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.
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