FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 23, 2012

CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, Media Coordinator, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

State Historical Society lists four more properties on National Register

PIERRE, S.D. – Four South Dakota properties have recently been included on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society. 

The listed properties are the Henry Cool Park, Charles Mix County; Andrew and Lulu Melham House, Watertown; M.O. Hanson Building, Castlewood; and First National Bank of Garretson.

The National Register is the official federal list of properties identified as important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society works in conjunction with the National Park Service, which oversees the National Register program. 

"South Dakota's history is rich in American Indian culture, pioneer life and change," saidJay D. Vogt, state historic preservation officer and director of the State Historical Society. "Properties listed on the National Register are important for their role inSouth Dakota's culture, heritage and history. And when properties get listed, it shows that their owners take pride in their role in preserving that culture, heritage and history."

Buildings, sites, structures and objects at least 50 years old possessing historical significance may qualify for the National Register, according to Vogt. Properties must also maintain their historic location, design, materials and association. Listing on the National Register does not place any limitations on private property owners by the federal government. 

For more information on the National Register or other historic preservation programs, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at theCulturalHeritageCenter,900 Governors Drive,Pierre,SD57501-2217; telephone (605) 773-3458 or website history.sd.gov/Preservation.

Summaries for each site are as follows.

Henry Cool Park, Charles Mix County

Developed in 1932 and located on the east side of Lake Platte, work on Henry Cool Park coincided with the construction of the lake. It was named in honor of Henry Cool, who put in countless hours over many years promoting the construction of Lake Platte. 

The park is listed on the National Register for both its recreational history and its fieldstone structures. The fieldstone bridges, bathhouse, arch, and other structures represent an interesting construction technique of that era.   

The construction of Henry Cool Park and Lake Platte also represent an important piece of social history. Both were built during a time of drought and depression, when jobs and money were hard to come by. Work on the dam and on the fieldstone structures in the park provided jobs and money for many residents. 

Andrew and Lulu Melham House, Watertown

Located at 721 First Street NW, this two-story, brick clad house was constructed around 1918 for Andrew and Lulu Melham.  The home remained in the family until 1972. Born in 1868, Andrew Melham moved to Watertown in 1915, where he founded the Watertown Sash and Door Company in 1918. He served as company president until he retired in 1945. 

The Melham House is listed on the National Register as an excellent example of Prairie style architecture constructed in Watertown’s North End neighborhood in the early 20th century. 

M.O. Hanson Building, Castlewood

Built around 1907, the M.O. Hanson Building at 126 E. Main Street was among the earliest brick buildings on the street. As Castlewood initially developed, Main Street was comprised of quickly constructed one-and two-story wood commercial buildings. Brick construction reflected an effort to represent community progress and permanence as well as building a business less prone to destruction by fire. 

The building is listed on the National Register as an excellent example of a brick one-part vernacular commercial block constructed in the early 20th century. It now houses the Castlewood Heritage Museum.

The M.O. Hanson Building was named for Martin O. Hanson. Born in Norway in 1869, Hanson came to America in 1886 and settled in Dempster, SD. In 1894 he moved to Castlewood, where he began his barber business. Upon completion of the new building, Hanson moved his business there. Eventually joined by his son, Milton, the business remained in the M.O. Hanson Building until Milton retired in 1957. Both Martin and Milton were active in civic affairs during their many years of business in Castlewood. 

First National Bank of Garretson

This Sioux Quartzite building was built around 1894 to replace a smaller wooden building owned by bankers Thomas Wangsness, Marcus Wangsness and A.H. Rudd.  Located at 605 Main Street, the First National Bank of Garretson specialized in farm loans and collections. The bank was owned by the Wangsness family until 1973 and remained in its original location until 1979. 

The building was also the longtime home of Johnson Drug. Ole Johnson purchased his pharmacy in 1904 and, when an addition to the bank was completed in 1913, moved the store into the addition. The pharmacy stayed in the First National Bank building until 1987.       

It is listed on the National Register for its significant architecture and for the role it played in the development of commerce in Garretson. The Garretson Area Historical Society Museum currently occupies the building.

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The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Tourism. The Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Council, and the State Historical Society. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen. The State Historical Society is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center 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 history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.