Garretson Area Historical Society & Heritage Museum

06/15/2026

We’ve been told that the GHS Class of 1981 is gathering this weekend for their 45th class reunion. Here are a few snapshots from the 1981 yearbook. One highlight from that year was the Blue Dragon girls basketball team making it to the state tournament. Despite finishing 8th, it remains the only GHS basketball team (any gender) to compete at state.

06/10/2026

We came across this wedding photo of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Frerk while looking through past Garretson News newspapers. This year on October 9 will mark their 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone in itself. But it also happens to be Kris Frerk’s birthday today. We wanted to share this image as a small “look back” at one of many meaningful moments connected to our community’s history.
Kris has been part of many stories in Garretson over the years, and it’s always fun to come across photos like this that tie together personal milestones and local history. Kris truly has been a force for good in the community for many years, and we can't thank her enough!
Join us in wishing Kris a happy birthday! Congratulations as well to Kris and Steve Frerk on their upcoming anniversary!

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

06/07/2026

From the 1966 Garretson High School Yearbook, this photo captures a unique “German Band” that band director Mr. Paulson decided to try out as a fun novelty that year. And based on the looks of it, the group leaned fully into the theme!
Pictured here are: Peggy Yates, Mary Baldino, Warren Leuning, Lynn DeScheeper, Ronnie Williamson, and Lonnie Moeller.
We didn't look further if this band continued after the 1965-1966 school year. Does anyone remember this group or seeing them perform? Did the German Band continue beyond 1966, or was it a one-year experiment? Share your memories in the comments!

06/07/2026

https://www.minnehahafuneralhome.com/obituaries/marcia-bonte?fbclid=IwY2xjawSRo5hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6Ixk-0dhVwCOKuncG3cesKlrxbI1UecdxQMXk7jfkfY1-OxAKnp2Tcmdfq0w_aem_OsiErfmaCvciYPkNNwHs8A

View Marcia M. Bonte's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/04/2026

We are proud partners of South Dakota State Historical Society and South Dakota 250!

WEBSITE: https://americas250th.sd.gov/

Please visit the SD 250 website to find out the amazing events and celebrations happening the rest of the year, and please come join us July 3, 2026 for one of the greatest fireworks displays in South Dakota!

📷credit: Janine Kentfield

05/31/2026

Published in the Garretson News July 8, 1965:
”A team fight for a greased watermelon provided some lively action during the swimming races at the pool Monday, July 5th. The watermelon, shown by arrow, was tossed into the pool to signal the start of the fight. To the victors belong the spoils! (Pictured L-R) Kenny Bonte, Bruce Rekstad, Roger Butrum, Bob Garry and Jerry Eitreim share the prize” (Photos by Bob Sanders)