying, and later that season the sprayer was in control of noxious weeds and fly control on livestock. The association sponsored a Crop Show in Onida in 1948. A Pie Baking Contest was held in connection with the show and Mrs. Edward Klix was crowned "Pie Queen" as the result of her lemon pie being judged best of the 24 entered. Mrs. George Becker was runner-up, and Mrs. Theron McKenney received the highest number of points. The pies were then auctioned off. Mrs. Klix's champion pie was sold to Everett Stewart for $21.00. Extension Service The Agricultural Extension Service was established in Sully County in 1918, and the work has been maintained and continually improved since that time. From 1920 to 1934, the Sully County Farm Bureau was the official organization cooperating with the Extension Service, but this arrangement was changed in 1935, in compliance with the new South Dakota Extension law. In accordance with the new law, Sully County commissioners are responsible for maintaining the service in cooperation with the state and national extension organizations. Educational and social projects have been maintained throughout the years. The Sully County Fair is closely associated with the Service which also assists in organinzing State Fair exhibits. The program is carried out by the County Extension Board, 4-H Clubs, Fair Board, Home Extension Council and the Crop Improvement Association. Annual county fairs have been held throughout the years and the farm youth has continued to participate in 4-H projects. [photo - C. L. Falkenhagen, Agar, Exhibit at State Fair, 1921.] Mother Nature has often smiled upon the farms of Sully County and brought bountiful crops for the farmers to harvest; however we have not always been able to escape the climatic hazards of the area. During 1940, moisture conditions were, varied and spotted, and the hot winds during the month of June practically destroyed the grain crop, and in many cases no harvest was made. The estimated yield for wheat that year was 7.2 bushels per acre. Federal Agency programs were carried out and monies from the AAA, FSA and WPA were given credit for "pulling us through." This area had just emerged from a period of depression, drought, dust storms and grasshoppers, and these agencies were used to supplement the income of the farmer. The United States and the people of Sully County were involved in World War II and the Korean Conflict during this period of time, and the agriculture effort of 1942 through 1945 was concentrated on producing food and fiber for the armies of the United States and its allies. World War II caused boards and agencies to be organized by which the war effort could be carried out. Among them were the U.S.D.A. War Board, Rationing Committees, Office of Civilian Defense, Bond Drive Committees and office of Price Administration. Scrap drives were organized, and farmer committees were set up on rationing and price regulations. Sons and daughters of Sully County farmers were placed in military service and factories. Those left on the farms were determined to get the job done despite the labor shortage and the inability to buy farm machinery. In 1942, the county was blessed with a bountiful crop of wheat which averaged 20 bushels per acre. Some yields were as high as 40 bushels per acre. The wet season delayed threshing and some were still threshing as late as November. Crops were poor to fair in 1943. However grass grew well as several good rains fell during May and June and an ample supply of hay and forage was harvested. The old hazard of grasshoppers reappeared and inflicted severe damage in some parts of the county. One-hundred thirty tons of bait were spread for hopper control that year. The war effort continued and ration boards become common place. Ration books were issued with blue and red stamps. The blue stamps were used for rationing processed foods and red stamps were used for meat rationing. Ration coupons become valid on specific dates for a definite period time. Some of the important items rationed were coffee, sugar, gasoline, tires and fuel oil. The county extension office assisted in placing harvesting equipment and farm laborers needed to carry out farming operations. We became a part of Farm Labor Office of the U.S.D.A. War Board. Sully County received timely rains and favorable conditions for good crops during most of the period from 1944 to 1958. Some of the greater changes noted in farming methods during the 1939 - 1959 period were most evident in harvesting equipment. The grain binder and threshing machine were being replaced by the combine at the opening of this period. The combine thresher progressed from an awkward pull type machine to a more compact unit and then on to the self-propelled unit. Rubber tired farm implements replaced the steel wheel. Scientific research has played a great role in the agriculture progress of the county with new insecticides, weed killing sprays, fungicides and drugs found in common usage. Sully County farmers have always been progressive and willing to adopt new ideas. Improved crop varieties such as Rival and Rushmore wheat, which were drouth and rust resistant, influenced crop production a great deal. Grain sorghums, hybrid corn and improved grasses were planted extensively. Large acreages of grasses and legumes were seeded- under A.S.C. cost sharing programs. The widespread planting of trees was carried out, with a hardy variety, Chinese Elm, as the main species. Another agricultural program of great economic importance was the building of stock water reservoirs and dug-outs which made available a livestock water supply during dry periods. During this period better production methods, coupled with bountiful crops and higher prices, helped to raise the standard of living of the Sully County farm family. Electric power from the R.E.A. made it possible to develop water and sewer systems on the farm. Electric lights replaced the kerosene and gas lamps and the occasional windchargers. Recently modern telephone lines replaced the older and shorter lines and gave complete coverage to the county. Television became common place in most farm homes. The farm size continued to increase throughout this period and production shifts were made away from dairy and poultry products toward beef cattle and cash grain sales for income. The first county agricultural agent was Axel L. Peterson, who was employed 1918 to 1919. Next in line was Lewis M. Woodruff in 1920 through 1925. U. J. Norgaard took over in 1926 and continued until the spring of 1939, at which time John Jeremiason became agent. He worked in that capacity through 1944. Sully County did not have a county agent in 1945, but the following year, John F. Neu took over the duties and remained here for ten years. Then Harold E. Wood became county agent in 1956, and to date, under his close supervision, extension activities have climbed to the highest level and more progress made than at any time since Extension Service was organized. Home agents, who have served in Sully County, are Margaret Conklin, Hermina Nauman, Anna Dempster, Irene Steninger, Emily Parker, Ora Sloat, Artaxa Denniston, who came here in 1940; Vivian Verry 1941 and 42; Margaret Volby in 1943; May T. Wren in 1944 and 45; Isabel McGibney, 1946 and 47, Margaret Laughrey, 1948 and 49, and Mildred Tisher in 1950 to date. The present extension board includes Mrs. G. C. Reynolds, chairman; Emel Johnson, vice chairman; Ed Cruthoff, secretary; James Brooking and James Cavanaugh, members. - H. W. Extension Clubs The Extension organization in Sully County began in 1922, and at the present time there are ten active clubs in the county. The major project of each club is their individual booth at the County Fair, featuring special lessons presented throughout the year. All clubs sponsor 4-H clubs in the county. The County Council was originally called County Committee, then changed to Advisory Council and is now County Council which meets once a month. The 1958 officers are Mrs. John Day, chairman; Mrs. Robert Mikkelsen, vice chairman, and Mrs. Fred Smith, secretary and treasurer. Farm Women's Club was organized in 1922, with members residing in Onida, Garner, Clifton and Hartford -townships. The club helped organize the State Federation in 1929, and from that time to 1933, Mrs. H. A. -Brooking, a member of the club, was state treasurer and also state president in 1935. Farm Women's won the regional one-act play contest in 1936, and presented it during Farm and Home Week in Brookings. Mrs. George Becker, another member, was honored as first "Homemaker" at Little International in Brookings in 1949. She was also state president in 1950. This is the only club in the state that has ever had two state presidents. Three "Fine Ladies" were chosen from this club-Mrs. H. A. Brooking, Mrs. George Becker and Mrs. Theron McKenney. Farmington Club was organized in October, 1927, at the home of Mrs. Charles Todd. Officers were Mrs. Axel Mikkelsen, chairman; Mrs. B. A. Silbaugh, vice chairman, and Mrs. Melvin Todd, secretary and treasurer. Of the 15 original members, Mrs. Charles Todd, Mrs. Axel Mikkelsen, Mrs. Stella Brehe and Mrs. Effie Cass are the only four charter members still here. Busy Bee Club was organized in 1933, with 13 members of which Mrs. Arnold Schreiber, Mrs. Alvin Joachim and Mrs. Rudolph Mundt are still active. The club eventually changed its name to Jolly Time Club, with an average of about 15 members. The club purchased land and kept up a park in Agar. Six of their members have been chosen "Fine Lady". The club includes members from Agar and vicinity. Onida Extension Club was organized in the fall of 1943. Two of the Charter members, Mrs. Vern Palmer and Mrs. Jim Lawrence, are still active members. Mrs. Palmer is now District 7 president. The average number of members has been about twelve. Most of the members are residents of Onida. On July 28, 1948, County Council Chairman Mrs. Corydon Ludwig and Vice Chairman Mrs. Axel Mikkelsen, met with a group of ladies from Summit, Onida, Goodwater and Lewellyn Park townships and the town of Onida, at the Clifford Thompson home to assist in organizing the S. E. H. Club, with 15 members. Several of the ladies had previously belonged to an Extension Club in the early twenties. They were Mrs. Roy Grove, Mrs. Isabella Pierce, Mrs. Earl Miller and Mrs. R. S. Goddard. Mrs. F. R. Burgeson belonged for a very short time in Nebraska. The first officers were Mrs. Clifford Thompson, chairman; Mrs. F. R. Burgeson vice chairman, and Mrs. Lee Lindell, secretary and treasurer. Average number of members has been ten. Mrs. Burgeson and Mrs. Thompson are the only charter members in the club. J. J. Club held its first meeting at the home of Mrs. C. A. Kessler in Onida on November 22, 1948, with 12 members present. Of those joining, the charter members remaining are Mrs. Charles Hoover, Mrs. Russell Hoover, Mrs. Conrad Huse and Mrs. Robert Mikkelsen. The average number of members has been ten. Progress Club was organized in April of 1950. The name of the club was changed to Blaine Progress Club in 1953, and changed back to Progress Club in 1958. Charter members still belonging are Mrs. Elmer Lehmkuhl, Mrs. Alvin Thomas and Mrs. George Fanger. The average number of members has been eight, all living in the southeastern county. [photo - Style Show put on by a group of Blaine-Lincoln Club members at Sully County Fair, 1924. Left to right-Mrs. Van Ludwig, Mrs. Tony Etzkom, Mrs. Everett Stewart, Mrs. Luther Nelson, Mrs. Henry Hertel and Mrs. Emel Johnson.] West Sully Club was organized in 1952, with 11 members, and has had an average of eight members. The first officers were Mrs. James Zebroski, chairman; Mrs. Rose Clark, vice chairman, Mrs. Lowell West, secretary and treasurer. Members of this club live in the extreme west end of the county. Charter members remaining in the club are James Zebroski, Mrs. Lowell West and Mrs. William E. Serbousek. F. H. D. Club was organized in the fall of 1949 with five members. Mrs. Harold Martin was chairman. Most of the club's members live in Onida. Harmony Girls Club, organized in 1955 as the S. S. E. Club, had 11 members. Officers were Mrs. Henry Becker, chairman, and Mrs. Ralph Letellier, secretary and treasurer. Members of this club live southwest of Onida and in Onida. S. S. E. was changed to Harmony Girls in 1958. Some of the older clubs which have disbanded were Kum-Join-Us, Lincoln Hustlers, Blaine-Lincoln, Friendly Circle, Welcome Club, T.N.T. Club, Kountry Kates, and Happy Hour. The following are Sully County Fine Ladies: Mrs. Wilbur Peterson, 1941; Mrs. Van Ludwig, 1942; Mrs. G. C. Reynolds, 1943; Mrs. Theron McKenney, 1944; Mrs. H. A. Brooking, 1945; Mrs. Axel Mikkelsen, 1946; Mrs. Charles Lomheim, 1947; Mrs. Clifford Phillips, 1948; Mrs. George Becker, 1949; Mrs. Harry Hilton, 1950; Mrs. Arnold Schreiber, 1951; Mrs. Leonard Venner, 1952, Mrs. Fred Wakefield, 1953; Mrs. Corydon Ludwig, 1954; Mrs. Coleman Smith, 1955; Mrs. Vern Palmer, 1956; Mrs. Isaac Smith, 1957, and Mrs. Art Wittler, 1958. Sully County Women's Chorus The organization of the Sully County Women's Chorus was instigated by Mrs. John Sutton in March, 1949, with Mrs. Evelyn Venner, of Agar, as director. The Purpose of the chorus was for the enjoyment of singing, gaining knowledge of a variety of songs, and the fellowship of its members. The chorus has entertained at various functions, including The County Fair, eight district Extension meetings, Crop Shows, Recreation Days, Blunt Silver Tea, and four state Women's Extension meetings. Each Christmas meeting is unique in its originality of providing a program. Charter members are Mrs. Isaac Smith, Mrs. James Sutton, Mrs. Ralph Wagner, Mrs. Theron McKenney, Mrs. Fred Smith, Mrs. Alvin Joachim, Mrs. Coleman Smith and Mrs. Leonard Venner. Present officers are Mrs. Leonard Venner, president and director; Mrs. Elliott Bouchie, vice president, and Mrs. Phyllis Wagner, secretary and treasurer. - E. V. [photo Sully county Women's Chorus, 1956 Front row, left to right-Mrs. Forrest Byrum, Mrs. Ray Cass, Mrs. John Cavanaugh, Mrs. Donald Martin, Mrs. Ralph Wagner (hidden), Mrs. Elliott Bouchie and Mrs. Gus Westphal. Back row-Mrs. Alvin Joachim, Mrs. Fred Smith (hidden), Mrs. Tony Lamb, Mrs. Harry Cass, Mrs. William Williams, Mrs. Isaac Smith, Mrs. Donald Martin (hidden) and Mrs. Leo Weischedel, Mrs. Leonard Venner, director, and Mrs. Coleman Smith pianist.] Sully County Fair The Sully County Fair was organized in 1923, through the efforts of a group of people representing the members of local community clubs throughout the county and County Extension Agent L. M. Woodruff. These people felt there should be some way by which the results of the use of improved farming practices could be brought before the eyes of every citizen of the county. As a result of these interested people, an organization was formed under the existing laws, and county aid was obtained to the extent of $400.00. The first County Fair was held on the main street of Onida. Most exhibits consisted of farm crops and produce, livestock exhibits being curtailed by contagious livestock diseases occurring at that time and lack of housing. A machinery exhibit, as part of the fair, was situated near the Dave Gustafson Implement. The officers of the first County Fair were B. M. Lister, president; Claude M. Jones, vice chairman; M. R. Brown, treasurer, and Lewis M. Woodruff, secretary. The remainder of the board was made up of committees, members of which were W. H. Ruckle, M. R. Brown, H. C. Teets, L. D. Johnson and Albert Youngberg. The fair met with such approval and enthusiasm the year of its inauguration that the following year a more extensive organization was formed with a board of directors chosen from throughout the county. This board consisted of the officers and ten members. They were H. A. Brooking, president; Claude Jones, vice president; M. R. Brown, treasurer; Lewis M. Woodruff, secretary, and the other directors Albert Youngberg, Henry Hertel, Harry C. Teets, D. C. Morris, C. E. Byrum, Carl Falkenhagen, Van Ludwig, George Trumble, P. H. Peterson and E. H. Garrett. The 1924 fair brought in many exhibits of all classes including grain, livestock, garden and community booths. Because of the increase of exhibits, space for exhibiting was very difficult to find and the people of the county felt something should be done to acquire permanent grounds and facilities. In 1925, the fair association purchased 30.47 acres of land near the city limits at the southeast corner of Onida for a sum of $3060.00. An 8-sided exhibit building was erected, 46 feet in diameter, one swine barn 16'x6O' and a cattle barn 24'x96' at a cost of $2859.75. Needed grading was done for a race track. The increase of facilities brought an added incentive to the fair and the exhibits increased proportionately. Finances, of course, were a problem, but were met by the eager enthusiasm of the entire county. The county commissioners appropriated $2500.00 for the fair and clubs throughout the county contributed as did the merchants of Onida, Agar and Okobojo. The Sully County Fair was beginning to appear as a permanent part of our county's annual affairs. 1928 saw a greater need for improvement and facilities, so a grandstand was erected on the west side of the race track, another swine and sheep barn was erected and a permanent lighting system was installed. During the 1930's the fair exhibits were sometimes lacking in abundance, but not in quality. 4-H work and boys and girls' exhibits increased many times over in the county as we advanced through the 30's. As friendly rivalry increased between clubs and individuals, higher quality grain, garden produce, livestock, sewing, culinary and other exhibits became apparent. This enthusiasm has carried through the 1940's and 1950's. As a result more facilities were needed for 4-H exhibits. The increase of livestock exhibits snf other functions surrounding the fair made it necessary that a permanent water system be established on the fair grounds. This was accomplished in 1946. In 1954, a new 4-H building was constructed. This building is a 40' x80' quonset type. The 4-H building has been filled to capacity with exhibits each fair since its construction. It is also used during year for various 4-H activities and is a available for other community functions. The Sully County Fair Association is composed of all people of Sully County represented by a Fair Board made up 35 people, including 4-H leaders, home extension club leaders and others from both rural and town. The county home extension agent and county agricultural agent are advisory members. The present officers of the board are Charles H= chairman; Ednamae Day, vice chairman Edith McKenney, treasurer, and Jam Brooking, secretary. The Sully County Fair has been known for many years as the "Biggest Little Fair in South Dakota." The purpose of the fair has been maintained through the years "To show the accomplishments and advances of Sully County agriculture and home life."-J. B. Farm Bureau The Sully County Farm Bureau was officially organized July 20, 1920. At that time the Farm Bureau actively supported extension work through securing county aid and continued acting in this capacity until 1934, when state legislation severed this connection. Not only was financial aid for extension work secured, but local community clubs were organized through Firm Bureau. The leader or chairman of each club in turn formed the directors of the county unit. The county unit, using suggestions by the community clubs, drew up a list of project suggestions for advancement in Sully County agriculture and these projects were carried out as completely as possible by the county extension agent. In 1923, the agricultural leaders thought something should be done to open the eyes of the local people to the possibilities of improved agricultural practices in the county. Accordingly, each local community club selected a project leader who met with other leaders in the county, along with the county extension agent. Sentiment was favorable throughout the county and an organization was formed and thus the Sully County Fair began. One of the highlights in the history of the Sully County Farm Bureau was the annual picnic of 1934, when Edward O'Neil, national president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, gave the address of the day before some 2500 people. Eleven community Farm Bureau clubs were active in Sully County at one time. These clubs held their meetings in the different farm homes at first, but as membership increased the local township schoolhouses were used as meeting places. During the late thirties, the activities of the Farm Bureau were curtailed because of drought and the consequent lack of funds. However, in 1946, the organization was reactivated with three local clubs and a county unit. Later the three local clubs affiliated with the county unit. The county unit is comprised of the entire county membership with a board of nine directors chosen by the membership. The directors are elected each year at the annual County Farm Bureau banquet and meeting. The county officers are elected by the membership from the nine directors elected. The annual county meeting and banquet is held each fall prior to the state Farm Bureau annual meeting. Resolutions pertaining to farm problems on local, state and national levels are discussed. These resolutions are adopted by vote by the membership. The delegates to the state convention are also chosen at this time. The present members of the Board of Directors are James Brooking, president; Adolph Brehe, vice president; Emel Johnson, secretary; Harold Currier, treasurer; Charles Stephens, L. Ray Cass, Wayne Nelson, Oliver Byrum and Clarence Ludwig. Louis Fosness is the local insurance representative for the Sully County Farm Bureau. The activities of the Sully County Farm Bureau include bringing services to its members; holding educational meetings for the purpose of informing its members on important issues of the day in the field of agricultural research; legislative actions on local, state and national levels; farm economic information, and many more. Our local Sully County Farm Bureau is affiliated with the South Dakota and American Farm Bureau Federations. Much could be said concerning the efforts of many of the men and women in Sully County who were and still are instrumental in organizing the Sully County Farm Bureau and continuing the high level of activity of this farm organization. However, lack of space and loss of recorded memberships through the years prevent us from giving a complete and accurate listing. - J. B. Farmers Union Sully County Farmers Union was organized in 1929, with a membership of about two hundred. The first officers were P. J. McCoy, chairman, and W. H. Parkin, secretary. Charter members were Frank Winkler, Jake Walter, Joe Hofer, C. H. Yackley and William Becker. In the 1930's, a cooperative store was owned and operated by this organization. In recent years the membership has grown considerably. Each year several delegates are sent to Washington, D. C. to meet with our congressional delegation, and two delegates are sent to the United Nations in New York to attend sessions at the General Assembly. Farmers Union is always working for better rural life conditions. A great deal was done toward getting REA and RTA to rural people as soon as possible after World War II. Also fair prices to farmers for their commodities has always been its goal. Each year a County Counsellors Convention is held at the state office in Huron. At this meeting every local organization in the state is represented with a delegate. At this convention resolutions are debated which are later presented to the state legislature, as well as to congress. This organization always donates money to welfare organizations, as well as to 4-H work and other youth activities. Also summer camps are held in the state each summer for the young people. In 1958, the officers were: George Lytle, chairman; Benny Gross, secretary-treasurer, and Lawrence Venner, vice chairman. Missouri Slope Irrigation Committee Late in October, 1956, a group of Sully County farmers selected representatives, to be known as the Missouri Slope Irrigation Committee, to continue to gather information and to promote irrigation in this area. The group, sponsored by the Onida Chamber of Commerce, included Maurice Green, Phil Seaman, Earl Baxter, and C. H. Yackley, farmers; Harold Wood, county agent, and E. L. Thompson, publisher. An area of approximately 81,000 acres in western Sully County is believed to be suited to irrigation and can be supplied with water from the Oahe reservoir. Okobojo Women's Club The Okobojo Women's Club was organized Feb. 8, 1921, at the home of Mrs. Will Green, and has been active since its organization. There were eleven ladies at the first meeting. Among them were Bessie Lumley, Della MeGannon, Beulah Glessner and Mary Bush, who are honorary members of the club today. The first officers were Vida Christy, president; Bessie Lumley, vice president, and Isabel McMacken, secretary and treasurer. Some of the other early members were Florence Groseclose, Edwina Harry, Bertha Bunch, Beulah Glessner, Zora Crawford, Myrtle Glessner, Retta Garrett and Florence Green. The club was first named Okobojo Community Club, but in November, 1921 it was changed to Okobojo Rotary Club. Later the name was again changed to the Okobojo Women's Club, as it is known today. While called the Okobojo Women's Club, this organization covers a much wider territory as its membership includes those from the surrounding townships. There are also a few members from Onida and Pierre. The purposes of the club, when organized, were educational, religious, charitable and social. These have been carried out in numerous ways. At present, the club sponsors the OK-O 4-H club. The annual auction sale, originated by Mrs. W. W. Warner in 1937, is held in October and furnishes funds for the Christmas party. The children of five schools provide a program, and the tree and treats are donated by the Women's Club. The club membership varies from year to year. At one time there were over forty members, and, at present, there are twenty-eight regular members and five honorary members. The spirit of good will and helpfulness has continued through the years. Old Settlers' Association A number of residents of Sully County met in the public school building in Clifton on March 2, 1888, for the purpose of forming an organization of the old settlers of the county. Andrew McFall, Esq., called the meeting to order and briefly stated the object of the meeting. He nominated Dr. H. G. Pease, of Carson, temporary chairman. Dr. Pease was unanimously elected. J. H. Gropengieser, of Clifton, was chosen temporary secretary. A committee, including McFall and Gropengieser, of Clifton, D. A. Harpold and L. H. Bruner, of Okobojo township, were appointed to draft a constitution for the association. The following officers were unanimously elected to hold office until the annual meeting in September, 1888: Dr. Pease, president; Gropengieser, secretary, and William Toomey, of Onida, treasurer. The first annual meeting was held in Clifton on September 5, of that year, and was attended by people from all parts of Sully County. The original officers were reelected to serve another year. Okobojo was selected for the next meeting the following year. The 40th anniversary meeting on August 17, 1923, held in the Onida High School gymnasium, was truly a homecoming. Old-timers from as far east as the state Of Maryland, and as far south as Oklahoma, came and spent the day renewing old acquaintances and recalling stirring events among the scenes of their early struggles as pioneers. The 1938 meeting which marked the 50th anniversary of this organization, was held at the fair grounds in Onida on the opening day of the county fair. Mrs. George Lumley, president of the association, had charge of the meeting and introduced the speakers. Leo A. Temmey, of Huron, then attorney general of South Dakota, gave the main address. Annual meetings have been held through the years, climaxed with a picnic and renewing acquaintances. In recent years, these meetings have been held in the park in Pierre, South Dakota. Sportsmen's Club A special meeting, called by the Oneidas Club of Onida for the purpose of forming a Sportsmen Conservation Club, was held at the municipal auditorium on August 9, 1946 with approximately 75 interested people present. M. A. Knox was elected temporary chairman of the new club. One of the purposes for organizing a club of this kind was to further law- enforcement for the protection of farmers during the hunting season. Farmers, who bear the brunt of raising game birds, especially pheasants, are also the ones to suffer the most damage from careless hunters, and it was hoped that more farmers would join the club, for with a goodly number of their names on the membership roll, the club would have a considerable influence on future legislation in the game department. At a meeting held in October, 1948, members of the Club proposed improvements at Lake Sully. Graveling the bathing beach and dikes that were erected to form the beach, constituted one of the major jobs. Henry Lomheim offered the use of several trucks, and volunteer labor by club members was available. Regular election of officers was held with the following chosen to serve for 1949: Wilber Day, president; Ed Cruthoff, vice president, and Max Rodman was named to hold over as secretary and treasurer. Thirty members of the club observed Arbor Day on April 24, 1949, by planting 800 trees at Cottonwood Lake, eight miles east of Agar. During the month of January, 1950, the Club sponsored a pheasant feeding program in the hopes of saving the birds. A load of ear corn was purchased and distributed in the bird cover area. Herschel Ellis, president of the club, asked interested sportsmen to assist with the work. The pheasant population was very low at that time and the weather and feed conditions were such that feeding was necessary if Sully County were to save its brood stock. About 60 members were present at the February, 1952, meeting to help elect officers, enjoy some special talks and partake of mulligan stew. In the election of officers, James Sutton was chosen president; Preston Starbuck, vice president, and Leo Lemmel, secretary and treasurer. "Duke" Lamsteer showed movies of the 1951 World Series. Over 100 interested listeners were on hand the evening of October 22, 1954, to hear Walter Heldt, a taxidermist from Sioux Falls, tell of his experiences on hunting trips into Mexico and Alaska. Heldt also showed movies covering his hunting trips. Special guests for the meeting were members of sportsmen's clubs from Pierre and Blunt. Young Citizens League Professor M. M. Guhin, director of rural education of Aberdeen Normal School, developed the concepts of the Young Citizens League work by first establishing it in the rural practice schools under the supervision of the Aberdeen Normal and then into the rural schools of Brown County. He then published the plan in a bulletin issued by the Normal and sent it to teachers and county superintendents all over the state. The project started in the schools of Sully County in the early 1920's and at first was localized interest within each school's activities. The first state Y.C.L. convention was held at Pierre on May 9 and 10, 1927. Delegates and visitors were present from all over the state. Professor Guhin explained that the Y.C.L. was a South Dakota project, as it was virtually unknown in other states. It had developed into an organization which included more members than any organization in the state and was conceived and prompted in the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to America and its flag. The first county convention was held in Onida in the spring of 1930, and at that time there were about 50 rural school leagues in the county. Now in 1958, there are three rural leagues, two from the Agar grades, and one from practically all of the grade rooms in Onida. The Agar leagues participated from the very beginning, and those from Onida have taken part for the past seven or eight years. Each fall the Y.C.L. sponsors a County Speaking Contest. For the past few years the contest material has been memorizing nursery rhymes, by the first grade; reading a story, by the second grade; telling flannel-graph stories, by the third and fourth grades; poetry reading, by the fifth and sixth grades, and humorous declamations, by the seventh and eighth grades. Winners from the various groups, with the exception of the primary gra represent the county in the regional test in Pierre. At the business meeting held each spring, every league in the county is represented by a delegate. At that time officers are elected for the coming year, and two delegates are chosen to attend the state convention in Pierre. For the sake of convenience, girls are selected as delegates one year, and boys the next. The rural schools took an active part in all war time activities and as a result won honors in the National Scrap Gathering Contest. North Troy won second place in the state with a per capita poundage of 13,983 pounds. An expense paid trip to launch a Liberty Ship was given to a student representing each of the three winning schools in the state. As a delegate from his school, John Sutton, Jr., had the opportunity to attend the christening of the 116th Liberty Ship launched at the Oregon Shipbuilding yards, in 1942, and named for the well known educator in South Dakota, M. M. Guhin, the founder of Y.C.L. The event was made memorable by a noon luncheon, at which time each boy was presented with a leather portfolio containing pictures of the shipyards and the ship they helped to launch. Two from Sully County to greet the delegates were Oren Scholbon and Eloise Bos. [photo - South Dakota Delegates Attending The Launching of Liberty Ship, The M. M. Guhin, Oregon Shipbuilding Yards, 1942. Front row, left to right - Miss Diane Vinton, flower girl, Portland, Oregon; Miss Mary A. Guhin, niece of M. M. Guhin, Aberdeen, South Dakota, who christened the ship. Middle row (delegates) - John Sutton, Jr., Agar; Allen Towne, Midland, and Eugene Linerville. Cash, S. Dak. Back row - Rev. I. George Nace, Portland, and Woodrow Hall, Cash, instructor in charge of the group.] [photo - The M. M. Guhin South Dakota's Liberty Ship Launched in 1942.] The study of wildlife occupied a prominent position in the rural school curriculum during the winter of 1957, in addition to the usual "three R's". Rural school children selected "South Dakota Wildlife" as their project and state game wardens were very helpful in their task. The Sully County Y.C.L. received credit for suggesting the study of wildlife, and urged its acceptance at the state convention in the spring. Presentation of the subject was made by Jim Thompson, Onida, on behalf of the Sully organization. The wardens of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, assisted over 350 teachers and 4,000 pupils in 11 central South Dakota counties during the winter. The students concentrated principally on the wildlife found within their respective counties. For the past four or five years the business meeting has been held a few weeks prior to the music festival held in the spring, the highlight of the year. The county has been divided into groups, and each group furnishes a number, rather than one, from each of the individual schools, thus obtaining a better and more varied program. The group numbers center around the themes of holidays, pioneers and conservation. The 1958 program included a musical skit on Conservation of Wildlife, the theme for that year's study. Madonna Venner emceed the skit and Mrs. Leonard Venner was the director. The Y.C.L. county chorus, also directed by Mrs. Venner, presented several numbers. The 1958 delegates to the state convention, held in Pierre, were Linda Kilpatrick, Brenda Currier and Jerry Thomas, accompanied by Mrs. William Buol. Officers elected for the 1958-59 term were Dale Chipman, president; Tom Bown, vice president, and David Sargent, secretary. - M. S. R E A Rural Electrification became possible with the enactment of the Rural Electrification Act on May 20, 1936, by the Congress of the United States. This start in electrification of rural America helped the more thickly settled areas to form Cooperatives, obtain loans from the government and for rural areas to serve themselves. In thinly settled areas such as Sully County, rural electric cooperatives were not considered feasible until 1947, when the amortization period was extended to thirty-five years and the interest rate set at two per cent on loans by the government to rural electric cooperatives. At that same time, the rural electric cooperatives agreed to serve anyone in their alloted area. The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Central Electric Association, Inc. was held on May 22, 1946, at the office of the Hughes County Agent in the courthouse in Pierre, South Dakota. The meeting was called to order by Mike Smith, of Agar, who was chosen as chairman. Roy Wiseman, of Pierre, was chosen secretary. The following men were the original incorporators of the Association: Mike Smith, Agar; Rudolph Mundt, Agar; Jake Mosiman, Onida; Ray Pool, Blunt; George F. Bowman, Pierre; Ray Wiseman and Fred Stoecker, Pierre. These gentlemen were the first members of the Association and subscribed to ten shares of stock at a cost of $5.00 for each ten shares. Chairman Smith advised that the Articles of Incorporation had been filed and that the Secretary of State had issued the Articles of Incorporation on April 26, 1946. He further stated that a two weeks notice of intent to adopt By-Laws had been published and that the next order of business was the adoption of the By-Laws. Meetings of the Board of Directors were held monthly and in October 1946, the minutes show that about 400 signed applications for service had been received. In February of 1947, the General Engineering Corporation was selected as project engineer and instructed to prepare maps. The minutes of April 1947, show that maps and membership surveys for Sully County were completed and that Hughes and Sully County maps would be completed within a few days. The May meeting shows that the area of the Cooperative was agreed upon which included Hughes, Sully and Stanley counties. In April 1948, a resolution was passed authorizing the purchase of the Onida Municipal power plant and facilities. On July 7, 1948, a public meeting was held in Onida to discuss the sale of the City power plant. An offer of $50,000.00 was made to Onida for their power plant. At a special meeting held on September 1, 1949, the Board of Directors voted to buy the generating plant and facilities of the City of Agar from the Montana Dakota Utilities Company. On June 28, 1950, the Addie Mundt farm was energized. This was the first farm to receive electric service. The Village of Agar had received electric service a few days prior to this date. The matter of buying the electric power plant and distribution system from the City of Onida was dropped late in 1954 when the last offer made by the Cooperative was not accepted. - G. E. 0. Transportation The earliest means of transportation to Fort Sully from 1866-1878 was by steamboat up the Missouri River. Forty to seventy steamboats were used to convey passengers and freight to the Trading post. Since there were only trails in those early years, the only means of travel for many of the earliest settlers was either horseback or walking. Some were known to walk with a wheelbarrow to the nearest railroad town to purchase their flour, coffee and other staple foods. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad ran excursion trains into Blunt, bringing in eastern people who were seeking homes in this new land. A great many who came, filed on Sully County homesteads. Others came to our county with their families in covered wagons drawn by oxen. A stage coach and mail route, via Onida, from Blunt to LeBeau was established during the summer of 1883. The lumber wagon was commonly used for hauling. As the people acquired more, and wished to travel in style the spring wagon or surrey became popular. H. W. Ruckle, who was a carriage and cabinet maker by trade, built many buggies and repaired others for his neighbors. Others made use of the bicycle, in lieu of easier transportation. About 1905, several automobiles appeared. Dr. Kendall had an auto, which looked very much like a buggy and had hard rubber tires. In August of 1910, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad passenger train came through both Agar and Onida, connecting us with Blunt and Gettysburg. This train ran daily until 1946, at which time the passenger train was discontinued. At present there is only a freight train running twice weekly. In the place of our passenger train, the Central Bus line now carries both passengers and U. S. mail from Pierre to Bismarck, North Dakota. Much of our freight, grain and livestock are hauled by truck at the present time. We now may travel by air, as we have several registered pilots. So we have come a long way - our cow paths or trails, are now blacktop highways, running through our towns. - L. R. Features and Featurettes [photo - John H. King. Standing beside his first artesian well put down in Sully County, 1899.] The artesian well put down two and a half miles east of Onida by the Dubuque Syndicate, represented by Col. John H. King, was completed October 27, 1899. It was very successful, flowing a continuous stream two inches in diameter. The pressure was twenty pounds to the square inch of clear water and was a good flow considering the depth of the well -1670 feet. The well was of great benefit to Sully County in more ways than one, as it settled the question that this county was in the artesian basin and indicated the depth necessary to drill to obtain a good well. The "King Well" is located in the center of Section six in Blaine Township, now owned by Sutton Brothers. The John Hughart family live there. [photo - Steam Breaking Rig, Five gang, ten plows, used in 1908.] The manager of the Kansas Artificial Rain Company met with representatives of various counties in South Dakota on January 20 and 21, 1892, to explain the system of producing rain by the use of chemicals in the air while at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees. Three districts were formed at that time-Sully County included-to raise $112.00 for the first rain. [photo - Elva Hyde, Teacher at West Onida School, about 1907. Now Mrs. George Nelson.] Sully County had a remarkable record in the year 1905. With a territory larger than the state of Rhode Island, it had no saloon, no jail, nor a pauper. Furthermore, the county was out of debt, and the cash in the treasury was sufficient to meet any emergency calls. Henry Esselbrugge owned a half interest in a silver mine in Nevada, and traveled there by stagecoach in August, 1911, to inspect his properties. He reported, on his return, that he did not see any country that surpassed Sully County. Sully County was valued at four million dollars as of July, 1911, according to Auditor O'Donnell. One hundred dollars an acre land in Sully County became a reality in the fall of 1919, when William Spencer sold his five hundred acre farm adjoining Onida to some people from Logan, Iowa. The new owners also purchased the entire stock of farm machinery, horses and cattle. The sale of the A. R. Harlow ranch of 2,560 acres at $27.00 an acre, making a $69,000 transaction was completed the first part of April, 1920. This was the largest single real estate deal to be closed in this vicinity up to that time, and another step in the big wave of development soon to sweep over this section. It was like the whistle of the engine announcing the approach of a minited train.