Ellen Halter to discuss her book ‘Shyster & Harvey’ daily in Arts and Education Building at Fair
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Ellen (Larson) Halter was a little girl living next to Harvey Dunn’s sister near Manchester when she got to know the famous South Dakota artist.
However, his fame had little to do with the friendship that blossomed between them over the years.
Halter, who now lives near Cavour, has written a book, “Shyster & Harvey,” telling about her childhood memories with Harvey Dunn.
Halter will talk with people about her book and memories each day of the South Dakota State Fair at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Arts and Education Building.
Halter, who wrote and published her book in just the past year, said she’s a little overwhelmed by the attention.
“It was originally intended for my kids and grandkids,” Halter said. “As more things happen with it, it gets more fun.”
Halter, who is 77, said her daughter, Julie Weiczorek of Hartford, encouraged her to put her memories on paper.
“She had heard bits and pieces growing up,” Halter said. “If I would see an artist I would tell them I had a secret — I used to sit on Harvey Dunn’s lap.”
Harvey Dunn’s sister, Carrie Reiland, lived just a stone’s throw from Halter and her family. “She had lost two husbands. We would bring her over cream and eggs,” Halter said. “She was just like family.”
When Harvey came to visit it was always a thrill for her, Halter said.
“I dearly loved him,” she said. “My sister was afraid of him and would hide behind our mother’s skirt, but she was a couple of years younger.
PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL PUGSLEY OF THE PLAINSMAN
Ellen (Larson) Halter of Cavour holds her book, “Shyster & Harvey,” telling of her childhood memories with the famous artist Harvey Dunn. Her family farmed near Harvey Dunn’s sister, Carrie Reiland, in the Manchester area. Halter will be talking to people about her book and other memories in the Arts and Education Building daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the South Dakota State Fair. Below, is a tin syrup can lid with a scene that was painted by Harvey Dunn’s mother. The painting by Harvey Dunn on the easel behind her, “The Prairie is My Garden,” has special meaning to her family.