“Ruskin Park”

1/2 Mile South

The first permanent settlers came to the James River valley near here in 1873. The Santee and Rodee families settled two miles south of this point. This settlement is mentioned in ‘Giants of the Earth.' Between the Rodee and Santee homes was a ford on the ‘Jim’ and a nice stand of native timber (Rodee Grove) where early-day picnics, political rallies and community gatherings were held. In 18903 H.A. (Gus) Rodee cleared the grove ½ mile south, which location, near the Forestburg wagon bridge, eliminated the ford. He built an amphitheater, hotel, and other buildings and named the park after John Ruskin. Chautauquas, plays, programs, meetings and picnics soon made Ruskin Park the cultural and entertainment center of Sanborn County. Many people built cottages and erected tents for summer camping. A railroad station near this marker accommodated the special trains that brought people to Ruskin Park. In 1910 Dowdell & Millard purchased the Park and made further improvements. For several years a County Fair was held at the Park. Several owners have operated the Park in recent years. To thousands of early-day residents Ruskin Park is synonymous with excitement and romance.

Sanborn County, Highway 34 just east of the James River