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Walkers revisit Galena’s history
Walk and barbecue benefits historic preservation.
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FarkGALENA - Galena’s ghosts were a “no show” on Saturday, but almost 100 people found their way to the sleepy little mining town for the fourth annual walk and barbecue sponsored by the Galena Historical Society.
The event, which was moved from July to June this year, is an annual fundraiser for the society’s efforts to preserve the historic town born of silver profits.
Saturday’s walk started at the Galena School built in 1882, seven years after the first silver mining claim was filed in the narrow gulch, southeast of Deadwood.
Chuck and Carrie King of Lead were so impressed with the authenticity of the school house that they joined the historical society.
“Membership is only $10,” Carrie King said. “We’ll do what we can to help keep it alive. If someone doesn’t, it will get lost and people will never know it was here.”
Galena still has a few year-round residents and several summer residents who idle away their weekends and vacations amid the remnants of the once thriving town.
Suzanne Luken of Whitewood grew up in Galena. Luken spent Saturday greeting hikers who made the short uphill trek to Sammy Moll’s Ruby Placer mine, pointing out walls of neatly piled rocks left by Moll.
Legend has it that after making his fortune mining, Moll was found weeping by two women out fishing. The Dutchman claimed he’d buried his prized “double-nugget” and had forgotten the location.
Luken’s grandmother, Gertie Delany, and Ida Groshong were the women who found the despondent Moll.
“They always believed he’d lost his money on a piece of land he bought in Arkansas,” Luken said.
Luken grew up in Galena. Her mother, Marilyn Schwaner, still lives here. Schwaner, the president of the historical society, marked the hiking trail. Along the walk, historic photos of the town’s former glory days were posted.
The walk is free and proceeds from the barbecue will be used to continue restoration of the school and the cemetery.
“Everyone here helps,” Schwaner said.
Robin Bommersbach convinced friends Bonnie Lowe and Jo Rose to venture out for the day in the Black Hills because she was curious about Galena. Bommersbach took a class on ghost towns from William Swanson, who co-authored a short history of Galena.
“We’re seeing stuff most people won’t get to see,” Rose said.
A fascination with history and the chance to spend a beautiful day outdoors also lured Bob and Debbie Martin from Rapid City Saturday to explore their first “ghost town.”
“Where’s the trolley?” Martin quipped when he reached the mine.
Just ahead of the Martins, strolled Wayne, Sharon and Jeremiah Karpinen of Lead. Like the Martins, the Karpinens were discovering Galena for the first time.
“It’s a beautiful day and you meet nice people,” Wayne Karpinen said.
The excursion also offered an outing close to home for the family.
“We do big trips every other year,” Wayne Karpinen said. “There’s always lots to do around here.”
Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com.
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