Dedication, loyalty, caring, compassion and commitment are a few words that don’t begin to describe former director Perry Pickering. Mr. Pickering led the organization as its Executive Director from 1947 to 1974. Mr. Pickering was the type of man who set the example for others to follow. He left a legacy that continues to drive this organization to provide the very best services possible. During his tenure he held everyone at a high standard even when resources were scarce.

In 1949, after much effort and sacrifice, Mr. Pickering helped open a new Abbott House, after the old home had burned in 1945. This was a very important event in the history of the organization as it cemented its presence in the state of South Dakota and demonstrated that the agency was on the right path. So, you might ask “What makes Perry so special?” It was
his love for the children and his willingness to go that little bit extra to ensure they felt important. Examples of this were:

• On July 4th, he put on a fireworks show ranging from sparklers
to firecrackers to exploding sky rockets in the back
yard.

• Every year on Christmas Eve he stayed late into the night in
Abbott House’s basement wrapping presents so that each
child could have a joyful Christmas.

• He traveled extensively visiting foster children who had been
placed throughout the state.

• On Sundays with the help of others, he delivered children to
different churches so they could attend the church of their
choice.

• He brought children into his own home for temporary stays
during periods when there was no room at Abbott House.

No one could have foreseen the vast changes that would impact child care in the course of 27 years. In the end the legacy of Perry Pickering was that the agency that he loved and served remained as a tribute to him and the thousands of children that were saved and enriched by his life. Abbott House continues to serve children and we all strive to keep the same standards that Mr. Pickering set for us over 30 years ago.