Just north of Hot Springs on the west side of Wind Cave Road , a person is transported back in time by the sight of a worn and weathered western storefront with an old-fashioned windmill in the yard . The wraparound deck is cheerily scattered with relics of a time past – milk jugs and old tack draped over the rustic deck railing , tools , baskets , and all manner of old-time artifacts . A life-sized plaster horse models some tack , and a comical sign featuring a horseback Buffalo Bill Cody reads , “ Morgan ’ s Saddlery – Gotta be here !” It sure looks like an old-time western store . But there ’ s a twist . Around the corner there is a similar sign , but this time Buffalo Bill is beckoning customers to Wanda ’ s Finds – “ Wanda ’ s Finds – Gotta be here !” – and the open door and the two cats , named Bonnie and Clyde , welcome customers inside .
The front entryway displays beautifully crafted western boots , and the walls are papered with photographs and memorabilia of the full and impactful lives that are behind this store , newspaper articles and a letter from the governor , the first real clue that this isn ’ t your run-of-the-mill , hole-in-the-wall shop . “ Dear Veldon and Wanda ,” the letter reads , dated June 11 , 1991 , “ I appreciated the opportunity to be at your grand opening and to wish you the best in your endeavors here in South Dakota . As I indicated to you and to the audience , I could not have been more impressed with the quality of the atmosphere in the business as well as the quantity of the equipment and inventory .” He finishes his letter : “ Thank you again for the boots . I will wear them with pride .”
The comfortable smell of leather wafts through a door on the right from the well-stocked shop that is Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply , indeed boasting an impressive inventory . It practically overflows with a wealth of bits and bridles , halters and cinches and tooled leather spur straps .
Adjoining the tack and supply store is Wanda ’ s Finds , and Wanda Morgan ( the obvious namesake ) busies herself around the delightful and eclectic mix of antique shop and classy western jewelry store , greeting her visitors , eager to share a lively conversation or help them find a treasure . A large turquoise pendant peeks out from behind her plaid shirt , and her hands , never still , are adorned similarly . You won ’ t find another person working in this store – it is just Wanda .
photos by JULI TEASLEY and LAURA LINDBLOM
story by LAURA LINDBLOM
6