Mitchell in Davison County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
5th Avenue & Main Street
Downtown Mitchell, SD Historic District
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 16, 2026
1. 5th Avenue & Main Street Marker
[Top to bottom]
Rozum Motor Co.: Allis-Chalmers Dealer
Mitchell-S.D.-March 1-1939-Hershey Photo Service
Christian Ministries Building
422 North Main Street
Originally built as: Elks Lodge #1059 BPOE (1911)
This Neo-Classic style building was erected in 1911 as the Mitchell Elks Lodge No. 1059 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.). The huge porch measuring 80 by 14 feet, supported by four large columns of Bedford stone, greeted all visitors and was used quite often for speakers at special gatherings requiring space for large crowds. The basement housed a kitchen, a short order restaurant, a two-lane bowling alley, a gymnasium, two showers, two bathtubs, and a Turkish bath. On the second floor was a dining room seating 240 guests with a dumbwaiter connecting to the kitchen in the basement, a reading room, a smoking room, a card room, and a billiard hall with four tables. Also on the second floor is another card room for non-smokers, anterooms, and a large lodge room measuring 50 by 64 feet.
In 1981, the Elks moved out, as they had constructed a new lodge on 23rd Avenue. Since the Elks left, the building has been used as a health spa and, currently, the Christian Ministries.
The interior space still has much of the original ornate woodwork and details.
Location of the second Corn Palace
*Northeast corner of 5th and Main
-Photo circa 1911-
-Photo circa 1929-
Western Chevrolet
*Southwest corner of 5th and Main
5th & Main Office Building
423 North Main Street
Originally built as: Pence Buick Dealership (1914)
This Chicago-style building was first erected as the Pence Buick dealership and later Western Chevrolet Co. It housed the largest elevator in the city and hoisted automobiles to the roof for storage.
this page online
In 1951, Montgomery Ward and Company occupied the building and built an addition to the South of the original building. The new addition replaced the structure to the left (South) shown in the photo, known as the Dreamland Ballroom where dances were held several times a week. Bowery dancing was featured at times, where each dance cost ten cents and the floor was cleared after each dance. Well-known bands from all over the country played often.
Later, the building was occupied by retail clothing businesses and briefly house the American Legion Clubrooms on the second floor. It currently houses offices, some apartments, as well as Crazy About Cupcakes.
Erected by City of Mitchell.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 43° 42.816′ N, 98° 1.526′ W. Marker is in Mitchell, South Dakota, in Davison County. It is at the intersection
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 16, 2026
2. 5th Avenue & Main Street Marker
Regionally, this marker is in East River and specifically in the James River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grand Lodge of North Dakota Organized Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Palace Plaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The World's Only Corn Palace (about 300 feet away); The Corn Palace (about 400 feet away); Oscar Howe & Marilyn Wounded Head (about 400 feet away); Davison County, South Dakota, Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Carl Gunderson: (about 700 feet away);
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 16, 2026
3. Former Pence Buick Dealership (built c.1914)
Note freight elevator used to lift cars to the roof
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
