5/31/2008 (118)

Posted on May 31, 2008 by Gary

From Alan Poitra (76):

Hi Gary,

This note is for Bob Leonard. I attempted to add comments to the guestbook on the Dunseith website and it required a username/pw??? I was not sure if that was something my setup required or something on the Dunseith website. I am assuming it was my setup but wanted to make sure it was okay to add comments and upload pictures to the website.

I look forward to reading the comments and seeing the pictures that will be posted. This is a great idea!

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Congratulations, Bob Leonard and Steering Committee. Good choice in Amy Schalesky…this website is beautiful and easy to navigate. Thanks for the time and effort ……. Colette Hosmer

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

To the Wenstad Family, my condolences for the loss of your Mom, Thoughts and prayers are with all you. Debbie and Donna you were great friends of mine in high school.I will get in touch with both of you.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Bill Hosmer’s story about the pool table from Kadry’s to his dad, Jack,
etc, reminded me of a story my dad told me about that same table. I
remember being at Jack and Inie’s once and Jack took me in the basement
to show me some old military handguns he had hanging on the wall. The
walls were pine car siding and were varnished beautifully and held some
very nice handguns. The pool table was in the center of that same room.
When I told Dad about the guns and the pool table, he said that Don
Hosmer was one of the best pool players around the area. Probably the
best he had ever seen! Well, several years later I was at Kelvin when
Don and Glen Shelver and Jerome Thompson came in after golfing in
Boissevain. Two younger Canadians were playing pool and Don went over
and asked if he could play the winner? The golfers were a bit tipsy from
the clubhouse socializing and it showed! Don had his hat on a bit
crooked and his shirt half out, so the young Canucks saw a target! One
said, “How about we make it interesting and play for ten bucks?” Don
took out his billfold and said, “Let’s make it twenty”! They grinned at
each other and agreed. They told Don to break, but he said for them to
go ahead. They broke without dropping a single ball—-then Don cleaned
the table, picked up their twenty, and said, “THANKS”!! It was a
humbling experience for those two fellas and a confirmation of what Dad
told me many years before!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Bob Lykins (Teacher):

Gary,

My thanks to you and Bill for providing the information on the National Do Not Call Registry. I have already been awakened in the morning by telemarketers so as soon as I received this notice I called NDNCR and registered.

Thanks also to Bob Leonard and all for setting up the Dunseith web-site. I tried it, but could not connect. They must not be on-line as yet.

I am keeping busy in retirement. For the past 3 months I have been working for Pearsons Educational Assessment Corp. scoring tests as well as doing substitute teaching at the local high school. The pay is terrible but it does get me up in the morning. It also prevents me from emptying the multitude of boxes that surround me. Life is great in good old Hutto, Texas (near Austin) but I sure do miss the excitement of living overseas and working with the military. In thirty-four years there was never a dull day.

Take care and God bless you for all that you are doing to keep everyone connected.

Bob Lykins

Bob & others, This is the Web address of the Dunseith WEB site. http://www.dunseithnd.com/ If you are still having problems getting it to come up, you may have to copy and past this address into the address line of Intenet Explorer or which ever WEB brouser you are using. Gary

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

This is a question for one and all,

Does anyone have any information abut Marlene Murray and her family? She was in our class for grades 1 through 4. I think her family moved soon after that. If my memory is correct, she lived just across the street, east of the school. About 25 years ago, I received a call from her–she was living in the LA area, I was living in Merced, CA. It just so happened that I would soon be attending a conference in LA, so we met for lunch and talked over old times. When she walked into the hotel lobby, I knew immediately who she was–she was just a grown up version of the Marlene I knew. We exchanged letters and Christmas cards for a few years but with changes of addresses etc., we lost touch. Was Marlene related to the other Murray families in Merced?? Would anyone happen to know her present address?

Shirley Olson Warcup

P.S. To anyone to whom I have sent an e-mail—and two e-mails have arrived saying the same thing, I apologize. My computer sometimes tells me it can’t send my message, so I assume I have to rewrite it and try again–only to see later that it did send both e-mails. My husband tells me I have to give the machine a little more time. Patience has never been one of my strong points!!!

From Deb Morinville Marmon (70):

Hi Gary,

Just a quick update on the surgery I was supposed to have. Yes, I said “supposed to” I believe that I have been the recipient of a miracle! The surgeon was able to remove the polyp with a scope so I didn’t have the major removal of 1/3 of the large intestine. Instead of being in the hospital for up to 10 days I was in overnight! I have to be careful for 2 weeks and not lift, get plenty of rest and am on a low fiber diet but other than that I’m back on track.

To Bobbi and Debbie Wenstad and the family. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I remember her as having a real good sense of humor and she sure put up with a lot from us right Bobbi? She will be truly missed.

Thanks again Gary for all you do for us. And thanks to those prayer warriors out there!

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary , I have known Lanette for a number of years she was one of my oldest daughters babysitters and Shonda loved her. I would like to say CONGRADS Lanette you should be very proud of yourself > I know I am . Bev

5/31/2008 (119)

Posted on May 31, 2008 by Gary

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

As you can see, I still don’t proofread before I press send. On my inquiry about Marlene Murray, Dunseith should have been typed instead of Merced in one question.

Shirley Olson Warcup

Shirley, It’s on human to error. With a few others of you not catching a few errors, before sending stuff out, makes me feel not quite so bad with all the errors that I have made and not caught. Gary

From Deb Wenstad Slyter (72):

Gary,
Thank you for the kind words about Mom. I too remember going to your home and visiting quite often when we were young. Mom had suffered with leukemia for the past three years and she fought a good battle, but it wa time to be set free from all the struggle.
Again thanks,
Deb

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

To the Wenstad Family: My condolences to you all on your mothers passing. May God be with you during this difficult time and give you strength and peace. You were our neighbors growing up and I remember so many times walking over to play in Willow Creek. Donna and I were classmates. I hope she reads this and I get a reply from her. It has been many years since we have spoken or seen one another. Lynn Halvorson Otto (75).

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

In response to Dick Johnson about that pool table…it has been
refinished and is up at my cousin Nancy’s(Hosmer) beautiful home at
Lake Metigoshe. It is a great site and fun to play on….I always
heard about how good Don was but never got to see him play. That must
have been quite the site to see those Canadians eat their humble pie.
To Deb Morinville….I am very happy that our prayers have been
answered and you didn’t have to go through a big surgery. Take care.

From Ellen Graff (58) Myrick:

Gary,

I received this reply from one of the persons to whom I forwarded the information about the DO NOT CALL list. Thought I’d send it to you for you to put in your next email.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp

False ….

Ellen Graff (58) Myrick

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

There were several sports that were popular in schools here in North
Dakota, but the main interest seemed to be basketball. I remember how we
would do nearly anything just to play basketball! We used to help Eddie
Bogus by shoveling coal in the coal bin at the old school. The stoker
took all the coal from the middle of the room and left it piled to the
ceiling along the walls. We would have to shovel it down and then pile
it in the middle, essentially reversing the pile.This was a big job as
the coal bin was probably 20 feet square. Our pay–we could shoot
baskets in the old gym! We had to be nuts! I remember that after
shoveling coal for a couple hours we were black and then we played
basketball until the black was running off with the sweat! We also
played outside on the old court west of the old white school, summer and
winter. In the winter the cold would make the ball go flat, and after it
did, we changed the rules so we didn’t have to dribble! That is really
wanting to play ball! Nicholson’s lived across the street to the west
and Annie told my mother she thought we were crazy to be out there when
it was that cold! One time we figured out how to get into the city hall
by leaving a window unlocked. George Aitchison would hear us and kick us
out! After a couple times, he was not too happy! He checked the doors
and windows then, but we got in through the coal shute door! That time
he took us over to see Frank Flynn, the town Judge! We didn’t do that
again!! We didn’t see the harm in it because the place was heated and we
weren’t hurting anything, but rules were rules! One time we had a visit
from the Harlem Stars basketball team. They played against some of the
local fellas for a fundraiser of some kind. I remember Duane Fugere
getting boosted up into the pipe frame behind the backboard and then
scoring a bunch of points from up there! The Stars were full of tricks
but they got about half mad when Duane started to run up the score!!
Some of the older kids could jump from the stage and grab this pipe
support and then swing out and drop on the floor. One night at halftime
of a game, Marvin Kalk tried, but couldn’t hold on and landed flat on
his back, knocking himself cold! Big Iron {Vince Kalk} walked out and
dragged Marvin off the floor like a bag of potatoes!! Just some more
crazy memories of growing up in old Dunseith!! Again and always, thank
you Gary!

Dick

Picture of 1945 DHS Basketball Team.

Don Johnson 11, Darrel Fassett 7, Bill Hosmer 10, others I believe–Fiske, Dion, Molgard, Aitchison, others,

and Glen Shelver-Coach.

5/30/2008 (117)

Posted on May 30, 2008 by Gary

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Elberta Wenstad

DUNSEITH – Elberta Mariah Wenstad, 81, Dunseith, died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in a Rolla hospital.
She was born Aug. 15, 1926, to John and Mildred Anderson in White Earth. She married Oscar Wenstad Jan. 18, 1945, in Dunseith.
Survivors: daughters, Connie Turner, Boissevain, Man., Bobbi Wenstad, Minot, Deborah Slyter, Dunseith, Donna Wenstad, Amado, Ariz., Pamela Lane, Stoughton, Wis.; sons, Arlan, Lansford, Donald, Overly, Curtis, Rolette; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Milton, Palo Cedro, Calif.
Funeral: Thursday, 10 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church, Dunseith.
Burial: Later in Rendahl Cemetery, rural Dunseith.
Visitation: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau, ND)

Arlan, Don, Debbie, Connie, Bobbi, Donna, Curtis & Pam, Our condolences are with you with the passing of your mother. Debbie, when I talked to you a short time ago, you mentioned that your mother was living with you, in your home, located on the old Willow Lake School lot. I remember your folks Well, and also you older kids. During my grade school days, at Ackworth, and into my High School days, our families visited back and forth a lot. I remember being at your house lots and lots of times. I remember your mother as being a very kind, sweet, good hearted lady. I have thought of you guys often, in my mind, over the years. Your mother will be missed. The last time I saw her, she was working at the home in Dunseith. Our thoughts are with you all. Gary & Bernadette Stokes.

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Mornin Gary, I just wanted to let you know I won’t be
on the cruise next summer. My oldest daughter is
getting married the end of June and thats where the
funds will be going. I hope ya’ll ahve awonderful
time. Actually my younger daughter and a real good
friend plan on taking that cruise in 2010. My husband
is retired Navy and said no thanks to more ships. lol
Have a wonderful day.
Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Dunseith WEB site from Bob Leonard (51):

Dear Gary:

Attached is the above which we finally got completed, although still waiting on some additional information which we be added later.

Will you please forward this to all on your Dunseith email list. Anything you might want to add to encourage as many as possible to help us out will be greatly appreciated. If you can sell most of these items, we will have enough funds to keep the website going for long time.

Also, want to thank you for all the work you have been doing in helping everyone stay in touch with each other. Sounds like everyone is enjoying the experience.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bob

Bob, I have copied and pasted your attached letter below.

Folks, This is a great buy for these Dunseith souvenirs that Bob talks about in this letter. Gary

May 29, 2008

Dunseith Alumni and Friends:

I am pleased to let all of you know that we have completed the Dunseith, N D website. Our address is www.dunseithnd.com. We have been working on this for a couple of months and will have some updating to do as soon as we received the requested information.

As a lot of you know, this website was a request of many of you so that you could stay in closer contact with our community. There were a lot of ideas proposed to us as to the process to follow, we finally settled on Amy Schalesky. She is in the computer business in Bottineau and will continue to provide updates and assistance to us. Our committee feels she did a nice job for us and happy with the product.

The cost to produce the website was $1000 and $20 per month for updates to keep the information fresh and current. The monthly fee will start when we get the website completed to our satisfaction. Hopefully, that will not be too long.

During the early conversation stage, it was suggested some of you might be interested in making a donation to assist with the setup cost. That was a very generous thought, but we have a better idea. Many of you know we have a lot of souvenirs for sale that were left over from last summer’s celebration. There are also a couple items from the communities 100thCelebration. If you will check the Souvenir Shop on the website, you will find all of the items we have for sale at a much reduced price. In fact, the pottery items and caps are below our cost, about half as much, so are very good buys. These are all very nice items and make good keepsakes and gifts for your families. Pottery is the famous Red Wing Pottery which is high quality.

We have an account set up with Pay Pal which is a secure site to make purchases on the web. I understand it is part of E-Bay setup. We would like to encourage all of you to seriously consider buying some of these souvenirs to help us with the setup and maintenance costs. All you have to do is complete the order form, they will notify us of your purchase; we will send you the purchased items. If you are living in the area, these items will be available at the Log House for the same price, less any shipping charges.

Looking forward to hearing from you and want to THANK YOU in advance for your consideration and purchase. We had a wonderful 125th Celebration, these items will help all of us keep those memories alive.

Sincerely,

QUASQUICENTENNIAL STEERING COMMITTEE

Robert Leonard, Chairman

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and Friends. The attached message from an Air Force friend is
worth looking at. Seems like the marketeers can invade your cell
phone privacy and you have to pay for the call. The procedure is
easy, just listen and follow instructions. Good luck.

On another matter, I failed to mention that Dennis and Peggy Espe we
in attendance at Vance Bailey’s burial yesterday. Another case of
the age creep. Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Bill, I have copied and pasted your attached message below. Gary

Cell phone numbers go public tomorrow.

REMINDER….all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls…..YOU WILL BE
CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your
time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell
phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different
phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20
seconds.

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Lanette Beachler Richard’s book.

Lanette graduated from DHS in 1982. Her parents are Luvern (deceased) and Marie Beachler. She is the daughter-in-law of Carmen & Floyd Richard.

5/27/2008 (115)

Posted on May 28, 2008 by Gary

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Who was the person responsible for the quote, “off again, on again, gone again, Finegan….1953. Bonnie…Janice????
To Hosmer’s
What family was Hazel Olson from? He was a very professional clerk at Hosmer’s.
Just to let the readership know that the fun wasn’t all with the common people. One day at Hosmer’s Store, Judge Lawston from Rolla , Margaret Seims father-in-law, was the victum. One of his old croney’s decided to even the score for driving the old Buick ahead at a baseball game, exposing and embarrassing him.
So when Bill, The Judge, so proudly bought a suit from Jack Hosmer, his old croney, I think it was Rothgarn, said Bill go ahead to the bar, he stayed behind and altered the inseam shorter by 2″. If you knew his wife, Dora, you knew she wasn’t impressed when Bill modeled this suit the next morning.
Bonnie you referred to Charlie as Charles, he was a blessing to the town. Anyone that happened to be in town, would take Charley home when he wasn’t feeling good. Grandma Anderson would always refer to him as Charles, and yes, he did hang out with Ovila Lamoureaux.
I did remember Dale started with a small office building and he had gas customers lined up half way to town. Amazing man Dale was.
Gary Metcalfe

From Paula Fassett Pfuhl (71):

Love the cheerleaders photo. My Grandma Kate made all the cheering outfits one year and I kind of think these were the ones. Anyone remember sitting at Kate Fassett’s for the fitting????? She as an excellent seamstress and sewed most of our clothes plus clothes for several people around town – and made hundreds of beautiful quilts!

For those of you who have also enjoyed seeing the old Dunseith School , there was, at one time, stationery with a picture of the old school on it and it was sold at the Log Cabin in Dunseith. I believe the picture was drawn by Mrs. Noble Doeling – I can’t remember her first name!!! Mr. Doeling was the postmaster who was hired after my Dad retired……. They may still have some of that stationery at the Log Cabin?????

Paula

From Mel Kuhn (70):

Gary,

Carmen Richard is right about Laura Law’s book. It is very interesting reading, even if you are not a real history buff. The St. John Centennial book is still available and is also interesting reading. The Dunseith, Rolette, St. John and Rolla books tend to tie together a lot of stuff.

Mel Kuhn

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Dick, I remember this also Zike was a close friend of my mom and dad’s. Mom run the cafe at this time and I remember her talking about the three guys that had been in town for about a week before this happened and she always thought they had acted so strange while in the cafe . Then after this happened they dissapeared. That same night the Cops called and said that the back door to the store (JOES Store) was broken into Dad was already in bed and so Mom went to check it out (this was a thing that happened alot back then ) and either mom or dad would go up and check it out lock things back up and come home . There were 2 back doors to the store a kinda side one . well mom figured it was the large door she went back and checked it and it had the old fashion bar across the door ……. so she went and checked the side door and that was the one that was open . so she locked it nothing was out of place so she turned ofFthe lights and went home. Left dad a note telling him she locked up the door. well dad called in the morning and asked mom why she didn’t put the bar on the back door when she was up there she explained it was the side door and he said well fritz the back door was open when i got here , the side door was locked . The cops figured that those guys beat up zike then when Don came along they run broke that door open to hide which meant that those guys were in the store when mom went in there. I remember mom and dad talking saying it was a blessing maybe that mom went instead of dad cause they may have beat up dad also but mom would have known who they were cause of the cafe so they stayed hidden. Thank God I never remmeber hearing they caught those guys but i do re3member after that each time the store got broke into I was so scared when mom or dad had to go check it out. I am glad that Zike fully recovered . Bev Morinville Azure

Message/Picture from David Sebelius (74):

Gary,

I have been receiving all the emails, my wife and I really enjoy reading all the emails. I found these pictures of my dad’s (Manvil Sebelius) snowplane and a picture of an oil rig that was on his land, it was setting up to drill in 1951.

The picture of the 2 boys with the snowplane is Harvey and Duane Sebelius. Also, there is a picture of my parents, Manvil and Dorothy. They are still on the farm where they have been since 1948. They raised 8 boys there. They are still very active and still raising cattle.

The picture of 8 boys are from left to right: Duane, David, Jeff, Marvin, Dennis, Daryl, Dean and Harvey.

David Sebelius

5/28/2008 (116)

Posted on May 28, 2008 by Gary

Folks, Bill Grimme and Bernadette & I got our cabins reserved for the cruise today. Gina was able to get the cabins we requested. We got an Ocean view with a picture window on the 5th deck (# 5612) and Bill is way up there, on the 11 deck, with a mini suite cabin (# 11608). Gary

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51):

Hi Gary: Thanks! It will be such fun to read and learn about Dunseith folks. My parents moved to Arizona in the late 50′s and I have been back for a few reunions–missed the big one last summer as we had a long planned commitment with one of our families. My husband Len and I and our 5 children lived in Minnesota (Mpls area and Nisswa) for many years and retired in Prescott in 2002. Len doesn’t like retirement so he works partime at the local V.A. Clinic and loves it! He sees many patients from the Vietnamese and other wars. We study Spanish and can use it a lot in AZ. and in Costa Rica where we visit our foreign exchange student (l988) and his several extended families. My Dad’s sister was Edna Leonard and of course my Leonard cousins were fun and wonderful for me, an only child. Best regards and cheers! Lois

From Janice Leonard Workman (56):

Gary,

I sent Gary Metcalf the information he wanted about Finnigan. I really look forward to these emails. I call them my Dunseith Fix.

My mother told the story about Grandma Anderson when they all lived on the farms. Grandma Anderson would come to visit, after a while she would say she guessed it was time to leave and start for the door, still talking. Mom would say that Grandma Anderson would still be talking when she got to the front gate. Charlie and Walter were well known and well liked. Everybody looked out for each other back then. Another person around town forever was Roy Anderson, he walked with a limp and mopped the Crystal Café after closing on Saturday night, I think, it might have been another night. He was a little harsh, but generally liked most of us kids who worked in the café. He lived in a cook car type of building somewhere around the old lumber yard or maybe the next block. I remember “running” the stacks of lumber and being chased away by Mr. Schwab, sometimes several times a week. Then we would hang out at the blacksmith shop and pester to play with the billows or whatever. Bill would tolerate us for a while and then send us on our way. We would walk out to Lake Shootie , swim, walk to the San and pick berries to eat on the way home.

Wasn’t there always a Memorial Day Celebration a day or two after school was out. It seems that we all to perform, skits, songs, etc. Do they still do that???

Janice

From Ellen Graff Myrick (58):

Gary,

Please send today’s email to me again. I have a new Blackberry and accidentally deleted from the main screen and the handheld. I have been keeping all the emails so if you would send it I would appreciate it.

We aren’t planning on taking the cruise for several reasons. The primary one is the cost, plus my husband isn’t thrilled about cruises. Maybe it’s all his time in the Air Force.

I and another single teacher went up to Alaska in 1969 and had a wonderful time. We took the Alaska Ferry up the inside Passage. We planned our trip completely and saw the interior of Alaska (Whitehorse, Yukon Territory; Fairbanks, Mt McKinley, Anchorage, Chugiach Bay, etc) as well as the coast which this cruise covers. Hopefully those of you who go have a good time. We flew back NWA to Seattle and then on to Minneapolis. I understand global warming has melted a lot of the glaciers.

Enjoy.

Ellen Graff (58) Myrick

From Phyllis McKay (65):

Gary,

Thank you for sending me the messages by attachment. I returned yesterday May 27th from North Dakota . My grandson graduated from Milnor High School which is located in the southeast corner of the state. It is close to Lisbon . Derek Martin Sims graduated on Sunday, May 25th. He is a wonderful, kind and sweet 18 year old. I do not know how he got so old so fast. Derek and I are going to go to Europe in July. We will spend 16 days traveling from England to France to Germany and then back to England . I am so looking forward to this time with him. His plans are to become a fireman. I think he has the “helping” personality that will make him successful in those types of jobs.

I am planning on going on the Alaska cruise in 09 with the alumni. My sister Patsy is also planning on going. We will probably want an ocean view room. I cannot make a firm commitment until I talk with her about the changes.

I am glad you found a way around the filters on my computer. I hope it isn’t too much trouble making attachments and sending them in that format. Our filters were down for a time and we got a great deal of spam. The district must have really tightened the perimeters of what gets through and what does not.

Take care, Gary !

Phyllis

Phyllis, It is my pleasure, especially for you, to send these messages via an email attachment. We are so looking forward to seeing you & Patsy on the cruise. You are the life of the party. Gary

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

I remember that there was a Boguslaski child (I thought Zike was her Father). that had either Polio or Cancer when she was a child. Janice Leonard and I would go over to their home and read with her or play games. She couldn’t get up from the bed and sometimes was unable to even sit up. At one point she had lost most of her hair, beautiful curly blonde hair. I just can’t remember much else, can anyone fill me in. I believe there were two girls in the family at that time.

To Gary Metcalfe, most of the things that Janice and I were either blamed for or credited with we don’t acknowledge. My mother always said that when Janice and I were together we could come up with the darnest things, so who knows. Janice Leonard was the smartest girl in our class and the most fun. When Neva and Mickey Haagenson came into town to school it was always Janice, Neva, Mickey and I together. Neva was the driver, she had her Dad’s pick-up and we went all over. Mickey knew everyone, no matter where we went there was someone there that she knew. She could talk the hind leg off a mule, and loved to visit with everyone, they were all her friends, only some of them she hadn’t met yet! We learned we could fit 10 kids into the cab in Neva’s pick-up…….no seat belt laws then.

Our Class play was “Hessie of the Hills”. Caroline Lider was Hessie, Kenny Hill was the boy she was going to marry, Don Conroy was Pa, Janice Leonard was Ma. Lois Hiatt, Neva Haagenson, and I had some parts but I don’t remember what they were. The night of the play, the play ran over a little and the 10 o’clock whistle went off at an important part in the play. Don Conroy ad-libbed perfectly, he bellowed it must be the Revenuers (He was a Moonshiner in the play) and hid behind a stump. There were many ad-libs all evening long but Don was the best. We had a great time putting on the play and it gave us a little different outlook on Miss Shurr.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

My very good friend, John Boguslawski, saved every dime he made in the
summer of 1966 to buy himself a motorcycle. He worked at the Standard
station on the north end of main street. Toward the end of August, he
heard about a guy in Bottineau who had an old British Triumph 750 for
sale for $400. I gave John a ride to Bottineau to check it out. We went
to the back door of a bar called Ned’s Lounge and went in to find the
owner of the motorcycle. He was about half shot when he came out to show
us the bike in the alley. He couldn’t get it started at first and cussed
the old bike up and down. We tinkered with it a bit and it fired up! It
had a huge seat and a goofy windshield from some other type motorcycle
and it had no front fender! It was no prize, but it was a motorcycle!
John asked the guy what he had to have and he said $400, just like we
thought. John took out every cent he had and offered it to the guy—-I
never will forget the amount, $312. This was all he had made working
every day for nearly three months! The guy looked at the cash and then
at the bike and said, “Ah, ____, give me the money.” John did and got
the title signed and took off for home on his prize! The bike hadn’t
even cooled off and we had the windshield taken off and some other junk
that was cluttering up a pretty nice bike! John tipped it over that
night and skinned up his leg but never lost his enthusiasm. A couple
nights later, John and Bill Berube and I were all three riding on that
big seat when Pete Longie, our Deputy Sheriff, saw us and said, “You
guys know better than to have three on a motorcycle”! We explained that
the seat was big enough for three, but Pete said, “I better not ever see
three on there again, DO YOU UNDERSTAND??”
He drove away and we all got back on and took off!! About 10 minutes
later we met Darrel Abbey, the town cop, but we weren’t worried about
what he might say! He stopped the car and who do you think got out from
the passenger side??———-PETE LONGIE, oh yes, we got a real reaming
in language we could clearly understand!! Both Bill Berube and I walked
home!! John’s brother, Alan, had a 500 single cylinder BSA that John and
I used to ride before John got the Triumph. Alan, what ever became of
your old BSA? Did John buy it from you later? Seems to me he did, but
I’m not sure. We both had Harleys and other bikes later so I may not be
right on which was which. Those were good times that I was lucky to
have spent with my buddy, Big John!!

Dick

From Dave Slyter (70):

To David Sebelius,

Thanks for all the great pictures of your parents and brothers. I remember all of you guys. I remember one time when I came to stay at your place you had the pet owls. At least I thought they were pets. I am thinking you captured one and it had little ones. They are an awesome bird. Especially the white ones. Do you remember them Duane?

It is great to see your folks doing so well. Manvil was never one to sit still to long. ha

Again thanks and take care

Dave Slyter (70)

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and Friends. Question about Hazel Olson who worked at
Hosmers. Fine compliments made about a terrific man. My first
knowledge of his family is that he and his mother lived on what is
now NW Third St. in Dunseith. It was on the same side of the
street as Charlie Lamoureux (Father of Betty Mae Lamoureux) and
George Gohtbrett, and across the steet where Dennis Espe lives
now. Their house had an unusual paint scheme, in that it had big
splotches of white against a tan color. Eddie Olson was an older
brother of Hazel. He played the banjo, was bald, and like Hazel
was a good athlete. Both played basketball and baseball. Eddie
moved away long before Hazel did. Hazel did not drive, he walked
to work and road with friends to games away. When he left
Dunseith he worked at Sharks’s Men Store in Minot. He came to the
Dunseith Centennial in 1982 escorted by Edmond Leonard. I had a
cup of coffee with him at Dales that year. That was the last time
I saw him.

Today several of us met at the Dunseith cemetery. The skies
cleared up to show us that azure blue, the wind was calm, and the
birds and nearby cattle could be heard as we assembled around the
Bailey family plot. Vance’s wife Doreen, his daughter Dana, and
her son and his wife were there. Also, Lloyd and Theresa Awalt,
Leonard and Eleanor Stickland, Floyd and Luella Dion, Wayne and
Gary Bailey (Vance’s brothers), Ramona Johnson (widow of Chuck),
Emery and Carol Carbonneau, Murl Hill, and my wife Pat and me. If
I missed someone, that is unintentional. The pastor made the kind
of remarks that Vance would have enjoyed. We could look to the
hills to he north, the prairie to the south and west, and the
willow creek trees to the east. These are the scenes that he and
others of us enjoy when we find ourselves in this peaceful place.
The pastor talked about Vance’s attachment to this part of our
country, and to the people he knew who lived here then, and those
who still do. He talked about Vance’s youthful days of happiness,
sadness, and even trouble. Those were the elements of youth that
make us what we became later. His pattern was firm, and his
loyalty to his friends was a keynote in his character make up.
It was a gift to know him and be his friend. I still maintain
that his lengthy emailing of his Dunseith memories, the day before
he died was the springboard for this magnificent blog site that
Gary Stokes has developed. I’ll always consider this interaction
a tribute to a wonderful man, Vance Bailey.

By the way, at the cemetery I asked Emery if he in fact did sell the
snowplane made from an aircraft drop tank to my dad Jack Hosmer. He
said, “I sure did”. So that closes that circle of adventure on the
prairie.

There was another comment recently about Charles Anderson. He used
to come to our house with my brother Don to play pool in our
basement. I remember playing in some of those contests, and he had
the gentlest touch, without smashes, balls bouncing off the walls,
or a cloud of chalk dust after the impact. The ball was given just
enough energy to roll across the lip of the pocket and drop into the
bottom of the cup. What finess, and what a gentleman. By the way
that table started at Kadrie’s, purchased by my grandfather, William
E, who gave it to Jack, who gave it to me. I gave it to my oldest
son John, and it has been in the family since before I was born in
1930. It is now being played with new felt, bumpers, and new
leather pockets on the way. Guess where it is. My cousin Nancy
Hosmer Baldwin has a home on Lake Metigoshe. She has it in a great
room built for it. Talk about a piece of Dunseith history making
its way through the generations and still super smooth and level!!!
Better sign off. Thanks for the memories. Bill Hosmer

Folks, I have pasted, below, the last message, that Bill mentions, that we got from Vance just 12 hours before his passing.

Yes, Vance was the springboard to this Blog. His interesting stories and memories of Dunseith generated a lot of interest among the Dunseith alumni. He captured the interests of all age groups, from the most senior to the young a like. Folks from the classes of the 1990′s were even replying to his messages with great interest. For those of us, younger, that did not know Vance, we could relate well to his stories. I’ll be honest, in the beginning, I had reservations about sending his stuff to the whole Alumni for fear of folks regarding it as spam. How wrong I was. That was about the time I had a lot of this list together, but had been sending few group messages. Vance’s messages turned that around with all the replies that you folks sent in reply to those messages of his. What a great motivator he was in get this dialog started. We miss him dearly. Gary

From: Vance Bailey

To: Gary Stokes

Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2007 2:19 AM

Subject: Vance Bailey

Vance passed away this morning at 1:30– Dec 22

Doreen Bailey, wife

Tempe, Az

The last message we received from Vance, 12 hours prior to his death:

From: Vance Bailey

To: Gary Stokes

Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2007 1:06 PM

Subject: More memory attacks!

Gary,

I spent an hour or two last night talking to Carol Watkins and Emory Carbonneau in Bottineau. I read all the correspondence that you have been posting.

Some things that have come to mind that we discussed. Mac McHugh. He and his wife owned the Dakota Hotel that was directly north of the Drug store where Glen Shelver was the druggist and I am sure later owned. In the mid forties Shirley Sunderland worked there as a “sodajerk”.

There was an old Socony Vacuum (later Standard Oil) filing station in front of the hotel that had gas pumps that had a glass tank that held 10 gallons of gas at about 18 cents a gallon. The guy that operated the station would let us kids pump the gas up into the tank once in a while.

There was a row of rooms along the north lot line of the Hotel and the one facing main street was the U.S. customs office manned by Henry Sunderland. When you crossed the border in those days you stopped in Dunseith to declare anything you brought across the border. I’m not aware of anyone ever stopping to declare anything.

We did have some excitement in those days, a nurse up at the San was murdered by Fred Chase and the trial was held in Dunseith. Carol tells me that our teacher got permission to take our school class to watch the trial. My most outstanding memory of the murder was the first night they had him locked in the Jail located in a long low building just north of the skating rink. Several of us kids were there until the crowd broke out a rope and threw it over the crossbar on the streetlight, then they made us all go home. We were all sorry to miss the hanging, but the adults chickened out so we did not miss anything.

How many of you remember the Waldron that was the Dunseith policeman that caught a thief coming out of one of the buildings north of the bank one night. Carol reminds me that he was chasseing him down the alley and as he came to the fence back of the bank Jules Waldron fired over his head to stop him. The trouble was that the robber jumped up to go over the fence and stopped the bullet with his head. Jules had two boys in school and they left town. No good deed goes unpunished!!

For Collette,

The Baileys and the Hosmers intermarried a couple of times (that’s cousins) in the late 1600s and early 1700s in the New England Colonies.

Vance Bailey

Bailey Family Research
1418 E Gemini Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283

5/27/2008 (114)

Posted on May 27, 2008 by Gary

From Pam Fassett Faust (65):

Gary – The only cruise we have been on, several years ago, was a Norwegian cruise, and it was terrific. Miami to Roatan and Belize and Cozumel and Grand Cayman and one or two others. I can’t remember the specifics cause I was having too much fun. We will probably choose the Ocean View or Balcony cabin. I absolutely know we WILL NOT get an inside one.

Hugs,

Pam

Note: Some folks are claustrophobic or prefer a cabin with a window. Neither Bernadette or I are bothered not having a window. We have been on several cruises and have had inside cabins. Another interesting point, These Filipino Women, including Bernadette, avoid the sun like a plague. They are not happy with their beautiful tan like skin. They use whitening creams, etc to lighten their complexion. They do not understand why a lot of the American’s go to tanning booths, etc to have their skin look like theirs. Gary

From Carmen Leonard Richard:

I had an inquiry about the 2005 Rolette Centennial book called “Our Field of Dreams” and I thought there might be someone else who is interested in getting one. There are still some available, and they sell for $25 plus postage. It used to be around $4 to mail, but with the recent postal increase it is probably more. If anyone of the Dunseith alumni is interested, just let me know. I can see that you get one. They are available locally at Talents and Treasures, a craft store located in the Rolette Mall. The book has over 500 pages of local history. The Rolla book is still available too and I think that is also $25. We loved the Dunseith book and oflen take it out when we are trying to figure who is related to who, or where they lived.

For the real history buffs- Laura Law’s book, “History of Rolette County and Yarns of the Pioneers” has been reprinted by the Rolla Kiwanis club, and I think that is available for $20.

Class of 65 – Marlene Richard Parslow & Evie Gottbreht Pilkington – July 12, 2007

5/26/2008 (113)

Posted on May 26, 2008 by Gary

From Esther Murray Fleming (65):

Hi Gary

We are not rich and we cannot afford it. Maybe when I hit the lottery. Thought I’d drop a note to let you know that I am not going to make the Alaskan Cruise. We are not rich and we cannot afford it. Maybe if I ever hit the lottery, lol but I guess not in this lifetime. But whoever is going , please enjoy yourselves and have a lot of fun and think about me, hehehe. Got to go for now love you all

Esther and family

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Prairie Past and Mountain Memories is a masterpiece book, just compare with other county history, I guess we had a more diverse settlement. However we can’t begin to retain the nostalgia of the years after the war, 1946-1950′s, young men settling issues, bar tenders tending, cops busy, Frank Flynn, John Hiatt, Walter Hiatt and more. Frank had an old Chevy pickup with a spotlight on the cab, it was quite impressive. Neighbors visiting, sidewalks jammed, we younger guys needed the bootleggers just as bad as did the Native Americans. The cops were great, they did not make us feel comfortable in town after midnight, but they didn’t take our beer away or arrest us either, that was Saturday night. All of a sudden it was Friday night dances in the fifties they had bands that even the drummer could entertain the crowd, standing ovation. Tommy Collins from that western part of Ok. that produced so many great country, western stars, was in Willow City one night. Gary Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

How many of you remember when Isadore “Zike” Boguslawski was the town
cop? He used to cruise town in his pink and white 57 Chevy four door
doing what cops do. There was one night though that Zike nearly met his
“Waterloo”! It was after midnight when Dad was up getting a drink of
water and he just happened to look out our south kitchen window toward
the back of Hosmer’s store. He saw Zike in the rear parking lot of
Hosmer’s, standing by his car and it appeared he was talking to someone.
There was a guy on the roof of the grocery store and Dad watched as he
got down and approached Zike. About that time Dad saw another guy come
around the rear of Zike’s car and start to hit Zike with some object he
had in his hand! Dad jerked on his boots and ran down the alley toward
the ruckus, yelling at the guys at the top of his lungs! They were not
only hitting Zike, but one was stabbing him with a screwdriver! Dad said
the guys saw him coming and took off to the south on the dead run! Zike
was hurt pretty bad and was really bleeding from his many wounds. Dad
thought about putting him in Zike’s car and taking him to the hospital,
but he wasn’t sure the old Chevy was up to the task, so he ran back and
got his black 62 Cadillac and loaded Zike and took off for Rolette as
fast as he dared drive, which I would guess was fast! He said even
though Zike was bleeding from everywhere there wasn’t one drop of blood
on the seat when they got to Rolette, not that Dad was worried under the
circumstances! There was a huge number of cop cars and investigators
that showed up within a short while and they found a bag of what they
considered “professional” burglary tools on the roof, where these guys
had tried to break in through a vent window or closure of some kind. As
far as I know, nobody was ever charged with the attempted burglary and
assault on a policeman. I suppose this was in about 1965 or 1966, if my
memory serves me correctly. Can anyone remember this incident and add
any details I may have missed? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Obituary’s provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Neola was going through some of her stuff the other day and ran across these two

Obit’s of Hannah Nerpel Bedard and Ray Nerpel. Neola never throws anything away and

most of time can find what ever she is looking for. She has provide us with a lot of

interesting Dunseith memorabilia and Dunseith news. She enjoys all these messages and

said she feels as though she has learned to know you guys quite well, just by reading these

daily messages. She reads everyone of them. Neola’s father was Johnny Kofoid. He owned

the Corner Garage, back in the 50′s and 60′s, in Dunseith. Johnny and my dad were first cousins.

Neola graduated from Bottineau HS in 1957. She retired several years ago from

a career of 40 plus years teaching. Most of those years were spent in Minot. She has a home

in Minot, but also rents an apartment in Bottineau. She goes back and forth.

Back to these Two Obit’s. Hannah and Ray were Brother/Sister. Looking at the their dates of

death, they passed on within one day of each other. Many of you folks are children or relatives

of Hannah & Ray. Hannah & Ray were very well known in the Dunseith Community. The vast majority

of you probably remember them well.

Gary

5/25/2008 (112)

Posted on May 25, 2008 by Gary

From Debbie Fugere Fauske (75):

Hi Gary:

Regarding Carmen and Floyd Richard’s note: Their
daughter-in-law, Lanette Richard, from Rolette,
recently wrote and published a children’s book. I
think a lot of people would be interested in hearing
about this and finding out how they can obtain copies.

Debbie Fauske

Carmen & Floyd, can you tell us where and how we can obtained copies of Lanette’s book? Thanks, Gary

From Florence Hiatt Dahl (50):

Your Alaska trip sounds fun, but your not seeing much of it. Alaska is bigger then California and Texas put together. You miss seeing Mt McKinley, Alyeska, Fairbanks, Seward, Portage Glacier””””””””””I could go on and on. Have fun””””””

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

First of all, thanks Doreen Bailey for the pictures. The one of the old
white school sure brought back a flood of memories! It was dated 1956,
the year I started school in that building. Thanks to Trish Larson
Clayburgh for all the memories, and good luck in Montana! There is a
gal, at Lake Metigoshe, who raises Morgans. She used to have a website
called Metigoshe Morgans. Her name is Melonie Pewe, [ pronounced Pay ],
and you two may have something in common with the horses. Nice gal too!

Hearing from Dan McKay, and seeing his picture, reminded me of a deal we
made back in about 1970. I was working at the Peace Garden that summer
and had this old 1947 Harley Davidson that I had fixed up from kind of a
“basket case”. Dan called me and asked if I wanted to sell it. I said I
would if the price was right. Dan asked if I would meet him up on the
San hill so he could look at it. I thought this was an odd place, but
agreed. When we got there Dan said, “how do you shift this thing?” I
showed him how it had a foot clutch and a hand [ suicide ] shifter. I
said, ” haven’t you ever ridden a Harley before?” Dan said, “I’ve never
even ridden a motorcycle before!” He got it going in toward the San and
made it back again to where I was, kind of jerky and wobbly, but he made
it! He asked how much I wanted and I told him $300. He said that was OK,
but would I ride it out to his folk’s place on the south side of town?
Dan came out of the house and handed me the cash. That was when I asked
him why he wanted the old Harley? He calmly said, “oh, tomorrow I’m
taking off for Tacoma, Washington and I’m going to ride it out there!!”
Guys– this old bike had old tires and homemade parts and things I had
rigged to keep it going on 10 to 20 mile runs! I wished Dan luck and
shook his hand and headed for home. I got a postcard about a week later,
from Dan in Tacoma! He said the chain broke in Montana but a farmer
helped him fix it, and then the tail light and license plate fell off
somewhere in Idaho or eastern Washington, but other than that,
everything went fine! I think Ol’ Dan may have had a little ‘Divine
Intervention’ on that trip!. To this day I remain convinced that
SOMEONE has to watch over the young when they do these things!! Below is
a picture of Brenda and me on the old Harley that summer of 1970. Thanks
Gary for this site!

Dick

Dick & Brenda Johnson – 1970

5/24/2008 (111)

Posted on May 24, 2008 by Gary

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Hey Bonnie Awalt Houle, Vance Bailey would be so proud of you, you always reach back to the old days as well as those wonderful high school years we had in the 50′s. Some of the things we talk about seem trivial to some, but when you talked about the old gravel pit fireworks, the smells and the old cars came back. You mentioned Allen Ryback and I thought of old Dick Ryback and Russel and Ralph who insulated all the old houses, blow in. Remember that old cook car looking contraption they had for the job? Rodney Ryback was younger than them, Allen ???? I am not sure where he fit in.

Samski wrote and I thought of his grandfather, Tony Samski, who managed the old bowling alley before Lee Smith. Martin Samski worked for Lamoreaux Brothers and Gene Samski, a friend of Bing Evans and Red Wilson. Johnie Hill told me about boxing sessions at Samski’s, he said Bing was pretty good at the sport. Say HI to Keith for us Bonnie.
,

Doreen Bailey, that picture of the great hunters is priceless. It is unbelievable to think that the characters that my dad talked about 60 years ago whould appear in the picture. As Seattle is your home town, I will tell you we were there before 1940. My dad, Jim Metcalfe, was Superintendent for Chris Berg a plastering contractor whose office was on Lake Washington off Aurora. In those seven years we lived in at least six locations, one was east of downtown Seattle. Max and Mary Peterson rented a room there, as well as many other N.D. people starting out after the depression. Max had a chuckle and the gravel voice of all time.

My mother, Ella Evans Metcalfe absolutely loved Seattle, as I did. But, I was either retarded or too young to know, my brother and I voted with my dad to buy a farm back in N.D. I guess it was his dream. If we had not, I would have missed out on all of these memories we are now talking about. Gary Metcalfe

Patty Boguslawski Gotbreht (65) with her three sons

Phyllis McKay (65) 2007

Shirley Boguslawski, Margaret Faine, Shirley Decoteau (1964)

Standing: Lola Metcafe, Patt Metcafe, Joan La Croix

Sitting: Joann Houle, Corliss Allard, Randi Mongeon

5/22/2008 (110)

Posted on May 22, 2008 by Gary

From Floyd & Carmen Richard:

Thank you for including us in this email system. Neither my husband Floyd or I graduated from Dunseith High School but Floyd has always considered Dunseith his home town.( he went to rural schools in the area ) He knows all the people that you mention, and loves to read the emails. They depict a way of life that is quickly vanishing, imagine in todays world, letting your children play in the street,or walk down to the creek by themselves and no one would worry about their safety.!! It was such a peaceful and trusting time. The memories that you share are priceless and should be treasured.

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

Dear Mrs. Bailey, you don’t know me, my name is Lynette Halvorson Otto. My parents are Lester and Dorothy Halvorson of Dunseith. Anyway, thank you for sending the picture of the white school house. I think I attended school there in my 1st and 2nd grades. I remember how big the class rooms were, very tall ceilings, dark wood floors and those big windows. I haven’t seen a picture of that school for many years. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Lynn Halvorson Otto (75).

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

I want to thank Doreen Bailey for the wonderful picture of the
Dunseith school. It really conjured up many wonderful memories for
me even though I only attended the school during parts of grades 1-5.
I especially remember that terrible rickety old metal fire escape that
we used during fire drills in Mrs. Conroy’s class….scary for a
chubby girl with those wobbly steps!

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

Gary, I am responding to Mrs. Baileys pictures, particularly the last one.

My dad, Cliff a family story teller,was very fond of Bill and Myrtle Anderson,who were family neighbors of the Metcalfe family at Rabbit City Lake. Dad described them as, ” Mr. Anderson being very tall and Aunt Myrt very short.” He said, “Aunt Myrt’s shopping bags were close to the ground , she was so very short.” When eating fried eggs for breakfast my father would ask me how hard did you work? Then, he’d tell the story about when one of his big Metcalfe brothers going over at their neighbors, the Anderson’s, one morning. ( I believe it may have been during the depression) Mrs. Anderson was serving breakfast,She said, Sit up to the table and have some breakfast, While she served the breakfast she said, “There is 1 egg for Walter, he works hard, 1 egg for Mr. Anderson because he works hard, and 1/2 egg for Charlie and 1/2 egg me because we don’t work as hard, and there is an extra egg for you”. Even in tough times folks shared what they had! Another story was regarding my dad’s name, Mr. Anderson asked my Grandfather to name a son William David, since his name was William David. Grandpa Bill said,” he’d already named his oldest son William, but agreed that David would be a fine middle name for the 7th son.” Another wonderful memory we had with John and Gertrude Awalt was a the 50th wedding anniversary of Bill and Mary Metcalfe in the early ’70s. John and Gertrude had been there best man and brides maid. Also on that day Frank Poitra was playing his fiddle, as he had for their wedding dance. All those folks were neighbors so many years ago. And, a firm bond of respect, through the years. When I was a child, I recall, Charlie Anderson on Saturday nights in Dunseith, crawling into the back seat of our family car and visiting on main street. Years later, Gertrude Awalt was living in Rolla,we were visiting and sharing picture memories, Gertrude gave my mom and I a childhood picture of Charlie Anderson and the Metcalfe boys, which mom reproduced for all the Metcalfe cousins. That photo was such a telling photo of those boys, ” the little rascals” . Thank you Mrs. Bailey for the photo’s which got me remembering my dad’s stories of the Anderson’s who he was so fond of. Vickie Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Evie asked what a snowplane is. I was just going to advise her to look at
message 100 for info. Thanks!

Dick

Picture taken July 12, 2007: Note – Date on picture is incorrect

Class of 65 gals – Phyllis McKay, Esther Murray Fleming & Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht

Picture – Class of 65′s first ever reunion – July 12, 2007. The majority of us had not seen one another for more than 42 years.

What a memorable reunion we had. It’s a reunion we will remember for a life time. The class of 65 has been reunited. Gary

Standing: Carol Allard Buxbaum, Ron Longie, Warren Anderson, Karen Loeb Mhyre, Bill Grimme, Ginger LaRocque Poitra, Henry Hackman, Gladys Roussin Azure, Angela Berube Malget, Rene Casavant, Alan Boguslawski, Helen Rivard Christenson, Allen Richard, Esther Murray Fleming, Susan Fassett Martin, John Bedard, Margaret Metcalfe Leonard, John Awalt, Cecile Berube Reynolds, Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht, Ken Nerpel, Phyllis McKay, Gary Stokes, Marlene Richard Parslow, Evie Gottbreht Pilkington, Joan Smith Fuchs .

Kneeling: George Azure, Dean Helgeson, Joe Casavant, Pete Gillis, Raphael Poitra, Ernie Gottbreht.

Missing when picture taken: Donald Egbert

5/21/2008 (109)

Posted on May 21, 2008 by Gary

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Just a short one on the pop from Omemee. The Dunseith school ordered pop
for some function in about 1962 in the fall. We were in the the old
locker rooms, under the bleachers in the old school, dressing for
basketball practice, when Chris Rasmusson came down with several cases
of pop on a hand cart. He asked Marc Gottbreht where they kept the pop.
Marc saw the opportunity and said, “they usually stack it right here”.
Marc, being the generous guy he was, passed out the pop to each of us
and we hammered a couple and then went up for practice! The next day
they called him to the office. He had SIGNED the delivery ticket!! I
don’t remember if he really got in any trouble. One time in the sixth
grade, Mrs. Lang caught Marc chewing gum for the tenth time and said, ”
Marc, if I catch you chewing gum again, you better have enough for the
whole class”! The next day Marc got caught again! Mrs. Lang said, ”
Marc! What did I tell you”! Marc jumped up and whipped out about five
packs of Juicy Fruit and passed it out to the whole class, INCLUDING
Mrs. Lang!! Marc was tough on Mrs. Lang!! He wasn’t a bad kid, he just
liked to push her buttons!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Message/Pictures From Doreen Bailey wife of Vance Bailey:

Gary,

Just wanted to let you know; One of Dunseith’s finest, Vance will be back in his beloved childhood home town Dunseith! We will have a grave side service for him on Wednesday May 28th, 10 A.M. – Riverside Cemetery – Pastor Herford. This was his wish to return to Dunseith. Our little family will be in town. After the service we hope to go to Dales for Vance’s favorite chocolate shake and maybe even go for the giant hamburger. Come on down we’ll share our shakes!

I have attached a few picture: 1. Aunts, uncle cousins & etc of Vance’s : The Bailey, Anderson, Awalt picture may indicate, “maybe at one time everyone in town was related.” Some of your readers will recognize themselves.

2. Anderson Richard, Hattie & Clint in front of the Cream Station in the 1930′s

3. The “Great hunters” @ the Mahlon Bailey farm.

— Vance had a terrific memory for names and events,he talked of his childhood friends a lot. I recognize so many of the family names. I feel like a part of Dunseith myself after 55 years with “the” Dunseith guy , but I grown up in Seattle, not near as much fun as you people had in your child hood. Small towns are the best. Thank You, Doreen Bailey, Tempe, AZ

5/21/2008 (108)

Posted on May 21, 2008 by Gary

Folks, Please don’t miss any of the messages with pictures near the end of this message. Gary

From Dan McKay (69):

Rod,

Fishing pole in the lake – just the makings of great memories. I’ve had a few poles since then that should have been thrown in the lake so don’t loose anymore sleep over that one. What I remember about that time was rowing that flat bottom boat for about 5 hours from our cabin on Rugby Point all the way across the lake to Brian Johnson’s cabin by the bridge. Not bad for a couple of 10 year olds. It was sure great of his Dad to tow us home except when it got out of the wake and flipped up on its side. Why were we riding in it any way? Nice to know your friends are thinking about you. You have great day Rod and we will go fishing again someday.

Dan McKay

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):

Hi Gary

We just got back home to Texas from ND last night. We flew to Minot on Friday the 9th. I had expected the cold and drizzle but not the 4 inches of thick white snow we had that night! Diane and I drove to Dunseith on Monday to spend the afternoon with Bev and had a great time. She looks terrific and we laughed so hard! It was really great to be back in North Dakota. I love the emails. Thanks so much!

Cheryl Larson Dakin (71)

PS – the weather cleared and the trees budded out. It was like 3 seasons in 1 week!

From Gwen Struck Dumas (68):

Hi Gary,

A former pastor of ours in Havre sent this to us. I would like to pass it on. It’s a bit lengthy, but worth it.

My spouse, Clint Dumas, was deployed in July 2004 with the 189th Aviation/ Montana Army National Guard to Balad Iraq. He returned the evening before Thanksgiving in 2005. (He had one month to go to retirement.) It was the longest 16 months of our lives…..ever!!! However the last 2 1/2 years since his return have been very, very difficult. Two months ago he suggested that he may have PTSD and sought council. We drive to Helena (200 miles one way) every other week for the help that he needs.

It is my hope during this Memorial Weekend, that those who know a veteran who served in any of our wars, or knows of a family whose soldier didn’t return, pause for a moment and bring to mind all of our freedoms that we take for granted. Freedom really isn’t free.

And…if any know of a veteran who suffers with PTSD….love ‘em thru it!!! They’ve earned it!!!

Gwen Struck Dumas

Subject: Fw: Before You Go

Please read to the end and then click on the website — this is fabulous!

The elderly parking lot attendant wasn’t in a good mood!

Neither was Sam Bierstock. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray
Beach, Fla., eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and
musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.

He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. “I took
two bullets for this country and look what I’m doing,” he said bitterly.

At first, Bierstock didn’t know what to say to the World War II veteran. But
he rolled down his window and told the man, “Really, from the bottom of my
heart, I want to thank you.”

Then the old soldier began to cry.

“That really got to me,” Bierstock says.

Cut to today.

Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach – a member of
Bierstock’s band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band – have written a song
inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful ”
Before You Go” does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages
people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die.

“If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been
shot,” says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. “The WW II soldiers are now
dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank
them.”

The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on
the Web, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine
countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons
and daughters and grandchildren.

“It made me cry,” wrote one veteran’s son. Another sent an e-mail saying
that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss
” the unspeakable horrors” he and other soldiers had witnessed in places
such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. “I can never thank them
enough,” the son wrote. “Thank you for thinking about them.”

Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional
singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so
many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on
the Web. They’ve sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in
Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a
Veterans Day tribute – this after just a few days on the Web. They hope
every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it.

GOD BLESS every veteran…
and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this !

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO HEAR THE SONG AND SEE THE PICTURES:

Before You Go

OR http://wwwmanagedmusic.com/Music/PlayBeforeYouGo.php

From Alan & Phyllis Campbell (42):

Just read the email from Paula Fassett regarding the pop factory in Omemee and have to add a bit….Back when the Legion sponsored Bingo at the old city hall, the Auxiliary took care of the concessions and Chris Rasmusson and his wife delivered pop up to Dunseith almost every week – – for $1.00 a case !!!!Can you believe that? That was 24 bottles if my memory serves me and the variety they offered was wonderful….our Rich’s favorite was cream soda. They had lemon, lime, cherry, strawberry, orange, grape and probably several others. The Auxiliary always served rice krispy bars and maybe brownies and as a result were able to support many of the worthwhile Auxiliary projects!!!! The main reason for a successsful pop factory in Omemee was the adequate supply of very good natural water
and Chris had his own “secret” recipes for making the flavors. Do enjoy all the emails!!!

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Congratulations, Evie! Just getting kids through to adulthood is celebration enough, never mind raising one who graduated from law school. I wish her luck on passing the bar…..

xox

Colette

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

Dale Gottbreth had a garage to the south of our home. One of the Lamoureux Brothers stored a snow plane there, his name started with an O- Ophelia (Spelling wrong) any way he used the sno-plane for hunting. I remember my Parents talking about the amount of use it got during snow storms. My Uncle Charles Anderson did a lot with Mr. Lamoureux.

Dale decided that he should move the garage and turn it into a motel. He hired my Dad (John Awalt). The garage was moved to the corner and is now Dales Cafe, and Motel. The slab of cement left was a wonderful place to roller skate. Dale was quite far sighted as to the needs of the community.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

love to see the old pictures. Nice to hear from Rodney Samski. But it was Miss Masvelton in second grade that probably did shake the dickens out of Mark after he threw the scissors. I was always a little scared of her. I don’t think Mrs Conroy had a mean bone in her body. She was a sweet lady.

I have to add a comment to the birthday party picture that Crystal sent. All the kids in the picture are “Cousins” in one way or another. Pam and I (Susan) are first cousins because our dads are brothers, Pam and Dick are cousins, because Dick’s grandma and Pam’s mother were sisters, Mark is a shirttail cousin because his mother and Emery Carbonneau are sister and brother and Emery is married to my mother’s first cousin, and John Morgan was “related” because his mother was a Watkins and so were Carol Carbonneau and Murl Hill who were my mom’s first cousins because their mothers were sisters. Got the idea? Ahhhhh. small town life. My husband always tells everyone that I am related to most of the people in ND. Not so far from the truth—I love it!!!

Keep the memories and pictures coming.

Love and Prayers, Susan

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Gary, I am sure everyone has heard of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, but I am not sure if anyone has heard of the daytime ride of Jay Vanorny. One summer morning Jay and I agreed that Ranger, that Big Red loaner horse from Johnie Myer had to go back to Johnie as he was making my new quarter horse hard to catch. So we had a semi leisurely ride the first mile or so, when all of a sudden while passing through Eli Demery’s yard the dogs barked and Ranger turned and backed into Eli’s 50 gal. burn barrel, that was the end of leisure. It was all down hill to old Hwy. 5. Ranger made short work of those woven wire yard fences in Shanty Town, each garden probably had at least one set of hoof prints.

Evie, Dale wasn’t only the best truck driver in that country, he was also the greatest story teller by far. Lucian Bedard did a close second on duck hunting stories. Dale said he was coming around that curve where Carlson and Seim’s lived. He looked in the rear view mirror to see if Ray Buck, our old game warden from St. John was gaining or not. What he saw was a pair of antlers raising up in the back seat. I guess he was not quite dead!

Many of you may not know about Orvin Hagen’s nephew, Oliver and Donnie Nelson’s brother, when his chopper mitts caught fire in the old water tank heater.. Dale took him to the hospital, if anyone could have provided that boy with more time on earth it would have been Dale.

Dale had more than his share of business in him. By the way, his dad, Big George and I mean big, was a class act too. My dad had lots of stories about George, Ray Wilson and the rest of the old boys they were the fun and fiber of Dunseith. I worked for Dale a second year because he wouldn’t have it any other way. Gary Metcalfe

Message/Picture From Trish Larson Clayburgh (73):

Hey Gary,

Thanks again to you for facilitating this, and thanks to all who have been brave enough to write in! Goodness knows how many “chicken lurkers” there are out there….c’mon! Out with your stories and memories! Make Betty Garske proud!

It’s been awhile since I’ve written, but this particular group of emails today just struck me – although I’ve been reading every morning just like everyone else and enjoying all the stories immensely.

I have to say that Dwight’s story about taking care of those cattle during the snowstorm was just astounding! And I can relate to the sore shoulder from shooting the gun, as my 24 yr old son recently had me shooting in prep for elk hunting season in Colorado this year, and it reminded me of hunting with my Dad, Harvey, as a little kid. I can still remember the mirth in his eyes as I hugged that gun to my shoulder at what was it, age 8? I have no idea what gauge that gun was, but it hurt like hell and my ears would not stop ringing! I believe my three brothers are all fairly deaf in one ear because nobody had any idea about ear protection back then….

Dick, I just loved the photo of your Dad. I cannot wait for the “dirty” picture…

And Collete, while I don’t believe we’ve ever met, I just want to add my admiration for your work to the list of others that think it’s really neat that a gal from NoDak could bring such incredible, creative beauty to far flung places in the world. I love those fish!!!!

I’m also going to stand up and say, YES. I’m going to sign up for the cruise, and I think it’s going to be great fun to see you all in person!

Will Rod Hiatt agree to be there and get onstage with a rendition of “There was a boy from Arkansas…”

And is Cheryl Haagenson in on the deal??? And Art Rude? I’m sure we could give a rousing round of “oh oh we’re going to the chapel and we’re ….”
It will be AWESOME! And Cheri Evans, I hope you’re bringing your guitar…My only concern is that there probably will be very little sleeping on this cruise. I remember the reunion back in the 80′s – I think a week went by with no sleep. It was hard to drag ourselves away even for a much needed shower….

By the way, is anybody out there (female, lol) interested in rooming with me? I’m single, but I want to share one of those rooms with an ocean view….

I just got back from a wonderful horseback ride in the Colorado Mountains this evening. I’m riding my Morgan Mare in an endurance race in Montana (Ft. Howes) June 8, and we’re training like crazy. I’ve never had so much fun in my life, except maybe back when I rode with Marlys Medlang, the Fauske’s, and Diana Honsey back in the summers of the early 70′s. Those of you who are horse crazy (ie Rod Hiatt) can relate to this. And the Honsey’s grew the best raspberries ever!

Hey – what about Music Camp memories?? Cheryl Haagenson had a leading role in…..Hm. I think the summer of 1970? She was one helluva a preacher!

By the way, I just pulled out a bunch of photos I took at the big parade day in Dunseith at the celebration in the early 80′s. As soon as I get them scanned, I’ll start submitting them here – I think I have a bunch of photos you will all enjoy…How young you all were!

Tim Hill – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be healed and may you be at peace. You are so loved!

Ok, I’ve made up for lost time I think – keep all the stories coming folks! What a phenomenon!!!!

Love to All,

Trish (Larson) 73

Trish Larson Clayburgh (2008)

Message/Picture From Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

This is my daughter after the Hooding & Honors Convocation at NDSU on May 9th. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Pharmacy. We are very happy for her.

The downside for North Dakota parents is that with graduation comes the almost always inevitable flight from the state. I now have a son in Tennessee and my daughter has accepted employment in Colorado.

The upside is that we now have a couple of nice places to visit.

Kenny Nerpel

Kenny, What is your daughters name? Gary

Kenny Nerpel with his Daughter – NDSU 5/9/08

Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Paula mentioned Omemee and Chris Rasmusson’s pop factory. From 1953
through 1955 both Mom and Dad taught school in Omemee. Mom had 1-4 and
Dad 5-8, grades. We lived in a big old house next to Darrel and Dorothy
Fassett so I spent the days at their house while the folks were at
school. Darrel was the Standard Oil agent at that time and drove a bulk
truck delivering fuel. The town was nearly gone by this time as most of
the houses had been moved to Bottineau. The story was, as I remember it,
Omemee was supposed to be on the main railroad line but when the
railroad changed directions, the town began to die. There were only
about six or seven occupied houses when we were there. There were many
blocks of sidewalks running nowhere but we had an old wicker baby buggy
that we took turns riding in and pushing up and down these sidewalks.
The big cottonwood trees had lifted the sidewalks and we used to jump
the buggy over these spots and then crash in the tall grass! The
Rasmussons lived about a block away and Mrs. Rasmusson always made
chocolate chip cookies for us kids. But as I recall, she always gave us
milk or water and not pop! Our old house had primitive running water, a
tank upstairs that Dad filled, and then gravity took over from there.
Chris Rasmusson kept losing bottles because people either broke them or
threw them away, so he had a rule; you only get as many bottles as he
got back! A couple years ago one of his daughters put an ad in the Minot
Daily News asking if anyone had any of her dad’s pop bottles as she
would like to have some. A couple months later she had to run another ad
stating she had her basement half full, please, no more bottles! The
pictures below are all taken in Omemee in 53-55. The top two are of Mom
and me in front of our old house. The girl with the scarf on I believe,
is Karen Rasmusson, don’t know the other one.The next picture is Patty
Fassett and me, behind us is Rennick’s house and just north of that is
Rasmusson’s. Pam Fassett is the girl in the black and white plaid
jacket, don’t know the others.The dance picture is Darrell and Dorothy
Fassett in the school gym. All Dunseith folks just temporarily displaced
in Omemee, ND!!

Dick

Top: Bernice Johnson & Dick Johnson

Middle: Patty Fassett/Dick Johnson and ??/Karen Rasmusson

Bottom ??/??/Pam Fassett/?? and Darre/Dorothy Fassett

5/20/2008 (107)

Posted on May 20, 2008 by Gary

From Rich Campbell (68):

Gary,

Thought I would offer a little “testimonial” to anyone considering the Alaska Cruise. My wife and I took this exact cruise last summer. Our 35th wedding anniversary. It was our first. We had a great time. The scenery was spectacular to say the least. I would offer some observations/suggestions to those who are “cruising” for the first time. The 6:30 PM dinner seating is perfect. It gives you time after to enjoy the ship and the entertainment. Plan to diet before or after the cruise–you won’t while on the ship! Take advantage of the entertainment. It was first class. If you can, get the oceanview view cabins. You can enjoy the view all the time. This inside cabins looked claustrophobic. Plan to take advantage of the “onshore” excursions. It adds to the cost but gives you a flavor of Alaska. (remember, for most this is a once in a lifetime event) I would avoid the onshore airplane excursions. One crashed and 4 passengers from our cruise died. I heard of a similar incident about a month later. We enjoyed the crabfest trip and the whale watching trip the best. The train trip was just ok. Stick to the excursions offered through the cruise. They make sure you are back before the ship is scheduled to depart. Bring some warm clothes. It gets chilly when on the ocean. Most of all, have fun.

Rich Campbell

From Rod Hiatt (69):

When I saw the picture of Dan McKay it reminded me of the time he
invited me to go with to Lake Metigoshe to go fishing with him. I don’t
think we were much more than 4-5th grade. We were out in an old row boat
and Dan had a brand new fishing rod that I believe he got for his
birthday. Anyway, Dan being the generous and good friend that he was,
let me use his new rod and reel. He was explaining to me about casting
and I wasn’t getting it about the button you release, so just as I was
to cast he said “Let Go” You guessed it, I let go of everything and his
brand new rod and reel are still at the bottom of the lake. Every time I
think of, hear Dan’s name or go fishing I think about this and feel
really bad. Dan the next time you are up around Long Lake come over to
my little spot and either throw my rod and reel in the damn lake or take
one of mine and maybe I can get over this guilt that has been eating at
me for well over 40 years
By the way my fishing hasn’t improved much since then
Rod Hiatt

From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65):

Hi Gary and Dwight,

Thank you for the stories about my Dad, I have no memory of snow planes…..I know my Dad liked speed and drove those Ninty-Eight Oldsmobiles he loved about 90 miles an hour on a slow day. I use to love to ride with him, all the windows down…and get him to take a few of the girls for a ride too….great fun!

Evie

P.S. Exactly what is a snow plane?

P.S. I want to brag just a little, our daughter graduated from law school on Saturday….so now we have a lawyer in the family ….I didn’t know the difference between a lawyer and an attorney but now I do…..an

attorney has passed the bar…..hopefully that will happen real soon!

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Thanks for the generous comments about my sculpture commission….and, Donna, also for the flattering comment but I AM 62 and there’s NO doubt about it. How did we end up in our 60′s?….seemed impossible to imagine when we were in high school.

Dwight….your story was incredible. I can’t imagine too many 10 and 6 year olds today who would even know what to do in that situation, never mind being able to actually do it. They don’t raise ‘em like they used to.

Colette

From Larry Hackman (66):

Gary

How are you doing? I thought you would be still sleeping?

Just to let you know the wife and I made a run to the Turtle Mountains this past week end. I thought it was dry around this area, but its a lot drier up North. Willow Creek is dry and the lakes are way down, with some being completely dry. There are very few leaves out and the grass is still brown up there. The wind was blowing so hard we had to hang onto the tombstones at the cemetery to keep from getting blown off the hill. It took a lot of effort but we got done what we wanted to do. It was not as enjoyable as it should have been, as I like to walk around at my leisure, read the names on the stones, and remember the people and the times. It was instead, jump out of the vehicle, do what you can and jump back into the vehicle. The highlight of the trip was stopping at Dale’s and having a jumbo. The restaurant looks real nice and the jumbo was the best I have ever eaten. It was delicious and made the whole trip worth while. I would go have another today if the gas prices weren’t so ridiculous.

Ernie was there wasting his time on a hamburger and fries. Ernie said they have a few roof leaks and are still doing some work on the outside of the building. I told Ernie you have to have a good roof to protect your investment otherwise everything will get ruined in know time. I know he knows that, but I told him that anyway.

Ernie said they are having a lot of problems with fires in the area. In fact all the fire equipment in the area was out fighting a fire three miles north of Dunseith. Ernie said it was the second day of fighting fire in that area. They must have stopped it as the way the wind was blowing, by now it would be knocking on Fargo’s door step.

You take care Gary, and if I get another chance to get up to Dunseith this summer, I’ll be sure and stop and eat a jumbo for you and Bill. Doesn’t that make you and Bill happy and your mouths water. to know that there are people out here thinking of you.

Larry

From Paula Fassett Pfuhl (71):

Crystal mentioned the photo she sent of Pam Fassett’s birthday party was taken in Omemee , ND . I’m just curious how many people remember the pop factory that was in Omemee? It was run by a man named Rasmussen. Our Grandpa Fassett (Bill- my dad’s dad…obviously) used to load up us ‘brats’, as he lovingly referred to his granddaughters and head to Omemee in his green & white Chevy for cases of pop. It was quite a trip. Especially since Grandpa never drove more than 45 mph – made it feel like you really going a LONG distance. Of course, he rarely stopped at a stop sign – just slowed down and always said he’d stop twice at the next one – so that may have shortened the trip up some! I remember Mr. Rasmussen wore wire rim glasses and never had the ear wires wrapped around his ears – they were always just kind of propped over his ears. And he ALWAYS treated us to a free bottle of pop – flavor of our choice – and there were many flavors – strawberry, orange, blackcherry, grape and I think he even had crème soda. It was a real treat for us……and quite the adventure!

Paula

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Dwight Lang mentioned in one of his emails how my dad, Don Johnson,
always looked overdressed for Dunseith. I can remember when we were at
the farm, dirty from working, if Dad had to go somewhere for parts,
etc., he would clean up and change clothes before he went. He didn’t
want any one to see him dirty! I have one picture of us, when we were
all in the field, when Dad was black from field work! He was that way
every day but no one ever saw him like that! He made sure of that! We
farmed quite a bit of land, our own and rented, and he did a lot of
field work and repair so he was plenty dirty real often! The picture
below was the way you will remember him but when I find the one of us
covered with dirt and grease I’ll send it!
The other photo is of Ramona Dionne [ Mona Johnson ] when she was a
sophomore at DHS in 1946. Although we aren’t related, my folks spent
time with Mona and Chuck doing things at the lake, etc. This is Mom’s
picture of Mona so they must have been together then too. Thanks Gary!!

Dick

5/19/2008 (106)

Posted on May 19, 2008 by Gary

From Dwight Lang (61):

Thank you Dick for giving me the dubious honor of being named the “Pinball Wizard”. Unfortunately. I painfully found out that these pinball skills are not that effective to beat a casino slot machine.

Now about the snow planes: They were not only for fun and games. During the winter of 49 my parents went to Dunseith. I think for a grocery run or something similar. But my brother, DuWayne, and myself were left on the farm. He would have been about ten years old and I, six. Anyway, a real ND blizzard blew up and my parents were stuck in town. This was before we had electricity or a phone on the farm. We did have cattle of course and DuWayne and I were left with the watering and feeding. We ran out of hay in the barn after a few days and ended up carrying grain several hundred yards (it seemed like a mile) through deep snow to keep them nourished. We had a set of snow ski to use or it would have been near impossible. Of course to water the cattle, we had to break the ice in the tank and manually pump (not fun!) the well. Now all was not pain and suffering. DuWayne, during a stretch of boredom, thought up a new game. Take the shotgun with two shells and go back in the trees and see how many sparrows you could come back with. Again I can’t remember if the shotgun was a 16 or 12 gage. But I do recall being knocked on my butt in the snow and the sore shoulder this six year old got from this new game. I quit after on go around.

The blizzard blew for a couple days but then it cleared up but all the roads were impassable. I believe it was after about five days we heard a distant roar. It turned out to be a snow plane with our Dad, Adam, on board with some groceries. I can’t remember whose snow plane it was (I think it was Dale Gottbreitt’s) but I was sure happy to see it. Also, I can’t remember if our Mother, Charlotte, was along or if she came later. I do recall that the US Army came to our rescue by pushing snow out from around the barn and the haystacks whereas we could harness old Chubb and Nancy and haul in some hay. What a winter! Sure glad I’m in Tucson, AZ during the winters when I think back on those good old days.

Well, this story has gotten long enough. Just want to say “Hi” to the rest of the survivors.

Dwight AKA “Pinball Wizard”

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

The picture of Pam Fassett’s birthday party reminded me of a few years
later when I was at Mark Anderson’s in the back of the Gamble store. He
had the neatest toy I had ever seen up until then. It was a complete
Standard gas station with pumps and all the stuff you would have seen in
a real station. It had two garage stalls and real windows and doors. It
was made from tin, as plastic was not the norm yet. I remember playing
all afternoon with this little station and thinking it was more fun than
anything I had ever played with. I hated to go home that day! It’s funny
how these old pictures can trigger the memory to remember things from
over 50 years ago! Thanks Crystal and Gary!!

Dick

5/17/2008 (105)

Posted on May 17, 2008 by Gary

From Rod Samski (65):

Donald Egbert was the one who pushed my buttons with the snow in the face during recess but I have never forgotten the day Mark threw the scissors. I sat one row over to the left from Mark and one desk forward. When Mark threw the scissors at the back wall of the classroom. Both Billy Grady and Donald Egbert were standing almost together so I never really new who Mark was throwing the scissors at. As Allen said Mark did have a pretty good arm, the scissors REALLY did stick in the wall. And Miss Conroy gave Mark a good shaking that day.

The conversations of the snow planes reminded me of when Dale Gottbreht used to come out to our farm to see my dad, Gene Samski and they would go coyote hunting. Dad always said Dale scared the heck out of him the way he drove the snow plane. Another thing Dale really new his livestock, Dad bought several good breading bulls from him.

Rod Samski

Donald Egbert (65) – July 2007

From Shirley Brennan (60):

Dear Gary will you please send this Randy Kelly. Thanks Shirley Brennan

Dear Randy you might know me I gradduated with Cleo, I saw him at our school reunion such a nice man, anyway I think you look so much alike. I think your Dad and my Dad were close friends.

Shirley Brennan

Note: I do not have Randy Kelly on our distribution list. Some of you may have his address and can forward this on to him, for Shirley. Thanks, Gary

Message/Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Good Morning! Spring has finally arrived in the Pembina Valley Gorge,here in Walhalla ND. The sun is shining and it is 60 degrees at 10 am. I enjoy all the pictures everyone posts and thought I better add one more from my Dad Bill Fassett’s album. It is Pam Fassett’s birthday party,in Omemee ND. Mark Anderson,Susan Fassett,Pam Fassett,John Morgan & Dick Johnson. Thanks Gary ,once again for starting this. We are leaving for the month of June to go to Alaska,(our 2nd trip). So I will look forward to “catching up” when we get home in July. Oh, and Remember our Veteran’s next weekend. That is what Memorial Day is all about and if everyone hasn’t send a donation to the cemetery where their friends and relatives are buried,NOW would be a good time. Thanks again. Crystal Fassett Andersen

Comment: This picture must have been taken in 1950. With 3 candles, this must be Pam’s 3rd birth. Her birthday is November 30th and I think she was born in 1947. I think Dick Johnson was born in 1950 and by the looks of this picture he’s not even a year old yet. Gary

Picture (11/30/1950) L to R:

Mark Anderson, Susan Fassett, Pam Fassett, John Morgan & Dick Johnson

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary, thought everyone would enjoy these pictures. Bev

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Bev, I see it was last November that I sent these pictures out, so there are a lot of

folks that have not seen them. Gary

Top Pictue: Dan McKay & Pam Lagerquist

Bottom Pictue: Toni Morinville & Randy Kelly

5/16/2008 (104)

Posted on May 16, 2008 by Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Hi everyone , Yes I am growing stronger each day…..I am feeling really good haven’t felt this good for about 3 years . I haven’t been on my puter much cause I to have a wedding this weekend . My son Cody is marrying his high school sweetie Diana this Sat. So we have been busy. Thank u all for your prayers and as u can see we still need allot of prayer for pppl we know that are sick. Sharon I am happy to hear Sally is doing better. Colette congrads on winning the award , I always remember the art u did when we were kids. Cheryl and Diane Larson were here and we had a very nice visit. We laughed till we cried about how much Cheryl and I look like our moms. Gary thank for what u do. Bev (Morinville) Azure 72

From Donna LaCroix Allard (64):

Dear Gary,

What a nice picture of you and your wife.I loved the picture of the family on the motor cycle also. What a way to save gas.

Colette your work is wonderful. Your are so talented. How long will it take you to finish the project? I would also like to compliment you on your looks . You sure don’t look or act like a gal that could be in her 60′s!!!!Hard to believe the class of 64 has also reached the 60′s in years.

I would like to send my condolence to Jim and Sharon Hanson losing their son. Jim lived with us on the Ernest LaCroix farm for a while. After the choirs were done in the evening Jim would get on one of the horses and head north across highway 5 to spend the evening with Sharon. Was fun memories.

Gary thank you again for keeping us up to date on the Dunseith going’s on and the past memories.

Donna LaCroix Allard Class of 1964

I just happen to have a picture of Donna with her cousin Randy Kelly.

Randy is currently serving on President George Bush’s Staff. Gary

Picture/Message from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

The picture of my old pal, Rich Campbell, prompted me to send one from
51 years ago! The picture is of Patty Fassett, Rich, and me with our
bikes in 1957. The other photo is Patty and me at the farm in 1964 the
day I taught her to drive the old Ford tractor. I tried to teach her to
drive an old Studebaker the year before, but we had a little trouble
with some trees that were in the wrong place! I spent the rest of that
day teaching her autobody repair! Dad’s car, you know how it goes!

Dick

5/15/2008 (103)

Posted on May 15, 2008 by Gary

Blog (103) posted on May 15, 2008

Update on Sally Longie From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Sally is back home in Belcourt Hospital. She can’t put
any pressure on her ankle so she will be laid up for
another 3 weeks or so. She can’t start rehab until she
can step on the ankle to some degree. That’s all I know
for now. She is still on pain medication while she is
healing but she can have visitors.
Once again I would like to thank all those who sent me
emails and updates.

From Bobbie Slyter (70):

To Debbie Morinville: Congrats on the new grandchild and the two boys getting married, also you will be in my prayers when you have your surgery, law know like your sister Bev that you are a fighter and all will be well. love, Bobbie Slyter

From Dave Slyter (70):

Deb Morniville Marmon,

First Congratulations on your first baby grand daughter. They are a joy, aren’t they. Have fun watching her grow up as they do so fast.

Also I will put you on my prayer list. I know when people pray things do work out for the best. You will do just fine. Be Brave. Just look at your sister Bev. She is doing fine and still improving, right Bev?

Gary:

The picture of the Freshman (65) ladies is hilarious. Billy Grimme and Allen Richard never look so good. lol

Thanks for all you do and for sharing everything with us.

Dave Slyter

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Hi Ginger, Thanks for the name. I’m sure the sculptor you mentioned is Bruce LaFountain….I know him well from the old days and also Presley LaFountain. Another home town (Dunseith area artist) here in Santa Fe that I know is Rollie Grandbois. It’s a small world…….

Colette

From Allen Richard (65):

One more on snow planes. Somebody mounted a mower sickle vertically on the front of a snow plane so they wouldn’t need to go through gates when chasing rabbits. I think it worked pretty well — judging by the number of holes in my fences the next spring —–

From Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher):

Gary, you have a very attractive wife. Ardys Horner

Thank you Ardys, Gary

More achieved pictures, Gary

Rich Campbell (68) July 2007

July 2007

Deb Morinville Marmon (70) & Colette Pigeon Schimetz(70)

Family Transportation in the Philippines.

This picture was taken several months ago by some friends of ours. This is probably a

115cc Honda loaded down with 8 passengers & Misc. Items.

5/14/2008 (102)

Posted on May 14, 2008 by Gary

From Ann Carbonneau O’connell:

Yes, my dad,Emery Carbonneau,constructed many snow planes in his day. I believe about 17 or so of them. He used drop tanks from airplanes for some,but when they were unavailable he used aluminum piping and stretched canvas over to make the body.The canvas had to have a coat of fiberglass to strenghthen it and I suppose it helped keep the canvas dry.I spent some time helping mix up that fiberglass that came in a powder form and had to be mixed up with a nasty smelling catalist. If mixed too strong it actually smoked. Of course I liked smoke. When airplane propellers became too expensive to be feasable to use he and mom made a trip to Fort Worth, Texas to the prop factory. When he returned home we were orphand for weeks while dad constructed his new toy out in the shop. He made his own turning lathe and it worked mighty fine. Props on snow planes had to be replaced often for reasons afore mentioned. It was a great time to grow up and excitement was at peak when the snow plane came out. It also ment a lot of company that were all invited in for coffee and goodies. Mom and reside in Bottineau now but make nearly daily trips to the farm. Dad did not keep a snow plane for himself, so it is fun to hear where some have ended up. Thanks,Gary, for this great oppertunity to come together and share our stories and memories. I enjoy all the information and keep those pictures comming–especially you Fassett girls.

From Bob Hosmer (56):

Hi Gary and all,

Thinking of snow, I do remember the ride I had with my Dad, Jack Hosmer. It was as you described it Bill, only I remember us actually running into a number of trees that were part of a shelter belt, I believe. The image I have in mind as I sat in back of my dad was his reaching for the top of the steering wheel which was actually half a wheel–something like steering apparatus that needed only a half-circle. He was reaching for the top of the wheel that wasn’t there to move the snow away from the trees when the skies hit the gravel and pulled the craft toward the shelter belt. Dad looked like a raccoon for a few days with swollen black eyes and nose.

Really appreciate connecting with all of you. What interesting experiences you have all had. It triggers a lot of memories in me, too.

Bob Hosmer (56)

From Deb Morinville Marmon (70):

Hi Gary

I just wanted to update everyone on many events to come in my household. On April 22 my youngest daughter Kelsey gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Aysah Jayne Abbott and is our first granddaughter that we get to spoil. We have 2 grandsons already. Then on Sat May 24th both my sons are getting married in a double ceremony to their girlfriends of 6 years. Following that I will be having surgery on the 28th to remove a large polyp in my colon and will be spending a considerable amount of time in the hospital. I am diabetic and that carries an extra risk. This is my 12th surgery in 10 years, believe it or not, but none have had any complications so I don’t anticipate any this time. But I would request that any prayer warriors out there among the Dunseith crowd would offer up a short one for my family. They tend to be a little protective and they worry about me.

I so enjoy the stories and pictures that you all send and the anticipation of returning to my computer will help speed my recovery so keep then coming.

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

To Collette,from Ginger, In reply to the sculpturer in Santa Fe, he isn’t
my cousin, but a cousin of one of the people I had traveled with. I know
his last name is LaFontaine, I don’t recall his first name.

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

Gary,
Your wife, Bernadette, looks lovely on the picture, but you just look very business-like, not like her father at all.
It was fun to meet you last summer! I remember your folks so well and you kids were younger than I.
Chuck and Geri (Metcalfe) Munro

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

Just thought about the pinball machines at the bowling alley. I got a
couple emails from Dwight Lang and we reminisced back and forth about
the old days. I hung around the bowling alley [Garden Lanes] quite a bit
when I was young and remember the two pinball machines that stood
against the north wall. Dwight was a master when it came to pinball, at
least in my eyes. He usually won games each time he played and when he
got tired of it he left and we played the rest of his games. I thought
he was the real ” Pinball Wizard “. I won’t tell on Dwight, but SOME
guys knew if you lifted the front of the machine and then dropped it
just when you dropped your nickel in it would roll up a bunch of extra
games! Maybe Dwight knew that?? Ha Ha!! Just another short memory of the
old days in Dunseith! And by the way Gary, who is the young gal you
talked into standing by you for the picture at the hotel? Just kidding,
very nice picture of you both! Thanks!

Dick

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe

These are some achieve pictures that I have on file. Gary

L to R: Class of 65 freshman initiation – 1961.

Pretty sexy, right Larry Hackman.

Kenny Nerpel? or Rene Casavant?, John Awalt, Bill Grimme, Allen Richard

5/13/2018 (101)

Posted on May 13, 2008 by Gary

Request from Curt & Ann Rotto (Dunseith Lutheran Pastor 64-68):

Please add us to your Dunseith “update” list.

Thanks.

Curt and Ann Rotto

From from Bobby Slyter (70):

That is a great pic of you and your wife.

Bobby, Thank you. Unlike me, Bernadette has actually retained her youthful look over the years. Lipstick is about the only make up she uses. She’s been asked many times, over the years, if I’m her father. On June 28th she will be 60. We are the same age for 3 weeks each year. December 3rd, this year, will be our 30th anniversary. Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

hi Gary, I just wanted to tell u thank u again for all u are doing . I spent the after with Cheryl and Diane Larson, and we had a blast. Also I figured that when i didn’t get a letter from u yesterday they stole it again. and last but not least the pic of u and your lovely wife is very nice. thanks again Gary for all u do for us. Bev Azure 72

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

You are so very welcome Bev. It is my pleasure. Gary

From Diane Hll Moline (75):

I recall Manvil Sebelius having a snow plane. They lived just
across the creek from us. Tim & Greg may remember more about
the specifics of it. What I remember is he gave us a
frightening ride in it. He also lost a couple fingers spinning
the propeller trying to get it started!

Diane Hill Moline (75)

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and Friends. Recently in a dialogue about snow planes Allen
Richard mentioned a design using aircraft external fuel tanks, and
that Emery may have assembled them. My dad, Jack Hosmer had one of
these and in a test run on someones land south of Dunseith, he and
my brother Bob were aboard. I do not remember the details, I was
out of town, but Dad hit a spot of gravel somehow, lost lateral
control and ran into the only tree within miles. Dad had two black
eyes, and I think my brother got away scot free. Right Bob???

Tomorrow, 14 May my wife Pat and I head for home. Will stop in
Santa Fe, NM to see my artist cousin Colette Hosmer, and get a
report on her latest China venture, and up and coming sculpture for
the City of Santa Fe. Find her on he web site
www.colettehosmer.com. The arrival at the hills of home will be
next Sunday. It will be great to get back into the company of the
likes of those musicians, mechanics, hunters, car guys, golfers,
historians, and businessmen who make our home country interesting
and comfortable. Cheers, Bill Hosmer

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

Another snowplane story. Allen Richard mentioned that Emery Carbonneau
had built a snowplane using a drop tank from an airplane. It was built
for Carmen and Garrett Myer and is still sitting up at Carmen’s farm in
the hills. I just looked at it a couple years ago. It has fallen prey to
the weather and time, but Carmen bought another snowplane just a few
years back and has that one in his storage building ready to go. There
is a story about the Schultz brothers from just east of Omemee, who
built a snowplane using a huge old radial airplane engine. It was said
that one of the brothers had to follow with a pickup with the box full
of gas cans just to keep it going. The big radial really liked her gas!
I think Emery also had made a prop making machine. I talked to him
several times about weight, ski type, and other technical stuff when I
first got my snowplanes. He is a sharp guy and sure gave me lots of good
advice. Curt Halvorson also told me what works best and what doesn’t
when it comes to skis and props etc. These guys still knew their stuff
after many years, and sure helped me out! Thanks to them and to Gary!!

Dick

Message/Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Gary & Men I don’t know much about snowplanes,just that my Uncle Emery Carbonneau had one I remember getting a ride in it. Knowing Emery,it is probably still out at the farm. Anyway,I am enclosing a picture of a snowcar that friends of ours in Watford City built and I guess cause lots of converstaion around those parts when they go “out for a drive”. Crystal

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

2008 Dunseith High School Graduating Seniors

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Dunseith News – May 6, 2008

5/12/2008 (100)

Posted on May 12, 2008 by Gary

Note: Our phone wires got stolen again for the 3rd time in the past 2 weeks, so I was unable to send a message yesterday. Gary

From Marie Iverson Staub (60):

HI Gary

I wanted to get back to you on your question about the cruise. We flew to Ft.Lauderdale and

stayed at the Embassy Suites on Thursday night and they took us to the cruise ship on Friday,

(MS Volendam). we left at 5 PM and arrived in Cartagena, Columbia at 7:45 AM on the 14th

of April. We did a tour of the city. On Tuesday the 15th we went thru the Panama Canal . We

left and commenced the sea voyage and arrived on the 17th in Puntarenas. We did the Pacific Aerial Tram which was my favorite tour.

The 18th and the 19th were spent at sea. We arrived in Manzanillo at 10:52 AM.on the 20th

We did a city and shopping tour. We left there at 8:00 PM .We arrived at 8 AM in Puerto Vallarta and did a tour called Town,Country and Tequila. It was very interesting I really didn’t plan on trying any of the Tequila but after the fifth sample it was tasting really good. Especially the

chocolate and peach flavors. YUM! YUM! We left at 9:35 PM heading for Mazatlan. Arrived there

at 7:20 AM and did a deluxe city tour and got to see cliff divers and the Papantla Flyers.

We left there at 1:41 PM on the 22nd heading for Topolobampo and arrived at 4:30 AM. This is were you can do the Copper River Canyon train several people on the cruise went on it but it was a 18 hour tour and we had heard from several people that you really need to do that tour and spend two or three days to do it right. So we went on a tour of Los Mochis and it was

interesting as we were able to do some shopping were the local people shop. Left Topolobampo

at 11:10 PM for Cabo San Lucas arriving there on the 24th. We were tendered in and just walked around the area everyone decided we had enough of the tours.

The ship left Cabo at 5:00 PM heading for San Diego we arrived there on the 26th of April.

We went to Old Town and more shopping. The ship left there 5:03 PM and headed for Victoria arrived there on the 29th at 2:45 PM and then on to Vancouver on the 30th. I was so ready to come home that was really to long but several people would have wanted to keep going but not

me.

I bet your sorry you asked were we went.

Marie Iverson (Staub) 60

Marie, I am glad I asked you about your cruise. Sounds like you had an enjoyable trip. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

Hi Gary, I remember the snowplanes Tim Martinson is talking about. My uncle Floyd Dion, cousin Curt Halvorson, Terry Halvorson, Dennis Dion, plus many others all had a part in building those snowplanes. One was built for my uncle Harvey Halvorson which was the one sitting by Floyd’s garage. They used to bring that thing up to Willow Lake and we all would take turns getting rides in that thing. It was so much fun and very loud. That brings back a lot of great memories for me growing up in the “hills”.

Lynn Halvorson Otto (75). ps My brother Mike has a lot of old movies of my uncle Harvey’s of those snowplane days.

From Allen Richard (65):

More on Snow planes. A number of guys had them on the prairie. They didn’t work as well in the hills — no brakes and too many things to hit.

Manvil Sebelius had one in the 50′s. I think that is how he lost a couple of fingers — not sure what happened but the prop hacked them of. Somebody said he found them in his mitten.

Gary Pigeon had one he built himself. Tried to build one form an old VW body but it was too heavy. So he went to sheet aluminum and conduit. The last one he built had a 125 HP engine. He and Russell hunted rabbits and fox for a couple winters. I remember he at one time had a 2 ton grain truck full of rabbits — It was the middle of the winter and they were frozen solid. We all remember Russell as being a “pedal to the metal” guy and it didn’t much matter what he drove. Same with that snow plane–he drove and Gary was the gunner. Gary would pop open the hatch above the back seat, stand up and fire away. I drove for him a few times. The trick for hitting the target was to let up on the gas when the hatch popped open. The plane would float on the back skis instead of pounding you with a lot of pressure on the front ski. The problem was ejecting shells that went through the prop. They would knock the leading edge off and the engine would vibrate like crazy. Gary’s temporary fix? Grab the vice grip and break off a similar size chunk on the other blade. and if it worked ok — keep hunting. One Sunday we bagged so many rabbits that we had to swing by his place to unload ——- three times.

After breaking the prop with shells a few times Gary went up to some place in Canada with a tape measure and notebook and took the dimensions from a machine that would cut props from a model. Then he came home and built a machine from the drawings. He would put a laminated piece of hardwood in the machine, turn it on and come back in an hour or so, flip the wood over and cut the other side. Then some final sanding and balancing, a coat of varnish and he was ready to hunt.

I remember John Bedard heading south along # 3 one day in his Pontiac. Gary told me to floor the pedal and the race was on. We had about 3 miles of soil bank and the ditches we full of snow. I don’t recall how fast John said we were going, but it was way past stupid and approaching death wish. Good thing we had a good half mile to coast it down.

Somebody once said that Emery Carbonneau was building one with the external fuel tank from some military plane, but I don’t know what happened with that.

Allen

Snowplanes/Picures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

Reading Floyd’s and Tim’s comments about snowplanes really caught my
attention! Although they were abandoned from use in the late sixties,
some have survived. State laws prohibiting hunting from a moving vehicle
basically brought about their demise. The other factor was the invention
of the snowmobile which kind of took the place of the snowplane for snow
travel. I always liked these homemade machines and about 15 years ago I
found two of them that were for sale, so I made a deal and bought them.
I was invited to a snowplane rally in 1995 at Tolna, ND, where other
guys with this same interest were gathered. We had a cross country ride
for many miles and then a chili feed and refreshments on our return. It
was one of the most nostalgic and fun days I have had for many years. We
formed a group we called the Prairie Snowplaners and have had rallies,
annually, up until the last two years when there hasn’t been enough
snow. Since then I have bought several more snowplanes and parts. If any
one is interested, I have a couple VHS tapes from past rallies I would
share.
Floyd wrote about the Renault car body they used for one sled. John
Boguslawski and I asked Curt Halvorson what he was going to do with the
chassis, [ engine, transmission, and steering, etc. ], Curt gave it to
us! We came up to our farm and got a Model T frame off a discarded hay
rack and built a “dune buggy”. We actually scared ourselves once and
THEN built a rollcage. We painted it pastel yellow with house paint and
had quite a rig! Floyd, if I remember correctly, didn’t you break some
ribs or something while hunting in the Renault-bodied snowplane? I seem
to remember something about that, could be wrong! I have attached a
couple pictures taken of my snowplane taken at one of the rallies.
Thanks Gary!

Picture taken Mothers day, 2008, at the Marco Polo hotel,

following a buffet dinner, in Cebu, Philippines

Bernadette & Gary Stokes

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

5/11/2008 (99)

Posted on May 11, 2008 by Gary

Dick Johnson’s (68) (Nicknames):

Gary
> Larry’s story about the bakery sure made me laugh! I had forgotten his
> nickname was Half Pint, until now! How did you get that name? I remember
> Russell Pigeon was Sadie, Val Moyer was Kruschev, Dan Bogus was Worm,
> Connie Mellmer was Goose, and poor Marvin Kalk was Scum.

> Please add and send it back to Gary.

> Dick

Larry Hackman (66) (NIcknames):

Julian Kalk was Kakhy, Vince Kalk was Big Iron, Gary Pigeon was Shaky, Greg
Grimme was Grime, Allen Stokes was Big Alley, John Bogus was Bogie, Ronnie
Johnson was Big Chip, Vernolle Hill was Colonel Klink, Merle Allard was The
Fox, Dwight Coleman was Blackie, Jim Evans was Heifer, Tom Evans was Buff,
Jay Vanorny was Fuzz, Terry Martinson was Grease Pot, Tim Martinson was
Bear, Keith Pladson was Tarzan, Clayton Coleman was C.J., Anton Hackman
was Sluggo, Gary Houle was A.J., Donald Egbert was Lee May, Henry Hackman
was Hank, Andy Patnaude was Jigs, just a few but there were many more.
Who did we miss?

From Gary Morgan (54):

Good Story Larry! It took some of us longer than others to get the message that gifts with cords are reserved for wedding showers.

Gary Morgan
Class of 54

From Bev Morinville Azure:

Larry, You tell the best stories I laughed till i cryed at the christmas story. Hats off to Grandma she was a wise old woman huh. lmao Bev (Morinville) Azure

From Mel Kuhn (70:

Gary,

As usual Larry tells another great story. I just wanted to add my 2 favorite electric motors to his list. The one that replaced the handle on the pump for the well and the one that replaced the crank on the cream separator. As for all the little useless do-dads mine usually don’t get stored in the dark recesses anywhere. I have trouble believing that they actually work as terrible as they do. As I like to tinker I usually tear them apart in an attempt to, as Tim Allen would say, re-wire them and make them work and after much frustration throw them out. Larry, the only problem with your stories is that they are too far apart, they spark many a memory that are buried amidst a lot of dead brain cells. Keep them coming.

Mel Kuhn [70]

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

I want to relay a story I remember about Lawrence Hetle Jr. and his red
and white 57 Ford two door hardtop. We would have been in high school
but I don’t remember the year for sure. It was around 1966. Lawrence had
decided to put this huge Lincoln or Mercury engine in his car. The
engine didn’t fit in the engine compartment very well but he bent and
twisted things and finally got it in there! There wasn’t any room for
him to hook up a gas pedal so temporarily he had a wire running in from
the carburetor through the dash. We were all hanging out at the drive-in
when Lawrence came cruising in with his car. He was all smiles with his
accomplishment, and rightfully so, it was quite a feat! When he was
ready to leave, we asked if it would squeal the tires! He drove out onto
the street heading east from the drive-in and while looking back over
his shoulder, he jerked the throttle wire and lit up the tires! Now so
far this is cool, however, the wire stuck and the throttle stayed wide
open! He laid rubber from side to side on the street and the car got
wilder and wilder each time it switched directions. He was heading for
Hackman’s house on the corner when the throttle snapped back and he got
it under control! I remember some of the kids at the drive-in covering
their heads, thinking they were about to see a mess! He drove home quite
slowly and fixed his throttle! I ran into Lawrence at Kelvin last summer
and asked him about the incident. He grinned and said, ” I nearly ____”!
I guess he also remembered!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Allen Richard (65):

Read on to find out about the book written by Lanette (Beechler) Richard. She is the wife of Mark Richard, youngest son of my uncle Floyd and Aunt Carmen (Leonard) Richard of Rolette.

From: carmel@utma.com
Subj: book

I am so excited, my daughter-in-law Lanette (Mark’s wife) has written a children’s book intitled “Tommy and Sara’s Country Adventures” and it just came from the publisher today. It is geared for the pre-teen age group, probably age 10-14. It is a delightfully wholesome book and deals with life in rural North Dakota. It is illustrated by Max Stasuyk.

    The book will sell for $10.95 plus postage.

    If you are interested you may call her at 701-246-3465 or email me and I will see to it that you get one.

    She just came over this afternoon to show it to me and we had to toast her accomplishment with a glass of sparkling grape juice. I am just delighted for her and wanted to share the joy with you. There may even be a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Bismarck or Minot.

Message/Picture from Tim Martinson (69):

Hi Gary, Missed a couple of your emails #81 & #97. I’ve been

laying low lately enjoying your posts wondering who is going to

get up the nerve to send off a memory and hope it is worthy of

jogging the memories of others.

I had talked to Floyd Dion about the snow plane that used to sit along side his garage and here is his reply.

Hi Tim

That snowplane that you talked about belonged to Luella’s brother Halvorson. Curt Halvorson and myself built it , maybe we had other help too. We used conduit pipe for the frame and enclosed it with tin. We had a 65 horsepower airplane engine. It had 2 skis in the rear and one ski in the front.

Then later on we got a Renault car coupe body and a 85 horse engine. Other people that had one were Jim Coleman, and one of the Pigeon boys, and there were other people that had them also. We used to hunt fox and jack rabbits�on the prairie. We had a lot of fun with with those snowplanes.

Well Tim thats about all for this round now.

Floyd

I have not been able to track down a picture of the snowplanes used in the Dunseith area so pulled this one off of the internet to give everyone

an idea of the one Floyd talks about. �I can just imagine taking off across the prairie with one of these.

Take Care, Tim

Picture, July 12, 2007 (Class of 65), Bunch of 60 year olds looking at old school pictures, L to R:

Evie Gottbreht, Kenny Nerpel, Margaret Metcalf, Cecile Berube, Patty Boguslawski, Phyllis McKay,

John Bedard, Warren Anderson & Margaret Bedard

Picture, July 12, 2007

Marcy & Henry Hackman (65), Back table – Shirley (59) & Lana (64) LaRocque and Susan Fassett (65) &

Dean Helgeson (65)

5/9/2008 (98)

Posted on May 9, 2008 by Gary

From the Tim Hill Family/Friends:

Dunseith Alumni & Friends:The Hill families would like to thank everyone who attended the
Benefit or sent contributions for Tim & Laurie Hill & family.
We had a good turn out. It was fun seeing so many Dunseith
people there. The benefit fund will remain available to
receive contributions for those who were unable to attend:
United Community Bank; Tim Hill Medical Fund; PO Box 10;
Burlington, ND 58722.

Tim just returned from his monthly visit to Rochester. He is
currently battling a cold, or bronchitis, or whatever crudd has
been going around. He is on an antiabotic and is being closely
monitored. This is very hard on him. We ask you to keep Tim in
your prayers for strength and healing, and the opportunity of
receiving a heart and kidney donor.

Tim said I could give his e-mail address if anyone wanted to
contact him personally. It is hillklan@srt.com.

Thank you again for you kindness and support. Diane Hill
Moline (75), Mom-Murl Watkins Hill (50), Brenda Mueller (70),
Greg Hill (72), Joanne Evans (74), Bruce Hill (80), and Lynn
McKay (82); and Laurie Evans Hill (75).

From Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher):

Gary it was good to see a photo of you and Stan Salmonson who is the godfather of my daughter Heather, Joan worked at the school
while I was teaching there and they became good friends. I am interested in finding out what Gayl Lamoureux is doing these days,
I still remember the day she broke her ankle and her horse got away and she was afraid to take off her boot because she knew it would swell right away.
Ardys Bakken Horner

From Loretta Neameyer Wall (72):

To Randy Flynn, That was interesting news about Sister Albert. My sister and I went to the Academy for 2 years (7th and 8th grade). We remember Sister Albert with many, many fond memories. She is a neat gal.

Loretta J. Neameyer-Wall

From Allen Richard (65):

To Randy Flynn:

Thank you so much for the update on Sister Albert. The nuns all wore black and white habits back then. I had no idea how old she was. If you know of any way I can send her greetings please let me know. Do you know anything about her mental condition? Having me in class probably didn’t help it a lot!!

Allen Richard

From Marie Iverson Staub (60):

Hi Gary,

Were back from our cruise, it was great fun but 3 weeks was to long to be on a boat. The weather was beautiful but the humidity was to high in a lot of the places.

I missed getting your emails.

Marie Staub

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Colette,
All I can say is that I am proud that you are my cousin and I admire
your wonderful talent! Can’t wait to see you this summer.
Diane

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and FriendsI recognized the center picture of the creamery fire of January 1950 to
be the back of the barber shop where the Godfreys lived. It had that
brick entry on a quonset style building that was finished on the inside.
CJ Coleman got the job of demolishing the barbershop and the drugstore
and I drove truck for him, hauling debris to the landfill. I was able to
save the 18 by 36 quonset and moved it home for a storage building. The
south side was wrinkled and slightly rusted from exposure to the
creamery fire. On the inside of the building on one metal rafter it said
“Awalt and Melhouse–1948″, written in yellow chalk. I found this when I
removed the inner lining and insulation before moving the building. Just
thought it was interesting! Thanks Crystal for the pictures, and Gary
for the site!

Dick

Story from Larry Hackman (66):

Gary

End Of An Era

Electricity arrived on our farm in the Turtle Mountians in about the year, 1953. A yard light to light up the farm yard and lights in the house were the first electric items installed. The kerosene lamps were retired to the top of the cupboard and were brought down only when the electricity was knocked out by lightning or a storm. A radio was the next electrical item purchased, as I remember waking up to it. My mother would put it on every morning and listen to it, as she went about her work in the kitchen. The next electrical item was a new electric singer sewing machine. I remember traveling to Bottineau with my parents to pick it up. My mother was so thrilled to get it. She loved building dresses for my sisters. The old sewing machine that was powered by her foot on a rocking pedal was traded in for the new machine. You really had to be coordinated to sew with one of them old machines.

Husbands really got caught up in this phenomenon called electricity. When it became time to get a gift for the wife, whether it be for a brithday, anniversary, Valentines Day, Christmas, or for any other holiday or reason, he would get her, a electrical kitchen appliance. It was the best of both worlds. The kitchen appliance usually made the job of preparing food or some other tedious task easier. This of course made the wife happy. The end product of these appliances was food, this of course made us men happy.

Them pictures on the appliance containers and the thought of new recipes, made our mouths water.

The toaster with sliced store bought bread and sweet butter was a great invention. So great, that we did not even notice the mouth watering smell of baking bread disappearing from the kitchen.

The electric coffee percolator was a must in every kitchen. Everyone tryed to out do each other with these coffee pots. It seemed every time you went to have coffee with someone that they would have a taller, sleeker, more shiny electric coffee pot to display in the center of the table or on the counter.

The waffle iron was another great gift. I think we had waffles every kind of way you could have waffles for a while. My favorite was putting the batter into the iron and then adding strips of hickory smoked bacon, and cooking them together. mmm-mmm good.

There were many other great kitchen appliances, such as the crockpot, the microwave oven and of course the Bunn drip coffee maker. We could not stand to be without our Bunns.

Then there were the not so great kitchen appliances, that made more work then they saved. The fry daddy, the George Foreman grills, the blenders, the slicers and dicers, the toaster ovens, the pretzel twiisters, and the candle stick makers. These electrical appliances would gradually diappear from the kitchen counter and be stored in the darkest corners at the bottom of the cupboard or in the back corner of the basement somewhere. Some never to return to the light of day and some would only make an occasional appearance.

Us men, however, failed to pick up on the disapperance of these appliances. Some were disappearing without ever being used. We just continued watching the commercials and other advertisements for all these great gadgets to make all these great foods to look and taste better. We continued buying them as gifts for our spouses, more or less thinking of the food rather then work it was going to take to make this food or worse yet, the clean-up of the appliance. The clean-up is probably the greatest downfall of most kitchen appliances. So, it was bound to happen?

It was Christmas. My son-in-law and daughter and their family were at his folks house for Christmas Eve celebration and gift opening. Other people at the house, were my son-in-laws, three brothers and their families. Gift opening for the grandchildren and the children was completed. It was time for everyone to sit back and relax and watch Grandpa and grandma ( dad and mom) open their gifts. Everything was going great. Everyone was owwing and awwing over the gifts that they were taking turns in opening. Then the last of the gifts were placed in their laps. Their gifts from each other. Dad, Grandpa opened his, it was great, just what he wanted. He looked at his wife and smiled and said thank you. The Gandchildren began to cheer, and beg for Mom, Grandma to open her gift. She tore the Christmas wrap off, and there in her lap was a box with pictures of curly fries all over it. She was staring at it in amazement. Grandpa was smiling with pleasure. His four sons were proud and smiling with approval as they knew their dad had nailed the gift giving dilemma again. Their thumbs were up and they knew immediately what they were going to get their wives next. They could see themselves sitting back and eating deep fried curly fries, just like Arbys makes, until their tummys hurt.

Then Mom, Grandma spoke! With a tear in her eye. She looked straight at her husband, and she said,” If you ever get me another gift with a cord attached to it, I’m going to shove it up your donkey (ass)”. Then something happened, that doesn’t happen often for a mother-in-law. The four daughter-in-laws all looked over at their mother-in-law with smiles of approval.

The End of an Era!

larry

Message/Pictures From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65):

Hi Gary,

I started an email to you and attached one picture then it disappeared….so hopefully this is not a duplicate…..

The fishing trip pictures are probably all from the 50’s….My folks, Alma and Dale were friends with Lucien and Hannah Bedard and Janet and Bill Evans.

I was thinking that John Bedard might be able to identify more of the people than I did….I know his Grandfather is in the group.

The Brodeck’s (Tessie is in the pictures) lived across the street from us when we lived in town by the Sister’s….so the Gottbreht Gang was a photo taken by Ted Brodeck. George and Ernie have on cowboy shirts from Penny’s and Grandpa George bought them black leather cowboy boots with red tops to complete the outfit…..I didn’t get any….my first memory of jealousy LOL.

It was a special blessing to have Janet and Bill Evans in my life; they were my God-parents. Janet was a great influence on me, along with my Aunt Cora Mongeon, we all loved pretty things. I never missed a visit with Janet when I went home to Dunseith…after all the years we still talked church, decorating and flowers….some things never change. I have a collection of costume jewelry pins from some of my aunts and favorite people in my life. I have attached these pins to velvet ornaments and each year I put them on my stairway garland. These people are thought of and memories shared of them each Christmas when friends admire this collection. I have two beautiful pins Janet gave me the year before she died and pins from Auntie Cora that Uncle Roland gave me when I lived with him the year after Cora died in 1966. I credit him with starting my collection.

Evie Pilkington

949-246-6984

5/8/2008 (2034)

Posted on May 8, 2008 by Gary

From Betty Lamoureux Malone Badgett (49):

Thank you for adding me to your distribution list – after talking with Shirley yesterday – I found my 1947 “Wahoo” year book – and had a great time reading the comments from Dunseith friends and classmates – brought back a whole lot of memories!

My sophomore year of high school was the only year I went to High School in Dunseith – although I, of course, attended the first eight years of grade school there. And spent summers in Dunseith.

Thanks again. Betty Lamoureux Malone Badgett (I was married twice).

Request from Rob Olson (79):

Gary-

Please put me on your email list. I graduated from Dunseith in 1979. My
mother was Loraine Somers and I see that some of the attachments are of her
singing. I would love to receive some of her songs.

Thanks
Rob Olson
Grand Forks, ND 58201

From Randy Flynn (70):

Gary,

To Allen Richard and others who attended Notre Dame Academy in
Willow City.

Allen, when I read the message from you about Notre Dame
Academy in Willow City and Sister Albert, I thought you would
want to be updated on your grade school teacher, Sister Albert.
Sister Albert Marie ( Helen Burkhartsmeier ) is my wife’s
great Aunt. I am sure you remember her calling you “sugar
lump, sweetie pie, honey bunch”. She was still saying those
words when she was 70 and planning to retire. I know she
enjoyed teaching the younger grades, especially if you spoke
French with her. When Sister Albert heard of your
accomplishments, she would always beam. She was very proud of
all of you.

Sister Albert taught in Walhalla following her time in Willow
City and completed teaching in Valley City, North Dakota.
Sister Albert loved her students and touched many lives in
North Dakota. Crystal Fassett Anderson and other people living
in the Northeastern part of the state may hear Sister Albert
mentioned also. Sister Albert presently lives at Maryvale
Convent just north of Valley City. Sister Albert is in her mid
90′s and has lost most of her interest in eating. I hope you
will keep Sister Albert Marie in your thoughts and prayers.

Randy Flynn

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Thanks Ginger and Shirley for the kind words. Id be interested to know the name of that cousin, Ginger, if you remember — I probably know him (or at least have heard of him). And if you ever make it back to Santa Fe, give me a call.

Crystal and Susan — I always enjoy your photographs. I remember going to a few of those baseball games (could be because some of my girlfriends and I liked watching Duane Fugere being athletic…….we thought he was pretty cute).

Colette

Message/Pictures from Colette Hosmer (64):

Gary…..thanks for your interest. Here are a couple of photos of
the models that I built and proposed. The proposal also includes a
lot of written statement stuff that I won’t bore you with. There
will be 27 to 30 carved granite fish (representing Rio Grande
Cutthroat Trout) each 2ft. High x 31/2 to 4ft. Long, . Each fish
will be installed with a concrete footing and they will be arranged
to simulate flowing water…….a stream or river.

I’ll send you a photo of the finished piece if I manage to live
through this project.

Colette

5/7/2008 (96)

Posted on May 7, 2008 by Gary

From Allen Richard (65):

A couple more things about 2nd and 4th grade.

Yeah Billy Grady had a way of pushing our buttons. Pushed mine once too, but it was outside and I didn’t have access to anything but a snowball. Mark’s button was a hair-trigger. I remember the scissor whizzing between me and whoever sat in front of me. And it stuck in the wood in the wall about 10 feet away. Seems Mark had a pretty good arm.

As to 4th grade — I don’t think I have ever heard a negative comment about Mrs. Conroy. Certainly none from me! I remember all the things others have said, and the fact that she was a heck of a softball player. And about artwork, Kenny Nerpel sat next to me to my left. We used to draw in our “tablets” when we had free time. We would compare what we had done. Always wished I was half as good at drawing as he was.

Mrs. Conroy was kind and gracious her entire life. One of the last times I saw her was shortly before she passed away. She drove downtown and was trying to parallel park next to the drug store as I recall. The spot was tight and she touched the car behind her. I was walking to my truck and she asked, “Could you guide me into this place? or maybe park for me?” Like I could refuse any request from her. Anyway, she was with another lady about the same age, the streets were crowded and spots were scarce. I parked the car for her and asked about her ability to get the car out when she wanted to leave. She said, “I’m not in a big rush, I’ll just wait until one of the cars leaves.”

Amazing lady.

Allen

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

Gary and all,

I went online a few weeks ago and found several sites with info about Colette Hosmer and her work. She is a very creative gal. I’m enjoying hearing about all of the Dunseith happenings. When I spoke to Audrey a couple days ago we decided we could say we were almost related–her mother’s sister (Bernice Kelly) was married to my brother-in-law’s (Don’s) uncle (Axel Johnson). It’s a little bit of a stretch but ???? I can’t promise, but I will try to proofread my e-mails before pressing “send” from now on–that might eliminate a spelling error or two. Again, thanks for keeping us all informed, Gary.

Shirley Warcup

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

Colette, I would like to congratulate you on being awarded the largest
monumental sculpture commission ever offered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. You
have to be an excellent artist, I would like to see some of your work. I
went to workshop a couple years ago, to Albequerque, but we went to Santa
Fe, because one of the people I was with had a cousin in Santa Fe who does
sculpting. He goes to different places in the world to get the stone he
uses to sculpt. He showed us the procedure. His name slipped my mind, but
his arm was hurt,he has lost a lot of the it’s use and he continues
sculpting, his son helps with the lifting etc.. I have always been
interested in art. Must have come from Mrs. Conroy’s class!

Ginger Poitra(LaRocque) (65)

Shirley Brennan’s (60) reply to Dwight Lang’s (61) Reply to her Qustion:

Gary,

Would you please send this to Dwight Lang

I want to thank you for the information so it was Adam Lang, Ray Brennan, it would be nice if I found the 4th one.

Were there 2 Lang boys memory fails me? When I was at the school reunion, I asked about you.

Shirley Brennan

Shirley’s Question: My Dad ( Ray Brennan) was suppose to fight in WW1 along with Max Peterson and three other men..They took the train to Churches Ferry before they got to CF the war was over I would like to know who the other 2 men were, if anyone knows?

Shirley Brennan

Pictures from Cyrstal Fassett Andersen (70):

Here is a picture of the 1953 baseball team that my Uncle Darrel Fassett played on. They drove some fancy cars!! Crystal Fassett Andersen

Picture:

Standing: Don Fassett, Duane Fugere, Guy Knox, Roger Johnson & Virgil Vanory

Seated: Bob Leonard, Jim Footit, Darold Grenier, Lloyd Awalt, Gary Morgan & Darrel Fassett & John Leonard batboy

Here’s another picture of one of my sister Susan’s birthday parties.It is taken in our front yard in Dunseith,across from the creek. It was in August but no year. Crystal Fassett Andersen

Picture:

Back: Pam Fassett, Toby Daley, Karen Loeb, Carol Jasper, Susan Fassett, Bill Grimme, Marlene Richard. Evie Gottbreht,

Judy Jo Johnson & Mark Anderson..

Front: Debbie, Randi & Donnie Mongeon

Creamery fire Pictures from Cyrstal Fassett Andersen (70):

Going through my Dad.Bill Fassett’s pictures,I found these from the Creamery Fire of Jan.1950. Before my time,but someone mentioned it in an email. Not the clearest pictures but someone may recognize someone. From the looks of the pincurls in the ladies hair, it must have been Saturday night!! Crystal Fassett Andersen

5/6/2008 (95)

Posted on May 6, 2008 by Gary

From Bill Krause (74):

Hello Gary and Everyone! Thanks to Ivy for sharing that e-mail! I was there a few years ago and also can say it was and is very moving to be there in their presence. Thanks to everyone who shares all these stories. Although I was only in DHS for the last 3 years of high school, reading all these stories and memories is very enjoyable. Especially yours Dick Johnson. Your Dad had a big impact in my life the short time I knew him.Just thought i would let you know..Thanks Gary for all you do keeping this lifeline flowing for all of us to enjoy.Thanks again,Bill Krause(74)

Update on Sally Longie From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

She is doing a little better. The skin grating on her
leg is the most painful. They did have to put a plate
in her pelvis. She also had a whole in her bladder.
One ankle dislocated and the other more severly hurt.
From what i gather they have both been fixed. They are
not sure how long her stay in Rochester will be but
they do know the stay in mInot could be very lenghty.
She is a very lucky woman!!! Again I appreciate all
your emails and prayers.

From Colette Hosmer (64):

Hey Ginger,

I remember Lorna Doone and also Hiedi being read in Mrs. Conroy’s class. I was totally fascinated — and like you, still vividly remember the stories. I also loved her class because she had so many art projects (just last month my mom gave me a table cloth that I’d painted for her in Mrs. Conroy’s class). Mrs. Conroy let me draw big pictures all over the blackboards and praised me for them. I would have to say that Mrs. Conroy was my first art teacher. It’s wonderful to read comments from all of the people she influenced. I wish she was alive today so I could tell her that I was (unbelievably) just awarded the largest monumental sculpture commission ever offered in Santa Fe, New Mexico….go figure. You can’t underestimate the power of one dedicated teacher.

Colette

Colette, Can you please fill us in on the monumental sculpture commission that you were awarded? Gary

Folks, I found an exhibit of Colette’s that I have pasted on the bottom of this message. Gary

From Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary & All,

As being a very shy child and teenager I tended to kind of stay in the corner and kept a low profile throughout my school years so I don’t have [don’t remember, did someone mention huffing a lot of gold spray paint?] many tall tales to regale. Although I do seem to remember a small fire in shop class one day. It seems that Mark Schimetz wouldn’t believe me that liquid gas doesn’t burn, it’s the fumes that burn. Well for some reason or another [did someone say something about huffing gold spray paint?] we had dumped some gas on the ground right outside the shop door and we decided to test out my theory. I quickly threw a match into the puddle of gas and out it went. Mark must have threw his match a little slower and low and behold we had fire, we had a lot of fire. I can’t remember the rest of the details [did someone mention gold spray paint] maybe someone can fill us in. We must have gotten into some kind of trouble, but maybe seeing as this was the only such incedent that I was ever involved in———–what was that about gold spray paint??

Mel Kuhn[70]

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

In 1955, a new addition was put onto the old white two story school house. It was an Assembly Hall with classrooms extending to the east forming two rows of rooms with a hallway down the center. It was completed at the end of the class of 1956′s Junior year. We were planning the prom at this time and Mr. Conroy and Mr. Jerstad gave their permission for us to hold our prom in the Large Assembly Hall. I don’t remember much about the decorations, I do remember having records as our music. Can anyone else remember more then I do. It seemed like a huge addition at the time, this was the first Home Ec. Rooms we’d ever had and our first home ec. class with Pat Ward as our home ec. teacher. At the end of our Senior year she was expecting a baby so didn’t return to Dunseith. She taught us to knit, and insisted that we pluck our eye brows, and shave our legs. She complained that altho we were all able to cook we weren’t much for having centerpieces on the tables, etc. She wouldn’t take into consideration that our home ec. class was first thing in the morning after Marching Band Practice which didn’t give us much time to be decorating the breakfast table! I did appreciated learning to knit and sew.

Bonnie Houle Class of 1956

Request from Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

Gary,

I recently spoke to Betty Lamoureux Badgett, daughter of Charles and Olive Lamoureux, and although she did not graduate from Dunseith, she would like to get the e-mails. She would have been in the class of 49, however, after her mother died in 1945 she went to Los Angeles to live with an Aunt. When she came home for the summer after her freshman year in Ca. she decided she wanted to stay in Dunseith so remained there for her soph. year. She returned to LA for her Jr. and Sr. year, got married, and has remained in the L A area since then. We have communicated untermittently for many years and when I told her about the “ Dunseith Memories” e-mails, she requested that I ask you to add her name. Her e-mail address is:

Shirley Olson Warcup

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

Back in the mid 60s, I wanted to hunt deer one fall but had no deer
rifle. Dad didn’t have a gun big enough for deer and he didn’t care that
much for hunting anyway. I decided I was going to buy a deer rifle
myself, so I went up to the hardware and they didn’t have anything I
could afford. I went across to Gambles and told Art Henning I needed to
buy a deer rifle. He showed me what he had and the cheapest one was
around $80. I said, “Art, I don’t have anywhere near that much money.”
He looked at me for a while and said he might have something that would
be more in my price range. He reached in behind a counter and pulled out
an old German Mauser 8MM with wood nearly to the end of the barrel! He
said the guy traded it in because it kicked too hard! I told him I
wasn’t scared of that and asked him how much he wanted. Art said I could
have it for $15. Now that’s more like it! I was aiming at the picture on
the wall and planning my best shot, when Art said, “now I suppose you’ll
need some ammo.” Well, yeah I suppose! He set a box of shells on the
counter and then got this sly grin on his face! Again I said, “how much
for the shells?” Art said, ” 8 bucks!” ART!–
$15 for the gun and $8 for the shells??! Oh well, I bought it and shot
my deer. Now for the rest of this story. The next year I traded
something to a friend and got a Winchester 30-30, so the old Mauser was
sort of extra. Dan Bogus gave me $20 for it and now he was the proud 15
year old owner! We always went over to Boguslawski’s right after school
everyday and watched the Three Stooges for a half hour before basketball
practice. Alice always had a large coffee can full of cookies waiting on
the footstool for us. She and Ed were at the school doing the cleaning
by then so we were there alone. One night Dan came in from school and
went into his room and came out with the Mauser rifle and then went down
in the basement. About half way through the Stooges, there was the
loudest BANG I have ever heard. John and I both jumped off the couch ran
for the basement door. The entire house was full of dust from the
concussion. Every seam in the sheetrock on the ceiling sifted out dust!
When we opened the door to the basement you could hardly see for the
dust. John went down first with me on his heels. John fell down and so
did I! Dan had set a pop can on the step and shot at it. The cellar was
dirt walled and there was dirt behind the steps. This is where Dan had
been shooting his .22 and I guess he thought he could do the same with
the 8MM!! The reason we fell down was that Dan shot a little low and
blew one tread clear out of the stairs! I remember both the relief of
finding Dan, OK, and then the tongue lashing John gave Dan, there in the
dust! Just kids doing what kids do while they are trying to grow up in
old Dunseith! Again, thanks Gary!

Dick

Question from Neola Kofoid Garbe (Bottineau HS class of 57):

Gary,

Was Mrs. Masvelten, Gladys Masvelten? Did she have a daughter named Marjetta? If so, she was my fourth grade teacher in Bottineau.

Thanks.

Neola

From Allen Richard (65):

To Ginger:

You are on target with our second grade experiences. Angela and I transferred form Notre Dame Academy in Willow City into 2nd grade. First grade was pretty advanced. We were writing long hand–no printing–by mid year, and had phonics coming out our years. In 2nd grade I was relegated to “rhythm sticks.” We were lucky that first grade was so tough. We were almost ready to go to 3rd grade when we got to Dunseith.

Notre Dame was a Catholic boarding school, and the reason some of us went was because in Currie Township all that was available to us was summer school. That is why I was sent to boarding school. There were five in our first grade class: Rene Casavant, Angela, Joanne Houle, Stephen Berube and me. Second grade was in the same room. Some of the second graders included Doreen Houle and Joe and Gerald Casavant. The teacher was a wonderful nun, Sister Albert.

Now the nun that supervised the boys dorm ( Gary Houle was one of my dorm mates.) was another story. Sister Hector’s wake up call involved a one-by-four. That is how I became a morning person. It was pounded into me. Of course waking up to find that the toilet bowls had frozen over helped us wake up too.

Interesting how we all survived.

Allen

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

I remember being yelled at by Miss Mastveltin in second grade, and for a child of my temperment it was not a good thing. If I remember correctly, we had certain hooks to hang our coats on and she and another person were standing where my coat was supposed to go, and I, instead of saying anything, stood patiently waiting for them to move so I could hang up my coat. She yelled at me and told me to go sit in my desk and I so vididly remember that more than anything else in second grade, except for when Mark Anderson threw a pair of scissors at Billy Grady and they stuck in the wall.

I loved Mrs Conroy’s class too, Ginger. I remember her teaching us to count money and make change by playing store. I also have some of my artwork from 4th grade.

We had a huge snow storm here on the 1 and 2 of May. We had big snowdrifts and they got up to 4 feet in the hills. It is mostly melted as of today because the temps jumped into the 70′s today and will be there again tomorrow.

Gary, I looked for you in the audience on Deal Or No Deal tonight as they were in the Phillipines. I guess Howie didn’t send you an invite–HA!!

I was in Walhall ND last weekend at my sister, Crystal’s for a 4th birthday party of her granddaughter. Paula was there too along with other family members. We had a great time. It was colder than cold most of the time though. They had had an ice storm a couple of days before we got there. I love the Dakotas—the weather can change in a heartbeat. You always need to be prepared for anything.

Thanks for all the memories and pics.

Love and prayers to all. Susan

PS.–my Aunt Dorothy(Strietzel) Fassett had back surgery a short while ago and is still recuperating. She and Uncle Darrell are still planning on their annual trek from Fla to ND for the summer. Please add them to your prayers.

From Gary Stokes:

Folks, Speaking of 2nd grade teachers, Gerry LaFromboise-Marcavage was my 2nd grade teacher up at Ackworth. Gerry was living in Rolla at the time. She and her husband have recently moved back to Belcourt. Gerry stayed at our house when she was teaching up at Ackworth. As you can see, she was a very attractive young lady in 1955 of which she still is today. As I remember, Gerry had guys coming out of the woodwork wanting to go out with her.

In the picture below, we had a little Ackworth reunion, with Gerry, this last summer, 2007, at Dale’s. Stan Salmonson & Harvey Hiatt, I believe, were in the 6th grade, Barbara Hiatt (Cote) was in the 8th grade and of coarse I was in the 2nd grade when Gerry was our teacher. Gerry was 18 years old at the time.

Request: Can some of you folks that live in the Belcourt area please pass this on to Gerry if you can? I think she is staying with her mother and her number is (701) 477-8634. Richard LaFromboise is her brother.

5/5/2008 (93)

Posted on May 5, 2008 by Gary

Folks, I had a nice visit with Minnie Knox Flynn today from the class of 47 and also a teacher for many years in Dunseith. She mentioned that the Dunseith Lutheran church would welcome donations for the furnace. I’m not sure if it’s for repairs of the existing furnace or a new one, but they have run low on funds to repair/replace it. Gary

From Karen Loeb Myhre (47):

Hi Gary,

One of the mementos I acquired at the reunion last summer was a great folding photo album/case in the goodies bag. It had a hard cover and held all my “gramma pictures”! Sadly, I have misplaced it. I was hoping to email the home to see if I could get another one. I am unable to locate an email address or figure out who to contact. Do you have any suggestions?

Your site/blog is wonderful. I can read every week or so and get my fix of North Dakota memories!

Take care,

Karen Loeb Mhyre

Folks, I am putting together a class list for the class of 47. Jean Metcalfe Maki was in that class, so I asked Vickie Metcalfe about her. Vickie replied with a very nice letter about her aunt Jean that I have included below. She also sent a copy of this letter to Jean’s Daughter, Dianne Reed, of which I have pasted below just ahead of Vickie’s letter. Gary

From Dianne Reed, Jean Metcalfe Maki’s Daughter:

Dear Gary,

Vickie Metcalfe sent me the email she sent you about my mother, Jean Metcalfe. There were a couple of errors, so I thought I would change a few things and re-send it to you. If you need any further information, please let me know.

Vickie Metcalfe’s (70) letter with Dianne Reed’s Corrections:

GARY,

I’m at school and do not have my records with me so for now, this is
off the top of my head memory.

Re. My dear aunt, Jean Arleen (Metcalfe ) Maki passed away the Saturday, before Thanksgiving November 16, 1984. I represented my family and flew to be with her family for the funeral.

Jean Arlene Metcalfe (actually named Jean McLean in reference to her paternal grandmother. Her name was changed on her birth certificate) was the only William and Rose Metcalfe child to be born in a hospital, Bottineau Hospital.

When her father, William passed away in the summer of 1935, Jean moved into Dunseith with her mom and attended grade school and began high school there. One of her best friends was Donna Aitchison whom she corresponded with for years.

During the war, Her brothers, Cliff ( US Navy) and Emil US army), purchased a house with/for my grandmother in Seattle. In the early 40′s, Grandma Rose and Jean moved from Dunseith to Seattle where they lived.
Jean graduated from high school in Seattle in 1947 and was married to Waino Maki, I believe in 1949.
Waino who was 100 % Finnish decent, was actually born in upper peninsula Michigan and named Willard Makinen ( another birth certificate error.) During the war, he was called Waino Maki and after never changed his name back because of all the paperwork hassle.
Aunt Jean was the mom of Dianne Wynn ( Maki) Reed b. Feb. 1956 and Eric Wayne Maki b. Sept. 1962.

Jean was a a doting aunt. A homemaker who decorated her home in warm country colors and the coffee pot and cookies always fresh. Her house always smelled wonderful. She smelled floral when she enveloped you in her warm arms. She was a big woman with style. One time, she amusingly said, her daughter’s opera voice teacher called her” a handsome woman” . Jean was a family connector. She also was fond of telling stories about her school days and friends in Dunseith.

Jean lived her entire married life about 6 houses down from her older sister, Leona (Metcalfe) Oswell in (Shoreline) ie. North Seattle. Uncle Waino passed away in June of 2003. Jean and Waino are buried together at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle.

Her daughter Dianne lives in Monroe and became a teacher. Dianne continues to connect with the ND cousins. What specific information
would you like. I can delve into my genealogy box or contact her daughter, Dianne.
Thanks for asking about Jean. I loved her. Until Later. as ever. VICKIE
–
Vickie L. Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

I found some more lake pictures and remembered some crazy things that
happened up there. Dad and Cliff were always pulling tricks on each
other, especially when one or the other was on the skis and the other
was driving the boat. We had a “surf board”, we called it, it was a
piece of plywood with a rope attached to the boat and another rope for
the person to hold on to when riding. This was real good to teach
someone to ski before they actually tried the skis. One time it was
hooked to the boat and Cliff said, “Donald, jump on and we’ll go once
around the lake.” This was after Dad had become a good waterskier so it
wouldn’t seem to be much of a challenge. Now this board was meant to be
ridden SLOWLY, but as soon as we left the dock, Cliff said to me, “hang
on, we’re gonna give him a ride.” Cliff took off and Dad was doing his
best to stay with it, and was, until we got to the south shore and Cliff
turned real sharp. Dad was bouncing over the wake and flew off. The
surfboard went up in the air and then caught the water and went down
until it hit the muddy bottom and being it was attached to the rope,
which was attached to the boat, the boat stopped in just a few feet and
Cliff and I slammed into the dash at about 30 MPH. We sat there,
stunned, while Dad was having a laugh! I remember Cliff pulled the rope
and pulled us back until we were right above the board, and he really
had to pull hard to get the board out of the mud!
Those of you who were at our old cabin, will probably remember that my
mom, Bernice, never drove the boat. There is a reason! One morning Dad
talked her into learning to drive so he could ski. I was still to young
to drive. They went around the bay and I could hear them talking, over
the sound of the motor. As they were coming in toward the dock, Dad
said, “OK pull the lever back.” No change. “Pull it back”! No change! I
took off from the dock just as they hit the shore, WIDE OPEN!! The boat
flew through the air and landed up in front of the cabin with the engine
screaming . Dad shut the key off and said, “I said pull it back”! Mom
was bawling and said, ” I was pulling it back”! Dad said, “Not that
lever, the other one”! She was pulling on the gearshift, not the
throttle! He never asked her to drive again! I got a bit older and I
drove. The picture below was taken at Lake Metigoshe on my eighth
birthday in 1958, when they gave me a new pair of waterskis that were
made for kids. I learned to ski that day and learned to slalom {sp} on
my thirteenth birthday in1963. I also tried to barefoot a couple years
later and made it about 20 feet before I took a tumble. I could hear my
buddies in the boat ,laughing, as I was running on the water just before
the lights went out!! The other people in the picture are Dad, Shirley Warcup,
Myrtle Olson, Hans Johnson {sitting on dock}, and Henry Olson { on right
}. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick Johnson

5/5/2008 (94)

Posted on May 5, 2008 by Gary

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

Warren, I read the e-mail about how hard 3rd grade was, I don’t recall if
you said you were at Dunseith School for 2nd grade. Well anyway, I always
remember my mother saying that the (class of 65)third graders had to have
their mother’s teach them at home or they (us) would have to re-do 2nd
grade again. Reason being our second grade teacher Mrs. Masveltin had not
taught us much, I remember she did a lot of piano playing. I can see that
most of us must have had some problems, because we missed out on so much
that second grade year. I remember my mother had a blackboard set up
teaching me math. When I was in the first grade I remember how I loved to
read. Miss Srauss was such a good teacher.I remember Mrs. Conroy reading books to us “Lorna Doone” and that book was
written in french, Another was “The Secret Garden”, I remember watching
the movie later in life and saying to myself, that wasn’t the way that
story went, I visualized it so vividly when Mrs. Conroy read it to us.

Evie, and others who contributed, also in Mrs. Conroy’s classroom we did a
lot of mirror coloring (I don’t recall the correct name for it) I colored
the most in the book she put together afterwards, so she gave it to me. I
still have it.

I remember wanting to be an artist, I really enjoyed drawing. I’m happy
that Colette went ahead and did it.

Ginger Poitra(65)

From Aggie Cassavant (69):

Hi Gary, I just finished reading and looking at the pictures of The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. All I can say is thanks Ivey for sharing those with us. I visited there a couple years ago, theres no words to describe how emotional and patriotic it makes a person feel.Our brother Eddie’s daughter Brandi just got back from touring it 2wks ago with her class from Rolette. I told Eddie this is going to be a pretty moving expierence for Brandi, especially with the Iraq War going on and all. Then when i talked to her a couple days after she got back,she said they actually witnessed a funeral with the flag draped casket and horse drawn carriage.She said, it’s something she will never for get. Our brother Gerald and his son Micheal both did a tour of duty in Iraq the 2nd and 3rd year. When Micheal was on his way home, Gerald was on his way over, so they had a few hours in Kuwait together before continuing on. I can’t thank the Lord enough that he brought them both back safely.Our family has been blessed for it being a military die hard family that my brothers have been thru Vietnam in the 60′s and now Iraq,and they all get to come home. So anyway for those of you who have never been to Arlington Cemetery, please go see it it’s a pretty life altering expierence. Hope you all have a real Blest Day… Aggie

From Shirley Brennan (60):

Dear Gary,

My Dad ( Ray Brennan) was suppose to fight in WW1 along with Max Peterson and three other men..They took the train to Churches Ferry before they got to CF the war was over I would like to know who the other 2 men were, if anyone knows?

Shirley Brennan

From Fern Pladson Beaver (67):

Lola Metcalfe Vanory’s (68) to the Longie family:

Our thoughts and prayers have been with Stella and family– and of course
Sally! and her children!– what a sad thing!–Verlin and Stella were always two of the nicest people I’ve known. How
they loved those children! and they are nice kids –
Our son Joe worked for Danny last summer on Danny’s concrete construction
company and thoroughly enjoyed Danny and the crew. If you went through
North Hill in Minot last summer you would have seen them doing concrete up
there- When we built our new shop last summer- Danny brought the whole
crew and equipment and did the concrete for us — that was soo nice of
him!!–
I hope Sharon keeps us updated- We will surely be praying for them all!–
Lola V

From Karen Loeb Mhyre (65):

Thanks so much. Our family took a trip last summer to Alaska,on Celebrity Cruise Lines but I spent most of my trip entertaining either my 2 year old granddaughter or my 86 year old mother, so I did not see a lot of the sites for myself. Maybe this would be a great opportunity to do some of the “field trips”. I will talk to Jim about this idea and see what we can work out!

Here in Ann Arbor, Michigan it is spring and we are seeing land hearing lots of birds. The new tulips, daffodils and forsythia blooms are a sure sign of the winters passing. I return home to Seattle on May 15th.

Fiona (my granddaughter)\ and I attended the annual ANn Arbor Pow Wow held at the University of Michigan A rena a few weeks back. There were folks from all over the region. Very inspirational. Fiona loved the “Blanket Dance” that we got to participate in. Some of the “regalia” worn by the different dancers were truly works of art. We had a great afternoon.

Karen Loeb Mhyre

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Good morning everyone.I remember making May baskets and sneaking around town putting them at
people’s doorsteps. It was alot of fun. Through all my travels
growing up, we never did that anywhere else and I remember being so
disappointed about that whenever May Day rolled around. Anyone
remember in Mrs. Conroy’s class, taking old 78 records and she must
have heated them up somehow and then we bent them and made bowls out
of them and sprayed them with gold paint. I think gold paint must
have been sprayed on everything from macaroni cigar boxes to anything
else we made to give our parents. She also had another craft where
she put marbles in the oven and took them out and put them in cold
water and then they cracked inside…When I think about going to
school in Dunseith, I remember the cafeteria with those big bins of
bread and butter; of playing dodge ball and being out on the
playground; of being afraid to go down the rickety metal stairs of the
fire escape during a fire drill and looking down and the entire school
looking up at me. It was a fun time

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and FriendsHow many of the kids that went to school at the old school can remember
the old flagpole with the stone base? It sat on the east side of the
school yard and was there for many years, as I recall. The stone base
and the pole were painted white, when I was in school, and from the
picture it was the same in 1946! The high school kids in the picture
are: Bottom to top–
Eleanor Awalt, Shirley Sunderland, Spencer Teal {?}, and Bernice Olson
{Mom}. Thanks Gary!!

Dick

5/4/2008 (92)

Posted on May 4, 2008 by Gary

From Darrel Fassett (47):

Regarding the picture Dick sent you with the three unknown people: on Bernices left is Robert Molgard, on his left is Shirley Sunderland and the girl in front next to Andy Berube is Patty McAtee(her father owned the bakery.) Darrel

From Dave Wurgler (64):

Hey Gary—- Talking about burnt toast, the 40 years I have been one the corner at 3rd and main in Rugby, our local cafe was about a half of a block from my station and back then every morning I and other business fellows would gather for breakfast and we would order our whatever we wanted and with my breakfast I would always order toast with peanut butter and the waiters would say light or dark, and my saying was burn it cause it’s no sense eating warm bread. It didn’t take long when they would bring the food the waitress would say this one belongs to Dave. then we would shake dice for the breakfast and 70 percent of the time ——I got lucky—–musta been the burnt toast. Gary hadda throw that in. Luv ya all—Dave

From Larry Hackman (66):

Hi Gary,

I hope and pray things are improving for your family.

Remember the fourth grade, when Mrs, Conroy got us all organized. We got to elect class officers for the first time. With this came the reponsibility of finding ways to earn and accumulate money for our class. We were getting big so fast. But the biggest advantage was that we got to go to the basketball games at the old city hall, free. We got to sell soda pop, and candy bars from the little room across the top stair landing from the little room, where they sold admitance tickets for the basketball games. Mrs, Conroy would ask for volunteers, usually two girls and two boys. The girls usually sold candy and pop through the open window, and during the breaks in the games, us boys would carry pop and candy around the hall and sell it, to the people that stayed in their seats. I always considered it a fun time, and it was the only time I got to go watch the basketball games at that age. Selling pop and candy at the basketball games must have been exclusive to the fourth grade. Because, in the following years, we sold Fanny Farmer Candy to make money. There were three kinds weren’t there? White, brown, and a mixture? I believe, we did this all, so we could pay for the prom, we had to put on for the class of The 65er’s. You guys were so lucky!

The theme of the prom was “Moons Over My Hammie” or is that a Grand Slam Breakfast at Denny’s Restaurant? I forget.

larry

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Special thanks to Vicki Metcalfe for giving me that
update on Sally, She had talked to Dan’s wife in
Bottineau. Thanks Vicki you’re AWESOME!!!!

Picture from Glen Williams (52):

Gary…this is a photo of my father Ischem Glenn Williams in his WW I military Uniform.. probably taken in 1918…he was wounded severely in France during WW I….

later he was a Rural Mail carrier and the Post Master in Dunseith…Currently his photo is on Display in the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.. Let me know if the photo came through…

Glen Williams

5/2/2008 (91)

Posted on May 2, 2008 by Gary

Shirley Brennan (60) – From Dianne Millang Volk (77):

We have always been proud of our aunt Shirley Brennan (60) and all that she has accomplished from a wheelchair; now people in the Minot and surrounding areas know how she spends her free time.

She was on the KMOT-TV news April 30th. You can watch the video by going to the following address:

http://www.kmot.com/News_Stories.asp?news=18100

Gary Stokes’ comments to Shirley:

Shirley, You and I have exchange lots of email messages and now I’ve finely gotten to see you in this Video. When I saw you on this video, there was no doubt in my mind that you and Dianne’s mother, Velma Brennan Millang, are sisters. We frequently see your name too, with the inputs that you have been providing with these daily messages. I’m not sure how many of our folks realize your handicap or realize that you became handicapped, in an accident, with a school trip, I believe in your senior year of 1960. You told me the story, but I don’t remember the exact details. Maybe you or Dianne can fill us in with that one? You are to be commended for all of your life’s accomplishments. You have had steady employment and have done a lot of volunteer work throughout your life and have lived independently all these years. If there is a will there is a way, and you have done it. Gary

Update on Sally Longie From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

6 hour surgery on thursday went well. Two broken
ankles and a broken pelvis. Lots of recuperaton time.
she was awake when they cut her out of the vehicle.
Possibly one more surgery. Will keep you all posted.
Thanks for the wonderful emails of prayer and concern.
They are greatly appreciated and I will pass them on
to my Aunt Stella and family.
To cousin Bill and Lynn in Oregon, please keep your
Mom informed. Thanks a bunch.
Sharon Longie Dana

From Floyd (45) & Luella (Halvorson) (47) Dion:

Hi Gary

You said in one of your email that your dad like burnt toast. I remember when I worked at the creamery, he said I want my toast black,and if it is not burnt, I would send it back and have it burnt black.

Ok Gary thats all for now

Floyd

Folks, I had a nice visit with Luella Halvorson Dion yesterday. She fell earlier this winter and broke a bunch of bones. She said she spent 2 1/2 weeks, convalescing, at the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau. She is back home now and is on the mend. I think she said she is still in a wheel chair, but she said things are heeling. With all things considered, she is doing well. Gary

Reply to Floyd Dion, Yes my dad loved his toast black. He also never ate any green vegetables, but loved his raw onion sandwiches. He never drank water either. Coffee, with lots of sugar, was pretty much 100% his beverage, even on hot days. He lived to be nearly 85. A few years before he died, the doctor asked him when he had his last complete physical and he told the doctor “In 1942 when I got drafted into the Army”. Gary

May Basket Reply from Vickie Hiatt Lafontaine (73):

good morning all, this is in response to Don Lamoureux may day storie. It
wasn’t just a town thing. Every year for as long as I can remember Mom
would make up a May basket and we would sneak up to grandma Margies{Hiatt}
put the basket at her door ring the bell and run like crazy, and she would
chase us. We would then go in and have some of her out of this world sugar
cookies. I was glad to hear from my 5year old granddaughter that they
still do may baskets. Her class took baskets to the local nursing home.
also to Sharon Longie your family is in my prayers. Vickie LaFontaine
{Hiatt]

Provided by Neola kofoid Garbe:

5/2/2014 (90)

Posted on May 2, 2008 by Gary

Blog (90) posted on May 2, 2008

Question/Request from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74):

Hi Gary & All,

Just to say thanks for all the letters & info, I read them all at 6am before I go to work. I was just wondering, would anyone out there have a picture of the cooks that worked in the old grade school (big white building), you know Mrs. Knudson, Marie Casavant (my mom) etc. I would love to see the picture if anyone has one out there. Thanks Kathy Casavant Ellingson.

Shirley Brennan’s (60) message to Sharon Longie Dana (73):

I am so sorry to hear about your cousin Sally. I will pray for all involved.

Gary:

Today being May Day, I wonder if anyone else remembers having made up May baskets full of candy and dropping them off on door steps. As a real little kid, I remember it was actually a little tortuous, because as I remember it, boys gave to girls and vice-versa, and then were supposed to chase each other around. This may have been one of those “town kid” things that happened versus “up in the hills” or “out on the prairie”.

I can also remember the City Hall burning down, partly because what little kid doesn’t have to go and watch a big fire. I also remember it because a bunch of us kids went poking around in ruins afterwards, I’m sure our fake Converse All Stars or Keds tennis shoes were the perfect protection against all the broken glass, nails etc that we were poking around in. We managed to find the spot that was the gun locker, and made off with the Legion’s rifles, which seemed like perfect toys for us at the time, even with all the wood stocks burned off. I think we got to play with them for a few days, until my dad (Jay) came home to tell me the Legion couldn’t replace the rifles unless they turned in the old ones, so the toys had to go back.

Don Lamoureux (75)

From Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Thanks, Gary. Thanks for including Felicia’s Caring Bridges’ site. I just visited her site–very interesting. So far, 33039 relatives and friends have visited her site–that’s a BUNCH!!!

Neola

Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends

Some time back I told the story about riding Hiatt’s horses. On my tenth
birthday {1960} my folks gave me a Welch pony they bought from Hazel
Hiatt. This horse was only “green broke” and was exciting to say the
least. She would try to dump me or scrape me off in the brush every
chance she got! After a while I learned to pay attention ALL the time I
was on her! I got good enough that she couldn’t throw me so she kind of
gave up trying. One time though when I was riding over to the neighbors,
I was riding bareback and both the horse and I were soaked with sweat
from a very hot summer day, as we went up a hill the old phone line was
just above my head. I reached up and slid my hand along the smooth
galvanized wire as I quietly rode along. About that time, someone
decided to make a call and cranked the old phone. The shock went through
me and then through the horse and the next thing I knew, the horse was
gone and I landed on my back on the ground. This time it wasn’t her
fault, I goofed! She had a colt and I broke it to ride and made a good
horse out of it. In 1968, I sold both of the horses to Johnnie Myer and
bought an old Harley Davidson for $150. I got bucked off there too, but
that is another story! Thanks Gary!

Dick

This is a message that Neola Kofoid Garbe sent out to her Bottineau bunch. Felicia is the Daughter of Dean Lamb (70) Deceased.

Hi Everyone,

Felicia Lamb was in a serious car accident awhile ago; she is still recovering from it. Her dad was Dean Lamb (70), a veterinarian in Bottineau. He was from the Dunseith area. Felicia’s aunt is Martha Lamb Schepp (68) from Newbug. If you are unable to attend Felicia’s benefit, but would like to contribute, I would think donations can be sent to David Geiszler, 10349 Svingen Road, Bottineau, ND 58318.

Neola

BENEFIT FOR FELICIA LAMB

For all of us who would like to help Felicia and her family in some small way… here’s our opportunity

Country Breakfast Benefit

Sunday May 18th

8:00 am ~ 1:00 pm

Bottineau High School Multipurpose room

Matching funds by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

For more info please contact Dave or Phyllis Geiszler

Dunseith Alumni

Official Blog of the Dunseith, ND Alumni

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