The Delores Capstraw Collection consists of one model replica of a sod home that was owned by Philip and Amelia (Wacker) Zenker of Leola, South Dakota. The original structure was built upon their homestead, circa 1898, and stood until 1938. The Zenkers raised eight children in this two-room home.

The model was created by Delores Capstraw, circa 1997, out of heavy watercolor paper. It is painted with watercolors on the exterior and demonstrates the home’s thatched roof and basic structure. The main body of the model is white, and features red doors on the front and back. The roof has been painted brown and gold to simulate the branches and brush that were used on this type of building. It has two windows and a barrel painted on the front of the model, and one window on the side. Tall grasses are painted along the bottom of all four sides. A small chimney made of paper sticks out of the roof. The model measures 8.5” x 5” x 4”.

A letter from the donor, Delores Capstraw, said, “…I am sending this little replica of the South Dakota home in which my mother was born and lived until about 18. I tried to design it so that it could fold flat and be sent and stored easily, but then I was afraid you might have trouble assembling it. I sure did! So it has a little glue to hold it together. It’s just a painting on watercolor paper. My mother Kathryn Amelia O’Neill says it looks like the house. (This was my third attempt to get it right.)”