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The Deadwood Legacy of W.E. Adams

Although the legend of Deadwood has endured, its days as a rough, mining town lasted for a relatively short time. Deadwood businessman and mayor W.E. Adams played an important role in preserving Deadwood’s early history and setting the stage for making the town a tourist attraction.

In 1930 he built the Adams Museumas a tribute to Deadwood’s pioneers and in remembrance of his deceased first wife and two daughters. The museum currently houses countless artifacts from the city’s rich and colorful past, including Potato Creek Johnny’s famous gold nugget.

Mary Kopco is director of Deadwood History, Inc. and over the past 20 years has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the rich history of Deadwood and its treasures. She first arrived in 1995 to run the Adams Museum, which is now a part of Deadwood History. She joined Dakota Midday and discussed the legacy of W.E. Adams.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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