Westerners International , Black Hills Corral #8 met October 9, 2005 at the Pizza Ranch Restaurant in Sturgis at 12:15 for dinner with the meeting following. There were 30 members and 4 guests present.

The meeting was called to order at 1:00P.M. with the members giving the traditional salute to "Old Joe".

The minutes of the September 11, 2005 meeting were read by the Keeper of the Marks and Brands. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Dora Jones, seconded by Dody Lee. Motion carried.

The Keeper of the Chips, Donna Nelson presented the treasurer's report. A motion to approve the treasurer's report was made by Larry Wilbur, seconded by Lila Stout. Motion carried. The balance on hand is $1062.22. Donna reported that our membership now stands at 59.

OLD BUSINESS: The Western History conference held in Rapid City earlier this month had a good turn out.

Sheriff Rambow reminded members that election of corral officers will be held on November 13, 2005.

NEW BUSINESS: Bob Hayes reported that the Journey Museum in Rapid City currently has a display and information on the Stratosphere Bowl near Rapid City and the 1934 - 1935 stratospheric balloon launches made from the bowl.

Guest speaker, Wayne Paananen, presented a video on the history of the Homestake Opera House in Lead, SD. The Opera House, built in 1914 by the Homestake Mining Co., provided a variety of entertainment for the people of Lead. This included a theater for live stage performances, a swimming pool and a movie theater. At the time of construction, Lead-Deadwood was the second largest city in South Dakota. The Opera House was damaged by fire in 1984. Restoration began in 1998 and continues at this time.

The next meeting will be November 13, 2005.

Yvonne A. Wilbur Keeper of the Marks and Brands

Westerners International , Black Hills Corral #8 met September 11, 2005 at the Pizza Ranch Restaurant in Sturgis for dinner with the meeting following. There were 29 members and 1guest present.

The meeting was called to order at 1:00P.M. by Sheriff Chuck Rambow. Members gave the traditional salute to “Old Joe”.

The minutes of the August, 2005 meeting were read by Donna Nelson in the absence of the Keeper of the Marks and Brands, Yvonne Wilbur. There were no corrections or additions to the minutes therefore they stand approved as read.

The Keeper of the Chips, Donna Nelson presented the treasurer’s report. A motion was made and seconded to approve the report as read. The current balance is $908.22.

Sheriff Rambow accepted a Memorial Gift in the amount of $285 to the Westerner’s International, Black Hills Corral #8 from Lori Tomscha, Salem, Oregon, Rena Webb’s daughter. Members honored in silent remembrance the many contributions to preserving history, the desire for accuracy on the written word, and the enthusiasm Rena had for this Organization, as expressed by Sheriff Rambow. Bob Hayes spoke in tribute to Rena - a great historian always trying to promote the past, the present and the future. He gave thanks in behalf of the group for the many magazines she distributed to us. Others also spoke on the loss of a voice of local history.

A discussion was had by the group on the continuation of a contribution from the Corral as members leave us. A motion for $100 each for Rena Webb and Sheriff Rambow’s mother, Nettie Rambow who was also a long time member and promoter of this Corral, was made. In lieu of setting a precedence, more discussion followed. A vote was taken of eight members for, 12 against and some abstaining.

A sympathy card signed by the Corral membership was given to Rena Webb’s daughter, Lori.

Members will be honored in silent tribute in the future. Dewayne Hayes talked about a possible Memorial Plaque to have engraved names put on. No action was taken after discussion.

A fund raiser was suggested to raise more for our treasurer if needed. Nothing was acted on this.

The Western History Conference is Scheduled for October 6, 7,and 8^th at the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City. Registration is $30 for the three days. The 2004 book of presented papers is available at a cost of $38.

Permanent name tags were used. Donna Nelson wore an example of a western cloth neck tie she could make to pin our tags on. The group unanimously approved and would contribute $1 each for materials.

Our guest speaker, Dode Lee, spoke about “Being a street kid in the 30’s in Rapid City.” She was born in the present Prairie Edge building. It was the her father’s furniture store in the 600 block. This two block area contained so many businesses, as sown on her map, it was a self sustaining community in a growing Rapid City. She recalled for us the acquaintances of businessmen and salesmen. How she closed the curtains on the furniture store windows her mother had decorated and played house in the displays. She also hiked the Alex Johnson Hotel stairs to t he top and down many times. Woolworth’s candy cases, drug stores and the 25 cent allowance that took her to a movie with a malt and hamburger also! Thanksgiving meals for $1. Indians danced in the streets. Her pictures and several items from the 30’s were displayed.

The next meeting will be October 9, 2005.

A salute-”So long, Old Joe” was given.

Donna B. Nelson

Acting Secretary