Identifier
NA 7
Dates
1880, 2005, undated
Extent
0.21 linear feet [1 document case, half]
Abstract
This collection highlights the Dakota Living History Museum concept, created by Mel Thorne, to interpret the lives of American Natives and Dakota Frontier settlers from 1600 to 1890. It includes resources on living history presentations, pioneer life, and historical activities like oxen-drawn wagon trains, alongside modern data on Brookings County traffic patterns. Together, it offers a comprehensive look at Dakota Territory's history and culture.
Historical Note
The Dakota Living History Museum, Inc. was a concept created by Mel Thorne. The museum would interpret life of the earliest known inhabitants of what has become known as the Dakota Territory covering a period for 1600 to 1890 that would depicts and re-enact the labors and lifestyles of the American Natives and Dakota Frontier settlers.
Melvin Lloyd Thorne was born on August 18, 1917, near Stickney, South Dakota, to John Harry and Elizabeth (Haisch) Thorne. After his father's death during the 1919 flu epidemic, he was raised primarily by his grandmother and step-grandfather, Cornelia and William Davis, on a farm. His family later moved to Philip, South Dakota, during its early development, where Melvin experienced pioneer life.
Growing up during the Great Depression, he worked to support his family. At sixteen, he moved to Lead, South Dakota, where he graduated from high school while working and living resourcefully. He began his career with the J.C. Penney Company, eventually becoming its youngest store manager at the age of 24.
In 1946, Melvin founded Thorne’s Clothing Store in Gettysburg, South Dakota. His interest in livestock nutrition led to his involvement with Daffin Manufacturing Company, where he conceptualized and promoted the mobile feed mill. In 1958, he entered the tourism industry, establishing Kamp Dakota, Inc., one of the earliest franchised tourist campgrounds.
A lifelong historian, Melvin extensively researched family genealogy and shared South Dakota pioneer history with schoolchildren. For the state’s centennial, he constructed a log cabin and trained oxen for educational displays and parades.
Melvin was active in the First Presbyterian Church as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. A Mason since 1949, he was a member of Ionic Lodge No. 83 and Brookings Lodge No. 24, as well as the Scottish Rite and El Riad Shrine. He also served in the South Dakota National Guard beginning in 1935.
Content Notes
The collection focuses on Dakota Territory history and culture, featuring educational resources such as interpreter guides, living history museum experiences, and insights into pioneer life. Highlights include discussions of oxen-drawn wagon trains between Ft. Pierre and the Black Hills, daily life in the Dakota Territory, and modern data like traffic flow patterns in Brookings County.
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Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Recommended Citation
Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.