Feature of the Month

Island Park Ballroom-Milltown,SD

...........by Don Fritz
Written on 1.10.11

This is the seventeenth edition of the Feature of the Month for the South Dakota Rock & Roll Music Association. We are rock and roll fans, and looking to write a feature each month, that will not only bring back wonderful memories, but will also remind us all of the history that was made in our great state of South Dakota. We are hoping to write a feature each month selecting one of the many talented Bands, DJ's, Radio Stations, and Dance Halls throughout SD.
 
This property was originally owned by a Hutterite Colony but in 1919 the land was purchased by Charles Zehnpfwnnig. Cabins were constructed at this scenic location in the 1920's and the ballroom was built at the same site at a later date. In 1939 Opie and Helen Benson bought the property. In the early years, up to about 1960, Island Park hosted orchestras and big bands from all over the Midwest. Performers included Lawrence Welk, who played there on numerous occasions.

In 1960 Jimmy Thomas, from Luverne ,Minnesota, purchased the park on a contract for deed. Since Jimmy managed and booked many rock and roll bands, he was able to have many of his bands perform there. But three years later the property reverted back to the Bensons who again sold it. In 1975 it was purchased by Bob Maag.

Not only was Island Park a place for dancing, it also was a community and area gathering place for social events, including picnics, roller skating, receptions, and reunions. In the 70's Friday and Sunday nights were reserved for bands. Myron Lee estimates he played at Milltown at least twenty five times, always in the summertime. "We sometimes had as many as a thousand people at one of our dances" states Myron. "One time we were the opening band for Gene Pitney and Jerry Lee Lewis. I remember the screened in sides as well as the warped stage and there were usually a few fights as well" added Myron. Other groups who played there included Romeo, Conway Twitty, Fats Domino, Iron Butterfly, Tommy James, Ivory, and Johnny Holm.

The Island Park Ballroom along the James River at Milltown,SD is just a memory as the building is long gone. But if you stand next to the river and close your eyes you might hear a few bars of Peter Rabbit