August 1882, there was only a log homestead. The Milwaukee
Depot was built in 1885. In 1888, the first grain elevator went
up. By the summer of 1883, the town was taking shape and
Lake Street was the business section. This was because of the
fact that there was a large lake on this line just at the southwest
corner of town, and when people came in from the south they
went around the lake and came out about at the end of Lake
Street. By 1884, businesses started opening on Main Street and
gradually that became the center of commerce.
In 1902, the school location was moved to a more central
location and a new building was built. In 1917 they added a high
school. This high school continued until 1943.
The community grew and reached the population of 311 by
1915. The railroad helped greatly in the growth as merchandise
East at the 121 and 81 Jct.
In South Yankton, NE
Open Thursday - Saturday
At 4 pm Each Day
Treat Yourself To Our Homemade Award-Winning:
• St. Louis Ribs
For To Go Orders,
• Chicken Quarters
We do
Call (402) 667-7262
d
an
• Smoked Sausage
catering g
ho
• Beef Brisket & Pulled Pork Sandwiches
whole
• Plus Tasty Sides Like Smoked Baked Beans!
ing!
smok
Home Cooking Away From Home!
16vYANKTON COUNTY GUIDE 2019
was shipped in and out by rail. Over 30 businesses served the
community during the early 1900s and electricity came to part of
Lesterville on September 10, 1915. In November 1916, a special
bond issue was passed for $8,000 to build a municipal light
plant. Due to a shortage of materials during the war, the plant
was not completed and operational until March 7, 1919. The war
also caused problems for the Germans living in the area. April
10, 1918, Mr. C.F. Carlson was tarred and feathered because he
continued to sell to the German people living in the area. This led
to the posting of a $500 reward for the identity of the persons
responsible.