The Brookings Renegades is a family club that started in 1980. The primary interest of the club is the fur trade era before 1840. Most of the club's members recreate mountain men, fur traders and voyageurs of the plains and mountains. The club's two main activities are muzzleloading shoots and educational programs.
Most of the club's events are called Rendezvous. These are named after the gatherings held in the early 1800's where furs were traded for supplies from the east. In this area, the fur traders came out to trade with the indigenous people for the furs they had gathered. The traders brought knives, kettles, and blankets to exchange for beaver pelts.
Not too many beavers are traded these days, but most folks have the small green frog skins with pictures of Washington and Jefferson on them... so the trade continues.
Most of our club dresses, camps, and cooks in an historic manner at our Rendezvous. The club tries to interpret or reenact the rich history of our area. Members of the club are called on from time to time to do programs in the schools and at events. We try to show what life was like in bygone days with the tools and clothing of the era.
Many of our members have historical interests other than the fur trade. These include 1600's, 1750's, 1770's, 1812, and the Civil War. In those times, many military people were accompanied by their families. Women and children are welcome at our events and find it a pleasant and educational experience.
Events Sponsored
- Living History Fair - Brookings, SD Swiftel Center - Last weekend in Jaunary
- Fort Sisseton - 1st weekend in June
- Four Moons Rendezvous - Gary, SD, July 4th
- Whirlwind Rendezvous - Pioneer Park, 2nd Weekend in July
- Lewis and Clark Festival - Yankton, SD, 4th weekend in August
- Tetonkaha Rendezvous - Hole in the Mountain County Park, Lake Benton, MN, 2nd weekend in August
- Christmas Party and Historical Dinner - Bushnell, SD early December
Associated Organizations
13th Infantry - 1868 Era group posted at the the Falls of the Sioux. Contact Bill Hoskins, Siouxland Heritage Museum - Hivernants of the Couteau Prairie - 1830's Local fur trade and voyageurs. Dave (605) 693-4589
- Bushnell Village Militia - 1776 Continental Army. Dave (605) 693-4589
- Corps of Discovery - 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Dave Huebner (605) 693-4589
- Frontier Army of the Dakotas - 1870's Cavalry.
- Major Stephen Long Expedition - 1823 Engineers. Dave Huebner (605) 693-4589
- Society for Creative Anachronism - Medieval. Jeff Pinkava (605) 692-3633
- Native American Culture - Dick Bryan (507)825-2929
- Silver Creek Mavericks - 1880's gunfighter group. Craig Newmister (605) 334-9410
Club Meetings
The club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month to discuss it's business and share ideas related to local history of the time period.
Meetings are usually held in Bushnell, SD. Contact Dave Huebner (605) 693-4589. Dues are $10.00 for an individual or $12.00 for a family. A monthly newsletter is sent out.
Links to Other History Sites
Historical Societies and Muzzleloading Information
- White Oak Fur Post at www.whiteoak.org
- Grand Forks Coon-n-Crockett largest site around at www.coon-n-crockett.org
- The Dacotah Territory Muzzle Loaders of Aberdeen, SD at http://www.dacotahterritorymuzzleloaders.com
Lewis and Clark Sites and Festivals
- South Dakota Chapter of Lewis & Clark Trail - www.lewisandclark1804.org
- Lewis and Clark Trail National Park Service - http://www.nps.gov/htdocs4/lecl/index.html
- www.lewisandclarktrail.com
- www.lewisandclark.org
- www.lewis-clark.org
- www.pipekeepers.org
- www.pbs.org
History Sites
Arts and History
- Brookings Summer Art Festival www.bsaf.com
For More Information
Please contact Dave Huebner at dhuebner@itctel.com or call (605) 693-4589.
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