Beseda Hall, Inc. in Tabor, South Dakota, Gets a New Roof System Through a REED Fund Loan

Beseda Hall in Tabor, South Dakota, has more than 125 years of history. It was one of the first buildings to be constructed in the town and has served as a saloon, rooming house, hotel, and entertainment space. No matter how it has evolved, Beseda Hall has always been a staple of the Tabor community. Residents in the town of 417 recently came together to replace Beseda Hall’s roofing system, with the help of a $40,000 loan from the REED Fund, so it can continue to be a gathering place for centuries to come.

“Our main hall roof was last replaced in the 1930s-1940s with early-style interlocking sheet metal over cedar shingles,” says Mark Povondra, Hall Manager. Not only did the roof need new sheet metal, but roofers also had to straighten out sagging areas caused by the construction techniques used in the early 1900s.

Beseda Hall will retain its historic charm but will be much better prepared to withstand the South Dakota elements. Learn more about this renovation project and how the REED Fund helped. 

The New Roofing Project Involved Multiple System Upgrades 

Beseda Hall has always been a multi-purpose space in the Tabor community. Even when it first opened, the saloon was differentiated from the café, rooming house, and meeting hall. This means multiple roofing elements needed to be repaired throughout the facility. Here is what the project covered.  

• Replacing the 90-year-old aging sheet metal with new sheets on the main hall.
• Removing the old chimney and air vents in the main hall due to lack of use. 
• Replacing the rubber roof in the annex, which was installed in the mid-1980s. 
• Replacing the supply room roof because of another chimney removal.

These upgrades will immediately improve the quality of Beseda Hall. The efforts will prevent leaks that cause water to flow into the hall during the wetter months in South Dakota. Keeping water out is also essential for historic preservation.

“Beseda Hall stands at the heart of the Tabor community, serving as a vital gathering place that keeps our traditions alive and our connections strong,” says Stephanie Horst, General Manager of Bon Homme-Yankton Electric. “Its role as a thriving event space reflects the spirit of our small town. Supporting its upkeep isn’t just preserving history; it’s an investment in our community’s future.”

Beseda Hall Hosts Countless Events Each Year

Beseda Hall, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization where community events are held throughout the year. The facility is home to bingo fundraisers, gatherings of fraternal organizations, meetings for local cooperatives, and church and funeral dinners. Each year, thousands of visitors visit Tabor on the third weekend of June for Tabor Czech Days. Beseda Hall is also available for renting out for private events and is a favorite spot for weddings, showers, and reunions.

The new roof ensures that Beseda Hall will remain a pillar of the community. Residents don’t have to leave Tabor to host their events or meetings. They can enjoy their community and find the resources they need in Tabor. 

This Facility Was Repaired Through Several Funding Sources

The entire roofing project cost $107,396.29 due to Beseda Hall's historic nature and the multiple projects needed to replace the entire system. However, the results are worth it.

The REED Fund contributed $40,000 as a loan to repair the Beseda Hall roofing system. Beseda Hall, Inc. also received $40,000 in loan assistance from CorTrust Bank. The remaining costs were absorbed by the hall’s operating budget and supported by various events held during the year.

The Beseda Hall Board of Directors set aside funds from the annual Czech Days meal, along with its family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party, Halloween Party, Wednesday Burger Nights in October and November, and from bar and food sales throughout the year at private events.

“We knew a new roof was needed in February 2023 when water was pouring into the annex addition due to rapid snowmelt runoff,” says Povondra. “A temporary fix was applied in November 2023 but faced more issues in January 2024. The project was approved by the Board of Directors in April 2024 to seek loan assistance in fixing our roof issues.”

Once the funding was secured, work on Beseda Hall could begin. The actual roof replacement took less than six days.

“Projects like these are what keep our towns vibrant, and having the REED Fund available to make them a reality truly reflects B-Y Electric’s deep concern for the community and its lasting success.,” says Horst.

The Beseda Hall Roof Project is a Community Loan by the REED Fund

The REED Fund frequently approves loans for community improvement projects like the new roof for Beseda Hall. These projects support the quality of life for residents and make Tabor a great place to live. In particular, keeping Beseda Hall open allows the community to host events like Tabor Czech Days, which brings money to local businesses and introduces new people to Tabor. This can help the community grow in future years.

Quality of life investment is a key area of economic development. Read about other community projects and how they support the members of participating electric cooperatives and other residents in the region.