Hyde County Memorial Auditorium listed on National Register of Historic Places

PIERRE — The Hyde County Memorial Auditorium in Highmore was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society.
The National Register is the official federal list of properties identified as important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society works in conjunction with the National Park Service, which oversees the National Register program, to list the properties.
“South Dakota’s history is rich in American Indian culture, pioneer life and change,” said Jay D. Vogt, state historic preservation officer and director of the State Historical Society.
“Properties listed on the National Register are important for their role in South Dakota’s culture, heritage and history. And when properties get listed, it shows that their owners take pride in their role in preserving that culture, heritage and history.”
Buildings, sites, structures and objects at least 50 years old possessing historical significance may qualify for the National Register, according to Vogt. Properties must also maintain their historic location, design, materials and association. Listing on the National Register does not place any limitations on private property owned by the federal government.

The Hyde County Memorial Auditorium was built in 1951. Located on a corner lot northeast of the intersection of 2nd St. SW and Cummings Ave., it is listed in the National Register at a local level for entertainment, recreation and architecture.
The Memorial Auditorium was built to host many large community events, such as basketball games, concerts and theatrical events. Today, in addition to these activities, it also houses some of Highmore’s municipal offices.
Talks of building a new auditorium began in 1945. Citizens wanted the auditorium to double as a memorial to local veterans. This idea was very popular, and a successful fundraising campaign quickly collected $25,000.
When city and county officials decided to pass bond issues to pay for construction, this money was returned to donors. Despite returning the money, the interest earned from this initial fundraiser was enough to purchase the site of the present building.
The auditorium’s dedication featured nationally-renowned comical singer Yogi Yorgesson and his seven-piece band called the “Scandahoovians.”  It was dedicated through American Legion Post No. 35.  A memorial plaque in the lobby includes the names of local men and women who had served in any war, beginning with the Civil War.
The building is also a characteristic example of the transition between the Art Deco and Art Moderne styles of architecture in the early postwar era. The auditorium was designed by South Dakota architect Ursa L. Freed and built by general contractor Frank Hawkins.  It features a combination of strong vertical and horizontal design elements, as well as heavy use of glass-block windows. This is reminiscent of rural New Deal-era construction trends.
The other property that was also recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places was the Long View Stock Farm near Gann Valley in Buffalo County.
For more information on the National Register or other historic preservation programs, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; telephone 773-3458 or website history.sd.gov/Preservation