Mitchell, SD became the focus for this blog because of the enthusiasm and kindness of Ron Fuchs. I walked into the Andrew Carnegie Library and looked around. I saw darkened rooms, but to my left was Ron at his computer. I was ready to walk out when Ron pulled away from his desk and offered to give me a tour of the library and told me some of the history of the town.  A larger library has recently been been built and this building is now home to Mitchell Area Historical Society (MAHS) and the Mitchell Area Genealogical Society (MAGS) and the building is now officially called the Carnegie Resource Center.

Ron Fuchs knows Mitchell, SD. Not just the statistics, but the human stories that makes life truly interesting. Thank you Ron.

Alexander Mitchell (1817-1887) and Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) may have known each other. They were both born in Scotland and both extremely wealthy. Andrew contributed the funding for the Library in Mitchell in 1903. He funded the construction of  2,509 libraries.

A gem of  a building. So glad I stopped. Note the Ionic columns framing the double doors.

Alexander Mitchell was president of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad (Milwaukee Rd). Mitchell, SD was originally named Firesteel but was changed to Mitchell in anticipation of the completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad in 1880. His grandson was the famous Billy Mitchell, the pioneering aviator who was able to convince the military of the growing importance of air power during World War II.

Mitchell has the last remaining Corn Palace (there were 34 palaces throughout the state). What is a Corn Palace? The building acts as a civic center, indoor sports arena and theater. The walls of this building have panels depicting history, famous visiting artists and other scenes from life in this western agricultural town. The panels look like they are made out of tile, which may explain the Moorish influence of towers and minarets.  The tiles are actually corn husks of various colors which are changed every year. From 1948 to 1971, the artist Oscar Howe (1915-1983) designed the panels.

Panels of Palace designed by Oscar Howe.

This year is an exception, for the drought was so devastating that it will be a major financial effort to renew the panels after two years. This is ironic, for the intention of a corn palace is to show the world and potential farmers that this is a great and profitable place to grow corn!

Elvis in corn husks!

Oscar Howe also painted the dome of the Carnegie Library.  His art is bold and intriguing in its design. The Library rotunda displays many of his art works.

We also visited the McGovern Legacy Museum at the Dakota Wesleyan University. George McGovern was a prominent teacher, statesman, humanitarian and Senator. The information is well presented.  For more information: Click here!