By: Jim Kurtz, Garretson Historical Society
Because of the deep involvement of the Grant and Sharon Kringen family in the Garretson Community, and Sharon’s involvement as a member of the Board of Directors of the Garretson Area Historical Society, it was the family’s wish to honor Grant after his passing, by providing the starting capital for a “Railroad Room” at the museum. Since that first investment by the Kringen family, many individuals and businesses have made donations to the museum for the specific purpose of helping to make this project a reality.
Richard Holzapfel spent a career with the Alaska Railroad, and came back to this community when he retired. Trains run in his veins. He is a very active member of the Model Train Club of Sioux Falls, and agreed to donate his time to construct a railroad exhibit and model village, much like “the Garretson that he knew while growing up here in the ‘60’s”. With the able assistance of his grandson, he has spent many, many hours building this display from scratch. It contains an enclosed loop with an operating model train which travels through Garretson and the rural area. He has constructed many buildings from scratch. Garretson people will recognize many of them by their shape and the detail he has put into them. The school, the “dugout and bandshell”, “Don’s Skelly”, the bank and drugstore building are just a few.
Another nice touch to the room was made possible by Steve Pitz, a retired BNSF locomotive engineer. He was awarded many commemorative collector plates over the years for having “accident-free years”. Steve donated the collection to the museum, and they are now displayed on the walls above the miniature community of Garretson and the railroad.
Richard says “the room will probably never be totally complete”, as he will likely continue to add to it. For now, it has come a long way, and will be ready for a grand opening during the “Jesse James Weekend”. A ribbon cutting is planned for 10:30 AM on Saturday June 18th, during the celebration. You will want to stop in.
