Thomas Daschle: “Last week a fire devastated downtown Rapid City, consuming the historic Sweeney Building in a furious blaze that…”

“Last week a fire devastated downtown Rapid City, consuming the historic Sweeney Building in a furious blaze that threatened to destroy the entire block. Only the heroic efforts of the Rapid City Fire Department and emergency workers from all over the county ensured that the damage, as severe as it was, was contained. This terrible blaze took a much-loved part of our heritage from us. The Sweeney Building had towered over Rapid City for 111 years, and was one of the oldest buildings in the Black Hills. Its builder, Tom Sweeney, was legendary. His name and slogan 'Tom Sweeney Wants to See You' were famous throughout the hills, and his showmanship put Buffalo Bill to shame. His store was full of everything from gold pans to wagons for the early pioneers, and it was said that he could--and did-- sell anything. Tom's store is gone now, and it will be missed. Although part of our past, the Sweeney Building also was a vibrant part of our present. Seven businesses located in the building were lost in the Rapid City fire.”