Full Text of "75 Years of Sully County History, 1883 - 1958", pages 53-66 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. Twenty-five Years of Progress Onida was considered by its citizens to be a good town in 1910, but those same citizens predicted that in the following year of 1911, it would be a much better town - in fact so far advanced that they would not be able to realize it to be the same place. It was hard to believe, but nevertheless true, that the following improvements were made within a year's time, besides those previously made: A $75,000 court house, an electric light and power plant, cement sidewalks, water works, chemical engine and fire department, a telephone system, a railroad with all the benefits that accrued from same, grain elevators and a farming territory to draw from. Already Onida had two large general stores, one hardware store, two drug stores (one with hospital in connection), three strong banks, livery barn, one garage and another to be erected, a three chair barber shop, two restaurants, a butcher shop, pool hall, a newspaper, a grist mill, two blacksmith shops, two doctors, five lawyers, seven real estate offices and other businesses too numerous to mention. And this was only a start. The surrounding country filled up with progressive farmers and each year the county produced more wealth than in the year preceding. The Railroad Comes [photo - Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Garner and daughter, Audrey, standing on rear platform of first train to arrive in Onida. The two men at the right are unidentified.] After a patient wait for nearly thirty years, the ears of Onida citizens were greeted on June 22, 1910, by the racuous whistle of a railroad locomotive. How sweet it sounded could only be told by those old-timers who settled here in the early eighties with the fond hope that Onida would get a railroad in a comparatively short time. But this short time passed into years and still they waited. Those young men whose hopes were highest a generation ago were now silvered with age and their places were taken by a rising generation, who little realized how much they owed to those old pioneers who settled here on the lonesome prairie thirty years before. It was really August 1 when the first passenger train came to Onida, and also the first one to run through the county. It was composed of two day coaches and one combination passenger and baggage car. Every one who could possibly get away was at the depot to ride as far as Gettysburg. A total of seventy-two passengers boarded the train; among them were Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Garner and their daughter Audrey. When the train pulled away from the depot and slowly glided away to the north through Will Spencer's cornfield, those who remained at home could hear the passengers cheering and singing like a bunch of kids at a Sunday school picnic. When the train pulled into Agar the passengers found that the citizens of that enterprising little town had decorated every building with American flags and practically the entire population was at the depot to see the train. The passengers got off the train at Gettysburg and had dinner, after which they milled around town explaining to the natives of that little city what an advantage it was to them to be connected by rail with a town such as Onida. Early in the afternoon the Onidans boarded the train and returned home, everyone proud and happy that he had taken a ride on the first train that ever went through the division. The Lights Go On At 5:30 o'clock on October 19, 1910, a new epoch was written in the history of Onida by turning on the "juice" from the electric light plant built by Fred Gropengieser. Upon his death in 1918, the plant was sold to the City of Onida. The lighting service was excellent, and as all machinery and equipment was absolutely new and installed by experienced electricians, there was no reason why the excellence of the system would not maintain its standard for all time. The power was turned off at eleven o'clock in the evening, but Manager Gropengieser informed Onida citizens that a powerful storage battery would be connected to the line so that lights could be had at any time of the night or day. New Court House Completed [photo - Sully County's new courthouse nearing completion. In the background, right, is what was then known as the Robert Dunlap Corner, where he constructed three buildings - two-story store, lumber yard and rooming house. It is the present location of H & H Motors.] Confusion and happiness reigned among the county officers on March 25 and 26, in 1912, it being the occasion of their removal from the old building, which had for twenty five years served as a court house, into the handsome new building shown above. There was really a vast difference between the neat, up-to-date offices in the new building and the crowded quarters which had served for so many years. Every office had the latest improvements in office fixtures, including vaults, files an telephones. The county officers had a perfect right to be pleased with the handsome new quarters. The new court house was dedicated on April 9, 1912, by the legal fraternity. A stage and mail route from Blunt to LeBeau, by way of Onida, was established in the early summer of 1883. During the lush, languid days of Indian Summer in August, 1886, W. D. Dwyer, Frank Brigham, Dr. E. J. Loughlen, Charlie Holmes, Frank Brier, L. C. Weyand and Lon Funston enjoyed a leisurely outing along the banks of the Big Muddy, picking plums, dining with the Indians at Fort Bennet and hunting. The Misses Emma Nelson and H. Mabel Finch returned home about the middle of October, 1904, from their visit to the World's Fair in St. Louis, Mo., Chicago and other scenic spots. Gropengieser Home Burns On the afternoon of February 7, 1915, the residents of Onida were startled by hearing the dread cry of "Fire" and rushing to the street, saw flames bursting from the Gropengieser residence. The hose cart was hurried there as soon as possible, but before the water could be turned on every room on both floors was in flames. The fire was caused by a leak in the gasoline range, and the entire house had filled with gas which, when ignited, spread instantly to all parts of the house and made it impossible to save anything. Those first on the scene managed to take out the piano, but it had already been ruined by the flames. Heroic work was done by both citizens and members of the department. At one time flames burst from almost every part of the house and it appeared as if nothing could prevent it from burning to the ground. However, under the constant drenching by two heavy streams of water, the fire gradually became controlled, and although both house and furniture was a total loss, a large part of the outer shell of the structure was kept from burning and thus saved all the shade trees on the lawn and also preserved the furnace, storage batteries and coal in the basement, although it meant quite an expense to tear down the ruins before another building, could be erected. Gasoline had been leaking from the stove all morning and when Mrs. Gropengieser started to light it to prepare dinner, the gas throughout the house ignited at once. It was almost a miracle that she escaped without injury. Mr. Gropengieser ran upstairs for something and the flames followed him up the stairway so quickly that he was compelled to jump out of a window on the second floor. The building was one of the finest and most expensive houses in town and, although the loss was partially covered by insurance, the loss in keepsakes, heirlooms and other personal articles was one that money could not replace. No clothes of any kind were saved by any member of the family except those they wore at the time. Mr. Gropengieser rented the L. D. Johnson cottage and the family resided there until spring when plans were made to rebuild. [photo - Only Portions of the outside walls remained standing when flames consumed home and contents belonging to J. H. Gropengieser.] Mrs. Bernice (Hardwick) Lincoln Receives Radio Bravery Award The Jimmy Fiddler award for courageous action, announced each Sunday evening on his radio program from Hollywood during 1950, was awarded to Mrs. Bernice (Hardwick) Lincoln of Madison, Wis., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hardwick. _Mrs. Lincoln received a Bulova watch with the inscription on the back, "To Bernice Lincoln-from Jimmy Fiddler. May 25, 1950." Each week Mr. Fiddler invited some noted Hollywood celebrity to nominate the person who had performed an outstanding act of courage during the week. Miss Jane Russell, glamorous movie star, was asked for her selection the first week in May, and she unhesitatingly named Mrs. Lincoln, an expectant mother, for her unselfish bravery in rescuing a three-year-old boy from drowning in the icy waters of Lake Monona in Madison. All-Star Wedding A Smash Success There was standing room only at the city auditorium the night of June 27, 1952, when the Onida Fire Department presented that atomic hit, "All-Star Wedding." The bride, Miss Lotta Crust, portrayed by Vic Bosma, wore a floor-length dress of white with a finger-tip veil, and carried a bouquet of hollyhocks. The groom, I. Will Chisel, Paul Kellogg, wore the conventional business suit with tie. Officiating was the parson, Les Swanson. Attendants were the bridesmaid, Willard Stahl, and best man, Howard Schultz. As flower girls, Orville Davis and Dick Knodel, scattered popcorn, and Buck Crabtree acted as ring bearer. Francis Ryan, as the butler, announced the guests who ranged from baby brother, Bob Ramler, with his black mammy, Aunt Jemima, Tom Donahue, to President Truman and Mrs. Truman, Connie Hyde and Charles Fransen. The guests were entertained as they waited for the wedding party, by Ethel Smith, the pianist, D. J. Martin; Jack Benny, his violin, and Rochester, Harold West and Glenn Meadows; Margaret Truman, Charles Hoover; Kate Smith, J. M. Reedy; Gene Autry, Wendell West; Frank Sinatra, Frank Walsh; Fred Astaire, Roy Sweany; Andrews Sisters, Charles Nelson, L. C. Ridinger and Bob Mikkelsen; Amos 'n' Andy, Russell Hoover and Robert Eldridge; Carnfen Miranda, "Smokey" Ripley; Dick Contino and his accordian, Lee Rappana; Rudy Valie, Tim Hull; and Old Black Joe, Leo Lemmel. Other guests presented were the mother of the bride and her twin sons, Everett Chenoweth and Clair Kennedy; Ma and Pa Kettle, John Day and Charlie Danks; Miss Knowall, the nosy old maid, Vern Palmer; Ima Jilt, former sweetheart of the groom, Buck Birdsall; Digger 0'Dell, Ray Doyle; Miss America, Ed Cruthoff; rich aunt and uncle, Ralph Ludwig and Ray Bartels, and their two bobby-soxers, Alfred Mosiman and Marvin Kennedy; Mae West, Ralph Becker; the peddler, Howard Wargo, and the tramp, Richard Groseclose. This classic was a huge success a the most talked of wedding of the year. Mrs. Marion Pierce Foils Hold-up Attempt Quick thinking and courageous action on the part of Mrs. Marion Pierce, wife of the local manager of the municipal liquor store, foiled a hold-up attempt just as the Pierces were closing up the night of August 27, 1949. The liquor store had been locked while the day's proceeds were tallied and placed in the office safe. Their attention was attracted by a rattling at the front of the building, and thinking it was a late customer, they opened the door. As Mrs. Pierce swung open the door it placed her in a position to the right side and slightly in the rear of the would-be robber, who advanced to the counter, where he pulled a gun demanding the money that was on hand. Mrs. Pierce, acting quickly, grabbed the gun with both hands. A short scuffle followed, but the amateur criminal was unable to break her hold on the gun. He then left the building and the Pierces, thankful to have averted the robbery, and fearful that accomplices might be lurking nearby, were only too happy to see the last of him. Maynard Knox won three titles at the South Dakota state trapshoot held in Spearfish the week of June 15, 1955. He captured the state singles, the state handicap, and the state champion of zone champion trophies. [photo - Back in 1910, six young people, dressed in their best, went for an auto ride on Easter Sunday afternoon. In the course of their jaunt in the country, they came upon a pitched tent which was unoccupied at the time. Thinking this would be a good place to take a picture, the group got out and posed with a water jug found inside the tent.] Main Street Business Today Seventy-five years of progress on Broadway-commonly known as Main street- has resulted in many improvements and many new faces. The busy corner on North Main, on the west side of the street, is now the Red Owl Store, owned and operated by Walter Becker, who purchased the business in March, 1955. He and his wife, Phyllis, and six children moved here from Turton, South Dakota, and purchased the Ralph Ludwig home where they now live. Diane, the oldest daughter, is attending Presentation College in Aberdeen. Julie and John are in high school, and Mary Margie and Tommy, are in the grades. Mr. Becker's employees include: Maynard Rilling, Mae Wakefield, Kathleen Donahue, John Kimbell, John Becker and Julie Becker. The next business place to the south is the Blue Room operated by Dick Mehrer, originally from Harrold, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Mehrer and their five children live in a large trailer house. An older daughter, Susan, (Mrs. Larry Carroll) lives in Ft. Pierre. Schaeffer's Hardware is owned and operated by John Schaeffer. Miss Janice Brooking is employed during her college vacations. The Onida Produce is owned and operated by Donald Currier. He and his wife, Edna, have four children: Mrs. Donald Lee of East St. Louis, Illinois; Carol, a senior at Sunshine Bible Academy, Miller, and Brenda and Susan in grade school at Onida. Rev. Elias Hofer is employed by Mr. Currier. Hardwick's Store is one of Onida's first general merchandise businesses and has remained in the family since it was established by Mrs. Hardwick's father, M. B. Knight, in 1910. The Onida Watchman was purchased by E. L. "Stub" Thompson from Minnie Zimmer in November, 1953. Stub and his wife, Helene and son Jim, who is a sophomore in Onida High School, live in the Watchman apartment. The Watchman employs Phillip "Bud" Hess, Mrs. Sheldon Bright, and Herbert Tebay, who is on leave in the military service. C. R. Garner Real Estate is the second oldest business on Main street and is still run by Mr. Garner. The insurance business was sold to Bob Koenig in 1954, who came to Onida in 1948, and taught and coached in the local school for five years. Bob and Jean have two boys, Bobby and Mark. Mrs. Ted Baker is employed as secretary at the Garner Agency. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Chase own and operate Chase's Bakery. They employ Mrs. Evelyn Edge, Mrs. Walter Ripley, Mrs. Darold Kuhns, Mrs. Martin McGuire, Maxine Erp and Mrs. Roy Hines. Marshall-Wells Store is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cruthoff, who came to Onida from Mitchell in 1939. Ed was in partnership with Everett Stewart and in 1953 became the sole owner of the business. Ed and Pat have two daughters, Penny, a junior at Huron College, and Patty, a senior in Onida High School. Spears & Spears is another one of the old, established land businesses of Onida. Mrs. Marvin Kennedy is employed as secretary. Ellis Drug is owned and operated by H. W. Ellis, formerly of Highmore, South Dakota, who purchased the business from Pat Abbott in November, 1941. Mr. Ellis employs Mrs. Icy Jarnagin, Mrs. Janet Chamberlain and Mr. Abbott. Herschel and his wife, Ruth, purchased the former W. W. Warner house, where they live with their two children, Janet, a freshman in high school and Charles, a sixth grader. Mr. Ellis' hobbies are hunting, fishing and boating. [photo - H. W. Ellis, preparing a prescription at his drug store.] Onida Electric is owned by Bob and Paul Ramler, who came to Onida from the state of Minnesota. They employ John Silbaugh and Tony Lieser. Bob and Gladys have two children, Judy and Donald, and Paul and his wife Ethel also have two children, Randy and Ricky. The Onida Bank is an independent bank owned by 18 local stockholders. Directors are Luther Nelson, president; Chas. Lee Hyde and Bess Gropengieser, vice presidents; A. J. Owens, Sr., cashier, and Mrs. Ralph Becker and A. J. Owens, Jr., assistant cashiers. Mr. Owens, Sr., has been the managing officer since 1925. Kub's U-Save grocery store is owned by Joe Kub, formerly of Ipswich. He and his wife, Jenny, have two children, Marie, a junior in high school, and Joe, Jr., in the grades. The Kub family lives in an apartment in the Onida Frozen Foods building. Rivenes Cafe is owned by Orville Rivenes, who purchased the business from his mother, Mrs. Emelia Rivenes, in September, 1946. Employees are Anne McBride, Vivian Ripley, Christina Wipf, Carol Davis and Norma Duncan. Orville and Opal Rivenes have three daughters, Betty, (Mrs. Kent Hyde), of Huron; Karen (Mrs. Laurence Byrum) rural Onida, and Dany, age four. The post office building is owned by William Ruckle, present postmaster. His wife, Luella, has been a regular clerk since December, 1937. Preston Starbuck has also been a regular clerk since 1946, and his wife, Mildred, a sub- clerk since that time. Carriers are Maynard Knox, since February 2, 1925, A. E. Lewis, from 1935 until he retired in 1956, and Albin Stahl since 1956. Sub- carriers are Everett Chenoweth on Route two since 1932, and Darwin Stewart, who replaced his father, Everett Stewart, Route one. Bob Demery is a part-time employee. The Billiard Parlor is operated by H. R. Birdsall, who leases the business from the Ben Ahrendts. Veo's Variety is owned and operated by Mrs. Tony Lamb. Mrs. Donald Tennant is employed there. The Lambs have four children; Dolores (Mrs. Howard Hanson) Joe, John and Charles. The Gamble Store is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Les Swanson. Les and Irene have two boys, Gary and Ricky, both attending Onida High School. The Swansons live in the apartment above their store. The Roxy Theatre was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Demery from Glenn Woods in July, 1956. This was one of the first theatres in this area to have Cinemascope. Mr. Demery came to Onida in 1955 from Kenel, South Dakota, to teach in the high school. Mrs. Demery is the former Margaret Day, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Day. Bob and Margaret have four children, Mary Ellen, Kathie Sue, Bobby and Michael. Fosness Cleaners is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fosness, who purchased the business in May, 1935. They employ Mrs. Ferne Currier, Miss Laurel Chattick and Mrs. Saloma Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Fosness came to Sully County in 1927. They have one daughter, Virginia, (Mrs. Charles Cook). Stahl's Service Station was purchased by Francis Stahl from Dale Uhl in April, 1957. Mr. Stahl employs Rodney Becker. Peavey Lumber Yards has been managed by Wilbur Hofer since September, 1957. Wilbur and his wife, Eileen, have two children, Terry and Scotty. The Mosiman Hotel was purchased by Alfred Mosiman in 1946. He and his Wife, Margaret, have four boys, Rodney, Corwin, Monte and Larry. Mrs. Pat Malloy is employed at the hotel. The Sully County Land & Abstract Company, which was originated by J. H. Gropengieser 64 years ago, is run by his daughter, Bess, and Agnes Noste. Mrs. Everett Chenoweth is a part-time employee. Vanity Beauty Shoppe is owned by Mrs. Virginia Hilton. Miss Eleanor Curley is employed as a beauty operator. Mrs. Hilton's son, Craig, is a freshman in high school. White Owl Barber Shop is owned and operated by Everett Chenoweth. Everett and Irene have one son, Marvin, a freshman in high school. The Evergreen Tavern has been managed by Willis Green since May, 1956. He and his wife, Lucille, moved to Onida from a farm in Sully County. H & H Motors was purchased by John Sutton and Elliott Byrum from 0. C. Hortman in 1957. They employ Wendell West, Larry Mayes, Harold Wagner, Lawrence Ripley, Herman Menenger, Lloyd Rilling, Willard Stoll and Lyle Chase. Elliott and Lois Byrum have two children, Kathy and Karla. Business Here and There Ray's Repair Shop is owned by Ray Bartels, who had farmed east of Onida and then moved to town in 1946, following his return from military service. He purchased the business in April, of that year from Fred Genzel. Ray and Lois have three children, Ronald, a freshman in high school and Wanda and Hugh, in the grades. Lamb's Store was established by Tony Lamb in 1937 and has been managed by his daughter, Dolores (Mrs. Howard Hanson) since 1952. Employees are Mrs. Florence Theuer and Mrs. Russell Hyde. The Hansons have two children, Virginia and Fred. Lamb's Chevrolet was also started by Tony Lamb in 1937, and in 1952, he turned the management over to his son, Joe. Originally a service station, the business has branched out considerably. In April of 1957, Joe Lamb purchased the Chevrolet Agency from H. R. Birdsall and in 1958 built a new garage east of Lamb's Store. Employees are John Lamb, Chester Hiller, Mary Hiller, Howard Hanson, Harold Davis, Ralph Shoup, Roy Hiller and Kenneth Brunmeier. Joe and his wife, Dorothy, formerly Dorothy Hyde, have four children, Daniel, and Nancy in the grades and James and Jeff at home. Mr. and Mrs. John Lamb have two children, Denise and Diana. The Texaco Station was purchased by Frank Erp in 1934. In 1955 the station burned to the ground and then rebuilt. Employees are Emel Genzler and Elton Erp. Mr. and Mrs. Erp have six children, Maxine, Elton and Darlene in high school and Eva, Mary and Wylla in the grades. Onida Frozen Foods is owned by Pete Unruh, who purchased the business in May, 1956. He and his wife, Susie, have four children, Jake, who is a farmer in Sully County, Elsie (Mrs. Vern Genzler); Edna (Mrs. Clayton Cunningham) and Andy. Sully County Co-Op Association was formed in 1921 and is made up of 250 stockholders. Art Johnson has been manager of the elevator since 1935. Harvey Main and Burl Corcoran are also employed by the cooperative. Mr. Johnson came to Onida in 1927, from Randolia, Iowa, and the following year he started working for the Sully County Co-op Association. In June of 1939 he married Miss Julia Birkland of Beresford, South Dakota, who had been teaching in the Onida Grade School. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson purchased the Frank Hayes house and have made that their home. They have two daughters, Ellen and Dorothy, high school students. Oahe Grain Corporation was organized in 1954 with the following board of directors: Gordon Day, president; John Sutton, Wilber Day, Josh Hofer, Elton Eller. Bob Clausen is secretary. Clinton Dunlap has been manager since August, 1956. Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Dunlap came from Rutland, North Dakota. They have three children, Dennis and Carol in high school and Nell in grade school. Employees are Larry Rupkalvis, Bill Williams, Lorraine Yeager, and Ed Seaman. manager of the oil department. Shorty's Radiator Shop is owned an operated by Henry Boren, who has bee in business since September of 1956 coming here from Goodlett, Texas. and his wife, Elma, have five children, Leon, Edward, James, Billy and Judy Ann. Hoover Livestock and Sales is owned and operated by Charles and Russell Hoover, who established this business in 1955. The Hoover brothers buy for Armour and Company of Huron. Business on the "'Strip" Stewart and Sons was established by Everett Stewart in 1953. Since his death in 1956, the business has been manage by his wife, Pauline, and oldest son, Darwin. Employees are Van Stewart, Jack Schall, Carl Haverly, A. E. Lewis and Dave Merrill. Darwin and his wife, Collette, have two daughters. Baxter Chemicals was established b Earl Baxter in 1954. A crew of workmen arrived here October, 1907, to construct cement walks. The first cement sidewalk was in front of the Watchman office, then located in the Phares building, north of the courthouse then the entire east side of Main street. [photo - The Everett Stewart family, taken in front of their new business place after it was completed in 1953. Pictured, left to right, Judy (now Mrs. Jack Schall); Mrs. (Pauline) Stewart and daughter, Sandra; Everett Stewart and sons, Darwin and Van.] The Professional Men Onida's First Doctor Onida was very fortunate in having Dr. E. J. Laughlin come out here from the East in 1883. He was Onida's first doctor: however, people were so healthy and so few at that time, that it was necessary for him to move elsewhere to seek a livelihood. He chose to go to Blunt. Another Doctor Arrives Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Pease also came to Sully County in the very early days. They first located near Okobojo and later moved to Onida. His office was located in his home, the present Reuben Niehoff site. Dr. and Mrs. Pease celebrated their 53rd Wedding Anniversary in November, 1901, and were the oldest married couple living in the county at that time. They left here in October, 1903, to make their home at Placer, Oregon. They were residents of Onida for 14 years and of Sully County for nearly 20 years. The reason they left here was to benefit Mrs. Pease's health. Dr. P. Kendall, physician and surgeon, arrived in Onida the first part of February, 1904, from Salem, South Dakota. He was appointed superintendent of the Sully Board of Health in March of that year. The Kendall family lived in the Foster house on the site where the Jake Mosiman house is located. The doctor established his office in his home. Their son, Harry, operated a restaurant in several locations in Onida. He married Mrs. Norfolk and later moved to Huron. Dr. Kendall passed away on May 6, 1911, from a heart attack at the age of 64 years. Mrs. Kendall then went back to Salem to live with her daughter. When she passed away her body was brought back here for burial. Another Doctor-Another Drug Store Dr. and Mrs. Stegeman came here from Pierre. Mrs. Stegeman had been employed in the State House. They had a two story building erected on south Main (Gambles) and used the front part as a drug store and the back portion as doctor's offices. The upstairs was divided into hospital quarters in front and living quarters in the back. During the flu epidemic in 1918, the hospital rooms were always filled and several nurses were employed. The Stegemans moved to Gettysburg in the early twenties. DR. HART Onida Had A Third Doctor Dr. B. M. Hart, who had practiced in Blunt for about five years made arrangements in September, 1910, to come to Onida and locate in the offices over the M. B. Knight Store, where he received patients several days each week. But it wasn't until March, 1917, that Dr. Hart and his family moved to Onida and located in the Adams residence. Dr. Hart purchased the old Onida Hotel and had it moved to its present location, now the Kimbell Apartments, to be used as a hospital. In July, 1932, Dr. Hart had the hospital entirely remodeled, rearranged and enlarged. About that time Dr. and Mrs. F. R. Zeiss came here from Chicago, and the two doctors went into partnership. This lasted about five years and in 1937, the Zeiss family returned to Chicago, where Dr. Zeiss became a bone specialist. The Dr. Hart family moved into the Wilber Day home. His first wife, Edna, passed away and later he married Jeannette, who had been supervisor of the Kahler and Colonial hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota, for ten years just previous to her marriage. It was necessary to close the Onida Hospital in the fall of 1939, because of lack of funds. However, the following May, Mrs. A. O'Neil, a registered nurse, leased the hospital from Dr. and Mrs. Hart. Mrs. O'Neil announced that to the first baby born in the hospital after June 1, 1940, she would give a $5 bonus. Delvin Pearson, from north of Agar, was that first baby. [photo - The Onida Community Hospital, Built In 1953] The Harts left here in 1944, to make their home in Long Beach, California. In addition to practicing his profession, Dr. Hart was very active in civic and community affairs, and in 1940, both he and Mrs. Hart were honored at the South Dakota State Medical Association Convention. The Doctor was chosen president of that organization for 1941, and Mrs. Hart was elected second vice president of the women's auxiliary group. Dr. Hart passed away on January 25 1957, at Long Beach, at the age of 80 Mrs. Hart is living in Long Beach with her daughter, Beverly, a trained nurse. Mrs. Hart's son, Maynard, is a doctor, living in Texas. Swedish Masseur Dr. and Mrs. Oscar Hedman came here the first week in January, 1925, from Colton, South Dakota. They lived in Mrs. John Cole's house on Main Street, where the Doctor gave Swedish Masseur treatments. In 1931, they purchased the Big Brick House, known as the Snyder house where he lives. Mrs. Hedman has been ill and stays at the Douglas Nursing Home in Pierre. Dr. Hedman is a survivor of the sinking Titanic in 1912. He was on his first trip to America at that time. He and Mrs. Hedman made a trip back to Sweden for a visit several years ago. Dr. Embree Dr. and Mrs. Embree and their two children came here in the middle forties. Dr. Embree established his office in the back of the bank building. They purchased the house that Frank Hoover built, located on the lots where the present Gordon Day home is situated. When the Embrees left here they had their house moved to Pierre where it now sits on Capitol Avenue. Dr. Rimsa Dr. and Doctora Alfreds Rimsa arrived in Onida in September, 1950, from Sioux Falls where they had been interning at the Sioux Valley Hospital for six months in order to meet all requirements to practice in the State of South Dakota. Dr. and Mrs. Rimsa are graduates of the University of Latvia and Dr. Rimsa a postgraduate with four years training at Munich, Germany. They were assigned to this community for four years by the State Board of Health. The Rimsas went to Los Angeles, California, where Dr. Rimsa specialized in heart diseases. New Hospital Voted Upon On August 15, 1950, 221 people went to the voting booth in Onida to vote on the question of issuing bonds in the amount of $20,000 for the erection of a clinic. The proposition carried by a vote of almost two to one, 140 votes cast in favor and 81 against. Earlier that summer a proposed county hospital was defeated in the June primaries by an overwhelming vote. On April 23, 1951, bids were let for the construction of the Onida Hospital. The four country districts canvassed for funds completed the soliciting in Blaine, Richvalley, Fairview and Onida. The people in these four townships pledged a little over $4,000. The City of Onida so far also pledged $4,000. A total amount of $30,000 in contributions would be needed to complete the new hospital. Many Contributions Made John Pexa of Agar brought his ditch-digging equipment to Onida during the month of May, 1951, to dig the sewer and water ditches for the new hospital. Everything in connection with this project was a donation by Mr. Pexa, for which he received the grateful thanks of everyone. A 30-truck caravan made up of local truckers pulled into Sioux Falls early the morning of June 7, and loaded up with material for the new hospital which was now under construction. The owners of the 30 trucks donated their services for the trip. Work went ahead on the basement floor and walls and prospects were good that before long the building would be completed. The men in this community donned aprons and caps the evening of December 17, and served a sausage and pancake supper to the public, the proceeds from which were donated to the new Onida Hospital. The Hospital Benefit sale held on June 7, 1952, brought in a good crowd netting over $4,000, to be used for the completion of the Onida Hospital. The Cheyenne River Roundup Quadrille from the Cheyenne Agency was one of the featured attractions of the rodeo which was held in Blunt on July 12, 1953, sponsored by the Onida Hospital Committee. The rodeo donated its entire proceeds to the hospital. Prize money was donated by Onida businessmen, and livestock was furnished by Ervin Korkow, Small Brothers, Sutton Brothers and Art Cowan. Purses for the various events ranged from $35 to $75. Dream Realized-Hospital Opens The fruition of several years' planning and hard work was realized the week of July 20, 1953, when the Onida Community Hospital was opened for business. It is a beautiful building, the embodiment of hopes, dreams, generous contributions and co-operation on the part of the entire county. When the doors were opened, a full staff was on hand to receive patients. Mrs. William D. Trythall, as head nurse, was assisted by one registered nurse, one licensed practical nurse and two aides. Mrs. Irene Wargo was employed as cook and Mrs. William Joachim of Agar was the first patient admitted at 11:30, the evening of July 21. W. G. Abbott, city auditor, was engaged as hospital manager. Lori Lou Kleinschmidt First Baby Lori Lou, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kleinschmidt of Harrold was the first baby born at the Onida Community Hospital. She arrived on Friday, July 31, and by virtue of being the first birth recorded, was the recipient of a gift of money donated by Dr. A. Rimsa and H. W. Ellis. Dr. Orgusaar Dr. Rudolf Orgusaar arrived in Onida the week of June 10, 1954, from Revillo, South Dakota, to take over the practice of Dr. Alfreds Rimsa, who planned to leave for Los Angeles, California to specialize in heart diseases. Dr. Orgusaar practiced in Revillo for one year following 12 months interne work at MeKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. He is a native of Estonia and came to the United States in June of 1951, after spending eight years in western Germany. He started his medical training at Tartu, Estonia, and later graduated from Erlangen University in Germany. Dr. Orgusaar left here December 15, 1957, to take over duties at the Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. [photo - Dr. George I. Westland, holding his and hunting partner's limit of prize Canadian (Honkers) geese.] Dr. Westland Dr. George Westland, physician and surgeon, came to Onida in March, 195& He and his wife, Nancy, and their two children Martin, 4, and Linda, 2, moved into the Luther Nelson house across the street from the hospital, which is retained for doctors and their families. Dr. Westland occupies the doctor's offices on the main floor of the Onida Community Hospital and has, as his assistants, L. M. Carr, laboratory technician, and Mrs. Marian Mayes, R. N., receptionist and nurse. Technician Carr is also on the hospital staff, as well as aiding Dr. Westland. Mr. and Mrs. Carr had a house moved onto the lot just north of the Clarence Culey home on South Main. They have two children, Sharon and Patricia. Mrs. Mayes is the former Marian Todd. Her husband, Larry, is bookkeeper at H & H Motors. They have three sons; twins, Larry, Jr., and Terry, and Gregory. The Hospital Auxiliary sponsored an Open House on Sunday, March 9, in honor of Dr. Westland, Technician Carr and their families. THE DENTISTS Dr. Ray Merrick was Onida's first resident dentist. He maintained his office in his home, near the William Trythall corner. Later, he moved out to his claim northeast of the cemetery and had his office at that location. Dr. Trythall Dr. and Mrs. Trythall and son, William Davis, came to Onida in 1913. Dr. Trythall located his dental office on the second floor of the Johnson-Haverly brick building where he remained until 1943, when the family moved to Faith, South Dakota. He practiced there until the time of his death. Dr. John Trythall was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, in 1873, the seventh child in the Michael Trythall family, who had been sent to the United States by the King, of England, to care for the gold mines of the southwest. Dr. Trythall graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1904 and started practicing at Hurley, South Dakota, the following year. In 1910, h6 married Margie Davis, at Bismarck, North Dakota. [photo - Dr. John Trythall, Onida dentist from 1913 to 1942.] Dr. Trythall was an ardent sportsman in hunting, fishing and golfing. Following his death on May 13, 1944, Mrs. Trythall returned to Onida and presently lives in one of the Gropengieser apartments. Their son, William, is superintendent of the light and water plant. He is married and they have two children, Margie Ann and Mikey. THE LAWYERS Onida's first attorney was a young man from New York state, who came here in the early spring of 1886. He didn't stay long and was followed by Thomas M. Goddard, who opened an office in the building just south of the old courthouse (Mosiman Hotel) early in 1889. In a short time Walter and Joe N. Meloon went into business with Mr. Goddard. Another early-day attorney to come to Onida was J. F. Martin, who put out his shingle in 1890 on the building which is now Veo's Variety. His stay was short-lived, however. In 1909, M. W. Murphy began his practice here and also did not last long, as he left in January of the following year for Fargo, North Dakota. Homer Hoover, of Pierre, took over his practice. James E. Temmey, M. H. Quimby and J. H. Gropengieser also were early-day attorneys. Practicing law must have been a lucrative business around 1910, because Onida boasted five resident attorneys at that time. In 1919 the partnership of Crandall & Eager opened. C. J. Crandall, Jr., practiced in Onida until 1933, when Francis M. Ryan took over his practice. Mr. Ryan's associates have been D. Nelson, a 1950 graduate of the University of South Dakota Law School, from 1950 to August, 1953, when he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, and Spencer Nissen, also a law graduate of the University of South Dakota, from 1953 to July, 1954, when he went to Washington, D. C. Francis M. Ryan has the distinction of being the first baby born in Agar, Sully County, on September 5, 1910. He attended the first and second grades in that bustling town just eight miles north of Onida on Highway 83, then moved with his family to Ashton, South Dakota, and later moved to Gettysburg, where he graduated from high school. He received his law degree from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, in the spring of 1933, and was admitted to practice law in Nebraska and South Dakota that same year. He came to Onida in August, 1933, and has been actively practicing law since then. In February of 1934, he married Mary Smith, a college sweetheart, of Omaha, Nebraska. A son, James Edward, was born in November of 1934, and on Mother's Day in 1945, a little girl, Patricia Anne, age 2 1/2 months, arrived to make her home with the Ryans, to complete the family. James attended Onida schools for 12 years and received a degree from the University of South Dakota in 1956. A few days after graduation from the University, he married Shirley Hosman, of Pierre, South Dakota, and in September entered Officers Candidate School of the U. S. Marine Corps at Quantico, Virginia, and at present is a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps stationed at El Toro, California. He has a daughter, Barbara Ann. Swansons Receive $500 Grand Prize Mr. and Mrs. Les Swanson, Onida Gamble Store dealers, attended the Gamble- Skogmo Merchandise Show held in Minneapolis the week of June 8, 1952, and were advised by telegram that they had been awarded the grand prize in the Toys and Soft Lines showing, consisting of a $500 wardrobe for the entire family. First Beauty Operator Mrs. Elsie Lindell, mother of Lee Lindell, came to Onida in 1926, and operated a beauty shop in her home (Joe Lamb residence). Later she opened the LaVogue Shoppe in one of the Serbousek buildings and then moved across the street to the DeLuxe Parlors adjoining the new barber shop. In May, 1940, she was married to Bill Robinson. Her next business location was in the hotel. When Virginia Byrum became her assistant in 1943, she moved to the Gropengieser building and established a beauty parlor there until January, 1944, when she and her husband moved to Priest River, Idaho. Photography Is Her Hobby Bess Gropengieser displayed a series of prints in Pierre in January, 1938, in connection with the photographic salons sponsored by the Capital Journal. These prints were taken in the main with a graflex camera. Miss Gropengieser, who has received national recognition, is an accomplished workman, and her prints show a thorough knowledge of her chosen field. Her work is devoted to landscapes, as well as other types of photography, and indicates the many types of work which are possible with the use of a graflex. Many Improvements Made in 1919 The year 1919 saw a wonderful transformation in Onida. More than $160,000 was spent in permanent improvements. Many new residences were built and a score of others remodeled. Two new brick and one frame business places were built, and nearly every building on the street was remodeled. A number of business changes took place and the new men were exceptionally wide awake and aggressive. Inserted Here as a Continuation of "Main Street Businesses Today," from Page 60 Baxter Chemicals was established by Earl Baxter in 1954. He and his wife, Ruby, have farming interests as well, and came here from Oklahoma. The chemical business, new to this agricultural area, was developed following World War II, when many ammunition plants were utilized for this purpose. In three years' time it has outgrown any other major business development in the United States. Hi-Way Garage & Case Implements was purchased by "Buck" Crabtree in 1955, who originally came here from Watertown. Leroy Klein is an employee. "Buck" and Carole have two children, Karen and Kenney. John Day Implements moved into its new building in October, 1958. John and Ednamae Day have two children, Joe, a senior in high school, and Johnny, a first grader. Vern Palmer has been an employee since 1946. Vern and his wife, Ethel, have two children, Donna (Mrs. Charles Stephens) and Keith, a sophomore in Onida High School. Other employees include Bob Clausen, Orville Davis, Paul Rieher, Melvin Davis, Ted Evans, Milt Hickock, Leroy Hyde and Reuben Niehoff. Stahl's Highway Service was purchased by Francis Stahl in 1958, and is managed by his brother, Woody.