Mills County, Iowa
Keg Creek Days

American Indian Earth Lodge Society

The annual Keg Creek Days were held August 27 & 28th (2005) in Glenwood, Iowa. There were various activities during both days, with an overall great turnout, and lots of fun. One of the main attractions was the burning of the Earth Lodge, located across from the Glenwood Park.

The American Indian Earth Lodge Society was started in the late 1980's, with Ted Smith being the current President. The original replica of the Earth Lodge was built in 1991. Harold Swanson became interested in the Earth Lodge accounts since 1994, and gave very informative information as we toured the inside of the lodge.

The lodge itself is about 30' x 20', and would hold approximately 15 people. In 1993 the heavy rains caused much deterioration to the inside. It had to be repaired over the years, and only four beams were left from its original building.

Ted Smith gave the welcome, at the program, and also introduced special guests. Wendell Birdhead, a Lokota Indian from Pine Ridge, Minnesota gave the prayer and blessing. The flutist was Michael Murphy, accompanying the prayer and blessing.

Three grants have been obtained for the re-building of the earth lodge, and hope to be completed August of 2006.

 
From Left to Right:
Michael Murphy-Flutist, Wendell Birdhead-Prayer
Ted Smith-Pres.
 
Inside view of
Earth Lodge
 
Additional views
of Earth Lodge
 
Still inside
of Earth Lodge
 
Harold Swanson
Tour Guide inside the lodge
 
One of five volcanic pits located west of the earth lodge
Burning Earthlodge
 
Burning Earthlodge
 
Burning Earthlodge
 
Burning Earthlodge
Story & Photos by Roseanna Zehner, former C.C., @2005 All Rights Reserved
Page updated on May 11, 2017 by Karyn Techau

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