DHS1915 Commencement Views by Jerry Bryant

I am very pleased  to have Jerry Bryant remain a frequent contributor for the web site. He continues to research and share interesting and noteworthy historical information.

DHS1915 was housed in the two school buildings built on the high ground after the 1883 Deadwood flood where the current school building now stands at 716 Main Street and the end of Pine Street.  The front main building was replaced by the current building in 1924.  Dr. Howe led a very contentious fight and city vote for the necessary $250,000 bond issue. See 1924 Deadwood School posting.  The DHS1915 Commencement was held in the Deadwood Theater which burned down in 1952. 

The rear second building remained the back portion of the high school. The top floor was the memorable study hall and library.  Sadly this old portion of the school burned down in 1985 by two youth's arson.  The 1924 building was saved and remains in service today.

Fires have devastated Deadwood for it's entire history.

Following are Jerry Bryant's scans of the DHS1915 Commencement:

Deadwood View from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel

SNEAK PEEK! Just one of the "suite" views from Deadwood Mountain Grand's all new boutique hotel! We have grand announcements about the hotel coming soon - so stay posted! In the meantime, make sure to book reservations for any upcoming trips to Deadwood. We are accepting reservations for April 2012, and on!

See DMG web site.

New South Dakota Flag Design Proposal by South Dakota Magazine.com

A New Flag for South Dakota

JAN 24, 2012

By Bernie Hunhoff

South Dakota needs a state flag, and this week more than 80 of the 105 lawmakers introduced a bill to adopt a design. (I should make a concession that may surprise some South Dakota Magazinereaders — I work "nights" as a state legislator from Yankton, and I am one of the sponsors.)

You’re thinking we already have a flag, and in a sense we do. For years, our Great Seal has doubled as a flag symbol. We all like the seal — which shows a riverboat, a farmer and wheat fields — but a seal is not a flag.

The United States of America has a seal, but we also love the Stars and Stripes, and Old Glory unifies us as a people. Texans have a Great Seal, but they proudly fly the Lone Star.

South Dakota had a real flag more than 100 years ago. A sunburst on a bright sky blue background was created in 1909. But somewhere along the line, an efficient bureaucrat decided to fill the backside of the flag with the seal. Then another bureaucrat decided it was too cumbersome to print the seal on one side and the flag on the other, so he dropped the flag symbol . . .

See South Dakota Magazine.com for complete article and forum to comment. 

1883 Deadwood Christmas Lights - Deadwood Newspaper Notation

Edison patented a system for electricity distribution in 1880, which was essential to capitalize on the invention of the electric lamp. On December 17, 1880, Edison founded the Edison Illuminating Company. Deadwood lead the nation in use of electricity and telephone which is amazing for a rough and tumble mining camp in the Western Wilderness of the United States. Deadwood also had the Telegraph in 1876.

1911 John Treber Cane, SD 12th Legislative Session by Jerry Locker

Jerry Locker sent the following information and pictures for a dhsclassmates article.  I don’t know Jerry but the it all looks authentic and positively historically important.  Thank you Jerry for your submittal.

1911 SD 12th Legislative Session - House Chamber - P1381

John Treber complimentary match case

Jerry Locker wrote  “The cane of john treber from 1911 thought you would like to add it to your site..The picture is from 1911 at the time he got the cane awarded to him ..Great job!!! aww and a matchbook ad from john treber..thanks

Inscribed on top [HON John Treber we express out appreciation for hard work 12th session of legislature 1911 E.C Issenhuth chn Redfield S.D.]” 

Who Is Present at Potato Creek Johnny's 1943 Burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetry?

Reid Riner at the Journey Museum in Rapid City shared this picture on Facebook.  It shows Potato Creek Johnny’s casket being interned next to Wild Bill grave at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in 1943.

This is an excellent picture with attendees clearly shown.

It will be interesting to identify those present.  My guess is that the second from left is Sheriff Twiford.  Fourth from left is Elmer Pontius.  Mary Kopco at Adams Museum has identified D. M. McGahey (first curator at Adams Museum) in center with bow tie, bushy eye brows, and fur coat.  To right of McGahey might be Leo Derosier.  Standing at foot of the casket is Cleo Wells (mortician and funeral director).  The women to the left of Cleo sure looks like Elsie Krug.

I remember that Mr. McGahey drove a 1930’s black coupe (Chevrolet?).  He never mastered the clutch very well.  The engine would be running at high speed with the clutch slipping.  He would then pop the clutch and the car would jerk into motion.  He parked in the Post Office parking lot and was a  terror when he jumped backwards out of his parking spot.  He was a  fond memory to me from those  grand days growing up in Deadwood.

If you can help identify these attendees please contact me or comment to the article.

Select on image to link to the Journey Museum:  

View of Deadwood November 02, 2011

Picture courtesy of Black Hills Travel - Facebook  Page

Nice view of Deadwood this morning with their light snow yesterday.  Notice the Deadwood Mountain Grand (old Slime Plant) Hotel that is nearing completion.

!!!!!  Birthday = South Dakota is 122 years old today  !!!!!