Bell, Fire Department, Stratford, South Dakota - Bells on Waymarking.com

Stratford is a small town in Brown County, South Dakota, with a population of 96 at the 2000 census. In July of 2008 the population had decreased to 94, a 4.2% drop.

The town was settled by German, Norwegian, Russian, English, Swedish, and Welsh peoples.

Stratford, located in East Rondell Township, was a latecomer in Brown County platted in Oct. 1906. The town was founded on the last rail line to be built, the Mpls. & St. Louis Railway. It was almost two years later that the first train came through. Settlers had been in the area for years, using Rondell as a trade center. The name Rondell was transferred here at first, but the railroad officials feared there would be confusion since Rondell sounded so much like Randolf, which was a town further southeast. To end the confusion the railroad chose the name Stratford.

Stratford quickly grew and prospered. The town reached it's peak with a population of 600 in about 5 years. The town boasted 2 banks, a meat market, the Pioneer Hotel, 4 elevators, 2 churches, dray & transfer companies, a newspaper, 2 hardware dealers, 3 doctors, 3 restaurants, 3 saloons, a pool room, 2 blacksmith shops, a barber & bath, a confectionery, a drugstore, an implement dealership, a flour & feedmill, a furniture store, 3 lumberyards, a loan office, a millners shop, a real estate office and a shoe store. Citizens brought trees from the banks of the James River to give shade & beauty to the streets in town. On June 18, 1919 the town of Stratford was incorporated.

Small towns in Northeast South Dakota usually have many things in common. Close knit church and family affiliations and civic loyalty are among the assets that bring strength and unity to little communities, even when the population of the community in question plummets to less than 90 people. Stratford has never lost any of the adhesive bonds that make it unique among small owns.

The high school was closed in 1958 and the students were sent to Warner. In 1977 the railroad line was abandoned. The last elevator was closed in 2002. The future for Stratford could appear bleak if one were to just look at the surface. This tiny town has withstood many assaults since it's incorporation and will most likely withstand many more. But if there is an attitude that permeates the heart of Stratford, it would have to be something like "Don't tell us we can't!"

Stratford has the reputation of pulling together and making things happen with volunteer organizations as the driving force. Local organizations include the American Legion and it's Auxiliary, the Lions Club, Extension club, 4-H club, St, Paul's Lutheran Church, Stratford Volunteer Fire Dept., and the local community theater. Recent accomplishments include a new 4 bay Fire Station, a new concession stand at the city ballpark and a starring role in the most recent Williams & Ree movie. Current projects include erecting a Veteran's War Memorial at the entrance to the city park and building an addition to the community hall that will house a permanent stage for Stratford Community Theater.

Each winter this tiny community produces and hosts 8 nights of Dinner Theater complete with a full length production, white tablecloths, a delicious meal and handsome waiters in white shirts and bow ties. This sounds like a lofty pastime when a casual observer notices the preponderance of denim and flannel, coveralls, ovralls and heavy work boots softened by grain dust and grease. One also quickly picks up on the easy camaraderie that exists amongst the entire group. It is evident that this community comes together not only as theater members, but as neighbors and friends.

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