Dakota Territory Living History Museum, Inc. Collection

Melvin Lloyd Thorne was born on August 18, 1917, near Stickney, South Dakota, to John Harry and Elizabeth (Haisch) Thorne. After his father's death during the 1919 flu epidemic, he was raised primarily by his grandmother and step-grandfather, Cornelia and William Davis, on a farm. His family later moved to Philip, South Dakota, during its early development, where Melvin experienced pioneer life.

Growing up during the Great Depression, he worked to support his family. At sixteen, he moved to Lead, South Dakota, where he graduated from high school while working and living resourcefully. He began his career with the J.C. Penney Company, eventually becoming its youngest store manager at the age of 24.

In 1946, Melvin founded Thorne’s Clothing Store in Gettysburg, South Dakota. His interest in livestock nutrition led to his involvement with Daffin Manufacturing Company, where he conceptualized and promoted the mobile feed mill. In 1958, he entered the tourism industry, establishing Kamp Dakota, Inc., one of the earliest franchised tourist campgrounds.

A lifelong historian, Melvin extensively researched family genealogy and shared South Dakota pioneer history with schoolchildren. For the state’s centennial, he constructed a log cabin and trained oxen for educational displays and parades.

Melvin was active in the First Presbyterian Church as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. A Mason since 1949, he was a member of Ionic Lodge No. 83 and Brookings Lodge No. 24, as well as the Scottish Rite and El Riad Shrine. He also served in the South Dakota National Guard beginning in 1935.

The Dakota Living History Museum, Inc. was a concept created by Mel Thorne. The museum would interpret life of the earliest known inhabitants of what has become known as the Dakota Territory covering a period for 1600 to 1890 that would depicts and re-enact the labors and lifestyles of the American Natives and Dakota Frontier settlers.