Precious Buildings in Presho
I drove through Presho on a quiet, sunny evening last week and came upon the old Paige School and Sweeney Church. They have been relocated near the highway in a big, sprawling museum complex that also includes a log cabin that is sinking into the ground (though a tin roof was built over the top of it) and lots of old farm equipment.
The small West River towns really seem to be working hard to preserve their history. Down the road a bit, the tiny burg of Vivian has an old pioneer's house full of local memorabilia. South Dakota has grand and shiny museums with expensive exhibits that cost us all a lot of money, and I like them just fine. But there's something quite intriguing about the little out-of-the-way dusty collections.
One of my very favorites is in Wagner, where they have nails from the coffin of their favorite local outlaw, Jack Sully. You won't find that in the Smithsonian.
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Bernie, looks like you were holding the camera a little crooked here. Did you hang around the Reliance Bar a little too long?
Comment by JK — September 19, 2006 @ 8:01 am
Was that you at Hutch’s Cafe, Bernie, fiddling with your camera?
Comment by Anonymous — September 20, 2006 @ 11:29 am
No, it wasn’t me. I’ve been to Hutch’s many times, but not for a few years now. I was in Presho the evening of Sept. 6, just scouting around for photos and stories. I thought the town looked very good.
Comment by Bernie Hunhoff — September 21, 2006 @ 11:33 am
I can’t figure out how you actually get anywhere since you’re always seeing something interesting to explore. Myrna must really roll her eyes when you say you’re going to be back at 5.
Comment by Randal — September 24, 2006 @ 9:15 pm