Monte E. Nystrom

Custer, SD

1933, 1795, Doran, S-2, foreman
1934-35, 1793, Pine Creek (Keystone), SP-1, USFS foreman
1936, 756, Oreville, F-16, foreman
1937, 756, Custer, F-12, F-12, foreman
1938, 791, Lightning Creek, F-14, Forman

Monte Nystrom was a Black Hills stonemason and did extensive masonry work on the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. In 1929 Nystrom and his wife Lillian built the Artcrafters Studio to house their souvenir business. The massive stone fireplace in the main showroom is a fine example of Mr. Nystrom's ability as a stone mason.

Monte Nystrom was involved in many Civilian Conservation Corps project throughout most of the 9 years that the program was in operation. He is mentioned in association with several camps and companies.

Below is from the June 1940 Lightning Creek, Company 791 camp newspaper.

With the prospect of a road ever being built to the top of Harney Peak completely out, M. S. Nystrom, a foreman in this camp came to the ultimate decision that something must be done about it. He hit upon a brilliant idea - to build a car short enough, and narrow enough to navigate up and down the three-mile-long trail to the top.

A 1933 Model A Ford was to undergo an operation. It was cut down to 32-inch wheel centers, with a 57-inch wheelbase. A four-speed transmission was installed. This was all done by Fay Keith, a Custer mechanic.

Nystrom says it's only a one-passenger affair, but the 1941 model will be a two-seater! It's the first motor-driven vehicle ever to reach the top of Harney Feak, the highest elevation in the U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains. Foreman Nystrom calls it his "Baby Lincoln."

Below is photo of the "Baby Lincoln."

The rebuilt automobile shown above, built to order for narrow trails and switchbacks, takes Foreman M. E. Nystrom to his work atop Harney Peak. The car Is a Model A Ford, with the wheelbase reduced to 54, inches and the axels cut down to 32 inches. Regular wheels were used, and the springs were removed to decrease the height. It has a 4-speed transmission for use on the steep grades and switchbacks. The car does not go to the very summit, but to the foot of the stairway. Mr. Nystrom has the honor of being the first to ascend Harney Peak in an automobile.

CCC Museum of South Dakota - crew near Harney Peak 1940 courtesy William Slattery

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