Ginger, I’ve noticed that your email box has not been functioning for the last while. It’s great to have you back on line. I know you and Myron were class mates long before I joined the class of 65 in our freshman year. Gary

Shirley Olson Warcup (49) memories:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Right now we are attempting to grasp the loss of my Aunt Shirley, or
‘Snookie’ as she was known to all of us. She was a remarkable person
with a heart of gold and a no nonsense concept of right and wrong. She
was a hard worker and continued to work well after the age of normal
retirement. I have memories of her from the beginning of my ability to
remember and yet am unable to have a single bad memory. This includes
when we were young (my cousins and I) and she would dole out the
discipline as needed. We knew we had it coming and we got it! Never was
there a time when I thought she was mean or uncaring. It was all part of
my growing up process and now I respect this even more. Although she was
gone from North Dakota since 1959, whenever we talked with her it was
like she never left. She remembered her roots and many of you now know
this because of her entries on this very blog. She was the type of
person many folks can only wish they could be. I really don’t think I
ever believed illness could take her from us. She was determined and
strong willed and could handle nearly anything in put her path . As Ron
said though, her age and the severity of this acute illness was just
more than anyone could overcome. We certainly will miss her. Thanks to
those who have called and written with their condolences. It means a lot
to us. Thanks Gary.

Dick

Shirley & Ron Warcup

Reply with memories of Herman Martinson & Pictures:

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Thank you Gary Metcalfe for the kind words. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for the contact with idols and friends of my childhood and youth. I actually think that long unused neurons are being awakened some mornings. I carry messages with me all day and in idle moments [read hours] a thought long forgotten springs to mind. Out of nowhere the memory of Mr. Schwab our neighbor across the street sprang to mind this week. He had come striding out his back screen door with a pair of leather gloves and said that we should use them to handle the feisty squirrel we had caught and that he advised release soon; “Wild creatures should live free.” Harriet Schwab was a frail beauty by then, perhaps 1947/48, but often at her window or door way checking on the local noise makers. I read in the early issues Turtle Mt Times of Marchand Lumber of Rolla wanting to open a yard in Dunseith. Such an important service in our growing community. I cannot picture C. Watkins, but WP Schwab I see in color. Edna Leonard put me on the trail of Montague/Monty Schwab his son, back in the 80’s. We had a lengthy conversation, all about family and Dunseith history. Wm Gottbreht Jr was his brother-in-law and Monty connected me with his nieces and nephew of Washington.

Naturally, my mind then flits to the Morgans and I picture Margie and her accomplished sons. Then memory leaps forward and George is on the phone telling me that the irrepressible John Morgan has passed. There is always that shaky moment of loss, but I recall John sitting behind me in one of the basement classrooms. John had waited for a quiet moment during a study period; he sat right behind me. I am absorbed in some reading or math and so startled when Johnnie, in a clear stage whisper says, ” Sherin, Sherin, will you marry me.” Total loss of control in that classroom. About 15 minutes later, when our teacher regained order and the room quiet, but my face still aflame, Johnny repeats the whole scenario. My first proposal and one I still cherish.

I set out this morning to share a great photo of Herman Martinson. Tim’s presence on the blog recently was welcome and he should see his dad in 1987. Being a foodie, Snow White Bakery is way up on my list of Important. Dad’s success with the Dale’s Special and Jumbo happened in no small part because of Herman Martinson and the numerous special order buns he created. For that matter, I have yet to find a slice of plain white bread as delicious as Herman’s Old Home. The picture and many more which I will share, was taken by my husband Victor. Alma’s eight were all home for a reunion at Clear Lake Canada and the culminating event was open house at the Bingo Barn. I did not do well introducing Victor to everyone, but he wandered around and taking pictures that he knew I would treasure. So thanks to Victor, we have this capture of Mr. Herman Martinson.

Sharron

Herman Martinson – 1987

Sharron, I’m assuming this cute little girl is you?

I think this was maybe taken prior to 1987 though.