The Hardest Knot

Before we moved away from our three summers/two winters life in Nemo, South Dakota, Frank Troxell tied this knot and gave it to us. It has hung on our back porch wall for almost 40 years. Frank Troxell was a story teller and as he rented a former Homestake house to us, he would come over often to check the house, drink coffee and tell me wonderful stories. I had a blatant love for him. He must have been in his late 70's or even 80's then. I a very lonely little mother with a brood of five in this community of less than 45 colorful folks.

When I Googled Frank's name, I got three hits, each one with fond memories of that little historic community. He had purchased the entire town in 1946, had rebuilt it in to a working Guest Ranch, complete with cattle, horses, a small general store and post office. I worked in the cafe during hunting seasons and helped with the cabins in the summers. This link will take you to a short history of Nemo.

After Homestake moved its milling operation to Spearfish in 1940, Nemo was virtually a ghost town until a Martin cattle rancher brought new life to the dying town.

Frank Troxell bought the town in 1946 and his dream of Black Hills dude ranch became a reality. Naming the resort for their 4 T brand, the Troxells set to work restoring the aging timber camp buildings. Homestake's office building became a western-themed restaurant; vacant homes and the old meat market were remodeled into lodges and cabins; the old Hotel Annex became home to Troxell family members.

Hollywood discovered Nemo in the 1950s. Western film makers shot location scenes at the 4 T, utilizing as authentic props the antique stage coach and chuck wagon still on display at the site. From Deadwood Magazine.

Life there was like living in a movie set, with old time barn dances down the road, ropes for the children to pull, tolling the beginning of school classes and church service.