01/09/2009

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A big salute to Mrs. Flynn from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):
 
Hi Gary,Lynn and I very much enjoyed Minnie Flynn’s birthday party. I would like to give a compliment to Minnie Flynn as a teacher. I think Dean and I were very fortunate to have teachers who really cared for the individual all through our school years in Dunseith. When my brother set his goal to be a Veterinary, it appeared that there was much studying to be done before such a task could be accomplished. Mrs. Flynn was Dean’s teacher, I believe in about the 5th grade. Mrs. Flynn approached Dean to see if he would accept extra help during her break and his recess. He respectfully accepted her offer . He always felt she had a lot to do with giving him the extra boost to earn his Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Degree..
Thank you, with much respect Mrs. Flynn.

Martha Lamb Schepp

Randy, K & Jill Flynn, Please pass this message onto your mother? Thanks, Gary
 
 
Thanks to Jack/Minnie from Rob Olson (79):
 
Gary
 
I just had to write after I saw the Flynn family photo. I picked Randy, Jack and Minnie out right away. Don, Lyle and I lived right across the street from the Flynn’s. What a nice famly. In fact I credit-or blame Jack Flynn for introducing me to ice cream. If I was out in the yard when he came home he would invite me over and Minnie would get me a bowl, or two. (Like I needed it!). Jack was another person who would take me and whom ever wanted to go to away baseball games. We rode in his pickup-sometimes in the front seat and sometimes in the box. It didn’t matter to us we were going to a game. It was always an adventure. It did not even matter if I or any of the guys had any money which we usually didn’t Jack would take care of us buy us seeds and pop or whatever.
 
Some times-early in the morning Jack would come over to the trailer and knock on the door and ask Lyle if he wanted to go up to the farm and pick rock or haul bales. After a lot of begging Jack even took me. Jack told me that if the rock was to heavy for me to lift I was to let Lyle know and Lyle could pick it up and put it in the pile. Being no dummy eventually all the rocks got to be to heavy for me so Jack let me ride on the tractor/loader with him.
 
Minnie was the owner of the gift shop at the Peace Garden. One year she hired a gal by the name of Christina Hiatt- Jim Hiatt’s daughter. I was working for Orvin Hagen on the grounds ( I did that for 4 summers-great job!). Orvin’s crew spent most of our breaks at the gift shop and Christina and I met. We celebrated our 25th this past summer. Thanks Minnie!
 
Randy, as most of the older baseball fans know, was a stellar second baseman for the Dunseith Dragons. By looking at the size of his arms in the picture I think now Randy could make that throw from second to first without a problem–just kidding. I did not know Jill or Kay well but one thing is for sure those Flynn’s are good people and I owe a big thanks to them for treating me so nicely.
 
Happy belated birthday Minnie.
 
Rob Olson
Rob, What a surprise! I had no idea that you are married to Jim Hiatt’s daughter, son of Norman and Irene. What a pleasant shock to read that statement. As you well know, I know Jim and his sisters well. We were close neighbors our entire growing up years. I’m hoping Jim can make it up to Seattle for our ‘Seattle Dunseith Alumni Reunion’ this coming July. It’s been nearly 40 years since I’ve seen him. Speaking of Orvin, he was like family to us. I need to call him again one of these days too. He lives in Kindred ND. What a small world!
Randy, K & Jill, Can you pass this along to your folks too? Thanks Gary
 
 
From Rod Hiatt (69):
 
Gary, Not sure if you even want to put this on your blog, but sure were
a lot Dunseith people there.
Rod, I for sure want to post this. Thanks for sharing. Gary
Good morning Gary and the rest of the world.
Well I believe that we started 2009 out with probably one of the social
highlights of the year, not saying that there won’t be
more events to come.
Toad Knutson and Jenna Mastvelton wedding brought out almost every
Hillbilly from Souris to St. John and flat landers from
the Canadian border to S. Dak. and east and west to the neighboring states.
Now Jenna, is the daughter of Lisa (Williams) twin to Lois Soland and
sister to Lori Lagerquist, and another 3 sisters that I never knew
existed + some brothers I was also informed about. When these younger
ones moved to Dunseith the others were already on their own. I noticed
that they were all getting their picture taken, so maybe someone will
have a copy to post later. So now thats where a lot of the Dunseith
people came in, knowing or being related to the Williams family.
Ray and Lori Lagerquist and there 3 daughters and new son-in-law came
back from Montana and it sure was good to sit and talk with them. I
don’t think that I had seen Ray for 15 years or better and back in the
early 70’s Ray, Brian Fauske and myself were kind of a, well thats
another whole chapter that maybe we’ll just leave out for right now.
Toad, son of Roger and Julie(Bullinger) Knutson & grandson to Norris and
Arlene Knutson, well that brought out all the Hillbillies Toad is
involved in Demolition Derby racing, so that brought out the rest of the
people in at least the 2 counties.
The wedding was held up at the Metigoshe Chapel and the reception and
dance followed at the Armory in Bottineau. They had the place decorated
up really nice with the wedding party at the head table and parents and
grand parents up toward the front as well. They served a large group a
very good meal( a little disappointed that Rodney and Curt Lagerquist
didn’t furnish fresh Venison).
My son Jason and his wife Lisa were matron of honor and best man, so
they both gave a short speech or toast. Lisa’s was very nice and sweet,
what you would expect to hear from someone talking to their best
friends, and Jason’s, well lets just say that it sure got the crowd woke
up, as well as embarrass his mother. A nice slide show was presented and
then the MUSIC began.
It was -20 outside but it was heated up inside. I’m sure that with all
the anti freeze that was consumed that night, it wouldn’t have made much
difference if it were-40.
The dance floor was full with steps like the St. John Shuffle and the
Turtle Mountain Twirl. Not so sure I didn’t see the Williams Twins (
Lisa and Lois) doing some kind of Shottish or Highlander step as well.
It sure was great visiting with all the friends and family that you just
don’t see often enough. Seems like its either a wedding or funeral that
brings people together. I know that some of you might be thinking that
there isn’t much difference in the 2, but I’m not saying that, as my
wife reads all of Gary’s emails. I hope all that were there enjoyed the
evening as much as I did
 
 
 
From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):
 
Gary,
I am enjoying all of the information I receive in your e-mails! It’s almost like being “home” —-in Dunseith. A few people have commented about how many of the men who served in the military are rather silent about all that took place while on duty. I met a couple men where this was certainly the case.
Many years ago, I met a man called Gail Halvorsen. His sister introduced me to him one Sunday. I spoke to him for a short time; I can’t remember what we even talked about. Sometime later, his sister Marilyn, said he dropped candy to children in Germany when he was stationed there. She told me this about 25 years ago. It wasn’t until last week that I found out what that “dropping candy” was about. There was a 1 hour special on TV about the “Candy Bomber”. Gail Halvorsen was that candy bomber. He has been honored by the Republic of Germany in many ways. He received the highest medal awarded by them. He also carried the German team’s National Placard into the Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 2002 Winter Olympics. He became the commander of some airbase in Germany and also participated in its closing. He has been back to Germany many times and something was named after him (I missed what it was). They said the U. S. Military has modeled some of Halvorsen’s actions in Iraq, dropping toys, teddy bears, and soccer balls to Iraqi children. I wish I had known all of this at the time I met him–I imagine he could have told us many things !!
 
Another man we knew for about 30 years was Jess Bullock. Ron saw him frequently, Jess worked at the lumber yard where Ron bought lots of “stuff” We also saw him at church on Sundays. He left Merced about 15-20 years ago. One day after his departure, someone mentioned he had served in WW2. He had never said a word about that. They then told us he had been at Guadalcanal and that he was the 2nd most decorated soldier in the war–right behind Audie Murphy. Jess was the most gentle, soft spoken man I’ve ever met. They tell me he’s mentioned in “Guadalcanal Diary”–I’ve never checked that out—one of these days, I will.
There are so many stories to be told and so many men (and women) to be thanked for their service to our country. I had no idea so many men from the Dunseith area served in the military. We owe them a great deal!!!Thanks for doing what you’re doing, Gary. I’m learning more about Dunseith and its people from these e-mails.
 
Shirley Olson Warcup
 
 
From Dick Johnson (68):
 
Gary and Friends,With the interesting discussion on the men and women who served in WWII,
there is one young man who hasn’t been mentioned. Harold Flynn, the
brother of Jack Flynn, was among those who died at the hands of the
Japanese on the infamous Bataan Death March. He would be the uncle to
Randy, Jill, and K. Flynn and also uncle to Terry, Tim, and Tera
Martinson. I can’t find any mention of this in the Dunseith history
book, but I believe it’s correct. Maybe some of the family will confirm
or correct me. That was one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific war.
Carroll Carlson said that Gen. MacArthur told the men to fight to the
end until reinforcements could arrive, knowing none were being sent!
Those that did hold out to the end were nicknamed the ‘Battling Bastards
of Bataan’, by those who knew of their valiant, though hopeless, effort.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
From Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew):
 
Dick Johnson mentioned that you had to live in North Dakota to understand how folks help each other. When my Uncle Carroll died I had to come up from St Louis to make the funeral arrangements. It was mid May and there was a lot of new snow on the ground from a freak storm. I had to drive between the funeral home in Bottineau to Dunseith where Uncle Carroll’s funeral would take place then on to Rolla to stay with my Aunt Verlie Aird Clark. On the way back to Dunseith from Bottineau a van had gone off the road into the ditch. The Sheriff stopped the first 4 wheel drive vehicle that came by and had him pull the van out of the ditch. Then the sheriff let the traffic move on. There are very few places in the US where something like this would have happened.  
 
 
 
From Sybil Johnson:
 
Dick, you are so right. Not even here in Wyoming, can one depend on help from a stranger. You really dont even dare
look for help; atleast that’s the way I feel. Being by myself, I dont trust alot of people that pass my apartment.
Wyoming is known for being one of the main routes for drugs and where I live here in Cheyenne, there have been
many homes around me that have been noted as drug outlets. The 10 years that I have been in my apt., I have
made very few friends and that is sad. I have more friends on the internet, than right here in Cheyenne. But, I
cant do anything about that and I wont dwell on it. Have a nice day everyone.
Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com.)
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
 
Folks, Leonard & Eleanor have asked to put their messages on hold until they return to their summer home at Lake Metigoshe in the spring. I’m hoping they will see this posting? Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):
 
I spoke with Aunt Emily Birkland Boucher this week; she confirmed that bootcamp was in Louisiana but did not know exact location. She said that Herman did receive the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and several other ribbons. Uncle Herman seems weary of war and the more fierce combat as Axis lose ground and are pushed north. The attached picture was found with Herman’s letter. Uncle Ernie confirms that the picture was taken in Italy. I was told identity of the brother-in-arms, but did not write it down! Perhaps Ole or Bing Evans?Sharron

Herman Boucher’s letter from Italy in 1944:
 

 

Dear Sis & Bro Italy 7-11-44

 

 

Well my mail finally got up with me & I guess I owe you girls all letters. So I guess this will have to hold you for awhile. Anyway, I suppose these letters all go around, I hope.

 

 

Well I see you all got to see Ole [Evans]. So you should have got the low down on this outfit pretty well & on my racket. My racket is a good one, as long as you got to be in the Infantry. Ole doesn’t throw the bull, he isn’t that kind of guy. And there’s a rumor here now that he’s back in Naples, so I’ll be seeing him before long. I should be able to get lots of good news. I suppose you thought he had lots of stripes. Well I don’t think he’ll be wearing them very long when he gets back. He’ll be wearing a bar instead. That is if he wants to take it. They’ve been making quite a few officers out of these line Co. & Ole’s been a good soldier. So I guess he’s got it made & I sure hope he gets it.

 

 

Ick and Dary Ryan were down to see me this afternoon. The first time I see Dary. Well he didn’t get taller, still a runt and looks about 50 yr’s old & he sure can throw the bull. I got a couple of pts of rot gut & we got feeling pretty high. He’s got some tall stories to tell, pretty interesting. I just listen. They’ll make good stories to tell at the bar – should be able go get a lot of free drink out of them. His racket is about as good as you can get in the Inf. The only thing that bothers him most of the time is the noise of our own artillery guns & I think I could stand that pretty well. Somebody has got to get the breaks.

 

 

I think it was you or Yvette was hoping that my wound would keep me in the hospital for awhile. I told you it was just a scratch. I just went to the medic & got it patched up. I wasn’t going to go to the hospital at first, said it was too damn far to walk. So the Sgt took me down in the jeep. He said you might as well get the Purple Heart – some of these other boys are getting them for the GI’s or in plain English the s___s.

 

 

Well I wrote a letter to Hector & told him we were off the lines. That was right but we had too good a setup and I knew it wouldn’t last. We got a pretty good rumor that we’re going back Fri night. We’ll have been off 9 days. Well I don’t know what they would do if they didn’t have this Div over here. They keep us on all the time. We thought at first we were getting a Div relief, but it was just a regiment relief. I guess Cote’s outfit is coming back in our place. These new outfits they brought over here last winter & spring laid on their ass most of the summer & went up the line when we did this fall. And now their getting Div relief. I hope our boys get good & drunk and clean their ass before we go back up. Their a pretty cockeye outfit. It’ll do them good.

 

 

Well one thing I know, before we go up again we’ll be bringing ourselves some cough medicine along. The last pass we couldn’t even get wine. The Dagoes that we run across up there are no damn good. They won’t give you nothing. The only way we can get anything from them is to steal it. In the southern part of Italy they were glad so see us. They use to give us anything they had. We didn’t have to steal it at least.

 

 

Well I was suppose to go on a day pass tomorrow but now they called it off until the next day. They better be careful how many days they call it off or I’ll just be out of luck. We get five day passes every so often in a rest CA. but that comes about every 6 mo and the last one I had was about 3 months ago. So I don’t have to think about that for awhile.

 

 

It’s about my bedtime so I better sign off. Hoping this finds everybody in the best of health.

 

 

Love & Best Regards from your Bro Herman

 

 

Herman Boucher

 

 

 

 

Herman Boucher & Bing Evans?

 
Posted by Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette):
Carmen, this is beautiful. Gary
 
BLESSED NORTH DAKOTA

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said: ‘Today, I am going to create a land called North Dakota.
 
It will be a land of outstanding Natural beauty; a land of beautiful lakes, each one full of fish. It Shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of Buffalo, tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk And moose, rich farmland and fair skinned people.’
 
God continued, ‘I Shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and They shall be known as a most friendly people, people who practice being Nice every day.’
 
But Lord,’ asked Gabriel, ‘don’t you think you are being too Generous to these North Dakota people?’
‘Not really,’ replied God ‘just wait and see the winters I am going to give them,’
 
AND NOW YOU KNOW