August 1882, there was only a log homestead. The Milwaukee Depot was built in 1885. In 1888, the first grain elevator went up. By the summer of 1883, the town was taking shape and Lake Street was the business section. This was because of the fact that there was a large lake on this line just at the southwest corner of town, and when people came in from the south they went around the lake and came out about at the end of Lake Street. By 1884, businesses started opening on Main Street and gradually that became the center of commerce. In 1902, the school location was moved to a more central location and a new building was built. In 1917 they added a high school. This high school continued until 1943. The community grew and reached the population of 311 by 1915. The railroad helped greatly in the growth as merchandise East at the 121 and 81 Jct. In South Yankton, NE Open Thursday - Saturday At 4 pm Each Day Treat Yourself To Our Homemade Award-Winning: • St. Louis Ribs For To Go Orders, • Chicken Quarters We do Call (402) 667-7262 d an • Smoked Sausage catering g ho • Beef Brisket & Pulled Pork Sandwiches whole • Plus Tasty Sides Like Smoked Baked Beans! ing! smok Home Cooking Away From Home! 16vYANKTON COUNTY GUIDE 2019 was shipped in and out by rail. Over 30 businesses served the community during the early 1900s and electricity came to part of Lesterville on September 10, 1915. In November 1916, a special bond issue was passed for $8,000 to build a municipal light plant. Due to a shortage of materials during the war, the plant was not completed and operational until March 7, 1919. The war also caused problems for the Germans living in the area. April 10, 1918, Mr. C.F. Carlson was tarred and feathered because he continued to sell to the German people living in the area. This led to the posting of a $500 reward for the identity of the persons responsible.