Carlton O. Gorder
Carlton O. Gorder
February 13, 1898 - December 17, 1981
Carlton Olaf Gorder, born and raised in Deadwood, was 19 years old when he took a job as a teller at the Deadwood Office of First National Bank of the Black Hills. By the time he retired, on his 65th birthday, he had advanced to the position of Vice President and Manager of the Deadwood Office.
His father, Carl Olaf Gaarder, was born in Norway and immigrated to the United States. The name was changed to Gorder in about 1885. Carlton's mother was born in Chicago. The couple came to Dakota Territory in 1887, and Carl worked as a quartermaster at the Fort Meade Commissary.
Carlton was born in Deadwood in 1898. He attended schools in Deadwood, graduating from Deadwood High School in 1915. In 1928, he married Rose Augusta Degner. They had three children, Carol Ann, Carlton Thomas and Robert Kirk.
Mr. Gorder was one of the most active banking leaders in the Northern Black Hills. He was President of the South Dakota Bankers Association and a member of the American Banking Association. He was a Director and President of the Franklin Hotel Company. In 1956, he was named “Boss of the Year” by the Deadwood Jaycees. For several years after retirement, he remained active on the First National Bank Board of Directors.
He was especially active in the Deadwood community. For more than 25 years, he served as Treasurer of the Deadwood Independent School District. From 1926 through World War II, he was Chairman of the Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross. From 1966 to 1977, Mr. Gorder was on the Lawrence County Commission.
Mr. Gorder also served as President or Chairman of several organizations, including the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, the Deadwood Rotary Club, the Lawrence County Savings Bond Committee, the County Airport Committee, the Deadwood Recreation Board, the Lawrence County Centennial Committee and the Days of '76 Calf Catching Committee. He was also active in groups such as the Elks Club, the Masonic Lodge, the Oriental Band and the advisory council for the Order of Demolay.
When he had time, Mr. Gorder enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding. During his lifetime, he had three horses, Rusty, Captain and Silver. His favorite was Captain. He especially loved to ride Captain in the Days of '76 Parade. During his tenure on the county commission, Mr. Gorder used to take Rose on long rides around the county to inspect the roads and see which ones needed repairs. He loved the beauty of the Black Hills, and enjoyed those rides a great deal.
Mr. Gorder was also an avid sports enthusiast. He loved football, baseball, basketball, boxing and golf. He was a big supporter of Deadwood High School teams and could often be found watching softball games in the summer.
