Railroading highlights the fall meeting of LCHS

by Larry Miller

Reed Richards

More than 50 people gathered yesterday (9/21/14) at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center in Deadwood for the fall meeting of the Lawrence County Historical Society.  Balmy weather, a program about railroading in Lawrence County, and another fine lunch catered by Cheyenne Crossing's Stage-Stop Cafe combined to lure one of the larger turnouts in recent memory. Guest speaker for the event was railroad historian Reed Richards  of Spearfish.

Richards gave a photographic tour of railroad history in the county, sharing a myriad of photographs that depict the important role that the rail industry played in the growth and development of the northern Black Hills — particularly as it related to mining.

Born in Deadwood in 1944, railroading seems to have been a life-long passion for Richards, and he recalled youthful activities that exposed him to the many rail routes, depots, bridges, and other infrastructure that once abounded throughout the area.  An attorney, Richards left the region for schooling and a stint in Sioux Falls because of his father's job in 1975, but otherwise has lived in Lawrence County all of his life.

Black Hills & Ft. Pierre train in Elk Canyon

"I've lived in Centennial Prairie since 1975…and still do some legal work, if my client can find me and it's the kind of work that I still want to do," he says.  "I enjoy putting up hay in the summer and studying history and archaeology in the winter."  And his lingering passion for railroad history is quite evident.

His extensive collection of railroad photos spurred much conversation among the attendees. From rail route maps, mines and old bridges to depots and roundhouses, there were dozens of photos that kept most of the group focused on the screen throughout his presentation.  Find a few more photos related to this presentation in our LCHS Gallery.

President Norma Kraemer took a few moments to unveil the new LCHS booklet  Town Timelines of Lawrence County, South Dakota.  The publication has been compiled under the auspices of the Lawrence County Historical Society as part of celebrating South Dakota's 125 Anniversary of Statehood this year.  Mary Gallup-Livingston of Whitewood has served as chairperson of the committee that has worked on the project. 

LCHS "Town Timelines" booklet

The Town Timelines booklet includes information and photos from Central City, Deadwood, Lead, Nemo, St. Onge, Spearfish, and Whitewood. Among those participating in production of the booklet were Rocky Mattson, Donna Watson, Mary Livingston, Cynthia Harlan, Jean Martin, Don Toms, Norma Kraemer, Jeannine Guern, and Joanna Jones.

The booklets have been distributed free of charge to the public libraries in Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish, and Whitewood.  Also, copies have been given to the elementary schools in Whitewood, Lead-Deadwood, and Spearfish, where South Dakota history is taught in 4th Grade.  Individuals interested in purchasing a copy of the booklet should contact the Lawrence County Historical Society.  The cost for the booklets is $15.00 each.  Send an  e-mail to Town Timelines. 

LCHS elects three new board members

We're delighted to have three new members joining the Lawrence County Historical Society Board of Directors.  All three were elected during the Annual meeting held in May at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center in Deadwood.

Mary Gallup-Livingston is no stranger to folks who were on our Spring Tour to Whitewood.  She was a key player in helping to coordinate events for what was another of the many great tours our members have enjoyed over the year.  A descendant of grandparents (and a great grandfather) who homesteaded in South Dakota, Mary was born and raised in Rapid City.  With a BA degree from Black Hills State University and an MS from South Dakota State University, Mary says she's always had a passion for history -- particularly South Dakota history.  She's now researching the history of Whitewood and plans to compile that history into a small book that will be the start for a more comprehensive volume.  Mary has been a resident of Whitewood for the past eight years, but since she's long had three grandsons in the vicinity, she's been visiting here every month for more than 22 years.

 Cynthia Harlan is a native of western Washington state and graduated from Washington State University with a BSN, followed by a career of some 20 years in nursing -- mostly in New Mexico.  "We were fortunate enough to land in the Black Hills ten years ago," says Cynthia.  Her husband, Tim Olsen, is a native of Deadwood, and his ancestors have been in South Dakota for several generations.  He works as an RN at the Veteran's Hospital in Sturgis.  Cynthia says Lead is a remarkable community and it "feels like home."  Her new career choice also seems to be a perfect fit, she says about her role as Library Director at the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Library in Lead. "It seems I was born to be a librarian!"

Dr. Joanna Jones of Spearfish has been a teacher for some 40 years, teaching in public schools in Texas, Arizona and South Dakota, as well as teaching at the university level in both South Dakota and Arizona.  In the last three years, she has focused on writing children's books that emphasize the history of the Black Hills.  She's also helped children to record and public histories of their schools.  Joanna tells us that she's now helping 6th Grade students at Whitewood Elementary School complete their school history book for the town's 125th Celebration, which is slated for June 28-30.

Congratulations to all three of our new board members!

Three new board members elected at May meeting

Three new directors were elected to the LCHS board of Directors last weekend (5/19/13) during the annual meeting of the Lawrence County Historical Society.  They included Cyndie Harlan of Lead, JoAnna Jones of Spearfish, and Mary Gallup-Livingston of Whitewood.  We'll be telling you more about these new members in our next posting.

Mike Bender

Keynote speaker for the meeting was landscape architect Mike Bender who works out of Rapid City for KLJ Engineering, discussed restoration of St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery in Deadwood.  The project is being undertaken with financial support from the Deadwood Historic Preservation Fund.

About 37 members and guests attended the luncheon meeting catered by Dave Brueckner and the folks from Cheyenne Crossing -- always a big hit.  

The society last month conducted another of its highly successful LCHS Tours.  This time, members and guest enjoyed beautiful weather for a wonderful tour that took us through old Crook City and into Whitewood, where we enjoyed a great lunch and dessert -- and had a great tour of several historic Whitewood locations.  (See  story below.)