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,

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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

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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!