Kickin’ Country Small Town of the Day

Here is a list of this weeks Kickin' Country Small Towns of the Day.  Thanks to all who added to the stories.  You make putting these posts together fun! JD

Corson, SD was named after Henry Corson who worked for the railroad, which winds its way on the edge of this town of less than 100 people, on the north side of I-90 near Brandon.  Years ago when travelers from the area made their way to Sioux Falls, they'd stop for the night in Corson, board their horses and make the remainder of the trip to

Sioux Falls the following day by train.  In it's heyday, Corson had a bank, hotel, blacksmith shop, one of the first gas stations in the area and other amenities for locals and weary travelers alike.

Today three grain elevators dot the skyline, with a recently developed industrial section on the west side, including the new wind tower manufacturing company that was just announced in the news last week.

The gas station is now a bar that shows its years and dons the sign: "Stop in, we only look expensive" which often brings a chuckle to those traveling through on Highway 11. The community hall is now the home of The Mighty Corson Art Players, a theater group that performs year round.

The most famous Corson resident was Carl M. "Little Kayo" Erickson, one of the munchkins in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz."  Other noted residents with roots

in Corson include Bill Wagner, recently featured on the Discovery Channel for "Flying Anvils," a segment highlighting Wagner packing black powder between two anvils, setting a charge and watching them shoot up in the sky. Our current South Dakota Commissioner of school and public lands, Jarrod Johnson, lives in Corson and still works on the family farm when he's back home from Pierre.  A cougar sighting in 2011 by resident Mr.Gayle Habeck (HAY'beck) made the news and was the talk of the town.

You can keep up on Corson news and gatherings on facebook when you like the page: Corson SD: lived there, now live there, or just a fan. https://www.facebook.com/groups/306572121895/

This story written by Beth Warden, who grew up in Corson.  Thanks to Beth for the story and listen for her 'on air,' soon on Kickin' Country.