Theater plasterwork restoration underway for the first time since the fire of 1984

​For the first time since the theater fire of 1984, portions of the interior wall in the theater are being restored. This historic project is being completed by Jerry Aberle, former Homestake engineer and also restoration project lead for the HHOH building restoration 1999-2004; and Dennes Barrett, HHOH Facility Manager and former Black Hills Power lineman; with help from Chad Aberle, of Avid Painting in Lead. All three men are natives of Lead, SD.

​This project is funded in part by a grant from Deadwood Historic Preservation through the Outside of Deadwood Fund; and also by way of private donations and an anonymous donation in honor of SD Senator Jim & Betty Dunn of Lead, SD.

A tribute to Jim & Betty Dunn:
Jim was known as a faithful public servant on the local, state and national level, as well as for his long career with Homestake Mining Company. Jim was defined by his love for family, his hometown of Lead, and the state of South Dakota. Jim was swept off his feet in 1954 when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Lanham from Beresford, SD. They married in September 1955 and raised four children together. He was an especially proud father of the people his children became and their place in the world. 

​For all his travels and accomplishments, Jim liked nothing better than spending time with family and friends. The family cabin in Spearfish Canyon was a special spot, and many a T-shirt was "sweated up" working on his little spot of heaven. A man of deep Catholic faith, and strong Irish heritage, Jim believed in straight talk and common sense, and lived his life with those foundations. Genuinely interested in people and their stories, Jim Dunn "never met a stranger." 

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