Fun on a foggy flume trail

Hiking in the Black Hills is always fun – and especially when you’re able to learn something about the rich mining heritage of the region.

With a bit of reluctant anticipation, we bundled up and took off Saturday afternoon (6/6/09) for the Upper Spring Creek trail head about 30 minutes driving time southwest of Rapid City. I say “reluctant,” since the weather page of the Rapid City Journal had earlier predicted high temperatures in the 80s, but Mother Nature was delivering a decidedly cooler reception. I think the folks at the Journal got their forecasts mixed up. As we arrived at the trail head for the second in the 2009 Moon Walk series hosted by the U.S. Forest Service, there was a very light mist and the threat of rain. The temperature was in the low 40s.

After an enjoyable but wet trek last month to Camp Bob Marshall near Custer, we were beginning to think the Moon Walk series is haunted by nasty weather. Not to worry, however, since mere rain won’t cancel a scheduled Moon Walk – only lightning. Nonetheless, we were more than just a bit wary as we wound our way along Sheridan Lake Road and it kept getting foggier and foggier. This seemed to be a bad omen.

Bad omen or not, about 100 people showed up at the trail head. They would not be disappointed.

After a brief introduction by USFS Recreation Forester Amy Ballard, we started our hike across a narrow Spring Creek bridge and began a short but mildly steep climb up toward the old Rockerville Flume Trail.

Our guide was Colorado native Michael Salisbury, an archaelogist and historian based at the Mystic Ranger Station on the Black Hills National Forest. By the time we reached the flume trail, the hillsides were almost surreal, wrapped in a glowing fog that emitted a low-key but even light across the gulches.

Then Ranger Salisbury gave us a breather as he told the story of the Rockerville Flume.

So, just what is a flume? Why was it important to gold miners? And why – more than a century later – was this curious group of people traipsing around in the fog along an old flume trail?

A few answers – along with some “foggy photos” and additional information can be found in this Moon Walk gallery. Our thanks to the Minnilusa Historical Association for allowing us to use some of the few remaining photographs of the flume.

After you browse through the notes and photos in the album, mark your calendar for the next Moon Walk at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th. It's the Underground Wildnerness at Ice Cave near Custer. You'll get an update about the diseases that are taking a big toll on bats, and you'll learn about the limestone formations that create caves in the Hills.

And maybe you'll see that full moon!

Moon Walks...no lunar landers needed

What’s a Moon Walk?

A fellow ham radio operator asked me that question last Saturday (5/9/09) as Karen and I were on our way to a lake near Custer for just such an event. What I’ve written below is a general summary of my response to that question.

When we arrived in the Black Hills a few years ago, I read about these curious 'Moon Walks" in local newspapers. Sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the Black Hills Parks and Forest Association, the walks are organized to allow folks who have an interest in the Hills – and who have the mobility to participate in short hikes – a terrific opportunity to visit many locales throughout the Black Hills.

Want to know more about the rich history of mining in the Hills? Curious about fire lookout towers? Interested in gaining a wealth of knowledge about elk, bald eagles, and mountain lions? How about getting better acquainted with the western lore of the region? These are among the many topics that have been covered – or will be covered – in the Moon Walks. Or, perhaps you’re simply interested in soaking up some of the beauty that lures people to this majestic region. Whatever tickles your fancy, you’ll likely enjoy these short forays into the hills.

Amy Ballard, Recreation Forester with the U.S. Forest Service, seems to be a prime instigator of these hikes – always scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on spring and summer Saturdays adjacent to a full moon. They generally last about 1-2 hours. The Forest Service suggests that participants dress for “unexpected weather and cooler nighttime temperatures,” which seems invariably to occur! They don’t cancel the events due to rain – but they’ll call it off if there’s lightning in the vicinity.

About 90 folks, on average, show up for most Moon Walks, so we’ve learned to go a bit early to get a convenient parking place. Forest Service officials say that more than 10,000 people have partcipated in the walks since they began back in 1996.

For 2009, we hope to participate in most, if not all, of the Moon Walks, and we’ll share a few pictures and notes about each of our outings. We start with the May 9th trek to Camp Bob Marshall, just a few miles east of Custer. Thousands of young South Dakotans have enjoyed this marvelous facility, which was constructed in 1938-1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a youth camp. Click CCC for our “virtual” visit to Camp Bob Marshall and to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On June 6th, hikers will walk part of the Rockerville Flume below Sheridan Lake and learn about the 20-mile flume and its role in regional mining. On July 11th, it’s off to the southern Hills to learn about the Underground Wilderness. Then it’s back to the Custer area on August 8th to learn about early homesteaders and continuing efforts to provide elk habitat on the old Meeker Ranch Homestead. The final outing of the season will be September 5th for a walk near Deerfield Reservoir west of Hill City to gain some insight – and perhaps a peek – and Bald Eagles.

You'll find more information at the U.S. Forest Service web site. We hope to see you on the trail!

Prohibition in South Dakota

One long-time Spearfish resident remembered when the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was a big deal in the region, and she – along with lots of other high school students of the 1950s – signed pledges not to consume alcohol.

That was one of many reminiscences shared with the audience last Tuesday (5/7/09) at the May meeting of the Spearfish Area Historical Society – spurred by another delightful program from Linfred Schuttler, this time on the topic of Prohibition in South Dakota and its lingering legacy.

Some 75 attendees convened in the Spearfish Senior Citizens Center for the session, which was the final regularly scheduled meeting for 2009.

Schuttler noted that the first prohibition (or temperance) law in Dakota Territory was passed in October of 1889, but the law lacked any enforcement provisions. When the first South Dakota legislature met in 1890, they passed an enforcement bill that had enough bite to cause the closing of two saloons in Spearfish – but none in Deadwood!

Eventually, "package stores" gained favor, offering booze by the bottle -- if not by the drink. However, the Attorney-General cited them as "nuisances" and ordered them closed. Some continued to operate under a drugstore license, offering spirits for "medicinal purposes." The Queen City Mail observed that many folks had stocked up on the banned spirits and would likely not feel the impact of prohibition "for several weeks." Soon, municipalities were taxing package stores to generate revenue, causing something of a furor in the community, since such stores were presumably operating illegally in the first place.

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Since Wyoming had no temperance laws, Schuttler said that the border town of Beulah, Wyoming, “came to the aid of suffering South Dakotans...and became a perpetual oasis for thirsty Dakotans.” Its citizens have continued to make similar treks over the ensuing years, seeking everything from Coors beer and colored oleomargarine to gasoline and – most recently – cigarettes.

In the wild 1880s, “Saloons in Deadwood hardly even made a pretense to close saloons after temperance laws were passed,” said Schuttler. It was the kind of unbridled raucous behavior that came to be associated with Deadwood over the years.

Even the legendary Carrie Nation couldn’t quell South Dakota’s appetite for alcohol, despite visits to South Dakota, including two to Spearfish.

You’ll find more information about Schuttler’s talk, along with details about the election of officers for the Spearfish Area Historical Society, by going to our History Photo Gallery.

While the society now takes a few months vacation from regularly-scheduled meetings, there's a special opportunity for members to tour the newly-refurbished railroad roundhouse in Lead later this month. The tours will be conducted at noon, 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16th especially for members of the Spearfish Area Historical Society.

This opportunity is similar to one offered last October by Wayne Paananen to members of the Lawrence County Historical Society. That was a terrific tour, but we understand that much more work has been done to the old Lead Roundhouse, which served the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad for many years. It promises to be a vibrant new historic attraction in the northern Black Hills, so this will be a rare opportunity for SAHS members to get their own sneak preview!

Historical society elects officers

During their final regular meeting of the season (5/5/09), the Spearfish Area Historical Society elected officers for 2009-10. The group meets monthly at the Senior Citizen's Center, but takes a break during the summer months.

These are the familiar faces of some dedicated members who were elected by acclamation.

Seated in front is Mary Selbe, Secretary; others (left-to-right) are: Dorothy Honadel, Treasurer; Cheryl Miller; Paul Dingeman, Vice-President; Callie Houghton; and Rand Williams, President. Not pictured is Laurie Hayes, Programs.

Linfred Schuttler drew another full house for his program on Prohibition in South Dakota. We'll post information and photos in the next few days.

For those of you who've not visited this site before, simply click on Spearfish Area History Postings in the left-hand column to read past postings about meetings of the Spearfish Area Historical Society and related topics.

Photographs, along with additional information about past society programs, can be found by clicking on Spearfish Area History Gallery.

Well done, Belle Fourche!

When we chose to retire in the northern Black Hills four years ago, we had lots of good reasons. The cultural and sporting events at Black Hills State University, beautiful Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills National Forest, and medical facilities in Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base were among them. For us, Belle Fourche was NOT a factor in luring us here.

Then, nearly two years ago, we had an epiphany and revealed it in this old Black Hills Monitor posting.

In the two years since, we’ve grown to like Belle Fourche even more.

Last night (4/28/09) was the frosting on the cake that will keep us going back to Belle Fourche for more.

A full-house at the Belle Fourche Community Center reveled in one of the best Big Band concerts we’ve ever seen – and we’ve seen more than a few in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Pennsylvania over the past four decades.

The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the talented and amiable Bill Tole from Pittsburgh, gave the crowd a toe-tapping performance that was a fitting finale to the 2008-09 Center of the Nation Concert Series. From Green Eyes and Amapola to June Night and So Rare, the 14-member orchestra – joined by vocalist Nancy Knorr – gave the audience a happy trip down memory lane. Too, it was heartwarming to see the orchestra populated not just by veterans like Nole, but several young musicians who were likely not even born by the time Jimmy Dorsey passed away in 1957.

Concerts like the one we enjoyed last night don’t just happen. They’re the product of a vision and lots of hard work by Belle Fourche citizens.

Let’s name names. All of the members of the concert association Board of Directors deserve credit. Board President Barry Pitt has served as emcee for a season of great concerts, including the Frank Vignola Quintent, Trumpet Invasion, Just Friends, Counterpoint, and – of course – Jimmy Dorsey! Good friend Bill Kunerth -- among the board members -- capably handled publicity again this year for the association!

Many sponsors like Lindstad Trout Farm & Lindstad Alignment and Brake (which was a sponsor for the Dorsey concert) are important. Black Hills Pioneer/Prospector, KBFS/KYDT Radio, Belle Fourche Post & Bee, and First Western Bank have all been strong supporters of the concerts and deserve a special “Thank You”!

A big tip of the hat to dozens of Benefactors, Patrons, Donors and Contributors, without whom this series likely couldn’t survive. Most importantly, the hundreds of people who purchase tickets that support the series. Even with the modest increase announced for next year, this is one of the best bargains in the northern Black Hills! Highway 85 between Belle Fourche and Spearfish is a busy road as northern Hills residents outside of Belle burn a path back and forth on concert evenings!

Belle Fourche can be rightfully proud of the Center of the Nation Concert Series!

This is spring?

After one of the wettest winters on record, the northern Black Hills of South Dakota continues to have some unusual weather.

Just three days ago (4/23/09) Spearfish hit a record high April temperature of 84 degrees. This information (along with an abundance of weather data that only an old TV weatherman or weather junkie might fully appreciate) can be found at the Tmax Weather Center.

By today (4/26/09) snowfall was again prevalent throughout the northern hills. We took a ride up scenic Spearfish Canyon and caught a glimpse of Bridal Veil Falls, which is shown here and seems to be flowing at near record amounts. It was a veritable "winter wonderland" throughout the canyon -- and well worth the drive for those in the immediate area. But hurry, it can't last long -- after all, we are in the second month of spring!

Bullock the businessman

Historian David Wolff says he originally wasn’t much interested in famed Dakota lawman Seth Bullock. But the more he learned about Bullock and his many political and business pursuits, the more enthusiastic he became about finding out more. At different stages of his life, Bullock was a sheriff, a banker, a rancher and a miner.

Wolff, an Associate Professor of History at Black Hills State University, has just completed Seth Bullock: Black Hills Lawman, a book that chronicles the life of the legendary Bullock It was published by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press and should soon be available at most bookstores across the region.

On Tuesday evening (4/7/09) at the Spearfish Area Historical Society meeting, Wolff focused on Bullock’s many business pursuits – almost all of them busts. This was something of an encore presentation for Wolff, since he had already spoken to the group about Seth Bullock in a 2008 program -- but that program concentrated on Bullock’s role as a lawman.

A considerable portion of Wolff’s talk this month further revealed Bullock’s close relationship with his partner Sol Star. They had befriended each other in 1871 while living in Virginia City, Montana, which was the territorial capital. Star was working for the Governor and Bullock served in the legislature.

“They bumped into each other while looking for a room – as were two other guys,” says Wolff, and they all ended up sharing an unfurnished room in Virginia City, where lodging was at a premium.

A few years later, Bullock married his childhood sweetheart from Michigan, Martha Eccles. In 1875, their daughter Madge was born.

“When Bullock decides it’s time to go to Deadwood in 1876, he doesn’t want to take his wife and new daughter…it was too rough of a place. So he sends them back to Michigan.” By 1878, his wife and second daughter, Flo, join him. Ten years later, they would add a son, Stanley, to the family.

In pursuing new opportunities in Deadwood, Bullock teamed up with his old friend Sol Star, who had also come to Dakota Territory. They would collaborate in a number of business ventures for the next couple of decades, despite the fact, says Wolff, that Bullock really didn’t want to be a businessman. He wanted to be in politics – to be a sheriff. Indeed, in 1877 with the creation of Lawrence County, Governor Pennington appointed Bullock sheriff. Most locals weren’t thrilled by the appointment of outsiders by a Governor who was far away in Yankton himself. Eventually, local citizens forced an election, which resulted in the ousting of Bullock and 10 others who were running the county. In a subsequent election, Bullock again ran for sheriff – and again he lost.

“He was aloof. He was an elitist. Even his 1919 obituary said he had no friends,” says Wolff. Out of office and with few resources, Bullock apparently decided to try earning some money.

“He tried everything.”

Among his many ventures: Star and Bullock Hardware on Main Street. Since Star had been appointed Postmaster, that was incorporated into the enterprise. After being implicated in postal corruption in 1881, Star lost his job as postmaster and focused on selling tin and metal “fireproof” materials at their hardware store.

During the 1880s, Bullock and Star expanded their hardware business to Billings, Miles City, Sundance, Sturgis, and Carbonate – as many as eight stores. But by 1890, Bullock was tiring of the business, and Star – who had money and was the majority partner – dissolved the partnership. Wolff speculated that it was probably because Bullock spend too much money without any significant returns.

Then Bullock turned to ranching and banking -- even mining. Read more about those endeavors and more from David Wolff’s presentation on Seth Bullock by visiting the History Photo Gallery section of Black Hills Journal.

The next meeting of the Spearfish Area Historical Society will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the Senior Citizen’s Center in Spearfish. Linfred Schuttler returns with a program entitled Prohibition in South Dakota.

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Once again, we express our appreciation to Ray and Darlene Telkamp of Spearfish for audio recording this program so that we might share highlights with you. Thanks, Ray and Darlene!