Please reach out to me via the contact request on the main page if you are aware of an event not listed. I am always working to gather new historical events.
[A] Statement of Elections in the Town of Buffalo Gap in reference to incorporation, having been filed, was examined by the Board of Co. Commissioners, who from evidence addressed finds that said election held at Buffalo Gap in June 21, 1886, was legal, and according to the statutes in such case made and provided, and the result of said election being in favor of incorporation, the said Town of Buffalo Gap is hereby declared duly incorporated under that name.
There was a meeting at Wood Smith's home near Fairburn to organize a telephone company to build a line from Fairburn down French Creek to South Fork and up Pleasant Valley to H.M. Sprague's place on Lame Johnny, taking in ranches north of Custer to Buffalo Gap. This was a distance of 30 miles and included 20 phones, all the line could carry. Another line was being contemplated being built from Smithwick to Buffalo Gap.
The following was reported in the Hot Springs Weekly Star:
Substantial Purses for Races and Sports were offered for this event. Three days of educational and enjoyable entertainment. Fine band and orchestra. Liberal premiums on exhibits in every department. Trotting races, Pacing races, Hurdle races, Running races, Auto races.
Ladies relay races, Men's relay races. Roping contests, Baseball games, Wrestling matches. Motorcycle races, Indian races and all kinds of Specialty races. Plan to attend at least one or two days of this Big Fair Write the Secretary for Premium List and all other information.
You surely cannot afford to miss this Big Fair.
M. HENNE, President and W. F. NOLAN, Secretary
Mrs. Emma Seiger, mother of John Seiger, died at her home in Buffalo Gap. She was one of the first settlers of the town.
Alf Daniels of Buffalo Gap called at the [Custer] courthouse and collected the bounty on 16 coyotes which he displayed before the county auditor.
Gus Hasser of Buffalo Gap lost a finger as a result of a gunshot wound he received at a dance the previous Friday evening in Buffalo Gap. How the accident occurred or who made the shot was unknown to the victim. Hasser was brought to the hospital in Hot Springs where his finger was amputated. (In 2024, a local informed me that he actually shot his own finger off.)
Charles Peterson, Buffalo Gap pioneer for 67 years, died after a short illness. Born near Copenhagen, Denmark, Peterson left that country on his 16th birthday and in 1887, arrived in the Black Hills with two [train] car loads of draft mares for Martin Valley horse ranch.
Custer and Fall River County authorities were investigating a series of break-ins in three Southern Black Hills towns. Taken from Hussong's Bar in Buffalo Gap was $15 in dimes, nickles, and quarters along with four bottles of liquor and four cartons of cigarettes, At the Buffalo Gap Bar, 15 to 25 fifths of liquor and about 30 packs of cigarettes were taken. Ensted's Grocery at Oelfich's had a safe valued at $300 taken. It contained no cash. At the Traveler's Drive-In in Hot Springs, approximately $45 in change was taken.
James and Wilma Rhoades married at the church in Buffalo Gap. Wilma met her husband at the 7-11 Ranch near Buffalo Gap. Wilma was married to James for 51 years until his death. Wilma was born in 1934 and died December 7, 2024 at the age of 90.
From Mrs,. Cecil Harmon - This year will mark the last graduating class of the Buffalo Gap High School. It only seems proper and fitting that this good school should have a history, and these are the facts uncovered from past records.
The first school was located in a log cabin about one half mile southeast of the present town site. This cabin was about 15 feet square, and Mary Soper was the first teacher there with nine pupils.
The original town had been about one mile northwest of the present location and when it moved down the valley to the present site, school and church were both held in a tent called a tabernacle. The next school was held in a building which had been a dance hall and saloon.
In 1889-90 the school population had increased to such an extent the grades had to be split up and put into different buildings in town. After two years all the grades were moved up on the hill to the present stone building.
In 1919 the school building was condemned and school was held in several places until the school was repaired. The building was finished and ready for school in 1924.
It was not until the year 1925-26 that Buffalo Gap became an accredited high school.
Members of the last graduating class of 1964 are Donna White, Gary Jensen, Joann Fugier, Jon Heinrich, Janice Jurrens, and Marlin White.
Buffalo Gap third, fourth, and fifth graders were lectured on gun safety and saw a display of shotguns, rifles, and pistols given by Tom Conger.
A 9 and a half year old buck killed east of Buffalo Gap earned Galen Schramm of Custer, third place and $2500 in the World Whitetail Championship deer contest.