The Flood of '72: Fifty Years Later

South Dakota Legends and Lore returns this summer with three new episodes featuring famous, infamous, and not-so-famous historical figures from Dakota Territory and South Dakota.This month, we'll hear recollections from two real-life cowboys. Bruce Siberts tells about "A Bad Winter on the Prairie" near Fort Pierre circa 1895, while Ike Blasingame recalls many a "Storm and Stampede" near Mobridge circa 1905.These readings are from the books: Nothing but Prairie and Sky: Life on the Dakota Range in the Early Days by Bruce Siberts (1868-1952), edited by Walker Wyman; and Dakota Cowboy: My Life in the Old Days by Ike Blasingame (1884-1962).Narrated and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music by Lance Conrad. Used by permission.

May is Be Kind to Animals Month, National Pet Month, Chip Your Pet Month, and National Service Dog Examination Month.We look into what each of these observations means, and give some relevant book title recommendations for further reading.We also explore the difference between service animals and comfort animals and talk briefly about the Humane Society of the Black Hills.Podcast recording and editing by Adrian Ludens.

April 8th is National Library Workers Day and April 16th is National Librarian Day and we are celebrating!We'll learn the (official) difference between a Librarian and a library worker, hear funny stories, and hear more about some of the many services we offer at the Rapid City Public Library.Featuring Krista Licht, Mackenzie Betcher, Scott Olson, Sophie Brown, Jack Monroe and Brady Jones.Interviews, editing and mixing by Adrian Ludens.Music by Ziggy and Roie Shpigler. Used with permission.

March 8 is International Women's Day, and the entire month of March is Women's History Month! To celebrate we are learning about several notable South Dakota women. Featured are:Gladys Pyle, the first woman in the nation to be elected to a U.S. Senate seat.Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, a Native American author and teacher.Becky Hammon, basketball standout, NBA coach, WNBA head coach.Anna Simmons, instrumental in achieving women's right to vote in SD.Plus book readings and recommendations.Reading and editing by Adrian Ludens. Music by YesteryBeat. Used by permission.

This month on South Dakota Legends and Lore, we celebrate Black History Month by learning a little bit about four notable South Dakotans.Lucretia Marchbanks was the second black woman in Dakota Territory, and became very successful in Deadwood.Sarah Campbell was the very first non-Native woman in Dakota Territory with the Custer expedition.Oscar Micheaux was a homesteader in Gregory County, SD who went on to write novels and produce films.Cleveland Abbott (born in Yankton, SD) became a renowned athlete and coach.Plus reading recommendations for two notable February birthdays: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.Narrated and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music by Louis Island and Straight With Teeth. Used by permission.

The third Monday of January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as Civil Rights Day. This year, that day is January 20th. RCPL library associate Adrian has details on how this national holiday came to be, how it can be celebrated, and some basic info on MLK himself. Plus he lists some of the MKL-related books available from the RCPL and its sister libraries.Music by Intrex. Used by permission.

January 3 was J.R.R. Tolkien Day! Take a journey through his best-known works with RCPL librarians Scott H. and Adrian!Music by:Used by permission.

January 2 was National Science Fiction Day and January 4 was World Braille Day!Learn more about Braille and it's inventor, Louis Braille and delve deep into a couple lists of science fiction classics (all-time best-sellers and best of the 21st century) with RCPL librarians Azi and Adrian!Music by:Used by permission.

It this episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, we celebrate the holidays with a brief list of things folks do to celebrate nowadays, followed by four brief recollections of South Dakota Christmases past, 1873 to 1934.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music by the Hill Top Trio and by Adam Dib. Used by permission.

It this episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, we celebrate the National Guard's birthday with information about the South Dakota National Guard, Camp Rapid, and additional reading recommendations.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music by Ian Post "Drum Rudiment". Used by permission.

It this episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, we commemorate Pearl Harbor Day with information on South Dakotans who lost their lives in the attack, and get a firsthand recollection from one of the survivors. Plus additional reading recommendations.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music by Piotr Hummel "Heroes". Used by permission.

It this special episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, we share a Thanksgiving recollection written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and look into the not-so-pleasant historical roots of early Thanksgivings.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music by Eddar Kedem and Itay Kashki. Used by permission.

It this special episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, in honor of Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month, we learn about to highly decorated Native American veterans with ties to South Dakota.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music from Arthur Pryor's Band (selections from A Day at West Point) in the public domain.

It this special episode of the Rapid City Public Library Podcast, in honor of Election Day, Adrian Ludens revisits the Presidential campaign (and subsequent accomplishments) of South Dakota native George McGovern, and the political accomplishments and Vice Presidency of South Dakota native Hubert Humphrey.Recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Music from Arthur Pryor's Band (selections from A Day at West Point) in the public domain.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues in October with: Black Hills Legends and Lore: Spooky Season, in honor of Halloween.This episode features readings from Ghostly Tales of the Black Hills and Badlands by Ruth D. Hein, and Black Hills Myths & Legends by T. D. Griffith, both available in the Local History section of the Rapid City Public Library.This episode we have a strange tale involving the tragic Rapid City Flood of '72 and we learn more about the namesake of the Adams House in Deadwood.Reading and editing by Adrian LudensMusic: Spacetrain Unlimited and Roie Shpigler. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues in October with: Black Hills Legends and Lore: Spooky Season, in honor of Halloween.This episode features readings from The South Dakota Road Guide to Haunted Locations by Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk and Ghostly Tales of the Black Hills and Badlands by Ruth D. Hein, both available in the Local History section of the Rapid City Public Library.We'll hear about strange occurrences at the Homestake Mine in Lead, and the Hotel Alex Johnson and the old Hooky Jack's building, both in Rapid City.Reading and editing by Adrian LudensMusic: Spacetrain Unlimited and Roie Shpigler. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues in October with: Black Hills Legends and Lore: Spooky Season, in honor of Halloween.This episode features readings from Haunted Deadwood: a True Wild West Ghost Town by Mark Shadley and Josh Wennes, and Black Hills Myths & Legends: the True Stories Behind History's Mysteries by T. D. Griffith. Both books are available in the Local History section of the Rapid City Public Library.The topic of this episode is the Bullock Hotel and its namesake, Seth Bullock.Reading and editing by Adrian LudensMusic: Spacetrain Unlimited and Roie Shpigler. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues in October with: Black Hills Legends and Lore: Spooky Season, in honor of Halloween.This episode features readings from Black Hills Believables: Strange but True Tales of the Old West by John Hafnor and The South Dakota Road Guide to Haunted Locations by Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk, both available in the Local History section of the Rapid City Public Library.Reading and editing by Adrian LudensMusic: Spacetrain Unlimited and Roie Shpigler. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues with: Black Hills Legends and Lore.This episode features Boone May, handy with a gun (and just barely on the right side of the law), and part two of a two-part series about Crazy Horse.Boone May segment recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Crazy Horse research and commentary by Charles Sitting Bull, recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues with: Black Hills Legends and Lore.This episode includes information about the Thoen Stone, and the discovery of gold long before the Custer Expedition; and part one of a two-part series with Charles Sitting Bull, in which he discusses the life of Crazy Horse.Thoen Stone segment recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Crazy Horse research and commentary by  Charles Sitting Bull, recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

Full presentation by Charles Sitting Bull talking about Sitting Bull's assassination, how his family fled, and subsequently avoided the Wounded Knee Massacre, Sitting Bull's interactions with Crowfoot, the Blackfoot chief from Canada. A significant portion of this presentation is used in episode 4.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues this summer with: Black Hills Legends and Lore.This episode features Corey Christianson of the South Dakota State Historical Society sharing the story of Rapid City's legendary night watchman "Hooky" Jack Leary; and part four of a multi-part series with Charles Sitting Bull, in which he discusses the assassination of Sitting Bull and the subsequent Wounded Knee Massacre.Hooky Jack research and commentary by Corey Christianson, recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens. Sitting Bull research and commentary by  Charles Sitting Bull, recorded and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

Full presentation by Charles Sitting Bull talking about Sitting Bull addressing the rail barons, L. Frank Baum's racist newspaper editorials, growing up in the parochial schools and receiving contaminated rations, and Sitting Bull's with various Indian Agents. A significant portion of this presentation is used in episode 3.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues this summer with: Black Hills Legends and Lore.This episode features: "Poker" Alice Tubbs, notorious gambler and Sturgis resident; and part three of a multi-part series with Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse descendent Charles Sitting Bull.Poker Alice segment voiced by Adrian Ludens. Recording of Charles Sitting Bull edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

A portion of this session with Charles Sitting Bull was used in Episode 2. Here is the full talk, with extensive information on the Fort Laramie Treaty, how the Lakota reacted to encroaching whites, the decline of the buffalo, and the lives of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues this summer with: Black Hills Legends and Lore.Each episode, we'll feature Black Hills historical figures, from legendary to lesser-known.This episode features: Valentine McGillycuddy, frontier surgeon and topographer; and part two of a multi-part series with Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse descendent Charles Sitting Bull.Valentine McGillycuddy segment voiced by Adrian Ludens, using information provided in Black Hills Visitor Magazine. Interview with Charles Sitting Bull conducted and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

Rapid City Public Library's podcast series continues this summer with: Black Hills Legends and Lore! Each episode, we'll feature Black Hills historical figures, from legendary to lesser-known!This episode features: John Brannan, Rapid City's very first mayor; and part one of a multi-part series about Sitting Bull, with Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse descendent Charles Sitting Bull.John Brannan segment voiced by Adrian Ludens, using information provided by the Rapid City Public Library. Interview with Charles Sitting Bull conducted and edited by Adrian Ludens.Music: Ben Winwood and Ziv Moran. Used by permission.

Gone But Not Forgotten has returned to the Rapid City Public Library Podcast this spring. This time we are shining the spotlight on Black Hills restaurants that are no longer in business but still fondly remembered.In this episode: Sabrina Lacroix talks about Shakey's, Carini's, and Smiley's; Robbie Murchison shares a recollection about Shakey's; Clark Kurtz shares a recollection about Daisy Dell; and Ron Johnsen talks about Snow White Drive Inn and who had the best prime rib.New interviews conducted by Adrian Ludens.Archive interview conducted by Kim Morey.Clark Kurtz's recollection read by Scott Olson.Robbie Murchison's recollection read by Jolene Smith.Music: Paper Planes "Autumn Town", Danpun "Happy to Be Happy", and Mooveka "Happy to See You Again". Used by permission.If you owned, managed, worked at, or were a frequent patron of a "gone but not forgotten" Black Hills restaurant, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us at aludens@rcplib.org to set up and interview. You can also write and email your memories and one of our librarians will read it on your behalf.

Gone But Not Forgotten has returned to the Rapid City Public Library Podcast this spring. This time we are shining the spotlight on Black Hills restaurants that are no longer in business but still fondly remembered.In this episode: David Yahne's recollections of The Pirate's Table, Vesta Well Johnson remembers The Esquire Club and Embers (among others), and Lizzy Ludens talks about Bullets.New interviews conducted by Adrian Ludens. Archive interview conducted by Kim Morey.Music: Paper Planes "Autumn Town", Danpun "Happy to Be Happy", and Mooveka "Happy to See You Again". Used by permission.If you owned, managed, worked at, or were a frequent patron of a "gone but not forgotten" Black Hills restaurant, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us at aludens@rcplib.org to set up and interview. You can also write and email your memories and one of our librarians will read it on your behalf.

April 8 is Library Workers Day, and April 16 is National Librarian Day!We'll explain the difference between the two, and visit with some of our staff and go behind-the-scenes.Funny stories, overlooked services, favorite authors and more!Interviews conducted and edited by Adrian Ludens.Special guests: Scott Olson, Krista Licht, Brady Jones, Jack Monroe, Mackenzie Betcher, and Sophie Brown.Music by: Roie Shpigler and Ziggy. Used with permission. 

Gone But Not Forgotten returns to the Rapid City Public Library Podcast this spring! This time we are shining the spotlight on Black Hills restaurants that are no longer in business but still fondly remembered!In this episode: Dianna Meeker's recollections of Castle Café and Railhead Restaurant; Thea Ryan's memories of Daisy Dell, Randy's Pizza Barrel, and the Landmark Restaurant; Cyndi Canfield speaks about Smiley's House of Pizza; Adrian Ludens shares about Remington's; and Bob Adams talks about Windows and the Landmark.Interviews conducted by Adrian Ludens. Dianna Meeker's recollections read by Baylee Schultz. Thea Ryan's recollections read by Kim Baumberger.Music: Paper Planes "Autumn Town", Danpun "Happy to Be Happy", and Mooveka "Happy to See You Again". Used by permission.If you owned, managed, worked at, or were a frequent patron of a "gone but not forgotten" Black Hills restaurant, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us at aludens@rcplib.org to set up and interview. You can also write and email your memories and one of our librarians will read it on your behalf.

In this episode: Historical fashion and medicine, anime, and short story writing.The Librarians and Library Associates at the Rapid City Public Library share a commitment to connecting the community to education, information, and inspiration.Outside of the RCPL, we have a wide variety of interests, skills, and passions.Today we visit with Baylee who shares her interest in fashion and medicine in a historical context and her love of anime. Adrian shares his hobby of writing horror short stories.Guest Baylee Schultz interviewed by Adrian Ludens.Guest Adrian Ludens interviewed by Brady Jones.Music credits: True Detectives by Ian Post, Kumiko by Roie Shpisler, Slithering Woe by Out of Flux.

In this episode: Ice, Snow, and More Ice!The Librarians and Library Associates at the Rapid City Public Library share a commitment to connecting the community to education, information, and inspiration.Outside of the RCPL, we have a wide variety of interests, skills, and passions.Today we visit with Scott O. whose hobbies include ice fishing, watching hockey, playing disc golf (even in winter), and Star Wars!Guest: Scott Olson. Interviewed by: Adrian Ludens.Music credits: True Detectives by Ian Post and Hear Me Now by Red Meadow.

In this episode: Raptors and Riffs!The Librarians and Library Associates at the Rapid City Public Library share a commitment to connecting the community to education, information, and inspiration.Outside of the RCPL, we have a wide variety of interests, skills, and passions.Today we visit with Jules, who talks about her involvement with the Black Hills Raptor Center; and Mackenzie, who shares his love of heavy metal music. Guests: Jules Kittelson and Mackenzie Betcher. Interviewed by: Adrian Ludens.Music credits: True Detectives by Ian Post, Hear Me Now by Red Meadow, and Gain Over by Ace. 

In this episode: Singing... and Screaming!The Librarians and Library Associates at the Rapid City Public Library share a commitment to connecting the community to education, information, and inspiration.Outside of the RCPL, we have a wide variety of interests, skills, and passions.Today we visit with Brady, who talks about his involvement in the Dakota Choral Union; and Sophie, who shares her love of horror cinema. Guests: Brady Jones and Sophie Brown. Interviewed by: Adrian Ludens.Music credits: Aftershocks by Ardie Son, Secret Garden by Ian Post, Slithering Woe by Out of Flux. 

There's a chill in the air and hopefully a chill down your spine as the Rapid City Public Library explores your strange and scary experiences!Sophie Brown shares frightening incidents from her childhood, teen years, and adulthood. Incidents took place in Mitchell, Spearfish, and Belle Fourche, SD. You'll never look at a paper grocery bag the same way again!Host: Adrian LudensMusic: Kyle Preston - Shadow Movements

There's a chill in the air and hopefully a chill down your spine as the Rapid City Public Library explores your strange and scary experiences!Melody Francis shares the story of a friendly apparition in her home, and Rolland King talks about what he saw inside a cave in the Black Hills after a stranger tried to warn him away.Host: Adrian LudensMusic: Kyle Preston - Shadow MovementsJohn Dada and the Weathermen - Dark ForestAlon Peretz - Lost We Are

There's a chill in the air and hopefully a chill down your spine as the Rapid City Public Library explores your strange and scary experiences!This episode, Theresa Law and Jim Leuthold share the harrowing details of Theresa's motorcycle accident, which occurred on Old Playhouse Road between Rockerville and Keystone. Warning: there are some graphic details about injuries!Host: Adrian LudensMusic: Kyle Preston - Shadow Movements and John Dada and the Weathermen - Dark Forest

Ed Crossman and Bonnie Christensen were high school sweethearts at Rapid City High School. Ed graduated in 1957. Bonnie, in 1958. They married in 1959 and are still together! They joined us to share their memories and recollections of Rapid City and Rapid City High School just in time for the 100 Year celebration.

Lloyd Willey and Margaret "Margie" (King) Willey left South Dakota--and each other-- behind after graduating from Rapid City High School with the class of 1958, but they reconnected years later and moved back! They joined us to share their recollections of Rapid City and Rapid City High School just in time for the 100 Year celebration.Interviewed by Adrian Ludens

NOTE: This episode is NOT part of the Strange and Scary Experiences PodcastThree members of the Rapid City High School graduating class of 1952 shared some of their memories, which are available here!Sylvia Ghere (now Conrad)Carolyn Carlsen (now Magda)Norma Jean Chamberlain (now Word)Adrian Ludens - Interviewer

There's a chill in the air and hopefully a chill down your spine as the Rapid City Public Library explores your strange and scary experiences!This episode, Alana Wells describes a dark entity that invaded her home in Hisega, and Baylee Schultz talks about a strange experience at the Adams House Museum in Deadwood.Host: Adrian LudensMusic: Kyle Preston - Shadow Movements and John Dada and the Weathermen - Dark Forest

Longtime Sturgis Rally attendee and recent Black Hills transplant Terry Deems shares touching stories about his late wife, their love of motorcycles, and a magical moment in Silver City.Host: Adrian LudensMusic: Duffmusiq - "Gasoline" and "Holly Shifter".

In this introductory episode celebrating the Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, Adrian Ludens shares some of his experiences working in radio during Rally and working for several Rally venues. Then, Karen Hall shares her personal account of a multi-bike accident she encountered on I-90 circa 2005-6.If you have a Sturgis Rally memory, anecdote, adventure or misadventure to share, we encourage you to reach out to us a 605-394-6139 or ask@rcplib.orgPodcast hosts: Adrian Ludens and Brady JonesMusic: Duffmusiq "Gasoline" and "Holly Shifter", and Lance Conrad "Crossing the High Desert."

The Flintstones Bedrock City offered guests a unique, immersive look at a cherished cartoon family. Unfortunately, the Custer, SD, attraction is no longer in operation. Brendyn Medina and Brandon Snyder both spent four summers working at "The Rock." They share recollections, talk about what made The Flintstones a fun summer job, and why the attraction was a key part of the Custer community. Yabba-dabba-DO press Play!Host: Adrian LudensMusic attribution:  Young Rich Pixies "Saturday Shopping."

Boo! Hiss! The Meller Drammer provided fun family entertainment nightly. This stage theatre in Rockerville encouraged patrons to cheer the hero and boo the villain, including even throwing peanuts at him! Debra Chisolm Ruehlman and Kenny Putnam were both performers at the Meller Drammer in the early 1970's. Join us as we lift that big red curtain and go behind-the-scenes!Host: Adrian LudensMusic attribution: "Cherry Pie Rag" by O. P. Baron

Herman Jones has spent a large portion of his life operating tour buses and chuckwagon suppers in the Black Hills. He's also a heck of a storyteller. In this Bonus Content, Herman talks about growing up in Western South Dakota, his military service, and his tourism-related business ventures prior to the Flying T Chuckwagon.  Note: This audio content is not edited. (Interviewer: Adrian Ludens.)

Herman Jones has worked in the tourism industry since the early 1970's. When his tour bus company under-performed during the Bicentennial, Herman and some business partners decided to try something different, and the Flying T Chuckwagon was born! Welcome, pardners! Gather round the campfire and find out how the Flying T came to be, what food is required for a chuckwagon supper, and who's in charge of the music!Host: Adrian LudensMusic attribution: Ofer Koren "Countryside."

First discovered by prospectors, this Black Hills cave welcomed tourists as far back as 1892! First called Crystal Cave, it went through several changes in ownership. How did it come into the hands of the Conception Abbey, and who renamed it Bethlehem Cave? Bring along your mental flashlight, and listen to this podcast to find out! Guests include Verda Swenson, who grew up on the property, and Shareece Tatum and Mikkelina Swenson, descendants of Loui Storm, who developed the Cave into a thriving attraction.Host: Adrian LudensMusic attribution: "Crossing the High Desert" by Lance Conrad.

Duane Quick Bear recounts escaping onto his roof with his siblings the night of the flood, finding inspiration in his younger brother's bravery, and making several decisions that saved their lives.

Craig Smith speaks on behalf with his parents, sister, and aunt & uncle, all of whom perished in the deadly flood of June 9, 1972.