Lydiatt family reunites in CSP for 50th year

For the last 50 years, the Lydiatt and extended family has come together each summer for a family reunion in Custer State Park. They’ve stayed at Legion Lake, the State Game Lodge, Blue Bell  and even in the town of Custer when their reservations were lost one year.
This year, they met at Custer State Park’s reunion cabin near the State Game Lodge, set just off of the babbling Grace Coolidge Creek. They usually try to meet for the week of Father’s Day or sometime around that day, and this year’s gathering was held just last weekend.
Jim Lydiatt was a physician in Hot Springs who moved there in 1953 after graduating medical school. His nephew, Dr. Dan Lydiatt, said the family then began enjoying the Black Hills and would have get-togethers to enjoy each others company. In that sense, the family has been gathering in the area for over 70 years.
In 1973, Jim moved to Montana, but the family continued to come back to the Black Hills as they organized more official gatherings. Although not everyone can always make it, the family still makes it a priority to get together each year. This year marked the 50th such reunion for the family.
“Custer is not only a great place to visit to fish and do all the things we like to do, but it’s also somewhat centrally located,” said Dan.
The family now lives across much of the country from as far east as Omaha, Neb., and as far west as Boise, Idaho. Much of the family currently lives in Wyoming or nearby Western and Midwest states.
“We’re kind of spread out all across most of the Midwest, so usually this our only time seeing each other,” said Max Lydiatt.
Max, who now lives and works in Omaha, has been coming almost every year for the last 29 years—ever since he was a baby.
Other than seeing family, they also enjoy fishing and going to Custer during their get-togethers.
“It’s kind of a unique place to go. It has different memories for all of us. For the men, one of our highlights is fishing,” said Dan.
“We always go on a fishing trip to French Creek, and one of my favorite things is visiting Dave’s Rock Shop,” said  Max.
Hiking is another favorite activity during Lydiatt family reunions. They frequently hike   Lover’s Leap trail, and this year they hiked Black Elk Peak as well.
“Really the point is just getting together and seeing everybody, keeping the family traditions alive,” said Dan.
“It’s always nice to see family and reconnect,” said Max.