Day 33 of 117 on our “Go West, Young Man” Two Lane Adventure – Sunday 7/29/18

We departed the South Dakota Good Sam Rally, as a caravan of five rigs, instead of four. Bill & Joann decided to change their plans and join us! After an awesome 4 nights at the SD Good Sam rally, it reiterated the fact that they don’t have to be big rallies to have a great time and meet awesome RVer’s!

On Interstate 90 at Mile Marker 301 in the Rest Area is a tiny wayside chapel. It proves that God is everywhere. There's a bible on a small altar, along with a guest book, and a few benches for those who would like to stay awhile. Outside there is a place to leave donations in a locked container. I could not figure out who or why it was built!

Wow, that is a big crane! It is amazing to see all the work that goes into setting the wind turbines.

We passed another huge field of sunflowers! Just beautiful!

Finally, I have been waiting to see her since I first saw her picture! Awesome and beautiful, just don’t do her justice! The Dignity sculpture is a stunning combination of art and history. She is standing on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River Chamberlain. She towers over everything at 50-foot, the stainless steel statue was specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. He used Native American models, varying in age from 14 to 55, in order to perfect the face of Dignity. “Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota,” Lamphere said. “My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future.”

Representing the rich Native American culture of South Dakota, she wears a dress patterned after a two-hide Native dress of the 1850s. She holds outstretched a quilt featuring 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes designed to flutter in the wind. During the day, her star quilt – a representation of respect, honor and admiration in Native American culture – glitters in the sun with color-changing pieces that move with the wind. At night, the LED lights in the diamond shapes glow in the night sky, casting a peaceful presence easily visible from the Interstate.The statue was a $1 million gift from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City to all people of South Dakota. The couple announced the gift in 2014 to celebrate South Dakota’s 125th anniversary of statehood. “This gift will mean a lot to South Dakota," said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “In addition to being the state of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, South Dakota will also be the state of the Dignity statue.”

Since its installation in 2016, Dignity has wowed visitors from across the globe. Some knew what they were searching for, some saw Dignity from the road and quickly pulled off to investigate. While some came looking only for a rest stop and found themselves mesmerized by Dignity’s quiet grace. Whatever the reason, Dignity leaves an impression on her visitors. Her gaze will never break and her beauty – and message – will be celebrated for generations. Dignity stands proudly with an air of peace and tolerance, inviting you to join her in taking in a breathtaking views of the Missouri River and the beautiful South Dakota landscape. Dignity is also one of hundreds of sculptures that make up the South Dakota Sculpture Trail.

The Dignity Statue is located at the Lewis and Clark Information Center in Chamberlain. It is situated on the site of a Corps of Discovery encampment. The center commemorates the Lewis & Clark 1803-1806 expedition as they voyaged through South Dakota. It features interpretive panels and murals reconstructing the expedition journey.

You can walk on paths for a scenic view of the Missouri River and the community of Chamberlain and Oacoma or on the second floor of the center from the front of a replica keelboat. It’s a re-creation of the expedition’s 55-foot keelboat, which sits both inside and outside the center and appears to traverse a 30-foot wall of windows overlooking the Missouri River. Exhibits inside the center depict items the explorers brought on their journey and show examples of the wildlife the Corps encountered.

The Missouri River offers a “center point” for South Dakota. Accordning to SD residents, the river splits the State to “East River” and “West River.”

The Chamberlain Bridge, is a historic bridge connecting the towns of Chamberlain and Oacoma across the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case. The bridge was originally completed in 1925 and carried US Route 16 over the Missouri River. It was only a one truss wide and four sections long. In 1953, Lake Francis Case was created by the new Fort Randall Dam and the bridge became obsolete. The Wheeler Bridge, also completed in 1925, was floated up the river 70 miles and the two bridges were joined to span the new lake. And, that is the current “double barrel” bridge you will see today, it now carries I-90 Business. This bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

You can see the Chamberlain Bridge, the main path of I-90 crosses the lake on a modern bridge and a railroad bridge that crosses about 300 yards to the south of I-90, from the overlook at the Lewis & Clark Overlook.

We are starting to see little hills.

Farmer’s fields as far as we can see!

I kept seeing signs for National Grasslands. What are they? They are mixed grass prairie vegetation that provides shelter to the Greater Prairie Chicken, the Sharptail Grouse, the Chinese Ring-neck Pheasant, and numerous migrating birds.  Other wildlife species that make their homes on the Grassland include: black-tail prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, rattlesnakes, burrowing owls, raptors, jack rabbits, mule and whitetail deer, antelope, and various rodents. The Fort Pierre National Grassland is comprised of approximately 116,000 acres of federal land located south of Fort Pierre.  The topography ranges from flat to gently rolling hills with large drainages on the north and west boundaries containing relatively steep slopes and creeks that flow toward the Bad River and the Missouri River.  The Grassland has numerous intermittent drainages that have been dammed to create small to medium-sized ponds that provide water for wildlife and livestock.  Many of these ponds have become important for waterfowl habitat and popular fisheries.

Oh look, a little bit of home … an Indian River Orange Juice tanker!

For hundreds of miles, we saw billboards for Firehouse Brewing Company. All totaled, we saw thirteen, yes 13, fire engines at the billboards and 1 fire plane. 

Hopefully, we will have time to check it out while we are in Rapid City!

The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is one of 20 National Grasslands. For visitors that enjoy getting away from it all, National Grassland hosts an array of unique opportunities to do just that. The National Grasslands contains a surprising diversity of plants and animals and are one of the most extensive, productive ecosystems in the United States. The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is administered by the USDA and encompasses nearly 600,000 acres located in scattered tracts within southwestern South Dakota.

Off to our south, we had our first glimpse of the Badlands.

Located in Wall, South Dakota, Wall Drug has always been a popular stop on the road to the more populated areas like Mount Rushmore or Rapid City. As a matter of fact, when the United States Air Force operated the Minuteman missile silos east of Wall, the Hustead family offered free coffee and donuts to the service personnel as they traveled to and from Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City. Wall Drug honors the men and women in the armed services by providing them free coffee and donuts to this day.

One of the world’s most well-known tourist attractions, it’s hard to believe Wall Drug Store got its start with something many wouldn’t even turn their heads at today, the promise of free ice water. But in fact, the Husteads turned free ice water into a million-dollar idea with a little determination, quick thinking and a lot of signs.

Signs with catchy jingles like “Get a soda . . . Get a root beer . . . turn next corner . . . Just as near . . . To Highway 16 & 14. . . Free Ice Water. . . Wall Drug” drew weary travelers into the small-town drug store to enjoy a refreshing break. Today, more than 2 million visitors a year stop at the popular roadside attraction for a meal or activity, 5 cent coffee, and ice water – which is still free.

To call it a drug store, is like calling a beef hot dog a steak. An apothecary, is the smallest portion of this store. First off, you need a map to find your way around! There are things for sale or old pictures to see in every corner of the store! 

There is a café, which seats over 500 people … biggest café, we have ever been in! 

You can pan for gold, try on jewelry, see a T-Rex, ride a 6-foot jack rabbit, buy a souvenir, pray in the chapel, see or buy art, sit on a bench with a floozy or a handsome cowboy … just to name a few!

In 1931, Dorothy and Ted Hustead with their son, Billy, moved into the back of Wall Drug Store. Dorothy, the Free Water Idea lady, passed away in November of 1995. Founder, Ted, passed away in January of 1999. Their son, Bill, died in October of 1999, after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bill’s wife, Marjorie, is still active in the operation of the drug store today and is carrying on the legacy. Along with their son, Rick, who is Chairman, his wife Patt and their daughter Sarah Hustead.

We kept seeing billboards for “Red Ass Rhubarb Wine” and we found the winery just north of Hills City. We will have to check it out later.

We arrived in Hill City in the midst of a massive thunderstorm. It made navigating and sightseeing tough. But we made it safely through, with only 1 U-turn required! Thank God, I have an awesome husband and driver of our rig!

We arrived at Rafter J Bar Ranch in the middle of a hail storm! What a welcome! 

Oh well, once all was done, there was no damage to the RV or the car!

We had dinner at Desperados, a real fine western food cowboy restaurant. Charlie had linguini, I had a chef salad, Nancy and Charlie had walleye. Everything was delicious! Of course, when the owner’s name is Joshua “Porkchop” Ripley, he must know how to cook good food!

We were also serenaded by a cowboy with a serious southern drawl! After crossing into Mountain Time, we are really beat! Good night all.

Day 32 of 117 on our “Go West, Young Man” Two Lane Adventure – Saturday 7/28/18

We had a leisurely morning at the campground. The South Dakota staff made a pancake breakfast for us. It was great to sit down and visit with the other Good Sammer's at the rally. The staff was every attentive and hospitable. The pancakes were delicious too!

Since the ladies corn hole championships were rain delayed yesterday afternoon. We played them this morning, before the mixed corn hole games. My partner, Dee, and I played against Betty and Virgene. It was a close game, but Betty and Virgene beat us out. But, we had a great time and even had some awesome shots! I should make a disclaimer ... the long pants are not because it was cold, its to keep the biting flies away ... they were vicious! Nancy needed a nail repair, so we headed to Mitchell, one more time to Walmart. She found a salon in Plankinton, but could find no reviews on it. So, Walmart it is!

I will tell you a little about Plankinton. It sprang up with the arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad to the area in 1880. The town was named for Milwaukee-based meat packer and railroad official John Plankinton. The voters approved the incorporation of Plankinton as a village in 1882. The first officials were elected then. The first village trustees were C. Thompson, C.C. Irons, T.C. Granger, and W.H. Ferguson. Plankinton was home to an annual wheat palace, which became a successful regional attraction and inspired the Corn Palace in nearby Mitchell, South Dakota. The first Grain Palace in South Dakota opened in Plankinton on September 29, 1891. The last one closed in October 1892. Not a very long running attraction. 

One of Plankinton’s earliest buildings was the Commercial House Hotel, located south-east of the railroad tracks. This hotel became an oasis for railroad passengers and traveling men. In 1906 George and Ella Sweep purchased the hotel. Ella's hospitality of fine meals and cleanliness became known far and wide. After her husband passed away in 1914, Ella sold the hotel in 1920. 

There have been many owners since, with one of the longest tenures belonging to the Bert and Barbara Van Dyke.  In later years the building fell into disrepair and neglect.  In 2004, the Plankinton Preservation Society purchased the landmark building with the dream of restoring it to its former glory.  It looks nice from the outside, but was never open when we were in town.

Plankinton is the county seat of Aurora County. The Aurora County Courthouse is located in Plankinton. Plankinton’s Old Railroad Hotel from the 1880’s—1890’s is a museum and cultural center. Plankinton hosts an annual Pheasant Fest in August. Businesses cook and serve the pheasant—usually around 1000 birds. The cost is minimal and includes a demolition derby in the afternoon, Crazy Days, city wide rummage sales and a street dance in the evening. 

Our dinner tonight was a Pot Luck dinner. It is amazing how much food ends up at these pot lucks ... no one should go hungry! After dinner, they finished awarding the prizes for the game winners. Mr Bill, from St Petersburg Florida, took first in the Men's Corn Hole! Way to go Mr Bill!

We relaxed with our friends, both old and new, for the remainder of the evening. 

In the morning, we have coffee and donuts. Then an 8:30 am departure to our next destination.

Day 31 of 117 on our “Go West, Young Man” Two Lane Adventure – Friday 7/27/18

There are also many old buildings in downtown Mitchell, including the First National Bank building. This is a Sullivanesque style building was originally constructed as a bank, with commercial office space on the upper two floors and basement. Developed by one of Mitchell’s prominent business leaders OL Branson. The building was home to two banking operations simultaneously, The First Trust & Saving Bank and the First National Bank. In 1929, the upper two floors were converted into some offices and apartments and served that purpose for many years.

The Western Bank Building was a 4-story office building that was built in the commercial Chicago style, popularized by Louis Sullivan and other Chicago Architects in early skyscrapers. It was built in 1907 and the bank occupied the NE corner, while a shoe store and music store filled the remainder of the first floor. The bank went into receivership in 1924 and JC Penny occupied the building until 1960, when they built a new store two blocks north. The White Drug store was the next owner, followed by the Saterlie Drug. A local Arts & Crafts store is the current owner. The upper three floors housed lawyers, doctors, dentists and other professionals. But have been closed since the 1970’s awaiting revitalization. The building has a passenger elevator that was never automated.

The Champney Building was built on North Main Street in 1887. This three-story building is the oldest building in downtown Mitchell. When it was built, the Masonic Lodge occupied the entire third floor. The Masonic square and compass symbol can still be seen at the top of the building along with the 1887 date. When the Masons built their own lodge in 1924, the second and third floors were converted to high end apartments. The first-floor housed space for two businesses. Saterlie Drug occupied the corner space for many years before moving across the street to the Western Bank Building. The north space was the home of the Maynard Theatre from 1910 to 1914. Currently a Western Wear shop occupies the south corner of the building. The apartments were unfortunately allowed to deteriorate over the years and were closed in 1980.

Along with all the "old" in downtown Mitchell, there is some "new". The Veteran’s Park, next to the American Legion, located at First and Main Street is an example of that. It is a new community asset, as the park was dedicated this past May.

The downtown Mitchell area has beautiful hanging baskets, 

corn on the street signs and corn on the lamp post bases.

There is a small Rotary Park, near the Corn Palace. It was a beautiful park with a Rotary clock tower. Since the park's creation in 2005, there's been a four-sided manual clock that displays the time at the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue. But for much of the last decade, that clock was not illuminated, until recently. Thanks to the extra ordinary efforts of the Rotarians and the Community of Mitchell.

At the SD Good Sam Rally we played games of Bean Bag Toss, aka Corn Hole, games. 

It was a hot sunny day for us to play. But we all had a good time!

 

For dinner, Charlie Ragland cooked us an awesome dinner of Tacos. We have been lucky with the weather, but the rain decided to kick up just before we ate. Oh, well … we are with friends, so it is all good!

After dinner, when the rain stopped and the sun came out, we celebrated Charlie’s Birthday with ice cream and cupcakes.

Naturally, we ended the night talking with friends!