Press "Enter" to skip to content

Red Scare: 1954 Chamberlain Mayor Threatens Indian Office Supporters

As a footnote to Toby's post on Chamberlain's persistent apartheid, consider this segment of the river city's cultural DNA, a 1954 letter from Mayor Herschel V. Melcher to Washington officials explaining local opposition to a proposal to move the Indian Office from Fort Thompson to Chamberlain:

...we have no intention of making an Indian Comfortable around here, especially an official. We have a few dollar diplomats that have been making a lot of noise and trying to get everyone that possibly could to write you people in Washington that they wanted the Indian here, but the fact is that 90% of the people are strongly opposed to it and will get much more so, if this thing comes in. Anybody who rents them any property will have to change his address and I would not want the insurance on this building. We do not feel that this town should be ruined by a mess like this and we do not intend to take it laying down irregardless of what some officials in Washington may think [Mayor Herschel V. Melcher, letter, Chamberlain, South Dakota, 1954.04.14; reprinted in Christina Rose, "Is Racism Behind Banning of Honor Song from Graduation Ceremonies?" Indian Country Today, 2013.12.12].

Along with this implicit threat against believers in equality, Mayor Herschel included a resolution approved by his city commissioners and the Brule County Commission. It says:

...the people of the City of Chamberlain, SD are opposed to the city being made an Indian town and are opposed to having Indians in our schools or living in the unsanitary conditions about the city... [Herschel, 1954].

The resolution also protests the "drunks and petty larceny" that would accompany an bringing the Indian office to town.

I suspect we could dig through the archives of every town in South Dakota and find ugly examples of anti-Indian sentiment that our great-grandparents found utterly uncontroversial and vocalizable. Yet Winner, Lyman County, Pierre, and Rapid City have overcome such sentiments in their cultural DNA and now include Native honor songs in their high school commencement exercises. Chamberlain, alas, has not.

36 Comments

  1. interested party 2013.12.14

    Looks like we both woke up grumpy, CAH.

  2. Jenny 2013.12.14

    Economic segregation, which is among the many facets of racism - Chamberlain is afraid that if the native americans move in, home owner's property will decrease, so keep them in the public projects of Fort Thompson.

  3. Les 2013.12.14

    """"And according to Edward Lazarus during his last days in office, Democratic “Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle did a neat little favor for one of his corporate constituents. As a rider to the defense appropriation bill, he attached a provision granting absolute immunity to the Barrick Gold Company of Toronto for any liability arising from the 125-year operation of its Homestake Mine, a gold-bearing gash in the Black Hills of South Dakota.”"""from IP blog.
    .

    Another American Indian lover, ol Two Faces Daschle.

  4. interested party 2013.12.14

    Resulting in the destruction of the lower Cheyenne Bain and the surplus water flap, Les: if Daschle was a Repubican you would be erecting a cement Jesus in his honor.

  5. interested party 2013.12.14

    Basin.

  6. Les 2013.12.14

    You're not far off Lar, unpaid taxes on ur showfur doesn't quite hit Bendagate. But, my Indian brothers should have millions in equity mineral severance from the BH's if they're still settling the deal.

  7. Roger Elgersma 2013.12.14

    There is a black lawyer in Atlanta who when asked what he accomplished as a lawyer, he said his greatest accomplishment was when he noticed a section of Atlanta with no sewer system and went to city hall to get them a sewer system. He found the correct office and was told that he would not be getting a sewer system there. He said, 'I got them a sewer system.' Blaming those you have wronged in the past for living in poverty is simply irresponsible. That is true both for decendents of slaves or decendents of those we killed to be able to farm here.

  8. Jerry 2013.12.14

    Kind of a family affair in Chamberlain that keeps on giving over the decades with their hate on towards Natives. It has to come from all angles there including the house of worship. Geesh, where do they get their clergy, must all be rejects from real churches. Not to amazing to me now that I know on paper what I have always suspected about that place. More guilt from theft. More guilt from the greedy hand of takers rather than givers to society. I read where our tax dollars are going to shore up Cedar Shores in that area. This is supposed to be a private business that should be able to make it on its own, but here we are, literally pumping moolah into a hole in the ground for wealthy private owners. Then the are pulls this kind of stunt, they have no shame. What a pail of puke in that dogpatch called Chamberlain. Natives should remember this slap and do as much business as possible far away from that place. Pierre has more respect for Native dollars as well as Mitchell or Rapid City. Natives may have to buy basic needs there, but for all grocery items, it would seem they would be more welcome in other places. Boycott that dump until they start treating all people fairly.

  9. Douglas Wiken 2013.12.14

    My recollection of what Daschle did or did not do has faded. It may be that giving Barrick immunity was a deal in return for Homestake as a research lab. Daschle also got $10 million into South Dakota for the research. Barrick had George H. Bush on its Board of Directors and then played games with Homestake for research probably in order to deny Daschle any claim to getting the research going. Those games may have been aimed at helping Thune. Bush Senior gave Barrick $millions in mine leases right before he left office and soon was on the board of directors for something like $100,000 per year. When Barrick chairman Munk donated an academic chair in Canada, George H. was there.

  10. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.12.15

    Jerry, I wonder where those pseudo-preachers come from too. They do so much harm by twisting the no-longer-holy bible into absolutely unrecognizable shape. It's easy enough to screw it up with honest mistakes. That's why humility and recognition of human frailty and limits are so crucial to those who want to lead believers.

  11. Jerry 2013.12.15

    Deb, I was not condemning all clergy, just the ones there. As I see it, issues like these should be carried to the streets by people of the cloth. How dare they sit and stare at their collective belly buttons while such a disservice is carried out in their midst's. My understanding of people of faith is that they have made the leap to follow the directions and the teachings of Jesus Christ. To sit on their hands and approve of the message sent by the school system is outrageous to say the least. I was always under the belief that there is a special place in hell for the enablers of hate. Maybe they should dust off the Good Book and actually read the thing. There are more than just a couple of passages to convey the message of love and understanding, or are they frauds?

  12. joseph g thompson 2013.12.15

    I am an outsider looking in. I know nothing first hand of Chamberlain, only what I read here. What I don't understand is that if racism is such a way of life in Chamberlain why hasn't the Department of Justice been investigating and why hasn't the Southern Poverty Law Center made note of it. Not questioning anyone's truth but only wondering why the U.S. Justice Department is not involved and why the Southern Poverty Law Center is not identifying a problem. From posts on this site about the city of Chamberlain and other organizations in South Dakota concerning many acts of discrimination against Native Americans, it would seem to me that lawsuits would be appropriate in many of the situations described. Why is the Native American so willing to lie down and accept this discrimination? Somebody with first hand knowledge should be contacting the ACLU(they are free) or the Justice Department.

  13. Jerry 2013.12.15

    The elected school board made the call on this Mr Thompson. As the legal representatives of the village, that is their right and they are representing the will of the majority there. As this article notes, the prevalence of racism in Chamberlain is historical. This of course does not make it right by any means, but to involve the Department of Justice would not be appropriate. The same goes with the Southern Poverty Law Center, but in SPLC's case, they have identified the uptick of racism in the Midwest currently.

    As far as " Why is the Native American so willing to lie down and accept this discrimination", when you respect the law, Native Americans have little choice in what they can do as a minority. Mr. Thompson, you are in the majority, that makes you the alpha dog in society. In that position, it is very difficult if not impossible to see things in different ways because of your position.

    No, this must be settled locally from within.

  14. joseph g thompson 2013.12.15

    Mr. Jerry,
    It appears to me that if the problem has existed at least since the 1950's it has little chance of going away on its own or of being worked out locally. If the local Native American population is afraid of rocking the boat, they should feel free to contact me with specific incidents and witnesses. Since you consider me be the Alpha Dog, I will be most happy to file a complaint with the DOJ or call the ACLU. My telephone number is 605-256-2346. I do believe that it is time, after all these years, that residents of Chamberlain stand up for the rights guaranteed them by the Constitution.

  15. Jerry 2013.12.15

    Very good Larry, as I do not have or use Facebook, it is good to see that a movement exists, bravo. As I noted Mr. Thomson, in my opinion, this can and must be done from within. There can be nothing accomplished without the support of those that seek change through honor and respect and that can only be done within the community itself. Save your dime Alpha Dog, and let us see how this works with a people movement.

  16. interested party 2013.12.15

    Jerry: i don't use FB either but follow ACLU SD on twitter.

  17. joseph g thompson 2013.12.15

    Mr. Jerry,
    You sound like the Jews in 1936 Nazi Germany. Sorry if that sounds harsh but if the problem still exists after more than 50 years it does not appear that trying to get them to see your side of the problem has had much effect. If change is needed it is going to have to be remedied the way it was in Little Rock, Selma, and many other places. The law much change the attitude of people if people won't change their attitude, other wise my grandchildren and yours will be discussing this same topic on Madville Times 50 years from now. Mine will be saying you must do something and yours will still be saying wait, it will get better.

  18. Jerry 2013.12.15

    Mr. Thompson, take a look at what Interested Party posted regarding the actions that are now being taken. This is the way to shine the light on racism that is very much like the marches in Selma and elsewhere. One must try for a reasonable dialogue and a reason to come to the table to address the issues. I do not argue your position whatsoever, we all have opinions on the matter at hand. I just happen to believe that what the Facebook now indicates, is the right direction for now. Of course, in my opinion, everything is fluid and all ways need to be examined to find the best way forward.

  19. joseph g thompson 2013.12.15

    Mr. Jerry,
    Let me know how much better it is in a year. Thanks

  20. Douglas Wiken 2013.12.15

    The ACLU and courts can make anything worse and more expensive. Their involvement in Chamberlain might be one of those answered prayers that generates only more misery and a mediocre school system that doesn't work well for students of any ethnicity.

  21. interested party 2013.12.15

    Winner is another town in South Dakota where the rising median age will lower the losers to their just desserts.

  22. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.12.15

    Joseph, I get the impression Indian folks are trying to solve their problem locally, along with some friendly neighbors. If discrimination is taking place in the workplace, in the local courts, in school, then I'm all for legal interventions.

    But in terms of the schools, while taking actions that deny kids free and equal access to classes is clearly actionable, I'm not so sure local Indians can sue over the commencement ceremony program. Review Judge Jeffrey Viken's ruling in favor of the Oelrichs school board in 2010, when he said the school board could require all graduates to wear European-style cap and gown at commencement. The Chamberlain board is making decisions based on racism, but not all racism violates the law.

  23. Roger Cornelius 2013.12.15

    Cory's thread titled, "Chamberlain School Board's Power Trip Controls, Marginalizes Native Americans", really says it all about what is happening in Chamberlain and other towns across South Dakota.
    The honoring song requested by students has little to do with the real issue of Power and Control. The school board is merely following the marching orders of Mayor Melcher five decades ago.
    Racism is inherent and systemic, it is also a learned behavior and dangerous for the scars it can leaves, not just to the victim, but to the contributor.
    What happens to these young Native American students that are degraded in such a fashion? They will likely grow up hating all white men, they too will be consumed by hate, they'll be no better than those that inflict the wounds.
    The Indian students in Chamberlain are gaining statewide and some national support from various tribes and organizations. It is not a local concern of Indians that live in Chamberlain.
    Legally, in this instance at least, there is little that can be done. We are witness to how some laws actually support racist activities.
    The losers here will not be the Indian students, it will be the town of Chamberlain, the school board, and the white citizens council. Regardless of what happens, the Indian students will be the adults and leaders.

  24. grudznick 2013.12.15

    Mr. Cornelius, I would support our legislatures passing a law that says all schools that take state monies must allow the honor song at graduation.

  25. Roger Cornelius 2013.12.15

    grudz,
    I don't know that having the state legislature mandating the singing of honor songs at high school graduations is necessarily a good idea. It is a thoughtful response.

    What would be ideal, is for the Chamberlain School Board to use this as a teaching moment about racial inequality and allow the honor song.

    I have said before that Chamberlain is missing a real opportunity at reconciliation by making a simple acknowledgment of the achievements by Native American students.

  26. grudznick 2013.12.15

    I think that somehow people must educate the Chamberlain school district that singing the honor song honors all of their graduates. It is of cultural importance to a significant portion of our state's population and should be considered. If we don't mandate it then we should let local control make their decisions and shut up.

    I am for mandating, in a liberal big government sense, the allowing of singing of the honor song. It should be sung.

  27. Roger Cornelius 2013.12.15

    grudz,

    I am not fully opposed to mandating the honor song, I ma saying that doing so voluntarily would be more significant and more meaningful.

    If the knuckleheads need to be hit upside the head with iron skillet, it will only build resistance and bitterness.

    I'm wondering if the Chamberlain school board demands students to Pledge Allegiance everyday.

  28. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.12.16

    Very interesting and thought-provoking comments.

    I'm thinking of ways that North America's First People have fought against institutionalized racism. I was shocked by the actions American Indian folks took in the early 80s, and admired their courage even as I cringed over a few of their actions.

    As I followed the protests and demonstrations I became more and more aware of how the deck was stacked against them. The judiciary, SD law, FBI, news agencies, etc., all together were so insurmountable.

    No way can I say, Oh yeah. I'd do it too. I don't know if I could take it.

    What will it take? Other movements began by building awareness and putting faces on the people who are being so badly hurt. I'm thinking of equal rights for women, child protection, HIV/AIDS, equal rights for LBTGs, ending Jim Crow, etc. Sometimes one incredibly remarkable leader is the key, but a strong system must be built.

    I think deeply aggrieved, incredibly stubborn people must create a base for the movement. The need to be Ghandis/MLKs/Mandelas who are willing to accept terrible mistreatment. Those leaders have to be so angry that they are unstoppable. The leaders Must Be members of the group. Whites can join as long as they are completely willing to play second team. Completely Willing to do what they are told, to provide support.

    Rats, it happened again! I got carried away. It's just that there is nothing more thrilling than watching people becoming empowered. Remember the first multiracial election in South Africa? 1993, Nelson Mandela? The news showed endless aerial images of long lines of voters stretching across the plain, snaking and curling back on itself. Closeups did not show angry and grumpy people, but smiling, happy, gloriously singing and dancing their way to their first EVER ballot. I cried.

    Liberating people is so much better for a nation than oppressing them. In addition to all the opportunities around the planet, we could experience the same glorious experience right here in little old South Dakota.

  29. Jerry 2013.12.16

    A very provoking thought there Roger, what about that Pledge of Allegiance mandate? You just know they do not do that there as it would expose their total dishonesty.

  30. Jerry 2013.12.16

    Billy Jack (Tom Laughlin) has passed. This story kind of reminds me of Chamberlain and the racist den that soils the place. The movie itself, has a violent overtone to it, but speaks the truth of the sad way in which Natives are subjected to in every day life.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qswm7lHp7oY

  31. joseph g thompson 2013.12.16

    Learned some things. Have not decided if what I learned is good or bad, but I have learned.

  32. interested party 2013.12.16

    Tom Laughlin of Billy Jack went to USD and was struck by racism in wife's hometown of Winner: just heard on Bill Janklow's idea of public radio.

  33. Jerry 2013.12.16

    Yup, that is true Larry about Winner and just think how proud we are here that it is still alive and well just a wee bit father north of that place.

  34. Roger Cornelius 2013.12.16

    Winner? Isn't that where Wiken is from?

    If so, it explains a lot.

  35. grudznick 2013.12.16

    What we need is that Billy Jack fellow to return to Winner, and take this foot and whop a few people on that side of a few faces.

Comments are closed.