I think it is unlikely that South Dakotans would have their photo taken by a “Welcome to SD” sign. They must be visitors from another state headed for a fabulous vacation in SD. Maybe Nebraskans looking for an exiciting vacation spot. They will need to keep driving of couse.
WOW! I’m Derek — the stud in the white shorts! I was just alerted that our picture made the website and I’m ROLLING reading all the comments. Thought I’d fill you in on a few of the details that people are guessing about.
First of all, I THINK this picture was taken in the Summer of 1981. Could be off a year either way, but a lot of you did great narrowing the time frame down. I think someone even guessed the year right on the nose!
There’s some speculation about who’s who and how they’re related. I won’t go into actual identities because I don’t know if my relatives want to be dragged into this — but I’ll talk in general terms about who’s who from left to right. The first guy is NOT my Dad, it’s my brother and he’s roughly 15 years old. Next, there was some speculation as to whether or not Mr. White Shorts is a guy or girl. I’m a guy (Derek) and was about 12 years old at the time of the picture (sorry ladies, I’m married now!). Next comes my eleven year old cousin and the girl to the far right is my sister and she’s also eleven years old.
And pandra — don’t worry — yes, I’ve recovered from my youth fairly well. These days, I’m a 41 year old, but unfortunately, I’ve aged and haven’t QUITE managed to hold on to the good looks and studliness from my youth.
Lastly, apologies to the family for blindsiding you with this!
‘youll wear teh pants in the family one day son ..’
short shorts to the spants (shorts/pants) i wear now .. i realized ive worn the whole pants-short sprectum
I, fortunately, live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. And exceptionally fortunately for us, William Janklow is no longer governor and no longer are those the fashion.
We moved there right after Janklow’s run-in with the law. Other than having people to cover up for his drunken vehicular manslaughter (of *course* he wasn’t drunk!), all the other stories of him I heard made me very thankful we missed his reign.
“Tuck in your shirts, kiddies, so mommy can take a pic.” “Tuck them in really good now!” “And, pull up your britches nice and high, so those shirt tails aren’t goin anywhere!”
Btw, this is definitely NOT the 70s, it’s the 80s. As bad as their fashion sense is, it’s nowhere near as bad as the 70s fashions. They were just hideous.
Matter of personal opinion. I didn’t think fashions in the 70s were really bad until 1975/76, whereas fashions in the 80s stayed bad throughout the entire decade.
Makes you wonder what faux pas we are perpetrating today, doesn’t it? In 25 years we’ll look back on these days and say, “I can’t believe we….!” What’s the new pastel shade or teal? Leisure suits, short shorts (on [het] men), shoulder pads, thermal underwear under cargo-shorts?
That photo was clearly taken on the east side of the state, which = flat and boring. The west side of the state in the Black Hills is way cooler. Even in the 70s.
According to Wiki, Mr. Janklow was the 27th Governor from January 1, 1979 – January 6, 1987 and the 30th Governor from January 7, 1995 – January 7, 2003. My guess would be that this photo was taken during his first two terms.
Whoo, South Dakota! I’ve… never been there. Only Miss Red Pants there on the far right seems to be happy to be there. OH MY GOSH RED AND PINK TOGETHER AAAAAAAAHHHHHH… My mom always told me that was a combination to be avoided or else.
According to wiki, William J. Janklow was governor from January 1, 1979-January 6, 1987, then again from January 7, 1995-January 7, 2003. I’m guessing this was the committe who just installed his name on the sign in 1979 on a rare, hot winter morning….
It’s probably early 80s, during Janklow’s first term as Governor, as he’s listed on the sign. My guess would be 80/81, judging from the clothing. Oh, South Dakota.
Living in a bordering state, I know what it’s like to go to/through South Dakota. I went through the state, in an RV, with notorious car sickness. The gambling age was 21 and I was only 19. But yay! That gave me a chance to watch my younger brother while the family played slots. Almost 20 yrs later and still bitter. Camper #3 looks like she may have had the same RV experience. But I’m certain I looked like camper #1 most of the trip. I should submit those pics. They’re full of 90s goodness and angst
It may be because I’m not American but I’m confused why there is a highway sign in the middle of a field….. Maybe it’s a “Highway 212 Coming Soon” sign….
Anyway, you have got to love those shorts!
And the knees!
Who can pull up there shorts higher…I can, I can!!! Wow! I kinda want to see a recent photo to see how everyone turned out …. I picture a lot of high wasted pants!
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afp
I live in South Dakota
I think it is unlikely that South Dakotans would have their photo taken by a “Welcome to SD” sign. They must be visitors from another state headed for a fabulous vacation in SD. Maybe Nebraskans looking for an exiciting vacation spot. They will need to keep driving of couse.
There isn’t anything awkward about this photo. It’s just a nice family on vaction.
You can’t get into South Dakota if your shorts fit!!
I wonder if anyone in this family ever tried to rebel by not tucking their shirt in!
Let the partying begin!
they all look so uncomfortable. LOL!!!!!
Strong genes!
WOW! I’m Derek — the stud in the white shorts! I was just alerted that our picture made the website and I’m ROLLING reading all the comments. Thought I’d fill you in on a few of the details that people are guessing about.
First of all, I THINK this picture was taken in the Summer of 1981. Could be off a year either way, but a lot of you did great narrowing the time frame down. I think someone even guessed the year right on the nose!
There’s some speculation about who’s who and how they’re related. I won’t go into actual identities because I don’t know if my relatives want to be dragged into this — but I’ll talk in general terms about who’s who from left to right. The first guy is NOT my Dad, it’s my brother and he’s roughly 15 years old. Next, there was some speculation as to whether or not Mr. White Shorts is a guy or girl. I’m a guy (Derek) and was about 12 years old at the time of the picture (sorry ladies, I’m married now!). Next comes my eleven year old cousin and the girl to the far right is my sister and she’s also eleven years old.
And pandra — don’t worry — yes, I’ve recovered from my youth fairly well. These days, I’m a 41 year old, but unfortunately, I’ve aged and haven’t QUITE managed to hold on to the good looks and studliness from my youth.
Lastly, apologies to the family for blindsiding you with this!
Thanks for the input. Am lovin’ this one and is great to have “the” story behind it!
Hi.
We’re the Dakotersons.
This is our picture.
kthxbai
‘youll wear teh pants in the family one day son ..’
short shorts to the spants (shorts/pants) i wear now .. i realized ive worn the whole pants-short sprectum
Why is it that in certain time periods, even 14-year-olds manage to look like they’re about 45?
South Dakota has never been so sexy.
Love it. This is my home state.
Yes, back in the day we wore either slacks, pedal pushers or shorts. And when we called apparel “shorts”… we meant it!
I, fortunately, live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. And exceptionally fortunately for us, William Janklow is no longer governor and no longer are those the fashion.
We moved there right after Janklow’s run-in with the law. Other than having people to cover up for his drunken vehicular manslaughter (of *course* he wasn’t drunk!), all the other stories of him I heard made me very thankful we missed his reign.
I do miss SD, though. Great place to live!
”Welcome to (the future site of) South Dakota”
this is how we would all look if our parents had their way when i was a kid. thank God for california
“South Dakota, We’re High Waisted People!”
I’m from South Dakota. We’re high and wasted. And still dress like this.
“Tuck in your shirts, kiddies, so mommy can take a pic.” “Tuck them in really good now!” “And, pull up your britches nice and high, so those shirt tails aren’t goin anywhere!”
Hilarious!
Janklow was governor from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 2003. Did normal people still look like that in 79?
1979 was a huge year for long white socks with stripes. Huge.
What’s with the friggin shorts?!?!
Btw, this is definitely NOT the 70s, it’s the 80s. As bad as their fashion sense is, it’s nowhere near as bad as the 70s fashions. They were just hideous.
Matter of personal opinion. I didn’t think fashions in the 70s were really bad until 1975/76, whereas fashions in the 80s stayed bad throughout the entire decade.
I’ll bet the kids wrote about this in their “What I Did During Summer Vacation” essay.
Does anybody else think the boy in the pink t-shirt looks like a young Dexter Morgan?
Definitely!
Heh, I just wrote something very similar, so yes, yes he does look like Dexter. I suddenly fear for the rest of that family.
Is the field the hi-way? the sign is in the middle of the field.
Fashion in the 70′s wasn’t kind to anyone, was it?
We were all in it together, and didn’t fear the future historians.
Makes you wonder what faux pas we are perpetrating today, doesn’t it? In 25 years we’ll look back on these days and say, “I can’t believe we….!” What’s the new pastel shade or teal? Leisure suits, short shorts (on [het] men), shoulder pads, thermal underwear under cargo-shorts?
That photo was clearly taken on the east side of the state, which = flat and boring. The west side of the state in the Black Hills is way cooler. Even in the 70s.
While that is generally true, this picture is actually from the SD/Wyoming border.
No, it’s at the Minnesota border. The sign says Highway 212 WEST, which means they are headed west. Think about it.
This picture was taken 5 miles from the house I grew up in. The sign is on the SD/MN border.
Oh gosh–is that you Derek in the white shorty-shorts and pink shirt? Please tell us you are okay today!
Mom: “Everybody tuck in your shirts before I take the picture!!!”
According to Wiki, Mr. Janklow was the 27th Governor from January 1, 1979 – January 6, 1987 and the 30th Governor from January 7, 1995 – January 7, 2003. My guess would be that this photo was taken during his first two terms.
I’m going to guess 1982, maybe 1984 and they weren’t very fashion forward. ;P
And the thing to do was put a piece of long grass in your mouth!
With his family at his side as witnesses, Farmer Fred is outstanding in his field…
Whoo, South Dakota! I’ve… never been there. Only Miss Red Pants there on the far right seems to be happy to be there. OH MY GOSH RED AND PINK TOGETHER AAAAAAAAHHHHHH… My mom always told me that was a combination to be avoided or else.
I drive by that very spot every time I go back home! I wonder what year that was taken.
According to the growth rings on the tube socks…..hmmmm…..I’d say around…..1981.
Hysterical!
Now THAT is funny, Karn!
According to wiki, William J. Janklow was governor from January 1, 1979-January 6, 1987, then again from January 7, 1995-January 7, 2003. I’m guessing this was the committe who just installed his name on the sign in 1979 on a rare, hot winter morning….
It’s probably early 80s, during Janklow’s first term as Governor, as he’s listed on the sign. My guess would be 80/81, judging from the clothing. Oh, South Dakota.
must have been about 2005
Rare sighting of a migrating flock of Androgynous Wedgies.
For the win!
LOL!!! I was thinking along the same lines!!!
WIN!!!
Awesome!
(Looks like they’re migrating north.)
Do you suppose this is the welcoming committee?
Brenda, too funny!
I spy tube sock farmer’s tans!
Living in a bordering state, I know what it’s like to go to/through South Dakota. I went through the state, in an RV, with notorious car sickness. The gambling age was 21 and I was only 19. But yay! That gave me a chance to watch my younger brother while the family played slots.
Almost 20 yrs later and still bitter. Camper #3 looks like she may have had the same RV experience. But I’m certain I looked like camper #1 most of the trip. I should submit those pics. They’re full of 90s goodness and angst 
It may be because I’m not American but I’m confused why there is a highway sign in the middle of a field….. Maybe it’s a “Highway 212 Coming Soon” sign….
Anyway, you have got to love those shorts!
And the knees!
The sign is right off the highway at the state border. I think we have one too.
Ven
It is because some highways run right thru corn fields. The picture just isn’t showing the road.
Oooh, well, as long as they don’t let cornfields run thru highways…
Obviously, one of the most awesome states to visit.
Oh, God, that’s my home state. Brilliant.
Gosh, those shorts look uncomfortable.
I love how they’ve got a stalk of prairie grass between their teeth. just fittin’ in…
It’s the perfect touch.
first one is Dad I guess, last 2 are girls… I am still wondering about the other?? LOL! & now I wanna go to South Dakota!!!!! =oD
Who can pull up there shorts higher…I can, I can!!! Wow! I kinda want to see a recent photo to see how everyone turned out …. I picture a lot of high wasted pants!
This _is_ a recent photo.
Ha! Poor Thangs!!
This makes me want to go there and take a picture by the sign hahaha
More bars in more places.
Ha! Brilliant.
ROFL..was thinking the same…after I got over how short that kids shorts are
I laughed.
WIN!!!!
love it Kirk!
Win!
That made me laugh out loud!! haha.
Ding! Ding! Winner!
I also laughed.
Perfect.
Bar-None.
ding ding ding…. we have a winner!
Knobby knees, knobby knees…..