Sioux Falls, largest city in South Dakota, is located at the falls of the Sioux river, named after the warlike Sioux Indians and called by them “Te-han-kas-an-data” or “Thickly-wooded-river.”
White men found this part of the country occupied by the Dakotas, the most powerful member of the great Sioux family. Here these hard-riding, hard-fighting Indians hunted buffalo and battled intruders. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were among their great war chiefs; Custer’s Massacre is their best known victory over the white men.
Sioux Falls was first settled in 1857, but after the Sioux Massacre in southern Minnesota in 1862, it was abandoned until 1865 when Fort Dakota was established at this site. The present city dates from the coming of the soldiers who afforded protection for pioneer settlers.
The Technical School, Sioux Falls Army Air Field, adjoins the residence part of Sioux Falls on the northwest. Started in the summer of 1942, it is one of the largest training schools of its kind anywhere.
TECHNICAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
POST HEADQUARTERS—Post Headquarters is only a short distance from the entrance at Gate No. 1, and is easily recognized by means of the large flag pole in front. Here are the offices of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Adjutant, as well as S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, Message Center, and Administrative Inspector.
BUILDING NO. 2—Situated next to Post Headquarters, this building houses the Post Judge Advocate, Classification, Legal Aid Department and the Historical Department.
SPECIAL SERVICE OFFICE—Is located in Building No. 13 and it is here that a multitude of activities are sponsored for the welfare and entertainment of the enlisted men and WACS. Also located in the same building are the Post Chaplain’s Office, Post Broadcasting System, Public Relations Office and the Personal Affairs Division, which includes War Bonds, Insurance, Legal Aid, and Army Emergency Relief. It is through the Person Affairs Division that assistance is provided military personnel and their dependents in securing employment, re-employment, education and vocational rehabilitation. Each squadron has a Special Service Officer who should be contacted by all those interested in sports, orchestras, glee clubs, acting and other recreational activities.
SERVICE CLUB—The Service Club is the center of recreation for enlisted personnel and their guests. It is on Algonquin Avenue between Gate No. 1 and Post Headquarters. The main salon is used for dances, band concerts, shows, and broadcasts. Included in the club are a cafeteria, snack bar, and soda fountain, a game room, a balcony which is used for letter writing and a library with more than 8,000 books. There also is a public telephone center on the second floor off the balcony with operators in attendance during the busier hours. Another telephone center with operators is located in Mess Hall No. 4—Building 845. Guests can be taken to the Service Club when proper arrangements are made. (See [page 24] for pass procedure)
GUEST HOUSE—The Guest House is adjacent to the Service Club and provides lodging for relatives of enlisted personnel. The charge is 75 cents a day and there is a three-day limit for guests. For reservations apply at the Service Club office.