2011-2012 Spearfish Area Historical Society

We post a few photographs from each monthly meeting, along with a bit of information. You can scroll down to see photos from the most recent program. Photographs from earlier society meetings can be found by clicking on other "Gallery Pages" listed at the top and bottom of each page. and supplemental information about the many 2011-2012 programs of the Spearfish Area Historical Society. You may see a larger version of any photo by simply clicking on the image and choosing the size you prefer. Looking for photos about more recent programs? Click on 2012-2013 Gallery. Looking for photos about earlier programs? Check our our 2010-2011 Gallery.

For further information, contact Larry Miller, Spearfish Area Historical Society.

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  • 2011-2012 was another great year for the society -- with a lineup of speakers that provided a wide array of interesting and incisive programs. Starting in May 2011 with a profile of Belle Fourche native Don Smith -- one of the Dolittle Raiders -- to a close-up examination of the James Anderson Dairy Ranch, it was a year of great fun. Below, you'll find photos and short narratives from each of our programs. It starts with the Anderson Ranch (our final program of the year) and steps backward to each previous program. We hope you enjoy revisiting these outstanding programs!

    2011-2012 was another great year for the society -- with a lineup of speakers that provided a wide array of interesting and incisive programs. Starting in May 2011 with a profile of Belle Fourche native Don Smith -- one of the Dolittle Raiders -- to a close-up examination of the James Anderson Dairy Ranch, it was a year of great fun. Below, you'll find photos and short narratives from each of our programs. It starts with the Anderson Ranch (our final program of the year) and steps backward to each previous program. We hope you enjoy revisiting these outstanding programs!

  • TOUR OF THE JAMES ANDERSON HOMESTEAD Hank Frawley - May 1, 2012 A storm looms on the horizon over Deadwood, threatening to cancel or curtail the May 1, 2012 tour of the historic Anderson Homestead near Whitewood. Following the tour, a video about the Anderson Homestead was shown at the Annual Meeting of the historical society at the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center. Readily visible on the south side of I-90 as it winds from Whitewood to Spearfish, the James Anderson Homestead (Dairy Ranch) is something of a landmark in rural Lawrence County.

    TOUR OF THE JAMES ANDERSON HOMESTEAD Hank Frawley - May 1, 2012 A storm looms on the horizon over Deadwood, threatening to cancel or curtail the May 1, 2012 tour of the historic Anderson Homestead near Whitewood. Following the tour, a video about the Anderson Homestead was shown at the Annual Meeting of the historical society at the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center. Readily visible on the south side of I-90 as it winds from Whitewood to Spearfish, the James Anderson Homestead (Dairy Ranch) is something of a landmark in rural Lawrence County.

  • If the southern sky was threatening, it was clear off to the north.

    If the southern sky was threatening, it was clear off to the north.

  • While a bit of the large Anderson barn has been restored, much remains to be done. That's James and Catherine Anderson's great grandson, Hank Frawley (facing camera in the back), sharing information about the barn.

    While a bit of the large Anderson barn has been restored, much remains to be done. That's James and Catherine Anderson's great grandson, Hank Frawley (facing camera in the back), sharing information about the barn.

  • Hank Frawley (left) provides insight to the history of the James Anderson Homestead.

    Hank Frawley (left) provides insight to the history of the James Anderson Homestead.

  • Trekking from the Anderson barn to the springhouse. The old bunkhouse is at right. It is used for equipment and storage.

    Trekking from the Anderson barn to the springhouse. The old bunkhouse is at right. It is used for equipment and storage.

  • Looking south from the bunkhouse. The Anderson home remains one of the finest examples of a late 1800's ranch home in the northern Black Hills.

    Looking south from the bunkhouse. The Anderson home remains one of the finest examples of a late 1800's ranch home in the northern Black Hills.

  • Friends cross paths in the basement of the Anderson ranch home.

    Friends cross paths in the basement of the Anderson ranch home.

  • Society members Walter Buchholz and Callie Houghton enjoy a chat.

    Society members Walter Buchholz and Callie Houghton enjoy a chat.

  • Enjoying some of the early family photographs of James and Catherine (Thybo) Anderson.

    Enjoying some of the early family photographs of James and Catherine (Thybo) Anderson.

  • Jim Alcorn (left) and Rand Williams in conversation on the front lawn of the Anderson house. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

    Jim Alcorn (left) and Rand Williams in conversation on the front lawn of the Anderson house. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

  • DR. LYLE HARE: Spearfish's "Country Doctor" Darleen Young & Mary Selbe - February 7, 2012

    DR. LYLE HARE: Spearfish's "Country Doctor" Darleen Young & Mary Selbe - February 7, 2012

  • Mary Selbe (left) and Darleen Young both had close ties to the Dr. Lyle Hare and his family.

    Mary Selbe (left) and Darleen Young both had close ties to the Dr. Lyle Hare and his family.

  • Dr. Lyle Hare served in a variety of capacities throughout the community and state -- including a stint as Mayor of Spearfish.

    Dr. Lyle Hare served in a variety of capacities throughout the community and state -- including a stint as Mayor of Spearfish.

  • Walter Buchholz shared a story from his youth. When visiting Dr. Hare with a finger injury, Dr. Hare almost convinced a young Walter that his finger would have to be removed. That more than got his attention and give Buccholz a vivid memory of the incident for decades to come!

    Walter Buchholz shared a story from his youth. When visiting Dr. Hare with a finger injury, Dr. Hare almost convinced a young Walter that his finger would have to be removed. That more than got his attention and give Buccholz a vivid memory of the incident for decades to come!

  • Dr. Lyle Hare. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

    Dr. Lyle Hare. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

  • BUCKSKIN JOHNNY & THE SPEARFISH STOCKADE Vernon Davis - January 3, 2012 Beulah, Wyoming resident Vernon Davis grew up in Belle Fourche and has had an abiding interest in history for as long as he can remember. His presentation followed the career of his great uncle, "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding and Spaulding's involvement in the Spearfish stockade. The "fort" as Davis called it, was built in July 1876 in response to fears generated as a result of the Custer battle at the Little Big Horn. It was located near the present location of the Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Spearfish.

    BUCKSKIN JOHNNY & THE SPEARFISH STOCKADE Vernon Davis - January 3, 2012 Beulah, Wyoming resident Vernon Davis grew up in Belle Fourche and has had an abiding interest in history for as long as he can remember. His presentation followed the career of his great uncle, "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding and Spaulding's involvement in the Spearfish stockade. The "fort" as Davis called it, was built in July 1876 in response to fears generated as a result of the Custer battle at the Little Big Horn. It was located near the present location of the Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Spearfish.

  • "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding was born in Wisconsin, lived in western Nebraska for several years, and came to the Black Hills in about 1876. He volunteered for the Army during the Spanish-American War -- at age 49!

    "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding was born in Wisconsin, lived in western Nebraska for several years, and came to the Black Hills in about 1876. He volunteered for the Army during the Spanish-American War -- at age 49!

  • The grave of Jimmy Iron (Irion) is located near the old fairgrounds near St. Onge. Davis, shown here, says his grandfather (T.J. Davis) and Buckskin Johnny later put up this tombstone for Iron, who was killed by Indians.

    The grave of Jimmy Iron (Irion) is located near the old fairgrounds near St. Onge. Davis, shown here, says his grandfather (T.J. Davis) and Buckskin Johnny later put up this tombstone for Iron, who was killed by Indians.

  • A nice turnout of folks to the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center on January 3, 2012, to hear Vernon Davis talk about "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding and the old Spearfish stockade. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

    A nice turnout of folks to the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center on January 3, 2012, to hear Vernon Davis talk about "Buckskin" Johnny Spaulding and the old Spearfish stockade. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

  • SPEARFISH IRRIGATION SYSTEM Paul Higbee & Billy Evans - December 6, 2011 This was an encore presentation -- but with great new insights into the development and construction of the unique Spearfish irrigation system. Presenters were writer Paul Higbee and long-time resident Billy Evans, grandson of Robert Evans, credited with being the force behind the irrigation system.

    SPEARFISH IRRIGATION SYSTEM Paul Higbee & Billy Evans - December 6, 2011 This was an encore presentation -- but with great new insights into the development and construction of the unique Spearfish irrigation system. Presenters were writer Paul Higbee and long-time resident Billy Evans, grandson of Robert Evans, credited with being the force behind the irrigation system.

  • Paul HIgbee.

    Paul HIgbee.

  • Billy Evans and his trusty shovel!

    Billy Evans and his trusty shovel!

  • Billy Evans close-up.

    Billy Evans close-up.

  • Billy Evans.

    Billy Evans.

  • A bit of additional excitement took place following the program when Cecil Whitlock was presented with a large framed "then and now" photograph of Spearfish. His raffle ticket won him the prized Paul Horsted item, which was among the many rare photos Horseth included in his book "The Black Hills: Yesterday and Today." Horsted donated two framed photographs of Spearfish, for which we are very grateful. And our congratulations to Cecil Whitlock!

    A bit of additional excitement took place following the program when Cecil Whitlock was presented with a large framed "then and now" photograph of Spearfish. His raffle ticket won him the prized Paul Horsted item, which was among the many rare photos Horseth included in his book "The Black Hills: Yesterday and Today." Horsted donated two framed photographs of Spearfish, for which we are very grateful. And our congratulations to Cecil Whitlock!

  • Attendees examining some of the photographs and articles that Billy Evans share with the historical society. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

    Attendees examining some of the photographs and articles that Billy Evans share with the historical society. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

  • WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SANFORD LAB? Dr. Jose Alonso - November 1, 2011

    WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SANFORD LAB? Dr. Jose Alonso - November 1, 2011

  • Dr. Jose Alonso (center) chats with a group following his November 1 presentation about the Sanford Lab.

    Dr. Jose Alonso (center) chats with a group following his November 1 presentation about the Sanford Lab.

  • The opportunity for up-close and personal discussion with program presenters is one of the hallmarks of programs at the Spearfish Area Historical Society!

    The opportunity for up-close and personal discussion with program presenters is one of the hallmarks of programs at the Spearfish Area Historical Society!

  • Alonso in the mine at Sanford Lab.

    Alonso in the mine at Sanford Lab.

  • Dr. Ray Davis, Jr.

    Dr. Ray Davis, Jr.

  • Dr. Ray Davis, Jr. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

    Dr. Ray Davis, Jr. Return to Spearfish Area Historical Society or continue below for more photos from earlier society programs.

  • Spearfish Area Historical Society member Dorothy Pawlowski (at right) presents a framed "Then and Now" photograph of Spearfish to Senior Citizen Center director Lovina Dodson. The wonderful contrasting photos were assembled by Horsted, who donated it to the society. In October, the society conducted a raffle for the photographs, and Dorothy was the winner! After winning the photo, Dorothy chose to donate it to the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center, where the society has held its meetings for many years. Our congratulations -- and thanks -- to Dorothy. And thanks, too, to Paul Horsted for his great work and generosity!

    Spearfish Area Historical Society member Dorothy Pawlowski (at right) presents a framed "Then and Now" photograph of Spearfish to Senior Citizen Center director Lovina Dodson. The wonderful contrasting photos were assembled by Horsted, who donated it to the society. In October, the society conducted a raffle for the photographs, and Dorothy was the winner! After winning the photo, Dorothy chose to donate it to the Spearfish Senior Citizen's Center, where the society has held its meetings for many years. Our congratulations -- and thanks -- to Dorothy. And thanks, too, to Paul Horsted for his great work and generosity!

  • DON SMITH - DOOLITTLE RAIDER Paul Higbee presentation - September 6, 2011 Spearfish writer Paul Higbee provided am exceptional presentation about Lieutenant Donald G. Smith, one of the famed Doolittle Raiders, who engaged in the first bombing of Japan during World War Two. Born in Oldham, South Dakota, Smith grew up in Belle Fourche, graduating from Belle Fourche High School in 1936 and South Dakota State College at Brookings in 1940.

    DON SMITH - DOOLITTLE RAIDER Paul Higbee presentation - September 6, 2011 Spearfish writer Paul Higbee provided am exceptional presentation about Lieutenant Donald G. Smith, one of the famed Doolittle Raiders, who engaged in the first bombing of Japan during World War Two. Born in Oldham, South Dakota, Smith grew up in Belle Fourche, graduating from Belle Fourche High School in 1936 and South Dakota State College at Brookings in 1940.

  • An early photo of Donald G. Smith of Belle Fourche. This photo is on display at the Tri-State Museum in Belle Fourche. Smith was only about two when he was adopted by veterinarian A. W. Smith and his wife, Laura. While Smith had an affinity for rodeo and ranch life (he reportedly had a real affinity for chickens) he was also an athlete. He played football at Belle Fourche High School and later was a standout center for South Dakota State.

    An early photo of Donald G. Smith of Belle Fourche. This photo is on display at the Tri-State Museum in Belle Fourche. Smith was only about two when he was adopted by veterinarian A. W. Smith and his wife, Laura. While Smith had an affinity for rodeo and ranch life (he reportedly had a real affinity for chickens) he was also an athlete. He played football at Belle Fourche High School and later was a standout center for South Dakota State.

  • After training as an aviator in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Smith was one of 80 men who volunteered for a secret mission. The group trained in Florida under Lieutenant-Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, who had already gained a national reputation in aviation and business. In April of 1942, just four months after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, some sixteen B-25 aircraft were loaded aboard the USS Wasp in San Francisco. After two days at sea, the pilots and crews of the aircraft learned of their targets: Tokyo, and other industrial sites in Japan.

    After training as an aviator in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Smith was one of 80 men who volunteered for a secret mission. The group trained in Florida under Lieutenant-Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, who had already gained a national reputation in aviation and business. In April of 1942, just four months after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, some sixteen B-25 aircraft were loaded aboard the USS Wasp in San Francisco. After two days at sea, the pilots and crews of the aircraft learned of their targets: Tokyo, and other industrial sites in Japan.

  • The B-25 "Mitchell" bomber aircraft flown by the Doolittle Raiders. Design of the aircraft started prior to World War Two to meet a requirement for a twin engine medium attack bomber and was manufactured by North American Aviation. Fifty-three feet in length, the B-25 had a wingspan of just over 67 feet. It weighed 35,000 pouinds and was powered by two Wright Cyclone R-2600-92 radial engines. It could fly at 50,000 feet and had a maximum speed of 272 miles per hour. It's range was listed as 1,350 miles.

    The B-25 "Mitchell" bomber aircraft flown by the Doolittle Raiders. Design of the aircraft started prior to World War Two to meet a requirement for a twin engine medium attack bomber and was manufactured by North American Aviation. Fifty-three feet in length, the B-25 had a wingspan of just over 67 feet. It weighed 35,000 pouinds and was powered by two Wright Cyclone R-2600-92 radial engines. It could fly at 50,000 feet and had a maximum speed of 272 miles per hour. It's range was listed as 1,350 miles.

  • Lieutenant Smith and the crew of Plane #15. Their mission during the April 18, 1942 raid on Japan was to hit an aircraft manufacturing plant and dock facilities in the city of Kobe. Shown in this photograph (left-to-right): Lieutenant Howard A. Sessler, Navigator-Bombardier Lieutenant Donald G. Smith, Pilot Lieutenant (Dr.) Thomas B. White, Gunner Lieutenant Griffith P. Williams, Co-Pilot and Sergeant Edward J. Saylor, Engineer Click on the photo to choose a larger version of this image. (Air Force Photo)

    Lieutenant Smith and the crew of Plane #15. Their mission during the April 18, 1942 raid on Japan was to hit an aircraft manufacturing plant and dock facilities in the city of Kobe. Shown in this photograph (left-to-right): Lieutenant Howard A. Sessler, Navigator-Bombardier Lieutenant Donald G. Smith, Pilot Lieutenant (Dr.) Thomas B. White, Gunner Lieutenant Griffith P. Williams, Co-Pilot and Sergeant Edward J. Saylor, Engineer Click on the photo to choose a larger version of this image. (Air Force Photo)

  • Crew #1 of the Doolittle Raiders, led by Lieutenant-Colonel James Doolittle, second from the left. (Air Force photo)

    Crew #1 of the Doolittle Raiders, led by Lieutenant-Colonel James Doolittle, second from the left. (Air Force photo)

  • This simple map provides an overview of the route followed by the Doolittle Raiders on their April 18, 1942 attack against Japan. It reflects the additional distance -- and risks -- for the crew who had to fly well beyond Tokyo before they could drop their payload and head for China. Lt. Smith and his crew had targets in Kobe, well to the southwest of Tokyo. Smith and his crew ran out of fuel and had to ditch near an island off the Chinese coast . Click on this map to get a closer look.

    This simple map provides an overview of the route followed by the Doolittle Raiders on their April 18, 1942 attack against Japan. It reflects the additional distance -- and risks -- for the crew who had to fly well beyond Tokyo before they could drop their payload and head for China. Lt. Smith and his crew had targets in Kobe, well to the southwest of Tokyo. Smith and his crew ran out of fuel and had to ditch near an island off the Chinese coast . Click on this map to get a closer look.

  • Taken in China in April 1942, this is crew #1, piloted by Lieutenant-Colonel Jimmy Doolittle (third from right). At the far right is Hank Potter, a native of Pierre, South Dakota. Potter was navigator for this crew. He died in May 2002. Air Force photo

    Taken in China in April 1942, this is crew #1, piloted by Lieutenant-Colonel Jimmy Doolittle (third from right). At the far right is Hank Potter, a native of Pierre, South Dakota. Potter was navigator for this crew. He died in May 2002. Air Force photo

  • The USS Hornet (CV-8) after launching all of the B-25 bombers flown by the Doolittle Raiders. Air Force photo

    The USS Hornet (CV-8) after launching all of the B-25 bombers flown by the Doolittle Raiders. Air Force photo

  • General Jimmy Doolittle (center), flanked by other Army Air Corps officers -- all believed to be members of the famous Doolittle Raiders.. In fact, we believe the tall fellow (fourth from the left in this photograph) was the other South Dakotan involved with the Raiders, Lieutenant Henry "Hank" Potter. While only Doolittle was identified in this photo, we've seen several other pictures of Potter (including the one above), and this appears to be him. Potter was born in Pierre and later attended Yankton College. He was the navigator for Doolittle's #1 aircraft, which was the first bomber to drop bombs on Tokyo during the 1942 raid. (Air Force photo)

    General Jimmy Doolittle (center), flanked by other Army Air Corps officers -- all believed to be members of the famous Doolittle Raiders.. In fact, we believe the tall fellow (fourth from the left in this photograph) was the other South Dakotan involved with the Raiders, Lieutenant Henry "Hank" Potter. While only Doolittle was identified in this photo, we've seen several other pictures of Potter (including the one above), and this appears to be him. Potter was born in Pierre and later attended Yankton College. He was the navigator for Doolittle's #1 aircraft, which was the first bomber to drop bombs on Tokyo during the 1942 raid. (Air Force photo)

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