By Stan Rauch
We are in need of at least one additional organization to man admission gates at the upcoming Jamboree, and it’s a good fundraising opportunity for the organization. The admission gate activity is busy to say the least, but fun too. This would be for two concurrent gates consisting of at least two adults in each gate building, plus a couple of additional adults or young persons immediately outside the ticket building to help put on wristbands. If you have a group that would be interested please contact me right away at 860-8887.
There has been a lot of activity at the village this week, especially with building enhancement projects in preparation for the 50th anniversary Jamboree.
Several members of the Sigfried family from Goodwin, SD were here and they painted the Baptist church, commonly known as the Goodwin Church. This family was responsible for having the church moved to Prairie Village in 1995.
Members of the Overby family and other helpers from Mellette have been here painting and otherwise getting the Overby machine shop ready. The 1920s era machinery that was originally in the building will arrive next week.
Some final painting on the Wentworth Depot is in progress as is the staining of the railroad roundhouse.
Dee’s house on the west side of the grounds has recently undergone substantial upgrades and it will be open to the public at the Jamboree.
A shake shingle roofing project was completed on the circular wooden granary on the side south of the grounds.
Yesterday a railroad dining car from Milbank arrived at the village by way of a house moving company. Long time Prairie Village railroad volunteer Marlin Fenner from Milbank was responsible for bringing this excellent addition to the village.
The Jamboree schedule of events and other information can be found on our website at prairievillage.org/jamboree. One added item that is not on the original schedule is that a replica or Abraham Lincoln’s coffin will be on display at the Hallenbeck-Ellsworth Mortuary at Prairie Village. On Saturday and Sunday of the Jamboree at 1:00 pm Bob Ellsworth will be conducting a tour and talk in the mortuary building.