Car show brings thousands to downtown Rapid City

There is always something going on in  Rapid City SD. 

The free event was put on by Destination Rapid City and the Rapid City Police Department Sunday afternoon, attracting 4,000 to 6,000 people throughout the day. The show featured classic cars, live music by DD & The Fayrohs and Elvis impersonator Chris Wright, children’s activities, awards and more.

I’m prepping wood work for paint, then I can paint the walls

Not all renovation is as fun as a kitchen. Hall ways need attention

Kitchen Remodel

     

A Little More History

Just another piece of history, then I promise to start posting before and after pictures.  As I stated, this house was moved in the early 50′s then became a convent.  This is a clipping from the Catholic newspaper that was given to me when I purchased the house.  It has the basic convent history.  In that time, the sisters ran a kindergarten school and taught Catechism here.  I’m eager to learn how many Sisters were housed here.  I know in it’s prime there were quite a few, but with time it dwindled to just a few.  That’s when they decided t down size and donate this big house to the Church.

Now I’m headed upstairs to work on a long L shaped hall way.  Funny, it’s not a real room but needs just as much attention as any other space.

A Little History

A little background about this special old house of mine.  This “Arts and Crafts” house was built in 1917 (Before Mt.Rushmorewas started) It was a grand house for it’s time.  It opens into a formal foyer, to the right is a curved stairway, and straight ahead was a receiving room, to the left a Grand Ball Room.  Beyond the Ball Room is large dining room with great “Arts and Crafts” cabinets for china and crystal and linens.  To the right of the dining room is now a kitchen.  It is my guess that originally it had a detached kitchen (which was common in that era.) there had been a servant’s stairway coming through that room which would have made it impossible for much more.  When I bought the house most of that stairway had been removed.  The kitchen consisted of a sink, and very few cabinets.  I will be posting pictures as this blog progresses.

The long time resident of the house was John C Haines.  Those who are familiar with Rapid City are familiar with Haines which was named for him.  He was a prominent business man who owned a main department store called “The Big Store”.  He later was elected president of Dakota Power Company.  In my mind’s eye, I see flapper parties, as the house was set up for entertaining. I am trying to gather as much information as I can about the early residences of the house.

The house was moved in the early 50’s to its current location.  At that time it became a convent until I purchased it from the Catholic Church.  While the nuns did a great job of maintaining the house, their budget didn’t allow for many improvement.  One of my prized possessions is a picture that Sister Joan gave me.  It’s the house in its original location.  The best part is information written on the back. I will be posting more history of the early residences and the convent as I track it down.

Follow my adventure as I renovate and decorate this historic house for a B&B

I’m half way through my adventure of renovating and decorating this historic house. I want to invite you along to show you how far I’ve come, and where I still need to go. I’m located in Rapid City South Dakota, just outside the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore and so much more. I will update you about all the beautiful and historic attractions here. I invite your comments and opinions both good and bad. I will ask advice on colors, curb appeal etc. It is my determination to have this house open by the end of the year, and fully running by next tourist season. I appreciate all interaction. Thank you.

Hello world!