Images, characters and songs from the Old West took hold in the imaginations of more than 200 students, parents and community members Feb. 23 as Newell School hosted South Dakota Western History Night.
The steady beat of drumming filled the multipurpose room as the White River Crossing Youth Drum Group, led by Wade Broken Nose, sang traditional Native American songs to the gathered crowd. The traditional garb of the dancers jingled and chimed in time as the dancers led audience members in a snake dance to the music.
It was just one of the special performances and activities that the Newell School and the HOPE Program, or Harvesting Opportunities to Promote community Education, had in store for the community that evening.
More than just a visual presentation, the event encouraged learning in a hands-on environment. Children shook jars filled with heavy whipping cream, donated by Habeck Dairy, until it turned into rich butter, which they sampled on top of homemade buns.
If the free chili and biscuit meal, sponsored by the Newell PTO, wasn't enough, Kassi Barry fried up bite-sized samples of Little Chief Fry Bread to try with a dab of honey from local hives.
The South Dakota Historical Society brought a traveling suitcase history display that showed how a sod house was made, as well as a short history on the sheep and cattle industry in the area.
Down the hallway in one of several specially transformed classrooms, Winfred "Punk" Bauer sat amid authentic pieces of area history including saddles, spurs and bits. Bauer began collecting original pieces of Western memorabilia about 25 years ago.
"I've always had a passion for the Old est," Bauer said.
Leather rifle scabbards and wrist cuffs from the early 1900s scattered the tabletop. Finding these treasures takes time, a good eye and being in the right place at the right time, Bauer said.
Several books written by local rancher Jack Smeenk also lined the tables, and Smeenk was on hand throughout the evening to talk about his historical and Western novels.
In another room, people could touch local fossils and learn about the history behind each piece. Art teacher Paula Reedy showcased dozens of Western pieces, and poet Jan Wood shared some of her work.
Dressed for the part, Connie Michelson walked the students back in time as she portrayed the part of an African American homesteader in a presentation showing what pioneers in the area dealt with.
A Western night wouldn't be complete without cowboys singing around a campfire. Dressed the part, high school students Blaine Hotchkiss and Colin Wood impressed the crowd with their vocal and guitar talents. They played cowboy classics such as "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "Get Along Little Dogies," ending a well-attended event on a high note.
