Aberdeen Magazine May/June 2019

NEW BREWS!

TAP INTO DAVE WELLING’S ONE-LEGGED PHEASANT BREWERY P.26

JEFFREY SCHULZ + HAPI + BUMPY ROAD RANCH + LOCAL FOOD

Only red, flavorful, buttery pork is on the table at Bumpy Road Ranch. Find

30 PLANTING MORE ROOTS IN ABERDEEN

“You can’t grow a town if there aren’t places to live.” Homes are Possible, Inc. has dedicated the last 20 years to making homeownership a reality for hundreds of families in the Aberdeen area.

32 LONG LIVE LOCAL FOOD

From meat and cheese to wine and dessert, the Dakotas produce all of these foods and more. Check out some of the local-made cuisine featured here, then head to the grocery store to pick up your favorites.

40 THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

Leslie Barbour, the owner of Aberdeen's first tiny home, walks us through her cozy, 720-square-foot abode.

44 A NEW FACE FOR AN OLD SPACE

What do beer and a one-legged bird have in common?

Hops, of course. Meet the owner behind the bar at Aberdeen’s only brewpub.

36 TENNIS ANYONE?

At one time in Aberdeen, tennis was so popular you’d be hard pressed to find an open court to play on. Hear from some of the sport’s champions who’ve carried a love for the game through generations.

Giving your home a facelift can be as easy as changing out the “accessories.” Ultimate Kitchen & Bath has six DIY fixes that will give any old space a brand new look.

48 THE HUB CITY

Could a nickname be the secret to Aberdeen’s early fame?

“Somebody’s gotta do it!” That’s the conclusion Dave Welling came to when he decided to start a brewpub in Aberdeen. In September 2018, the craft beer enthusiast turned his years of brewing into a brick and mortar by opening the One-Legged Pheasant Brewery on Main Street. Dave has worn many hats throughout his professional career, and business owner tops the list. “It’s one of my greatest feelings of fulfillment and the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he says. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

ISSN 2378-3060

Everything about this issue is my favorite. The people, the tips for giving your yard and home a spring makeover, the food, the BEER! It’s that time of year when we want to do it all, so we filled these pages with as much of the “good stuff” as we could.

When we’re finally out and about after the hibernation that is winter, we naturally become busier. Busy, though, is a word that often gets a bad rap. Any advice you can read says to slow down, do less, say “no” to more. I agree with all of that in theory, but I’ve tried slowing down and it’s almost impossible for me. The truth is I really enjoy my active, full, busy life! This issue of Aberdeen Magazine reminded me that it isn’t just doing things for the sake of doing something that makes a bustling life a happy one. The stories we’re sharing show how important it is to combine purpose with fun in our day to day.

Take our cover story on page 26 for example. Dave Welling opened OneLegged Pheasant Brewery last year. He put in a lot of time to become a business owner, yet says it’s one of the best things he’s ever done. Jeffrey Schulz (page 16) works full time and spends nights and weekends on photography adventures with his family. They’re pretty busy, and they’re having a blast together. Heidi Marttila-Losure (page 14) manages her own business while being a wife, mother, and volunteer. It takes a lot of zeal to have energy and not exhaustion when balancing so many roles, and Heidi definitely has that in abundance. To-do lists never really end when you have a farm. For the Crawford family of Bumpy Road Ranch (page 22), it’s the pride they have in their animals that motivates them to take on such long days. Even Aberdeen tennis champions (page 36) talk about how they’ve never regretted the hours upon hours they’ve logged on the court.

I guess it’s like the saying goes: “Happiness is being busy doing the things you love.” We hope you have a beautiful May and June doing yours.

Jenny Roth, MANAGING EDITOR

’ S CONTRIBUTORS

CARRIE

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenny Roth

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen

DESIGN

Eliot Lucas

AD SALES

Abby McQuillen abby@mcquillencreative.com

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group 423 S. Main St., Suite 1 Aberdeen SD, 57401 (605) 226-3481

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

SUBMISSIONS

Aberdeen Magazine welcomes your input. Message us your story ideas, drop off historic photos, or stop in for a chat. Email us at: troy@mcquillencreative.com

WEBSITE

www.aberdeenmag.com

PRIVACY STATEMENT

Any personal information, email addresses, or contact submitted to the editorial office or online via our Facebook page will not be sold or distributed. Aberdeen Magazine does wish to publish public comments and attitudes regarding Aberdeen, therefore written submissions and comments on our Facebook page implies permission to utilize said information in editorial content.

Bath and We Do Closets. When she isn't helping clients complete the home projects of their dreams, you can find her spending time with her husband and young daughter.

Ultimate Kitchen

PATRICK GALLAGHER is a regular contributor commenting on Aberdeen’s personality, food options, and history.

weddings, seniors, families, children,

lifestyle sessions. She loves capturing authentic and unforgettable moments for her clients.

Aberdeen Magazine is produced exclusively in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All content is copyright with all rights reserved. No content may be shared, copied, scanned, or posted online without permission. Please just ask us first. We’re pretty flexible.

www.mcquillencreative.com

CHRISTINA SHILMAN is a wife, mom to an amazing little boy, mental health therapist, and owner of Paisley Tree Photography. Her photography business specializes in

and

BARTSCHER is a design consultant at

&

JENNIFER FLEMING owns Beadle Floral & Landscaping with her husband, Andy. Beadle Floral is a premier source for landscaping, home decor, floral, and garden center needs in north central South Dakota

THE hub

YOUR SOURCE FOR WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ABERDEEN

A CLOSE LOOK AT LEADERSHIP

Aberdeen business owners want to know: How can we attract employees, and how do we retain them? The Leadership and Workforce Conference aims to provide some original answers to these questions. Hosted by the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the conference is scheduled for May 16 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Dakota Event Center. Michael Bockorny, ADC’s chief executive officer, says while each business in our region is unique, they all face similar challenges. One of these is creating work environments that offer plenty of opportunities for growth. “We want leaders to leave this event with tools they can implement right away to not only bring in employees, but also have less turnover.”

RC RACING IS ON THE RISE

Starting the Dakota Slidewayz RC Club has been a labor of love, but well worth it. Every Monday, about 25 competitors compete in six different racing classes on the club’s track in the Aberdeen Mall. Their weekend pay-out competitions bring in even more radio-controlled car drivers from across the state. Some club members are involved in racing at the Brown County Speedway as drivers or pit crew workers, while others have no ties to the racing world. As club founder Mike Stearns explains, RC racing is really for just about anyone. “We’ve had kids as young as six years old out here all the way through 70-year-old guys. One of our members is in a wheelchair and he competes right alongside everybody else.” Experienced racers help the beginners improve and get their cars to handle better. “Faster competition means we have closer races, and that’s more fun for everyone,” Mike says. Getting started in RC racing can cost between $400 and $1,000, depending on which class you race in. Those wanting to give the hobby a try without an upfront commitment can rent a car and race it during a Dakota Slidewayz league night for $20. The club is member-driven, and members get a discount on race entry fees with their yearly dues of $100 for adults and $50 for kids.

A group of friends started the RC Club a few years ago by getting together and racing in a construction shop. At the end of 2018 they moved into their new location at the mall, and in March they hosted a racing event with their biggest car count to date. An RC Club in Watertown has also since formed using the Aberdeen club as their template. Mike is glad to see the club’s success after having invested so much time into getting it up and running. “It’s pretty rewarding when a lot of people show up to race nights and are happy and having a good time,” he says. // — Jenny Roth

 More information on the Dakota Slidewayz RC Club is available at www.facebook.com/DakotaSlidewayz.

To do this, the conference is featuring two keynote speakers who will teach on subjects they have successfully implemented in other parts of the country. Dr. Mary Kelly from Colorado will share her knowledge on how to be a productive leader that brings out the best abilities in others.

Dr. Ed Nichols, an educator from Alabama, will impart methods for leading groups of people that span various generations and backgrounds. The cost to attend the conference is $80 and includes the keynote speakers, breakout sessions, a copy of Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success by Dr. Kelly, and lunch. // — Jenny Roth

 You can register for the Leadership and Workforce Conference by going to www.adcsd.com/event/leadership-andworkforce-conference.

Photo by Stephanie Ludens

 Area RC racers gather for a weekend competition at the Dakota Slidewayz track in the Aberdeen Mall.

OFF TO THE RACES

May in Aberdeen is synonymous with the start of car racing season at the Brown County Speedway. Luckily for area racing fans, the speedway has a packed schedule for 2019 that includes a few events you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

One of these is the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series, happening June 14. Track promoter Scott Neuendorf says they’re the only venue in South Dakota to host Lucas Oil Late Models, whose drivers are like the NASCAR drivers of the dirt track world. “They’re professionals, racing is what they do.” Sprint Cars will take to the track again later in the month during the NOSA 410 Sprint Car Series on June 22.

If you haven’t been to the races yet and are looking for a good opportunity to see what they’re all about, the Fourth of July holiday is arguably one of the best times to go. Many people head to the speedway to watch their fireworks spectacular, taking place July 5 after the races. But before that, race enthusiasts are anticipating the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series on July 3. Drivers from all over the world will compete in Aberdeen that night, including NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne. Scott says they’ve been working for a couple of years to make this event possible. “It’s rare to get a NASCAR driver to a dirt track, and it’s not often a NASCAR driver comes to Aberdeen.” // — Jenny Roth

 For more details on summer events at the Brown County Speedway, head to www.browncountyspeedway1.com.

BREATHE EASY AT SALT SERENITY

Spring has been a busy time for Heather Williams as she’s worked to launch her new business, Salt Serenity. After months of planning, she’s excited to be opening the first salt therapy spa in Aberdeen. “I’ve visited several salt therapy rooms in different states and have been able to take what I love about each of those places and create what I have here,” she says.

Salt Serenity, located in the basement of the Briscoe Building at 224 First Avenue Southeast, is open by appointment. Spa guests can choose to have a foot soak before entering the salt “cave” for a 45-minutelong treatment of breathing, relaxing in a zero-gravity chair, and recharging. Through a halogenerator, salt is ground into

microparticles and dispensed everywhere throughout the cave’s air. The walls and floor are also covered in salt. Heather says salt therapy is for all ages. Families, athletes, and people suffering from respiratory and skincare issues are just some examples of those who can benefit from spending time among the naturally antibacterial,

anti-inflammatory salt molecules. “This is new for Aberdeen, but salt therapy is used around the world and there’s a place for it here in our community, too. The goal is to help people feel well so they can be who they want to be,” she says.

 To learn more about Salt Serenity, visit www.saltserenitysd.com.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Heather Williams invites patrons to relax, heal, and recharge at her salt therapy spa, Salt Serenity.

Photo by Cody Papke

 Drivers from around the world, including NASCAR’s Kasey Kahne, are kicking up dirt this summer at the Brown County Speedway.

WHAT’S NEW AT WYLIE PARK

Wylie Park is a main attraction in northeast South Dakota, drawing in crowds of visitors and locals alike in the summer months. The last time the park’s master plan got an overhaul was in 1987, so recently Aberdeen Parks & Rec developed a new plan that is packed with well-deserved improvements and expansions. Open meetings and an online survey were used in getting the public’s input for these developments.

One notable proposed enhancement is a revamp to Wylie Beach. The plan lists the addition of a spray park or splash pad and more shaded seating for this area. Campsites at Wylie often sell out on weekends. For campers, the park would like to put in more cabins, RV spots, and amenities, such as charging stations for tent sites. The plan also incorporates an outdoor fitness course and pickleballs courts, replacement play structures and picnic areas, and infrastructure improvements to gutters, parking lots, and access roads. // —

Jenny Roth

 Wylie Park's master plan is expected to be finalized by the end of June. To see it in full, go to www.aberdeen.sd.us/1130/Wylie-Park-Master-Plan

EMPTY BOWLS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

This March, Empty Bowls served close to 250 bowls of soup and raised $13,000 to combat hunger. Their fundraising event, held at the Yelduz Shrine Center, marked the 10th year anniversary for the nonprofit. Volunteer Michelle Bacon says in total they have raised over $80,000 since forming the Aberdeen Empty Bowls chapter. Their funds are given to local hunger programs, such as those provided to seniors and through the Salvation Army.

Throughout the year, Empty Bowls hosts workshops at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center where participants can come in and create pottery bowls. At their fundraiser, attendees purchase one of these handmade bowls along with a soup and bread lunch. Stephanie Aas of Canterbury Deli has donated the homemade soup selections for the Empty Bowls lunch for the past 10 years. // — Jenny Roth

LEWIS FAMILY DRUG OPENS ON SIXTH AVENUE

A silver lining to the closure of Shopko and Shopko Pharmacy in Aberdeen is the opening of Lewis Family Drug. The new pharmacy, which has over 50 stores across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, is staffed entirely by employees who were previously with Shopko. They have been welcoming customers at 1409 Sixth Avenue Southeast Suite 2 since since the end of March. This is a temporary location, though, as Lewis plans to build a small store with healthcare products, beauty aids, and a pharmacy on the west side of town in the near future. // —

Jenny Roth

 To contact Lewis Family Drug in Aberdeen, call 605-262-0283.

Camping

Storybook Land

Camping

Circle of Flags

 Aberdeen Parks & Rec has a new master plan for updating Wylie Park.

 Guests at Aberdeen’s Empty Bowls soup lunch helped raise money for local programs that fight hunger.

 Employees at the new Lewis Drug are back row l to r: Kathy Falk, Melissa Allison, Kevin Hed, Quentin Bury, and Megan Voigt. Front row l to r: Charyl Zacher, Sarah Ossanna, and Penny Veskrna.

Photo courtesy of Lewis Drug

Photo by Jenny Roth

MAY & JUNE

HAIRBALL CONCERT

May 25, 6:00 PM

Odde Ice Arena

$25, VIP $40

 Journey, Queen, Motley Crue, KISS. Hairball channels the music and stage presence of these rock bands and many more during a single show. Joining them for their Aberdeen concert is guest Vital Signz.

SLACKERS MONTHLY

OPEN MIC NIGHT

May 26 & June 30, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

May 4, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

$30, Kids $10

 Bring your family and your biggest hat to watch the Kentucky Derby. Live music, casino games, kids games, and raffles will round out this evening to support Hub Area Habitat for Humanity.

HUB CITY BABY EXPO

May 5, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

Free

 Calling all moms and moms-tobe! The second annual Hub City Baby Expo is a one-stop shop for everything baby — vendors, resources, presenters, and more. Hosted by Jordyn Photography and Luna Birth Services.

MAKE-A-WISH FUNDRAISER

May 11, 7:00 PM

Best Western Ramkota

$25-$150

 Treat yourself to dinner, dessert, and a seat at the Dueling Duo’s piano request show, all while raising money for a good cause. For tickets, call 605-229-1072.

RUN FROM THE POLICE 5K

May 11, 9:00 AM

Wylie Park $25

 When the jail gates open, that’s your cue to take a lap through the trails of Wylie Park without getting “caught.” Proceeds from this fun run benefit the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 in Aberdeen.

AQUA ADDICTS

Slackers

Free

 On the last Sunday of every month, the mic is open at Slackers for beginners and experienced performers alike to share their music, poetry, spoken word, and comedy. There’s no fee to take the stage, and no fee to be a part of the audience and support your spotlight-loving friends.

WATER SKI SHOW

June 6, 7:00 PM

Dahme Lake

$4 Adults, $2 Students

 The Aqua Addicts Water Ski Team will perform their first show of 2019 on June 6. You can watch their barefooting, pyramid-making, choreographed routines every Thursday night throughout the summer at Dahme Lake.

DOWNTOWN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

June 13, 6:00 PM

Main Street Free

 Downtown Aberdeen will be taken over once again by good food, cold drinks, and of course, live music. Gates open at 6:00 PM for this family-friendly evening.

ARTS IN THE PARK

June 15 & 16, 10:00 AM

Melgaard Park Free

 What can be better than a day at the park? The answer is when the park is filled with some of the best art, folk music, and food selections in the region. Browse handcrafted vendor booths, grab a bite to eat, and listen to live entertainment all weekend long.

HUB CITY HOTSHOTS

HOME OPENER

May 31, 6:35 PM

Fossum Field Tickets at www.hubcityhotshots.com

 Cheer for the Hub City Hotshots during their first home game of the season against the Pierre Trappers. The Hotshots represent Aberdeen as a member of the summer collegiate Expedition League.

FAMILY FUN WEEKEND

June 8 & 9, All Day

Wylie Park Free

 Celebrate Storybook Land’s 43rd birthday at this annual event.

Activities include a kid’s fishing tournament, sand castle sculpture contest, watermelon feed, performance by the Storybook Land Theatre, and much more.

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH LADIES

GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 28, 12:30 PM

Moccasin Creek Country Club

$70/player

 The premier ladies golf tournament of the summer is back for a second year! Over 70 twoperson, handicapped teams play to win fabulous prizes, then stick around for boutique shopping, dinner, and live music. Register at diamondladies2019.golfgenius.com

HORIZONS On Bright

The sky’s the limit for author and rural advocate Heidi Marttila-Losure

lipping through Sky Theater is like looking at the South Dakota sky through new eyes. The playful colors, the strong light. Our sky is always there, but sometimes it takes a nudge from someone pointing out its beauty for us to stop and appreciate it all the more. “I didn’t notice it growing up here so much as I missed it when I left and lived elsewhere,” says Heidi

by JENNY ROTH

Marttila-Losure, author and photographer of Sky Theater. The Frederick native adds, “When I came back it was like, ‘Look at that sunset!’ We can see so far across the landscape and really do have this ‘sky theater’ here.”

Heidi’s love for rural places shows up not only in her photography but also in her words. Between 2011 and 2017 she worked as the editor of Dakotafire Magazine, a publication that activated conversations

around rural living. Sky Theater is a collection of nearly 50 essays Heidi wrote during that time. Many of them ask big questions for which there are no easy answers: What’s the future of rural places? Can your hometown be better? How can you make it better? Are the Dakotas a dead end? These questions encourage readers to think in new ways and take a closer look at the places they call home. They also make people feel uncomfortable at times. But the essays aren’t an attempt to point fingers or cause conflict in South Dakota’s small communities. Quite the opposite, in fact. It is Heidi’s heart for her hometown, and others like it, that motivated her to bring such delicate topics forward. She says, “When I was writing those editorials, I chose my words carefully and was really thinking about how I’d say something to someone I disagreed with but still respected.” She continues, “I care about all of these things, and it’s because I care

Photo by Troy McQuillen

about them that I wanted to speak up and say I think there are areas where we can do better.” Just like her photos, Heidi’s writing invites readers to see their rural homes with a new set of eyes, too.

Journalism has been a constant in Heidi’s life for a long time. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, majoring in English writing and religion. It was here that a teacher inspired her to turn her passion for finding things out into a career. “I really enjoy studying all kinds of things, and journalism is basically getting paid to learn and share what you discover with others. I worked on the student newspaper in college and had an advisor who was a wonderful advocate for what good journalism should be, and she helped

guide me in that direction,” she says. After graduation, Heidi and her husband David moved to North Carolina, and then Iowa. Both had grown up on farms, but at the time neither thought it would be possible to make it while living in the country. David’s parents were farming during the 1980s farm crisis and eventually had to move to the city, and Heidi had always assumed that she’d have to leave Frederick to follow her career. Other writers who focused their pens on rural culture started to convince her otherwise. “When we were living in Iowa, I was reading some writers like Michael Pollan and Wendell Berry and I started to think that maybe I could do what I want to do and live where I want to live.”

In early 2008, David got a job in Ellendale, North Dakota, and the couple decided to make the leap back into rural living. With a young daughter in tow and a baby boy on the way, they left behind secure jobs for Dakota Sisu Farm just north of Frederick, the place where Heidi grew up and where her family has lived for 130 years. They soon got to work on converting a former granary into the home they still live in today. Over the past decade, they’ve had many opportunities to delight in farm life. There have been walks on dirt roads, a large garden to maintain each year, and eggs, chickens, pork, and beef to raise. Heidi says, “The best part

is being able to raise our kids here. The freedom they have on the farm and the connection that gives them to where their food comes from is one part of that, and another is the community connection. There is a solid group of parents here who are committed to helping the kids with their sports and activities and getting them wherever they need to go.” She adds that in a small town like Frederick, kids get to see the adults actively taking a role in shaping their community. Heidi and David both volunteer, David as a firefighter and Heidi with projects like the Community Foundation and Frederick Forward.

But is there a future for the next generation in rural places? Will kids growing up now be able to find work and make a life here too? “They definitely can have a future here,” Heidi says. “If you look at job boards it might not seem that way, but there is plenty of room here for more entrepreneurial opportunities.” She lists construction or electrician businesses as examples of these possibilities, along with remote positions that allow people to work from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

Since Dakotafire Magazine printed its last issue, Heidi has continued working from home as a freelance writer, editor, and graphic designer through her company Dakotafire Media. Being a journalist was such a significant part of her identity for so long that trying to figure out what came after Dakotafire Magazine admittedly brought some challenges. “Being a journalist was who I was and how I thought, but now I’m changing and starting to see there are other ways I can add meaning to the world.” Dakotafire Media keeps her busy helping clients from this region and all over the country, and her involvement with her kids’ activities and the Frederick community fills many hours of her days too. Her advice to anyone looking to make their own town a better place to live? “Think about the thing in your community that you are missing, and then ask around to see if anyone else is interested in that as well. An example of this for me lately is singing. I used to sing in college, and am thinking maybe there are other people here who would be interested in getting together for choir activities every now and then too. Feel where the community is, where the support is, and where you can find those other people.” //

 Sky Theater is available at www.dakotafire.net and on Amazon.

 Heidi Marttila-Losure lives and works at the farm she grew up on in rural Frederick.

 L to r: Heidi, Erik, Sofia and David Losure. Courtesy photo

“I started to think that maybe I could do what I want to do and live where I want to live.”

THE WILD AND THE VINTAGE

Aberdeen’s antiques, landmarks, and wildlife through the lens of photographer Jeffrey Schulz

by JENNY ROTH

The ducks and kingfishers at Moccasin Creek are used to Jeffrey Schulz and his camera. Jeffrey doesn’t set up blinds or attempt to conceal the fact that he’s out there. The lifelong photographer says he just likes to be in nature and enjoys photographing birds doing the normal things they do. “Wild animals are smart. If you spend time around them, they’ll start to recognize and tolerate your presence so you can photograph them more,” he says.

Jeffrey’s love for the outdoors started at a young age. He spent his childhood in the country, first on a farm near the picturesque badlands by New England, North Dakota, and then later near Polo, South Dakota. “I grew up outside and always really loved nature and wildlife,” he explains. His photography career started at a young age too, when his parents bought him a small JCPenney 110 Pocket Camera for Christmas. After high school and college, he moved to Aberdeen and has been here ever since, garnering a 30-plusyear career at Cardinal Tool and taking care of his family, including wife Kathryn and daughter Megan. All the while, he’s also been snapping photos and learning more and more about photography. Just last year he decided to go professional with the hobby and formed Schulz’s Artistic Adventures. “I like doing art in any form. I’ve tried woodcarving and painting and things like that, but I’m not very good at those,” he laughs. “But photography is something I’m good at and have the patience for, and enjoy pursuing.” So far, the new venture has brought a lot of joy to Jeffrey’s family. Both Kathryn and Megan have tagged along on the adventure part,

 Photographer Jeffrey Schulz captures Aberdeen’s wildlife, vintage cars, and landmarks.

which involves finding sunrises, birds, and old vehicles to photograph. Kathryn sometimes gets behind the camera herself, and Megan takes charge when it comes to making sales at art shows. The family handles the photography, most of the printing (with the exception of very large items), and all the administrative tasks for their business.

To date, Jeffrey has created canvases, bookmarks, notecards, and framed prints from his photos. His work is on display at the Artworks Gallery in the Aberdeen Mall, online, and at art shows such as Winterfest and Arts in the Park. He is a self-taught photographer, learning from research, experimenting with different techniques, and talking to other artists. “If something catches my eye I’ll ask another photographer how they did it and then try

LOCAL ART GALLERIES

WEIN GALLERY

Presentation College

1500 North Main Street

605-229-8350

Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

PRESIDENT’S GALLERY, JFAC GALLERY AND STUDENT CENTER

GALLERY

Northern State University

1200 South Jay Street

605-626-7766

President’s Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-10

PM, JFAC Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30

PM, Student Center: Mon-Fri 7 AM-11 PM and weekends 1-9 PM

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

21 South Main Street

605-626-7117

Tues-Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Sat and Sun 1-4 PM

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

and learn from that,” he says. Most of his prints are of birds, wildlife, vintage cars, trains, and airplanes, Aberdeen landmarks, and landscapes. He finds old vehicles to photograph by driving on country roads and following tips that others have given him on where to look. “It’s the character of those vehicles sitting there by themselves— it’s kind of sad but also nostalgic and beautiful at the same time—that’s what I try to capture in my photos,” he says. Though he usually snaps his pictures in or around Aberdeen, sometimes he’ll hop in the car with his family for a photography road trip to places like Medora or Nebraska during the sandhill crane migration.

For new photographers looking to improve, Jeffrey’s advice is practical. “Take lots of pictures, find out what it is you like to photograph, then do your research on the best camera and lens combination for that type of photography.” And of course, enjoy the adventure. //

 You can see more of Jeffrey Schulz’s photography at the Artworks Gallery in the Aberdeen Mall, Schulz’s Artistic Adventures on Facebook, www.jeffreyschulz. photoshelter.com, www.jeffrey-schulz.pixels.com, and www.instagram.com/schulzsadventures.

Aberdeen Mall 3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48 605-725-0913

Thurs-Sun 12-6 PM or by appointment

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre

415 South Main Street

605-225-2228

Open during events, call ahead for additional hours of operation

ARCC GALLERY

Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center

225 3rd Ave SE 605-626-7081

Mon-Thurs 9 AM-8 PM, Fri 9 AM-5 PM and Sat 10 AM-12 PM

RED ROOSTER COFFEE HOUSE

GALLERY

218 South Main Street

605-225-6603

Mon-Thurs 7 AM-9 PM, Fri 7 AM-11 PM and Sat 8 AM-11 PM

Photos by Stephanie Ludens



Many of Jeffrey’s photos are on display at the Artworks Gallery in the Aberdeen Mall. At left: Jeffrey holds a framed picture he took of Sacred Heart Church.

GERANIUMS more than

TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO AN OUTDOOR OASIS WITH THESE SHOW-STOPPING BLOOMS

by JENNIFER FLEMING, Owner of Beadle Floral & Landscaping

For Aberdeen gardeners there’s nothing better than the smell and feel of fresh earth. After spending all winter combing through gardening magazines and websites, it’s finally time to dig in the dirt. While the traditional petunias and red geraniums are always in style, we’d also like to introduce you to some exciting new beauties for your pots and patios. Bonus: all of these are hardy options that work well in our growing zone.

BRACTEANTHA

This one has a big name, but it’s also called strawflower, paper daisy, or everlasting daisy in some circles. A prominent butterfly-attracter, it thrives in the sun and offers a long bloom season.

ALSOBIA OR LACE FLOWER VINE

A low-maintenance plant, the Alsobia produces lacey white flowers spring through summer. Drape it over the edge of a container or hanging basket for an elegant and whimsical look.

IPOMOEA OR SWEET GEORGIA BULLFROG

This purple and green sweet potato vine gets its nickname from the unique shape of its leaves. Ipomoea is fast-growing and looks stunning when trailed over a basket or patio pot.

BROWALLIA

Browallia’s beautiful, star-shaped blossoms are great for containers and will bloom throughout the season without deadheading. It likes part sun, part shade and is a favorite for hummingbirds.

STREPTOCARPUS LADYSLIPPERS

Bright colors and velvety leaves make Streptocarpus stand out from the crowd. Grow it in containers and pots outdoors in the summer, then bring it inside for the winter where it’ll bloom continuously for months. Note: water Streptocarpus from the bottom and avoid getting water on the flowers and leaves.

HERBS

Plant herbs and your patio will instantly become a culinary enthusiast’s playground. Try a spin on the traditional with varieties like thai basil and mojito mint. Calendula is another good choice. It’s orange and yellow blossoms are not only pretty, but can also soothe minor burns, wounds, and rashes.

SALADMORE BUSH CUCUMBER

If you’re more of a vegetable gardener, or enjoy canning, you’ll love the delicious saladmore bush cucumber. Because of its bush-type growth, it can be grown in containers or smaller gardens. Each plant produces an average of 10 to 12 cucumbers with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

PLANTING DO’S AND DON’TS

A few helpful tips on growing trees and shrubs:

DO

s Plant immediately to keep plants from drying out.

s Remove wrapping and packing material from bare root plants before planting.

s Handle a balled-and-burlapped plant by the ball; do not handle by the stem or top.

s Plant the root ball even with, or slightly higher than, the soil surface.

s Water deeply and thoroughly as needed until frost. Mulching around the base of the plant is helpful in moisture control.

To introduce more permanent members into your backyard greenery, consider the following perennial shrubs and trees. All of these plants tolerate our cold weather while adding appeal to any landscape.

TIGER EYES SUMAC

Another fast-grower, the tiger eyes sumac is a popular shrub among birds and people alike. It is also pet friendly and deer resistant.

DIABLO NINEBARK

A fast-grower, the diablo ninebark is recognizable for its dark purple leaves, making it the obvious choice if you love vibrant color. It does better in full sun but will tolerate shade.

REDMOND AMERICAN LINDEN

The redmond is a shade tree that does well in this region. It has large, heartshaped leaves and grows quickly. At maturity, it can be 40 to 60 feet tall by 25 to 30 feet wide. In June it produces gorgeous, light-yellow flowers.

s Wrap trunks of newly planted trees and fruit trees in winter up to two feet above the snow line to protect against rodents, rabbits, and sunscald.

DON’T

r Take burlap off a balled-and-burlapped plant.

r Handle a balled-and-burlapped plant by the trunk or top.

r Use chemical fertilizers when planting. Wait and apply them to the top of the ground once the plant is established.

photos

The Crawford family fills a food niche at Bumpy Road Ranch by JENNY ROTH

The pigs at Bumpy Road Ranch have names. They spend most of their time outside, rotating to different pastures, and have apples, pumpkins, and plenty of greens in their diet. Some enjoy a back scratch while they eat their dinner. One loves eggs, so Amy Crawford, a steward at the farm, makes sure to put a couple in her pocket when she goes out to do chores. It’s a good life for these animals who, contrary to how it sounds, aren’t being raised as pets, but for their meat. Amy acknowledges that to some it might seem strange to hear about having this kind of close interaction with one’s food. For her family, though, it is a way to respect both nature and the animal’s life. “We decided that if we were going to eat meat, then we wanted it to be raised this way. When you put so much time and

energy and love into raising something like that, you don’t want it to be a waste of your time and energy and you want to make sure that animal’s life meant something.”

Amy is a third-generation farmer at Bumpy Road Ranch, the farm her grandparents, Dale and Marjorie, founded in the 1940s just seven miles outside of Aberdeen. She and her two siblings grew up there while her grandfather and dad cultivated cattle, pigs, and small grains over the years. When her grandpa retired, Dave, her dad, eventually sold the livestock and put the farmland up for hay and for rent. Then in about 2014, Amy says she was looking to move back to the Aberdeen area after having been away for close to 15 years. It happened that at this same time Dave,

an avid researcher, had been looking into heritage breed pigs, and her sister, Kayla, was trying to eat more locally-produced food. “We had a big garden on the farm, and my sister had convinced my dad to get chickens so she could have her own eggs,” Amy explains. “I had always loved going to farmers markets and was hoping to do something different, so I told my dad if he wanted to get some of these heritage breeds I’d help out and help educate people about them.” With that, they purchased their first heritage animals: five Mangalitsa pigs. Their farm has since grown to include meat chickens and laying hens, meat turkeys, and close to 40 Mangalitsa, Berkshire, and Mulefoot heritage pigs.

You might be asking, why raise heritage

 The Crawford family raises chickens, turkeys, and heritage breed pigs at Bumpy Road Ranch. Pictured l to r are: Jarrett Rix, Amy Crawford, Kayla Herman, Hadley Herman, Kylie Herman, Barb Crawford, and Dave Crawford.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

breeds? Mangalitsas, Berkshires, and Mulefoots aren’t common in this area, and in fact, all three breeds have been close to extinction at one time or another.

Bumpy Road Ranch chooses to raise these types of animals for a few reasons. For one, they are all known to be friendly. “We can be around them, even the mothers during farrowing time, without worrying about them hurting us,” Amy says. And while they have smaller litters, grow more slowly, and therefore have less turnaround compared to pigs in mass production, Amy says the flavor of the final product, and preserving the breeds, makes it worth it. “Mangalitsas have really red meat (not white) with a nice, buttery flavor and a lot of white, marbled fat. They’re really sought after by chefs.” Not to be outdone, Berkshires, who are the favorite sows at Bumpy Road Ranch

Best-Made Bumpy Road Ranch Pork Chops

By Amy Crawford

Nothing says comfort food like oven-baked, juicy pork chops. Here is how my family prepares ours.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

2-4 Bumpy Road Ranch Pork Chops, not frozen

Salt and Pepper for seasoning

Instant read thermometer

Optional: Cast iron pan

because they are good mothers who raise a lot of healthy pigs, also have a good quantity of quality bacon. Amy says, “What we feed them is really important. We don’t feed them any corn or soy, and we grind our own feed or purchase it from people in the area who grow nonGMO feed. This keeps the meat tasting like pork and keeps that nice fat in the pork, instead of a hard, yellow rind.” She adds that environment affects taste. “We rotate them to different grassy areas, they don’t live on concrete in a building. That makes a difference in taste too and helps control disease. We haven’t had to vaccinate anything. Just like eating a lot of greens is good for our own bodies, we believe that’s good for the pigs too.”

Everyone in the Crawford family plays a role in making Bumpy Road

HOW TO MAKE IT:

Take your chops out of the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. After they’ve had an hour or so to lose their chill, pat them dry with a paper towel. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees. Salt and pepper each chop on both sides. Heat a pan (my favorite is a cast iron pan), on medium heat. Sear the pork chops for about five minutes on each side.

Place the pan with the chops directly in the oven and cook until they reach 135 degrees. Use an instant read thermometer inserted in the side of the pork chop, being careful not to touch the bone. Note: It’s important to cook by temperature and not by time, as cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chops. When your pork reaches 135 degrees, let it rest for at least five minutes, then enjoy!

 At left: Bumpy Road Ranch has a regular booth at the Aberdeen Farmers Market. Below: Dave cares for a BRR turkey.

 A litter of young pigs born at BRR poses for a group photo.

“We decided that if we were going to eat meat, then we wanted it to be raised this way.”

Photos courtesy of Bumpy Road Ranch

Ranch operate. Dave does much of the day-to-day animal care and farm chores, as well as the research. Amy takes the lead in marketing the product by interacting with customers at the farmers market and telling the farm’s story. She also helps Dave with animal care. Kayla, who lives in Aberdeen with her husband and two children, maintains the business’ website and helps at busy times like on chicken butchering day. Their mom, Barb, picks up orders from the butcher and delivers them to customers. Amy’s fiancée Jarrett also helps with chicken and turkey butchering. Even though the family has been on the farm for years, Amy tells stories about how they’ve learned and grown in efficiency

since acquiring chickens and heritage pigs. The first time she and Kayla butchered chickens, it was a matter of pushing play on Youtube, watching a how-to video for a few seconds, hitting pause, and then trying to mimic what they saw.

“We were outside, my sister had a bird in one hand and her phone in the other. I think it took us all day to butcher only a few. We had 50 chickens and I remember thinking, ‘Oh my goodness it’s going to take us all week to butcher all of these!’” But they read a lot of books, talked to a lot of other farmers, and kept going. Nowadays, they can easily clean 50 to 60 birds in a single day.

This will be Bumpy Road Ranch’s fifth season at the Aberdeen Farmers Market. They also have their pork for sale at Natural Abundance and take custom orders for

anything from a whole pig or a half to a roast or a few pork chops. Amy says there are people who come through the farmers market that haven’t yet heard of them, and that she answers a lot of questions about their prices. “People will say, ‘That’s more expensive than the pork I can get at the store,’ and that’s true, but it isn’t the same quality and it isn’t the same product. I truly believe with my whole heart that we are selling a top of the line product that is better for you and better for the environment.” In the future, the ranch wants to keep partnering with more local vendors. Amy also works as a co-manager at Natural Abundance. This summer you’ll be able to find her serving Bumpy Road Ranch pork from the co-op’s food truck, a job she is definitely looking forward to.

“It says Bumpy Road Ranch on the side of the truck, and I get to cook meat that I raised and serve it to people. When we first started this, I told my grandpa that we might even have our pork in restaurants, but I didn’t know at the time that it would be a food truck I was running that would serve the meat. I think that’s really cool and I’m proud of that.” //

 To learn more about Bumpy Road Ranch, go to www.bumpyroadsd.com or find them on Facebook.

“I truly believe with my whole heart that we are selling a top of the line product that is better for you and better for the environment.”

 BRR’s heritage breed pigs are known to be good mothers who raise healthy piglets.

 Chickens roam free during the day and roost in a mobile coop at night at BRR.

 Pigs at BRR are rotated among green pastures to prevent disease and preserve the grazing environment.

 BRR turkeys enjoy the fresh air.

Photos courtesy of Bumpy Road Ranch

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

ot so long ago, you wouldn’t dare have walked into the corner of 8th Avenue and South Main looking for a drink. The paints there may have had exotic names, but you’ll do better with the place’s new fowl blends, like Ring Neck Red and Ditch Chicken. They’ll come to you under the watchful gaze of a bird that means business—a One-Legged Pheasant. But it’s OLP’s barkeep and brewmaster, Dave Welling, who rules the roost.

In a way it’s surprising he owns Aberdeen’s first brewpub. When his dad gave him his first taste of beer when he was growing up in Michigan, like any nineyear-old, “I thought it was the worst thing ever!” (Of course, it was a Miller Lite—and if his dad was like mine, it was the bottom of the bottle.) His appreciation, or at least his appetite, for beer increased as he got older, but as he says, “Nobody cares about taste when you’re young!”

But Dave approached beer a little differently. “I was always the guy looking for something else,” he remembers. “I put salt in my beer. I was the one who tried Michelob Dark, Molson X, Mickey’s” [author’s note: Mickey’s? Really?]. Eventually, he found craft beers about 15 years ago. “My first was probably Blue Moon, with that orange slice.” Then he visited the New Holland brewery in Michigan. “I liked their Imperial Hatter imperial IPA and Dragon’s Milk imperial milk stout. They were my step to the dark side,” he grins. “Once you light the fire, you never go back to ordinary beers. You think, ‘This is what real beer tastes like.’”

Also, whether he saw it then or not, a seed was planted, and he started “dabbling” in home brewing.

Meanwhile, he had been working as a service technician for a refrigeration company and had also taken a few runs at owning small businesses: a heavy equipment service that installed air conditioning units and a motorcycle TV show called “Rider Revolution” that appeared on local Michigan TV. A little bit of the showman in him too, he also spent ten years as a professional drummer.

In 2015, he found himself in Aberdeen

 Pictured at One-Legged Pheasant are l to r: Nikole Sidener (bar manager), Sandra Welling, Dave Welling, and Ryan Strickland (sales and distribution coordinator and bartender).

when his wife Sandra became dean of nursing at Presentation College. He loved the community, but soon “I realized there were no breweries here.” His dabbling in brewing picked up, and he moved quickly to the all grain process (where you start at the very beginning of the process with raw ingredients), because “That’s what the big boys do.” He kept studying and learning as he brewed. He also credits the Aberdeen Brewers and Vintners group—“There’s a lot of information there.”

He “was brewing hard for a couple years,” before the idea of becoming one of the big boys started to form. The lack of a brewpub here “turned on a lightbulb” for Dave, and he may have realized that it was “always in the back of my mind to do it here.” He

had visited brewpubs in Michigan, Denver, Omaha, Minneapolis, and other places. “I saw all the cool stuff,” he says. Then when he thought about opening a business, he started to study how they set up things in the back.

A lot happened behind the scenes for a while; in particular, Dave and Sandra committed themselves to launching a new business in their adopted community. Then on his birthday in October 2017, about a year after the couple began talking seriously about it, he announced his plan to open a brewpub. “Somebody’s gotta do it,” he decided.

By that time, he’d also taken out a lease on the building, which was most recently the Diamond Vogel paint store and had once been a print shop. It would take some work to get new liquids flowing there. Over the course of building the business, Dave credits his landlord (and creditor) Ron Wagner with a lot of flexibility and maybe some tough love—“I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Now the task was to convert the old paint store into a brewpub. The term suggests a combination of two functions—the brewery and the pub (although through centuries of beer history, pubs brewed and sold their own). The pub part was relatively easy—purchasing tables and chairs, setting up the bar, installing lighting and acoustics, painting the walls. Dave always had a kind of industrial motif in mind, hence the silver and black throughout the bar.

The brew part in the big space behind the pub took a little more work. By March 2018, Dave had quit his two jobs to focus full time on his goal of opening that spring. Unfortunately, his brewing equipment vendors had other priorities: bigger customers. Dave says, “There were two hard things about the process: financing, especially holding onto the building while there was no revenue, and equipment. My suppliers focused on their other, bigger clients over a new, small business.” Then, he adds, when the brewing equipment finally came months later than promised, “I needed to do a lot of jerry-rigging because it wasn’t as turnkey as the company claimed.” (His refrigeration background paid off when he installed it all himself.) The main ingredient in beer is water, and it surprises many customers that Dave uses Aberdeen water in his beer—but those people keep coming back for more. He admits, “I couldn’t brew

 Dave Welling is the owner of One-Legged Pheasant Brewery. The brewpub makes about 15 different craft beers that customers can enjoy on site.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THEIR HOMETOWN

• The Brewers Association for Small and Independent Craft Brewers estimates that the craft brewing industry contributed over $76 billion and 500,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2017. This compares to $55.7 billion in 2014—over 1/3 growth in just three years.

• The study estimated the impact in South Dakota at more than $221 million.

• On a per capita basis in the state (of those over age 21), that’s $356 per person (some of us are more than pulling our weight—so to speak).

• 1/3 of all beer buyers choose craft beer.

• Millennials account for 47% of the craft beer market.

• More than 40% of craft brew drinkers are college educated.

• 1.6% of craft beer drinkers take more than 10 trips annually to visit a brewery more than two hours from their home.

• James and Deborah Fallows’ book Our Town chronicles their four-year, 100,000mile small airplane leapfrog across America visiting small cities that thrive (their visits included Sioux Falls and Rapid City). They compiled an “informal checklist of the traits that distinguished a place where things seemed to work.” The list had 10.5 items—item 10.5, “perhaps the most reliable gauge,” is “at least one craft brewery, maybe more, and probably some small distilleries too.” James Fallows concludes, “A town that has them also has a certain kind of entrepreneur, and a critical mass of mainly young (except for me [author’s note: speak for yourself, Fallows]) customers. It sounds like a joke, but it explains a lot.”

with Aberdeen water.” So he installed an industrial water softener setup—a carbon filter gets rid of chlorine, then reverse osmosis reduces the mineral content down to 11 parts per billion. “It pretty much cleans it up—gets rid of all the Aberdeen taste.”

This nearly raw H2O and other good stuff gets cooked, conditioned, carbonated, and cooled in all that equipment that Dave assembled. And that equipment can hold a lot of beer. Six fermenting tanks and two bright tanks (where the beer is conditioned and carbonated) can hold some 870 gallons, almost 7,000 16 ounce glasses of beer. So far, Dave is using about half the capacity of the brewery. He can brew as many as six types of beer at a time, and he usually has three or four going. He has put about 15 different beers on tap so far and always has nine available, with four regulars—a couple ales, a lager, and an IPA.

Finally, in late September 2018, about a year after he announced his plans and about four months after he was hoping to, the One-Legged Pheasant opened to rave reviews. Check Facebook and Untapped, the mobile app for craft beer drinkers, for satisfied customer comments. It was a hit. The One-Legged Pheasant hops! (That’s a hint.)

Dave loves his job. “There’s such a sense of pride in owning a business,” he says. “It’s something you dream of. It’s one of my greatest feelings of fulfillment and the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” And, he adds, “But it all rises and falls on you—there are stresses of owning a business. But one way or another, I was always going to have a business of my own.”

OLP is a unique spot in Aberdeen, selling its own beer and only its own beer. And you can drink it in your own numbered OLP glass through the Mug Club. You can buy your own mug, keep it at the bar, and get

$1 off every beer you drink at OLP all year long. (Don’t tell the publisher I’m charging one to my magazine expense account.) As of this writing, there are 130 Mug Club members. The bar has also begun offering bingo nights, and other special events are in the works. Dave loves to give tours of the brewery area—which also hosts special beer events.

So why that name? “I always answer that question with a question,” Dave explains. “’What does a one-legged pheasant do?’ He hops! And there are hops in beer.” Originally that was going to be just the name of one beer, but through conversations with friends, it grew to become the name of the place. All his beers have related names connected to pheasants—e.g., Pleasant Pheasant, Big Gauge, and Over/ Under (maybe not always the connections a pheasant would think of). The bar has a serious-looking mascot named “Hoppy,” who has a family that will be showing up over time.

What’s ahead for OLP? Dave wasn’t planning to distribute his beer outside his own brewpub for at least a year, but Pounders is already carrying his beers. “There was interest in distribution from customers as soon as we opened,” he explains. The future might also include adding more taps, which would require increasing the size of the cooler for the kegs that feed them. He also thinks of possibly buying the building, adding food, expanding distribution, canning his beer, and maybe even moving the brewpub to a new space and expanding production in the current location.

But for now, he wants to “learn more about the business and make more profit.” And maybe have a beer. //

 One-Legged Pheasant Brewery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.



One-Legged Pheasant Brewery opened in September 2018 at 723 S. Main Street.

IN ABERDEEN PLANTING MORE ROOTS

HOMES ARE POSSIBLE, INC., HAS MADE HOMEOWNERSHIP A REALITY FOR HUNDREDS OF AREA FAMILIES

Like most first-time homebuyers, Lorrie Croucher was feeling mostly excited, and a little overwhelmed, just days before closing on her new house. “I’ve been renting forever, but when you’re renting you don’t really feel like the place is your home. So this is a big step and I’m just really excited for what the future will hold,” she says. The lifelong Aberdeen resident and manager at Goodwill adds that owning her house will give her and her three children their own space, as well as an investment for their future. Homes in Aberdeen have traditionally appreciated in value, and for most people, the largest asset they leave their heirs is their house. But for now, Lorrie is focused on everything this new chapter in life offers her little family at the present. “What I’m looking forward to the most is making memories with my kids in this house,” she says.

Lorrie’s journey to homeownership is just one example out of hundreds made possible thanks to Homes Are Possible, Inc (HAPI). Since getting started in 1999, the Aberdeen nonprofit has built close to 250 homes in town, developed 12 subdivisions, and provided over eight million dollars in

by JENNY ROTH

financial assistance for things like closing costs and home rehabilitation. And they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, which is good news, because the demand for housing goes hand in hand with citywide growth. Jeff Mitchell, HAPI’s executive director, explains, “Housing is really a key element of economic development. You can’t grow a town, recruit new businesses, or expand current businesses if there aren’t places for people to live.” Research printed in Forbes goes a step further in stating that people who own their home also tend to feel more satisfied and involved in their community. With renting, when your lease is up you can leave, but if you’re building equity in your own home, you’re more likely to put down roots and stay. Lorrie says, “I work here, I’ve lived here my whole life, and now that I have my own house I really don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”

HAPI has expanded its programming over the last twenty years, but it all started with a simple vision. Rodney Fouberg, Juletta Smith, Sister Janice Klein, and Bruce Jones knew from their professional experiences that there were plenty of people in the area who wanted to buy a home but didn’t have the cash to get over

BY THE NUMBERS

AS OF OCTOBER 2018

417 Homes in HAPI subdivisions (built by HAPI + private contractors/individuals)

232 Total homes built by HAPI in Aberdeen (in subdivisions + around town)

10 Different floor plans around Aberdeen

OCT. 2017- SEPT. 2018

Provided homebuyer education to 252 individuals in person

Provided rehabilitation grants to 98 families in 15 counties

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED SINCE 2006

$8,529,341 in total financial assistance provided

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

$2,956,700 funded silent second mortgages

$1,861,000 funded down payment assistance

$3,163,141 funded rehabilitation programs

Photo courtesy of HAPI

the initial hump of making a down payment. The four founders began by raising a small pool of money and creating an assistance program that went toward down payment and closing costs for low to middle-income families. But what they found was that even though people now had a way to cover closing costs, they were having trouble finding quality pieces of property to purchase. Jeff says, “HAPI didn’t intend to be a housing developer, but our board has always been really proactive in that they see a need and work to meet it.” In 2003, they set up their first housing subdivision south of the main post office in Aberdeen. Their goal was to sell at least 25 lots within three years. Ten months later, every lot was sold. Since then, they have put together several more housing developments in Aberdeen, the most recent being on North Dakota Street close to Holgate Middle School. Construction on homes in this subdivision is taking place this year. Along with Aberdeen, HAPI also serves other communities in about 25 counties across northeast South Dakota. HAPI subdivisions are a combination of HAPI-built homes and those built by private contractors. Because of this, the often lowercost HAPI homes are placed alongside more expensive ones. For example, at the time of this publication in their subdivision by Aberdeen Central, they had a home priced at $170,000 just a stone’s throw away from one on the market for $349,000. According to Jeff, this is an intentional maneuver that encourages blended neighborhoods with a variety of people living in them. He adds that HAPI’s profit margin on a house they build is a fraction of what a forprofit company would make. “Income is not our driving force, it’s not our purpose. Our purpose is to provide housing and related services and help families build wealth through homeownership.” An annual fundraiser covers most of their operating costs, while grants and their housing work generally fund their programming. In this way, HAPI’s success is tied directly to Aberdeen’s, and so far they have become one of the largest developers of affordable housing in the region.

HAPI’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

CHAIRPERSON

Lonnie Anderson, Retired, Engineer

PAST CHAIRPERSON

Brenda Waage, GROWSD

VICE-CHAIRPERSON

Mike Brumbaugh, Retired, Court Services Officer

SECRETARY

Barb Grosz, Presentation Convent TREASURER

Rich Rovang, Retired, Engineer

BOARD MEMBERS

Rodney Fouberg, Dacotah Banks Inc.

Cindi Walsh, U.S. Bank

Gene Cox, Mobridge Representative

All of HAPI’s homebuyers go through a homebuyer education class. Lorrie says it helped her understand her options and learn about the purchasing process. “It’s very valuable and full of good information, you learn a lot.” Along with building homes, developing subdivisions, and helping with down payment and closing costs, HAPI has assisted people in completing home repairs for close to a decade. This year for the first time they’re also able to help Aberdeen residents ages 62 and older with more extensive repairs, such as foundation and multiple system issues. One challenge HAPI continues to face is finding land suitable to build houses on due to natural and man-made barriers. Jeff explains, “The wetlands and water we have in this area don’t always lend themselves very well to construction.” HAPI’s board of directors and staff continue to learn as they go. They rely on the expertise of area professionals when it comes to deciding where to build and how to fund their projects. Their board members work in banking, real estate, engineering, construction, and more housing-related industries.

Lorrie heard about HAPI through their Facebook page and decided to take the next step by going to their office and finding out more. She encourages others considering homeownership to do the same. “I definitely recommend it. You don’t know what is possible unless you ask questions, and everyone at their office is just really helpful. They walked me through everything I needed to do.” //

 You can learn more about Homes Are Possible, Inc., by calling 605-225-HAPI, stopping in at their office at 320 S. Main Street, or by visiting www.homesarepossible.org

Brent Heinert, Plains Commerce Bank

Clarence Fjeldheim, Retired Aberdeen Public Works

Bruce Jones, Retired, USDA/RD State Director

Juletta Smith, Retired, Housing Manager

Jody Zueger, Aberdeen Housing Authority

Mike Jung, Jung Construction

Breanne Davis, Realtor, Century 21

Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, Aberdeen City Council

ADVISORY

BOARD MEMBERS

Nick Bittner, Dacotah Bank

Bruce Jones, Rural Development

Scott Grebner, Gerharter Realtors

OFFICE STAFF

Jeff Mitchell, Executive Director

Mary Beth Townsend, Housing Assistant

William Deng, CDFI Coordinator

Rachel Dix, Home Ownership Coordinator

Vicky Drexel, Office Assistant

Pat Mertens, Inspector

 L-R Jeff Mitchell, William Deng, Mary Beth Townsend, Rachel Dix, and Vicki Drexel.

Not pictured is Pat Mertens. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

 Below: A HAPI-built home in Aberdeen. Photo courtesy of HAPI.

Crave-worthy cuisine made and sold near you by JENNY ROTH

MEAT

DemKota

Ranch Beef

Aberdeen

Beef products sourced primarily within a 200-mile radius of the Hub City.

Economy

Meat Market

Bath

Everything you need to stock your freezer or host a barbecue.

We know this area is agriculture country. But did you know that well over 50 different South Dakota and North Dakota food producers have their goods for sale in Aberdeen? We searched the shelves at Ken’s SuperFair Foods and Natural Abundance Food Coop to find these delicious meats, cheeses, snacks, desserts, wines, and more — all made close to home. There are too many mouthwatering fares from the Dakotas to fit each one in this article, so to see more, head to your grocery stores or farmers market. //

Heier’s Meat Market

Hosmer

Tanka

Buffalo Sticks

Pine Ridge

Perfect for snacking.

Wild Idea

Buffalo Co.

Rapid City

Ground bison, roast, and brats.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

EGGS BEER

Dakota Territory Brewing

Cage-free and farm fresh.

CHEESE

Wooden Shoe Cheese Co.

Corsica

Cheese curds with savory ranch or Cajun seasoning.

Prairie Sunrise Eggs

Ellendale

A local favorite brewed in downtown Aberdeen.

Dimock Dairy Dimock

Over 20 varieties of premium cheese.

Käsemeister Creamery

Frankfort

Davis Dairy Plant Brookings

Crafted by SDSU students.

Farmto-table cheese by Spink Colony.

Crow Peak Brewing Co.

Spearfish Craft beer from the black hills.

Fernson Brewing Co. Sioux Falls

Seasonal and core IPAs, lagers, and porters.

WINE

With the Wind Winery

Made from grapes grown on the Klein family vineyard near Rosholt.

CONDIMENTS

Ol’ West BBQ & Dipping Sauce

Mellette

Great on burgers, pork, and chicken.

Whetstone Valley Preserves

Milbank

Cherie’s Rhubarb Jam

Aberdeen

Rick’s Salt Mobridge

Circus Wings Sauce

Aberdeen

Turton Rhubarb, chokecherry, and wild plum jellies.

Char’s Kitchen

Little Shire Farm Honey

Aurora

Honey infused with distinct flavors.

Johnny’s Rub & Seasoning

Mobridge

Wandry’s Apiary

Aberdeen

Lake Thompson Honey

Oldham

Ma’s Noodla Hosmer

Homemade, German-style noodles.

Teno’s Tacos Huron

Signature tacos with Teno’s hot sauce.

SIDES & DESSERTS

Eureka Kuchen Factory

Grassland Goodies

Eureka

Pietz’s Kuchen Kitchen

Scotland

South Dakota’s state dessert is well represented.

Woodenknife Company Interior

A much soughtafter Indian fry bread dough mix.

Native American Herbal Tea

Aberdeen

Eight soothing herbal tea blends

Dakota Style Chips Mound City

Packed with crunch.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

TENNIS ANYONE?

Hub City Court Champions

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

“I like things where I have to take all the blame,” says Kelly Rae Haskell, “and get all the credit.” She’s talking about tennis, which is fundamentally an individual game, although her fourteen-year-old daughter Hallie, who plays tennis for Roncalli, adds that she likes contributing to the team too. As a town with a rich tennis heritage, Aberdeen may need more advocates with the Haskells’ attitude.

The landscape—literally—of tennis in Aberdeen has changed in recent years. Word once was there were more tennis courts per capita in Aberdeen than anywhere in the country, but the number of those courts has dropped by about half in the last decade or so—victims of other recreational facilities. “I remember lots of good players in town and when you could hardly get a court,” Bill Edwards, Kelly Rae’s father, says. Now it’s easier.

Aaron Kiesz, president of the Aberdeen Community Tennis Association (ACTA), an organization that’s been around Aberdeen under one name or another for decades, acknowledges, “Tennis is down, no question about it.” John Carrels agrees, but believes “all sports are down all over. There’s so much more for kids to do than before, and not as many are playing sports because they have too much else to do.” In terms of tennis, he adds, “Aberdeen doesn’t have the same kind of feeder that we had when I was at Northern, when tennis players stuck around in the summer to teach the game.”

Aberdeen Roncalli sophomore Hallie Haskell plays tennis for the Cavaliers.

Photo by Roncalli Journalism

On that note, Aberdeen has had its share of tennis champions in the past, both in the sport and for the sport. Vern Malsam remembers hitting by himself at one of the courts when he’d first moved to town decades ago. “This old guy came to the court, so I asked him if he wanted to play,” he says. They played a three-set match, and the old guy won 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 (for the uninitiated, that means out of 19 games played, Vern won one). “So we finally introduced ourselves,” Vern says. “‘I’m C.C. Lee,’ the old guy said. ‘I own these courts’”—and he wasn’t just talking about the trouncing he’d just handed Vern. Obviously wanting more places to play, the former K.O. Lee Company president donated money to build several courts in town, and was, says Chuck Kornmann, “a main driver of tennis in Aberdeen.”

But even C.C. Lee couldn’t overcome Aberdeen’s weather. Tennis can be a yearround sport, but not if you can only play outdoors. Hallie Haskell notes that in the two months of her 2018 high school season, she played in temperatures ranging from 98 degrees down to 32 degrees. Given that climate, Chuck cites Duane Thurow and Bruce Cutler as tennis heroes for creating the indoor tennis court upstairs on Main

 Tennis is a family and generational sport. Tim Davies, who is in his 60s and was a standout basketball player for Roncalli and Northern (third from left), got together for a doubles match with John Carrels (55), Erica Carrels (20), and JD Carrels (26). Photo courtesy of John Carrels.

Street (above Karisma), which opened in 1977 in a space that had previously been a bowling alley and a ballroom. Jerry Sayler, whom John Carrels calls a “tennis legend in Aberdeen,” ran the place—and, says Chuck, “He was also always available to play if you needed a fourth guy.” Chuck and other tennis players set up Aberdeen Tennis, Inc., a company that paid the rent for years. Then Mike Evans took over the space, and Aberdeen Tennis gave him the assets—“basically the net and the carpet,” according to Chuck. The place has pads on the walls, which are just a few feet from the sidelines, and there’s a sign reminding players to bolt the door at the top of the stairs while playing, thus preventing them from chasing a lob down a 25-foot staircase. Mike upgraded the court with air conditioning, bathrooms, and showers,

although the latter might not get the use they once did. Chuck notes, “We used to shower in the locker room there. Now we just go to Lager’s and drink beer.”

Some other champions of tennis in the Hub City include former Central coach Lisa Link and former Roncalli coach Colette Quam, who ran tournaments and brought in tennis pros. Judy Rezatto ran summer programs, gave lessons, and coached Roncalli teams. Several people mentioned Burt Elliott, who coached boys and girls tennis at CHS for a total of 36 years and has a girls tournament named for him. “Burt was a great advocate of tennis who didn’t play the game,” John chuckles. Kelly Rae, who played for Burt, agrees. “He was a good guy, a wonderful coach who really cared about his athletes as kids and wanted to build them up as leaders and people. He taught life lessons, but I never saw him play.”

“I remember lots of good players in town and when you could hardly get a court.”

 Kelly Rae Haskell (right) learned to play tennis from her dad, Bill Edwards (center). Her daughter Hallie Haskell (left) has also picked up the sport. The trio credits family time for keeping tennis fun. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

Wylie Park

There have been other important players in Aberdeen’s tennis story. John Carrels credits the influence of Doug Smith, onetime head of the Aberdeen Racket Club (forerunner of the ACTA) and former NSU tennis player, who stuck around and helped teach a lot of young players, including the Central athletes who taught John. Some tennis players who helped Central win team state championships in 1972-74 coached John’s elementary football and basketball teams at Sacred Heart School and also taught them tennis. They were so successful that when John and his friends got to high school, their Roncalli tennis team beat Central four years in a row (John also came home with three state titles—two singles and one doubles). John went on to play tennis at NSU and paid forward the favor of Doug Smith and his protégés by teaching tennis during his college summers.

Kelly Rae learned tennis from her dad, Bill Edwards. “I played golf in high school and at Northern,” Bill says, “but I realized it wasn’t good exercise, and it took so long to play a round that I took up tennis as an adult.” Kelly Rae started playing in earnest around age 12, after Bill took her to the US Open tournament where the 12-year-old Kelly Rae got an autograph from 13-year-old Jennifer Capriati. That was when Kelly Rae got serious, playing upstairs every Saturday morning, even leaving sleepovers early to go hit. She continued with tennis at Central and the University of Sioux Falls. She credits a lot of fatherdaughter time for keeping the game fun, and that continues for her and her daughter Hallie.

Whether or not its numbers are down in Aberdeen, tennis still has a lot going for it. Aaron Kiesz observes, “Middle school numbers for players are up, and that’s a good sign.” ACTA offers tennis social opportunities and tournaments to keep the game appealing for busy people. Even though most of the players I talked with sensed a decline of tennis in Aberdeen, they continue to play and don’t have trouble finding someone to hit with.

One tennis plus is that it’s a lifelong sport. Hallie mentioned a video of herself trying to hit a ball over the net at age three. Chuck Kornmann, at 81, still plays and says that when he’s in Florida, he sometimes plays with a 95-year-old former Marine veteran of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal. Why does Chuck still play despite back surgery and knee problems? “Because I can!” he says. “It’s wonderful to be out there, and it’s better than a nursing home.”

It’s a family sport too. Although he really picked up the sport from those Central tennis players, John Carrels’ parents both played, and he and his mom once won a tournament in Brookings. All three of his kids played high school tennis, and his wife plays too. “It’s a family affair,” he says. Kelly Rae, whose husband and four kids play, enjoys going to tournaments when everyone in the family can play.

Finally, it’s inexpensive. In Aberdeen, a beginner could buy a racket, a year’s supply of balls, and Parks and Rec lessons for under $100 (as you play more, you’ll spend more). Other than rent for the indoor court, it’s free to play on Hub City courts.

Some argue that tennis is suffering from the lack of star American players—a point that may acknowledge that Serena Williams is now more of a galactic superstar than merely American. John Carrels isn’t sure about that argument, but he regrets the lack of a college tennis program in town, which in the past provided more summertime teachers and coaches who taught and passed on their love for the game.

Kelly Rae observes, “For any sport, you need someone who’s passionate about it to make it accessible and fun and big in the community.” A champion. Maybe that person was sitting across the table from her. Hallie says she wishes there were more kids playing. When asked what she would tell kids to get them to take it up, she says, “Tennis is really fun!” Then she adds, “I’m available to hit whenever they want!” One person at a time. //

 Aberdeen Central senior, Nic Allen, serves at a recent match in Aberdeen.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

little house PRAIRIE on the

by JENNY ROTH Photos by CHRISTINA SHILMAN, PAISLEY TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

“I lived away from family for 17 years and decided it was time to fix that,” says Leslie Barbour. Leslie moved to Aberdeen from Texas about one year ago to be closer to her sister who lives here. She’s the director at CREATE Makerspace, cat mom to Jack and Betty, and now also a first-time homeowner. “I started to think about what I wanted to accomplish before I turned 40 and knew homeownership was on that list,” she says. Watching Tiny House Hunters on TV got her thinking that maybe the tiny-home lifestyle could work for her and help fulfill that goal of owning a home. After finding a lot in Aberdeen for a good price, she got busy searching for the right design. “I started

looking at every website and blog I could find about tiny homes, trying to find ideas for what I wanted mine to look like,” she says. Eventually, she decided to base her plans on the Moschata Tiny House by The Small House Catalog, but included her own custom modifications, like adding a basement.

In December 2018, Leslie’s tiny home was finally move-in ready. She says the moving part was tricky at times, but that family and friends helped her along the way. Having lived overseas in the past, she knew how to significantly downsize her personal belongings. Still, a move into a 720-squarefoot space takes a lot of introspection. “I brought in a few boxes at a time, unpacked them, then brought over a couple more boxes,” she explains.

The best part of living in her tiny home so far? “There’s so little to clean! And everything I own has been specifically chosen by me to have in my house, so that makes what I do own very special.” Leslie is honest about the challenges of tiny-home life too. Her bedroom is in the loft, and it was strange to sleep in such a high, open area right away. Keeping things clutter-free, maximizing storage, and hosting guests are other things she is learning as she goes. “I had a few panicked moments of claustrophobia when I first moved in, but those have long subsided. It’s very cozy and I really enjoy my little space.” //

 Leslie’s home is 720-sqare-feet and includes a basement, main floor, and loft.

“It’s very cozy and I really enjoy my little space.”

 The loft is just the right size for the tiny home’s master bedroom.

 Leslie Barbour, owner of Aberdeen’s first tiny home, with her feline friends Jack and Betty.

TIPS FOR TINY HOME LIFE IN ABERDEEN

Be ready to be persistent and go through some red tape. Leslie says, “Start with city zoning and planning and then go from there. Hopefully I’ve made the process a little easier for the next person, now that there’s a precedent to follow.”

Leslie recommends putting in a basement if you can. “Sure, you lose mobility, but it’s amazing how much more space you’ll have.”

If you’re living alone, go for it! Two people means more stuff to downsize, organize, and store. “Build while you’re single. I can’t imagine making this work with someone else in the picture,” Leslie says.

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A NEW FACE FOR AN OLD SPACE

Treat your home to a makeover with these simple DIY fixes

by CARRIE BARTSCHER, Design Consultant at Ultimate Kitchen & Bath and We Do Closets

Is your house or apartment tired and in need of a facelift? If so, don’t worry! Creating a new vibe in any home is as easy as changing out the “accessories” like paint, hardware, light fixtures, and other items that can be added or replaced in a weekend. These DIY projects do require a little patience and sweat equity, but you won’t have to invest in a major overhaul or knock down any walls to add some spice to your life.

Swap Out Dated Hardware

A fix that can be completed in a weekend is switching out the cabinet or door hardware in your kitchen or bathroom. This takes no time at all and is an easy transition into a new style. Some eye-catching looks you might want to use are black or brass, and this might surprise some, but yes, brass is back! However, it’s not the yellow brass of old, but a softer and warmer tone. Otherwise, a more subtle statement might be all you need to say “fresh” in your kitchen or bathroom. Current trends include hardware with thick, clean lines, minimal adornments, and stainless steel or brushed nickel finishes.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest weekend fixes is paint. A fresh coat of paint provides a quick makeover and brings new life into your home. With woodlook patterns continuing to be on trend, earthy shades of paint have naturally followed. Look for mushroom grays and fern-inspired colors to tie this look together. If you’re feeling a bit bolder, go for coral, navy, or another vibrant hue of your choice. Bringing in a bold color can be energizing and invigorating, but don’t feel obligated to cover an entire area with it. Paint an accent wall and then incorporate the color through decor pieces or smaller elements, such as rugs or fun pillows.

Let Your Style Flow from New Faucets

One more quick hardware fix is faucets. At the 2019 KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show), statement faucets, mixed metals, and matte black and gold were showcased. With statement faucets, look for updated traditional faucets to have an industrial twist. Additionally, semi-professional faucets have followed the trend of industrializing kitchen appliances, and these pieces feature a spray head and pull-down hose. While brushed nickel continues to be the favorite finish, homeowners are now incorporating it with other finishes in their kitchen and baths. If you want to take this trend a step further, mix metals on a single faucet for a modern look. For instance, Kohler has an ombré faucet option that combines vibrant rose gold and vibrant polished nickel.

Photos by Ultimate Kitchen & Bath

Set the Atmosphere with Lighting

Changing out lighting is a swift project that can be completed in a day or two. Often, lighting is an afterthought, but updating it will improve your space and let you play with new styles. Something to remember with light fixtures is to think about how the light will function and the ambiance you want to create in that room. So, what is currently trending (clear transitional pendants, rustic wood finishes, and contemporary geometric chandeliers) might not work for your space, but a more traditional pendant or a simple lantern look might. There are also unique places to update lighting in your kitchen—think about toe kick lights, under cabinet LED strip lighting, and backlighting kitchen islands.

Transform a Room from the Ground Up

If you fancy yourself a DIY professional, then you may want to tackle new flooring. Currently, luxury vinyl tile and planks that look like wood are very popular. There are many colors and styles to choose from, so finding a look to fit your home shouldn’t be too difficult. There are many brands and companies that make these materials, so do your research and know what you are purchasing before you jump in. You can even Google installation procedures for most flooring options. Keep in mind this project may take a little more than a weekend, depending on the square footage. Therefore, if you are not the DIY kind for this type of project, hire the installation to be done by professionals. They are quick, talented, and will do the job correctly.

Coordinate Your Countertops

A final idea, that also may take a smidge longer than a weekend and require the help of professionals, is to update your countertops. Changing out countertops creates a new look without having to do a full kitchen remodel. The newly introduced styles from the recent KBIS displayed a plentiful array of dark, bolder tones and wood looks; however, if you prefer lighter colors and subtle patterns, those are also still very popular and readily available. When choosing countertops in your kitchen there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are selecting a surface and color that fits your lifestyle. Another thing you’ll want to consider is mixing and matching surfaces. For example, use laminate on your perimeter countertops and granite or quartz on your island.

Mixing two countertop styles may be intimidating, but if you look for balance and color coordination, it is uncomplicated. Pattern design is important to pay attention to because the last thing you want is clashing styles. If you’re drawn toward busier designs, choose that for one area, then look for a solid complimentary color or minimal pattern for the other countertop. This way, your materials don’t compete. Another idea is to balance dark and light. If your first choice is on the lighter side, look for a darker second choice for contrast. You can go with the classic black and white, or work with light and dark neutrals or pastels. Other popular material options include a custom wood piece or butcher block. These will provide differentiation in your space and allow for beautiful combinations.

All these fixes will bring major impact to any room. Whether you are updating, changing your style, or just plain need a breath of fresh air, try one or more of the above suggestions and enjoy your home’s new look! //

Photos by Ultimate Kitchen & Bath

For the last decade, Aberdeen has been using the advertising slogan Write your Story in Aberdeen.

It’s meant to entice folks to come here and make memories or add another chapter to their life story. It encourages locals to make their mark on the city and live the life they desire. It symbolizes opportunity. Aberdeen also has a nickname. For nearly the entire history of our community, the term “Hub City” has been synonymous with Aberdeen. Yet newcomers to this town might not know why entities like Hub City Radio, Hub City Roofing, or Hub City Moms include Hub City in their names. Hub City is not to be confused with a marketing slogan, nor is

it part of an advertising campaign. It is a qualitative nickname, like the Big Apple, or the Windy City, that puts a perception in your mind. It is a nickname that packed a lot of punch over 130 years ago.

Here’s a little Marketing 101. Most people have probably heard of branding. Brand guru Seth Godin describes a brand this way, “A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” Or, one city over another.

A brand can be a promise to the consumer to know what to expect. And a slogan or a nickname will define or enhance a brand position – substantially helping that business stand apart. Everyone will forever

remember Nike’s Just Do It, McDonald’s I’m Lovin’ It, and Save Big Money At Menards. All these slogans (along with incessant advertising) create a desirable attraction or connection between people and a company’s brand, leading to expanded interaction with the business.

It’s important to understand why Aberdeen was known as the Hub City, how the term was used, and the impact that nickname had on our rapidly growing city. The reality of Aberdeen’s boom, conjoined with the brand nickname Hub City, created a massive economic development magnet, the likes of which we have not seen since. But let’s back up to the beginning.

In his book, A Souvenir of Aberdeen: The Railroad Hub of the Dakotas, the late Don

Could a nickname be the secret to Aberdeen’s early fame?

Artz tells the story of why Aberdeen was branded as the Hub City. According to Artz, and confirmed by additional local research, this all came about because a man named Walter P. Butler added the word “hub” to a map he drew.

Butler was a fascinating fellow. He came to Aberdeen in 1881, arriving a few months after the city’s initial platting and just as the first railroad was making it to town. Although he already had a law degree, he also became a surveyor, a draftsman, and, ultimately, the city engineer. Later he became proficient at mapmaking, due to his drafting experience with the Milwaukee Railroad. If you look at maps of Aberdeen and surrounding communities created in the late 1800s, you can generally find Butler’s name on them.

In 1886, Butler drew a small, regional map of Dakota Territory to incorporate the newest railroad to Aberdeen (see below). He noticed the rail lines looked like spokes of a wheel, with Aberdeen being the center, or hub. He added “The Railroad Hub of Dakota” to the map (North and South Dakota became separate states in 1889) and created a frenzy. The Aberdeen Daily News started offering stationery to businesses with the hub map printed at the top and on accompanying envelopes. Aberdeen residents loved the term, and it was quickly adopted throughout the town. The national media separately picked up on this hub concept as it touted Aberdeen’s rapid and impressive five-year initial development. In fact, the media may have preempted Butler’s hub claim by a couple years.

It’s interesting to see on a map that the slightly older city of Watertown also had many railroad lines emanating from it, just like Aberdeen. Yet Aberdeen, despite being platted

later, took off and surpassed Watertown in population, hype, and number of businesses. Perhaps the marketing of “The Railroad Hub of Dakota” had more impact on prospectors than simply “Watertown.” Businesses wanted to be in a town at the center of all the action. Who wouldn’t want to locate their business to a place known as The Hub?

Twenty years after The Hub was coined, the nickname was still going strong. In fact, after a Watertown reporter visited Aberdeen for the first time in 1909, he wrote a story comparing The Hub (not Aberdeen) to Watertown, declaring, “Everybody seems consumed with a desire to make their city the best on earth; they talk Aberdeen and even dream Aberdeen! But they have to pay for it. Boosting of the Aberdeen brand comes high and has to be paid for in hard cash, but they seem to be well pleased with their bargain, and it seems to pay. In Watertown we have many public spirited business men who are willing to do much for the city, but there does not seem to be that spirit of enthusiastic sacrifice, that willingness to do everything, to go all lengths that seems to characterize Aberdeen, and which is forcing growth of that city along at a tremendous rate.”

EMBRACING THE NICKNAME

Here are just some of the businesses in Aberdeen that used the Hub nickname over the years.

Hub Area Birth to Three Connections

Hub Area Citizen Advocacy

Hub Area Vocational Center

Hub Café

Hub City Adjusting

Hub City Amana Food Plan

Hub City Auto Radiator

Hub City Band

Hub City Bible Institute

Hub City Bottling

Hub City Chiropractic

Hub City Employment Agency

Hub City Equipment

Hub-Co Federal Credit Union

Hub City Feed & Seed

Hub City Glass

Hub City Granite Works

Hub City Hardware

Hub City Hat Cleaners

Hub City Hotel

Hub City Hot Shots

Hub City Inc.

Hub City Iron

Hub City Iron Store

Hub City Janitorial Service

Hub City Liquor

Hub City Livestock Auction

Hub City Machine Works

Hub City Marketing Service

Hub City Masonry

 In 1886, Aberdeen city engineer and accomplished draftsman, Walter P. Butler, drew this map of all the railroads crisscrossing through Aberdeen. He realized the rail lines looked like spokes of a wheel with Aberdeen at the center, or hub, of the wheel. The names of the railroads are confusing and often changed over the years. Indicated on this map are the three main lines, the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul, the Chicago & Northwestern, and the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba.

There is no doubt that this nickname, adored by everyone here, was a major piece of the public relations effort put forth by our community founders over 130 years ago. And I don’t think it was a planned campaign. I believe the promotion of the Hub City nickname was an organic phenomenon rooted in every pioneer who wanted to see their interests prosper. They were a competitive bunch, and many believed that Aberdeen had the potential to be the next Minneapolis or Chicago, or at the very least, a capital city.

Hub City Moms

Hub City Monument

Hub City Motors

Hub City Music & Vending

Hub City Pawn & Used Books

Hub City Radio

Hub City Roofing and Tire

Hub City Soccer

Hub City School Supply

Hub City Shopper

Hub City Steel Building

Hub City Taxi Line

Hub City Tire & Retread

Hub City Transit

Hub City Truck Terminal

Hub City Woodworking

Hub Clothiers

Hub Distributing

Hub Furniture

Hub Music & Vending

Hub Recreation Club Bowling Alley

Hub Transfer

Walter P. Butler didn’t miss an opportunity to promote. This 1915 image represents the backside of the business letterhead for the Narregang Real Estate Company. Early business people were constantly communicating with people back east about land, farming, and business opportunities. Hub City promotions like this were just part of the common effort to keep the Aberdeen momentum going. Butler worked for Narregang, but because this page doesn’t mention a company name, he made this artwork available to any business as he had done prior. Notice several tracks converging on Watertown as well. The term “Hub City” is a brilliant case of brand distinction and set Aberdeen apart from many other cities.

A couple things were going on at this time that could have inspired Butler, and others, to help Aberdeen stand out as a booming brand and enhance the marketing of the Hub City. In the days leading up to statehood in 1889, much lobbying was going on to give a state to Bismarck and a state to Yankton, each having served as territorial capitals. But what about Aberdeen? In 1882, the Aberdeen area produced the most incredible wheat crop ever imagined, drawing more and more pioneers and savvy business folk from back east. The town’s population was skyrocketing, and the hype was spread far and wide by the media. Due to its newly dubbed status as The Hub of Dakota, Aberdeen had desires to be the capital of Dakota, if and when it became a state. People of the region and the widespread media believed that a third state, Central Dakota, should be considered, allowing Aberdeen the capital distinction it deserved if Dakota was to be sectioned off. In fact, the Bismarck Tribune wrote on August 28, 1885, “Central Dakota is a flower in the land. It has over 50,000 people and that she will be heard in future conventions and matters concerning this territory goes without saying. With the development that north and south railroads will give this region, it will be the hub of Dakota in matters commercial as well as political at no distant day.”

 This 1886 business envelope shows an expanded version of W. P. Bulter’s Hub City map. It’s interesting to note that this business stationery emphasizes Aberdeen, not the business, which places greater prominence on community development and recognition than the business itself. (Provided by Ken Stach, Dakota Postal History Society)

Aberdeen was quickly becoming a huge center of commerce with an audience watching from the outside. And the locals bragged about it. Ads were placed in newspapers back east, pamphlets were printed, and businesses incorporated the nickname into their names. Meanwhile, the railroads provided opportunity. Aberdeen was booming, and all eyes were on the Hub City. On June 16, 1888, The St. Paul Daily Globe – Dakota Edition wrote, “Aberdeen, a name in itself pleasant to the ear, is fortunate and attractive in its synonyms. The leading city of central Dakota is known in the territory, in nearly every state of the Union, and in many of the financial centers of Great Britain either as “the railway center of Dakota,” “the distributing and trade center of Dakota,” “the hub city of Dakota,” or by some title equally suggestive and desirable.” The story goes on to say that Aberdeen’s success was not simply because of the railroads that crisscrossed here, but that its fame grew from intelligent business people who capitalized on the commerce opportunities made possible by the trains. The Hub City brand is about business, not trains.

I often hear folks declare that our Hub City nickname is no longer relevant because the railroad isn’t ingrained in our psyches anymore. They instantly point to

the faded railroad lore, not the economic impact of a commercial, business hub, and dismiss the term. I say they’re missing the point. The Hub City name is an essential, core competency of Aberdeen’s existence. Aberdeen was born of absolutely nothing. Our town’s foundation was a vast, green field of grass without trees and a watery slough, and it was platted by the railroad exactly like thousands of others. Hub City is synonymous with the diverse industry our pioneers invented to create a livelihood for themselves here. Being a hub city motivated

 In 1911 Aberdeen was a booming hub for business. Most industrial companies located along the railroad tracks. This view was shot atop the Citizens Building looking northeast. Most all of the factory buildings are now gone. The Dacotah Prairie Museum building is on the left (photo by N.A. Brothers).

them to build their city, make it their own, and then convince others to like it.

Nowadays, do we see that same Hub City buzz that Walter P. Butler and the city’s businesses boasted about for decades? Do we still have that unified, motivating spirit to be the center of our region and proclaim it from the rooftops so everyone knows about it? I’m not going to be so bold as to say dropping the term Hub City caused a disinterest in a common vision, splintering and siloing our business community. Obviously, many factors are at play when it comes to

community promotional momentum.

Aberdeen’s population flattened in the 1980s and has shown a gradual up tick since 2000. Many say the decline of the railroad caused this big speed bump of progress and inhibited growth. Perhaps. But we have more transportation options than we’ve ever had before, and we’re still producing goods and services on an incredible scale. Maybe it’s simply a generational phenomenon. The pioneers who so aggressively embraced the term and concept of the Hub City were also building the Hub City at the same time. Later generations benefited from a foundation of government, roads, and infrastructure. Our young sometimes move on to other cities. Many left for the next westward boomtown. Heck, even Walter P. Butler left for Minneapolis.

Thinking about all the pioneers who built a life here, who left a legacy, and who wrote their own story, our current slogan, Write your Story, seems very fitting to motivate a generation to engage in our city. I think it has even more potential. If we asked Mr. Butler what he thinks of the slogan, perhaps he’d reply, “How about, Write your Story – In the Hub City?” //