WHAT’S IN A NAME A Look Back at Lennox’s Rich History

The early settlers of Lennox worked hard to build a community that offered a range of services and opportunities for its residents. Today, Lennox is still a thriving community with a proud past and a bright future. The town offers residents a unique blend of modern conveniences and small-town charm, making it a wonderful place to call home. 1879

Lennox has a rich history dating back to 1879 when the Milwaukee Railroad came through and the town was established. It was named after B.G. Lennox, the private secretary to S.S. Merrill, a prominent executive of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. The town was initially known as Ben Lennox, but it was later shortened to Lennox. 1885

History Preserved

The City’s rich history is preserved through the Lennox Area Historical Society and its museum located at 305 South Main Street.

The three-story brick building houses numerous artifacts and items donated by local residents that have significance to the Lennox area.

In 1885, Lennox was a thriving community with a variety of businesses and amenities. It had 4 general stores, 2 blacksmith shops, 3 saloons, 2 hotels, a harness shop, 2 boot and shoe shops, 2 implement houses, a livery barn, 2 hardware stores, a lumberyard, a clothing store, 2 millinery shops, a ball room, a drug store, a physician, an attorney, 2 loan agents, 3 churches, a school building, a butter packing house, an army post, and a cornet band!

Origins Of The Oriole Mascot

The origin of the name, Orioles, was said to begin in the 1930’s. Bernard Buus said that the team needed a name while he was an upperclassman at Lennox High School. The uniforms were orange and black and school funds were lacking for new uniforms. Bernard suggested the name Orioles be adopted because Canton also had a bird title.

A former instructor at Lennox High School in the 1930s, C. Maurice Wieting, did not remember the specifics of how Orioles came about, but did remember prior to that time the girls’ basketball team, which claimed the State Championship, were called the Golden Tornadoes when he first joined the faculty. The first yearbook, issued in 1931, was designed for and bore the name, Oriole.

Lennox is proud to be home to the oldest musical organization in South Dakota, the Lennox Municipal Band. With roots dating back to 1883, this group of volunteer musicians has been entertaining the community for over a century. The Municipal Band is made up of musicians from Lennox and the surrounding area, ranging in age from 12 to 80+.