a proclamation

"November eleven in the year of 1918 will always be recognized as one of the vitally important dates in history. It marks the accomplishment of a great world purpose; the prohibition of the march of the goose-step over the whole of creation, the frustration of the designs of the Prussian outlaw, and the re-establishment of good faith among the nations.

"We are now arrived at the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice, and in thankfulness for the success of right over might and in full appreciation of the splendid achievements of our own soldiers and sailors, I, under authority vested in me by law, hereby declare and designate Armistice Day, November 11, 1919, a legal holiday in and throughout the State of South Dakota, and request that it be so observed.

"The cause of freedom has again been vindicated; Liberty's destiny is once more assured, and the American people may continue to live in peace and contentment. Therefore, on this anniversary date let us renew out pledge to one hundred per cent Americanism and may each and every one of us do his bit toward maintaining our people free, prosperous and united...

"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the state of South Dakota at the Capitol in the City of Pierre this thirty-first day of October, 1919." -- Peter Norbeck, Governor.

Click HERE to read about the contribution of men and women from Kingsbury County, South Dakota, during World War I.
- posted by pioneergirl at 11:00 AM

 
"Everybody in this country is improving the shining hour to the utmost, except the few who were born in a state of exhaustion and never became sufficiently rested to go to work. There are some such." --Marcus Aurelius Brown
- posted by pioneergirl at 11:21 PM

 
holy terrors

Keystone, South Dakota, September 2009

Okay, so "Little House on the Prairie" television show cast members (can you tell who's who?) aren't the reason the annual event is called "Holy Terror Days." Near the schoolhouse museum in Keystone are the tumbled remains of the mine that the town was built around. In 1894, William Franklin and his daughter were picking strawberries on the hill, when something bright caught the young girl's eye. Franklin immediately staked his claims.

You can read a great history of the Holy Terror Mine HERE.
- posted by pioneergirl at 11:51 PM