Hello Dolly
A woman woven into the fabric of Sioux Falls History, Winona Axtell, was born on February 12, 1863, in Illinois. As a young girl, she helped run her family’s hotel, then took on roles as a schoolteacher and then working for the post office. Her siblings gave her the nickname “Dolly”—a name that stuck throughout her life.
In 1883 she moved to Sioux Falls, working first at the post office, then as a cashier, and finally as a secretary. In 1891, she married lawyer William H. Lyon. Winona dedicated herself to her marriage, her home, and various causes. She had many passions in life, was a vital part of her community and was an active participant in civic organizations. She helped found the Women’s Alliance and the Minnehaha County Historical Society. A strong voice for her beliefs, she served on the women’s suffrage committee and was on the boards for Sioux Falls College and Sioux Falls Parks. After being widowed in 1930, she continued her philanthropic work by donating land and funds to create places like the W. F. Lyon Fairgrounds, Lyon Park, the Women’s History Club clubhouse, and Palisades State Park. Winona passed away on February 4, 1949, leaving a lasting legacy in Sioux Falls.
Louisa Mitchell: A Legacy of Beauty and Community Leadership
Let’s get to know the beautiful inside and out Louisa Mitchell! Moving here in 1906, Louisa quickly made waves in hair and then the beauty industry by launching the Mezzanine Beauty Parlor in the Shriver-Johnson department store and later the California School of Beauty Culture.
Louisa and her husband, Harvey, were community champions, opening their home to guests and launching the Booker T. Washington Service Center in 1930 to aid black travelers. Even after a fire, they kept their mission alive, moving operations to their home and eventually to a larger space.
Louisa was a force in the civil rights movement, standing strong against racism, becoming the first black president of the NAACP in South Dakota. She co-founded the YWCA, started the Colored Girls’ Club, and was the first black woman on the YWCA board.
She passed away in 1942, but her legacy in civil rights, beauty, and community leadership continues to inspire in South Dakota. Let’s keep her story alive and share it with others!
The Future Focused Helen Gale McKennan
Helen Gale McKennan was an extraordinary woman born on September 6, 1841, in Albion, New York. She dedicated her life to charity, and her story is one for the ages! After marrying Dr. William McKennan in the 1870s, she found herself widowed at 38. Her brother, Artemus Gale, urged her to head west to the bustling pioneer town of Sioux Falls in Dakota Territory. There, she joined forces with Artemus in real estate. In 1906, she teamed up with her friend E.A. Sherman, hatching a plan to donate her house and 20 acres to the city for a park. Helen planted shade trees on the land, creating a haven for folks to enjoy nature’s beauty. Her vision was transformative, leading to McKennan Park and Avera McKennan Hospital, both named in her honor. Though she passed away on September 29, 1906, before these landmarks came to be, Helen’s legacy of kindness and service is etched into Sioux Falls’ history, inspiring future generations!
Making Her Own Luck
Sylvia Henkin, known for her leadership at KSOO radio, was inspired by the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Parade she experienced in New York City. Captivated by its charm, she brought this festive idea to Sioux Falls, starting the parade tradition from her kitchen in 1980. Now, you might assume Sylvia was Irish, but that's not the case. Her family hailed from Russia and Poland, and as noted by the Argus Leader, she was Jewish. Sioux Falls, a true melting pot, shows that celebrating Irish heritage doesn't require Irish roots.
The parade's debut was a hit, becoming an annual celebration embraced by the community ever since, with crowds growing each year despite the inconsistent weather. Although Covid-19 paused the event in 2020 and 2021, it triumphantly returned downtown. Sylvia Henkin, who lived to see her parade flourish, passed away at 96 in 2018. Her legacy lives on, as the parade is just one of the many causes she passionately supported.