| HOOKER, SOUTH DAKOTA Interesting Facts |
| Hooker, Turner Co., SD - 1909 Business Directory This file contains a listing from the "South Dakota State Business Directory," published by The Gazetteer Publishing Co., Denver, CO. A postoffice in Turner County, on the C. & N.W. Ry., 4 miles northeast of Viborg. Population 40. Last Name First Name Business Aplan Henry Elevator Cook C.W. Agent C.&NW Ry Hansen H.M. General Merchandise Kregnes Andrew Blacksmith Sage E.M. Gen. Mdse, Hardware & Postmaster Stoddard K.B. General Merchandise |
| Elevation: 1279' Latitude: 431200N Longitude: 0970128W |
| Notes by Lester Lauritzen, August 2000 "I have lived 2 miles east of Hooker the last 74 of my 77 years. In the late 40's & 50's I often rode horseback to Hooker for Newell Sorensen's haircuts. Those times I usually rode afterwards with Peggy Loe (now Mrs. Eugene Whitehead). Later also, Newell's son Jimmy. Before Jimmy was big enough for a pony, I often gave him rides in the saddle with me." "Also, at times, we employed Art Loe (Peggy's father) to truck livestock, including when Myrtle (Mrs) Loe's brother, Benny Johnson drove Art's truck. I sometimes mooched a ride to Sioux Falls with Art in the truck before I drove there." "For a few years, my Dad, Martin Lauritzen, owned Mrs. _________farm before selling it to Donald Stotz. Fritz Wrage sometimes helped scoop corn for shelling. Martin Nygaard and sons baled hay for Dad." "Thank you so much for your interest in the Hooker history and all your work to preserve the history and community. Though I am at the fringe area of Hooker, my interest in history makes me appreciate the historical work and the association with like-minded Hookerites." |
| Notes by Wayne Gors, August 2000 "I was the youngest son of John Gors, who farmed approximately 30 years, 1-1/2 miles north of Hooker on east side across from Doug VanHull. My grandfather Julius Wrage lived across the road where Doug VanHull now lives. I attended German School Dist #25 because we were not in the Hooker School District. I attended elementary school with Ronald, Marion and Kenton Bishop, which might be of interest to the Jensen family. I was in the same class as Marion." "I was born in 1932 and lived on the farm with my parents until my father, John Gors, contacted undulent fever from the dairy herd and farming came to an end." "The people who ran the Hooker store during my young years were Margaret (Maggie) McGinn and Newell Sorenson. My mother was Wilhelmena (Minnie) Wrage) who worked at the Viborg Hospital for some years as a registered nurse.." "My wife, Marge, (Olson), was a 1st cousin to the Cornelius Johnson family. Olaf Skonhov was her uncle which made her a 1st cousin of Clarence Merrill, Blanch and Roy Skonhov. She is also a cousin of Oscar Andal and Alfred Andal. Alfred was father of Sylvia Gors." |
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| October 1994 Argus Leader article: "Blink and you may just miss this town" Newell Sorenson: "At one time, there were about six passenger trains a day going through on the Northwestern Railroad track." Newell and his first wife, Kathleen, ran a general store, barbershop and post office in the town from 1941 to 1955. Newell says you had to kind of be in everything to make a living. Larry & Mary Wallace & family: Purchased the store in 1978 and renovated it into their home. The store used to be the post office, barbershop, grocery store, gas station and cream station. The community hall, which they also owned had to be tore down as the snow last winter had destroyed the roof. They used the old wood cafe style booths in their family room. The booths surround a pool table and are enjoyed by their children and friends. Ashley and Lance are still at home, Sheila bought a home in Hurley, Jenny & Casey both live in Viborg, Amber and grandaughter Monica have purchased a home in Sioux Falls. Myrtle Loe (b. Dec 6, 1903 in Hooker- d. Aug. 23, 1999) Myrtle was born in Hooker and spent all but a few of her 95 years in the town. She was one of 9 children born to Nels and Mary Johnson, who immigrated here from Denmark. Nels worked at least 50 yrs. for the railroad. Mrytle's mother often warned about the hobos who rode the trains and often stopped in the town. Even though she warned about them Mary often fed them against her husband's approval, telling him that he could turn them away. Pretty soon he was making sandwiches also. Myrtle had fond memories of the school and dances at the community hall. |
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| Ray Bevington, April 10, 2001 E-mail: "I was raised by my grandparents Otto & Leona Paulson. I moved from South Dakota when I was 20 yrs. old to Tucson, AZ. My Aunt, Mary Ann Paulson lives near Hooker, was born & raised in the area & has lived on the current farm since about 1948. If you were to ask some of the locals if they remember my nickname which my Uncle Leland Paulson gave me & it has stuck as when I go home for vacations everyone calls me "Punky Paulson". One of your photo's of a group of ladies, which I think one is my grandmother, but not sure. She was in the back row on the right hand side of photo. I also got my first haircut from Newell Sorenson and he cut my hair as well as my grandfathers until he passed away. My mother was a TB patient for nearly 7 years, that is why I was raised by her parents. Dick Gors & his cousin Kenwood Gors, we were best of friends. I am sorry for rambling on with all of my short tales, but I feel that South Dakota is my home and that Arizona was a jumping off point to allow me to have a bit more time on earth as my health has been a chronic problem for me. I have chronic lung disease, since early childhood, and the South Dakota severe climates don't agree with my lung condition. I have enjoyed your site and will visit from time to time". |
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