EMPIRE A LIFESTYLE
MAGAZINE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE JONES STUDIOS
CONTRIBUTORS
Account Executives
Jill Foley
712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
Social Media Manager & Administrative Coordinator
Jess Jervik jess@michelscom.com
graphic designer Makenzie Jorgenson
Photography Kate Jones Studios katejonesstudios.com
team of writers
Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Lauren Johnson, Teresa Mentzer, Kathryn Swanson & Duane Duimstra
Editor
Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com
Director of Digital marketing
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR
Stace Osthus
605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com
chief of operations
Hanna Michels
605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
WEDDING SHOWCASE
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 12pm to 3pm
Sioux Falls Convention Center
• Wedding inspiration & trends
• Live fashion show - tuxedos & gowns
• Food and dessert tasting
• Complimentary signature cocktail
• Thousands of dollars in giveaways
Landi SCHWEIGERT
~ HEART BEHIND THE HEALING ~
By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Kate Jones Studios
Landi Schweigert doesn’t do things without a purpose.
Whether it’s showing up for her family, creating showstopping charcuterie spreads for her customers at Cultivated in Love, or finding new ways to build meaningful connections, she knows her “why” and she has no interest in pretending to be something she’s not.
“I’m not perfect. What you see is what you get,” Landi shares.
That authenticity was hard-earned, shaped by years of struggle.
“Food brings people together, regardless of where they’re at in life. When I host charcuterie classes, I usually tell my story because it creates an environment where people feel safe and seen and can have a different type of community,” Landi explains.
When Landi was in high school, her dad and brother died by suicide within six months of one another; a loss that would change her life.
Photos left to right: Landi and her husband Akwa cheering on their favorite athletes Eiley, Kiyah, Axell, and Zahra in gymnastics, cheer, dance, and show choir; Landi enjoys pairing flavors and textures together to make something beautiful
Afterward, she says she felt connected to her dad through food.
“He was one of those people who was kind of hard on us but wanted us to know how to do things for ourselves, so twice a week I’d be in charge of dinner, and he taught me how to do everything in the kitchen. It felt like it was something special to us,” Landi adds.
After graduating from high school, she knew she needed a fresh start and left South Dakota for culinary school in Minneapolis. That led to an internship, and later a job, at Disney World. While in culinary school, she was drawn to the creative side of cooking: plating, presentation, and garnishes. At Disney, she worked on menu development for various resort restaurants. The work itself was rewarding, but it came at a difficult time.
“I wasn’t very healed or healthy at that time, and I got into a relationship that wasn’t very healthy either,” Landi recalls.
From that relationship, she got pregnant with her first daughter, Eiley, and returned to South Dakota as a single mom.
While raising Eiley and working odd jobs to get by, Landi entered another serious relationship; this time, an abusive one. She shares that the relationship became life-threatening, but she was able to escape with Eiley and her second daughter, Kiyah, with the support of her family and church community.
It was in that church that the beginnings of her charcuterie business, Cultivated in Love, were formed.
She took a job working in the church’s daycare kitchen to make ends meet and began creating charcuterie boards for various church events. During COVID, Landi and her daughters enjoyed getting creative and honing their skills at home, and it didn’t take long for people to notice. A close friend who was a local event planner helped her connect with new customers.
The business remained a side hustle for several years while Landi worked full-time at the daycare, and later at Union Gospel Mission, where she served in domestic violence coordination.
“It felt really good to walk alongside people,” Landi adds. “But as a single mom, doing everything on my own, I was emotionally exhausted.”
By 2022, Cultivated in Love had grown enough for Landi to take it full-time.
Shortly before taking that leap, Landi met her now-husband Akwa. She says when they first met, she wasn’t looking to date anyone, and it took several months for her to trust him enough to even be open to a relationship.
“He would do all sorts of things for me without asking. He’d show up with protein shakes during the holiday season just because he knew I was busy. He showed up when I didn’t expect him to,” Landi states.
Photos top to bottom: Beautiful food setting an atmosphere that invites people to gather together; Axell and Zahra pictured together; Akwa and Landi pictured with their family on Letter & Light Co. marquee letters; Landi helping others through a service project
The two eloped in 2022 but hope to have a larger wedding celebration someday. Together, they have two babies: Axell, who’s two, and Zahra, who just turned one.
Adjusting to life as a blended family of six was no small undertaking.
“It was hard for my girls because they went through a lot with me, including all the seasons of life, and now adjusting to that stability, to having a man’s voice in the home, it took some time,” Landi shares.
After everything she’s been through, Landi says that creating stability and running her own business can sometimes feel too good to be true.
“I definitely go through ebbs and flows where sometimes I feel like something bad is going to happen, but at the end of the day, it’s all about your perception. I’m grateful for everything because when you have to work so hard for it all, it’s just a different kind of experience than if you’ve been given it,” Landi affirms.
That’s part of why she and Akwa recently purchased Letter & Light Co., which rents marquee letters for events.
“We wanted to create multiple streams of income to be able to give more to our kids. Essentially, that income is something we use to invest in our kids,” she explains.
At the heart of it all, Landi is dedicated to creating a life full of love for her family and community. That’s where the name for her business came from.
“When I was deciding on a name, I wanted it to mean something, and I kept coming back to the word cultivate, which essentially means to equip or prepare. I like to think of it as planting a seed, weeding out the weeds, watching it grow, and I asked my girls what they’d want to cultivate if we went into someone’s house. They said love,” Landi explains.
Photos top to bottom: One of Landi’s favorite things to do for herself is to get lost in nature. She loves National Parks and exploring!
Many people have championed Landi in Sioux Falls. She’s a member of the Chamber, which has given her a lot of business and support, but also other chefs in town, specifically Chef Tyler with Cleavers, and Chef Dominique, who has referred Landi to many people.
Each of her kids has a 5-letter name, with a middle name that starts with ‘A’. Landi also thinks it’s fun that her husband’s name is Akwa and hers is Landi; like water and land.
Landi goes to the gym to relax, and that’s actually how she met her husband. Akwa worked at Fit Body Boot Camp, and she had injured her back in a workout. Landi was there getting dry needling at EmpowerU, and that’s where she saw him for the first time.
Cultivated in Love began with small grazing boxes, growing into business deliveries, and holiday boxes. Now Landi caters weddings, showers, corporate events, and more, with custom boards, grazing tables, and even a mobile build-your-own-board cart. Her dream? To one day open a cozy café.
What's in on outerwear?
By: Erica Wilcox
Outerwear is all the buzz right now. Statement jackets and layering pieces have always been a fall staple, but this year, it’s what pulls your outfit together and creates style, versus just wearing the outfit.
Outerwear doesn’t have to be just puffy jackets and long coats to keep us protected from the elements, but think of it more as that final layering piece that you wear more like a cardigan. You can simply wear a t-shirt and jeans, and your jacket, jewelry, and shoes will make your outfit styled. Here are some of my favorite jackets and outerwear pieces I’m nabbing for my outfits for fall and winter.
Oversized faux leather jackets
Out with the cropped length and in with the relaxed, oversized fit. A piece that you can rock with virtually any bottom, and it’ll give chic and polished vibes. Instead of grabbing for the traditional lightweight jacket this fall, throw this on and watch your outfits transform into style.
Stylish sherpa
Feel cozy, but make it cute! This one has faux leather piping on it, elevating it from a traditional sherpa to much more! This style is the perfect piece for elevating your athleisure. Think about throwing this on over your two-piece sets or wearing this over your sports team hoodie at the game.
Bubble hem jackets
Bubble hem is trending not only in outerwear but also in tops and skirts, too! It’s a fun twist to elevate a top and create dimension without being overpowering. This is the perfect piece to wear with the basics you already own in your closet.
Barn jackets
This trend comes in a variety of fits and lengths, so pick your own adventure here. If you’re wearing a fall skort, try an oversized, longer length to add warmth. Jeans and pants can try a more, at-the-hip, length for proportions. Whichever you choose, this jacket will have a more utilitarian vibe with touches of corduroy or suede on the jacket, particularly the lapels.
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By: Lauren Johnson
Every 26 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. Nearly one in two Americans has diabetes or prediabetes, so it’s likely that someone you know or love is impacted. For 85 years, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) has been on a mission to play a pivotal role in freeing the world from diabetes by promoting awareness, advances in research, and healthy living.
November marks American Diabetes Month®, a time dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for those living with diabetes.
"We want to equip people with the knowledge of prevention, screening, and early detection," says Rita Kalyani, MD, MHS, chief scientific and medical officer at the ADA. "We're fighting for them every day as we envision a life free of diabetes and all its burdens."
Because diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, November is a good time to check your risk with screenings and early detection. Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes can lead to serious health risks, but it's possible to prevent or delay complications like nerve damage and heart, kidney, or eye disease.
Addressing obesity is another ADA priority. The Obesity Association™ was established as a division of the ADA to combat stigma, increase awareness, and support high-quality obesity care.
Dr. Kalyani urges Americans to recognize key symptoms: frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing cuts, unexplained weight loss (type 1), and tingling or numbness in hands and feet (type 2). "Some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild they don't notice them." Gestational diabetes screening is essential, as blood glucose may not normalize after childbirth, and even normal postpartum glucose signals high lifetime risk for type 2 diabetes. Dr. Kalyani recommends antibody testing for high-risk type 1 individuals and a free 60-second type 2 risk test at diabetes.org/RiskTest.
"By focusing on living well strategies, long-term management, nutrition and healthy eating fundamentals, and paying attention to food labels, living well with diabetes and even prevention is possible," says Toby Smithson, MS, RDN, CDCES, FAND, Senior Manager of Nutrition and Wellness.
CLIN DIABETES. 2025;43(2):194-197. DOI:10.2337/CD25-A005
The ADA offers no-cost lifestyle change programs, educational materials, a Diabetes Food Hub with meal planning tools, annual Standards of Care guidelines for medical professionals, and local events including Tour de Cure® and Step Out® Walk fundraisers, building strong support networks to help people thrive.
The ADA aims to make it easier for people to eat the right foods and live well. "Use the Diabetes Plate as your roadmap for healthy eating," Toby encourages. "Aim for half your 9-inch plate filled with non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, carrots, and celery; about one-quarter from lean protein such as skinless poultry, fish, lean beef, soy, nuts, and seeds; one-quarter with quality carbohydrates including starchy vegetables, beans, fruit, whole grains, milk, or yogurt; and water or a low-calorie beverage." Combining lean protein with carbohydrates may slow absorption and help maintain target blood glucose levels. Effective eating patterns include Mediterranean-style, DASH, low-carbohydrate, vegetarian, or low-fat approaches.
Toby emphasizes reading food labels to make impactful choices. "Key areas for people with diabetes are serving size, total grams of carbohydrate, grams of fiber, protein, saturated fat, and milligrams of sodium," Toby explains. "Always check the Total Carbohydrate on the Nutrition Label first. Monitoring blood glucose helps you understand how certain carbs affect you." When choosing products, aim for saturated fat at 10% DV or lower, zero grams trans fat, and no hydrogenated oils.
JOIN THE FIGHT TO END DIABETES
There’s value in becoming a Sanford Health Plan member. We offer more coverage, more care and more value for your money. A health plan centered on your needs – built by an insurance provider you can trust.
Plan options include:
• Your first 5 primary care visits FREE*
• Your first 5 mental health visits FREE*
• $0 24/7 virtual care**
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• $0 diabetes management programs, apps and supplies*
our
Gratitude in Giving MAKE EVERY DOLLAR COUNT
By: Kathryn Swanson, Financial Advisor
on all that we have been given. This Thanksgiving, let’s look at how our attitude of thankfulness can motivate action to show generosity towards others. Reflecting on how much we have been given and what we have worked for, including opportunities, wealth, family, freedom, and other blessings, can move us to give some of what we have to others.
When we decide to give to others, whether it be friends, children, churches, or other non-profit organizations, there are some strategies to consider to maximize the monetary gift you are giving. Did you know that giving money to others can cause tax implications? The last thing you want to happen with your generosity is to trigger taxes for you or the person you are giving to.
One way to give is to give stocks instead of cash. Gifting stocks may be unfamiliar to many, but they have some key advantages. First, you do not have to pay the capital gains tax on stocks that have appreciated in value when you give them away. It is not until the individual or organization sells the stock that these capital gains are recognized. If you are giving stock to a child, they will often be in a
gains. The impact of your stock gift is then greater than if you had sold the stock, paid taxes, and given the remaining cash.
Did you know that America consistently ranks among the most generous countries in the world?2 Many Americans give cash valued below the standard deduction amount. If you are giving large sums of money or high-value items, how, when, and to whom you are giving donations are important things to consider. Nuances in the IRS tax code can create both opportunities and complications, which is why it is important to have a conversation with a financial advisor or accountant to ensure you give efficiently to and capitalize on opportunities.
Each year, an individual is allowed to give $19,0003 (2025). If you give over the annual limits, you may be required to file a gift tax return. Before gifting a large sum of money, make sure it is done in a tax-efficient manner. If you are married, the annual limit is per individual, which allows you and your spouse to give $38,000 together to one individual.
money interest-free, the IRS steps in to calculate what the applicable interest rate on the loan should be. To avoid this interest calculation, keep loans below $10,000.4
There are a variety of ways that giving can reduce potential taxes and provide other tax advantages. When giving to children, there are a few tax-advantaged ways to give, including 529 plans and custodial accounts.
When giving, you should also give thought to which account you withdraw money from. Qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA will not trigger taxes. This makes Roth IRAs a smart option for gifting if you are retirement age. Other accounts or investment vehicles may have penalties or higher taxes associated with them compared to other accounts. Take the time to meet with a financial advisor and consider which of your accounts allows you the ability to give with the least amount of consequence.
The key lies in creating a tailored approach that matches your unique goals and circumstances, ensuring your financial plan evolves alongside your family’s changing needs.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING MAKING A LARGE GIFT THIS FALL, TAKE THE TIME TO GIVE OUR OFFICE A CALL AND MAKE SURE YOU DO IT IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY POSSIBLE. YOU WILL BE GRATEFUL YOU DID.
1. irs.gov/charities-non-profits/unrelated-business-income-tax
2. worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/ most-charitable-countries
3. irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustmentsfor-tax-year-2025
4. law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/7872
Investment advisory services offered through Alternative Investment Advisors, LLC. (AIA), An SEC-registered investment Advisor. AIA and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Swenson Wealth Management. Swenson Wealth Management is not a registered investment advisor and is not a subsidiary or affiliate of Alternative Investment Advisors, LLC. Swenson Wealth Management and its individually licensed and appointed insurance agents and AIA are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
Finances, economics, and investing have fascinated me since my very first Econ 101 class. Over time, I discovered how overwhelming these topics can feel for many people and recognized the critical importance of having someone walk alongside you in your financial journey.
My passion for helping others understand their financial picture and reduce financial stress drives my work as a financial advisor. I enjoy collaborating with clients to make educated, confident financial decisions that align with their life goals. Recently, I passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® exam, an integral step toward becoming a CFP® Professional, representing the highest standard in financial planning.
I’d be honored to partner with you as you work toward your financial goals. Reach out today to start creating a financial plan that instills you with confidence moving forward.
MORE ABOUT KATHRYN SWANSON
FROM OUR Kitchen to Yours
MORNING GLORY MUFFINS
INGREDIENTS
4 c. flour
2 ½ c. sugar
4 tsp. soda
4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
4 c. grated carrots
DIRECTIONS
1 c. raisins
1 c. walnuts
2 apples grated
6 lg. eggs
2 c. oil
4 tsp. vanilla
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line cups with paper liners.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl; stir in carrots, raisins, walnuts, and apples.
3. Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla together in a separate bowl.
4. Stir egg mixture into the carrot mixture until just moistened.
5. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each half full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 25 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe from Mary Lou, Resident at StoneyBrook Suites Dakota Dunes
OUR MISSION
We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”
AMENITIES
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
SERVICES
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
If you’re considering assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Personal housekeeping • Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Personal pendant system
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
Healing, Connection, & Empowerment
By: Duane Duimstra, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Public Affairs Officer
The Third Annual Women Veterans Retreat is a notable event for the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, focusing on the fastest-growing Veteran population in the nation. This year’s retreat took place on September 26, 2025, at Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Each year, the Women Veterans Retreat highlights the VA’s Whole Health approach, which empowers female Veterans with the tools and resources necessary to take control of their health while prioritizing their individual needs. The skills they acquire aim to enhance their health and lifestyle, while the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System offers any additional care they may require.
“The goal of the retreat is to immerse female Veterans in a relaxing day of Whole Health mind-body approaches to nurture your body and soul, promote healing, enhance empowerment and self-care skills,” states Kristin Aeilts, Whole Health Program Manager at Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.
Women Veterans participated in yoga and various relaxation activities, learning techniques they can use to manage stress and anxiety. They also walked with new friends and explored the hiking trails at Great Bear Ski Valley.
Additionally, participants received insights on better nutrition from one of our dietitians, who extensively discussed protein intake, its significance, and the best sources. They learned about the recommended amount of protein for individuals, emphasizing that personal goals will ultimately dictate their protein needs.
A new session introduced this year was a question-and-answer session with a women’s health provider, allowing participants to ask everything from basic to more complex inquiries.
“The Q&A is something women have asked for, but it was also important for them to become familiar with the VA
women’s health providers,” notes Lindsay Jacobson, Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program Manager and Veterans Health Education Coordinator at Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of the Women’s Retreat is the opportunity for women Veterans to connect. This connection is crucial, as it provides them with companions who understand their experiences and current challenges.
“This event really helps women Veterans develop a sense of community and support among peers,” emphasizes Kristin.
As the retreat came to a close, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and renewed energy among the women. Many expressed gratitude for the connections made and the knowledge gained to implement in their daily lives. The event not only provided practical tools and insights but also offered a powerful reminder of the importance of community and support in the journey towards holistic health and well-being.
Sioux Falls VA Health Care System
2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD
605-336-3230
va.gov/sioux-falls-health-care
Seykora Remodeling proudly uses:
PREP YOUR SKIN FOR THE HOLIDAY GLOW
The holidays are just around the corner, and there’s no better time to give your skin the gift of radiance. Cooler weather and busy social calendars make November the perfect time to refresh your complexion and restore your glow before the festivities begin. At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, our team offers advanced laser and skincare treatments that rejuvenate from within, so you can step into the season looking bright, confident, and camera-ready.
START WITH THE HALO TRIBRID: THE ULTIMATE SKIN RESET
If your skin is showing signs of sun damage, uneven tone, or fine lines, the Halo Tribrid Laser is your go-to treatment for dramatic rejuvenation before the holidays. Combining Sciton’s Halo, Moxi, and ProFractional technologies, this three-in-one approach resurfaces, tightens, and brightens the skin for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Before treatment, we recommend using Alastin Skin Nectar, a pre-conditioning serum that helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing. Together, Halo Tribrid and Skin Nectar create the foundation for long-lasting, luminous results.
REFRESH AND REFINE WITH THE MOXIGLOW
For those seeking a lighter, no-downtime option, our MoxiGlow treatment combines the gentle resurfacing power of Sciton’s Moxi laser with the exfoliating and brightening benefits of a ViPeel. This synergistic duo targets dullness, uneven pigment, and texture while stimulating collagen for smoother, more radiant skin.
The MoxiGlow is ideal for busy patients who want visible results without interrupting their routine—perfect timing for holiday parties, family photos, and festive gatherings.
POLISH AND PERFECT WITH DIAMONDGLOW FACIALS
Once your skin has been rejuvenated with laser or peel treatments, it’s time to polish your glow. Our DiamondGlow Facials use diamond-tipped exfoliation, deep cleansing, and targeted serums to smooth, hydrate, and enhance your post-laser results. These facials not only reveal instant radiance but also help maintain the results of your Halo Tribrid or Moxi treatments, keeping your skin clear, healthy, and glowing all season long.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT WITH MEDICAL-GRADE SKINCARE
Every great treatment deserves great skincare. Our Revision Skincare Post-Laser Kits are designed to calm, repair, and protect the skin following laser or peel treatments. From gentle cleansers to the hydrating CMT Post-Procedure Cream, these products support healing and help maintain your results through the holidays and beyond.
GET HOLIDAY-READY WITH PSA
Whether you’re planning a total skin reset or simply want to polish your glow, our aesthetic team at Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota can help you create a customized plan that fits your goals and your holiday timeline.
This season, give yourself the gift of confidence and let your skin shine bright— because glowing skin never goes out of style!
At Mitchell Technical College, your tomorrow begins today. With more than 35 career-driven programs, you’ll learn by doing, not just listening. From hands on labs to real-world experience, every step prepares you for a high-demand career.
This fall, take the next step toward your future. There’s no better way than experiencing Mitchell Tech for yourself. Visit us in person or online and see how you can get ready at Mitchell Tech.
By: Teresa Mentzer
2 1 3 4
When the first settlers of South Dakota arrived, many of them claimed land between the James and Missouri rivers. They quickly established their homesteads and soon after built a school. The one-room schoolhouse took root on the plains right alongside fertile rows of grain and endless fields of prairie wildflowers.
By 1889, the number of rural schools grew from three hundred to three thousand. In Minnehaha County alone, over 100 were built from 1879 to 1895, offering public education to children up to the age of 25. Prior to that time, children were home-schooled or sent to private church-organized classrooms.
One-room schoolhouses established the social heart of their communities. In addition to providing children with an education, they were used for meetings, spelling bees, church services, and literary circles. They helped neighbors gather and created a sense of place for them in a new land.
The first permanent schoolhouse in South Dakota was built in 1864 in Vermillion, a community slated for the state’s future territorial university. It was a cabin constructed with cottonwood timbers logged from the nearby Missouri River. As manufactured building materials became available by rail, the iconic small, wood-framed structures people would come to recognize emerged on the plains by the dozens.
Their design mirrored the style of homes and churches that were customary back East. Simple balloon frames and gabled roofs required less material and allowed for quicker construction. Some designs included a vestibule or an outer cloakroom, but a one-room floor plan was most common at the start. Without electricity, natural light was utilized through three long windows on each side of the structure.
A typical rectangular frame ranged from 15’x35’ to 20’x60’ and was painted white. Bell towers were utilized by some schools, but not all communities could afford this added expense. The first schoolhouse in Lincoln County was built in 1870 in Canton; it was smaller than most, measuring 8’x20’.
While the majority of one-room schools were painted white, the settlers near Geddes chose a patriotic theme. The siding was white with blue trim boards and topped with a red bell tower. The Red, White, and Blue school, built in 1884, now stands in the Geddes Historical Village and is open to the public.
With the hoisting of each school’s frame came not only a sense of place but also a source of pride and promise.
The traditional floor plan included a pot-bellied stove in the center or at the rear. Benches lined the walls; rows of desks were used if the settlers could afford them. The teacher’s desk was near the entrance and faced the rear of the room.
The daily life of prairie school kids was teeming with active learning and building the future of a young state. In addition to their independent lessons, they helped with getting water for the basin, wood for the stove, and assisting the teacher in her chores.
The lessons learned in the South Dakota one-room schoolhouses laid the foundation for success and prosperity in their future. Communities invested in schoolhouses for their settlements to thrive, if not survive.
These familiar roadside landmarks of old are slowly fading from the landscape of rural South Dakota. Most have succumbed to the harsh elements of the plains, and others have been torn down to make way for progress.
One survivor is the Yankton County Gunderson School No.15, built in 1900. It was recently reopened as an exhibit at the Mead Museum in Yankton. The school was first used in 1906 and served the area until 1969. Visitors can step back into the past and imagine the one-room school experience. Completed with the help of local volunteers and museum staff, the classroom includes school desks, chalkboards, a pot-bellied stove, pull-down maps, and vintage textbooks.
The original log cabin that sheltered those students in Vermillion back in 1864 did not survive. It was lost in the Flood of 1881 that overtook the town. A replica resides at the Austin-Whittemore House in Vermillion to commemorate the first permanent schoolhouse in Dakota Territory.
No doubt, the harsh winters, the unrelenting heat of summer, the winds, the locusts, the prairie fires, and the dust storms presented a challenging start for these settlers. The schoolhouse up the road or on the hill served as inspiration. It represented each community’s common hope for themselves and their neighbors.
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1. Austin-Whittemore House in Vermillion (1864); 2. Lincoln County Schoolhouse in Canton (1870); 3. Red, White and Blue Schoolhouse in Geddes (1884); 4. Interior of Red, White and Blue Schoolhouse; 5. Yankton County Gunderson School No.15 (1906); 6. Restored Yankton County Gunderson School No.15
