Ruskin Park History

You will be staying in a scenic area with an interesting and glorious past. Modern Ruskin Park history began in the late 1800's with the arrival of homesteaders from the East. The area was unique as it was an intersection of pioneer and Sioux Indian culture. Because of the location of an ancient river ford on the James River, three pioneer wagon trails junctioned here. It was at this river ford that early settlers gathered to socialize.

The Rodee family from New York State arrived in 1882 and put together a sprawling ranch. Their son, Hiram Augustus Rodee, Jr., developed an area for Chautauquas, and because of his admiration for the poet John Ruskin, he named it Ruskin Park. Because of its early proximity to the river ford and later the railroad, it became a popular recreation area. A hotel was built and canvas tents were constructed for shelter.

Ruskin Park, along with the entire Rodee ranch, was purchased by R. E. Dowdell, a farmer and state legislator, and Artesian banker Ben Millard in 1908. It was subdivided and resold for capital to develop a recreational center that included forty cabins, a frame theater, houses, and canoes. The park also had a baseball diamond, basketball equipment, tennis courts, a golf course, and horseshoes.

A mile-long racetrack for both horses and cars was constructed, complete with grandstands and race stables. This track was considered one of the fastest and best tracks in the United States. Many of the best known early day race car drivers raced here, including Eddie Rickenbacker, duJardin, and Mark Cole.

The famous bucking horse Tipperary performed here, as did South Dakota's own Earl Thode, the first recognized All-Around World Champion and North American bucking horse champion.

An airstrip was provided for air exhibitions and a bandstand for concerts. The Park provided a meeting place and forum for political, educational, and special interest groups, as well as group and family picnics.

Activity at the Park was greatly curtailed by the Great Depression and World War II. The races were discontinued, but seasonal celebrations and dances continued through the Depression and World War II. Roller skating was popular, as were teen dances held later on. Lawrence Welk, the Everly Brothers, and Conway Twitty were among those who appeared at Ruskin Park.

Ruskin Park remained in the Dowdell family for many years, later changing hands several times. Carlton Cassens reassembled nearly all of the old Rodee Ranch under his ownership and began developing it into a private game production area. He began the renovation of the old hotel. Carlton passed away in February, 2003, but his dream will live on through the Carlton Cassens Game Production Area of Ruskin Park.