Delmont in Douglas County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Onion House / Bluebird Locker
October 21, 2023
1. Onion House / Bluebird Locker Marker
← Onion House
Built in 1902 and listed on the Nat'l Historic Register. Named for the onion shaped metallic dome.
Bluebird Locker →
Business began in 1944 and known regionally for its "Delmont Sausage". Business uses many technological innovations unique in this area.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 43° 16.059′ N, 98° 9.865′ W. Marker is in Delmont, South Dakota, in Douglas County. Marker is on West Main Street west of Wilson Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 W Main St, Delmont SD 57330, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Delmont World War Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Hockey - Helland School (approx. 9.7 miles away); Douglas County Museum (approx. 9.7 miles away); American Legion Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.3 miles away); Grand View (approx. 12˝ miles away); Parkston Athletic Park
this page online
Also see . . .
1. South Dakota SP Lenehan, Thomas, House (The Onion House) - National Archives Catalog.
from the Statement of Significance (1987):(Submitted on October 24, 2023.)
"The Lenehan House includes such Queen Anne stylistic characteristics as an irregular roof line, informal entry and floor plan, multiplicity of siding material, a wrap-around porch, and the distinctive side tower. Although, its influence is unknown, the metal onion-shaped dome is of particular significance. No other house recorded in the state has exhibited this design element. For many years, local residence have known as the property 'the Onion House'."
"Douglas County was organized in 1882 and the City of Delmont was founded three years later. Thomas Lenehan was a prominent early citizen of Delmont and an active carpenter throughout the county. In 1902, he built this house as his private dwelling. . . In 1915, Lenehan lost the property to foreclosure. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Thomas Arnold began operating a clinic and hospital in the house. A local impliment dealer, Charles Sroka, purchased the house from Arnold in 1920. Sroka owned the property until 1939. Since that time, it hasbeen used as a beauty shop and apartments, as well as a private residence."October 21, 20232. Onion House / Bluebird Locker Marker & Onion House
2. Onion House | delmont. (Submitted on October 24, 2023.)
3. Damaged From Delmont Tornado, The “Onion House” Is On Its Way To Restoration | KELOLAND.com. (Submitted on October 24, 2023.)
4. Eye on KELOLAND: A history for slicing up meat in a small town | KELOLAND.com. (Submitted on October 24, 2023.)
October 21, 2023
3. Onion House / Bluebird Locker Marker & Bluebird Locker
October 21, 2023
4. Onion House
October 21, 2023
5. Bluebird Locker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2023. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 24, 2023.
