The Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center held its monthly First Saturday Brunch on April 5. Speaker Tim Velder presented “Neva Esmay: Living Large in 1941 and Beyond,” to an audience of more than 75 people. Brunch included a variety of soups from chicken noodle to corn chowder and tomato bisque, plus bread, fruit, and beverages.
Neva Esmay was a woman of many accomplishments who was born and raised in the Tri-State area. Esmay was one of the very first women in history to earn a commercial pilot’s license in South Dakota. Furthermore, she was the first civilian pilot to fly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941; and she was the only woman to train pilots for service at the Black Hills Airport. Esmay was passionate about flying planes; she is quoted as saying, “You can see everywhere from up there. It’s better than being a bird!” She was also an avid stunt pilot, having performed in many airshows.
Later in her life, Esmay lived and raised a family in Belle Fourche. Fittingly, Velder ended the presentation by asking the audience if anyone had memories of knowing Esmay—and several shared their stories. The lecture was educational and entertaining with many moments of laughter.
The Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center holds First Saturday Brunches on the first Saturday of each month except July. Speakers are chosen carefully and present on topics including history, science, culture, and the arts. Admission is $5 per person and reservations are required for brunch, while the educational presentations are free to the public.
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