BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Lawrence Welk, known for his music career, grew up without a flush toilet in rural North Dakota. However, visitors to his childhood home, which now features modern amenities, can enjoy the comfort of flush toilets, marking a significant upgrade for the site.
The transformation of Welk's childhood family home is part of the State Historical Society of North Dakota's ongoing initiative to install flush toilets at its most popular and staffed historic sites. This project aims to enhance visitor experiences at these locations, a task that is nearing completion with three more sites scheduled to follow suit soon. This upgrade coincides with the unveiling of a statue dedicated to Welk, which attracts admirers of "The Lawrence Welk Show," a television program that aired for decades starting in the 1950s.
Chris Dorfschmidt, a historic sites manager, emphasizes the importance of this endeavor. He notes that many of North Dakota's historic sites are situated in remote areas, and the absence of modern bathroom facilities can detract from the visitor experience. “History didn’t happen where it’s convenient,” Dorfschmidt said, highlighting the necessity of providing adequate amenities for those who travel to see these significant locations.
North Dakota boasts around 60 state historic sites, ranging from museums and an underground nuclear launch facility to commemorative plaques placed in rural settings. Each of these sites plays a crucial role in narrating the history and cultural stories of the state, contributing to a shared understanding of its heritage.
Among the upcoming facilities set to receive flush toilet installations by June 30 are the Whitestone Hill, known for the deadly 1863 attack by U.S. troops against Native Americans, and Fort Buford, a historic military fort located at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. Additionally, the State Historical Society has plans to upgrade restroom facilities at the Chateau de Mores, a grand 26-room house constructed by the wealthy Marquis de Mores in 1883, situated near the modern tourist town of Medora, known for its scenic Badlands vistas.
It is important to note that less-visited historic sites without staffing are not likely to receive similar restroom upgrades due to the high costs associated with the installations, which average about $150,000 each. The focus remains on enhancing the most frequented sites to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
At the Welk Homestead, located approximately 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) southeast of Bismarck, efforts were made to ensure that the restroom's design and color scheme complement the existing structures. Historic Sites Manager Rob Hanna explained that the facility was created to harmonize with the overall site aesthetic, contributing positively to the visitor's experience.
In summary, the North Dakota Historical Society is making significant strides in enhancing its historic sites by introducing modern restroom facilities, thereby enriching the visitor experience and better accommodating those who come to explore the state's rich history.
