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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2003

"In 1928 the Alex Johnson Hotel was opened in downtown Rapid City. It still stands like an ancient castle.

The Alex, as the locals call it, was the tallest building in Rapid City when it was built.

My school chum, Charles "Wobbie" Trimble, from Holy Rosary Indian Mission on the reservation came up to spend the summer one year. We teamed up and went window shopping downtown. As we approached the Alex the revolving glass door at the entrance entranced us.

We talked it over and decided that when the doorman went inside, we would make a dash through the revolving door, revolve and then head back to the street. Unfortunately, we weren't quick enough. The doorman caught up to us just as we were making the turn to head outside. He screamed, "Get the hell out of here your dirty little Indians" as he attempted a kick at us. We made it outside, frightened, but laughing our heads off at the great stunt we had just pulled off."

Get the Story:
Tim Giago: The 'Alex' In R.C. Wasn't Always A Friendly Place For Indians (The Yankton Press and Dakotan 6/18)