Divorce Colony

       In the late 19th and early 20th centuries South Dakota has one of the most liberal divorce laws in the country. Sioux Falls also had a luxury hotel, The Cataract House Hotel. Initially the residency requirement was three months for divorce seekers, later adjusted to six months. When residency was increased to a year in 1908, South Dakota no longer attracted divorce seekers.

    The Divorce Colony: Hoow Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier, April White tells the story via biographical vingnettes of wealthy women from the east who came to Sioux Falls to en their marriages. Well researched and also well written it's a fascinating account of time and place that changes the trajectory of marriage. Yes, I recommend it.

     Much of my day was spent at a farm sale. That has much of the color and interest of a carnival. Major items of machinery brought top prices. That likley is aa result of high commodity prices that put cash in farmer's pockets. The semi-mounted, tractor, sickle mower that followed me home was reasonably priced. It is too old and small to interest real farmers. 

Takk for alt,

Al

                                    At the sale.