Carpenter, S.D., is a one-block town in Clark County, serving a rural population in farm and ranch country in the northeast quarter of the state.
Drive into Carpenter from the north, and you first see new buildings that support the agriculture industry. They're made of corrugated metal painted white and navy blue, and in summer they're often surrounded by large farm machinery.
There's a post office, and a cafe, and a gas station with a mechanic. Carpenter gives an impression of modern-day vitality.
But there's also a splash of history and color among these pragmatic buildings on First Street. The square facade of a former grocery store has been painted lemon yellow on one side and pink on the other. This is an enterprise called Charlotte O's Dream. Inside this building you'll find new books and old memorabilia and products made by local artisans.
SDPB's Victoria Wicks lives in Rapid City, but she grew up on a farm about five miles outside of Carpenter. When she went back there for Christmas this year, she stopped in at Charlotte O's Dream for a tour and a chat with the proprietor.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Charlotte O's Dream LLC is open on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. CT.
Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday.
