The road less traveled...

The Main Street of North America is in the Heartland; home to hearty souls, colorful characters and more than one salty tale. And between Canada and the Republic of Mexico is a single ribbon of highway where a traveler will find it.

U.S. Highway 281 begins at the International Peace Gardens in North Dakota; then covers the ground that the Lewis & Clark Expedition traveled over in South Dakota; it takes those on the road less traveled to the world’s largest shamrock in Nebraska; and on to the Home on the Range in Kansas where the song originated; to the Indian Capital of the Nation in Oklahoma and finally to the famous wildflowers and cultural border towns of Texas

Now imagine that journey in song.

“Seeing it through your windshield is like watching an ever-changing canvas,” says western and folks singer/songwriter Kerry Grombacher of his Hwy 281 Troubadour Tour.

“The open range and farm ground of North and South Dakota, Nebraska’s Sand Hills and Kansas’ Gypsum Hills, the prairie of Oklahoma and the Hill Country of Texas.” Traveling the mostly two lane highway through rural America, Grombacher sees his role as one of a modern-day troubadour. “In taking stories in song from town to town, it’s a reminder to us all that there are others who have stories to share from places much like our own – wherever we might call home.”

The Heritage of the American West Performance Series will host the debut performance of the US Highway 281 Troubadour Tour, as Grombacher sets his sites on The Buffalo City (Jamestown, ND) to begin an 1,800 mile odyssey of exploring rural America…in music.

Set for Thursday, May 20 at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish, the 90 minute live stage performance begins at 7 p.m., and also features a pre-show exhibit and reception beginning at 6:00 p.m.

A book signing with educator, historian and author Donovin Sprague will introduce his newest book in the Images of America Series, titled Ziebach County: 1920 – 2010. Sprague, a recent nominee to the prestigious USA Artist Fellowship, has also traced and recorded the histories of four Plains Indians Tribes as well as the history of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. In addition to the Ziebach County centennial edition, he was a contributor to the Timber Lake: 1910-2010 Images of America centennial edition.

The Heritage of the American West Hwy 281 Troubadour Tour debut performance and Images of America book signing will open its doors at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Center. Tickets are $7 for seniors/kids and $12 for adults. For more information, call 605-642-9378.

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.

Western Heritage Center is a gem

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For history buffs visiting the Black Hills region, the High Plains Western Heritage Center is a “must see” on their itineraries.

This gem, nestled on a hill overlooking Spearfish in the beautiful northern Black Hills, is a 40-acre site boasting a marvelous building that captures the spirit of the old west in so many ways!

It was very fitting for the Spearfish Area Historical Society to round out its 2007-08 year with a visit to the Western Heritage Center and enjoy the hospitality offered by center director Peggy Ables and her small but able staff. After a short society business meeting in the 200-seat auditorium, Peggy made introductory remarks and then – assisted by volunteer Bill Fuller – provided an excellent tour through the 17,000 square feet facility.

As one who has visited the Western Heritage Center many times, I find something new each time I walk through the door. It’s a wonderful resource that is emerging as a major historical center across a 5-state region. We’ve assembled a few photos to help whet your appetite about the marvelous facility. For more information, we encourage you to take the virtual tour offered on their web site.

Better yet, hop in your car and head for Spearfish, taking Exit 14 toward the southwest. You’ll find the High Plains Western Heritage Center about a mile up – what else? – Heritage Drive. And prepare to have a terrific time!