Griffith wins carving

During a late October (10/29) luncheon recognizing volunteers at the Western Heritage Cultural Center in Spearfish, a beautiful moose antler carving created by Tony Ramer was presented to Nyla Griffith of Deadwood. Her winning raffle ticket was selected on October 18th as part of a fundraiser for the center.

Ramer, at left in this photo, grew up in North Dakota but now lives in Custer. He has been carving antlers since he was a young boy and has been making a living at it since 1981. This piece was inspired by a Charles Russell water color entitled “A Moment of Great Peril in a Cowboy’s Career.”

It was a pleasant surprise for Griffith, who’s been heavy on the campaign trail as a legislative candidate for the District #31 South Dakota State Senate seat. The campaign is down to less than a week. She is shown here with her husband, Tom. They are owners of TDG Communications in Deadwood.

Many of the more than 40 volunteers at the High Plains Western Heritage Center attended the luncheon – and they were given a heartfelt thanks by center Executive Director Peggy Ables.

In a previously posted photo gallery, we included a few candid shots taken around the museum when the Spearfish Area Historical Society met there last year. Just follow this link and scroll down.