South Dakota celebrated 100 years of statehood in 1989 and a statewide Centennial Observance was organized. Parades were numerous throughout the state. A wagon-train was put together and traveled the state during the year. Clark County hosted the wagon train and held a large parade on June 3rd of that year. Legionnaires not being the most energetic float builders, decided to borrow a large covered grain truck and fill it with over 100 balloons. The name of a legionnaire was placed in each balloon and it was filled with helium. When all members’ names had been placed in a balloon, the remaining balloons just carried “Cagley-Smith Post #60, Clark, SD” in them. At the parade that day, the truck stopped at the intersection of Highway 212 and Commercial Street and released the balloons. Quite a site to see them go skyward!
The amazing part of this story is what happens later. Several days later a letter was received from Tunbridge, VT addressed to “To Whom It May Concern, Clark, SD” along with a note that this balloon had been found by one Bev Kilbourn. I responded to her letter as she wanted to know about the American Legion in Clark, SD. The reply included a little about the post, the city of Clark and surrounding area, its people and industry. At that time it appeared that Clark County was again headed into a drought and that was mentioned. Her response is shown in the letter she wrote in reply. Here are the
original letters (See Photos in Photo Gallery).
