Frontier Days
by Dick Jones
(transcribed with permission from the "Mellette County 1911-1961" book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In the fall of 1912 a few of the townspeople of White River took up a collection for a purse for some "bronc" riding by the local boys which created quite a bit of interest among the homesteaders and the new arrivals in White River. From this small beginning was born the idea of a "Frontier Days" show.
We put on a two-day show in the fall of 1913 which we had advertised fairly well and it was very successful from a financial, performance and attendance standpoint. From this date on the show continued to grow and was considered one of the very
best in the West.
A combination of things helped make it a very interesting show-the newness of the county, the Bad Lands, a rather back to nature way of living and a large number of Indians always encamped. The Indians added a great deal of color to the show. Each day, in full regalia, they made a mock sunrise attack on the town and performed many dances at intervals through the day in costumes that are quite rare now. One of their special features was an attack on a covered wagon, burning it and scalping the driver. Jack Doyle, naturally bald, played the part of the driver. He wore a wig for the occasion and catsup or raspberry juice served as blood.
The people who attended came from the adjoining states knowing that the accommodations were limited and so came prepared not only to see the show but to become a part of it.
No thought was given to making any great profit and anything for entertainment was hired if we had the money. A great
deal of labor was donated. I had charge of the riding contest, taking the entries, drawing the horses to be ridden, and trying to settle disputes among the riders, which wasn't always easy.
In 1919. the White River Frontier Days Association was incorporated with C. P. Anders, President and C. E. Kell, Secretary. In that year the association purchased a quarter section of land adjoining the town on the north. A part of the land was subdivided into lots and blocks and is known as the Frontier Park Addition.
The year 1919 was a big show year. We hired an aviator to make exhibition flights, paid a parachute jumper $400 to make one jump, paid $700 first prize in the riding contest, and all other prizes on a comparative basis.
I wanted to be the first man in town to take a plane ride but was too busy at the show grounds and someone beat me to it. Since I wasn't the first to go up I wanted something special. The aviator informed me that his charges were based on the kind of ride he gave. I told him to give me everything he had-he did-and charged me $25.00 which I thought was pretty high for one ride but it turned out that it was real cheap (I've never wanted another). He looped-the-loop, nose spinned, flew upside down, did the Immelman turn, the falling leaf, nose dived and side slipped into a landing. While we were flying upside down, my helmet fell off, the fire extinguisher dropped by my head and I was hanging upside down held in by a little old canvas belt. I have fallen out of that plane a thousand times in my sleep and so far as plane rides go, I've had mine. C. E. Kell went up the same day. The engine stalled and they had to make a "dead stick" landing. I don't believe he is too enthusiastic about plane rides yet.
Tom Berry acted as judge for the show about 1920 to 1923 and was Arena director and manager from 1923 to 1928.
In later years the Berry family put on several shows for the association, furnishing the horses and cattle and managing the entire show.
In the 1930's, the association ran into financial difficulties and had to quit the show and sell the land. Frank Krogman purchased the land and ran an outstanding show from 1941 until 1954. No show has been held since that time.
Now rodeos are quite commonplace but the big difference is that now they try to bring a touch of the old west to the city while in the early days of the White River Frontier Days we brought the tenderfoot and city dweller to the Wild West.
Frontier Days
written by Nancy Anderson, As Told by Baxter Berry
(transcribed with permission from the "Mellette County 1911-1961" book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In South Dakota two big shows were White River Frontier Days and the Belle Fourche Roundup. They drew the top cowboys and big crowds of spectators. At White River the rodeo was held on the one half mile race track. Later a grand stand with chutes underneath was built.
The rodeos were advertised by caravan of cars traveling to some of the larger cities such as Sioux Falls, Sioux City and Omaha. Some Indians would go along and put on a dance in their war paint and feathers. The caravans were usually received by the respective chambers of commerce.
Two events at the early rodeos were saddle bronc riding and steer roping. The saddle broncs were saddled in the middle of the arena by snubbing them to a saddle horse. When the rider got on he rode until he was bucked off or the horse stopped bucking. The pickup men then caught the horse and the rider got off by himself. Some of the early riders had previously been in wild west shows. A few who rode at White River were Adam and Matthew Marshall, Louie Reynolds, Kenneth Cooper and Earl Thode. They usually rode two or three horses a show. The steer roping was similar to today's event but larger steers were used. The steer was turned out on the race track. The roper would catch the steer by the horns, throw a trip on him and ride by, jerking the steer down. Then the roper would get off, leaving his horse to hold the would get off, leaving his horse to hold the rope tight while tying three legs. A winning time was usually between 25 and 30 seconds. Some out-standing ropers were Louie Reynolds, Frank Day and Ed Estes.
There were many special events including the saddle pony race, wild horse race, relay races, hippodrome race, squaw wagon race and bridal race. In the squaw wagon race, two squaws drove a team and wagon with their equipment in it. Several teams and wagons raced around the half mile track. After crossing the finish line the two squaws got out of the wagon and set up their tent and cook stove, the first one out the door of her tent was the winner. Thrilling for the spectators was the bridal race. An unmarried girl was mounted upon a fast horse a.nd given a head start, she was pursued by the cowboys on their cow ponies, and if one was lucky enough to catch her horse by the reins, he could claim her as his bride.
There were many exhibition rides. Bareback horses were riden with only a mane hold-no surcingle. Sometimes a cowboy would ride a bronc out mounted backwards, or two cowboys would face each other on a bareback. Everyone was out to see what a good time he could have, and a professional show was not the main concern.
Bareback riding became a contested event in the twenties. Horses were first ridden bareback with a mane hold or loose rope. Later a two handed surcingle was used. At first each saddle bronc rider also rode a bareback horse for mount money. At least then a contestant had enough money to get to the next show. Ed Seidler, Steve Janis, and Guy Lampert were early bareback riders. The two handed surcingle enabled the rider to spur his horse from ear to shoulder and sometimes with both feet on the same side. Ed Seidler was one of the first contestants to ride with one hand.
Calf roping and wild cow-milking were started about 1920 also. A bunch of cows were at one end of the arena and the cowboys behind a score line at the other end. After the contestant caught his cow, he dragged her around at the end of a rope tied on hard and fast, while his assistant sneaked in behind to milk her. The first cowboy back across the score line with enough milk to pour out of his bottle won.
Some of the riders who appeared at White River Frontier Days in the twenties were Earl Thode, who later won three world championships in saddle bronc riding, Mildred Douglas, lady bronc rider, Milt Hinkle, South American Kid, one of the first men lo bull dog steers, Tex Cooper and Tex Crockett.
Scotty Philip's boys trailed their string of bucking horses from Ft. Pierre for the show, other stock came from local ranches. Tom Berry trailed steers into White River for it.
Judges were chosen by the cowboys. One time the contestants decided the judges ought to ride a bronc themselves to prove they knew something about riding. Tom Berry, forty-three years old at the time, rode the first horse. It ran away, so he got on another one and this horse really turned on, Tom spurred him and made a good ride. Then Stan Callan played it safe by sticking his spurs in the cinch, hitting his horse over the head with his hat and yelling. Frank Day, the other judge, also rode a bucking horse. It made a good show and the cowboys decided the judges were qualified after all.
Prize money was furnished my merchants of White River. At the time $500 was put up for the finals in the saddle bronc contest. The day when money purses were small and the big prize money was for the average. The rodeo grew until it was a five-day show.
by Dick Jones
(transcribed with permission from the "Mellette County 1911-1961" book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In the fall of 1912 a few of the townspeople of White River took up a collection for a purse for some "bronc" riding by the local boys which created quite a bit of interest among the homesteaders and the new arrivals in White River. From this small beginning was born the idea of a "Frontier Days" show.
We put on a two-day show in the fall of 1913 which we had advertised fairly well and it was very successful from a financial, performance and attendance standpoint. From this date on the show continued to grow and was considered one of the very
best in the West.
A combination of things helped make it a very interesting show-the newness of the county, the Bad Lands, a rather back to nature way of living and a large number of Indians always encamped. The Indians added a great deal of color to the show. Each day, in full regalia, they made a mock sunrise attack on the town and performed many dances at intervals through the day in costumes that are quite rare now. One of their special features was an attack on a covered wagon, burning it and scalping the driver. Jack Doyle, naturally bald, played the part of the driver. He wore a wig for the occasion and catsup or raspberry juice served as blood.
The people who attended came from the adjoining states knowing that the accommodations were limited and so came prepared not only to see the show but to become a part of it.
No thought was given to making any great profit and anything for entertainment was hired if we had the money. A great
deal of labor was donated. I had charge of the riding contest, taking the entries, drawing the horses to be ridden, and trying to settle disputes among the riders, which wasn't always easy.
In 1919. the White River Frontier Days Association was incorporated with C. P. Anders, President and C. E. Kell, Secretary. In that year the association purchased a quarter section of land adjoining the town on the north. A part of the land was subdivided into lots and blocks and is known as the Frontier Park Addition.
The year 1919 was a big show year. We hired an aviator to make exhibition flights, paid a parachute jumper $400 to make one jump, paid $700 first prize in the riding contest, and all other prizes on a comparative basis.
I wanted to be the first man in town to take a plane ride but was too busy at the show grounds and someone beat me to it. Since I wasn't the first to go up I wanted something special. The aviator informed me that his charges were based on the kind of ride he gave. I told him to give me everything he had-he did-and charged me $25.00 which I thought was pretty high for one ride but it turned out that it was real cheap (I've never wanted another). He looped-the-loop, nose spinned, flew upside down, did the Immelman turn, the falling leaf, nose dived and side slipped into a landing. While we were flying upside down, my helmet fell off, the fire extinguisher dropped by my head and I was hanging upside down held in by a little old canvas belt. I have fallen out of that plane a thousand times in my sleep and so far as plane rides go, I've had mine. C. E. Kell went up the same day. The engine stalled and they had to make a "dead stick" landing. I don't believe he is too enthusiastic about plane rides yet.
Tom Berry acted as judge for the show about 1920 to 1923 and was Arena director and manager from 1923 to 1928.
In later years the Berry family put on several shows for the association, furnishing the horses and cattle and managing the entire show.
In the 1930's, the association ran into financial difficulties and had to quit the show and sell the land. Frank Krogman purchased the land and ran an outstanding show from 1941 until 1954. No show has been held since that time.
Now rodeos are quite commonplace but the big difference is that now they try to bring a touch of the old west to the city while in the early days of the White River Frontier Days we brought the tenderfoot and city dweller to the Wild West.
Frontier Days
written by Nancy Anderson, As Told by Baxter Berry
(transcribed with permission from the "Mellette County 1911-1961" book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
In South Dakota two big shows were White River Frontier Days and the Belle Fourche Roundup. They drew the top cowboys and big crowds of spectators. At White River the rodeo was held on the one half mile race track. Later a grand stand with chutes underneath was built.
The rodeos were advertised by caravan of cars traveling to some of the larger cities such as Sioux Falls, Sioux City and Omaha. Some Indians would go along and put on a dance in their war paint and feathers. The caravans were usually received by the respective chambers of commerce.
Two events at the early rodeos were saddle bronc riding and steer roping. The saddle broncs were saddled in the middle of the arena by snubbing them to a saddle horse. When the rider got on he rode until he was bucked off or the horse stopped bucking. The pickup men then caught the horse and the rider got off by himself. Some of the early riders had previously been in wild west shows. A few who rode at White River were Adam and Matthew Marshall, Louie Reynolds, Kenneth Cooper and Earl Thode. They usually rode two or three horses a show. The steer roping was similar to today's event but larger steers were used. The steer was turned out on the race track. The roper would catch the steer by the horns, throw a trip on him and ride by, jerking the steer down. Then the roper would get off, leaving his horse to hold the would get off, leaving his horse to hold the rope tight while tying three legs. A winning time was usually between 25 and 30 seconds. Some out-standing ropers were Louie Reynolds, Frank Day and Ed Estes.
There were many special events including the saddle pony race, wild horse race, relay races, hippodrome race, squaw wagon race and bridal race. In the squaw wagon race, two squaws drove a team and wagon with their equipment in it. Several teams and wagons raced around the half mile track. After crossing the finish line the two squaws got out of the wagon and set up their tent and cook stove, the first one out the door of her tent was the winner. Thrilling for the spectators was the bridal race. An unmarried girl was mounted upon a fast horse a.nd given a head start, she was pursued by the cowboys on their cow ponies, and if one was lucky enough to catch her horse by the reins, he could claim her as his bride.
There were many exhibition rides. Bareback horses were riden with only a mane hold-no surcingle. Sometimes a cowboy would ride a bronc out mounted backwards, or two cowboys would face each other on a bareback. Everyone was out to see what a good time he could have, and a professional show was not the main concern.
Bareback riding became a contested event in the twenties. Horses were first ridden bareback with a mane hold or loose rope. Later a two handed surcingle was used. At first each saddle bronc rider also rode a bareback horse for mount money. At least then a contestant had enough money to get to the next show. Ed Seidler, Steve Janis, and Guy Lampert were early bareback riders. The two handed surcingle enabled the rider to spur his horse from ear to shoulder and sometimes with both feet on the same side. Ed Seidler was one of the first contestants to ride with one hand.
Calf roping and wild cow-milking were started about 1920 also. A bunch of cows were at one end of the arena and the cowboys behind a score line at the other end. After the contestant caught his cow, he dragged her around at the end of a rope tied on hard and fast, while his assistant sneaked in behind to milk her. The first cowboy back across the score line with enough milk to pour out of his bottle won.
Some of the riders who appeared at White River Frontier Days in the twenties were Earl Thode, who later won three world championships in saddle bronc riding, Mildred Douglas, lady bronc rider, Milt Hinkle, South American Kid, one of the first men lo bull dog steers, Tex Cooper and Tex Crockett.
Scotty Philip's boys trailed their string of bucking horses from Ft. Pierre for the show, other stock came from local ranches. Tom Berry trailed steers into White River for it.
Judges were chosen by the cowboys. One time the contestants decided the judges ought to ride a bronc themselves to prove they knew something about riding. Tom Berry, forty-three years old at the time, rode the first horse. It ran away, so he got on another one and this horse really turned on, Tom spurred him and made a good ride. Then Stan Callan played it safe by sticking his spurs in the cinch, hitting his horse over the head with his hat and yelling. Frank Day, the other judge, also rode a bucking horse. It made a good show and the cowboys decided the judges were qualified after all.
Prize money was furnished my merchants of White River. At the time $500 was put up for the finals in the saddle bronc contest. The day when money purses were small and the big prize money was for the average. The rodeo grew until it was a five-day show.
Mellette County, South Dakota
County & Town Histories - White River
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Every Indian dances at the White River Frontier Days.
White River Frontier Days
Group from Appanoose County, Iowa, who settled at White River upon their arrival here in 1891. Seated on the ground in the front row is Ada Marshall (wearing white pinafore). Next to her is Hattie Anders. Just left of center is Jesse Brown mounted and holding gun). Standing next to him are Grandpa and Grandma Brown (leaning against rocking chair). Mounted on the bald-faced horse is Grandpa Powers. Mrs. Bill Powers holds a child (wearing long, white dress). The man squatted on the ground with the dog is Mr. Bill Powers.
White River History
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
White River, South Dakota was founded in May, 1911 and was named
and the location selected by members of the Western Townsite Company
of Dallas, South Dakota and the late Colonel C. P. Jordan. The location
selected was on the southwest quarter of Section 35, Township 42, Range
29. A proclamation had been issued by the governor of the state of South
Dakota that an election would be held on May 25, 1911, for choosing
county officers and to designate a temporary county seat.
A political caucus was held at the J. A. Brown store in Redwing, South
Dakota, which was one-half mile west of the present town of White River.
At this meeting with 57 people present, our old friend, J. Henry Perry,
chairman, called the meeting to order. Mr. Perry explained the purpose of
the meeting and why they had convened. He reviewed the advantage of
selecting White River as a county seat. It was in the exact geographical center of the county, and had an abundance of good water. Therefore, White River would be the right place for the county seat in fairness to everybody.
An election was held on the designated day and White River was selected as the temporary county seat of the county. At this election White River had a full set of candidates for all the offices. The Indians played an important part in this event and for the first time. in the history of the Indians in the county they had the right of, franchise.
The erection of the first building in White River started on May 22. The material was hauled from Valentine, Nebraska. This building was the John Hight store building. It was situated on the north half of the property now occupied by the John Mickel store.
Since the location of the county seat had been determined, other business places were started. In a very short time, we had West side of Main Street in 1912 telephone connections through Carter and Winner and to various other points. The telephone office was in the John Hight store building and Grace and Clarice Hight were the telephone operators.
In July and August, 1911, the Western Townsite Company erected the courthouse and rented it to the county for county offices and court hearings. This building is still in use at the present time.
In June, 1911, the post office of Redwing was changed to White River and in January, 1912, it was moved uptown. Jesse Brown was the post master of White River. The post office was situated in the J. A. Brown store. This building was on the lot now occupied by the Hiatt Ranchland Drug.
Again in 1912 an election was held and this time White River was designated as the permanent county seat.
In January, 1912, it was suggested that White River might be chosen as a temporary filing point for all homesteaders in Mellette County. White River had organized a Commercial Club and selected two representatives to go to Washington, D. C. and meet with the officers of the Land Office Department. These representatives urged the officials to designate White River as a temporary filing point. These men were William Hollenbeck and Col. C. P. Jordan. When they offered the plan to the government officials, they were told that such a procedure had never been attempted before, but that they would give it careful consideration. Before the delegation left Washington they were told that the Land Office was going to favorably consider the petition of White River and it would be designated as a temporary filing point. The filing probably would take place in May, 1912, when the first numbers would be called up. In the meantime provision had been made to feed and house around three thousand number holders and locating firms during the first filing. There were approximately three thousand non-residents in White River during this time.
During this temporary filing, then locating firms had offices in town contacting the prospective homesteaders when they arrived. These locaters did a thriving business and the homesteaders were shown their land before they filed on it.
The second filing took place in August of the same year when another group of numbers was called up. By that time all the best homestead land had been selected. Congress later passed a law that gave the original homesteaders a choice of an additional quarter section of land and many took advantage of this offer.
After the first filing, homesteaders had to come back within six months and establish residence on their claims. Some of them came to make a permanent home that fall. Others came back and established residence and did some improving, then left and returned the next spring.
In November, at the general election, a complete list of county officers was nominated and placed on the ballot besides several independent candidates.
During the summer of 1911 the county commissioners had divided the county into two school districts. On .November 6, 1911, the first school began in White River with 31 pupils. Mrs. Charles Hight was the first teacher.
At the school election in June, 1912, it was voted to build a four-room grade and high school. This was not completed by the beginning of the fall term and classes were held in different buildings in town. This building was placed on the same block where the present schoolhouse is located.
After many years of service, when the new school building was completed, the old one was sold and torn down.
In the meantime, the Commercial Club was ve.ry active. About 1913 the first rodeo, more popularly known as "Frontier Days," was held. For the next 20 years or more a rodeo was held here annually and became an outstanding event for White River and Mellette County.
Citizens of White River presented petitions to the county commissioners for the organization of the towns and an election was set up for voting whether or not the town should be incorporated. This election was held April 13, 1912, and the county commissioners canvassed the vote and found 27 for incorporation and one spoiled ballot.
A board composed of C. F. Manson, Roy A. Richmond, and V. D. McClure was appointed by the county commissioners. They divided the town into three wards and set May 21, 1912, as election day.
The first board of trustees were Ralph Kositzky, Ward No.1; C. P. Anders, Ward No.2; and Roy Richmond, Ward No.3. The other officers were Silas Woy, Clerk; C. S. Hight, Treasurer; W. H. Dunwell, Justice of Peace; and Enoch Monteau, Assessor. All of these men qualified for their office except Mr. Dunwell. At the first meeting of the newly-elected board with Ralph Kositzky as chairman, Ben Breier was appointed town marshal and C. F. Manson, attorney for the town.
During the first World War many of our boys were called into the service. White River, through the American Red Cross, always gave them a farewell. Later the Red Cross was very active here and raised a good deal of money to build the Red Cross Hospital. This was operated for 12 to 14 years, finally closed, and the property is now owned by the Perry Hitchings family.
Up to this time White River had several physicians. Among them were Dr. George F. Pugh, Dr. J. E. Ruhl, Dr. F. E. Bouza, and Dr. W. H. Still. Dr. Still was shot on the streets of the town but recoved in a short time. He later left White River.
On January 28, 1924, White River suffered a disastrous fire when four business houses and one residence were totally destroyed. The blaze started at the south end of the business section on the west side of Main Street. With a strong south wind blowing, it burned everything in that block to the north. This included the Hockings General store, Burnette Pool Hall, T. B. Holland and Co. Department Store Building, White River State Bank, and the residence of F. W. Schwarz. The loss was about $70,000.
In 1929 the Gem Theater was burned to the ground. This building was situated just north of the present post office building.
The Lundberg Searle Lumber Company of Omaha, Nebraska came in early 1912 with some ready-built homes. Some were small and did very well as homestead shacks.
The first electric lights in White River were furnished by an engine type electric plant installed by F. W. Schwarz. This, however, was inadequate, and in 1924, the town of White River built a hydroelectric plant on the Little White River northwest of town. This plant was sold to the Central Electric and Gas Company in 1927, just a few days before the high water washed out the dike. This dike was replaced and the plant began to furnish light and power.
The plant was bought by Donald D. Jones in 1944 and has since been operated by him. The high line from White River to Murdo was retained by the Central Gas and Electric Company and in 1951 they sold the line to the Central West Cooperative of Murdo and they sold it to the CherryTodd Electric Coop in 1954. It is still being operated under their management.
In 1943 a water system was planned for the town and several wells were sunk near the river. There now seems to be an abundance of water for homes, business, and fire protection. A sewerage system has also been installed and we now have a modern town.
White River has a small airport and is now negotiating for a larger one.
The present board of trustees are Eugene Olson, Chairman; Paul Monroe and Eugene Strain. Charles W. Astleford is Clerk, Anna Huber, Treasurer, and Wayne B. Fisher, town marshal and water commissioner.
(transcribed from the Mellette County 1911-1961 book published August 15, 1961 by the Mellette County Centennial Committee)
White River, South Dakota was founded in May, 1911 and was named
and the location selected by members of the Western Townsite Company
of Dallas, South Dakota and the late Colonel C. P. Jordan. The location
selected was on the southwest quarter of Section 35, Township 42, Range
29. A proclamation had been issued by the governor of the state of South
Dakota that an election would be held on May 25, 1911, for choosing
county officers and to designate a temporary county seat.
A political caucus was held at the J. A. Brown store in Redwing, South
Dakota, which was one-half mile west of the present town of White River.
At this meeting with 57 people present, our old friend, J. Henry Perry,
chairman, called the meeting to order. Mr. Perry explained the purpose of
the meeting and why they had convened. He reviewed the advantage of
selecting White River as a county seat. It was in the exact geographical center of the county, and had an abundance of good water. Therefore, White River would be the right place for the county seat in fairness to everybody.
An election was held on the designated day and White River was selected as the temporary county seat of the county. At this election White River had a full set of candidates for all the offices. The Indians played an important part in this event and for the first time. in the history of the Indians in the county they had the right of, franchise.
The erection of the first building in White River started on May 22. The material was hauled from Valentine, Nebraska. This building was the John Hight store building. It was situated on the north half of the property now occupied by the John Mickel store.
Since the location of the county seat had been determined, other business places were started. In a very short time, we had West side of Main Street in 1912 telephone connections through Carter and Winner and to various other points. The telephone office was in the John Hight store building and Grace and Clarice Hight were the telephone operators.
In July and August, 1911, the Western Townsite Company erected the courthouse and rented it to the county for county offices and court hearings. This building is still in use at the present time.
In June, 1911, the post office of Redwing was changed to White River and in January, 1912, it was moved uptown. Jesse Brown was the post master of White River. The post office was situated in the J. A. Brown store. This building was on the lot now occupied by the Hiatt Ranchland Drug.
Again in 1912 an election was held and this time White River was designated as the permanent county seat.
In January, 1912, it was suggested that White River might be chosen as a temporary filing point for all homesteaders in Mellette County. White River had organized a Commercial Club and selected two representatives to go to Washington, D. C. and meet with the officers of the Land Office Department. These representatives urged the officials to designate White River as a temporary filing point. These men were William Hollenbeck and Col. C. P. Jordan. When they offered the plan to the government officials, they were told that such a procedure had never been attempted before, but that they would give it careful consideration. Before the delegation left Washington they were told that the Land Office was going to favorably consider the petition of White River and it would be designated as a temporary filing point. The filing probably would take place in May, 1912, when the first numbers would be called up. In the meantime provision had been made to feed and house around three thousand number holders and locating firms during the first filing. There were approximately three thousand non-residents in White River during this time.
During this temporary filing, then locating firms had offices in town contacting the prospective homesteaders when they arrived. These locaters did a thriving business and the homesteaders were shown their land before they filed on it.
The second filing took place in August of the same year when another group of numbers was called up. By that time all the best homestead land had been selected. Congress later passed a law that gave the original homesteaders a choice of an additional quarter section of land and many took advantage of this offer.
After the first filing, homesteaders had to come back within six months and establish residence on their claims. Some of them came to make a permanent home that fall. Others came back and established residence and did some improving, then left and returned the next spring.
In November, at the general election, a complete list of county officers was nominated and placed on the ballot besides several independent candidates.
During the summer of 1911 the county commissioners had divided the county into two school districts. On .November 6, 1911, the first school began in White River with 31 pupils. Mrs. Charles Hight was the first teacher.
At the school election in June, 1912, it was voted to build a four-room grade and high school. This was not completed by the beginning of the fall term and classes were held in different buildings in town. This building was placed on the same block where the present schoolhouse is located.
After many years of service, when the new school building was completed, the old one was sold and torn down.
In the meantime, the Commercial Club was ve.ry active. About 1913 the first rodeo, more popularly known as "Frontier Days," was held. For the next 20 years or more a rodeo was held here annually and became an outstanding event for White River and Mellette County.
Citizens of White River presented petitions to the county commissioners for the organization of the towns and an election was set up for voting whether or not the town should be incorporated. This election was held April 13, 1912, and the county commissioners canvassed the vote and found 27 for incorporation and one spoiled ballot.
A board composed of C. F. Manson, Roy A. Richmond, and V. D. McClure was appointed by the county commissioners. They divided the town into three wards and set May 21, 1912, as election day.
The first board of trustees were Ralph Kositzky, Ward No.1; C. P. Anders, Ward No.2; and Roy Richmond, Ward No.3. The other officers were Silas Woy, Clerk; C. S. Hight, Treasurer; W. H. Dunwell, Justice of Peace; and Enoch Monteau, Assessor. All of these men qualified for their office except Mr. Dunwell. At the first meeting of the newly-elected board with Ralph Kositzky as chairman, Ben Breier was appointed town marshal and C. F. Manson, attorney for the town.
During the first World War many of our boys were called into the service. White River, through the American Red Cross, always gave them a farewell. Later the Red Cross was very active here and raised a good deal of money to build the Red Cross Hospital. This was operated for 12 to 14 years, finally closed, and the property is now owned by the Perry Hitchings family.
Up to this time White River had several physicians. Among them were Dr. George F. Pugh, Dr. J. E. Ruhl, Dr. F. E. Bouza, and Dr. W. H. Still. Dr. Still was shot on the streets of the town but recoved in a short time. He later left White River.
On January 28, 1924, White River suffered a disastrous fire when four business houses and one residence were totally destroyed. The blaze started at the south end of the business section on the west side of Main Street. With a strong south wind blowing, it burned everything in that block to the north. This included the Hockings General store, Burnette Pool Hall, T. B. Holland and Co. Department Store Building, White River State Bank, and the residence of F. W. Schwarz. The loss was about $70,000.
In 1929 the Gem Theater was burned to the ground. This building was situated just north of the present post office building.
The Lundberg Searle Lumber Company of Omaha, Nebraska came in early 1912 with some ready-built homes. Some were small and did very well as homestead shacks.
The first electric lights in White River were furnished by an engine type electric plant installed by F. W. Schwarz. This, however, was inadequate, and in 1924, the town of White River built a hydroelectric plant on the Little White River northwest of town. This plant was sold to the Central Electric and Gas Company in 1927, just a few days before the high water washed out the dike. This dike was replaced and the plant began to furnish light and power.
The plant was bought by Donald D. Jones in 1944 and has since been operated by him. The high line from White River to Murdo was retained by the Central Gas and Electric Company and in 1951 they sold the line to the Central West Cooperative of Murdo and they sold it to the CherryTodd Electric Coop in 1954. It is still being operated under their management.
In 1943 a water system was planned for the town and several wells were sunk near the river. There now seems to be an abundance of water for homes, business, and fire protection. A sewerage system has also been installed and we now have a modern town.
White River has a small airport and is now negotiating for a larger one.
The present board of trustees are Eugene Olson, Chairman; Paul Monroe and Eugene Strain. Charles W. Astleford is Clerk, Anna Huber, Treasurer, and Wayne B. Fisher, town marshal and water commissioner.
White River when it was only 30 days old. On the far left is the John Hight
store and Hight's tent. The next building is the one which was later used by Ada Marshall. On the right at the far end is the Estes Livery Stable. Next to it is Anders Garage. Ada's Cafe stood next to it. (Some of her relatives occupied the tent.) Facing the camera on the right is the Kiser Hardware.
store and Hight's tent. The next building is the one which was later used by Ada Marshall. On the right at the far end is the Estes Livery Stable. Next to it is Anders Garage. Ada's Cafe stood next to it. (Some of her relatives occupied the tent.) Facing the camera on the right is the Kiser Hardware.