Early Huron Settlers had Trouble with Law & Order

                                  

There was a time when Huron residents had some difficulty in protecting themselves.  According to the publication, "Early Beadle County," by Mildred McEwen Jones, it is stated that cowboys often "took pride in riding into saloons on horseback and doing much as they pleased."

The publication reads:  "The story is told of the shock they gave Dr. O. M. Farrington and E.G. Wheeler when, with guns drawn, they entered the Wheeler store and made these two dance."

"Even methods of procuring justice differed and were somewhat slower than now,"  the publication reads.  "In an 1886, Huronite is an account of the procedure of the sheriff in a case involving horse theft."

The publication continues:  "A fine team of sorrel mares was stolen June 20.  The sheriff, A. McRostie, sent postal cards to all the sheriffs within 100 miles.  Through these cards, the thief in Wessington Springs was arrested and found guilty.  James DuBois and other have given accounts of these horse thieves who had hideouts in the Wessington Hills."

In spite of the hardships, apparently the settlers were contented and happy.

"After going miles to visit neighbors, they appreciated their company," the publication reads.  "Their difficulties and common problems gave them a spirit of unity - a challenge to make the most of the little entertainment they had."

With an unpaid fiddler, they often danced until early morning.

In the publication, Mrs. K. B. Anderson spoke of walking four miles to barn dances at Henry Meyer's place, dancing all night, and walking back home, after which she walked behind the drag all day."

The center of the fun was in the home.

"Children played with hand-made toys such as baseballs made of balls of twine covered with pieces of soft leather cut from old shoe," the publication reads.  "Dolls were made of socks; broken dishes, and doll furniture made of cigar boxes were used in the playhouse.  Sleds made of old boards were painted red and hidden in the haymow awaiting Christmas."

Artesian well ponds afford good skating rinks where the neighborhood young people gathered.  Neighbors usually went visiting on Sundays and when an organ was available, sang hymns for hours.  (Golly, I remember doing that when I was a youngster in the 1940's at a friend's house).

The publication continues:  "Taffy pulls were popular too.  The settlers used their ingenuity to think up new games for entertainment that would include all ages."

Mrs. Nora Walsh tells of a game they called 'duck on the rock." They chose up sides and with little rocks sides and with little rocks tried to hit a large rock.  Little children had fun hitching string to tumble weeds and playing they were horses, said Mrs. Lena Wheat.                             
                                                      by Roger Kasa