Faith in Meade County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Small Town / Badger Clark
By Badger Clark / (1883-1957)
By Badger Clark
that made the village of the Sioux
Rose near as high, spread near as wide,
O little Western town, as you.
But small-town skylines all are great
And small-town air is clear and sweet
And small-town folk are friend and mate,
Not the flitting shadows on the street.
No smoke of factories uprolls;
No market roars with shouted bids.
The small-town's finest fruit is souls;
Its prize commodity is kids.
For a while the city struts in pride
And trumpets far its loud renown,
The men who govern there, and guide,
Are children of the little town.
That is the small-town's latent power --
Some name upon its schoolroom page,
The future hero of the hour,
The future glory of an age.
It was always so; 't will always be --
Small town, the great folk's starting place.
A small-town boy in Galilee
Rerouted all the human race
(1883-1957)
Arthur, lecturer, poet in South Dakota’s first Poet Laureate. His philosophical devotion to the idea of rugged individualism and his love for the great outdoors was reflected in his life and writings. “Small Town” is typical of his devotion to Dakota and it’s friendly people.
Erected 1974 by Farmers State Bank of Faith, South Dakota; Department of Transportation; South Dakota State Historical Society. (Marker Number 459.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 45° 1.16′ N, 102° 2.698′ W. Marker is in Faith, South Dakota, in Meade County. Marker is on West Fifth Street near South Fifth Avenue West, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Faith SD 57626, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sue (approx. half a mile away); Faith (approx. half a mile away).
Also see . . . Black Hills Vistor article on Charles Badger Clark, Jr. (Submitted on July 30, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on November 4, 2021. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.