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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2006
CONTACT: Carol Jennings, (605) 773-3780, Carol.Jennings@state.sd.us
Day County Courthouse fire noted by State Historical Society
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Historical Society recently publicized four other historical courthouse fires across the state, in addition to the April fire that destroyed the Corson County Courthouse in McIntosh.
The State Historical Society noted fires at Hyde County in Highmore in 1892, Grant County in Milbank in 1895, Hanson County in Alexandria in 1901 and Tripp County in Winner in 1910. All five of the above-mentioned courthouses were wooden structures.
A reader pointed out to the State Historical Society that the Day County Courthouse in Webster was also destroyed by fire, on Jan. 19, 1962. The exterior of that three-story building was constructed of stone veneer backed by hollow tile and blocks of stone.
The Webster fire started in the attic of the courthouse and broke through the roof. The fire spread to the lower floors when timbers supporting the heavy tower and bronze statue of “Justice” atop the dome gave way. The dome plunged through the lower floors, causing an updraft through a chimney-like hole. The building was completely gutted.
Any readers remembering other courthouse fires are urged to call the State Historical Society at (605) 773-3804. More information about the fires can be found on the Society’s Web site at www.sdhistory.org.
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The South Dakota State Historical Society is an office of the Department of Tourism and State Development and strives to help the state meet the goals of the 2010 Initiative by enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism. The society is headquartered at the South DakotaCulturalHeritageCenter in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.