At PCRW, we empower women from all backgrounds in the political process and provide a forum for women and our associate members to serve as leaders in the political, government, and civic arenas. PCRW, is part of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women (SDFRW) so when someone becomes a member of PCRW they become a member of all three. 

How did we start? Rapid City had just become the second largest city in the state with the official 1960 US census showing the population of 42,339. For a city of this size, the business climate was very positive due to the diversity of many business enterprises: A large distribution center covering a 300 mile radius, home of the State Cement Plant, headquarters for the Black Hills Power and Montanan Dakota Utility; a medical Center including two hospitals and a nursing school National Business collage and SD School of Mines, and so much more.

The Pennington County Republican Women's Luncheon club was organized on September 28, 1962. Eleanor Caldwell, president of the Sioux Falls club, came to help organize the club. Elinore Stieha was the first president of PCRW. One of our first projects, in 1963,  along with other South Dakota clubs, was raise money to dress dolls in facsimiles of the inaugural gowns worn by each of the governor's wives; raising a total of $1,243.07. These dolls are on display in the state capital and continue to be added to.

One of the highlights for women during Elinore's time in office was the nomination of Senator Margaret Chase Smith for President at the 1964 Republican Convention in San Francisco. The nomination of the Maine Senator was the first time a woman from any major part had been nominated for president. Although it was not headline-grabbing work, the 1960's were a period of quiet work within the party structure the women's division, the National Federation of Republican Women, and the national committeewomen were all involved as well as PCRW.