The Loftus Store

The Loftus Store. . The original Loftus Store still stands today and was one of the first businesses on Main Street in 1880. Throughout his life as a merchant, Mr. Loftus carried the slogan "The Quality Store" and became known for the quality of goods on the shelves., Daniel Henry Loftus was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 1853. Daniel grew to manhood in his native city. It was late in 1879 when Mr. Loftus came to De Smet and established a general merchandise store with his old chum Billy Broadbent. Loftus soon bought him out and the business was continued in the same building up to the time of his death in 1921., Mr. Loftus married Helen Katie Cornwall on January 20, 1885 at Rochester, Minnesota. One child, Helen Maude, was born to them and died at a young age in 1919., The building has served as a clothing store, beauty shop, bowling alley and a variety store. Now, the Loftus Store has come full circle and is once again, The Loftus Store! Original artifacts from the Loftus family and first business are on display there., The Loftus Store will be remembered as the store where Laura and Carrie bought a pair of blue suspenders for Pa, and Mr. Loftus was the storekeeper who tried to overcharge the hungry settlers of De Smet for sorely-needed wheat during the long and cold winter. , The Long Winter.