7/9/2008:
Each summer thousands of North Dakotans take time off from their hectic schedules to enjoy the many recreational opportunities available throughout the state. Historic sites commemorating North Dakota’s unique past, state parks set amongst North Dakota’s majestic rolling hills, or the wide-ranging entertainment opportunities available at Medora all provide an opportunity for escape from the hum-drum of daily life.
Although many North Dakotans take advantage of these recreational destinations, not many know the name of the man greatly responsible for their creation; Russell Reid. Born near Hannah, North Dakota, just south of the Canadian border in February of 1900, Russell Reid had an interest in North Dakota history from an early age. Soon after his family moved to Bismarck, Russell was employed at the State Historical Society, working after school and on Saturdays. After high school Reid worked a number of different jobs; surveyor, librarian, but still found time to volunteer at the Historical Society’s museum. The Historical Society finally hired the eager assistant, although Reid would later admit that he would have gladly done for free what the museum eventually paid him to do. After seven years working as an assistant curator in the Society’s museum, Russell Reid was made superintendent of the State Historical Society, a post he retained from 1930-1965.
As superintendent of the Historical Society during the lean years of the Depression, Reid’s unique talent at thriftiness allowed the Historical Society to continue many of the services it operated throughout the Great Depression, cushioning the Society from the full force of the nation’s economic troubles. Furthermore, Reid exhibited a singular ability to take full advantage of the resources made available through the federal government’s relief programs offered during the 1930’s. Working closely with the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps, Reid and the State Historical Society were able to create or restore many of North Dakota’s most important historical attractions, including For Abraham Lincoln, Fort Clark and Fort Abercrombie. Reid worked with the Conservation Corps to establish the International Peace Garden, facilitated the land acquisition that would become Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, and prompted the Duke de Vallombrosa to donate the Chateau de Mores in Medora.
Russell Reid’s work established, maintained and improved many of the beloved tourist attractions throughout the state. This work did not go unnoticed. In 1954 Reid was awarded the prestigious Pugsley medal, given annually by the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, for his “life dedicated to state parks development and historic sites preservation and his outstanding achievements on behalf of the citizens of North Dakota.”
Although many others have done much to ensure that North Dakota’s historical legacy is passed from one generation to the next, few have had the far reaching success enjoyed by Russell Reid. A man whose efforts a half-a-century ago continue to shape the way North Dakotan history is shared.
Written by Lane Sunwall
Sources
Crompton, John L. Twentieth Century Champions of Parks and Conservation: The Pugsley Medal Recipients 1928-1964. Vol. One: Sagamore Publishing, L.L.C., 2007.
Piper, Marion J. Dakota Portraits: A Sentimental Journal of Pictorial History. Mohall, ND, 1964.
"Russell Reid: Cornelius Amory Pugsley State Medal Award, 1954", American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration http://www.rpts.tamu.edu/pugsley/Reid.htm (accessed June 17, 2008).