In Wessington Springs, we pride ourselves in our hills. At any given time of the year, winter, spring, summer or fall, we love them. Dearly. In them lie the secrets to our town. The history you may say that led our path to what it is today. Those hills served a purpose back in the early days for the Native Americans and early settlers to the area. They saw the beginnings of a community, they saw the boom and the bust in the early 1900’s and were a last sight out of town as soldiers left for war, and yet the first sight of home as they returned. Classic cars of the 50’s and 60’s found themselves parked high in the hills while others were parked low surrounding the fence at the ball field. They said goodbye to Vietnam soldiers as they too headed off to war and were here as our country began to feel the tides of change. Most recently, they have seen the devastation of a tornado, and found strength to recover in the community that holds them dear. Local children have grown up with the tales and legends of our hills and many have returned home to pass those same stories on to eager ears yearning to know more. For those who have chosen a path of moving away, the glance at a picture of those hills, causes the heart to skip a beat as memories of home come to life.
As our winter season drives on, our hills have seen a welcome breath of new life as the sound of giggles, friendship, and community fill the air on any given weekend. Both the young, and young at heart can be found barreling their way down our sledding hill and back up again on our Ruby Gold Ski lift. Adding to the fun, the old swimming hole has been filled with water to create our own little skating pond. Magical memories of home are filling the minds of those who come and whom will one day come home to share with their next generation. With the memories, comes an appreciation and understanding of the feeling of community; it’s grounding effect, it’s inspiration and pure joy.
Time passes on, generations come and go, but our hills will always be our hills. A reminder that a community as special as ours can withstand the tests of time as we learn from our memories, rely on our friends and family through the hard times, and find joy in uniting together in love and appreciation for our community… our home.
