“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

South Dakota 1

Many of us have taken a car ride through South Dakota. We were impressed by the seemingly endless fields of corn and grain. To some of us it looked like a farmer's paradise. What appears now is not as it has always been.

Originally, South Dakota was predominately a rolling prairie, populated by prairie chickens, buffalo, coyotes, wolves, badgers, deer and prairie dogs. There were some Native Americans, which were usually near rivers as their water source. The tribes usually lived peacefully with their neighbors. However some disagreements occasionally arose over socialization of the younger people and occasional love of someone from another tribe, who was not acceptable by the parents of the parties involved. The main food source was buffalo, which were plentiful throughout the state. They also included the nuts and berries which were easily found in the low lands and river bottoms.

These Native Americans raised their children to live in tee pees, which were occasionally moved to be closer to food sources, or possibly more shaded or sheltered areas. They lived as their ancestors lived and actually were quite comfortable. They were able to live near food sources and able to use the animal skins for clothing and warmth. They carried on traditional gatherings and social events for entertainment and community involvement. Their lives were quite complete within their social structure.

Then came the white man. The first change of life was to bring our religion to the “savages,” many of them already recognized a superior power, but needed to become civilized by being taught Christianity. White men then began to invade their lands, trapping the beaver, which the Native Americans needed for food and clothing. The Native Americans harvested only whatever beaver were needed, but the white man harvested thousands of them to sell the hides to traders that sold overseas. They also allowed the carcass to be discarded, while beaver was considered a needed Native American food source. We all know how the buffalo herds that seemed endless, were virtually eliminated by white hunters, who in some cases saved the hides and usually left the carcass to rot on the prairie. Some buffalo were eliminated as a sporting event, using the reason to protect the railroads from the buffalo herds. Buffalo again was a major food source for the Native Americans.

As is obvious, the Native Americans were seeing their food sources being eliminated by the white man. They felt that these invaders were destroying their family and tribal food supply. Whites also began to invade the lands taking ownership of the land that Native Americans considered their hunting land, as it had been for thousands of years. Ownership of land was not a concept that the Native Americans understood. They were taught that the land was controlled by the “great spirit” and as such, a human did not have ownership of the land. They, feeling that land ownership wasn't possible, had a hard time understanding that a piece of paper could give anyone the right to keep others off of part of the great land.

The Native American is losing his ability to feed his family and provide them with clothing and shelter. As a result, they felt it to be his duty to attempt to eliminate those that were trying to destroy his life and pride.

Next week, we will look at the Americanization of South Dakota.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

Corner Pub & Grill

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Nightly Specials

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack) Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday: (5-9 pm) Taco Wrap $8.50

Bavarian Gardens

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Aug. 11: Cheeseburger w/Fries

Mon., Aug. 14: Beef Noodle Soup w/Beef Sandwich

Tues., Aug. 15: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Aug. 16: Rodeo Burger w/Fries

Thurs., Aug. 17: Liver & Onions

Fri., Aug. 18: Cheeseburger w/Fries

Friday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

• 6 oz. Steak $12 • Add 3 Shrimp $15

• 6 oz. Butter/Garlic Steak $12

• Add 3 Shrimp $15

• 6 Shrimp $9.00

• Served with Baked Potato

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50

Weekend

Mark A. Gessell

Mark A.

Gessell, 61-year-old resident of Pinellas Park, FL, formerly of Swanville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-5 PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at The Hub Supper Club in Burtrum, MN. A private burial will take place at a later date. Mark will be taking his final bike ride from Swanville to The Hub starting on Main Street by the park. He will be honorably escorted by Gary and Putsy Pogatchnik and friends. Kickstands up at 12:45 PM sharp. Caring for Mark and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Swanville, MN.

Mark was born on April 5, 1962, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN to Frank and Helen (Matheis) Gessell. He grew up in Swanville, MN and attended Swanville High School. Mark married Laurie Johnson and they had two children; Brent and Shawna. Later, he married Kathryn Hubner and they had two children; Megan and Jayme. Mark enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle and his travels took him to Florida. He was always ready to bike with friends. Mark also enjoyed doing charity rides to collect used disabilities equipment for Vets. He repaired motorcycles for people that had little money to pay. He never missed putting on dinners for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations of all sorts. For the past four years, people down on their luck always had a place to stop by or spend the night. He never collected much but always had food and shelter to share. His place was a man cave for anyone to stop by and they did at all hours of the day and night. Mark saw the world differently and joyfully.

Mark is survived by his parents, Frank and Helen Gessell of Swanville, MN; children, Brent Gessell of Swanville, MN, Shawna Johannes (Steve) of Burtrum, MN, Megan Stromley of Carver, MN, and Jayme Gullickson of Detroit Lakes, MN; 10 grandchildren; sisters, Gina Dwyer (Kenny Wachmann) of Sartell, MN, Dana (Paul) Hanowski of Swanville, MN, Shari (Karl)

Pung of Burtrum, MN, and Kristi Anderson of Little Falls, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from all over.

Mark was preceded in death by grandparents and son-in-law, Gabe Gullickson.