Community Profile

Corsica Times 1905-2002

February 2002
Corsica 4th Grade

Our interviews gave us ideas for stories that we wanted to share about Corsica. We then went to the Corsica Globe to find dates, facts and photos of these events. We hope you enjoy the stories.

Railroads to Highways

This train carried cattle to the markets.

On May 1905 there were rumors of a new train line. In June a new town site was located ten miles NW of Armour. It was a cornfield belonging to Col. Simpson. In August 1905 Corsica became a town because of the Milwaukee railroad. They sold lots to get the town started, and they moved buildings from Harrison to Corsica. The railroad was important because it brought in goods. Although the railroad doesn't exist anymore we did get lots of supplies off of the train.

We depend on trucks to ship machinery, foods, and other things to Corsica. There are many trucking companies in Corsica and they are always busy.

Schools

The first teacher was Miss Elin Youngstrom. She taught Corsica's first classes on November 27, 1905 in the back of Corsica State Bank. In April 1906 classes were moved to the Baptist Church. The railroad gave the town the school the block it is on now as a gift. The picture to the right is of the first wooden school house on that block. In 1922 a permanent brick building was built which is still used today for the Middle School.

In 1980 a new high school was built and now in 2002 more work will be done. Corsica is planning to build onto the high school. There will be new classrooms for the Middle School.

Celebrations

In Corsica we used to have a celebration called Natal Days on August 17. It was to celebrate Corsica's birthday. The first celebration in 1906 had many special events. People would do amazing things that we would not do today. One person Mrs. Pearl E. Thomas used a small pulley and a cable and attached the cable to her hair and she would jump across the street. This was called Slide -For-Life. One other attraction was a dog that climbed a 20 foot ladder and jumped off into a net. They had a dance and it ended at three o'clock in the morning.

The First Natal Day Celebration

In 1949 Corsica had its first Firemen's Celebration. They had foot and bicycle races, tug-of-war, climbed a greased pole, had a penny scramble, and a ladies' shoe kick. They also had a midway with rides. Kids got to have free ice cream at the Fireman's Celebration. They would also have water fights and fire fighting demonstrations. They had parades and the Dutch Dance was performed.

Today our biggest celebrations are on the 4th of July. We have a pork barbeque, games in the park, baseball games, and then a very nice fireworks display.

Sale barns

In 1907 Corsica had a stockyard along the railroad lines. Cattle were shipped to Sioux City and Chicago.

On June 4, 1953 the salebarn sale was owned by Dale Dockendorf. On busy days they sold 5,000-7,000 cattle. 4,000 was the average sale. They used to have a computer ring scale. They used to sell cows, bulls, and pigs.

The Corsica Horse Sale is one of the largest in the U.S.A. They have changed the yards and made them smaller. Now they ride horses around. It sells over 7,000 horses a year. The people come to sell their horses from all over the U.S.A.

Corsica Lake

Corsica Lake was created when a dam was built on Choteau Creek. The Corsica Lake was a WPA project. WPA provided jobs through such projects. Today we can swim, fish, golf, and camp at the Corsica Lake Recreation Area.

Tragedies

On October 6, 1921 we had a fire that destroyed the north side of Main Street. The fire was so big, they had to keep the south side of Main Street from being burned to the ground also. They had to call the fire department from Armour to help. Corsica started immediately to rebuild the whole north side of Main Street with brick buildings. A few years later the main street was back, better than ever.

We had two tornadoes on May 14 and 21 of 1962. The second tornado happened exactly one week later and happened at almost the exact same time. The tornadoes damaged many buildings and farms around Corsica. The governor said he couldn't believe what he saw. Many farm animals were killed or injured in the tornadoes. Many farms were rebuilt and farming continued.

This home was completely destroyed.

People in Corsica helped each other recover and rebuild. It took courage to rebuild but it was easier with the help of friends and family.

Baseball

Baseball is very important to Corsica. We were the 2nd town in the state to get baseball lights for the field. When we got baseball lights it was during the dust bowl, April 1935. Other thing were made then too. The fence was extended and there were new bleachers. Night games were very popular. Many people came.

We won the Junior Legion State B Championship in 1950 at Rapid City. For many years, the semi-pro tournament was held in Corsica. When people saw Honus Wagner he was the highlight of the tournament.

1950 State Champs

The Baseball Field Today

Places to see

Corsica's museum has collected artifacts and private donations of Corsica's past. The museum has all kinds of objects that show Corsica's history. The museum use to be Corsica's Christian School. It's open during the summer or by special appointment.

Rolland Vander Pol has a lot of antique cars in his museum. He has more than cars. He has trucks, ambulances, and tractors too. His cars include everything from Model T's to convertibles.

   Today Corsica is a busy town. We have many businesses like Dakota Tom's that makes sandwiches that are sold across the state and even in neighboring states. We have one of the largest John Deere Implements in the state.
   During the school year we stay busy with school activities and attend games, concerts and plays. During the summer we play softball and baseball, swim at our pool and do special activities provided by clubs and school programs.
    We love our town and we hope you stop in for a visit.