early spring in South Dakota…

That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.
―L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Heading West from Sioux Falls—March 15th

Main Street—Montrose March 20th

I’ve started taking alternative routes whenever I’m in South Dakota. I wanted to see Montrose where my great-grandmother’s family lived. I recently found this book in my grandfather’s library. To see Lottie Eno’s signature inside a college textbook was thrilling. We attended the same college…once Sioux Falls Academy, then Sioux Falls College (when I attended). Now it is the University of Sioux Falls.

Lottie and Lowell Lillibridge 1898

Main Street—Colome March 21st

On my way to the Burke Stampede Rodeo Gala—March 22nd

East of Burke—Sunday afternoon March 23rd

The long empty roads,
Sullen fires of sunset, fading,
The eternal, unresponsive sky.


—from Prairie Spring by Willa Cather
Spring is the time of plans and projects.

―Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Upper Plains Gothic…

I just returned from a two week trip to South Dakota attending a conference, visiting family, friends, and shooting loads of photos. I spent most of one week sorting through my grandfather’s letters, newspaper clippings, photographs, and books. Under lamplight, in a quiet basement office, Grandpa guided my research from beyond yonder. This research led to many discoveries and even more questions.

My mind’s eye is somehow seeing everything torn, creased, faded, scratched, or yellowed. I saw my new photographs in the same way when I got home to Vermont.

Perhaps that’s why I find myself looking backward. The past has a clarity I can no longer see in the present. —Kristin Hannah/The Nightengale

A special thanks to everyone who made my trip so quite special.

Jo and Mark, there are far more photographs I want to share. Your dedication to Herrick’s history is inspiring, and the dance hall is gorgeous. When you offer memberships, please let me know.