Sign of the Times

Visitors entering Oakdale from the South entrance will notice a new welcome sign that is scheduled to debut by mid July. The sign will be at the same location as the original sign – on South Yosemite near the Oakdale Recycling Center. The Cowboy Museum received many suggestions following the Cowboy Capital of the World Contest last year stating that Oakdale should have a sign indicating that we’re (still) the Cowboy Capital of the World. A committee was formed and in February of this year, Director/Chair Lana Casey started meeting with City Officials, Booster Club members, and various service organizations to learn more about the ownership and upkeep of the current sign. After reviewing sign design and costs the Cowboy Museum Board of Directors unanimously approved the project at the June board meeting. Signs by Randy will construct the sign. “This is something that we feel the community wanted to see after winning the contest, said President Bill Sanguinetti. It will be a beautiful sign and it will be installed just in time for our 5th Annual celebration of the National Day of the American Cowboy on July 25.”

Beefman Passes

The Oakdale Cowboy Museum would like to acknowledge the passing of Tom Connelley of Belle Fouche, SD. It was a little over one year ago that we started our conversations with the “Beefman,” about donating beef to the winners of the Cowboy Capital of the World Contest last year between Oakdale and Stephenville, TX. Why was a cattleman from South Dakota so interested in participating in a contest that wasn’t even in his state you ask? Other than being a generous (non bias) cattleman, Tom was emphatic about consumers knowing where their beef originated. He felt the contest grand prize of a side of beef to the winners would bring additional exposure to beef and the US cattle producing nation. That it did.
Born on Feb 24, 1946 at age 63, Tom “The Beefman Connelley,” suffered a severe heart attack while branding at a friends ranch in Montana and died on June 15, 2009, doing one of the many things he enjoyed.
While we never met personally, we exchanged quite a few conversations last year during the contest. He had a big voice, a big laugh and a kindhearted direct delivery. He had me referring to his website so every press release was stated correctly. “I want to assure all customers of South Dakota Beefman that I strive to produce the Very Best Beef Products available for my customers. I know my cattle and I know what it takes to produce the very best beef product available anywhere. I will do my very best to meet my customers needs. I will provide a consistently tender quality product.”
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, five children and 10 grandchilden.
Godspeed Beefman! I’m glad our trails crossed.