“W. L. Dow, Architect” will air May 6 on South Dakota Public Broadcasting and highlights the work of Wallace Dow, who came to the prairie in the 1880s and left his mark on cities from Bismarck, N.D. to Vermillion. Old Main and East Hall, both Dow buildings and landmarks of the USD campus, are featured in the film. A question and answer session with the film’s creators and producers, Brad and Jennifer Dumke of Sioux Falls, S.D., will follow the screening at 3:30 p.m.

“We wanted to produce a historical documentary that brings history to life, is informative, and makes history interesting and enjoyable while providing a community service in preserving the past,” the Dumkes said in a statement.

Jim Wilson, chair of the Clay County Historical Society, stated that Dow was also responsible for several prominent buildings in Vermillion, including the First National Bank Building (now Red Steakhouse), the first Vermillion Public High School and the& first Vermillion City Hall. “Dow was the most prolific and famous of the early architects in South Dakota and built in a variety of styles,” Wilson added.

“Dow seems to have done it all,” said USD Associate Professor of History Molly Rozum, Ph.D. “His buildings were varied in design and purpose, from Queen Anne to Gothic and from homes and schools to churches.”

The screening is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. For more information about “W. L. Dow, Architect,” please call (605) 310-3844 or email [email protected].

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