Lead, South Dakota

LeadA publication of the Lead AreaMe Chamber of Commerce JULY 2021home | Volume 13 | Issue 7 Lead, South Dakota

LEAD 4th of JULY HEAPED in TRADITION, HISTORY, MEMORIES of GOOD TIMES!

-Wendy Pitlick to enthusiastically move forward with From tightrope walking across the Fourth of July festivities. Residents in Open Cut to unplanned firework ex- Lead expressed concern that the fes- CREED BOOKKEEPING OPENS plosions that sent firefighters running tivities would detract from those in for cover, the Fourth of July in Lead Lead, but Deadwood would not be LEAD BRANCH OFFICE has been a spectacular event through dissuaded from spending the nearly the ages. The following are just a few $2,000 that businesses had donated excerpts from old newspaper ac- for the celebration, opting instead to counts, as well as some memories invite neighboring communities to that longtime Lead residents have take part in the celebration. shared about a favorite holiday cele- It appears that was one of the last bration in Lead. times Deadwood would hold a larger It is difficult to find much of a party than Lead for our nation’s birth- record of a Lead Fourth of July cele- day. Shortly after the city was incor- bration before the 1900s, although in porated in 1890, Lead began hosting June of 1882 the Weekly Pioneer Re- the celebration for which it would be- view reported a bit of a scuffle become known throughout the century. tween the cities of Lead and Deadwood, over Deadwood’s decision GOLD CAMP CONT. ON FLIP LACC, SLHVC Work Together As Separate Entities for Lead’s Benefit -Wendy Pitlick izations. Leigha Patterson, the assis- On Tuesday, June 22nd, represen- tant executive director, works 30 tatives from the two organizations hours per week to support Ward’s po- -Sierra Ward held a Public Clarification Meeting to sition for both organizations, dividing Jennipher Creed and her crew have opened a Lead branch of their book- discuss the roles of each organization, her time between both. Outreach and keeping office to support the continued growth of businesses in Lead. With their staffing structure, and financial Events Director, Christine Allen, works seventeen years of experience, Jennipher has been part of the explosive busi- information. for the Chamber and continues to ness growth in our area over the last few years, “It seems like I just keep hiring Marsha Nichols, president of the help develop the newly formed Visit more people to keep up with demand!” Located in the Gold Rush Plaza build- board that governs the two organiza- Lead office, the arm designed specifi- ing (previously the Wells Fargo on Main Street) they are now accepting new tions, began by explaining the history cally to boost tourism. Visit Lead is clients. “In these current times, partnering with our clients and keeping an of the relationship between the Vis- also taking over the trolley tours, with open line of communication with accuracy at the forefront is key. Our client’s itor’s Center and the Chamber, which a tour staff who is now specifically achievements and success is important to our team as it in turn helps our started about approximatey twenty trained to promote Lead. business grow,” says Jennipher. Daniel Ward of Danny’s Plumbing Service years ago when Homestake began to Expenses and income for both en- adds, “I’m always happy with her ability to answer my questions and provide shutter operations. Recognizing the tities have benefited from the staffing clarity. I would highly recommend her services and am super happy to see her need to have this facility in Lead, the organization and separation. An open an office in Lead.” Chamber secured a $100,000 loan to overview analysis of 2019 and 2020 purchase the building, trolley tours, financials show that the gift shop and gift shop. At that time, Nichols continues to be the most significant JUNE Chamber Members said, the Chamber opted to continue income driver for the Visitor’s Center, to run the Visitor’s Center as a sep- but in 2020 Ward reported that a fo- NEW MEMBERS - Early Bird Cafe & Watering Hole, Gold arate organization, with separate fi- cused effort to diversify income was Rush E-Bikes, Twin City Construction, The Peachy Nomad, nancial records, but with a single fruitful with office space rentals and Megan Wiliams, 605 Magazine, Wandering Mynds oversight board and single executive donations. Soon, she said, KDSJ will RENEWING MEMBERS - Ada Henninger, Illustra Advisory, director that would divide time be- be broadcasting from the Visitor’s tween the two organizations. Though Center as its home base. Johns & Kosel - Attorneys at Law, Northern Hills Federal there have been some changes over In 2019, the Chamber introduced Credit Union, Sled Haus, Taco Johns of Deadwood, the years, this business model is cur- a sponsorship program that yielded The Rustic Nook Bakery, Town Hall Inn & Jailhouse Taps rently followed as a means of efficient an additional $30,000 in revenue. NEW ANNUAL SPONSORS - Dakota Territory Resource management. Overall, Ward made the point that Corp., Agnico Eagle Nichols explained that Executive working together as two separate or- Director Sierra Ward is a quarter time ganizations, the LACC and the SLHVC GOLD CAMP JUBILEE SPONSORS - Powerhouse Pass, employee for each of the two organi- have been able to achieve a great Terry Peak Ski Area, Mary Ommen, First Interstate Bank, zations. She receives two separate deal on a very limited budget for the Whitetail Creek Resort, Deadwood Eye Care, Taco Johns of paychecks and is paid hourly based entire town and all of the businesses. Deadwood & Sturgis, Dexter & Dardis Forsberg, Northern on her time spent on both organiza- “The Visitor Center is a gateway to Hills Credit Union, MartyAnn Apa, Vilas Pharmacy, Dakota tions. Her focus is to manage both Lead, and we have worked hard to entities including assuming respon- keep it functioning not only as a tes- Financial Services sibility for maintaining a cash flow for tament to our history and exciting fu- Thanks for being part of all we’re doing! You make both organizations through fundrais- ture, but also for all that there is to do Miles Beyond Ordinary ing and sponsorships. She also does and see in Lead!” Lead, most of the graphic design and over- Both organizations welcome input sees the marketing for the two organ- email to [email protected] our boys, the temptation to go to extremes will undoubtedly be great this year as the stimulus to celebrate was never greater,” the Lead Daily Call reports in June of 1919. “Therefore, the need of restraint is correspondingly great, and as the lesson of restraint was well learned during the war, let everyone continue to apply it in times of peace … It is the hope and desire of the fire marshal that when these great celebrations are over we can look back and point with pride to the fact that not one single life has been sacrificed or one building destroyed by fire.” Many decades later, lifetime Lead about that.” residents reported that just such a The weather has not always co- danger was posed when the annual operated with the festivities, and ev- Lead fireworks show ended with un- eryone who has lived in Lead for a GOLD CAMP CONT. FROM FRONT The parade has always been a expected explosions. length of time knows how quickly it In fact, a newspaper report from the major part of the Fourth of July cele- “I remember when the Fourth of can change from sunshine, to snow, June 30, 1900 Lead Daily Call re- bration, and in May of 1904 the Lead July fireworks lasted 10 minutes,” to rain. “There was one year when the ported that the city would take extra Daily Call reports that the introduc- said Pete Fuller about the incident fog was so heavy and we were all out care to ensure the greatest amount tion of floats would be a major at- that occurred in the 1980s. “Every- in winter coats,” said Tim Johns. of fanfare, as Lead would be the only traction. “This feature has been thing went off at once! All the guys up “They finally had to call it off because city in the Black Hills to host a cele- missing for several years in connec- there lighting it had a barricade and you couldn’t see 10 feet in front of bration. tion with the Fourth of July celebra- they jumped over the barricade and you. We’ve had all extremes where it “The decorations of the main tion, and is always well received hunkered down while all of that stuff was so blasted hot, or it was so cold streets will be on an elaborate scale, where practiced,” the report states. was going up and up. Dave Tesch got you couldn’t believe it.” more funds having been apportioned “A good parade is a pretty good fore- burned.” But no matter what the weather for this purpose than was ever done runner of a successful celebration.” Karen Everett remembers that or the activities were, the Fourth of upon like occasions,” the report Of course, once neighboring com- spectacle too, “I think they shot one July in Lead has always proven to be states. It goes on to report that band munities, and even neighboring up and it came right back down into a spectacular event, filled with fun, stands located on the corner be- states became aware of Lead’s fes- their pile,” she said. “Mallory was little. friends and memories. What are your tween Berger’s dry goods and the tivities, many visitors flocked to Lead She would say, ‘I like the spaghetti Fourth of July memories? Please Springer Hotel would be erected, to participate in the fanfare. Traveling ones.’ That was scary. It was exciting share them with us on our Facebook along with a bowery dancing pavilion, to Lead was pretty economical back for a minute when they all went off at page, at the fireman’s dance in the Miner’s then, since the Burlington Railroad once, but then you worried for safety facebook.com/leadsdchamber Union Hall, and various games and ran specials, advertising “very low of everyone.” ____ Wendy Pitlick owns deSales sports. “Lead wants all her guests rates” of just 25 cents, July 2-5. Everett said other Fourth of July Writing // Thanks to the Black Hills upon this occasion to have a pleas- As the festivities grew, so did the memories include carnivals, mining Mining Museum for furnishing the ant time and her citizens will do the entertainment. But perhaps one of competitions, and cozying up to her right thing in this direction,” the report the most thrilling activities through brand-new sweetheart inside the continues. “This is the only city in the the years was in 1916, when the Lead Open Cut to watch the fireworks. Hills to celebrate this year and there Daily Call reported that renowned “It was when Ron and I were first will undoubtedly be a large represen- tight-wire walker and aeronaut Ivy dating,” she said. “We sat on the edge tation from the surrounding country.” Baldwin (pictured at right >>) would of the original Open Cut and you Just a few years later, on July 7, walk across the Open Cut. Baldwin’s could hear the echo. It was loud!” 1902, the Lead Daily Call reports that manager, Tom Daily, is quoted in the The mining games, sponsored by the city of Lead had gotten quite Lead Daily Call saying, “I believe it will Homestake, were always a big at- good at hosting the celebration — de- prove one of the most sensational traction during the Fourth of July claring that year’s party as the exhibitions ever attempted in the festivities. Mike Stahl, who coordi- “greatest, grandest, and most suc- Black Hills. Most everyone in and nated the games from 1988 to 2001 Second Saturdays cessful celebration of the anniversary around the Hills knows of the great said they included everything from Taking Off in Lead of American Independence that the Homestake Open Cut, it’s depth and jackleg drilling competitions, swede -Wendy Pitlick Black Hills has ever witnessed.” The extent. In his balloon ascension and sawing, rail standing, mucking, track Lead business is booming, and on report goes on to explain that, “it was parachute leap, Baldwin uses no tie tossing, and more. the second Saturday of every month the greatest, because the crowds straps, whatsoever, to secure himself. “It always took place at the Rod & more than 30 businesses, organiza- that flocked to Lead from all parts of He also performs on the bar of the Gun Club and it was a full boar cele- tions, vendors and artisans — collec- western South Dakota from Ne- trapeze while making the flight. One bration,” Stahl said. “The school tively referred to as Lead’s Antique braska and even from Wyoming were of the features of Baldwin’s work is would bring bleachers down and they and Arts Row — join together to pro- such in size as to tax the accommo- that he is always on time with his ex- would set up at 6 a.m. for the com- mote shopping in Lead. dations of a city that is not wanting in hibitions and the spectators do not petition that started at 9 a.m. We The idea for Lead’s Antique and its ability to handle throngs in any- have to sit around, idly, for hours, had to haul a big rock in the Open Arts Row Second Saturday event was wise commensurate with its extent.” waiting for him to appear, as is unfor- Cut to drill into, and we would start first conceived by a group of six Main The same paper goes on to de- tunately the failing of some per- looking for that right at the beginning Street business owners, as a way to scribe the beginning of what would formers who seem to imagine they of the warm weather. We actually encourage foot traffic through Lead’s become some of Lead’s hottest tradi- impress the public with their impor- gave gold coins to the winners. The many eclectic stores and restaurants tions through the century. Cash tance, by forcing them to wait.” engineering department at the mine throughout the year. prizes of up to $20 were given for Just like fire danger is always would be tasked with designing and “In a discussion moving forward athletic track and field events, includ- taken into consideration for today’s building a trophy. Towards the end, with Lead’s revitalization and future, ing a wheelbarrow race and sack Fourth of July celebrations, state of- Homestake gave one ounce of gold Antique Row was created by Carol races, and miners who participated ficials in 1919 also urged caution to to the winner at that time, which was Oolman,” said Miners Tin Cup owner in the rock drilling contests won up to Lead residents who were eager to maybe worth $320. That ounce of Amme Deibert. “Arts was added later, $75. Then, on July 5 Lead’s firemen celebrate the homecoming of their gold is worth $2,000 now.” as part of a dream that Lead will be- showed their quality with the annual heroes from World War I. “As a result The bandshell was once one of the come an artistic center for all kinds of hose races, with cash prizes up to of the glorious victory achieved by main attractions for the Fourth of arts.” $150 offered. Those are big prizes July celebrations, Bob Phillips said. A The Second Saturdays event fea- today, imagine how happy the huge structure that stretched from tures a specific theme every month, winners must have been in 1902! Lotus Up, across today’s Mill Street, with July’s theme centering around All of that money had to come and over to the Subway location, the Neutrino Day. On these Saturdays, from somewhere, and while Home- bandshell hosted the Homestake local artisans and entertainers join stake had a heavy hand in support- Band that comprised between 45 to Lead businesses to provide entertaining the celebration, especially 50 members. ment while shoppers take advantage through the mining games, com- Baseball games and talent shows of discounts and specials. The event munity members were always tasked were also prevalent during the features an open container permit, so with raising funds for the event. Ac- Fourth of July celebration. “I prob- shoppers can take their drinks with cording to a June 1907 report in the ably was between 5 and 8 years old, them from store to store on Main Lead Daily Call, three men named and Homestake used to have a base- Street. Andrews, Stillman and Kelley were ball game where the track is now,” “Our thought is to have people just the hustlers for the job, as just a said Terry Weisenberg. “Before the come up for the day and spend their few hours collecting money on the game they set up a platform and had time eating, drinking and shopping in streets yielded more than $500. “The a talent contest. Chuck Mobley and I Lead on Main Street,” Sarah Hannah, fact of the matter is however, it is sang the theme from Maverick. My of Sarah’s Hair Studio said. “We will useless to deny them, for they won’t mom and his dad had cowboy get live music outside if we can. If the take ‘no’ for an answer,” the report clothes made for us. We got some weather is nice we will do a sidewalk states. silver dollars and I still have that. It was a big deal, and we still laugh sale.” // PC: CJ Yushta Notes FROM THE DIRECTORS NEW ANNUAL Thank You to our Sierra Ward, Executive Director SPONSORS It has come to our attention that some tax paying businesses of the town want to make sure that the taxes (informally known as the Bed & Booze tax) Dakota Territory Resources - 2021 are spent promoting all business, and not just Chamber business - since every (DTRC) is revitalizing one of ANNUAL SPONSORS business contributes. This is a fair statement, and we appreciated the feed- America’s greatest gold dis- back as it has helped us define how we use our city income (approximately tricts in the heart of the Black $50k/year). June is the time to submit our funding request and supply our Hills. Dakota Territory is a proposed 2022 budget to show exactly how we intend to use said funding. South Dakota based company Taking these comments in hand, we decided to directly allocate the city- GOLD funds towards fireworks and events that will benefit the entire community. dedicated to the responsible This doesn’t significantly change how we spent the money in past years, but it exploration and development gives us a clear directive, and helps further define how we do our events of sustainable gold operations (mostly advertising Lead), who’s included (anyone in city limits) and why we do to benefit the company, our them (to promote our town). employees, the community If funded for 2022, we will spend approximately half the city funds on fire- and State of South Dakota. works for Winterfest and Fourth of July. The rest will be on advertising Lead, Find out more: dakotatrc.com and events throughout the year that benefit all. Fireworks are a huge eco- Agnico Eagle - Agnico Eagle is nomic driver, and benefit the entire town. If we are forced to delay the fire- a senior Canadian gold mining works again the additional funds will be put into advertising our town. // company that has produced [email protected]. City of Lead precious metals since 1957. Leigha Patterson, Assistant Director With mines located in Canada, The other morning, I took a drive around the town. I tried to imagine Lead as Finland, and Mexico - explora- a town of yore with 10,000 people, when right now it seems so small with its tion activities in each of these lonely strip of Main Street. Sometimes a town is only defined by its Main countries as well as in the SILVER Street. However, Lead is not defined solely on this one stretch of highway. I United States and Colombia. decided to take a drive just a little further out towards Cheyenne Crossing (as my toddler was sleeping in the car and needed the nap!). Did you know that Agnico Eagle employs 11,000 Cheyenne Crossing is actually part of the Lead district…. and Spearfish Can- people and produced 1.736 yon Lodge as well? I bet not many of you knew that! Lead exceeds way bey- million ounces of gold in 2020. ond what many may think. It curves around Lynn's Dakotamart down to Agnico Eagle has been se- Blackstone Lodge, beyond to Bloomers in Central City, and all the way into lected as top-ranked mining Spearfish Canyon. company appearing on the By definition a Chamber of Commerce is an association that promotes and 2021 Global 100 Sustainable protects the interests of its member businesses. It provides access to re- Corporations and highest sources, referrals, and relationships that allow its member businesses to mar- ranked mining company. Lo- ket their products/services. As a Chamber of Commerce, we try our very best cally, Agnico Eagle USA Lim- to promote and advertise all the member businesses in Lead as well as COPPER member businesses in Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, and Rapid City. If we fo- ited ,the U.S. Exploration cused solely on one section of Lead by giving precedence over just those busi- Division of Agnico Eagle Mines nesses, Lead would not grow like it has done in the past two years and the has been gathering infor- Lead Area Chamber of Commerce would not be fairly servicing its members. mation to better understand We need support in order to give support to all - be it downtown business, to the environmental conditions outside city limits businesses, to outside the hills businesses. In the end we all and mineral resource poten- have the common goal of making sure your business thrives. tial at the Gilt Edge Mine. For // [email protected] the curious Agnico = Ag-Silver, Christine Allen, Outreach & Membership Director Ni - Nickel, Co - Cobalt. We’ve all worked in tourism in some way or another over our years living agnicoeagle.com here. Whether it be giving directions or taking our guests on their own private RIBBONS CUT tour, we know people have a lot of questions! One of my favorite questions was asked by a lady who had toured Mount Rushmore earlier that day and Deb Elliot of LIFE LIGHT CRE- stopped by for dinner at a restaurant I worked at. She asked me “What do ATIVE opened a physical of- they do with Mount Rushmore in the winter”..... It was late and me being the fice after several years of smart alec I am, I said “They haul it over and put it in Rushmore Cave!” working at home. We cele- Don’t get caught like me without an answer! Come to the Sanford Lab brated with her at the new Homestake Visitor Center, the Homestake Opera House, and the Black Hills digs on Grant Street in Belle Mining Museum to check your facts on Lead. Or do it the easy way and bring Fourche. your guests to hear a tour by our entertaining tour guides! // Christine@Lead- MeThere.org BRONZE UPCOMING EVENTS For a full list of upcoming events see our website calendar: business.LeadMeThere.org/events Summer Vacation Bible School - For kids 4 years old - just finished grade 5 - sign your kids up for one or both! Rocky Railway - Jesus Power Pulls Us Through July 11-15, 5:30-7:45pm (includes dinner) The SANFORD UNDER- Location: Manuel Brothers Park (alt location - Assembly of God) For more information: Steph (701)213-5841 GROUND RESEARCH FACIL- Register: vbspro.events/p/leaddeadwoodvbs ITY’S FOUNDATION joined the TIN + chamber and held a ribbon Roar - Life is Wild, God is Good July 18-22, 5:45-8pm cutting at their campus. Location: Christian Ministry Center (CMC) Register: LeadTUMC.com Youth Summer Day Camps - Deadwood History Inc. and Black Hills State University are offering week long day events in various topics and themes for kids and high schoolers! See their websites for all details.

TIN NEWS & NOTES

ROUNDHOUSE BUILDING NEW HOME TO DAKOTA TERRITORY Marketing Solutions RESOURCES CORP - We’re excited to have this company utlizing What is a Ribbon Cutting? New one of Lead’s most beautiful and iconic buildings! We’re also look- members can have us come ing forward to seeing the restaurant side open soon. and spotlight their new ac- GOLDEN HILLS LODGE - Mysterious construction continues un- complishments with a ribbon derneath the scaffolding on the hotel at the top of the hill. We’re cutting! Never got one? Want sad to learn that convention and restaurant space won’t be in- one? It’s never too late! Call to cluded in the remodel but covered parking will feature! Looking schedule today! forward to the reveal of one of Lead’s crown jewel businesses. (605)584-3110 Research Facility // DHI - Deadwood History Inc.// *HOH-H *LACC -Lead Area Chamber of Commerce //*SLHVC -Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center // SURF -Sanford Underground School @ Manuel Vacation Bible 5:30pm - 11 GoldCampJubilee LeadMeThere.org/ JUBILEE CONT. GOLD CAMP 4 27 Adventures Fitness & 3 -Explore Backpacking Clinic 25 (thru 7/22) Ministry Center School @ Christian Vacation Bible 5:45pm - 18 7/15) Bros Park (thru and vibrant local economy... firms or individuals... to encourage andpromote apositive, balanced tries andbusinesses while givingallproper assistance to any new ship and the community; to encourage the growth of existing indus Mission Office Hours: 9am-5pmMonday -Friday (605)584-3110 501(c)6 ofCommerce Lead AreaChamber

Sunday

Lead Area Chamber of Commerce PRESORTED To promote andenhance to opportunities for itsmember

160 West Main Street

Lead, SD 57754 STANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAID 26 Hall@ City Commission 5pm City 19 12 open SLHVC* closed LACC observed July of 4th 5 28

Lead, SD Monday Permit No. 2

27 Manuel Bros Park Rec Center @ hosted by Handley LEAD LIVE! 5-8pm 20 SLHVC* 4pm STEAMclass, 13 Hall@ City Commission 5pm City 6 29

Tuesday

JULY 2021

- -

28 21 SLHVC* 4pm STEAMclass, 14 7 30 Wednesday

omestake Opera House // *BHSU-Black HillsState University

Sami XXX, Kadyn Hopkins, Wayne Karpinen Perry Oien, DebbieMinter, Mariana Pitlick, Amadna Stock, Staff Seasonal nator [email protected] [email protected] /DanielEgemo, Tourism Coordi there.org /Christine Allen, Outreach & Events Director - Leigha Patterson, Assistant Director -leigha@leadme Sierra Ward, Executive Director [email protected] / Staff

11 folding, SLHVC* 10:30 snacks FOLD GOLDEN 29 22 15 Meeting LACC Board & SLHVC 8:15am 8 Davis Patio Lead MOPS@Ray / the HillsChurch Shepherd of CIAL: SO 4-6pm PIE 1

Thursday

30 Adventures Fitness & 3 -Explore Backpacking Clinic 23 16 “BABE” -HOH* 6pm FREE Movie: the Lawn -DHI* 12pm History on 9 LeadMeThere.org/GoldCampJubilee flatables, tours,food, fireworks, fun! Vendors, Music,Dancing,Kidsstuff, in GOLD CAMPJUBILEE 2-3

Friday

31 Adventures Fitness & 3 -Explore Backpacking Clinic 24 FAIRE, LACC* RENAISSANCE 17 Cruisin’ -HOH* 7pm -Live Music: Days -SURF* Virtual Neutrino 10 -

Saturday

Dan Leikvold, ex-officio Mike Headley, ex-officio Ron Everett, ex-officio Duston Morehead (‘18-’21) Greg Hershman, (‘21-’24) (‘20-’23)Autumn Anderson, Treasurer, Dave Brueckner (‘20-’23) Secretary, KimHuber (‘20-’23) Vice President, Scott Engel (‘19-’22) President, Marsha Nichols,(‘20-’23) Board ofDirectors

Rod & Gun Club MeetingGun Club Rod & VFW Meeting at 5pm, Assembly of GodChurch Dinner Free Community BHSU* Weekly Youth Day Camps MONTHLY: at the Handley Recreation Center. Wednesdays: Lodge. 7pm atHangar 7Lounge atBlackstone Tuesdays: the ChristianMinistry Center. Mondays: WEEKLY: WeeklyMonthly & children’s dance, zumba& yoga @ EF&A* Classes Third Saturdays, 9:30-3:30pm,SLHVC* MarketMakers nesdays from 9-12, SotH* PantryShepherd’s specials, sales, vendors -10am-4pm plore Main Street (and adjacent) with SaturdaysStreet onMain Second Wednesdays at7pm,Clubhouse For more info and details visit visit details and www.LeadMeThere.org info more For - - terms go through years listed years through go terms

- various ages& themes

in fitness, adultand

Kiwanis Meetings

Poker for Fun

-First Tuesdays at7pm

Skate Night - Vendors andartists! -2ndand4th Wed

continue with DHI* & or 584-3110 or -FirstSaturday -First - Texas Hold’em, -5:30-7:30pm

-5:30pmat

-Ex