Date:

01/24/01

Time:

07:26 PM

Comments

Hal Glessner, George Green and my grandfather Arlos Binkley used to put up hay together as well as pooling their resouces at harvest time. Gramps and Hal apparently combined (harvested) their crops together, then Gramps would harvest some of the neighbors crops - (Garrett, Grossclose, Zimmerman), right up until the snow flew if you included the corn crops. Arlos brought his family to the area from south of Ft. Pierre in 1942. He bought the place from George Bunch, who I believe was married to Ross Green's sister, Flossy, (who worked at the telephone office, which was housed in the place located on the corner just southwest of the city hall). I guess that would be due west of the store and post office, (and I suppose, the printing office that George wrote about).

Dad mentioned the store was operated by a man named Alex McGannon when my dad was going to school there. He said that soda cost a nickel for a long time, and he suffered through somewhat of a "soda drought", when the price went up to 6 cents, as his mother Genevieve felt that that price was outlandish! She was laying out $2.79 for a pair of shoes back then, so it must have been hard to budget that extra penny for soda pop.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/24/01

Time:

07:31 PM

Comments

I noticed your mention of the bunkhouse, when describing your father (Billy)?, and grandpa's visits back to Okobojo. That was one of Willis' rituals when the weather started getting cold. He had an old wood burning stove in the room behind the garage, and he stoked it up every morning while he was doing his chores. By the time dad and us kids, (my brother Marlin and I), showed up, he had the cowboy coffee on the stove, and the room was comfortably warm. My brother was just old enough to hang with dad and I, maybe 4 yrs., and we would bundle him up in his parka, bib overalls, and checkered scotch cap, with his 4 buckle overshoes, and head across the creek to get our morning coffee at Willis'. Willis got such a kick out of a 4 yr. old taking to coffee, that he gave Marlin the handle "Mr. McGregor", after the character in Maxwell house coffee commercials in the '60s. I'm getting a chuckle out of this stuff, so bear with me.

My dad mentioned Billy, but didn't have many memories of him. What he did mention was that he was a very bright fellow, and went on to become an engineer or something? I wonder if there is any correlation between his IQ and the fact that he left Okobojo!!! LOL

My grandparents moved to Pierre in '56, although he and my father were partners in the place, up until he died in '86. I feel very fortunate to be one of those kids that got to work with my gramps. When we harvested, he operated one combine, (an Oliver model #35), and I ran the other, ( a Massey Harris model #32 ). My dad was in charge of the grain trucks and elevators. Our grain trucks consisted of a "46, one ton Ford, and a '48, 2 ton Chevy. I remember grinding many gears in that old Ford, as it had no sychros in the transmission. Between the two of us, we kept dad hopping, as he hauled and we cut. We had umbrella, holders welded to the platform of the machines, so we had shade most of the time, (except in early morning, or late in the afternoon), so we tolerated the heat. It was the chaff that I irritated me alot. Enclosed cabs and air conditioners were just beginning to catch on, and most of the custom wheat cutters had them on their machines.( I remember thinking that those sonsabitches didn't deserve cabs any more than I did, and I was pretty envious of their situation. When we were finished cutting for the season, I took solace in the fact that they were still working up north, while I was getting ready for the county fair)! While I sat and scratched every itch that I could reach, I would glance at gramps in his chino pants and long sleeved chino shirt,(buttoned to the top, with a bandana tied around the collar), enjoying a hot cup of coffee in 100 deg. plus weather!! This picture just didn't look right to me, but I don't ever remember the heat ever getting to him. He was in his element whatever he may be doing, if it pertained to farming or ranching.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

Scott, Great site. I didn't go through all the letters, diaries and movies, but you have done a superb job. I will add a link from the High Plains Drifter site.

Darrell R. Fransen Potter & Sully Co coordinator for the SDGenWeb

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

10:41 PM

Comments

My dad and uncle ken used to trap alot of skunks in Okobojo to earn extra spending money. he loves to speak of the times that the teacher had to send them home, owing to their odoriferous conditions from emptying their traps before school! my favorite times were hunting rabbit and pheasant along the creek. i guess the spot just west of the bridge on our driveway used to attract alot of people from town interested in catching bullheads ( and the occasional pike, in the spring of the year, when the creek was running). We used to pull a few good size fish out of the pool below the spillway, as well as snapping turtle.

we did our share of water skiing on the lake. in fact dad used to put our little boat in right next to the house, and we could ski the creek from the house to the spillway. my dad is still telling the story of a particularly wide turn that i made around one of the bends of the creek as we were coming home from the lake. we were running out of daylight and he had the hammer down. between the poor visibility, the speed, and my recklessly wide turn, it made it impossible for me to veer away from our bunch of cattle, who had waded out into the water to escape the flies. dad only remembers feeling a tug on the boat and looking back to see something that resembled helicopter blades flying through the air as i had skied over the back of an old Hereford cow, and did my impersonation of (the agony of defeat), only ABC was nowhere in sight! it was the same with turtles all the time. if a person stayed inside the boats wake, they were safe, but that can be kind of boring.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/29/01

Time:

11:05 AM

Comments

Hey Scott. Good to e-mail you again. I didn't realize you were such a family history buff. Grandma must be proud! Some day, our kids will love to read this stuff as well.

Kendall Millard

Date:

01/30/01

Time:

03:43 PM

Comments

Hi Scott!

I'm at Kendall's and he pulled this up for me to see; I had given him the address. You've done a great job! Unbelieveable that you know how to do all this and that you took the time to do it. Thanks! Minnietta

Date:

02/01/01

Time:

06:59 AM

Comments

Hi Scott! Great job on your website! I never got to read grandpa's story before, I'll keep checking in to read the latest. That's a lot of typing, he sure could tell a story! Love ya! Haley

Date:

02/08/01

Time:

07:32 PM

Comments

SCOTT, SUPER JOB ON YOUR PAGE! I FOUND IT REAL INTERESTING. LIVING IN SULLY COUNTY ALL MY LIFE,I FIND IT NEAT TO HEAR ABOUT THE WAY IT WAS. RICK HAS SOME PRETTY NEAT MEMORIES. A JOB WELL DONE!

CHUCK WEISCHEDEL

Date:

02/09/01

Time:

11:18 AM

Comments

My name is John west, My mom told me about your site and told me to look it up. I found it very interesting. My family has lived north of okobojo for about three generations. We Farm about 9 miles north. I grew up hearing stories of the wild okobojo. My mom and Dad are both in thier 70's and might be able to give you some history if you'd like feel free to e-mail them at westprairie@sdtc.net ,Thanks again i enjoyed it

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:22 PM

Comments

Glynnes Sargent,wife of Robert Sargent,his parents were Clifford and Lela(Alexander)Sargent. We live in Grandview township.His parent's home place.

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:44 PM

Comments

I love family history. It doesn't even have to be mine. I can sit down with a old timer and listen to him tell tales long into the night. I appreciate your work in creating this history. Well done! Dan

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:52 PM

Comments

Lori Green viewed web site 2-14. Thanks Scott! I will check out more later.

Cheers,

Lori

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:54 PM

Comments

Wow! Did you type all of Grandpas book in there? I have been wanting to do that forever! Thanks!

Lori

Date:

02/19/01

Time:

08:16 PM

Comments

Scott, What a wonderful job on this site! Some of my relatives grew up in Okobojo as well. My grandparents were Victor and Mabel Rose. My dad, Roger, spent a good portion af his earlier years in that area. Spent alot of time with Dick Binkley and his family. My Dad tells of walking to the Okobojo School, (uphill both ways,of course)!! Working the hay fields with horses and wagons, etc. I also remember Rick and "the boat." My Grandparents never did get running water or an indoor bathroom at their place, so us grandkids got an education in what it was like before all those things were commonplace. It is a beautiful place that holds lots of wonderful memories for me and my family. Vicki Rodness

Date:

03/05/01

Time:

07:53 PM

Comments

An interesting and worthwhile project. Well done. Tom Machaj

Date:

03/06/01

Time:

09:48 PM

Comments

I enjoyed perusing "okobojo.com". I grew up in Sully County--my family (the Trumbles) homesteaded just up the road from Okobojo and my dad (David Trumble) is still on the farm he purchased in the early 50's. The Okobojo Women's Club (still active) put up a sign a few years ago to help people find the Okobojo cemetery, since it's not exactly on a well-worn path! My dad goes over and mows every summer...and/or burns off weeds if they've gotten too bad. There were a couple of women who moved into "the old Binkley place"...which was across the road from Willis's place. These women, "the Graney girls", did a considerable amount of research to identify unmarked graves and developed a guide to help people know who was buried where. The Graney girls have since moved away, but (as of last summer anyway) there were still copies of their guide to the cemetery in a mailbox by the cemetery.

I went to Okobojo Elementary school through 4th grade (from 1966-1969), and we used to have our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall, and a "speaking contest" in the spring...and plays, too. There were still enough people around then to have community gatherings. Technology and the economy have not been conducive to keeping that area populated! I am impressed that they have worked so hard to keep the Hall standing and that it still shows up as a proud reminder of the town that was.

Ann Smith

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:09 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, My name is Sharyn Archer,(nee Groseclose) I'm a neice of Willis Green (Lucille). Willis was a such a great man,husband,Uncle there was nothing he wouldn't do for man kind. I stayed with them growing up they became my second mother and father, they raise quit a few of us ( neice and nephews). What a sense of humor he had, always intertaining us. His wife Lucille is fighting the battle of Alzheimer's still living in Onida, she will be 86 this May. The pictue on the web site brings back may memories. Havent bee back to Okobojo for a few years, when we do get back we try to drive out there. Monte Groseclose is my grandfather, My dad is Richard Groseclose, living Brookings, SD today he is 76. Married to Rosella (Kennedy) her family grow up around Okobojo also. Earl and Ada Kennedy. This a very interesting and exciting site, glad I ran unto it. A lot of my fathers family is buried at the Okobojo cemetary. Please keep up the great work, need more web sites like this. 

God Bless, Sharyn

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:15 PM

Comments

This is a very neat page! My dad and his family grew up in Okobojo. Monte Groseclose was my grandpa and I never knew him as he passed before i was even born. This was neat to see him as a young man on the baseball team. Although i think my dad looks more like his Uncle Henry than his own dad. Willis was my uncle, he married my mothers sister Lucille Kennedy. You mentioned that Willis lived in the house in the 50's, but i wasn't born until '69 and I vagly remember the old farm house and visiting Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis on Sunday afternoons. You have got me wondering about alot of things now, cant wait to visit my dad again and ask questions. Maybe i can get him to write up some of his memories for you to post.

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:17 PM

Comments

Oops, forgot to tell you who my dad even was or who i was. My dad was Richard Groseclose and I am his daughter Rory Menenger. Again Neat page!

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:42 PM

Comments

Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I was raised in Onida. My Uncle Willis and Aunt Lucille Green had a farm in Okobojo, I had a lot of fun times visting them. Again, Thank you. Tammy (Groseclose) Serbousek

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:50 PM

Comments

Hello,

My name is Jodi Broker (Groseclose) I am Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis niece. The picture of their house I remember like yesterday. As growing up my weekends were spent at the farm with them and fishing in the creek with Uncle Willis's bamboo fishing poles. I don't know how Uncle Willis ever had enough patients to take 3 girls fishing all at once. I remember there was a high wire above the creek and everytime I threw my line in the creek it would wrap around the high wire first and then I would lose my pole which would be dangling from the wire. Yet Uncle Willis never lost his patience at all. (hhhhmmm!I wonder how many bamboo poles he went through). If only we could go back what a great time I had there.

This is a great site keep up the good work and I will be back to visit.

Jodi Broker (Groseclose)

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

06:52 PM

Comments

We have been to Okobojo twice now on a driving vacation from California. Our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee and her two sons, Harry and Arthur, moved to Okobojo from Waverly, IA in 1883. She had two pieces of property. In September of 1885, ten days before she died, she sold her land to Mr. Thomas Lytle. She is buried in the Okobojo Cemetery, and although no headstone exists for her whereabouts, we have been to the cemetery and have called out her name to let her know we were there. Thank you for some precious memories of Okobojo. We'll be back again. Paul and Judy Swenson

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

07:01 PM

Comments

I just posted a message to your site regarding our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee. I thought I would leave my e-mail address in case someone comes across her name or the names of her sons Harry and Arthur. JudyofPBS@AOL.com

Date:

03/17/01

Time:

07:56 AM

Comments

Scott,

What a great Job you did on the Okojobo Website. Can't wait to send the site info to the family. The rolling prairies are so impressive. I remember the picture Grandmother Green. The gain elevator movie was terrific. Bill looked good. You have put a lot on time on this and shows.

Bert Wilder

Date:

03/19/01

Time:

12:58 PM

Comments

Dear Scott, I'm Bill Wilder, a grandson of "Cathie Green" Wilder. "Willie" is my father, from whom I was just forwarded a note about this website. Great job! I've been collecting info on the family on and off for some years and putting it all in a database. Thanks for this interesting and entertaining resource as well! Blessings, Bill

Date:

04/02/01

Time:

10:33 PM

Comments

When I went to the Okobojo Country School it was a two-room schoolhouse. The summer before I started school. Dad & I stopped to talk to the carpenter who was putting in folding doors to divide it into two rooms. They could be opened to make one room when we needed it. We also had two teachers Miss Plumber was the lower grade teacher. Mrs. Pierce was the upper grades teacher also Miss McDonald (?? I can't remember her name for sure) for a year or so. The families that attended were Sargents, Trumbles, Finleys, Binkleys, Halls, Weischedels, Zebroskis, and a couple of others. 

Okobojo School also had a brand-new outhouse the largest I have ever seen. It was a very important part of every student's day because we used it to play ''Annie-I-Over the outhouse." It was a two-room building with four holes on each side pretty high class. My grandma had knitted me a pair of red mittens and I lost one down one of the holes & it never saw the light of day again. The old outhouse was lying on it side in a far corner of the playground. We put it to use as a fort. 

Since there was no running water at school we took turns bring the water cooler with fresh water to school. 

I went to country school until I was a third grader. Then we moved closer to town and started town school. It was a rude awaking for this little country girl. The kids were not near as nice. They couldn't believe that we played with our sisters at recess, well if you didn't play with your siblings at country school, that would have eliminated about half the kids. I remember the whole school playing baseball together & having snowball fights. I don't remember anyone not letting me play games even though I was one of the little kids. Of course they would have had to deal with my two big brothers so maybe that was the reason. 

One of the very first times I was at school, I walked too close to the swings and got cut on my head. Once was all it took for me to learn that lesson. Kindergarten was only for a couple of weeks. We took naps in the afternoon on mats. I was the only girl in my class, The boys were Mark Trumble, Tom Sargent, & Marty Finley. Linda Hall was there for part of a year maybe when I was 1st or 2nd grader.

My brothers sometimes rode a horse to school and then had to go check livestock at the noon recess. We sometimes walked to school. I think that it was only a mile or two. Mom usually picked us up. One day after school when we were giving some boys a ride as far as our house & the boys all dared my brother, Tom to jump out of the back of our jeep. Mom slowed down to go around a corner and he jumped. He got pretty banged up, and was bloody but you know how any cut on your head bleeds.

One recess my brother Tim ate a grasshopper and I remember my brother Tom swallowed a button on a string & then pulled it back up. Yuck! 

We had our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall. I remember standing up there & and being so scared because there were so many people in the audience & it was such a big place. Dale Bartels was always Santa. I never knew that till years later because at that time I was a true believer. I was in awe of Tom Sargent when he teased Santa that he was going to go out side & untie his reindeer. Didn't he want anything for Christmas? 

When I was in college (about 1979 or so) and I was home at Thanksgiving, we went to a Turkey Ball at the old hall. It had shrunk considerably. I couldn't believe how small it seemed. 

One year for the Homecoming parade we rode in the back of a pickup or on a flat bed & portrayed Alice in Wonderland. I was dressed in two big white pieces of paper & was one of the playing cards. In the spring we had a playday at the fairgrounds beside Onida. There were other country schools there but I am not sure if the town kids were there. We ran foot races, high jump, long jump, & block races. This was in the Vietnam War era as I remember Mrs. Pierce's son was injured by being kicked in one of his kidneys. (I think?)While she was a teacher there, she had the radio on to listen for updates about her son.

If you are looking for more information on Okobojo Country School, I know that Jane Trumble wrote a couple of articles on country school that were published in the Onida Watchman about 20 years ago. There is also a display at the Alumni building at the Sully county Fairgrounds that has the history of the county schools on display there. This display also includes pictures. Elton Eller did a wonderful job on this display and so I want to give him credit.

TARINA ZEBROSKI-KOPREN MARCH 2001

Date:

04/17/01

Time:

08:54 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, This is a real family treasure. There are pictures that I am seeing for the first time. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to get this together. It should be a growing history as others add information. Thanks again for thinking of us. You did a great job. Bill Wilder (William G.)

Comments

Dear Mr Scott Green, A gentleman with whom you have had recent contact, Mr. Allis (Gene), suggested that I contact you and give information on, what I believe to be my ancestors along the Green line. Perhaps you can confirm, deny or correct what I have found and if you feel led to, correspond. My GGF was Matthew Compton Green #145485, the son of Shadrack Green, #145458, the son of Joseph Green, #189719, the son of Shadrack Green, #189739, the son of Shadrack Green, #143970. I'm not sure of where to go from there. I thought that John Green who married to Elizabeth Jones fit into the lineage, but I haven't been able to connect them by registration number. Any information that you could share or that I may purchase would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Dr. Ron Smith, Murfreesboro, TN papadocs@bellsouth.net

Date:

05/11/01

Time:

06:55 AM

Comments

Hi from the family Esselbruge in Hamilton New Zealand. From Ron, Anneke, Ishmael, Jeremy, Jude and Caleb at Esselbrugge@zfree.co.nz

Date:

05/14/01

Time:

07:51 PM

Comments

Thank you for creating this site. My great, great grandfather John Wilmer Mitchell, and my great, great, great grandfather James Coleman, lived in this area. I have been researching it for years and was pleased to see your site, and what a great job you have done.

John Mitchell jtmsam@aol.com

Date:

07/05/01

Time:

04:47 PM

Comments

Just read about this in the Watchman - and am absolutely delighted with your web page!! I used to do a lot on Sully County history and for the state historical society as I had time - but you have FAR outclassed anything I ever did. Keep it up, please! We used to live north of Okobojo on Hillside Ranch - Bonnie Zebroski (bonzeb@rapidnet.com) Will try to send you some other stuff as I have time (and as I find it).

Date:

08/16/01

Time:

08:38 PM

Comments

Mrs. John P. Bush and her children lived in Okobojo for one winter so the oldest children twin girls Mary and Rose could go to school there. This was in approximately 1917. Mr. Bush remained on the family farm while the family lived there. Their farm was aprroximately 9 miles from Okobojo.

Date:

08/20/01

Time:

01:57 PM

Comments

I'm not related to you, but I thoroughly enjoyed your website describing life in Okobojo. My Mother was born in Forest City in 1900 so her life was probably much the same. I was particularly taken by the letter to Cousin Charlie on July 25, 1898, as he mentions having to stop and get a lot of groceries for Old Man Ripley, who I am sure must be my great-grandfather George!

This is a great website.

Bonita Johnson

Date:

08/31/01

Time:

04:34 PM

Comments

Hello--My name is Pat Harding & I am the daughter of Arlos & Genevieve Binkley and the sister of Ken & Dick Binkley I have enjoyed reading the articles & looking at the pictures of your web site-thanks for the time you have spent putting this together! I was in the last 1/2 of the 5th grade when my folks moved to Okobojo (fit must've been 1940) & I attended the Okobojo school through the 8th grade. I have a lot of fond memories of those times. WE had good teachers & good Christmas programs at the Okobojo Hall. I remember when my dad bought his farm from George Bunch on a contract for deed . He saved enough money to pay the contract off early & when he went to George's home to pay it off, George really didn't want to have it paid off early, but he finally accepted my dad's payoff of the contract.It was a good day for my dad. I have more stories & may write more later. Thanks again for the memories you have created. Pat Harding

Date:

10/05/01

Time:

11:00 AM

Comments

Enjoyed your site as my address was Okobojo for many years. djs1329@hotmail.com

Date:

02/26/02

Time:

09:51 AM

Comments

Love your Okobojo website. Very well done and informative. I wanted to invite everyone to visit the USGenWeb page for Sully Co., South Dakota which contains a link back to this website. I became the new volunteer host in FEB 2002. It is a genealogy page to help in researching ancestors who lived in Sully County, SD. The former host, Darrell Fransen, retired from his volunteer position in January. Hope you enjoy your visit! http://www.rootsweb.com/~sdsully/sullyindex.htm

Date:

03/17/02

Time:

07:23 PM

Comments

Scott,

My Great Great grandparents , the Sommers lived in Okobojo, and I saw them listred in the cemetery. Thanks for some insight on the town.

Joel Knutson email onegod@earthlink.net

Date:

04/07/02

Time:

08:40 AM

Comments

Dear Scott: (This memo doesn't belong in this section of your website but I don't see where else I can contact you on these matters.) I'm from Agar SD and I love your website. I love the history of the local people that you cover but I noticed that two equally wonderful family histories are not noted and they are the John Zebroski's and Leonard Serbousek's. You could possibly get history info for the Zebroski's from Barbara Rilling of Onida SD and the Serbousek's from Lexia Doerr in Mobridge SD. Lexia is my sister-in-law and Barbara is a daughter of my parent's longtime family friends the Zebroski's. I do believe they were from the Okobojo area.

Date:

06/03/02

Time:

01:56 AM

Comments

I have set here for hours reading all the stories written about OkOBOJO and I now feel a little closer to knowing the town, that my family lived in for so many years. Thank U vicki minear (great grandaughter of John T. Galligar)

Date:

06/04/02

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

This is a most enjoyable site. I could add a few more names and corrections to the Methodist picture of all the ladies and babies. My Grandmother RosaLee, wife of Emert D. Owen is there, besides my mother Florence Owen, her next older sister Margaret,it is her sister Lillian Owen Malick who is holding baby Emily. Directly behind her is Grandmother Owen and to grandmother's right Aunt Carrie McNutt, wife of Jesse Owen (Spanish-American war and I have a letter he wrote home) behind on grandmother's left is Aunt Zella Owen McNutt. I have left notes in the mail box at the Okobojo Cemetery when I've visited the grave of my grandfather Owen. The reason I was searching the web this time is because I am about to publish a book (June 30) called My Great Grandparents Jonathan Owen and Elizabeth Ann Dean and Their Forebearers. And who are the parents of Emert Dean Owen and one time residents of Sully County. My grandfather Owen ran the store and postoffice and my mother Florence told me about Okobojo Creek where she watered her horse and sat along the bank dangling her feet in the water. Well, that's a lot of words, now you know why I am publishing a book. Is there a historical or genealogical society who might want a copy? I am willing to donate one copy to a Society who might be able to use it. Rhoda Elleen (Berry) Wicker rewicker@msn.com Web site: http://home.att.net/~rewicker

Date:

07/25/02

Time:

10:10 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Great website, This will really help me with my project, the progect is called "Live and die in Okobojo". God bless you Scott, you are doing such a great thing here! Jesus Loves you!, Conrad River

Date:

07/28/02

Time:

03:04 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, Your site keeps getting better and better. Your family is blessed to have someone willing to put their creative talent to use in this area. I returned to Pierre (and Okobojo) on July 1st, for my grandmother Genevieve Binkley's funeral services. I'm not sure grandma Jenny knew how much I appreciated the struggle and sacrifice that she and my grandpa Arlos endured to make a "home" for their children and grandchildren. When I read of the accomplishments in her life, it seemed to bring the need for honoring of their efforts more into focus. That's what I see you doing here. Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

08/04/02

Time:

08:12 AM

Comments

I once heard that there are only about 2 or 3 life stories that conitnue to repeat themselves. However, each of us always feels as though we are the first to experience the trials. Please keep up the great work. This website serves so many purposes, the least of which not being that it reminds us that there were those before us who not only dealt with trials much greater than many of our own, but they did so with humor in their lives. Thank you for the reminder!

Date:

08/22/02

Time:

04:31 PM

Comments

Hi, does anyone know anything about what happened to the Henry Snyder family which is mentioned in some of this site's chronicles? Henry was the brother of my great grandmother who lived in Canada. Great site, thanks Gordon Pitts

Date:

09/11/02

Time:

02:11 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, I have enjoyed reading all the Okobojo stories, and looking at the pictures. My COLBY ancestors spent some time there in the late 1880's and early 1890's. My great-Grandparents had 4 children born there. They were Grace, Sylvie, Vernon, and Raymond children of Edgar Daniel Colby and Annie Beatrice Ellis. They moved on to Oregon in about 1898 and their descendants still live in Oregon and Washington today. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this site. Nancy Colby Shockey

Date:

09/16/02

Time:

10:18 PM

Comments

JUST STOPPED BY TO SEE WHAT YOU ADDED NEW.......... I LIKED THE POEM....... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SCOTT. VICKI MINEAR

Date:

10/30/02

Time:

11:01 PM

Comments

Paul and Judy Swensen....... You mentioned Thomas Lytle......probably my grandfather. He homesteaded in several states, including SD, ND and Montana, where I was born. Jeanne Dahlin Swick Molt MT jcswick@mtintouch.net

Date:

11/13/02

Time:

11:26 AM

Comments

how I enjoyed reading about your family and the history of Okobojo! Thanks for sharing it! My grandmother was born there in 1899 and from her own account she referred to it as a "ghost town, completely under water". Her family moved to nearby Potter Co. where I was born in 1955. Again, thanks for the memories : ) Kathy Duncan Cawley

Date:

01/07/03

Time:

10:32 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Willis' poems are a great addition, and I will certainly give them all a read. The picture of Lucille and Willis brought back many memories. Willis looked like the kind of fella that you'd like to call "friend", back in his hey-day! What a privledge it was to have spent time with them both. Take Care, Rick Binkley, Sonoma, Ca. e-mail rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

01/14/03

Time:

04:32 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I sure enjoyed reading Uncle Willis' poems. I didn't know he wrote them, but I wasn't surprised. Writing poetry must run in the family. Keep up the good work here, Scott. Aunt Jeanette

Date:

02/17/03

Time:

02:02 PM

Comments

I want you to know that I enjoy your web site. Willis Green was my uncle. Lucille and my mother (Betty Kenndy Ripley) were sisters. I worked for Willis and Lucille when they had the "tavern" in Agar. I was 13 or 14 when I started. I have very fond memories of both of them. They treated all of the neices and newphews as if they were their own children. Always there to help you out. Lucille was a wonderful Aunt. I still miss her. Cindi Ripley Forgey

Date:

03/12/03

Time:

04:30 PM

Comments

Hello, Scott. My McGuire ancestors are buried in Okobojo. They went from Pennsylvania to Okobojo about 1884. You and I have corresponded previously, but I think I never signed the guest book and I wanted to add this comment for the record. I work on genealogy and I am very much interested in stories of my ancestors and their neighbors and relatives. Zelda Zeuge Dubel. rvdubel@msn.com

Date:

06/15/03

Time:

01:07 PM

Comments

Enjoyed very much.We like ghost towns and all the memories.

Date:

07/08/03

Time:

12:53 PM

Comments

Hey Scott, _very_ nice website. I have no knowledge or particular interest in Greens or Okobojo (other than the name itself), but I find it a very engaging look at "random history". Keep it up! Steve Braker

Date:

07/24/03

Time:

07:33 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, You have an attractive well-organized site. Judy Boie gave me your address. It seems we are cousins. I believe I am also descended from John Green RWS through his son Aaron Green. I am attempting to compile sufficient documentation on John Green for supplementary status in the Sons of the American Revolution. Judy mentioned a letter written from Joseph Green to Mr. Norton listing the children of John Green. Is this letter on your website? I look forward to hearing from you. Lee Phillips Sugar Land, TX lee.phillips@prodigy.net

Date:

07/26/03

Time:

11:03 PM

Comments

Scott, I was able to actually visit the cemetery yesterday. You have it listed as northwest of the town - I may have got turned around a little but isn't it north EAST? Thanks again for this site. Joel Knutson - great great grand son of Charles & Mary Sommer

Date:

07/27/03

Time:

07:18 PM

Comments

Date:

12/05/04

Time:

05:02 PM

Comments

my name is john weischedel and my grandpa lives i think about 18 miles from there. i go to okobojo every summer

Date:

12/22/04

Time:

09:00 PM

Comments

Nice site. FYI, you wondered why a farmer from Illinois would settle on the barren plains of SD. The river valleys of the Missouri were fertile and somewhat of an oasis back then. The valleys are under water now as you know because of the massive Lake Oahe, but I remember my grandfather telling me that the valleys were forested before the dams.

Date:

12/28/04

Time:

11:34 AM

Comments

Nice new picture Scott. You look so incredibly happy...

Date:

01/14/05

Time:

01:14 PM

Comments

01/14/05 01:05 PM AMAZING! TRULY A LABOR OF LOVE! THE PHOTO YOU HAVE OF THE PIONEER WOMEN INCLUDES MY GRANDMOTHER, "BABY DOROTHY McMACKEN" ON SUSIE FELTON McMACKEN'S LAP. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION OR PHOTOS ABOUT THE McMACKENS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE KNOWING WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE. MY GRANDMOTHER'S PARENTS (THE McMACKENS) LIVED IN S.D. AND HAD A LARGE RANCH. MY GRANDFATHER WAS JOHN L.HOSKINSON, HE WORKED FOR A TIME FOR MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LABOR OF LOVE AND ALL THE TIME AND ENERGY YOU HAVE LOVINGLY PUT INTO THIS SITE. MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOUR EFFORTS, DONETTE CONE, BELLEVUE, NE. DONETTE@AOL.COM

Date:

01/21/05

Time:

10:18 AM

Comments

Date:

02/06/05

Time:

10:12 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I am transcribing a long letter written by my great, great grandfather in 1885, Marvin Scudder II, to his grandson, Delmar Kiddoo, who was the son of an early settler (Howard Kiddoo) in the Hidden Creek area south (?) of Okobojo. The letter pertains to his visit to the area in 1884 and observations about the area and it's people. It's a fascinating letter and I hope to post it as well as some family photos soon. Please let me know if you have any interest in this narrative. I very much enjoy reading all of the letters. - Kathy John, Santa Cruz, CA kathyjwmp@aol.com

Date:

02/20/05

Time:

06:51 PM

Comments

I enjoyed reading aboutOKOBOJO. I beleave Arlos Binkley was related to my family. My granmother was Wanda (Binkley) Bowen. My great Grandmother was Cecil Binkley.My father said they had some of the biggest pigs he has ever seen. Tom Bowen ctbowen56@hotmail.com

Date:

02/27/05

Time:

04:21 PM

Comments

Scott, I did a web search of my family name : Flansburg, and your site came up. I think the flansburg family you mentioned was my dads but I'll have to ask him. I was wondering if you have a printed version of this web site which I could purchase to read to dad. Maybe he could add something to the story ? Good job, Miles F. Flansburg flanmf@bp.com 2/27/05

Date:

07/20/05

Time:

04:04 PM

Comments

Very nice site. Will sure visit again.

Date:

09/06/05

Time:

07:54 PM

Comments

I have been recomending the site to some of the people I have met through work

Date:

09/08/05

Time:

01:15 PM

Comments

Searched and Surfed your page great work

Date:

09/09/05

Time:

02:28 PM

Comments

Nice web site I enjoyed reading. I wish you and your family the best of luck.

Date:

10/08/05

Time:

06:39 PM

Comments

I accidentally fell into this web site while looking up Ghost Towns. What a treat!! This is a very nice and well put together site and you should be proud. I hope you continue to add more stories and pictures. I am a former Lamb from Onida and went to school with Tarina Zebroski-Kopren, who left a nice letter. Therefore, the more recent items interest me the most (if you can consider 30-40 years ago more recent!) Keep up the good work. I will visit this site often. Denise Wilkins of Olympia, WA

Date: 01/09/06

Time: 06:43 PM

Comments:

This is a fabulous site! I'm researching Ghost Towns for an upcoming novel. I'll be taking a trip to SD this spring for research.

Erica in MN

Date:

1/14/06

Time:

10:07 PM

Comments

I am writing to regreatfully inform the Okobojo community that my Dad, Marvin Bunch passed away last August at the age of 91. He lead a very full life and was very healthy right up to the end. I do have some good news in that after my father passed away I was reunited with my cousin Janet Flaa Borgschatz and have told her about this wonderful site. I do hope to visit South Dakota very soon and see the burial site of my grandparents George and Bertha Bunch. I do hope people will continue to send pictures and I will send some also as I go through Dad's stuff. Thank you again for sheading some light on the lives of my grandparents.

Sincerely,

Dana Bunch Edelmann

dedelmann@aol.com

Date:

2/1/06

Time:

07:16 PM

Comments

Hello was delighted to read such interesting stories on a web site. It reminded me of Little house on the prairie stories I read to my sons when they were little. I was interested in who the Mr, Crumbaker was the one lady was married in her first marriage. I.m going on 55 yrs old soon. I have 2 sons. Joey is a middle school computer teacher the other R. Jayson is handicapped and doesn't work. He had All Leukemia at age 4 and he has had 3 brain tumor surgeries and a 4th for a bacterial infection. Not many survive 85 to 90% cancer in their bone marrow and 4 brain surgeries.He,s been in remission 30 yrs.Thank God for his Miracles! Thanks again.

Elizabeth Crumbaker Meholovitch 59550 cash Hill Shadyside,Ohio 43847

Date:

3/7/06

Time:

11:25 PM

Comments:

Hi Scott,

It's been awhile since my last posting. Moving from Ca. back to Ft. Worth Tx. in less than a month. I'll probably be driving North more now. The folks are wintering in Johnson City, and may need a bit of help from time to time. When do your think your next trip to Okobojo will be? Great ongoing job with the site.

Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

12/31/06

Time:

1:55 AM

Comments:

This is an awesome website. My mom grew up here. My Aunt Lucille was married to Uncle Willis Green. I have fond memories of going to the farm with my cousin during the summer. Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis would take 2 or 3 of us at a time to stay with them for a week. We had so much fun. I remember the bunkhouse; feeding lambs; and then on Saturday we would get all dressed up to go to Pierre for the day. When I seen the pic of the old house it brought back so many memories. Also Hazel? Green was my 3rd grade teacher in Gettysburg in the 70's. One of my favorite. My mom is Bobbie June (Kennedy) Kellogg Norman. She grew up at the old Finley place. A sister to Aunt Lucille. Thanks again! Stacy Kellogg Renville renville4@yahoo.com .

Date:

1/2/07

Time:

11:48 PM

Comments:

There is something about man's previous habitations and the leavings of his activities like old mines. I don't know what it is that draws me to where others have lived once upon a time ... where they sunk their sweat and tears but I am drawn to such places.

Keith Emrick

Date:

01/24/01

Time:

07:31 PM

Comments

I noticed your mention of the bunkhouse, when describing your father (Billy)?, and grandpa's visits back to Okobojo. That was one of Willis' rituals when the weather started getting cold. He had an old wood burning stove in the room behind the garage, and he stoked it up every morning while he was doing his chores. By the time dad and us kids, (my brother Marlin and I), showed up, he had the cowboy coffee on the stove, and the room was comfortably warm. My brother was just old enough to hang with dad and I, maybe 4 yrs., and we would bundle him up in his parka, bib overalls, and checkered scotch cap, with his 4 buckle overshoes, and head across the creek to get our morning coffee at Willis'. Willis got such a kick out of a 4 yr. old taking to coffee, that he gave Marlin the handle "Mr. McGregor", after the character in Maxwell house coffee commercials in the '60s. I'm getting a chuckle out of this stuff, so bear with me.

My dad mentioned Billy, but didn't have many memories of him. What he did mention was that he was a very bright fellow, and went on to become an engineer or something? I wonder if there is any correlation between his IQ and the fact that he left Okobojo!!! LOL

My grandparents moved to Pierre in '56, although he and my father were partners in the place, up until he died in '86. I feel very fortunate to be one of those kids that got to work with my gramps. When we harvested, he operated one combine, (an Oliver model #35), and I ran the other, ( a Massey Harris model #32 ). My dad was in charge of the grain trucks and elevators. Our grain trucks consisted of a "46, one ton Ford, and a '48, 2 ton Chevy. I remember grinding many gears in that old Ford, as it had no sychros in the transmission. Between the two of us, we kept dad hopping, as he hauled and we cut. We had umbrella, holders welded to the platform of the machines, so we had shade most of the time, (except in early morning, or late in the afternoon), so we tolerated the heat. It was the chaff that I irritated me alot. Enclosed cabs and air conditioners were just beginning to catch on, and most of the custom wheat cutters had them on their machines.( I remember thinking that those sonsabitches didn't deserve cabs any more than I did, and I was pretty envious of their situation. When we were finished cutting for the season, I took solace in the fact that they were still working up north, while I was getting ready for the county fair)! While I sat and scratched every itch that I could reach, I would glance at gramps in his chino pants and long sleeved chino shirt,(buttoned to the top, with a bandana tied around the collar), enjoying a hot cup of coffee in 100 deg. plus weather!! This picture just didn't look right to me, but I don't ever remember the heat ever getting to him. He was in his element whatever he may be doing, if it pertained to farming or ranching.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

Scott, Great site. I didn't go through all the letters, diaries and movies, but you have done a superb job. I will add a link from the High Plains Drifter site.

Darrell R. Fransen Potter & Sully Co coordinator for the SDGenWeb

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

10:41 PM

Comments

My dad and uncle ken used to trap alot of skunks in Okobojo to earn extra spending money. he loves to speak of the times that the teacher had to send them home, owing to their odoriferous conditions from emptying their traps before school! my favorite times were hunting rabbit and pheasant along the creek. i guess the spot just west of the bridge on our driveway used to attract alot of people from town interested in catching bullheads ( and the occasional pike, in the spring of the year, when the creek was running). We used to pull a few good size fish out of the pool below the spillway, as well as snapping turtle.

we did our share of water skiing on the lake. in fact dad used to put our little boat in right next to the house, and we could ski the creek from the house to the spillway. my dad is still telling the story of a particularly wide turn that i made around one of the bends of the creek as we were coming home from the lake. we were running out of daylight and he had the hammer down. between the poor visibility, the speed, and my recklessly wide turn, it made it impossible for me to veer away from our bunch of cattle, who had waded out into the water to escape the flies. dad only remembers feeling a tug on the boat and looking back to see something that resembled helicopter blades flying through the air as i had skied over the back of an old Hereford cow, and did my impersonation of (the agony of defeat), only ABC was nowhere in sight! it was the same with turtles all the time. if a person stayed inside the boats wake, they were safe, but that can be kind of boring.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/29/01

Time:

11:05 AM

Comments

Hey Scott. Good to e-mail you again. I didn't realize you were such a family history buff. Grandma must be proud! Some day, our kids will love to read this stuff as well.

Kendall Millard

Date:

01/30/01

Time:

03:43 PM

Comments

Hi Scott!

I'm at Kendall's and he pulled this up for me to see; I had given him the address. You've done a great job! Unbelieveable that you know how to do all this and that you took the time to do it. Thanks! Minnietta

Date:

02/01/01

Time:

06:59 AM

Comments

Hi Scott! Great job on your website! I never got to read grandpa's story before, I'll keep checking in to read the latest. That's a lot of typing, he sure could tell a story! Love ya! Haley

Date:

02/08/01

Time:

07:32 PM

Comments

SCOTT, SUPER JOB ON YOUR PAGE! I FOUND IT REAL INTERESTING. LIVING IN SULLY COUNTY ALL MY LIFE,I FIND IT NEAT TO HEAR ABOUT THE WAY IT WAS. RICK HAS SOME PRETTY NEAT MEMORIES. A JOB WELL DONE!

CHUCK WEISCHEDEL

Date:

02/09/01

Time:

11:18 AM

Comments

My name is John west, My mom told me about your site and told me to look it up. I found it very interesting. My family has lived north of okobojo for about three generations. We Farm about 9 miles north. I grew up hearing stories of the wild okobojo. My mom and Dad are both in thier 70's and might be able to give you some history if you'd like feel free to e-mail them at westprairie@sdtc.net ,Thanks again i enjoyed it

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:22 PM

Comments

Glynnes Sargent,wife of Robert Sargent,his parents were Clifford and Lela(Alexander)Sargent. We live in Grandview township.His parent's home place.

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:44 PM

Comments

I love family history. It doesn't even have to be mine. I can sit down with a old timer and listen to him tell tales long into the night. I appreciate your work in creating this history. Well done! Dan

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:52 PM

Comments

Lori Green viewed web site 2-14. Thanks Scott! I will check out more later.

Cheers,

Lori

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:54 PM

Comments

Wow! Did you type all of Grandpas book in there? I have been wanting to do that forever! Thanks!

Lori

Date:

02/19/01

Time:

08:16 PM

Comments

Scott, What a wonderful job on this site! Some of my relatives grew up in Okobojo as well. My grandparents were Victor and Mabel Rose. My dad, Roger, spent a good portion af his earlier years in that area. Spent alot of time with Dick Binkley and his family. My Dad tells of walking to the Okobojo School, (uphill both ways,of course)!! Working the hay fields with horses and wagons, etc. I also remember Rick and "the boat." My Grandparents never did get running water or an indoor bathroom at their place, so us grandkids got an education in what it was like before all those things were commonplace. It is a beautiful place that holds lots of wonderful memories for me and my family. Vicki Rodness

Date:

03/05/01

Time:

07:53 PM

Comments

An interesting and worthwhile project. Well done. Tom Machaj

Date:

03/06/01

Time:

09:48 PM

Comments

I enjoyed perusing "okobojo.com". I grew up in Sully County--my family (the Trumbles) homesteaded just up the road from Okobojo and my dad (David Trumble) is still on the farm he purchased in the early 50's. The Okobojo Women's Club (still active) put up a sign a few years ago to help people find the Okobojo cemetery, since it's not exactly on a well-worn path! My dad goes over and mows every summer...and/or burns off weeds if they've gotten too bad. There were a couple of women who moved into "the old Binkley place"...which was across the road from Willis's place. These women, "the Graney girls", did a considerable amount of research to identify unmarked graves and developed a guide to help people know who was buried where. The Graney girls have since moved away, but (as of last summer anyway) there were still copies of their guide to the cemetery in a mailbox by the cemetery.

I went to Okobojo Elementary school through 4th grade (from 1966-1969), and we used to have our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall, and a "speaking contest" in the spring...and plays, too. There were still enough people around then to have community gatherings. Technology and the economy have not been conducive to keeping that area populated! I am impressed that they have worked so hard to keep the Hall standing and that it still shows up as a proud reminder of the town that was.

Ann Smith

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:09 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, My name is Sharyn Archer,(nee Groseclose) I'm a neice of Willis Green (Lucille). Willis was a such a great man,husband,Uncle there was nothing he wouldn't do for man kind. I stayed with them growing up they became my second mother and father, they raise quit a few of us ( neice and nephews). What a sense of humor he had, always intertaining us. His wife Lucille is fighting the battle of Alzheimer's still living in Onida, she will be 86 this May. The pictue on the web site brings back may memories. Havent bee back to Okobojo for a few years, when we do get back we try to drive out there. Monte Groseclose is my grandfather, My dad is Richard Groseclose, living Brookings, SD today he is 76. Married to Rosella (Kennedy) her family grow up around Okobojo also. Earl and Ada Kennedy. This a very interesting and exciting site, glad I ran unto it. A lot of my fathers family is buried at the Okobojo cemetary. Please keep up the great work, need more web sites like this. 

God Bless, Sharyn

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:15 PM

Comments

This is a very neat page! My dad and his family grew up in Okobojo. Monte Groseclose was my grandpa and I never knew him as he passed before i was even born. This was neat to see him as a young man on the baseball team. Although i think my dad looks more like his Uncle Henry than his own dad. Willis was my uncle, he married my mothers sister Lucille Kennedy. You mentioned that Willis lived in the house in the 50's, but i wasn't born until '69 and I vagly remember the old farm house and visiting Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis on Sunday afternoons. You have got me wondering about alot of things now, cant wait to visit my dad again and ask questions. Maybe i can get him to write up some of his memories for you to post.

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:17 PM

Comments

Oops, forgot to tell you who my dad even was or who i was. My dad was Richard Groseclose and I am his daughter Rory Menenger. Again Neat page!

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:42 PM

Comments

Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I was raised in Onida. My Uncle Willis and Aunt Lucille Green had a farm in Okobojo, I had a lot of fun times visting them. Again, Thank you. Tammy (Groseclose) Serbousek

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:50 PM

Comments

Hello,

My name is Jodi Broker (Groseclose) I am Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis niece. The picture of their house I remember like yesterday. As growing up my weekends were spent at the farm with them and fishing in the creek with Uncle Willis's bamboo fishing poles. I don't know how Uncle Willis ever had enough patients to take 3 girls fishing all at once. I remember there was a high wire above the creek and everytime I threw my line in the creek it would wrap around the high wire first and then I would lose my pole which would be dangling from the wire. Yet Uncle Willis never lost his patience at all. (hhhhmmm!I wonder how many bamboo poles he went through). If only we could go back what a great time I had there.

This is a great site keep up the good work and I will be back to visit.

Jodi Broker (Groseclose)

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

06:52 PM

Comments

We have been to Okobojo twice now on a driving vacation from California. Our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee and her two sons, Harry and Arthur, moved to Okobojo from Waverly, IA in 1883. She had two pieces of property. In September of 1885, ten days before she died, she sold her land to Mr. Thomas Lytle. She is buried in the Okobojo Cemetery, and although no headstone exists for her whereabouts, we have been to the cemetery and have called out her name to let her know we were there. Thank you for some precious memories of Okobojo. We'll be back again. Paul and Judy Swenson

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

07:01 PM

Comments

I just posted a message to your site regarding our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee. I thought I would leave my e-mail address in case someone comes across her name or the names of her sons Harry and Arthur. JudyofPBS@AOL.com

Date:

03/17/01

Time:

07:56 AM

Comments

Scott,

What a great Job you did on the Okojobo Website. Can't wait to send the site info to the family. The rolling prairies are so impressive. I remember the picture Grandmother Green. The gain elevator movie was terrific. Bill looked good. You have put a lot on time on this and shows.

Bert Wilder

Date:

03/19/01

Time:

12:58 PM

Comments

Dear Scott, I'm Bill Wilder, a grandson of "Cathie Green" Wilder. "Willie" is my father, from whom I was just forwarded a note about this website. Great job! I've been collecting info on the family on and off for some years and putting it all in a database. Thanks for this interesting and entertaining resource as well! Blessings, Bill

Date:

04/02/01

Time:

10:33 PM

Comments

When I went to the Okobojo Country School it was a two-room schoolhouse. The summer before I started school. Dad & I stopped to talk to the carpenter who was putting in folding doors to divide it into two rooms. They could be opened to make one room when we needed it. We also had two teachers Miss Plumber was the lower grade teacher. Mrs. Pierce was the upper grades teacher also Miss McDonald (?? I can't remember her name for sure) for a year or so. The families that attended were Sargents, Trumbles, Finleys, Binkleys, Halls, Weischedels, Zebroskis, and a couple of others. 

Okobojo School also had a brand-new outhouse the largest I have ever seen. It was a very important part of every student's day because we used it to play ''Annie-I-Over the outhouse." It was a two-room building with four holes on each side pretty high class. My grandma had knitted me a pair of red mittens and I lost one down one of the holes & it never saw the light of day again. The old outhouse was lying on it side in a far corner of the playground. We put it to use as a fort. 

Since there was no running water at school we took turns bring the water cooler with fresh water to school. 

I went to country school until I was a third grader. Then we moved closer to town and started town school. It was a rude awaking for this little country girl. The kids were not near as nice. They couldn't believe that we played with our sisters at recess, well if you didn't play with your siblings at country school, that would have eliminated about half the kids. I remember the whole school playing baseball together & having snowball fights. I don't remember anyone not letting me play games even though I was one of the little kids. Of course they would have had to deal with my two big brothers so maybe that was the reason. 

One of the very first times I was at school, I walked too close to the swings and got cut on my head. Once was all it took for me to learn that lesson. Kindergarten was only for a couple of weeks. We took naps in the afternoon on mats. I was the only girl in my class, The boys were Mark Trumble, Tom Sargent, & Marty Finley. Linda Hall was there for part of a year maybe when I was 1st or 2nd grader.

My brothers sometimes rode a horse to school and then had to go check livestock at the noon recess. We sometimes walked to school. I think that it was only a mile or two. Mom usually picked us up. One day after school when we were giving some boys a ride as far as our house & the boys all dared my brother, Tom to jump out of the back of our jeep. Mom slowed down to go around a corner and he jumped. He got pretty banged up, and was bloody but you know how any cut on your head bleeds.

One recess my brother Tim ate a grasshopper and I remember my brother Tom swallowed a button on a string & then pulled it back up. Yuck! 

We had our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall. I remember standing up there & and being so scared because there were so many people in the audience & it was such a big place. Dale Bartels was always Santa. I never knew that till years later because at that time I was a true believer. I was in awe of Tom Sargent when he teased Santa that he was going to go out side & untie his reindeer. Didn't he want anything for Christmas? 

When I was in college (about 1979 or so) and I was home at Thanksgiving, we went to a Turkey Ball at the old hall. It had shrunk considerably. I couldn't believe how small it seemed. 

One year for the Homecoming parade we rode in the back of a pickup or on a flat bed & portrayed Alice in Wonderland. I was dressed in two big white pieces of paper & was one of the playing cards. In the spring we had a playday at the fairgrounds beside Onida. There were other country schools there but I am not sure if the town kids were there. We ran foot races, high jump, long jump, & block races. This was in the Vietnam War era as I remember Mrs. Pierce's son was injured by being kicked in one of his kidneys. (I think?)While she was a teacher there, she had the radio on to listen for updates about her son.

If you are looking for more information on Okobojo Country School, I know that Jane Trumble wrote a couple of articles on country school that were published in the Onida Watchman about 20 years ago. There is also a display at the Alumni building at the Sully county Fairgrounds that has the history of the county schools on display there. This display also includes pictures. Elton Eller did a wonderful job on this display and so I want to give him credit.

TARINA ZEBROSKI-KOPREN MARCH 2001

Date:

04/17/01

Time:

08:54 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, This is a real family treasure. There are pictures that I am seeing for the first time. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to get this together. It should be a growing history as others add information. Thanks again for thinking of us. You did a great job. Bill Wilder (William G.)

Comments

Dear Mr Scott Green, A gentleman with whom you have had recent contact, Mr. Allis (Gene), suggested that I contact you and give information on, what I believe to be my ancestors along the Green line. Perhaps you can confirm, deny or correct what I have found and if you feel led to, correspond. My GGF was Matthew Compton Green #145485, the son of Shadrack Green, #145458, the son of Joseph Green, #189719, the son of Shadrack Green, #189739, the son of Shadrack Green, #143970. I'm not sure of where to go from there. I thought that John Green who married to Elizabeth Jones fit into the lineage, but I haven't been able to connect them by registration number. Any information that you could share or that I may purchase would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Dr. Ron Smith, Murfreesboro, TN papadocs@bellsouth.net

Date:

05/11/01

Time:

06:55 AM

Comments

Hi from the family Esselbruge in Hamilton New Zealand. From Ron, Anneke, Ishmael, Jeremy, Jude and Caleb at Esselbrugge@zfree.co.nz

Date:

05/14/01

Time:

07:51 PM

Comments

Thank you for creating this site. My great, great grandfather John Wilmer Mitchell, and my great, great, great grandfather James Coleman, lived in this area. I have been researching it for years and was pleased to see your site, and what a great job you have done.

John Mitchell jtmsam@aol.com

Date:

07/05/01

Time:

04:47 PM

Comments

Just read about this in the Watchman - and am absolutely delighted with your web page!! I used to do a lot on Sully County history and for the state historical society as I had time - but you have FAR outclassed anything I ever did. Keep it up, please! We used to live north of Okobojo on Hillside Ranch - Bonnie Zebroski (bonzeb@rapidnet.com) Will try to send you some other stuff as I have time (and as I find it).

Date:

08/16/01

Time:

08:38 PM

Comments

Mrs. John P. Bush and her children lived in Okobojo for one winter so the oldest children twin girls Mary and Rose could go to school there. This was in approximately 1917. Mr. Bush remained on the family farm while the family lived there. Their farm was aprroximately 9 miles from Okobojo.

Date:

08/20/01

Time:

01:57 PM

Comments

I'm not related to you, but I thoroughly enjoyed your website describing life in Okobojo. My Mother was born in Forest City in 1900 so her life was probably much the same. I was particularly taken by the letter to Cousin Charlie on July 25, 1898, as he mentions having to stop and get a lot of groceries for Old Man Ripley, who I am sure must be my great-grandfather George!

This is a great website.

Bonita Johnson

Date:

08/31/01

Time:

04:34 PM

Comments

Hello--My name is Pat Harding & I am the daughter of Arlos & Genevieve Binkley and the sister of Ken & Dick Binkley I have enjoyed reading the articles & looking at the pictures of your web site-thanks for the time you have spent putting this together! I was in the last 1/2 of the 5th grade when my folks moved to Okobojo (fit must've been 1940) & I attended the Okobojo school through the 8th grade. I have a lot of fond memories of those times. WE had good teachers & good Christmas programs at the Okobojo Hall. I remember when my dad bought his farm from George Bunch on a contract for deed . He saved enough money to pay the contract off early & when he went to George's home to pay it off, George really didn't want to have it paid off early, but he finally accepted my dad's payoff of the contract.It was a good day for my dad. I have more stories & may write more later. Thanks again for the memories you have created. Pat Harding

Date:

10/05/01

Time:

11:00 AM

Comments

Enjoyed your site as my address was Okobojo for many years. djs1329@hotmail.com

Date:

02/26/02

Time:

09:51 AM

Comments

Love your Okobojo website. Very well done and informative. I wanted to invite everyone to visit the USGenWeb page for Sully Co., South Dakota which contains a link back to this website. I became the new volunteer host in FEB 2002. It is a genealogy page to help in researching ancestors who lived in Sully County, SD. The former host, Darrell Fransen, retired from his volunteer position in January. Hope you enjoy your visit! http://www.rootsweb.com/~sdsully/sullyindex.htm

Date:

03/17/02

Time:

07:23 PM

Comments

Scott,

My Great Great grandparents , the Sommers lived in Okobojo, and I saw them listred in the cemetery. Thanks for some insight on the town.

Joel Knutson email onegod@earthlink.net

Date:

04/07/02

Time:

08:40 AM

Comments

Dear Scott: (This memo doesn't belong in this section of your website but I don't see where else I can contact you on these matters.) I'm from Agar SD and I love your website. I love the history of the local people that you cover but I noticed that two equally wonderful family histories are not noted and they are the John Zebroski's and Leonard Serbousek's. You could possibly get history info for the Zebroski's from Barbara Rilling of Onida SD and the Serbousek's from Lexia Doerr in Mobridge SD. Lexia is my sister-in-law and Barbara is a daughter of my parent's longtime family friends the Zebroski's. I do believe they were from the Okobojo area.

Date:

06/03/02

Time:

01:56 AM

Comments

I have set here for hours reading all the stories written about OkOBOJO and I now feel a little closer to knowing the town, that my family lived in for so many years. Thank U vicki minear (great grandaughter of John T. Galligar)

Date:

06/04/02

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

This is a most enjoyable site. I could add a few more names and corrections to the Methodist picture of all the ladies and babies. My Grandmother RosaLee, wife of Emert D. Owen is there, besides my mother Florence Owen, her next older sister Margaret,it is her sister Lillian Owen Malick who is holding baby Emily. Directly behind her is Grandmother Owen and to grandmother's right Aunt Carrie McNutt, wife of Jesse Owen (Spanish-American war and I have a letter he wrote home) behind on grandmother's left is Aunt Zella Owen McNutt. I have left notes in the mail box at the Okobojo Cemetery when I've visited the grave of my grandfather Owen. The reason I was searching the web this time is because I am about to publish a book (June 30) called My Great Grandparents Jonathan Owen and Elizabeth Ann Dean and Their Forebearers. And who are the parents of Emert Dean Owen and one time residents of Sully County. My grandfather Owen ran the store and postoffice and my mother Florence told me about Okobojo Creek where she watered her horse and sat along the bank dangling her feet in the water. Well, that's a lot of words, now you know why I am publishing a book. Is there a historical or genealogical society who might want a copy? I am willing to donate one copy to a Society who might be able to use it. Rhoda Elleen (Berry) Wicker rewicker@msn.com Web site: http://home.att.net/~rewicker

Date:

07/25/02

Time:

10:10 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Great website, This will really help me with my project, the progect is called "Live and die in Okobojo". God bless you Scott, you are doing such a great thing here! Jesus Loves you!, Conrad River

Date:

07/28/02

Time:

03:04 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, Your site keeps getting better and better. Your family is blessed to have someone willing to put their creative talent to use in this area. I returned to Pierre (and Okobojo) on July 1st, for my grandmother Genevieve Binkley's funeral services. I'm not sure grandma Jenny knew how much I appreciated the struggle and sacrifice that she and my grandpa Arlos endured to make a "home" for their children and grandchildren. When I read of the accomplishments in her life, it seemed to bring the need for honoring of their efforts more into focus. That's what I see you doing here. Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

08/04/02

Time:

08:12 AM

Comments

I once heard that there are only about 2 or 3 life stories that conitnue to repeat themselves. However, each of us always feels as though we are the first to experience the trials. Please keep up the great work. This website serves so many purposes, the least of which not being that it reminds us that there were those before us who not only dealt with trials much greater than many of our own, but they did so with humor in their lives. Thank you for the reminder!

Date:

08/22/02

Time:

04:31 PM

Comments

Hi, does anyone know anything about what happened to the Henry Snyder family which is mentioned in some of this site's chronicles? Henry was the brother of my great grandmother who lived in Canada. Great site, thanks Gordon Pitts

Date:

09/11/02

Time:

02:11 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, I have enjoyed reading all the Okobojo stories, and looking at the pictures. My COLBY ancestors spent some time there in the late 1880's and early 1890's. My great-Grandparents had 4 children born there. They were Grace, Sylvie, Vernon, and Raymond children of Edgar Daniel Colby and Annie Beatrice Ellis. They moved on to Oregon in about 1898 and their descendants still live in Oregon and Washington today. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this site. Nancy Colby Shockey

Date:

09/16/02

Time:

10:18 PM

Comments

JUST STOPPED BY TO SEE WHAT YOU ADDED NEW.......... I LIKED THE POEM....... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SCOTT. VICKI MINEAR

Date:

10/30/02

Time:

11:01 PM

Comments

Paul and Judy Swensen....... You mentioned Thomas Lytle......probably my grandfather. He homesteaded in several states, including SD, ND and Montana, where I was born. Jeanne Dahlin Swick Molt MT jcswick@mtintouch.net

Date:

11/13/02

Time:

11:26 AM

Comments

how I enjoyed reading about your family and the history of Okobojo! Thanks for sharing it! My grandmother was born there in 1899 and from her own account she referred to it as a "ghost town, completely under water". Her family moved to nearby Potter Co. where I was born in 1955. Again, thanks for the memories : ) Kathy Duncan Cawley

Date:

01/07/03

Time:

10:32 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Willis' poems are a great addition, and I will certainly give them all a read. The picture of Lucille and Willis brought back many memories. Willis looked like the kind of fella that you'd like to call "friend", back in his hey-day! What a privledge it was to have spent time with them both. Take Care, Rick Binkley, Sonoma, Ca. e-mail rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

01/14/03

Time:

04:32 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I sure enjoyed reading Uncle Willis' poems. I didn't know he wrote them, but I wasn't surprised. Writing poetry must run in the family. Keep up the good work here, Scott. Aunt Jeanette

Date:

02/17/03

Time:

02:02 PM

Comments

I want you to know that I enjoy your web site. Willis Green was my uncle. Lucille and my mother (Betty Kenndy Ripley) were sisters. I worked for Willis and Lucille when they had the "tavern" in Agar. I was 13 or 14 when I started. I have very fond memories of both of them. They treated all of the neices and newphews as if they were their own children. Always there to help you out. Lucille was a wonderful Aunt. I still miss her. Cindi Ripley Forgey

Date:

03/12/03

Time:

04:30 PM

Comments

Hello, Scott. My McGuire ancestors are buried in Okobojo. They went from Pennsylvania to Okobojo about 1884. You and I have corresponded previously, but I think I never signed the guest book and I wanted to add this comment for the record. I work on genealogy and I am very much interested in stories of my ancestors and their neighbors and relatives. Zelda Zeuge Dubel. rvdubel@msn.com

Date:

06/15/03

Time:

01:07 PM

Comments

Enjoyed very much.We like ghost towns and all the memories.

Date:

07/08/03

Time:

12:53 PM

Comments

Hey Scott, _very_ nice website. I have no knowledge or particular interest in Greens or Okobojo (other than the name itself), but I find it a very engaging look at "random history". Keep it up! Steve Braker

Date:

07/24/03

Time:

07:33 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, You have an attractive well-organized site. Judy Boie gave me your address. It seems we are cousins. I believe I am also descended from John Green RWS through his son Aaron Green. I am attempting to compile sufficient documentation on John Green for supplementary status in the Sons of the American Revolution. Judy mentioned a letter written from Joseph Green to Mr. Norton listing the children of John Green. Is this letter on your website? I look forward to hearing from you. Lee Phillips Sugar Land, TX lee.phillips@prodigy.net

Date:

07/26/03

Time:

11:03 PM

Comments

Scott, I was able to actually visit the cemetery yesterday. You have it listed as northwest of the town - I may have got turned around a little but isn't it north EAST? Thanks again for this site. Joel Knutson - great great grand son of Charles & Mary Sommer

Date:

07/27/03

Time:

07:18 PM

Comments

Oops...thanks a ton for letting me know I had it wrong Joel. Your right of course.  Gee...I'm thinkin I put you just about into Lake Okobojo.

 ...how was the fishin? 

Sorry about that. I'll fix it right away. - Scott Green

Date:

07/27/03

Time:

07:27 PM

Comments

Hi. I really enjoy your web page. Ghost towns are an interest of mine. I live in Brown County, just outside of Aberdeen. I'm hoping one of these days to take a trip and see what's left of Okobojo. Great site!

Date:

07/28/03

Time:

12:05 AM

Comments

Hi Tom, It was very nice speaking with you a few weeks ago. I am thankful to all who have contributed to this site, because like many other past residences of Okobojo, I have very happy memories of my time there. It's as though my life ended when I left Okobojo. Sure, I grew up, moved to CA, got a Masters' degree (who would a thunk it), a great research job, responsible loving children, but honestly, not much compares to those summer Okobojo nights. I have vivid memories of all our neighbors, especially Trina Zebronski.(thanks for making Mrs. Plummer’s class fun). On summer nights, my parents would shoot the sh*t with the Finleys and the Binkleys. Life was difficult for my parents in Okobojo, but they were happy. When my parents did move to Pierre, their lives (ours) took some terrible turns. So, maybe I'm over-romanticizing my time in Okobojo, but still, thanks to your site, I can take a sweet walk down the Okobojo memory lane. JoAnn Glessner Lane

Date:

09/02/03

Time:

06:35 PM

Comments

I remeber my Grandmother Alice Crumbacker Green talking about going to Okobojo. I am sure I was there once or twice, but was too young to remember now. Your website is great.

Date:

09/08/03

Time:

01:28 PM

Comments

I can't beleive I got to see pictures and hear stories about Okobojo. My father was Marvin Bunch and his father was George Bunch who married Bertha Bagby. Dad had a sister named Evelyn Hope Bunch. I have heard so many stories, but just hearing about all the little details is great. If anybody knows about my relatives I would love to hear more and can be reached at dedelmann@aol.com.

Date:

02/08/04

Time:

08:58 AM

Comments

My greatgrandmother, Louisa Nystrom, her second husband Fred Nystrom, and my great uncle, Leonard Nystrom are all buried in the Okobojo cemetary. My greatgrandmother was a Sully County pioneer who came from Sweden in 1876. She married Sven Nystrom, relocated to New Mexico and Sven was killed in a mining accident in New Mexico. I am told she then returned to South Dakota and married Sven's brother Fred. She had about 8 children. My grandfather was James Nystrom, one of Fred's sons. If anyone has any information of knowledge of my relatives please e-mail me at mvnystrom@dhr.state.ga.us. My name is Michele V. Nystrom, daughter of James Nystrom, Jr. who was born near Onida (is that Sully County)? Thanks!

Date:

02/12/04

Time:

09:28 AM

Comments

the story found on www.okobojo.com/George/Memoirs/georges%20memoirs.txt remembers, briefly, my father, clarence kooyman that time of huron, sd. as a child i remember visiting the green's farm (~1943-44?) at a place i recall being referred to as pierre, sd. my first crush on a girl, at the age of about four, was a minnietta green. my brother, rod, was nearly drowned in the cistern next to the house one year. it was minnietta's quick thinking that prevented him from dying in that cistern. my father and mr. green ( i do not remember his first name) were returning on foot from a trip to a store when mrs. green screamed for them to hurry. mr. green intuitively new what had happened and jumped into the cistern retrieving my brother rod. rod was unconscious, but survived, thanks to minnietta, mrs. green, and mr. green.

Date:

08/02/04

Time:

11:58 AM

Comments

Relly have enjoyed your web site.I am looking for information on the Bunch Family who are buried in the Okobojo Cemetery. rdheck@nwmo.net

Date:

08/02/04

Time:

12:01 PM

Comments

This is such a great site!! What beautiful memories are here. I don't have relatives from there, but my cousin does, and I believe it is the Bunch family. I am sending her this site, so she can see pictures of some of her family. Thanks so much for sharing a wonderful story, in note and pictures!! Jean Robles

Date:

10/01/04

Time:

09:11 PM

Comments

Scott I was intrigue by your story, I looked up the page with the picture of the VA. Too bad the name of the establishment was not mention, nor the owners, Dr Braun. It does stand to reason that the Braun Hotel is on the west side and north of the Evan's Hotel. I miss visiting with you. I would like to someday repeat your well research journey, on the Braun Hotel. Maybe I will get more stories out there. I am still reading your site and I am fascinated of the life simplicities in the black color days. Lets keep in touch OLGA at the Braun Bath House and Hotel built 1908 and officialy opened in Nov 1910. Yes, the basement was in full swing with bath tubs utilizing the spring water in the front of the hotel. Both the men and women travelers bath and recieved massages in the basement. I find it possible for the men to recieve a shoe shine during that era of 1922.WOW 5cent

Date:

12/05/04

Time:

05:02 PM

Comments

my name is john weischedel and my grandpa lives i think about 18 miles from there. i go to okobojo every summer

Date:

12/22/04

Time:

09:00 PM

Comments

Nice site. FYI, you wondered why a farmer from Illinois would settle on the barren plains of SD. The river valleys of the Missouri were fertile and somewhat of an oasis back then. The valleys are under water now as you know because of the massive Lake Oahe, but I remember my grandfather telling me that the valleys were forested before the dams.

Date:

12/28/04

Time:

11:34 AM

Comments

Nice new picture Scott. You look so incredibly happy...

Date:

01/14/05

Time:

01:14 PM

Comments

01/14/05 01:05 PM AMAZING! TRULY A LABOR OF LOVE! THE PHOTO YOU HAVE OF THE PIONEER WOMEN INCLUDES MY GRANDMOTHER, "BABY DOROTHY McMACKEN" ON SUSIE FELTON McMACKEN'S LAP. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION OR PHOTOS ABOUT THE McMACKENS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE KNOWING WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE. MY GRANDMOTHER'S PARENTS (THE McMACKENS) LIVED IN S.D. AND HAD A LARGE RANCH. MY GRANDFATHER WAS JOHN L.HOSKINSON, HE WORKED FOR A TIME FOR MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LABOR OF LOVE AND ALL THE TIME AND ENERGY YOU HAVE LOVINGLY PUT INTO THIS SITE. MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOUR EFFORTS, DONETTE CONE, BELLEVUE, NE. DONETTE@AOL.COM

Date:

01/21/05

Time:

10:18 AM

Comments

Date:

02/06/05

Time:

10:12 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I am transcribing a long letter written by my great, great grandfather in 1885, Marvin Scudder II, to his grandson, Delmar Kiddoo, who was the son of an early settler (Howard Kiddoo) in the Hidden Creek area south (?) of Okobojo. The letter pertains to his visit to the area in 1884 and observations about the area and it's people. It's a fascinating letter and I hope to post it as well as some family photos soon. Please let me know if you have any interest in this narrative. I very much enjoy reading all of the letters. - Kathy John, Santa Cruz, CA kathyjwmp@aol.com

Date:

02/20/05

Time:

06:51 PM

Comments

I enjoyed reading aboutOKOBOJO. I beleave Arlos Binkley was related to my family. My granmother was Wanda (Binkley) Bowen. My great Grandmother was Cecil Binkley.My father said they had some of the biggest pigs he has ever seen. Tom Bowen ctbowen56@hotmail.com

Date:

02/27/05

Time:

04:21 PM

Comments

Scott, I did a web search of my family name : Flansburg, and your site came up. I think the flansburg family you mentioned was my dads but I'll have to ask him. I was wondering if you have a printed version of this web site which I could purchase to read to dad. Maybe he could add something to the story ? Good job, Miles F. Flansburg flanmf@bp.com 2/27/05

Date:

07/20/05

Time:

04:04 PM

Comments

Very nice site. Will sure visit again.

Date:

09/06/05

Time:

07:54 PM

Comments

I have been recomending the site to some of the people I have met through work

Date:

09/08/05

Time:

01:15 PM

Comments

Searched and Surfed your page great work

Date:

09/09/05

Time:

02:28 PM

Comments

Nice web site I enjoyed reading. I wish you and your family the best of luck.

Date:

10/08/05

Time:

06:39 PM

Comments

I accidentally fell into this web site while looking up Ghost Towns. What a treat!! This is a very nice and well put together site and you should be proud. I hope you continue to add more stories and pictures. I am a former Lamb from Onida and went to school with Tarina Zebroski-Kopren, who left a nice letter. Therefore, the more recent items interest me the most (if you can consider 30-40 years ago more recent!) Keep up the good work. I will visit this site often. Denise Wilkins of Olympia, WA

Date: 01/09/06

Time: 06:43 PM

Comments:

This is a fabulous site! I'm researching Ghost Towns for an upcoming novel. I'll be taking a trip to SD this spring for research.

Erica in MN

Date:

1/14/06

Time:

10:07 PM

Comments

I am writing to regreatfully inform the Okobojo community that my Dad, Marvin Bunch passed away last August at the age of 91. He lead a very full life and was very healthy right up to the end. I do have some good news in that after my father passed away I was reunited with my cousin Janet Flaa Borgschatz and have told her about this wonderful site. I do hope to visit South Dakota very soon and see the burial site of my grandparents George and Bertha Bunch. I do hope people will continue to send pictures and I will send some also as I go through Dad's stuff. Thank you again for sheading some light on the lives of my grandparents.

Sincerely,

Dana Bunch Edelmann

dedelmann@aol.com

Date:

2/1/06

Time:

07:16 PM

Comments

Hello was delighted to read such interesting stories on a web site. It reminded me of Little house on the prairie stories I read to my sons when they were little. I was interested in who the Mr, Crumbaker was the one lady was married in her first marriage. I.m going on 55 yrs old soon. I have 2 sons. Joey is a middle school computer teacher the other R. Jayson is handicapped and doesn't work. He had All Leukemia at age 4 and he has had 3 brain tumor surgeries and a 4th for a bacterial infection. Not many survive 85 to 90% cancer in their bone marrow and 4 brain surgeries.He,s been in remission 30 yrs.Thank God for his Miracles! Thanks again.

Elizabeth Crumbaker Meholovitch 59550 cash Hill Shadyside,Ohio 43847

Date:

3/7/06

Time:

11:25 PM

Comments:

Hi Scott,

It's been awhile since my last posting. Moving from Ca. back to Ft. Worth Tx. in less than a month. I'll probably be driving North more now. The folks are wintering in Johnson City, and may need a bit of help from time to time. When do your think your next trip to Okobojo will be? Great ongoing job with the site.

Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

12/31/06

Time:

1:55 AM

Comments:

This is an awesome website. My mom grew up here. My Aunt Lucille was married to Uncle Willis Green. I have fond memories of going to the farm with my cousin during the summer. Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis would take 2 or 3 of us at a time to stay with them for a week. We had so much fun. I remember the bunkhouse; feeding lambs; and then on Saturday we would get all dressed up to go to Pierre for the day. When I seen the pic of the old house it brought back so many memories. Also Hazel? Green was my 3rd grade teacher in Gettysburg in the 70's. One of my favorite. My mom is Bobbie June (Kennedy) Kellogg Norman. She grew up at the old Finley place. A sister to Aunt Lucille. Thanks again! Stacy Kellogg Renville renville4@yahoo.com .

Date:

1/2/07

Time:

11:48 PM

Comments:

There is something about man's previous habitations and the leavings of his activities like old mines. I don't know what it is that draws me to where others have lived once upon a time ... where they sunk their sweat and tears but I am drawn to such places.

Keith Emrick

Date:

01/24/01

Time:

07:31 PM

Comments

I noticed your mention of the bunkhouse, when describing your father (Billy)?, and grandpa's visits back to Okobojo. That was one of Willis' rituals when the weather started getting cold. He had an old wood burning stove in the room behind the garage, and he stoked it up every morning while he was doing his chores. By the time dad and us kids, (my brother Marlin and I), showed up, he had the cowboy coffee on the stove, and the room was comfortably warm. My brother was just old enough to hang with dad and I, maybe 4 yrs., and we would bundle him up in his parka, bib overalls, and checkered scotch cap, with his 4 buckle overshoes, and head across the creek to get our morning coffee at Willis'. Willis got such a kick out of a 4 yr. old taking to coffee, that he gave Marlin the handle "Mr. McGregor", after the character in Maxwell house coffee commercials in the '60s. I'm getting a chuckle out of this stuff, so bear with me.

My dad mentioned Billy, but didn't have many memories of him. What he did mention was that he was a very bright fellow, and went on to become an engineer or something? I wonder if there is any correlation between his IQ and the fact that he left Okobojo!!! LOL

My grandparents moved to Pierre in '56, although he and my father were partners in the place, up until he died in '86. I feel very fortunate to be one of those kids that got to work with my gramps. When we harvested, he operated one combine, (an Oliver model #35), and I ran the other, ( a Massey Harris model #32 ). My dad was in charge of the grain trucks and elevators. Our grain trucks consisted of a "46, one ton Ford, and a '48, 2 ton Chevy. I remember grinding many gears in that old Ford, as it had no sychros in the transmission. Between the two of us, we kept dad hopping, as he hauled and we cut. We had umbrella, holders welded to the platform of the machines, so we had shade most of the time, (except in early morning, or late in the afternoon), so we tolerated the heat. It was the chaff that I irritated me alot. Enclosed cabs and air conditioners were just beginning to catch on, and most of the custom wheat cutters had them on their machines.( I remember thinking that those sonsabitches didn't deserve cabs any more than I did, and I was pretty envious of their situation. When we were finished cutting for the season, I took solace in the fact that they were still working up north, while I was getting ready for the county fair)! While I sat and scratched every itch that I could reach, I would glance at gramps in his chino pants and long sleeved chino shirt,(buttoned to the top, with a bandana tied around the collar), enjoying a hot cup of coffee in 100 deg. plus weather!! This picture just didn't look right to me, but I don't ever remember the heat ever getting to him. He was in his element whatever he may be doing, if it pertained to farming or ranching.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

Scott, Great site. I didn't go through all the letters, diaries and movies, but you have done a superb job. I will add a link from the High Plains Drifter site.

Darrell R. Fransen Potter & Sully Co coordinator for the SDGenWeb

Date:

01/25/01

Time:

10:41 PM

Comments

My dad and uncle ken used to trap alot of skunks in Okobojo to earn extra spending money. he loves to speak of the times that the teacher had to send them home, owing to their odoriferous conditions from emptying their traps before school! my favorite times were hunting rabbit and pheasant along the creek. i guess the spot just west of the bridge on our driveway used to attract alot of people from town interested in catching bullheads ( and the occasional pike, in the spring of the year, when the creek was running). We used to pull a few good size fish out of the pool below the spillway, as well as snapping turtle.

we did our share of water skiing on the lake. in fact dad used to put our little boat in right next to the house, and we could ski the creek from the house to the spillway. my dad is still telling the story of a particularly wide turn that i made around one of the bends of the creek as we were coming home from the lake. we were running out of daylight and he had the hammer down. between the poor visibility, the speed, and my recklessly wide turn, it made it impossible for me to veer away from our bunch of cattle, who had waded out into the water to escape the flies. dad only remembers feeling a tug on the boat and looking back to see something that resembled helicopter blades flying through the air as i had skied over the back of an old Hereford cow, and did my impersonation of (the agony of defeat), only ABC was nowhere in sight! it was the same with turtles all the time. if a person stayed inside the boats wake, they were safe, but that can be kind of boring.

Rick Binkley

Date:

01/29/01

Time:

11:05 AM

Comments

Hey Scott. Good to e-mail you again. I didn't realize you were such a family history buff. Grandma must be proud! Some day, our kids will love to read this stuff as well.

Kendall Millard

Date:

01/30/01

Time:

03:43 PM

Comments

Hi Scott!

I'm at Kendall's and he pulled this up for me to see; I had given him the address. You've done a great job! Unbelieveable that you know how to do all this and that you took the time to do it. Thanks! Minnietta

Date:

02/01/01

Time:

06:59 AM

Comments

Hi Scott! Great job on your website! I never got to read grandpa's story before, I'll keep checking in to read the latest. That's a lot of typing, he sure could tell a story! Love ya! Haley

Date:

02/08/01

Time:

07:32 PM

Comments

SCOTT, SUPER JOB ON YOUR PAGE! I FOUND IT REAL INTERESTING. LIVING IN SULLY COUNTY ALL MY LIFE,I FIND IT NEAT TO HEAR ABOUT THE WAY IT WAS. RICK HAS SOME PRETTY NEAT MEMORIES. A JOB WELL DONE!

CHUCK WEISCHEDEL

Date:

02/09/01

Time:

11:18 AM

Comments

My name is John west, My mom told me about your site and told me to look it up. I found it very interesting. My family has lived north of okobojo for about three generations. We Farm about 9 miles north. I grew up hearing stories of the wild okobojo. My mom and Dad are both in thier 70's and might be able to give you some history if you'd like feel free to e-mail them at westprairie@sdtc.net ,Thanks again i enjoyed it

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:22 PM

Comments

Glynnes Sargent,wife of Robert Sargent,his parents were Clifford and Lela(Alexander)Sargent. We live in Grandview township.His parent's home place.

Date:

02/11/01

Time:

03:44 PM

Comments

I love family history. It doesn't even have to be mine. I can sit down with a old timer and listen to him tell tales long into the night. I appreciate your work in creating this history. Well done! Dan

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:52 PM

Comments

Lori Green viewed web site 2-14. Thanks Scott! I will check out more later.

Cheers,

Lori

Date:

02/14/01

Time:

12:54 PM

Comments

Wow! Did you type all of Grandpas book in there? I have been wanting to do that forever! Thanks!

Lori

Date:

02/19/01

Time:

08:16 PM

Comments

Scott, What a wonderful job on this site! Some of my relatives grew up in Okobojo as well. My grandparents were Victor and Mabel Rose. My dad, Roger, spent a good portion af his earlier years in that area. Spent alot of time with Dick Binkley and his family. My Dad tells of walking to the Okobojo School, (uphill both ways,of course)!! Working the hay fields with horses and wagons, etc. I also remember Rick and "the boat." My Grandparents never did get running water or an indoor bathroom at their place, so us grandkids got an education in what it was like before all those things were commonplace. It is a beautiful place that holds lots of wonderful memories for me and my family. Vicki Rodness

Date:

03/05/01

Time:

07:53 PM

Comments

An interesting and worthwhile project. Well done. Tom Machaj

Date:

03/06/01

Time:

09:48 PM

Comments

I enjoyed perusing "okobojo.com". I grew up in Sully County--my family (the Trumbles) homesteaded just up the road from Okobojo and my dad (David Trumble) is still on the farm he purchased in the early 50's. The Okobojo Women's Club (still active) put up a sign a few years ago to help people find the Okobojo cemetery, since it's not exactly on a well-worn path! My dad goes over and mows every summer...and/or burns off weeds if they've gotten too bad. There were a couple of women who moved into "the old Binkley place"...which was across the road from Willis's place. These women, "the Graney girls", did a considerable amount of research to identify unmarked graves and developed a guide to help people know who was buried where. The Graney girls have since moved away, but (as of last summer anyway) there were still copies of their guide to the cemetery in a mailbox by the cemetery.

I went to Okobojo Elementary school through 4th grade (from 1966-1969), and we used to have our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall, and a "speaking contest" in the spring...and plays, too. There were still enough people around then to have community gatherings. Technology and the economy have not been conducive to keeping that area populated! I am impressed that they have worked so hard to keep the Hall standing and that it still shows up as a proud reminder of the town that was.

Ann Smith

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:09 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, My name is Sharyn Archer,(nee Groseclose) I'm a neice of Willis Green (Lucille). Willis was a such a great man,husband,Uncle there was nothing he wouldn't do for man kind. I stayed with them growing up they became my second mother and father, they raise quit a few of us ( neice and nephews). What a sense of humor he had, always intertaining us. His wife Lucille is fighting the battle of Alzheimer's still living in Onida, she will be 86 this May. The pictue on the web site brings back may memories. Havent bee back to Okobojo for a few years, when we do get back we try to drive out there. Monte Groseclose is my grandfather, My dad is Richard Groseclose, living Brookings, SD today he is 76. Married to Rosella (Kennedy) her family grow up around Okobojo also. Earl and Ada Kennedy. This a very interesting and exciting site, glad I ran unto it. A lot of my fathers family is buried at the Okobojo cemetary. Please keep up the great work, need more web sites like this. 

God Bless, Sharyn

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:15 PM

Comments

This is a very neat page! My dad and his family grew up in Okobojo. Monte Groseclose was my grandpa and I never knew him as he passed before i was even born. This was neat to see him as a young man on the baseball team. Although i think my dad looks more like his Uncle Henry than his own dad. Willis was my uncle, he married my mothers sister Lucille Kennedy. You mentioned that Willis lived in the house in the 50's, but i wasn't born until '69 and I vagly remember the old farm house and visiting Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis on Sunday afternoons. You have got me wondering about alot of things now, cant wait to visit my dad again and ask questions. Maybe i can get him to write up some of his memories for you to post.

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

12:17 PM

Comments

Oops, forgot to tell you who my dad even was or who i was. My dad was Richard Groseclose and I am his daughter Rory Menenger. Again Neat page!

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:42 PM

Comments

Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I was raised in Onida. My Uncle Willis and Aunt Lucille Green had a farm in Okobojo, I had a lot of fun times visting them. Again, Thank you. Tammy (Groseclose) Serbousek

Date:

03/09/01

Time:

06:50 PM

Comments

Hello,

My name is Jodi Broker (Groseclose) I am Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis niece. The picture of their house I remember like yesterday. As growing up my weekends were spent at the farm with them and fishing in the creek with Uncle Willis's bamboo fishing poles. I don't know how Uncle Willis ever had enough patients to take 3 girls fishing all at once. I remember there was a high wire above the creek and everytime I threw my line in the creek it would wrap around the high wire first and then I would lose my pole which would be dangling from the wire. Yet Uncle Willis never lost his patience at all. (hhhhmmm!I wonder how many bamboo poles he went through). If only we could go back what a great time I had there.

This is a great site keep up the good work and I will be back to visit.

Jodi Broker (Groseclose)

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

06:52 PM

Comments

We have been to Okobojo twice now on a driving vacation from California. Our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee and her two sons, Harry and Arthur, moved to Okobojo from Waverly, IA in 1883. She had two pieces of property. In September of 1885, ten days before she died, she sold her land to Mr. Thomas Lytle. She is buried in the Okobojo Cemetery, and although no headstone exists for her whereabouts, we have been to the cemetery and have called out her name to let her know we were there. Thank you for some precious memories of Okobojo. We'll be back again. Paul and Judy Swenson

Date:

03/13/01

Time:

07:01 PM

Comments

I just posted a message to your site regarding our great grandmother, Vonia F. Lee. I thought I would leave my e-mail address in case someone comes across her name or the names of her sons Harry and Arthur. JudyofPBS@AOL.com

Date:

03/17/01

Time:

07:56 AM

Comments

Scott,

What a great Job you did on the Okojobo Website. Can't wait to send the site info to the family. The rolling prairies are so impressive. I remember the picture Grandmother Green. The gain elevator movie was terrific. Bill looked good. You have put a lot on time on this and shows.

Bert Wilder

Date:

03/19/01

Time:

12:58 PM

Comments

Dear Scott, I'm Bill Wilder, a grandson of "Cathie Green" Wilder. "Willie" is my father, from whom I was just forwarded a note about this website. Great job! I've been collecting info on the family on and off for some years and putting it all in a database. Thanks for this interesting and entertaining resource as well! Blessings, Bill

Date:

04/02/01

Time:

10:33 PM

Comments

When I went to the Okobojo Country School it was a two-room schoolhouse. The summer before I started school. Dad & I stopped to talk to the carpenter who was putting in folding doors to divide it into two rooms. They could be opened to make one room when we needed it. We also had two teachers Miss Plumber was the lower grade teacher. Mrs. Pierce was the upper grades teacher also Miss McDonald (?? I can't remember her name for sure) for a year or so. The families that attended were Sargents, Trumbles, Finleys, Binkleys, Halls, Weischedels, Zebroskis, and a couple of others. 

Okobojo School also had a brand-new outhouse the largest I have ever seen. It was a very important part of every student's day because we used it to play ''Annie-I-Over the outhouse." It was a two-room building with four holes on each side pretty high class. My grandma had knitted me a pair of red mittens and I lost one down one of the holes & it never saw the light of day again. The old outhouse was lying on it side in a far corner of the playground. We put it to use as a fort. 

Since there was no running water at school we took turns bring the water cooler with fresh water to school. 

I went to country school until I was a third grader. Then we moved closer to town and started town school. It was a rude awaking for this little country girl. The kids were not near as nice. They couldn't believe that we played with our sisters at recess, well if you didn't play with your siblings at country school, that would have eliminated about half the kids. I remember the whole school playing baseball together & having snowball fights. I don't remember anyone not letting me play games even though I was one of the little kids. Of course they would have had to deal with my two big brothers so maybe that was the reason. 

One of the very first times I was at school, I walked too close to the swings and got cut on my head. Once was all it took for me to learn that lesson. Kindergarten was only for a couple of weeks. We took naps in the afternoon on mats. I was the only girl in my class, The boys were Mark Trumble, Tom Sargent, & Marty Finley. Linda Hall was there for part of a year maybe when I was 1st or 2nd grader.

My brothers sometimes rode a horse to school and then had to go check livestock at the noon recess. We sometimes walked to school. I think that it was only a mile or two. Mom usually picked us up. One day after school when we were giving some boys a ride as far as our house & the boys all dared my brother, Tom to jump out of the back of our jeep. Mom slowed down to go around a corner and he jumped. He got pretty banged up, and was bloody but you know how any cut on your head bleeds.

One recess my brother Tim ate a grasshopper and I remember my brother Tom swallowed a button on a string & then pulled it back up. Yuck! 

We had our Christmas program at the Okobojo Hall. I remember standing up there & and being so scared because there were so many people in the audience & it was such a big place. Dale Bartels was always Santa. I never knew that till years later because at that time I was a true believer. I was in awe of Tom Sargent when he teased Santa that he was going to go out side & untie his reindeer. Didn't he want anything for Christmas? 

When I was in college (about 1979 or so) and I was home at Thanksgiving, we went to a Turkey Ball at the old hall. It had shrunk considerably. I couldn't believe how small it seemed. 

One year for the Homecoming parade we rode in the back of a pickup or on a flat bed & portrayed Alice in Wonderland. I was dressed in two big white pieces of paper & was one of the playing cards. In the spring we had a playday at the fairgrounds beside Onida. There were other country schools there but I am not sure if the town kids were there. We ran foot races, high jump, long jump, & block races. This was in the Vietnam War era as I remember Mrs. Pierce's son was injured by being kicked in one of his kidneys. (I think?)While she was a teacher there, she had the radio on to listen for updates about her son.

If you are looking for more information on Okobojo Country School, I know that Jane Trumble wrote a couple of articles on country school that were published in the Onida Watchman about 20 years ago. There is also a display at the Alumni building at the Sully county Fairgrounds that has the history of the county schools on display there. This display also includes pictures. Elton Eller did a wonderful job on this display and so I want to give him credit.

TARINA ZEBROSKI-KOPREN MARCH 2001

Date:

04/17/01

Time:

08:54 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, This is a real family treasure. There are pictures that I am seeing for the first time. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to get this together. It should be a growing history as others add information. Thanks again for thinking of us. You did a great job. Bill Wilder (William G.)

Comments

Dear Mr Scott Green, A gentleman with whom you have had recent contact, Mr. Allis (Gene), suggested that I contact you and give information on, what I believe to be my ancestors along the Green line. Perhaps you can confirm, deny or correct what I have found and if you feel led to, correspond. My GGF was Matthew Compton Green #145485, the son of Shadrack Green, #145458, the son of Joseph Green, #189719, the son of Shadrack Green, #189739, the son of Shadrack Green, #143970. I'm not sure of where to go from there. I thought that John Green who married to Elizabeth Jones fit into the lineage, but I haven't been able to connect them by registration number. Any information that you could share or that I may purchase would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Dr. Ron Smith, Murfreesboro, TN papadocs@bellsouth.net

Date:

05/11/01

Time:

06:55 AM

Comments

Hi from the family Esselbruge in Hamilton New Zealand. From Ron, Anneke, Ishmael, Jeremy, Jude and Caleb at Esselbrugge@zfree.co.nz

Date:

05/14/01

Time:

07:51 PM

Comments

Thank you for creating this site. My great, great grandfather John Wilmer Mitchell, and my great, great, great grandfather James Coleman, lived in this area. I have been researching it for years and was pleased to see your site, and what a great job you have done.

John Mitchell jtmsam@aol.com

Date:

07/05/01

Time:

04:47 PM

Comments

Just read about this in the Watchman - and am absolutely delighted with your web page!! I used to do a lot on Sully County history and for the state historical society as I had time - but you have FAR outclassed anything I ever did. Keep it up, please! We used to live north of Okobojo on Hillside Ranch - Bonnie Zebroski (bonzeb@rapidnet.com) Will try to send you some other stuff as I have time (and as I find it).

Date:

08/16/01

Time:

08:38 PM

Comments

Mrs. John P. Bush and her children lived in Okobojo for one winter so the oldest children twin girls Mary and Rose could go to school there. This was in approximately 1917. Mr. Bush remained on the family farm while the family lived there. Their farm was aprroximately 9 miles from Okobojo.

Date:

08/20/01

Time:

01:57 PM

Comments

I'm not related to you, but I thoroughly enjoyed your website describing life in Okobojo. My Mother was born in Forest City in 1900 so her life was probably much the same. I was particularly taken by the letter to Cousin Charlie on July 25, 1898, as he mentions having to stop and get a lot of groceries for Old Man Ripley, who I am sure must be my great-grandfather George!

This is a great website.

Bonita Johnson

Date:

08/31/01

Time:

04:34 PM

Comments

Hello--My name is Pat Harding & I am the daughter of Arlos & Genevieve Binkley and the sister of Ken & Dick Binkley I have enjoyed reading the articles & looking at the pictures of your web site-thanks for the time you have spent putting this together! I was in the last 1/2 of the 5th grade when my folks moved to Okobojo (fit must've been 1940) & I attended the Okobojo school through the 8th grade. I have a lot of fond memories of those times. WE had good teachers & good Christmas programs at the Okobojo Hall. I remember when my dad bought his farm from George Bunch on a contract for deed . He saved enough money to pay the contract off early & when he went to George's home to pay it off, George really didn't want to have it paid off early, but he finally accepted my dad's payoff of the contract.It was a good day for my dad. I have more stories & may write more later. Thanks again for the memories you have created. Pat Harding

Date:

10/05/01

Time:

11:00 AM

Comments

Enjoyed your site as my address was Okobojo for many years. djs1329@hotmail.com

Date:

02/26/02

Time:

09:51 AM

Comments

Love your Okobojo website. Very well done and informative. I wanted to invite everyone to visit the USGenWeb page for Sully Co., South Dakota which contains a link back to this website. I became the new volunteer host in FEB 2002. It is a genealogy page to help in researching ancestors who lived in Sully County, SD. The former host, Darrell Fransen, retired from his volunteer position in January. Hope you enjoy your visit! http://www.rootsweb.com/~sdsully/sullyindex.htm

Date:

03/17/02

Time:

07:23 PM

Comments

Scott,

My Great Great grandparents , the Sommers lived in Okobojo, and I saw them listred in the cemetery. Thanks for some insight on the town.

Joel Knutson email onegod@earthlink.net

Date:

04/07/02

Time:

08:40 AM

Comments

Dear Scott: (This memo doesn't belong in this section of your website but I don't see where else I can contact you on these matters.) I'm from Agar SD and I love your website. I love the history of the local people that you cover but I noticed that two equally wonderful family histories are not noted and they are the John Zebroski's and Leonard Serbousek's. You could possibly get history info for the Zebroski's from Barbara Rilling of Onida SD and the Serbousek's from Lexia Doerr in Mobridge SD. Lexia is my sister-in-law and Barbara is a daughter of my parent's longtime family friends the Zebroski's. I do believe they were from the Okobojo area.

Date:

06/03/02

Time:

01:56 AM

Comments

I have set here for hours reading all the stories written about OkOBOJO and I now feel a little closer to knowing the town, that my family lived in for so many years. Thank U vicki minear (great grandaughter of John T. Galligar)

Date:

06/04/02

Time:

05:15 PM

Comments

This is a most enjoyable site. I could add a few more names and corrections to the Methodist picture of all the ladies and babies. My Grandmother RosaLee, wife of Emert D. Owen is there, besides my mother Florence Owen, her next older sister Margaret,it is her sister Lillian Owen Malick who is holding baby Emily. Directly behind her is Grandmother Owen and to grandmother's right Aunt Carrie McNutt, wife of Jesse Owen (Spanish-American war and I have a letter he wrote home) behind on grandmother's left is Aunt Zella Owen McNutt. I have left notes in the mail box at the Okobojo Cemetery when I've visited the grave of my grandfather Owen. The reason I was searching the web this time is because I am about to publish a book (June 30) called My Great Grandparents Jonathan Owen and Elizabeth Ann Dean and Their Forebearers. And who are the parents of Emert Dean Owen and one time residents of Sully County. My grandfather Owen ran the store and postoffice and my mother Florence told me about Okobojo Creek where she watered her horse and sat along the bank dangling her feet in the water. Well, that's a lot of words, now you know why I am publishing a book. Is there a historical or genealogical society who might want a copy? I am willing to donate one copy to a Society who might be able to use it. Rhoda Elleen (Berry) Wicker rewicker@msn.com Web site: http://home.att.net/~rewicker

Date:

07/25/02

Time:

10:10 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Great website, This will really help me with my project, the progect is called "Live and die in Okobojo". God bless you Scott, you are doing such a great thing here! Jesus Loves you!, Conrad River

Date:

07/28/02

Time:

03:04 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, Your site keeps getting better and better. Your family is blessed to have someone willing to put their creative talent to use in this area. I returned to Pierre (and Okobojo) on July 1st, for my grandmother Genevieve Binkley's funeral services. I'm not sure grandma Jenny knew how much I appreciated the struggle and sacrifice that she and my grandpa Arlos endured to make a "home" for their children and grandchildren. When I read of the accomplishments in her life, it seemed to bring the need for honoring of their efforts more into focus. That's what I see you doing here. Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

08/04/02

Time:

08:12 AM

Comments

I once heard that there are only about 2 or 3 life stories that conitnue to repeat themselves. However, each of us always feels as though we are the first to experience the trials. Please keep up the great work. This website serves so many purposes, the least of which not being that it reminds us that there were those before us who not only dealt with trials much greater than many of our own, but they did so with humor in their lives. Thank you for the reminder!

Date:

08/22/02

Time:

04:31 PM

Comments

Hi, does anyone know anything about what happened to the Henry Snyder family which is mentioned in some of this site's chronicles? Henry was the brother of my great grandmother who lived in Canada. Great site, thanks Gordon Pitts

Date:

09/11/02

Time:

02:11 AM

Comments

Hello Scott, I have enjoyed reading all the Okobojo stories, and looking at the pictures. My COLBY ancestors spent some time there in the late 1880's and early 1890's. My great-Grandparents had 4 children born there. They were Grace, Sylvie, Vernon, and Raymond children of Edgar Daniel Colby and Annie Beatrice Ellis. They moved on to Oregon in about 1898 and their descendants still live in Oregon and Washington today. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this site. Nancy Colby Shockey

Date:

09/16/02

Time:

10:18 PM

Comments

JUST STOPPED BY TO SEE WHAT YOU ADDED NEW.......... I LIKED THE POEM....... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SCOTT. VICKI MINEAR

Date:

10/30/02

Time:

11:01 PM

Comments

Paul and Judy Swensen....... You mentioned Thomas Lytle......probably my grandfather. He homesteaded in several states, including SD, ND and Montana, where I was born. Jeanne Dahlin Swick Molt MT jcswick@mtintouch.net

Date:

11/13/02

Time:

11:26 AM

Comments

how I enjoyed reading about your family and the history of Okobojo! Thanks for sharing it! My grandmother was born there in 1899 and from her own account she referred to it as a "ghost town, completely under water". Her family moved to nearby Potter Co. where I was born in 1955. Again, thanks for the memories : ) Kathy Duncan Cawley

Date:

01/07/03

Time:

10:32 AM

Comments

Hi Scott, Willis' poems are a great addition, and I will certainly give them all a read. The picture of Lucille and Willis brought back many memories. Willis looked like the kind of fella that you'd like to call "friend", back in his hey-day! What a privledge it was to have spent time with them both. Take Care, Rick Binkley, Sonoma, Ca. e-mail rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

01/14/03

Time:

04:32 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I sure enjoyed reading Uncle Willis' poems. I didn't know he wrote them, but I wasn't surprised. Writing poetry must run in the family. Keep up the good work here, Scott. Aunt Jeanette

Date:

02/17/03

Time:

02:02 PM

Comments

I want you to know that I enjoy your web site. Willis Green was my uncle. Lucille and my mother (Betty Kenndy Ripley) were sisters. I worked for Willis and Lucille when they had the "tavern" in Agar. I was 13 or 14 when I started. I have very fond memories of both of them. They treated all of the neices and newphews as if they were their own children. Always there to help you out. Lucille was a wonderful Aunt. I still miss her. Cindi Ripley Forgey

Date:

03/12/03

Time:

04:30 PM

Comments

Hello, Scott. My McGuire ancestors are buried in Okobojo. They went from Pennsylvania to Okobojo about 1884. You and I have corresponded previously, but I think I never signed the guest book and I wanted to add this comment for the record. I work on genealogy and I am very much interested in stories of my ancestors and their neighbors and relatives. Zelda Zeuge Dubel. rvdubel@msn.com

Date:

06/15/03

Time:

01:07 PM

Comments

Enjoyed very much.We like ghost towns and all the memories.

Date:

07/08/03

Time:

12:53 PM

Comments

Hey Scott, _very_ nice website. I have no knowledge or particular interest in Greens or Okobojo (other than the name itself), but I find it a very engaging look at "random history". Keep it up! Steve Braker

Date:

07/24/03

Time:

07:33 PM

Comments

Hello Scott, You have an attractive well-organized site. Judy Boie gave me your address. It seems we are cousins. I believe I am also descended from John Green RWS through his son Aaron Green. I am attempting to compile sufficient documentation on John Green for supplementary status in the Sons of the American Revolution. Judy mentioned a letter written from Joseph Green to Mr. Norton listing the children of John Green. Is this letter on your website? I look forward to hearing from you. Lee Phillips Sugar Land, TX lee.phillips@prodigy.net

Date:

07/26/03

Time:

11:03 PM

Comments

Scott, I was able to actually visit the cemetery yesterday. You have it listed as northwest of the town - I may have got turned around a little but isn't it north EAST? Thanks again for this site. Joel Knutson - great great grand son of Charles & Mary Sommer

Date:

07/27/03

Time:

07:18 PM

Comments

Oops...thanks a ton for letting me know I had it wrong Joel. Your right of course.  Gee...I'm thinkin I put you just about into Lake Okobojo.

 ...how was the fishin? 

Sorry about that. I'll fix it right away. - Scott Green

Date:

07/27/03

Time:

07:27 PM

Comments

Hi. I really enjoy your web page. Ghost towns are an interest of mine. I live in Brown County, just outside of Aberdeen. I'm hoping one of these days to take a trip and see what's left of Okobojo. Great site!

Date:

07/28/03

Time:

12:05 AM

Comments

Hi Tom, It was very nice speaking with you a few weeks ago. I am thankful to all who have contributed to this site, because like many other past residences of Okobojo, I have very happy memories of my time there. It's as though my life ended when I left Okobojo. Sure, I grew up, moved to CA, got a Masters' degree (who would a thunk it), a great research job, responsible loving children, but honestly, not much compares to those summer Okobojo nights. I have vivid memories of all our neighbors, especially Trina Zebronski.(thanks for making Mrs. Plummer’s class fun). On summer nights, my parents would shoot the sh*t with the Finleys and the Binkleys. Life was difficult for my parents in Okobojo, but they were happy. When my parents did move to Pierre, their lives (ours) took some terrible turns. So, maybe I'm over-romanticizing my time in Okobojo, but still, thanks to your site, I can take a sweet walk down the Okobojo memory lane. JoAnn Glessner Lane

Date:

09/02/03

Time:

06:35 PM

Comments

I remeber my Grandmother Alice Crumbacker Green talking about going to Okobojo. I am sure I was there once or twice, but was too young to remember now. Your website is great.

Date:

09/08/03

Time:

01:28 PM

Comments

I can't beleive I got to see pictures and hear stories about Okobojo. My father was Marvin Bunch and his father was George Bunch who married Bertha Bagby. Dad had a sister named Evelyn Hope Bunch. I have heard so many stories, but just hearing about all the little details is great. If anybody knows about my relatives I would love to hear more and can be reached at dedelmann@aol.com.

Date:

02/08/04

Time:

08:58 AM

Comments

My greatgrandmother, Louisa Nystrom, her second husband Fred Nystrom, and my great uncle, Leonard Nystrom are all buried in the Okobojo cemetary. My greatgrandmother was a Sully County pioneer who came from Sweden in 1876. She married Sven Nystrom, relocated to New Mexico and Sven was killed in a mining accident in New Mexico. I am told she then returned to South Dakota and married Sven's brother Fred. She had about 8 children. My grandfather was James Nystrom, one of Fred's sons. If anyone has any information of knowledge of my relatives please e-mail me at mvnystrom@dhr.state.ga.us. My name is Michele V. Nystrom, daughter of James Nystrom, Jr. who was born near Onida (is that Sully County)? Thanks!

Date:

02/12/04

Time:

09:28 AM

Comments

the story found on www.okobojo.com/George/Memoirs/georges%20memoirs.txt remembers, briefly, my father, clarence kooyman that time of huron, sd. as a child i remember visiting the green's farm (~1943-44?) at a place i recall being referred to as pierre, sd. my first crush on a girl, at the age of about four, was a minnietta green. my brother, rod, was nearly drowned in the cistern next to the house one year. it was minnietta's quick thinking that prevented him from dying in that cistern. my father and mr. green ( i do not remember his first name) were returning on foot from a trip to a store when mrs. green screamed for them to hurry. mr. green intuitively new what had happened and jumped into the cistern retrieving my brother rod. rod was unconscious, but survived, thanks to minnietta, mrs. green, and mr. green.

Date:

08/02/04

Time:

11:58 AM

Comments

Relly have enjoyed your web site.I am looking for information on the Bunch Family who are buried in the Okobojo Cemetery. rdheck@nwmo.net

Date:

08/02/04

Time:

12:01 PM

Comments

This is such a great site!! What beautiful memories are here. I don't have relatives from there, but my cousin does, and I believe it is the Bunch family. I am sending her this site, so she can see pictures of some of her family. Thanks so much for sharing a wonderful story, in note and pictures!! Jean Robles

Date:

10/01/04

Time:

09:11 PM

Comments

Scott I was intrigue by your story, I looked up the page with the picture of the VA. Too bad the name of the establishment was not mention, nor the owners, Dr Braun. It does stand to reason that the Braun Hotel is on the west side and north of the Evan's Hotel. I miss visiting with you. I would like to someday repeat your well research journey, on the Braun Hotel. Maybe I will get more stories out there. I am still reading your site and I am fascinated of the life simplicities in the black color days. Lets keep in touch OLGA at the Braun Bath House and Hotel built 1908 and officialy opened in Nov 1910. Yes, the basement was in full swing with bath tubs utilizing the spring water in the front of the hotel. Both the men and women travelers bath and recieved massages in the basement. I find it possible for the men to recieve a shoe shine during that era of 1922.WOW 5cent

Date:

12/05/04

Time:

05:02 PM

Comments

my name is john weischedel and my grandpa lives i think about 18 miles from there. i go to okobojo every summer

Date:

12/22/04

Time:

09:00 PM

Comments

Nice site. FYI, you wondered why a farmer from Illinois would settle on the barren plains of SD. The river valleys of the Missouri were fertile and somewhat of an oasis back then. The valleys are under water now as you know because of the massive Lake Oahe, but I remember my grandfather telling me that the valleys were forested before the dams.

Date:

12/28/04

Time:

11:34 AM

Comments

Nice new picture Scott. You look so incredibly happy...

Date:

01/14/05

Time:

01:14 PM

Comments

01/14/05 01:05 PM AMAZING! TRULY A LABOR OF LOVE! THE PHOTO YOU HAVE OF THE PIONEER WOMEN INCLUDES MY GRANDMOTHER, "BABY DOROTHY McMACKEN" ON SUSIE FELTON McMACKEN'S LAP. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION OR PHOTOS ABOUT THE McMACKENS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE KNOWING WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE. MY GRANDMOTHER'S PARENTS (THE McMACKENS) LIVED IN S.D. AND HAD A LARGE RANCH. MY GRANDFATHER WAS JOHN L.HOSKINSON, HE WORKED FOR A TIME FOR MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LABOR OF LOVE AND ALL THE TIME AND ENERGY YOU HAVE LOVINGLY PUT INTO THIS SITE. MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOUR EFFORTS, DONETTE CONE, BELLEVUE, NE. DONETTE@AOL.COM

Date:

01/21/05

Time:

10:18 AM

Comments

Date:

02/06/05

Time:

10:12 PM

Comments

Hi Scott, I am transcribing a long letter written by my great, great grandfather in 1885, Marvin Scudder II, to his grandson, Delmar Kiddoo, who was the son of an early settler (Howard Kiddoo) in the Hidden Creek area south (?) of Okobojo. The letter pertains to his visit to the area in 1884 and observations about the area and it's people. It's a fascinating letter and I hope to post it as well as some family photos soon. Please let me know if you have any interest in this narrative. I very much enjoy reading all of the letters. - Kathy John, Santa Cruz, CA kathyjwmp@aol.com

Date:

02/20/05

Time:

06:51 PM

Comments

I enjoyed reading aboutOKOBOJO. I beleave Arlos Binkley was related to my family. My granmother was Wanda (Binkley) Bowen. My great Grandmother was Cecil Binkley.My father said they had some of the biggest pigs he has ever seen. Tom Bowen ctbowen56@hotmail.com

Date:

02/27/05

Time:

04:21 PM

Comments

Scott, I did a web search of my family name : Flansburg, and your site came up. I think the flansburg family you mentioned was my dads but I'll have to ask him. I was wondering if you have a printed version of this web site which I could purchase to read to dad. Maybe he could add something to the story ? Good job, Miles F. Flansburg flanmf@bp.com 2/27/05

Date:

07/20/05

Time:

04:04 PM

Comments

Very nice site. Will sure visit again.

Date:

09/06/05

Time:

07:54 PM

Comments

I have been recomending the site to some of the people I have met through work

Date:

09/08/05

Time:

01:15 PM

Comments

Searched and Surfed your page great work

Date:

09/09/05

Time:

02:28 PM

Comments

Nice web site I enjoyed reading. I wish you and your family the best of luck.

Date:

10/08/05

Time:

06:39 PM

Comments

I accidentally fell into this web site while looking up Ghost Towns. What a treat!! This is a very nice and well put together site and you should be proud. I hope you continue to add more stories and pictures. I am a former Lamb from Onida and went to school with Tarina Zebroski-Kopren, who left a nice letter. Therefore, the more recent items interest me the most (if you can consider 30-40 years ago more recent!) Keep up the good work. I will visit this site often. Denise Wilkins of Olympia, WA

Date: 01/09/06

Time: 06:43 PM

Comments:

This is a fabulous site! I'm researching Ghost Towns for an upcoming novel. I'll be taking a trip to SD this spring for research.

Erica in MN

Date:

1/14/06

Time:

10:07 PM

Comments

I am writing to regreatfully inform the Okobojo community that my Dad, Marvin Bunch passed away last August at the age of 91. He lead a very full life and was very healthy right up to the end. I do have some good news in that after my father passed away I was reunited with my cousin Janet Flaa Borgschatz and have told her about this wonderful site. I do hope to visit South Dakota very soon and see the burial site of my grandparents George and Bertha Bunch. I do hope people will continue to send pictures and I will send some also as I go through Dad's stuff. Thank you again for sheading some light on the lives of my grandparents.

Sincerely,

Dana Bunch Edelmann

dedelmann@aol.com

Date:

2/1/06

Time:

07:16 PM

Comments

Hello was delighted to read such interesting stories on a web site. It reminded me of Little house on the prairie stories I read to my sons when they were little. I was interested in who the Mr, Crumbaker was the one lady was married in her first marriage. I.m going on 55 yrs old soon. I have 2 sons. Joey is a middle school computer teacher the other R. Jayson is handicapped and doesn't work. He had All Leukemia at age 4 and he has had 3 brain tumor surgeries and a 4th for a bacterial infection. Not many survive 85 to 90% cancer in their bone marrow and 4 brain surgeries.He,s been in remission 30 yrs.Thank God for his Miracles! Thanks again.

Elizabeth Crumbaker Meholovitch 59550 cash Hill Shadyside,Ohio 43847

Date:

3/7/06

Time:

11:25 PM

Comments:

Hi Scott,

It's been awhile since my last posting. Moving from Ca. back to Ft. Worth Tx. in less than a month. I'll probably be driving North more now. The folks are wintering in Johnson City, and may need a bit of help from time to time. When do your think your next trip to Okobojo will be? Great ongoing job with the site.

Rick Binkley rbbr@earthlink.net

Date:

12/31/06

Time:

1:55 AM

Comments:

This is an awesome website. My mom grew up here. My Aunt Lucille was married to Uncle Willis Green. I have fond memories of going to the farm with my cousin during the summer. Aunt Lucille and Uncle Willis would take 2 or 3 of us at a time to stay with them for a week. We had so much fun. I remember the bunkhouse; feeding lambs; and then on Saturday we would get all dressed up to go to Pierre for the day. When I seen the pic of the old house it brought back so many memories. Also Hazel? Green was my 3rd grade teacher in Gettysburg in the 70's. One of my favorite. My mom is Bobbie June (Kennedy) Kellogg Norman. She grew up at the old Finley place. A sister to Aunt Lucille. Thanks again! Stacy Kellogg Renville renville4@yahoo.com .

Date:

1/2/07

Time:

11:48 PM

Comments:

There is something about man's previous habitations and the leavings of his activities like old mines. I don't know what it is that draws me to where others have lived once upon a time ... where they sunk their sweat and tears but I am drawn to such places.

Keith Emrick

Date:

11/10/07

Time:

12:36 PM

Comments:

wow! I was playing with google maps and randomly pick a spot on in the u.s.....and I got Okobojo, SD! the site you put together for your town's story is incredible. as a city-slicker and a geographer, I commend you on your hard work in preserving the memory of your town.
very cool.

Kevin M.
Philadelphia, PA

Date:

12/19/07

Time:

1:32 PM

Comments: