Rumpus Ridge

Local 253 was born in the Farmers Union's first big year in South Dakota. The Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union was founded by the journalist Isaac Newton Gresham at Point, Texas, in 1902 and went national in 1905; former Nebraska members carried it into South Dakota about 1914. The state union was formally organized at its first convention, in Mitchell on March 16, 1917, with 268 delegates from 14 counties, and 134 locals had formed by that year. Locals bought flour, coal and twine together, so a flour order was a typical first deal.

What the plaque says

Rumpus Ridge Farmer's Union Local No. 253 was organized Dec. 15, 1917. Charter Members were J.C. Heinrich, John Noordsy, Henry Presuhn, Robert Kaster, Elmer Goodyear, John Reecy, Leo Wingert, Henry Dykstra, Alfred Waechter, John Witkop, and G.H. Kirchner. The first business transaction was the purchase of Berke's Best Flour from the Montrose Mill. Alfred Waechter became manager of the business until his death in 1967. Anthony and James Waechter were hired to succeed their father. The first building was begun in 1923 and was located on the Waechter farm 5 miles southeast of Canistota. This building was destroyed by fire in 1929. A new building was constructed to the northwest of the original business. In 1977, a new facility was built across the road. There was also a Farmer's Union in Canistota when Local 253 was organized. The mail from the two businesses was often confused. It was decided that this condition caused a lot of rumpus; therefore Local 253 became Rumpus Ridge. Rumpus Ridge was a center for commerce and social gatherings. Farmers from the surrounding area sold cream and eggs, and bought groceries, feed, seed, other supplies, and their famous 4 scoop nickel ice cream cones.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Pumpkin Center — 5.6 mi
• Town of Hartford — 13 mi
• Salem Rest Area — 13 mi
• Hartman, 1899-1916 — 15 mi