State's oldest standing building set for restoration at historic Geddes trading post

May 23—GEDDES, S.D. — In the heart of Geddes, lies a hidden gem of history — what's believed to be the state's oldest standing building.

Now, with the dedication of the Geddes Historical Society and their efforts to secure funds, plans are underway to breathe new life into the landmark,ensuring its prevention for generations to come.

The Papineau Trading Post, built in 1857, was awarded $5,000 from the South Dakota State Historical Society for stabilization work. The funds, awarded through the state's Deadwood Grant program will help keep the structure — and South Dakota's history — intact.

Awarded twice a year, Deadwood Grants are dedicated to historical structures in the state used for commercial, residential or public, assisting property owners in restoring and rehabilitating them.The Deadwood Grant Program is funded through gaming revenue generated in the city of Deadwood. Recipients, who can receive up to $25,000, must match the award granted.

"This historic preservation grants program is designed to encourage restoration or rehabilitation of historic properties and is one more way we can promote and protect our history and culture", said Jenna Carlson Dietmeier, Interim State Historic Preservation Officer.

Town historian and Geddes Historical Society member Ron Dufek said the Papineau Trading Post is a building steeped in history.

Legend has it that Ducharme, the owner of the trading post, became very wealthy during his time there. He supposedly gave his wife $50,000 worth of gold and told her to hide it if something bad happened to him. He made her promise not to tell anyone, not even him, where she buried it. Sadly, when she died in 1900, nobody knew where the gold was hidden. It's said that Ducharme went crazy trying to find it, and he eventually had a mental breakdown and died in a hospital in Yankton in 1903.

"The whole story of Old Papineau and his gold was almost made into a movie. A gentleman wrote a movie script and a lawyer from Sioux Falls went all the way to Hollywood to try to secure funding for it and make it a reality," Dufek said.

The building also holds significance in local politics, according to Dufek, which is why he believes it should be preserved.

Throughout its history, the building served various purposes, including as a store, tavern, bawdy house, and even the county's first post office. The post held the distinction of being the initial county seat of Charles Mix County, a title it held for 12 years.

Following Ducharme's departure, the building was occupied by a notable family from the Lake Andes area. J.J. Exon, who was born in the building, later rose to prominence, becoming the governor of Nebraska and a United States senator. Exon returned to Geddes in 1972 to dedicate the post.

"It is a link to the distant past of the frontier, the river, and the area of which Geddes is a part. It represents one of the earliest commercial ventures in the area, established during the initial stages of exploration and settlement," Dufek said. "What is important is that it be preserved. We need to protect this significant property."

The original logs of Papineau's Trading Post are now 170 years old. According to Dufek, one issue stems from additional constructions built atop the original structure, including a second story that added extra weight. At one point, a farmer briefly repurposed the post as a granary, further straining its integrity due to the weight placed on it.

"There has been 110 years with extra weight on those original logs. The stress is showing," Dufek said. "If we don't do this work, I'm afraid the logs are going to just tumble and there will be nothing left of them."

Dufek emphasized the town's ongoing efforts to safeguard the structure over the years. When flooding threatened the post's original location near the Missouri River, Dufek successfully persuaded city leaders to relocate it into town. In August 1972, the VanderPol Moving Company facilitated the move, transporting the building from its riverside spot. Despite weighing an estimated 20 tons, the structure remained intact throughout the short journey.

"It wasn't hurt one bit in that move," Dufek said. "They treated it like their own baby."

Now, the Papineau Trading Post is part of the Geddes Historical Village, where it sits next to an old WNAX gas station, a replica of a Lewis and Clark keelboat, a red, white and blue schoolhouse, and the childhood home of Peter Norbeck, a former state governor and senator.

Last month, the historical society got the green light from the state to start the work. They've already placed orders for the materials, and Dufek is optimistic that everything will be completed by the end of summer. Josh Dibbet Construction from Geddes will be handling the restoration.

Dufek explained that the plan is to install beams under the ceiling of the log cabin. Additional vertical beams will be added to support the weight and relieve pressure from the original logs.

"We are proud of our history and heritage," Dufek said. 'We want to keep it going as long as we can."