Corn by Number

August 7, 2019
Mitchell, South Dakota

Once again our angel was watching over us.  Grand Island had a pretty bad storm including some hefty winds.  Power was out for several hours with lots of wind and water damage to deal with. Everyone was told to stay home.  Thankfully, we had already moved on.

It was a pretty drive into South Dakota.

We have left the flatlands of Nebraska.   Dad had just commented that South Dakota knows something about laying good road when we came upon some road work.  The workers were taking the top layer off the road to level out the surface.  Once we left the road work area, we REALLY appreciated the smooth ride we had been given by the road crew.  As we traveled the area that hadn't been touched we couldn't decide if we were being treated to a fair ride...k-thump, k-thump or just practicing for the old Jello commercial.....see-it jiggles.  You could definitely feel each and every joint between road sections.  And  yes, Momma's microwave plate became unsettled once again.

Mitchell is famous for it's 'Corn by Number' murals.  Every year, the artist, Howe, creates scenes, based on the year's theme, and uses chalk to outline the sketch on black tar paper with a coding system for the different colors of corn cobs to be nailed into place to create the murals.  It is estimated that it takes 200,000 nails plus 1800 bundles of oats, 500 bundles of flax and 8 truckloads of sour dock weed each year. And about $130,000 for the task to be completed. In case you haven't figured it out, I am referring to the Corn Palace Murals.

The large arena is venue to known artists, such as ...if you are old enough to remember...John Philip Sousa, Jack Benny, Lawrence Welk, Tennessee Ernie Ford.  And current performers 

who are scheduled to perform later this month.  Thought this was unique billing on the stairs above.

And indoor sports are also scheduled.  Notice the hanging score board.

Right now, there is a souvenir shop set up on the floor.  

The inside murals last much longer than the outdoor ones.  These have been in place for 25 years and are not replaced yearly.  Of course they don't have exposure to the weather elements and the birds. 

It was hoped that Mitchell would be named the capital of South Dakota when the backers build the Corn Palace back in 1902, but even though the Corn Palace brought lots of attention and notoriety to Mitchell, it was not selected to hold the distinction of being the capital city.

Tomorrow is another travel day as we venture into North Dakota and get closed to joining up with Aunt Carol and Uncle Steve (Griffin) next Monday.  Auntie Carol has promised me that she didn't give ALL the treats away to the dogs on their Alaskan Caravan.  She still loves me best!

I'm Chloe