2010-2011 Spearfish Area Historical Society

THE HISTORIC FRAWLEY RANCH MAY 3, 2011 Entrance to the historic Frawley Upper Ranch located alongside U.S. 85 about six miles south of Spearfish. This was the off-site location of our final program for the 2010-11 season at the Spearfish Area Historical Society.

Another view of the front area at the Frawley Upper Ranch.

Of course, barns are always of interest. Real barn lovers may remember the SAHS December 2009 program presented by former Lawrence County extension agent Leo Orme called the Barns of Lawrence County..

These guys were real cowboys -- the strong and silent type!

Warm surroundings, a fine presentation, tasty snacks, and an interesting tour. All the makings of another great program for the Spearfish Area Historical Society.

Reminds us of the hay lofts of our youth -- but much nicer!

There was a bit of something for everyone.

You can click on any of these images and get a closer look at them. We see insulators, a cheese grater, etc., etc.

Perhaps you remember that old tune, "My Little Red Wagon" that rolls and runs... We think THAT may be the wagon!

The Historic Preservation Office in Deadwood has been a supporter of the Frawley Ranch restoration project. Of course, restoration is old hat to Hank Frawley, who played a key role in helping to preserve and restore the old county courthouse in Deadwood some years back.

We'd be willing to bet that a lot of delicious meals came from this stove.

Visitors remember how it was -- wash day in years gone by!

Click on the image and you'll be able to better read the western wisdom etched on those signs.

A relief display of the plans for the ranch development.

This treadle sewing machine brings back memories of mending worn-out clothes, creating new "fashions," and of rummaging through button boxes for just the right button!

Hank Frawley, Jr. (right) chats with a visitor following his presentation to the Spearfish Area Historical Society on May 3, 2011.

Society volunteers always manage to pull together an excellent table of nourishing tidbits and a bit of liquid refreshment!

A last glimmer of evening light fades in the distance over Frawley Ranch. A nice ending to a fun evening. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue to the next page for more photos from earlier society programs.

THE GRACE BALLOCH MEMORIAL LIBRARY MARCH 5, 2011 Front view of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library in downtown Spearfish, South Dakota.

Veteran Spearfish historian Linfred Schuttler presented research work done by another local history buff, writer Paul Higbee. Here, Linfred thanks members of the Spearfish Area Historical Society for their attention during the March 5th program.

Yearbook entry of Grace Frantz Balloch. Even in those years, some folks had difficulty spelling "Balloch." Grace was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and went to college at the Millersville State Normal in Millersville, Pennsylvania. She came to Spearfish in 1923 to work for the Normal as an English teacher.

Books, of course, remain the core of resources available to patrons, but new technologies are offering many additional services, too.

One room in the library is dedicated to history and genealogy.

Even on the slowest of days, the computer area of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library continues to hum with activity.

The library remains dedicated to providing comfortable surroundings and resources for children.

...including new technologies!

Mystery novels and related materials have long been an integral part of the library.

The stacks at the Grace Balloch Memorial Library offer spacious aisles and are well-lighted. Click the next page number below to go to the next gallery page for more photos from earlier society activities. Or, you may return to the main web site of the Spearfish Area Historical Society.

RAILROADS OF THE BLACK HILLS - OCTOBER 5, 2010 A fifth-generation South Dakotan, Rick Mills has been a "lifelong railroad enthusiast." In January of this year, he was named Executive Director of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum in Hill City. He gave an excellent program entitled Railroads of the Black Hills. Mills lives in his hometown of Hermosa. He concedes that there was a bit of early "East River-West River" consternation over the location of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, but all is now well and enthusiasm for the project is growing statewide. The museum receives no funds from the State of South Dakota.

Mills spoke to a full house gathering of the Spearfish Area Historical Society. Meetings of the society are normally held at the Spearfish Senior Citizens Center on the first Tuesday of the month, September through May. Note: the November 2010 meeting will be on the second Tuesday, November 9th, due to the general election.

Mills brought along a 1916 "Railroad Map of South Dakota." It was an era when railroads were near their peak in South Dakota and across the country -- but change was on the horizon!

After the formal presentation, several folks in the audience ambled up to the map to get a closer look.

A more contemporary photograph of railroading in the Black Hills. This is the 1880 Train winding through the hills between Keystone and Hill City, hauling a full load of tourists enjoying the ride and immersing themselves in a bit of history.

Thanks to Rick Mills for providing this shot taken in Spearfish Canyon. The line ran to what is now the city park area and then swung toward the downtown area. You can click on the photo to choose a larger image.

The Burlington and Missouri Railroad depot in Spearfish was built in 1893 and served the line well until 1933, when a flood wiped out the rail line through Spearfish Canyon. The structure was reversioned and served alternatively as a library, a scout center, and a city shop. The Spearfish Fire Department now sits on the site of the old depot.

The State Railroad Museum in Hill City is now a reality -- located within a stone's throw of the 1880 Train headquarters. You can visit their web site at www.sdsrm.org. The museum is planning a "Trees and Trains" exhibit for many weekends from late November and into December. You'll be able to enjoy decorated Christmas trees, operating model trains, and -- of couse -- a wonderful array of railroad exhibits, like this old C&NW Trainman's uniform.

Keeping train crews warm was the task of this Caboose Stove from the Chicago and North Western Railway line. This unit dates back to about 1910 and was provided to the museum by the Thoendel family of Sioux Falls.

Not to be missed at the State Railroad Museum is the wonderfully assembled TimeRail. This eight by seventy foot mural graphically displays the rich rail history of South Dakota. You'll definitely want to click on this photo -- then select a larger size from the menu at that top. Get a closer look at this sample of what the mural offers!

Mills answers questions following the program. This is one of the great opportunities surrounding SAHS programs.

Jim Mattson (seated) was a long-time worker at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead. The early days of the gold mines gave rise to narrow gauge railroads in the Black Hills.

SAHS members Verla Mae Weaver and Ivan Hovland chatting after the program.

"Halloween" was the theme of the delicious snacks provided for the October session. Larger crowds have necessitated requesting additional volunteers to help with snacks.