Military Humor

Christmas Past - "You're going to shoot your eye out kid!!"

Warner Brother's photo

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1940 Montgomery Ward Winter Catalog courtesy Joel baumwool

Who remembers Red Rider, the famous BB gun, Ralphie, and the sight/taste of Red Lifeboy Soap?

Wow, $2.95 was big money in the 1940s. A thoughtful Santa Uncle Gordon gave me one and I had years of fun with it until it went to Toy Heaven. It was the last present of Christmas and was hidden behind the davenport. 6mm lead BBs are now plastic in many colors and sell for around $5/1000. The Red Rider BB guns are still available new for around $40 and kid's eyes are still at risk.

Photo Credit Jim Veitl

This 1945 picture is Dale Allen, Me and Jim Veitl. Our other companion, not shown, was Jim's dog Nugget a white and brown spotted water spaniel. He was over barking in a barrel. The more he barked the more it rang his ears and that made him bark more. We were a nerdy bunch and hardly smarter than Nugget.

We all had BB guns and enjoyed playing war games on the hills surrounding Deadwood 4thWard, Wabash and Rodenhaus Streets. Many days we would trek to Devil's Cave to drink ice cold water squirting out of a pipe leak from a near by spring. Sometimes we would work up our courage and venture into the spooky cave but didn't always have a flash light. We usually had our guns in case of trouble. High on a far away hill, we could see Angel's Cave from a certain outcropping above Devil's Cave. We never were able to find its entrance.

Jim's Dad Albert was always around telling us interesting stories, encouraging our daily projects, and hill side adventures. Albert was an engineer with a keen mind for technology and life in general. Both Dale and I become engineers, so he must have planted seeds for our careers. I think he did and I remember him often. Sadly, Albert died not many years after this Brownie Camera picture.

We also spent a lot of time laying on the hill side in the sun and watching the clouds roll past. Nugget was always with us where ever we went. Those were golden Deadwood years and memories for us.

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The Christmas House still lives . . . select the word link!

1920 ~ Two Wagner Girls Pose a Horse Drawn Passenger Wagon in front of the Fish & Hunter Warehouse

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Bill Beshara DHS55 says his picture is from around 1920. It shows Loretta DHS32 and Florence Wagner DHS30.  Loretta later became Mrs. Fred Gravelle and they ran Merritt's Grocery at 93 Sherman Street for years.  Florence was a long time stenographer for the Adams Brothers Wholesale.

The Wagner girl's Father Chalk Wagner and Deadwood Benefactor W. E. Adams were both inducted by the Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee into the 2008 Deadwood Wall of Fame.  A posting of these two men's achievements and contributions to Deadwood is in the works.  The Wagner Grand Daughter Sandy Gravelle Beshara DHS57  attended the dedication with her family members.

In terms of mode of transportation, notice the contrasting motor vehicle in background.  Deadwood has always been progressive. Two years after Alexander Bell's telephone patent, the Black Hills Telephone Company opened operations in Deadwood in 1878. It was an historic event since it was also the first telephone exchange in the territory and it came into existence the same year that the first commercial switchboard was placed in operation in faraway New Haven, Connecticut, demonstrating that the metropolis of the Black Hills was a progressive as the older Eastern community.  Paul Rewman, manager for the Black Hills Telephone Co. was the company's first resident and business subscriber.  There were 14 telephones in operation in Deadwood by December of 1879 (from editor Bob Lee's "Gold-Gals-Guns-Guts").   Annie Talent is recognized as the first white woman to enter the Black Hills/Deadwood region with the 1874 Gordon-Russell expedition.  She wrote about the telegraph reaching Deadwood in 1876.  The telegraph provided infastructure that accomodated the early arrival of the telephone. 

  

In 1879 most of the Deadwood Main Street business section burned and or was torn down.  It was rebuilt then ravaged by a flood in 1883 which also destroyed the main school located by Whitewood Creek.  Deadwood progressively rebuilt more fireproof/floodprotected and recovered again.  The current school building location is on higher ground and all the ward schools were combined into the new building location.  The DHS Cannon arrived from the US War Department and was installed in front of new school in 1899.  It remains in its original location aimed down Pine Street.  Annie Talent died in 1901 but she was very active in Pennington County education management but was unpopular in contemporary views of Indian rights support.  So you wonder what positive infulence she played in the development of the Deadwood Schools and their excellent reputation, facilities, faculty, staff, administrators, and students.

Deadwood High School and Grade School ceased to exist in 1972 when it was merged into the Lead School District.  The 1924 brick Deadwood School building remains today like proponent Dr. Howe envisioned as Deadwood Mayor.  The 1902/1904 portion of original building site that housed the high school study hall was destroyed by children arsonists in 1987.  The brick building inside is still familiar, very clean with school odor that brings back fond memories.  It is only a middle school now. The school district is considering making the the whole facility surplus at a consultant's study suggestion.  This could mean "The Home of Deadwood High School" building might become another historic building converted to gambling.

A closing comment on the wagon picture above, the almost never changing old  Homestake Slime Plant 1906 is in the far background.  But true to the progressive Deadwood spirit it is being remade into the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino.  See following video of progress:

        

Jon Crane and Black Hills Historical Preservation Trust Join Forces to Save the Meeker Ranch and other Historic Black Hills Sites

Shown is Jon Crane's image of Meeker Ranch (left select for larger image and return arrow to return to dhsclassates).

The famous Black Hills artist Jon Crane is working hard to save the historic Meeker Ranch. For more information and images select on the text links Meeker Ranch and Jon Crane's special project  .

Jon Crane's art captures the US Heartland Legacy and remains a favorite of many of us for years.  His private studio is still near Hill City.  His original gallery in Hill City has changed to private ownership and that includes the resident kitty.   Jon now only sells to selected art gallery dealers across the country.

In his early days Jon also did art lessons.  My Mother took lessons from him.  She kept Jon's style and left us some family heritage art work of her own.  One special is the Person Ranch homestead cabin.  The cabin was built and settled by my wife's grandparents.  It was destroyed years ago but the cabin foundation still exists on the road from Hill City to Moon SD.

See Jon's web site http://www.joncranewatercolors.com

The Deadwood Magazine also has more detail in its November 2008 issue.

On December 8, 2008, Jon Crane sent the following comment:  

"Good to hear from you.  I certainly remember your Mother.  I believe she also took a workshop that I gave in Spearfish.  The links on your blog look great.  We appreciate your help in getting the word out on the Meeker Ranch.  It is a wonderful place that really needs to be preserved.  We have joined forces with a group that is saving the Gold Mountain Mine outside Hill City to form the Black Hills Historical Preservation Trust.  We will keep you updated.

Thanks for your support,
Jon Crane"

Jim Hutcherson DHS55 Passes Away

Jim's image from DHS Bear Log 1955

Katherine White Hutcherson DHS57 writes: Jim Hutcherson 70, passed away at his home in Vacaville, California February 29, 2008.

Jim was born Sept. 26, 1937 at  Fort Meade, SD to Lt. AC and Marjorie (Gailey) Hutcherson. He was raised in Deadwood. Graduated fromDeadwood High School in 1955. Married Katherine White in Deadwood 1957 Moved to California the same year. He was employed by the State of California for forty-two years in three departments. His last position was as Systems Analyst for twenty-two years at the Teale Data Processing Center until he retired in 2003. They have a son, a daughter, a grandson, two granddaughters and two step-granddaughters.
 

Personal comments:

 
Unfortunately he didn't keep in touch with any classmates. Jim thought we had excellent teachers. He talked most about Mr. Horsfall, Coach Ferguson. Miss Jensen and Mr.Krug.
 
Jim loved to watch football. While our children were studying for their degrees at Cal they were in the marching band. He enjoyed getting his two for one, watching the kids and football on the same day.

See comments for contact info.

For Great South Dakota Products Bill Beshara DHS55 Announces a new 2011 Catalog

Select on following image for Dakota Pride web link

Bill and Wanda (Dakota Pride Manager) have streamlined and focused on their own unique Dakota Pride tm products and for 2011 they have a completely new on-line catalog process.

Bill's best-of-the-best BBQ Sauce is now available in a bottle. He developed it over many years of restaurant use and it is now available in his secret formula.  Try it!

Wanda is charge of the Cashew Crunch as seen on Andy Rooney’s "60 Minutes"!  All the candy is made right there in the Black Hills of South Dakota, with pure butter, sugars and a coconut topping. They cook it in small batches with all natural ingredients, no preservatives, artificial color or flavorings.  For 2011 there is chocolate covered crunch including caramels and mint.  This whole line of hand made candies are wonderful.

Meteor Fire on Spearfish Crow Peak

The South Dakota Magazine reported a sighted meteor striking Crow Peak and causing a forest fire on November 6, 2008.  For those who have forgotten Crow Peak is largest mountain West of Spearfish.  The publication reports in part "Our good buddy Grant Peterson of Depot Radio in Brookings told us this week that his son, Randee, saw a meteor falling from the sky onto Crow Peak shortly before a forest fire was reported there last week. He lives in Spearfish, and has a good view of the mountain from his deck.  Fortunately, the fire was quickly contained by firefighters. It only burned a few acres. The official cause was unknown, but authorities said it was possible that a meteor ignited the forest brush."

See complete report: http://www.southdakotamagazine.com/editors_notebook.php?p=2421

Picture view from the Attic Room at Aunt Apple's Inn, Spearfish SD http://www.auntapplesinn.com/amenities.html

True Thought from Funky Winkerbean today 11-06-08

I don't think Winkerbean will mind that we dhsclassmates share this profound truism.

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Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee Wall of Fame

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Deadwood City Hall in 1895. Photographer unknown. Note the wooden sidewalks on both sides of Main Street. It looks like the photo was taken from the subflooring level of the yet-to-be-built Franklin Hotel.

Credits: Photos from Black Hills Studios

The historical Deadwood City Hall and Fire Department (bottom left of building) burned in 1952. On the top floor, hung high on the walls beyond reach, were paintings of important people and the mayors. It was open to the public at all times. There were also numerous displays of all sorts of historical items. It was a wondrous place to spend time and connect with Deadwood's historical roots and visions. It was a sad, irreplaceable loss.

A handsome brick Deadwood City Hall of period architecture now stands at 102 Sherman Street. To recapture visions and deeds of individuals who have made new or innovative contributions to Deadwood's heritage, a Wall of Fame has been established in the City Hall. There is a public nomination process under the guidance of the Deadwood Historical Preservation Commission. See application form http://www.cityofdeadwood.com/vertical/Sites/%7BECDE07BE-19F7-4F11-A017-CFDAD3EEEE69%7D/uploads/%7BE0153713-872D-46D5-A487-EA01E080EF58%7D.PDF

With the help of Dustin Floyd for timely image copies and Commission approval, I am able to share a few of the Deadwood notables (Mr. Krug, George Beshara, and Sheriff Dick McGrath). Their Wall of Fame copies follow in the next three postings.

Credits: Dustin Floyd dustin@tdgcommunications.com and Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee http://www.deadwoodhistorylink.com/

Robert H. Krug, Deadwood Wall of Fame

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Credits: Dustin Floyd dustin@tdgcommunications.com and Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee http://www.deadwoodhistorylink.com/

Mr. Krug was the Deadwood High School (DHS) Principal and he touched every student he ever knew. He was the "shock and awe" of respect and responsibility that guided each us of students to achieve success in our lives. He instilled a life ethic that never failed us. Mr. Krug was the most impressive person I have ever known.

If any of us end up in Hell, he gave a little training on that too when you were "called" to his office :(.

I was visiting Deadwood and met him walking on Stewart Street not long before he died. I worked up my courage to speak to him and shake his hand. I told him about my college education, my family, and my great job as an engineer. His eyes twinkled when I told him how much I appreciated him and all that he did for me. He quietly said "thank you," shook my hand, and we went our ways.

George Beshara, Deadwood Wall of Fame

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Credits: Dustin Floyd dustin@tdgcommunications.com and Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee http://www.deadwoodhistorylink.com/

In an earlier post Ann Stanton wrote eloquently about a Destination in the Wilderness and how the Jewish people had contributed to the Deadwood historical heritage.

Lebanese immigrants and their families also made their contributions to Deadwood. Grandfather George Beshara (above), his family, and the Shama Family stand out for recognition in the family grocery business and service. Their stores were well placed at the opposite ends of Deadwoood, Shamas in 1st Ward and Besharas in 4th Ward.

The 4th of July was a big time and celebration for the Beshara Family. They would divide up the family on both sides of Charles Street and wale away with a ton of fireworks in all directions. It was a sight to watch. Pete Beshara stored the fireworks in his "Barrel," a fast food and soft drink stand next to Martin's Sinclair filling station. Sadly, one night the Barrel, full of fireworks, caught fire and burned to the ground in a spectacular fashion. That ended the Beshara fireworks wars. Funny to note that Pete was a fireman too.

The Besharas like to tell a story about George who refused to allow waste of anything, especially food. When they ate grapes he made them swallow the seeds saying they were good for them. That was before we had seedless grapes.

Sheriff Richard T. McGrath, Deadwood Wall of Fame

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Credits: Dustin Floyd dustin@tdgcommunications.com and Deadwood Historical Preservation Committee http://www.deadwoodhistorylink.com/

Lawrence County Sheriff McGrath's full name is Richard T. McGrath. I and many others knew him as "Dick". He was much shorter in height than average but commanded respect because that was what he gave others. He was my personal role model and mentor, I enjoyed being around him and the Sheriff's office. He appointed me a Deputy Sheriff in 1957 but I had to agree to stay in college, graduate, and get good job in industry. He said I could always come back later and learn to be a full-time Deputy. I graduated in engineering in 1959 and went to work for the Boeing Company. Dick's advice and guidance were excellent. My Deputy appointment probably expired with the next Sheriff who was Chuck Crotty DHS56. See copy of my appointment certificate and badge below.

Dick told me about his face-off with "Tiny" and his gang in the middle of Main Street. Tiny glared down at him and said "I have heard a lot about you and you look kind of small to me!" Dick looked him in the eyes and said "Ya, I am but I carry a BIG gun!" Dick carried a .357 Magnum which was considered a cannon handgun in those days. In one earlier scary shoot-out it took six shots from his .38 to stop the bad guy. From then on he carried a handgun that would stop someone with one shot. At the time, the FBI training and creed were, "We don't draw our gun to warn or wound." So Tiny was informed and smart enough to leave and live.

I believe that Dick was influenced by Deadwood's visiting FBI Special Agent Tony Shea, who encouraged Dick to attend the FBI's law officer's training and certification. Dick's natural talent and ethic made him a legendary success from this training. I have a family friend who was an FBI Special Agent. In the early 1970s he had a summer assignment at the Rapid City FBI office. My friend's FBI special skill led him to work closely with Sheriff Dick McGrath and he observed that Dick was truly greater than his legend.

In my days, Dick had a frequent sidekick, an SD State Patrolman named Jim Rumboltz. Jim was a giant of a man and they made an odd couple. Jim was a legend in the State Patrol, too. The mere presence of the two of them ended trouble before it began. They would laugh together about avoiding trouble, but when they were tested they did not flinch and always prevailed.

Hugh McGrath, Dick's brother, has told me that Rumboltz wrote a book in later life. Hugh looks just like Dick. (See picture of myself, Margaret Vancas McGrath DHS53, and Hugh at the 2007 All DHS Reunion). The bloodhound dog in the WOF was after my time . . .

Mrs. Morthland update ~ by Dave Klein DHS54

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Hi

Carol and I are in Deadwood. Carol at the Quilting retreat. Yesterday I went to Rapid to take care of a couple of things. Then looked up Hazel at the Retirement facility. She was in the nursing part. A lady at the front desk took me to her. She happened to be in a small TV area with another lady. My thoughts were confirmed in that she didn’t recognize who I was and could not recall why she should know me and most of our conversation was like that. Physically she was very well cared for and quite bright eyed. She was in a wheel chair and has been for some time. The person that took me there was reluctant to relate anything about her health. I spoke with her for about 10-15 minutes. All in all pretty good for 100+, but truly not the Hazel that we knew and cared a great deal about.

Dave

~~~ Note: This update is late as I have had company from SD and we have been touring our WA area. DickD

Follow-up, Frank Derby receives his scholarship funds

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This is follow-up to http://dhsclassmates.blogspot.com/2008/03/frank-derby-2008-winner-of-dhs-reunion.html .  Frank received his money recently.

Bill Beshara DHS55 has put allot of effort and thought into this activity.  The school district is to be commended for restoring our scholarship funds after some recent difficulties.

2009 Reunion Plan for Interested DHS Classes from Morris Toppila DHS51

Thanks for the offer to help. I really do not care who from the Class of 1954 is in charge, David Klein or anyone else. All I need is someone from each class (1951,52,53,54 and 55) to let me know how many are coming to the dinner. Each class must take care of their own, then send me the count for reservations. I will be the conduit between the classmate count and the restaurant (Deadwood Social Club, 9/12/09). The Class of 1952 is covered. The Class of 1951 is covered. Now, each of the other classes should designate a "census taker" and then get back to me on the count. It is important to keep is simple and not over complicate the party. It will be a great party with some good food and plenty of time to meet one another again. The rest of the weekend is left for everyone to enjoy family, friends and the beautiful hills that time of the year.

Trust all is well with you and your family,

Summer is leaving us now, you can feel it in the air. It has been too short. Maybe the fall will hang around longer.

Later,

Top

Northern Hills Band Activities by Bob Heller

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For posting questions, contact Bob Heller skater@rushmore.com

Site Contributor, Bob Heller is very interested in Deadwood High School and bands in general. He was close friend of DHS Band Director Lavern Clark. See http://dhsclassmates.blogspot.com/2007/07/prince-of-music-laverne-vern-clark.html select back arrow to return to this post.

Bob Heller writes:

IT WAS A PARTY FOR THE NORTHERN HILLS BAND THE 23 OF JULY AT RANDY KARNS' PLACE IN CENTRAL CITY S. D. AND WAS ALSO 30TH ANVERSERY FOR THE DITTMANS.

THERE ARE PICTURES OF THE BELLE COWBOY BAND AND THE 7TH CAVALRY BAND ALONG WITH THOSE ATTENDING THE PARTY. DITTMAN PUT HIS BAND TOGETHER FOR IT AND WAS A GREAT TIME HAD, BY ALL. DANCING AND FOOD AND GOOD FELLOWSHIP. WHAT A PARTY.

AND FORGOT, HELLER'S VAN WITH "FENDER SKIRTS" HAHAHA"

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

DHS58 50 Year Reunion ~ July 18-20 2008 ~ by Karen Balderson

DHS58 50th Reunion Attendees Group (select image for larger view, back arrow to return to site)

Photo credit thanks to Bill Beshara

Marge and Connie did not attend


Sunday Brunch Slide Show

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

During the registration and social hour on Friday at the VFW, everyone enjoyed exchanging memories of the years at Deadwood and catching up on all the changes in our lives in the years since graduation. It was so good to see and visit with classmates we hadn't seen for a lot of years. There were newspaper articles, yearbooks, and all kinds of memorabilia displayed to browse through; Gloria provided an astonishing amount of it!

Vince had quite a time getting everyone to stop talking long enough to go through the buffet line and have something to eat! Our thanks to Roz for making the arrangements for the evening . We had invited those in the area to join us after dinner and several from the area came and spent time with us. Our school mascot "Peppy" was also on hand!

We came together again on Saturday evening for a social hour and dinner at the Deadwood Social Club where Muriel had arranged for us to have a private room for the occasion. We each chose from a list of four entrees. Again, there was lots of conversation as we continued to catch up on all the changes that had transpired in our lives in the last 50 years!

Vince and Glenrose graciously hosted a brunch at their beautiful home in Lead on Sunday morning.

The weather was great and we were able to enjoy the good food and time together on their deck. Again, we were joined by others in the area, and nearly all of those who were able to be here for the reunion were at the brunch. Our thanks to Vince and Glenrose for their generosity and hospitality.

Sadly, there are a number of the 1958 graduating class who did not respond, some we were not able to locate, and nine from our original class who have died.

When will we have another reunion? That hasn't been decided yet! Let us know what you think!

The Old Deadwood Business Community

Many Jewish people blended into the Deadwood community. They became respected leaders in business, social and civic affairs. At some point in Deadwood’s history, fully two-thirds of all business establishments on Deadwood’s Main Street were either owned, operated, or occupied by Jewish merchants. With the help of talented Jews assuming positions of leadership and influence, Deadwood became the original commercial and social hub of the Black Hills.

But it all began as A Destination in the Wilderness

A Destination in the Wilderness by Ann Haber Stanton

Ann Haber Stanton

South Dakota Jewish Historian

Photo courtesy Ann Stanton

The Synagogue of the Hills, heir to a rich history, today represents the only Jewish community in Western South Dakota. The Synagogue traces its roots to the Gold Stampede days of 1876, when news of gold in the streams of Dakota’s Black Hills spread like wildfire. Throngs of prospectors, restless adventurers, gamblers and entrepreneurs ventured into the wilderness in search of what only the lucky few among them would find- great wealth in the gold and all that came with it. Ore bearing streams ran through the thick, dead brush in the gulch from which Deadwood derives its name.

By horseback and mule, the first Jews to arrive were enterprising pioneer merchants and businessmen, willing to stake their lives and fortunes on the promise of great success in Dakota Territory. It was a difficult and dangerous undertaking. They found a lawless frontier, needing their talent and courage to help establish a stable community.

The Deadwood of 1876 was only a string of mining claims, tents and crude wooden structures, but the gold strike called for businesses to be started, and an explosion of growth ensued. However, the landscape and thick vegetation set the scene for a succession of fires and floods which regularly rampaged through Deadwood Gulch, forcing residents from homes and businesses, challenging them to either rebuild or retreat. Each rebuilding, each resolute stand against the destruction, produced a triumphant new structure, more fireproof and sturdy than its predecessor.

One of the first business establishments, the Big Horn Grocery, started in 1876 by P.A. Gushurst, was initially housed in a tent. Gushurst soon sold out and moved to Lead. The little business was bought by Jacob Goldberg who later renamed it Goldberg’s Grocers. The grocery operated continuously through the 1990s. Goldberg's is now Goldberg's Casino, in the same location, but having been rebuilt many times over. The last remnant of the old Goldberg’s Grocers is its delivery entrance door on Broadway, the narrow alley behind the building.

Jake Goldberg

Photo courtesy Adams Museum & House

Solomon Star, partner of Deadwood’s first Sheriff, Seth Bullock, was a respected Jewish businessman and prominent civic leader. The partners built a flourishing hardware store on the site of today’s Bullock Hotel. That same sandstone building, Star and Bullock’s Hardware Store, now renovated and refurbished as the Bullock Hotel, appears in early pictures of territorial Deadwood’s Main Street. The S&B Ranch raised high-grade crops and thoroughbred horses, and is the site of the city of Belle Fourche. Sol Star helped organize the first fire department and was an early postmaster. He was active in the political and civic life of Deadwood from its earliest days. Republican representative to the territorial legislature, Deadwood’s mayor for at least 6 terms, Star served his community long and well.

Sol Star

Photo courtesy of Deadwood Library

Harris Franklin, ne Finkelstein, an early immigrant from Eastern Europe, came to America as a youngster. Starting as a pack peddlar, a common occupation for young Jewish men in those times, he went on to build a great fortune as a banker, cattleman, owner of the Golden Reward gold mine, and main partner in the Deadwood Business Club, the venture which built Deadwood's Historic Franklin Hotel. The Adams house was originally the Franklin family home, now a National Historic Landmark that was built for Harris Franklin in 1890 by Simeon Eisendrath, a renowned Chicago and New York synagogue architect.

Harris’s son, Nathan, served as mayor of Deadwood, the second Jewish man to hold that office.

Nathan Franklin

Photo courtesy Adams Museum & House

The first telephone exchange in Deadwood was established and managed by Paul Rewman, an English Jew. His wife, Mabel, a non-Jew, earned a reputation as an early campaigner for women’s rights. Both Rewmans have been recognized in "Who's Who in South Dakota."

Paul Rewman

Photo Courtesy Adams Museum & House

There was Jewish worship and holiday observance from the earliest days of settlement. Although they never had a formal synagogue building, they gathered for worship, usually at the Masonic Temple, but sometimes at Elks Hall and at other times at a private home, such as the home of the Sam Margolins at 4 Lincoln Avenue.

Their Torah, the Old Testament scroll, now known as the "Deadwood Torah", came from Koenigsburg, Germany, in 1886, with Freda Lowenberg, young bride of Benjamin Blumenthal. The Torah traveled overland across Europe, over the Atlantic, across the United States by train, and finally by stagecoach into the Hills.

The first lay leader and acting rabbi of the Jewish community was Nathan Colman, father of Blanche, Theresa and Anne Colman. Judge Colman, so called due to his position as Justice of the Peace, arrived in Deadwood in 1876, where he and his wife, Amalia, had a large family. The Colmans’ youngest daughter, Blanche, made her mark as one of the first woman lawyers in the State of South Dakota, working for the Homestake Gold Mine as legal counsel for most of her life.

In 1896 the Hebrew Cemetery Association purchased cemetery land on Deadwood's Mt. Moriah, high on a hill overlooking Deadwood. The section came to be known as "Hebrew Hill." Some of western South Dakota's pioneering Jewish citizens are buried here, including Harris Franklin and his wife Anna; the Colman family, including six of their seven children, four of whom died in early childhood; two separate Jacobs families; the Blumenthals; the Finks; the Zoellners; the Wertheimers; the Margolins; the Schwarzwalds; the Krainsons; and the Levinsons, among others. A walk through the Jewish section reveals an occasional grave marker bearing a small stone, evidence of a visitor who paid their quiet respects. The small number of gravestones is no indicator of the true numbers of Jewish people who lived and left an impression in the Black Hills, said by Blanche Colman to have been “in the hundreds.” Most, like the Goldbergs and Sol Star, are buried elsewhere. Some of the beautiful Hebrew inscriptions are easily legible, but though some are too eroded to read, each is capable of telling a story of a Jewish person who left their footprint in a remote wilderness. Mt. Moriah has been dedicated as a National Historic Cemetery.

Many Jewish people blended into the Deadwood community. They became respected leaders in business, social and civic affairs. At some point in Deadwood’s history, fully two-thirds of all business establishments on Deadwood’s Main Street were either owned, operated, or occupied by Jewish merchants. With the help of talented Jews assuming positions of leadership and influence, Deadwood became the original commercial and social hub of the Black Hills.

As the gold rush waned and Deadwood's Jewish population dwindled, the younger generation, seeking higher education and Jewish mates, gradually drifted away. Due to Rapid City's favorable location and Ellsworth Air Force Base having been built, in the 1950s the Deadwood Torah, center of Jewish worship, finally was brought to Rapid City. Now it is read from on Sabbaths, certain holy days, and at the Bar or Bat Mitzvah, coming of age, of the young people who carry the traditions of their predecessors on into the future.

See Deadwood's Jewish historical markers, erected in honor of Deadwood's Jewish Pioneers by the Jewish American Society for Historical Preservation, Jerry Klinger, Founder and CEO, in cooperation with Mary Kopco, Director of the Adams Museum and House, and Ann H. Stanton~~

~~http://www.jewish-american-society-for-historic-preservation.org/completedprgms2/deadwoodsouthdakota.html

~~ http://www.adamsmuseumandhouse.org/