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Poems for the Common Man: M.J. McMillan

DEADWOOD (6/22/09) – The Adams Museum & House will host poet, M.J. McMillan on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. on the lawn of the Historic Adams House.  M.J. McMillan examines the problems and difficulties involved in reaching the common man with poetry. McMillan is an Independent Scholar from Murdo, S.D.

In case of inclement weather, the poetry reading will be held in the Pioneer Room at the Adams Museum.  Parking for the Historic Adams House, 22 Van Buren Ave., is available directly in front of the Adams House or in the Sherman Street parking lot next to First Western Bank.

M.J. McMillan is truly the Poet for the Common Man. His lyrical style of writing is reminiscent of the poetry of the late nineteenth century. The poems of that time were not written to educate the elite, but rather for the enjoyment of the ordinary people of the day. The use of common themes and subjects, scenes and events from everyday life and words common to the vocabulary of the working class made this poetry much loved by those for whom and about whom it was written. 

The poetry of McMillan brings this same poetic connection with the common man to the people of today. Former Rapid City librarian, Karen Burd has called McMillan, “The Robert Frost of the Plains”. And though living and working in the West, McMillan’s poetry is not western or “cowboy” poetry, but rather a heartfelt observation of the human condition and experience in everyday life.

M.J. McMillan was born and raised in South Dakota.  He owns and operates a small cattle ranch in the south central part of the state.

The poetry reading is co-sponsored by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, Black Hills Pioneer, Rapid City Journal and the South Dakota Humanities Council.

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Media Contact: Rose Speirs
Adams Museum & House, Inc.
605-578-1928

The Adams Museum, Historic Adams House and Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center identify, preserve, collect, interpret and promote the history and culture of Deadwood and the surrounding Black Hills for the benefit of members of the Northern Black Hills community, visitors to the area and researchers.