McGillycuddy House

McGillycuddy House Valentine McGillycuddy's 1887 home is a reminder of this man's contributions to early South Dakota and Rapid City.

Just a quick update on our work on the Valentine McGillycuddy House: The work is on-going. Something is always happening...
08/12/2026

Just a quick update on our work on the Valentine McGillycuddy House: The work is on-going. Something is always happening. Just because you can’t see things, does not mean there’s no progress. Things continue to move forward. Remember, so much in construction is not visible; It’s inside the walls, it’s underground, etc.
The most recent work that has been happening has been in the walls. Insulation has been installed by Big Rock Insulation, LLC in Rapid City. This house will be well insulated. Exterior walls have been filled with a 2 – 3 inch foam spray applied by specialists in full body suits and respirators! The foam was followed by a white fabric netting and a blow-in insulation. Interior walls and ceilings are going to be filled with batt insulation that also acts as a sound barrier.
Work is progressing on the interior staircase, and, as we speak, the interior trim work, such as baseboard, is currently being cut and readied in the workshop at Commercial Door & Specialties in Rapid City.
Day to day oversight is being provided by Historic Rapid City, Inc’s. own president, Bud Oleson who can usually be found at the House coordinating various workers or up on a ladder himself getting elbow deep in construction activities.
Things are HAPPENING!

Well, this is better late than never, right?! Here is the car we decorated to participate in the Rapid City 4th of July ...
08/12/2026

Well, this is better late than never, right?! Here is the car we decorated to participate in the Rapid City 4th of July parade last month. We had a great time, threw LOTS of candy and promoted preservation in our community! Thanks again to Ron Conrad for loaning us his historic vehicle!

As part of this historical 4th of July celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great nation here in Rapid City, the His...
06/28/2026

As part of this historical 4th of July celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great nation here in Rapid City, the Historic Rapid City, Inc. organization, a group focused on the importance of preserving and celebrating our local history, is very pleased to participate in the much -anticipated community parade. So, on Thursday, July 2nd, look for us, number 69 in the lineup, riding in a 1984 vintage Jeep Wagoneer. What makes this automobile a historic addition to the event is that it was once purchased, owned and used by Custer State Park for the conduct of the Buffalo tours within the Park. It was apparently modified to some degree to allow for open air and visibility in touring.
The very popular Jeep Wagoneer, also known as Jeep Grand Wagoneer, came on the scene in 1962 for the 1963 model year and stayed in production until 1993. It was most recently reinvented for production in 2021. The vehicle was notable for being one of the first full-sized SUVs (sport utility vehicle). They offered the utility of a wagon, the comfort and safety of a luxury vehicle, and since they were all built with 4-wheel drive, they served capably in challenging terrain.
This classic car is currently owned by Mr. Ron Conrad, owner and president of Conrad’s ‘Big C’ Electric, Inc. of Rapid City. Mr. Conrad’s mother, Sylvia Conrad, has served for many years on the Board of Directors for Historic Rapid City, Inc.
We are thrilled to be able to share our enthusiasm for history and preservation in our hometown celebration and look forward to seeing all your smiling faces along the parade route through our historic downtown core. Oh, and we’ll be throwing candy!

Rapid City Journal, May 26, 1934
06/26/2026

Rapid City Journal, May 26, 1934

For quite a while we've had to say that all the work is going on inside, but here you can see that Julian and his crew f...
06/15/2026

For quite a while we've had to say that all the work is going on inside, but here you can see that Julian and his crew from Competitive Masonry is doing some work on the stone exterior. They are setting and leveling some stone that has settled over more than a century.

Published in the Rapid City Journal, July 8, 1932
06/15/2026

Published in the Rapid City Journal, July 8, 1932

The floors on the top floor of the McGillycuddy House are now finished! (Photos by Bud Oleson)
05/31/2026

The floors on the top floor of the McGillycuddy House are now finished! (Photos by Bud Oleson)

Rapid City Journal, Sept. 2, 1932
05/25/2026

Rapid City Journal, Sept. 2, 1932

Floors are being refinished now on the second floor of the McGillycuddy house. Most of the original flooring remained in...
05/19/2026

Floors are being refinished now on the second floor of the McGillycuddy house. Most of the original flooring remained in the house, even though the second floor was removed in the mid-1900s. Gaps in the flooring showed where the upstairs walls once were and allowed us to recreate the floor plan. The parallel grooves cut into the floor are from the time electrical wiring was first installed.

Address

727 South Street
Rapid City, SD
57701

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when McGillycuddy House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to McGillycuddy House:

Shortcuts

Share

Category