01/31/2009

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Gary

Bernice Belgarde (72):

Bernice, Enabling folks can contact you, I forgot to post your email address with yesterday’s blog. Sorry about that. Gary

Folks, I recieved the following messages from Vickie Metcalfe that Denise Lajimodiere sent to her, Dick Johnson & Ginger LaRocque Poitra. Bernice Belgarde forwarded Denise the daily blog messages with the stories of Alcide Lajimodiere. Gary

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie, Ginger & Dick: deniselajimodiere@hotmail.com

Hi you all!

Berniece Belgarde has sent me your emails and information you wrote about Alcide Lajimodiere. His grandfather, Modeste Lajimodiere had three wives and 21 chlidren. I have all the family geneaology – if I can find the folders, I’ve moved and packed them safely away, and can tell who his parents were. My father, Leo Lajimodiere, called him his cousin, and never seemed to have much to do with him, so I never got to know him. Modeste was first cousin to Louis Riel, of Canada fame. His father, Joseph had to flee Canada when Riel was hanged, and that is how we migrated to Dunseith area – Modeste took out a homestead north of Dunseith.

Alcide is buried with the other Lajimodiere’s in Dunseith.

I love the stories you have told, thank you so much, keep them coming if you have others! So many of the Lajimodiere men here in the states and in Canada never had children. With my moving to Fargo there are now no one living in the T.Mts. with our last name. There are many that live in Winnipeg and Wallhalla.

Does anyone have a photo of him?

Denise K. Lajimodiere
2219 4th Ave. S
Moorhead, MN 56560

Vickie Metcalfe’s reply to Denise:

Denise, Over the years I have asked lots of folks about photos of
Alcide but no one has a photo. Thank you so much for sharing your
information information. I will keep you in my address book. If I
hear anything more.
I recalled you telling me about the Lajimodere connection to Louis
Riel. Two cousins and I about 4 years ago visted the Riel house in
Manitoba while we visited St. Agathe where my great grandmother
Celina Morin LeDuc was born.
Is it ok if I send your information in to the Gary Stokes website?
Thanks so much! I hope you’re having a good life. Vickie
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie:

I am currently in a dream job as professor in Educational Leadership at NDSU Fargo. I don’t like Fargo, but I love my job and my house in Moorhead. I head home to Belcourt/Dunseith as often as I can. I got my doctorate in 2006 from UND.

Please send any info anywhere – the more the merrier. Who is Gary Stokes? I have long contemplated doing a little chap book on the Lajimodiere history here in the states. We fled Manitoba after Riel was hanged. Some returned but my family decided to camp in the Turtle Mountains. At the 200 year anniversary bash of Jean-Babtiste Lagimodiere and Marie-Ann Gaboury in Winnipeg in 2006, most Lajimodiere’s there did not know there were a lot of us in the states.

The historian there said I had the most complete family history of any he had seen. He is doing a huge book on the 20,000 current descendants of JB Lajimodiere.

What are you up to?

Happy Birthday Brenda Hiatt from your brother Bobby Slyter (70):

Gary: today is my sister brenda’s birthday (1-23-55) could you possibly post this for me, thanks for all that you do for us, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS LOVE YA

Happy Belated birthday Brenda. We are hoping you had a good one.

Bobby, For some reason this message went into my spam folder and I didn’t catch it until today. Sorry about that. Gary

Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69) reply to Leroy Burcham’s picture posted by Randy Hiatt:

Enjoyed the pic very much. Leroy looks so very much like Norman to me as he ages. The Birklands and my Dad were cousins and I try to stay in touch with Jim and Ruby as they are living closest to me, but I’m afraid I don’t do a very good job at it, as we usually see each other either in the grocery store or clinic. Richard and I get teased a bit about being related BEFORE we got married because Leroy was married to Delores Hiatt. Such a small small world.

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):

TO RANDY HIATT: GREAT PICTURE OF LEROY AND HIS WIFE, DID NOT KNOW THAT HE HAD GOTTEN MARRIED AGAIN, THE FARM SURE HAS CHANGED SINCE DAD HAD IT, YOU SHOULD HAVE STOPPED TO VISIT AS DADS GRANDDAUGHTER (MY NEICE) (RICHARDS DAUGHTER) AND HER HUSBAND OWN IT NOW, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREATFUL THAT IT STAYED IN THE FAMILY

JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS

A little winter humor, for all the snow this year, From Julie Hiatt Bonebrake (81):

You know you’ve had enough ofwinter when you see this while walking thru the park!

Julie

01/30/2009

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Gary

Email address change for Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Today we got hooked up to DSL, so things are good! My new email address is :

With the many folks reading this blog, I thought it would be a good
place to post this change. Please change my address folks so I don’t
miss your individual messages. Thanks!

Dick

Dick, Because so many folks do not have high speed internet, many of which do not have it available to them, I keep the daily postings relatively small in file size. I try to keep them less than 500 KB. You will enjoy the faster internet service. Gary

From Bernice Belgarde (72):

Hi Gary,

I cannot find the newsletter that told the story of Alcide Lajimodere. It might have been #347 but I cannot retrieve it because my delete file cleared out my deletions too soon. Can you resend me the article on Alcide? Denise Lajimodere would like to know who wrote the article. I sent her the story but did not put in the email the narrator of this story. I just want to say chi mii-gwitch (a big thank you) for providing us the history of Dunseith, ND. I lived a different life in Dunseith coming from a native american home and I know a lot of the people there. My life as a youth and teenager does different from what the white students and people did there. Yet it is very interesting to see how they seen life in Dunseith.

Bernice Belgarde – Class of 1972

Bernice, It’s great hearing from you! I found those messages and forwarded them to you. I’m assuming Denise would be related to Alcide? Vickie Metcalfe phrased it so well with her phrasing, in a message quite some time ago, of the multi cultures that we had growing up going to school in Dunseith. Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins. She was born Jan 1st 1938 to
Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins. She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine
Robert, and Carol Carbonneau. She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at
home on the farm north of Dunseith. She never fully developed mentally
beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her
into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance. She
loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan
Fassett, and all our siblings. We used to tease her unmercifully when
we were kids, but she loved us anyway. Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I
used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and
we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so
the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine
squeal. She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when
she came out of the house. I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about
her and also Murl and Jeannine. These pictures are in my collection,
of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2. The one of her dancing is with my
mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin. Mom was teaching her to dance and
that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the
couch.) We had lots of good times with her. I like to think that she
and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who
have gone home ahead of us. God Bless, Hugs and prayers, Susan

Reply from Paula Fassett (71):

Hi All…

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins, so I decided to add my two cents. Elaine was my cousin – actually my Mom’s first cousin. My mother was Irene (Watkins) Fassett. Her mother – Gudrun Amundson – and Helen (Amundson) (Watkins) Nelson were sisters. Helen is Elaine’s mother – and mother of Murl Hill, Carol Carbonneau and Jeannine Robert. ( I hope my sister Susan replies, too – she is the historian of the family.) Helen worked at Hosmer’s for many, many years so I’m sure a lot of you remember her.

Elaine, in this day and age, would most likely be diagnosed “developmentally disabled”. Although that is the way the medical profession most likely saw her, to our family she was most certainly a treasure. And Elaine was smart in many, many ways. She rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary. She could probably have told you the family lineage of most of the people in the Turtle Mountains. And clever – man, could she tell the jokes – some that would make you blush!!! AND she could play the harmonica!! In her later years, Elaine resided in Minot and I’m sure that many Dunseith residents who were at one time or another hospitalized in Minot can tell of Elaine coming to pay them a visit!! She kept an eye on the patient list in the Minot Daily News! She missed very few weddings, anniversary celebrations and/or funerals.

Elaine loved to chat on the phone, and although Aunt Helen would tell her not to make so many calls every day, sure enough the phone would ring and after you said hello, there would be a pause, then Elaine’s throaty voice, saying “Mother just went to the barn, so I can’t talk long”. One of my favorite Elaine “tales” is of Tim Hill (who is her nephew) at a time he was going to school in Grand Forks, I believe it was. Elaine was probably in Grafton? Tim wouldn’t give her his phone number for fear he would be inundated with calls, but he would pick her up on weekends that he was going home and take her along. Well, Elaine wasn’t satisfied with that plan – and she knew the street address of where Tim was renting. So she went through the Grand Forks phone book – line by line – until she found the address and Voila! Tim got a phone call! THAT is perseverance!

Elaine passed away a few years ago – I think she was about 65 years old. She was quite a character. I think you could ask anyone who was related to her – or a friend or a neighbor who knew her – and they’ll have a humorous tale of Elaine!

Paula Fassett

Reply to Gary Metcalfe from Jerry Williams (54):

Yes Gary I do remember Elaine Watkins. She was what in today world be would termed as mentally challenged. Back than we unfortunately had much more derogatory terms for her. She was teased by many of the students back than. I believe that in today’s world with the classes that we have for the mentally challenged she could have fit into our society.

There has been allot of talk about the past teachers from Dunseith School System. The one that I remember the most was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Conroy. I had the greatest respect for her and she will always remain “Mrs.” Conroy to me. Of all the teachers that I have had in the past, both in Dunseith and in college Mrs. Conroy was, to me, the most outstanding and she had a profound impact on my life. Even though she has passed on thank you Mrs. Conroy from the bottom of my heart.

And yes Gary I am about 3 or 4 years older than you and I still remember you. If I remember right you were on the football team the fall of 1953. Am I right? You may have been on the basketball team as well, however my role on the BB team was bench warmer (at best).

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew):

I’m sure you’ve covered the Peace Gardens in some of the earlier posts. My Dad, Don Aird Sr., helped build the Peace Gardens with the CCCs. Every Memorial Day we would come to Dunseith to put flowers on the Carlson graves at the Little Prairie Cemetery. Then we would go to the Peace Gardens. Dad would spend most of a day just going back to the places he remembered. One story Dad told me that you may not have heard had to do with Kelvin and the switchboard. Everyone was on the same “party line”. Ease dropping was common. The commandant for the CCCs had to make a report once a month to Washington using the phone. When he called Washington lots of folks picked up their phones to listen in. When they did that they drained the electricity powering the system so the report couldn’t be made. The commandant finally rang up everyone on the line and told them if they would wait he would call them all back and give them the same report he was making to Washington. So every month there were two reports one, to Washington and one to the ease droppers on the line.

Reply from Sue (Gary) Metcalfe (57):

Thanks for the reminder of hotel reservations.. Gary called today and secured our room….we are getting very excited about this great vacation cruise. Our daughter, Leah and granddaughter, Angelina are also planning to come with us. Again, thanks for all your work Gary and Bill and everyone else involved. Sue

Sybil Johnson’s reply to Gary:

My birthday is July 2 and I also have 2 family members in July. My cousin is 6 days younger than me and we were
raised almost like sisters. Sybil

Sybil, you are only 19 days older than me and you are a Great Grandmother. Gary

Reply/picture from Randy Hiatt:

Gary, I have attached a picture of my step father Leroy Birkland and his wife Alice, and one of Wades sons so some of the folks can see. This was taken when I was back last December to visit him in Bottineau. I hadn’t seen my step dad in many years so it was really nice getting back and visiting with him. I took dad for a drive up in the hills and stopped to see Freddy Hiatts old farm by Willow Lake. A lot had change with that farm from the way I remember it when I was a kid visiting. The big red barn was gone and a lot of the out buildings as well.

I am still trying to figure out how this blog works in regards to what I type and what is posted. If I post a few things I will get the hang of it. I have lots of other pictures that people would probably be interested in seeing so let me know which way would be the best way to post them.

Thanks for everything

Randy Hiatt

Randy, I will post pretty much what ever anyone sends to me and would like posted. I try to keep the postings related to the interests of the Dunseith Alumni. Folks love pictures, so please send what ever you have. If someone sends me a note or message that we have not heard from or have not heard from for a long while, with discretion, I’ll post their message to let folks know they are on board with us. There have been times that folks have replied to someone’s message letting us know they have not seen or heard of that person for many years, sometimes 50 plus years. Lots of our folks know your step dad Leroy Birkland. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Leroy & Alice Birkland

01/29/2009

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Gary

Reply From Gary Metcalfe (57):

One thing for sure Gary Stokes, what you are doing is worthwhile. It is so important to share and “record” memories from all generations.

Minnie Mary it seems to me that your sister Myra was also a rural teacher?

Does anybody remember any stories about Bud Myer or Elaine Watkins? They were around Dunseith in the 50’s. Janice and Bonnie, I figure you two knew everybody.

Jerry Williams, you are even older than I am. I remember you as one of the good guys, I appreciated your video. I have a Frank Bass story along the same line. a man with two wooden legs and more heart than a whole township of people may have. He was a neighbor to Hans Johnson and a relative of Glen Weaver.

I am looking for more stories from rural school teachers like the day Clara Weaver ran over one of the Kelly kids. She taught Hilltop School and drove the old grey belly Ford tractor. Of course, she had a least three or four Kelly kids hitching a ride home. Thank goodness there were lots of ruts and mud!

Gary Metcalfe

From Sybil Johnson:

In reply to the Social Security issue: I’m allowed to receive part of my ex’s (Augie) Social Security, because we
were married for 30 yrs. I will be 62 in July, but haven’t been up to the Social Security Office, yet. He had to
retire early, because of the derailment in Minot. The fumes from that derailment came over the house and he was
affected by it. This was by court order, during our divorce proceedings.
The weather here in Cheyenne, is now like yours in ND. We received about 10 inches of snow, cold and now very windy. Yesterday, it was down to -5 below. I know that isnt like your temp, but we had been so spoiled earlier, that this is an eye opener, for most. Sybil Johnson

Sybil, I’ll be 62 in July also. What day is your birthday? Mine is 7/21/47. Gary

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew):

I remember going down the Lake Metagoshe (sp?) road with Uncle Carroll. We always stopped at the Little Prairie Cemetery to see the Carlson graves. Then I ‘d take Carroll to the Lake. He would talk about who lived at the various farms. One of the farms he pointed out was Bernice Seim. I knew her brother Art and his wife Eva as we got our drinking water from their well.

Don, Bernice Seim Metcalfe was married to Elmer Lindberg. She was first married to Archie Metcalfe. He passed away years ago out in Washington state. Years later she married to Elmer Lindberg. Elmer was is sister to Alice McKay. The Lindberg farm is located about a half mile into Bottineau county on #43. Kristy Hagen, daughter of Orville & Gloria Hagen, purchased the Lindberg farm and is currently living there. Gary

Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

01/28/2009

Posted on January 28, 2009 by Gary

Folks, with yesterday’s message we (I) skipped message 351, so there is no message 351. Gary

Correction to Jerry Williams message posted with message 350.

Folks, I miss read Jerry’s message thinking, in my mind, that he had been back to Dunseith many times since 1954. I sent Jerry a message telling him I was going to edit out the word ‘not’ in his message. I told him if it was wrong, I’d post a correction. Well I was wrong, so I’m posting the correction below. Gary

Jerry’s reply:

I have only been back to Dunseith a few times after I Graduated in 1954. I guess that is the way I should have composed the message. Oh well you did good to catch a potential mistake. Thanks.

Jerry

Jerry’s original message:

I graduated with Viola with the class of 1954, a graduating class of 8, I think the smallest to ever graduate from good old DHS. Anyway I have not been back to Dunseith many times since 1954 myself and Viola is one of those people that I have not seen in now 55 years. I don’t know if our class is going to get together for a 55 year reunion this summer or not but it would be fun to get to see her again. How about it class of “54” are we going to have a class reunion this summer?

Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher – mid 60’s):

Herzlich glueckwunch zum Geburtstag, Allen!

Speaking about collecting Social Security. A little bit of information for those retireing from Federal Service. I started collecting full Social Security benefits when I turned 65. My 10 year old son (at the time) started collecting an amount equal to half of my benefits because he was under 18 and (get this) my ex-wife, because we were married for more than ten years, also began collecting benefits amounting to 50% of my benefit. My current wife doesn’t get anything which is a bone contention on occasion. When I retired at age 68, because I am under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) The Social Security Windfall Act applied to me as it does to all Federal employees under CSRS. As a result, just when we really need full Social Security benefits when we retire, they are cut, in some cases, by as much as 75-80%. The rationale being that we have been working all these years and paying into another retirement plan and not paying in to Social Security. I wonder if this also applies to people in private business and industry? It has taken the Social Security Administration a full year to catch up to me as I have been receiving full benefits during my first year of retirement and not eligible to do so. I lucked out in that they only cut me about 45% but I have to pay back what they overpaid me this past year. Not a problem since I knew this was going to happen and with each monthly payment dropped 50% into a savings account. In other words I had a nice loan for a year from Social Security. My son and ex-wife also have to pay back. Good luck on them getting money back from the ex. It’s no wonder that outfit is going broke.

Again, Allen, Happy Birthday.

Bob Lykins

Yes Bob, you fell into the social security off set rule when you started collecting your federal retirement. For me the bulk of my Social Security entitlement comes from my Army reserve years. In my case the off set rule I feel is fare, because I did not pay that much into the system to get my qualifying quarters. I don’t necessarily like it, but I can see the rational behind the rule for folks like me. It’s not a fare rule for those that had substantial years social security before going to work for the government. This rule only applies to those hired into federal service before 1984. To maximize my retirement, I learned the Government, Reserve and Social Security laws well. Gary

01/27/2009

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Gary

Please note there is no message 351.

Reply from Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (48):

Well, I certainly remember Miss Ewen. She had us totally under her
thumb and we’d better not ask “why.” I did my practice teaching in a
one room rural school south of Minot (one of te lucky ones to be
assigned to this situation) with Jim Bowles who also belonged to the
Rural School Teacher group. Miss Ewen, it seemed, was observing us every
day.

I have had a wonderful teaching career–
beginning at Lockhart Rural School, moving to Overly to a consolidated
school, I had only 4 grades there, then on to Plentywood, Montana having
37 first graders. My next assignment was San Diego for 1 year. We
moved to Decorah, Iowa, where I had 3rd grade. Then I taught 1st grade
in St. Paul for 3 years. One would think I couldn’t hold a job, but I
was following my husband around.

Since then I have taught in Worcester, MA, Sutter Creek, CA, and Kent,
WA. So 51 years after teaching in 7 states and had 3 children I retired
to subbing on Fridays.

This must be thanks to Miss Ewen who had us cutting pictures out of
magazines and writing text to make up supplemental reading material, to
creating mind challenging seat work, that has given me great joy in
being a part of so many little children’s lives.

Tommy Hagen can relate to much of this early training, I’m sure.
From Minnie Mary McKay Merrill, Renton, WA.

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Rita Gable called me. I had sent pictures of her to the Dunseith School, as someone had written Rita teaches there, which she does, except this year she is in Minot. She was wondering where I had found the pictures–I hadn’t taken time to write a note to send along with the pictures, so I was hoping she was in your lists and knew about the pictures. She isn’t and didn’t, but it worked out fine, as we had a nice visit. Also, she would like to be included in your Alumni news letter: (I hope I have that right; I sent a test email to her, but haven’t received a reply.). She asked if I had seen pictures of Keplin’s. I know I have seen some with the Keplin name. I’ll send them to her and see if they are her relatives–I hope so.

I plan to go to Bottineau tomorrow and stay until about February 7th/8th. I have an appointment with my oncologist on February 9, so I need to be back in Minot then. All is going well.

Later tonight, I hope to scan Frozen Fingers Festival tentative schedule; Dick, Brenda and Ron Hett are performing this year.

I’m attending a meeting at 8:00, so I’ll quit for now.

By the way, I loved seeing the picture of “the Morinville kids”.

I need to respond to other comments sometime, too, but thought I’d mention this picture now.

Neola

Rita, I have added you to our distribution starting with today’s blog. What years did you teach in Dunseith? Are you from the Dunseith area? We have a number of the staff from the Dunseith Schools on our distribution as well. It’s great having you included with our blog. I know many of our folks know you. Gary

Jarilyn Hiatt’s photo posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe:

Jarilyn is the daughter of Wallace & Arla Hill Hiatt. Does anyone know if Jarilyn has email? I do not have Jarilyn listed in any of my files. Gary

Posted by Neola Garbe:

Does anyone know where this property is located?

01/26/2009

Posted on January 26, 2009 by Gary

Email address change for Armand Mongeon (40):

Gary my email address has changed from I really enjoy the email I do hope this goes through. Armand

Armand, this came through just fine. I have updated all of my files with your address change.

Armand, most all of us remember you, your family and you working at the hardware store. Several years ago you told me you have been working at the same hardware store in Dunseith for over 60 years. That is remarkable.

Folks, with your visits to Dunseith, feel free to stop in the hardware store and say hi to Armand.

From Dave Wurgler (64):

Gary: Good Day to whoever reads this. First of all Happy Birthday to Allen Richard, maybe one of these years you will catch up with me in age as you couldn’t do it with the cars we had back in the good ole days. lol. You were talking about retirement and Soc. Sec., so I will update my life,as of June 30th 2008 I retired from my service station business after 42 years of service. I liquidated my inventory and sold out the equiptment and as of Jan. 5th I sold the building and property. I am now working partime at the Tesaro Convenience Store and collecting that big Soc.Sec. check, plus I am shuffling cars around to different cities for the Ford dealership her in Rugby on my days off. (enjoying every bit of it) Char and I will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary in Nov. and raised three children, Lisa,(41) Teri,(39) and Chris.(34) and they made us proud Grand Parents of 8 Grand Children and we love and spoil them all. In Sept. we took our long awaited vacation and traveled to Calif. for three weeks to be with Char’s family and had a great time. What I really enjoyed the most was all the golfing we got in and all the beautiful courses we got to play the game on. We even golfed on the course Tiger Woods grew up on and learned the game of golf in his home city and also toured the three million dollar rec center he built next to the golf course for the city and he completely rebuilt the golf course by making the fairways longer and more difficult with sand traps, water traps, more trees and huge rolling greens. We had a blast golfing that course but as I am not a par golfer I shot a lot more boogeys than I did pars. lol. Well, I better quit boring your clients and sign off for now, but keep up the good work you are doing on this blog which I enjoy very much and I don’t miss a day, Thanks.—————–Enjoying my life and retirement, God Bless all of the Alumni of DHS and bless all with health and happiness. Dave Wurgler (64).

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48):

Lloyd Awalt’s reports alway seem to stir up a memory I had about our town. With the mention of elevator fires, I was reminded of a building on main steet between Billy Wright’s, later, Joe Morinville’s store and Floyd Nelson’s barber shop there was a building in the thirties which included the Dunseith Journal, a jewelry store, and maybe Judge Ray Wilson’s office where he and Ovila Laumoureux played chess for hours. When I was in the 3rd grade, and Miss Drege was our teacher that building burned. On the south side of the aforementioned store was the house where the Deeters lived. Mrs. Deeter was our telephone operator. She had two girls, Ruth and Carol. I was having a crush on Carol who was in the 4th grade, so she and the other girls never paid attention to “lower graded guys” So we came back from lunch on a school day, and Carol was crying because she was worried about her home burning. It was a very big fire. The teacher hadn’t come into the room
yet, so I stood in front of the 4th grade rows and waived my arms around and said that everything was going to be ok. I knocked over a can of full length chalk, and the sawdust they were packed in and made a hell of a mess, just before Miss Drege walked into the room. The good part was that Carol laughed, the bad part that I had to clean up the mess, and we never had a whole length of chalk for the rest of the year. Bill Hosmer

Reply to the 1949 snow storm from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew):

I started grade school in Wahpeton the fall of 1949. My Mother, Clarissa Carlson Aird, took my 2 year old sister Christine to the Carlson homestead for Christmas. Dad and I stayed in Wahpeton. That Christmas the Turtle Mountains had a huge snow storm. My Mother and sister were snowed in. For two weeks I ate canned tomato soup and toast, all Dad knew how to fix. Finally Grandpa Pete got tired of the company. Pete hooked up his team of horses to his hay wagon, bundled my Mother and Sister up in quilts and took them to Dunseith to catch the train. Pete would have been in his mid 70’s.

Reply to 1949 snow storm from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Reply to Lloyd Awalt

Winter of ’49…yes, Lloyd we had our hands full to say the least. We had lots of cattle, all housed in the barn. It was definitel the only winter we had to make a pass or two with the team and hayrack to make a road before we loaded the load of hay. Then we had to haul the whole six ton stack that day or lose it to the elements. There were deer in the one side of the stack that had a crevice, they were too weak to run. Always more snow up there on top of the Turtle Mts. But, I guess we were prepared, always had a top team of horses, the super hired man, as Alcide was. Elwood Fauske became very popular that winter. I have pictures, but am hard pressed to get words out let alone pictures.

Lloyd those orphan lambs always became pests. Art Seim, sheepman, always found a home for some of his. They would lay by the door you used, so you couldn’t get out until you begged for mercy. One morning Alcide came in and said, “I saved Baby.” The ’49 Chevy pickup had rolled from the house to the barn, Baby was pinned but not hurt in the least. These were the kind of happenings that gave Alcide yet another story to tell all visitors.

Lloyd, just tell me I had a dream if you don’t remember this. Had to be between ’46 and ’49, you and your dad, John were at the farm. I must have been busy with chores that winter day. You and John came from the east, we had some old machinery 1/8 mile east, but John had you piggy back. It was cold and the snow was deep. You may have twisted your ankle. Again, I could be dreaming.

Yes, there sure were a lot of real adventure stories from that winter. Yes, the prairie too if you lowered all the road and grades one foot or two like they were in those days. Winter would take on a new look again. The people involved were people from the great depression, they took it in stride. The good part and I remember it well, grain and cattle were top price that year. Almost all our neighbors bought a new Chevy pickup, green or black. Dad sold a red pole bull to Al Houle for $500.00–that was a lot of moola in those days.

Thanks, Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Lloyd (and his ‘secretary’ Bonnie, I suppose), posted another great
story from the old days! I too remember the elevator fire of ’54. It is
listed in the Dunseith history book as June 1954, so I would have been
just a month from my fourth birthday. The flames are still clear in my
mind. Speaking of the train, did anyone else put pennies on the train
tracks for the train to smash? I still have one that I did in the ’50s.
It smeared it pretty flat! Bill Teal would go home for lunch and would
drive his two tone green ’56 Chevy past our house, so I knew when we
could mess around at the depot! Can anyone remember the coal bins by the
elevator where you loaded coal in your pickup with a two wheel cart?
That was where we got coal for quite a few years until Dad converted our
old furnace to fuel oil with a burner he bought from Herman Martinson at
the bakery. It was a relief to not have to haul coal and put it in the
basement! I also remember how the freight came in to the depot on the
train for most of the businesses in town. John Awalt and later Johnnie
Myer were the dray men who delivered all over town. They hauled a lot of
loads past our house on their way uptown. The good old days! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Birthday reply from Allen Richard (65):

Thanks for the well wishes. I planned to retire soon too but that got complicated with the economy. My stock comeback is that the announcement of my retirement will appear at the same time as my obituary.

Message/picture from Jerry Williams (54):

I graduated with Viola with the class of 1954, a graduating class of 8, I think the smallest to ever graduate from good old DHS. Anyway I have been back to Dunseith many times since 1954 myself and Viola is one of those people that I have not seen in now 55 years. I don’t know if our class is going to get together for a 55 year reunion this summer or not but it would be fun to get to see her again. How about it class of “54” are we going to have a class reunion this summer?

Jerry Williams class of “54” with wife Kathy

1/25/2009 (349)

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Gary

Posted on January 25, 2009

Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):

I had another birthday announcement come across my computer screen telling me Allen Richard (65) has a birthday tomorrow, January 26. Happy Birthday Allen. Coming from the class of 65, I think you’ve got about 6 months in age on me. I’ll be 62 in July. We can start collecting SS. Being a retired Federal Employee, My SS will be reduced to almost nothing, but that’s OK. Gary

Allen Richard

Request from Jeff Evans (73):

Hi Gary,

Could you please add my brother Jon (85) to your mailing list? I’m afraid he’s feeling a little left out when Mom or my other siblings refer to a story from the blog. His e-mail is: Thanks.

I really enjoy this service that you provide for all of us. I save them and then go over them with Mom when I visit. Thank you, Jeff Evans (73)

Jeff, It’s for sure not a problem adding Jon to our distribution. With your mother being a Hagen and your dad an Evans, you guys come from good stock. When I talked to your mother, Joyce, she told me you take your computer over to her house and share these daily’s with her. She really appreciates you doing that too. Gary

From Lloyd Awalt (44):

1948-1949 was the year of the “Big Snow” in North Dakota. I’d like to hear memories from those of us that remember then or remember hearing stories told by others about that time.

When the snow started coming it didn’t know when to stop. It covered the fence posts, drifted up to the rooftops of the buildings and in the case of Billy Lawrence’s Blacksmith Shop it covered the shop enough to make it possible for my sister Eleanor and I to walk all the way over it. We could walk up the snowdrifts to the lower part of Hosmer’s Store, take a hop and we were on the store where we could walk to the Main Street side and look down on Main Street. The snow was packed so tightly across the streets that no one could drive anywhere. The city was not equipped to handle removing all the snow and so the National Guard was called in. There were four ways out of Dunseith but you could only travel about 5 miles North before snowdrifts stopped you. The Guard would go out to the area farms use a dozer to get to the hay stacks, throw a log chain around the haystacks and pull the haystacks up to the barn so the farmers could get hay to their animals. The Guard stayed through the months of February and March.

I wonder if everyone remembers the “4th of July Fireworks” held every year. It was held on the top of the gravel pit on the north east side of town. Everyone drove into out pasture and parked so they could see the display. The reason it was held at the gravel pit was so that the patients from the San Haven would be able to watch. (We had to make sure the cows were all into the barn as we left the gates open so people could just drive right into the pasture.)

As a young man I had a black pony named “Star”. I could do anything with Star. I would put my little sister Bonnie on Star’s back and she would walk all around the yard, no problem. ( Bonnie was 3-4-and 5 at the time) But Star would not let anyone else ride her if she could see me. One day my Dad rode Star out to bring in the cows for milking. When they were coming back Star looked up and saw me feeding the pigs, She bucked Dad off and took off to come to me. I could hear Dad Beller as he hit the ground and expected to catch heck when he got back to the barn. That didn’t happen, instead Dad just shook his head and walked past me to prepare to milk the cows.

When I first returned from the war I went to work for Edgar and Rita Anderson at the Gamble Store, (at that time 1947, it was located on the corner where the AC Bar is,.) It burned down and they moved over to Myres Clothing Store spot in mid main street. Iver Lo rebuilt the building and it became a gas station with the creamery in the back and a Tastee Freeze ice cream parlor along side. I worked for the creamery for two year before moving to South Grove Minnesota. Later on Iver Lo sold the station to Jack Flynn and Joe Evans and they turned it into the Ameri-Canadian Bar.

The elevator in Dunseith burned down two different times. In 1942 (about) it burned and was so hot you could feel the heat all the way to our home. The elevator was full of grain so burned a long time. In 1954 another of the elevators in Dunseith burned, Dunseith had a newer fire truck they were better equipped to fight the fire.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Bill Pritchard (Bottineau):

Bill is the son of Corbin (Deceased) & Doris Smith Pritchard. Beverly & Lois are Doris’ sisters. The Pritchard’s owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years.

Gary,

These two pictures are definitely of Beverly, or Patsy as we called her. Beverly died several years ago from cancer. I asked my mother about the other picture last night. I had printed it out to show her. After the picture is printed, the word Lois in the upper corner is easier to read. So the picture is definetly Lois. I’m going to send the picture to some of her family. They will really get a kick out of it. Lois has a huge family and they are all in the Shreveport, LA and Dallas, TX area.

Bill

Lois Smith

Beverly Smith in 5th grade

Beverly Smith

Article posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Charlene is married to Michael DuBois, Wade’s brother. Wade & Michael are nephews of Dennis DuBois (63).

Charelen DuBois

Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

01/25/2009

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Gary

Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):

Allen Richard

Request from Jeff Evans (73):

Hi Gary,

Could you please add my brother Jon (85) to your mailing list? I’m afraid he’s feeling a little left out when Mom or my other siblings refer to a story from the blog. His e-mail is: Thanks.

I really enjoy this service that you provide for all of us. I save them and then go over them with Mom when I visit. Thank you, Jeff Evans (73)

Jeff, It’s for sure not a problem adding Jon to our distribution. With your mother being a Hagen and your dad an Evans, you guys come from good stock. When I talked to your mother, Joyce, she told me you take your computer over to her house and share these daily’s with her. She really appreciates you doing that too. Gary

From Lloyd Awalt (44):

1948-1949 was the year of the “Big Snow” in North Dakota. I’d like to hear memories from those of us that remember then or remember hearing stories told by others about that time.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Bill Pritchard (Bottineau):

Bill is the son of Corbin (Deceased) & Doris Smith Pritchard. Beverly & Lois are Doris’ sisters. The Pritchard’s owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years.

Gary,

Bill

Lois Smith

Beverly Smith in 5th grade

Beverly Smith

Article posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Charlene is married to Michael DuBois, Wade’s brother. Wade & Michael are nephews of Dennis DuBois (63).

Charelen DuBois

Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

01/24/2009

Posted on January 24, 2009 by Gary

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Dick Ziegler (Viola Hobbs Ziegler 54) message below:

Dick,

Yep, Vi’s dad, Allen Hobbs, did buy scrap iron, along with hides

and fur. I can remember when Vi and I were going together, Allen

showed me a few of his muskrat hides he had stretched. I had never

before, or since, seen so many hides in one place. He had quite a

business going, and seemed to be liked by most people.

Don’t worry, you’re not being a pest. It’s nice to communicate with

someone from Vi’s old stomping grounds. Are you still living in

Dunseith? The last time we were back there, I believe was the year we

retired, 1996. We stopped in for a nice visit with Rodney and Marlene

Armentrout. (Not sure of that spelling.) Vi is still in contact with Marlene’s

sister, Bertha Kraft, who lives in Pocatello, Idaho.

We would be interested in visiting Gary Stokes’ site, but don’t have the address. Would appreciate it if you would send it to us.

Thanks,

Dick

Dick Ziegler’s message to Dick Johnson:

Dick and Viola,

I am being a pest, I know, but may I ask Viola if her dad, Allen Hobbs,

used to buy scrap iron. I was only about 9 or 10 years old when my dad

sold an old tractor to someone for scrap. I thought it was Mr. Hobbs. It

was the first time Dad let me drive to town, as I had to follow him,

with him on the old Twin Cities tractor. There has been much discussion

of Viola’s family on the last couple days ‘Gary Stokes site’. I hope

you’re getting the messages too! Thanks Dick and Viola!

Dick Johnson

Reply from Dick Ziegler (Viola Hobbs Ziegler 54):

Gary,

Vi says the Leroy mentioned in the article was Leroy Afton, to

the best of her recollection. She said they didn’t live in Dunseith

very long, maybe two or three years. I didn’t put Leroy’s last name

in the article, as I didn’t know it, and I couldn’t ask Vi, as she didn’t

know anything about the article. I wanted it to be a surprise to her,

if the article was ever published. Was it ever a surprise to her.

We belong to a senior bowling league, and last week I was down

with a cold and didn’t bowl. Someone in the league happened to

subscribe to Reminisce Extra, and received his copy on the day

the league bowled, just one day before we received our copies.

He brought his copy to the bowling alley, and showed everyone

there. It caught Vi completely off guard, and I couldn’t have planned

it better if I had tried. She was totally surprised, and received many

very nice compliments from the people there. When she came home

and told me about what had happened, it surprised me too, as I

hadn’t been made aware the article had been published. Pretty

neat, huh?

Dick Ziegler

P.S. Thank you for putting us on your mailing list. We really

appreciate it.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

I have to apologize for calling Arvilla Hobbs, Viola, as I know better.
Maybe the ‘grey matter’ is deteriorating! Sorry. Thanks to Ginger and
Vickie for your respective insight on Alcide Lajimodier. Interesting ,
to say the least. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

Gar;y: Our cottage was not very far from the Metigoshe Store (Hobbs),
perhaps a mile, and we went there often. If we were working on the
boathouse or something and took a break, Chuck, Ross (our son) and I
would go for a snack, and this is where we met Sylvia Bergan, as she
worked for them and she baked the BEST frosted ginger cookies that I
have ever tasted. Ross just loved them, and was raring to go when we
said we were going to the store. Harvey & Arvilla were so well liked at
the Lake and ran a good business, and would help you in any way they
could. We missed them when they moved away.
Mona Dionne Johnson, ’48

Mona, Now that you mention it, I do remember Sylvia Bergan working at the Hobbs store. Being good friends with Oscar & Sylvia, I think was the reason we were at the Hobbs store often. Sylvia also cooked for the Boy scouts camp at Lake Metigoshe for many years. She was well known for her baking and cooking abilities. Sylvia will be 97 this year. She is living at the long term care facility at Saint Andrews hospital in Bottineau. Sylvia and a lot of the older members of the Metigoshe Lutheran church Ladies Aid served lunch at both my parents funerals, Dad in 2000 and mom in 2004. It sure brought back some good memories seeing all those folks doing what I remember seeing them doing, many times, in my growing up days. Sylvia was an aunt to Clayton Bergan. Gary

Reply from Ruby Krause (former teacher):

Thank you for the birthday greetings! What a surprise to see that message at the top of your daily letter. I enjoy these very much, even though I don’t know many of the old timers. We moved here in 1970. Ruby Krause

Reply from Edna (Susie) Millang (60):

Gary – Happy birthday Ruby. January 24 is also Minnie Flynn’s birthday. Also Dorren – I did not know that Allen Hobbs name was Harvey. Maybe Viola could bring us up to date on this. Thanks again Gary for all that you do. Susie Millang (60)

Message from Lloyd Awalt (44):

Hello Gary,

In 1941 my parents, John and Gertrude Awalt built their home down by the Depot. Art Sime and Oliver Handland helped Dad to build it.

Living so close to the depot had it’s draw backs. One day Irene Teal came over to inform Mother that one of the hens from the barn had gotten over to the depot and sat on the undercarriage of the train and rode to Thorne before getting off. The train crew returned Mothers hen that evening on their return to Dunseith.

One Spring Earl Fassett had a mother ewe that died giving birth to a baby lamb. Out of the kindness of his heart, he gave the lamb to my sister Eleanor. The lamb was a PAIN! It was the lamb from “Mary Had A Little Lamb”, it followed Eleanor everywhere. To prevent that it was tied to the clothesline. The crazy lamb fell in love with the train, every evening when the train came in, that blasted lamb would try everything to get loose and run to the depot and crawl under the train. The train workers had their hands full whenever it got loose. You could find conductors, engineers, Bill Teal, Irene Teal, Mother, Emma and Bonnie crawling around under the train trying to catch the lamb. (Lucky Eleanor was always at work at the Drug Store so she didn’t have to crawl under the train.) Bless their hearts the train crew would always leave the train sitting still until the lamb was caught and returned home. Then they would take the train into the round house. This went on all summer and into early fall until Eleanor finally shipped that lamb.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (73):

lol first time all four of us had been together since our dad passed away that was 27 years. With Clarence and I running around the world for so many years it was hard to always get together. Now with Debbie being so sick I am wondering if we will all even be together again, Thanks Sharon they have Deb and I mixed up but everyone always did mix us up .and i just don’t see why she looks like dad I look like mom.

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Bev, I’m the one that got you guys mixed up on that photo. After I sent it, I realized the mistake. I do apologize. Gary

01/23/2009

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Gary

Happy Birthday Ruby Krause.

Ruby, I had a message come across my screen telling me it’s your Birthday tomorrow, January 24th.

We wish you a very happy birthday, enjoy. Gary

Krause, Ruby
PO Box 87

Dunseith, ND 58329

Phone: (701) 244-5833
Notes:
Former Teacher

Request from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary,

Dick and Vi Hobbs (54) Ziegler would like to be added to the list of daily
blog folks. They would probably like to see the stories of the Hobbs
family that have been posted in the last few days. Thanks Gary!

Dick and Vi Ziegler

Dick, For some reason, I did not have Dick & Vi included with our daily distribution. I have now added them and I have forwarded the last few days messages to them, starting with the posting of Dick’s newspaper article.

Dick & Vi, I am so sorry for this mix up. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Harvey Hobbs and his wife, Viola (also his sister’s name) operated the
Metigoshe Store. It was just south of the bridge and on the south side
of the curve. We went there many times in the late 50s and early 60s,
usually by boat from the cabin on the south lake. I remember how the
store had lots of steps up the front and you first entered the lunch
counter area. I had many sundaes at that little counter, while the folks
got groceries and supplies. They handled nearly everything lake related.
When the Hobbs’ left Lake Metigoshe, I think they moved to Crosby, ND.
Last Memorial Day I walked around at all the cemeteries and at Riverside
I saw the Hobbs grave where Harvey is buried. I believe he passed away
in the last couple of years, if my memory serves me correctly. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I remember that store and park area well. I was thinking it was Harvey Hobbs that owned that and you have just confirmed what I thought. We frequented his store and park area with many picnic lunches over the years of my childhood. I remember the water cooled pop dispenser that they had. Orange was my favorite, but it wasn’t always that we had a nickel or a dime to put in the machine. I remember our good Friends, Oscar and Sylvia Bergan, being connected to the Hobbs’ in some way too. Maybe they were just good friends of Harvey & Viola. Gary

Harvey Hobbs’ obituary & reply from Doreen Bailey:

Gary

Just to clarify Harvey Allen Hobbs was full name of Harvey E. and Viola’s father. It was very common to use the Middle name in the years past. I believe one reason for it was that so often families repeated the first names from generation to generation to honor fathers and grandfathers, etc.. It makes for some confusion when doing genealogy. I attached the son Harvey’s obituary it gives a good outline of his life’s activities. Thanks Doreen Bailey

Email address change for Rod (51) & Helen Evans – please udate your files:

Gary,

Enjoy your updates on Dunseith. We’ve a new address , rheve@comcast.net.

Thank you,

Rod & Helen

From Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher):

Gary had lunch with recent cruise travelers to Alaska and they said even in summer ( July) they needed warm coats, mittens and caps
esp for visits to glaciers and it was cool on board ship, don’t just bring summer clothing along. Ardys Horner

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

In reply to Dick, in reference to Alcide LaJmodaire, I was doing a little
checking, I don’t know his parents, but he was a brother to Bud Davis’
wife, who were the parents of LaDot. I was talking to Beverly Parisien,
wife of Albert Parisien, whose mother was a sister to Alice Bergan, Alcide
was just a friend to their family and stayed with them as he did with Leo
and Betty Poitra.

I will search for some more information on Alcide. I remember him coming
to our home too. A lot of people remember Alcide and Ward.

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

ALCIDE LAJIMODERE

Alcide Lajimodere was a proud native American veteran of W.W.II.
I was told recently that he was listed as a POW,veteran of foreign war and a long time a member of the Belcourt American Legion.
One of my former college classmates,a direct decedent of Ben Lajimodere. Denise Lajimodere told me over 35 years ago that Alcide was a cousin to her dad. Alcide was the uncle of Toosie Poitra Delorme, mom of Carol Ann (Parisien) Lavalle. Tootsie’s mother who was married to Ralph Poitra died when Tootsie was 5 years old, Tootsie was then sent to a mission boarding school as were her siblings. Alcide and Mrs. Poitra also had two brothers, Ovide and Francis. I don’t know if there were other siblings.
Alcide’s parents were friends of my grandparents, William and Rose Metcalfe. My dad, Cliff told me that the couples, visited frequently back and forth as neighbors. Out of respect, dad always referred to them as Mr. and Mrs. Lajimodere. He told stories of riding in the wagon box along with his parents to visit the Lajimodere family where he played with Francis. Francis who was about my dads age, called my dad from Grafton ND, every New Years Eve, the last few years dad lived
Alcide lived at various places.
Among the various seasons of farm work in the Turtle Mountains: Harvesting of trees for firewood usually in the winter when a fallen tree would be rolled up on a sled and pulled out by a team of horses brought into the home yard and piled. Calving and lambing season,Fencing season came as soon as the ground thawed in the spring, Castrating and dehorning season. Sheep shearing season. Planting crops season. Cultivating and summer fallowing season which included rock picking. Cleaning the calf pens season. Haying season. Fence post sharpening season. Sawing up the dried logs. Putting up and hauling hay. Wood splitting season. Harvesting. Among many jobs dad hired help for.
When we were youngsters our dad Cliff hired men seasonally. When we were adolescents I along with my sisters, Nancy and Cyndy became the hired men.
Many of the men dad hired worked in their areas of expertise. As I recall, all had the utmost respect of both mom and dad. Mom cooked 3 square meals a day and also served lunches. She felt that working men needed hot meals. She also found out their favorite meals and made a habit of cooking one of their favorite meals for them. Alcide’s favorite meal he’d ask for was Mom’s Chop Suey.
When the time came to pay to pay a hired man, Dad would always always say, “How much do we owe you” Then he’d say, “Get the checkbook Lottie” and tell her to write the check for more,usually saying to the hired man, “You’re worth more.”
My sister Nancy and I have fond memories of Alcide Lajimodere beginning when we when we were small small children living in the house with no plumbing. But when working for dad he usually fenced, sharpened fence posts or hayed. And he’d stay for maybe a week at a time.
Alcide was undoubtedly a very homely man.
Dad would say to us Alcide Lajimodere is as “homely” as his sister the first Mrs. Ralph Poitra was beautiful. WOW! We girls thought ….”She really must have been a beauty!” Dad also said Alcide was kind,honest,trustworthy, a hard worker and a story teller. We were not to be frightened of him but treat him with respect. And we did because we never heard him speak disrespectfully or swear.
Alcide was of medium dark complexion with native American features. He was tall and rangy thin, wearing clean blue chambray work shirts and denim blue work pants and his straight black hair was always trimmed. He didn’t have hardly any facial hair. When he cleaned up before meals he’d always wash up, then look at himself in the mirror combing his hair he’s say something like, ” um hum, What a handsome man”. We girls eyed him with wonder, WOW! He really believes that?”

Then after a meal we girls would be entertained by Alcide’s’ far fetched stories. At times I’d get scared and he’d look at me and say something like, ” Oh this wolf wasn’t a really a bad wolf, he was a nice coyote.’
There was one exception to the far fetched stories. It was usually the last story of the day. It was a story I heard Alcide tell many times over the years. And my dad said it was true.
It went like this. Alcide said, ” I was captured by the Japs. They made us walk and walk and walk through the jungle and didn’t feed the Americans.” “One day me and some guys got away.” “We were running, running, running day and night through the jungle.” “We tried to hide but the Japs continued to chase us.” “One guy was killed while running.” “Then,we were down to two of us just wearing our skivvies.” “We ate insects and fruit when we could”, “The other guy fell I said, get up and tried to move him, carry him.” Saying, We gotta keep moving, or we will be killed. “But refusing to move, he said, … They can kill me right here then… because I can’t go any further.” “So I left him and I was alone for a time.” “One day some American soldiers came and I stepped out into a clearing hunched down with long dirty hair and dirty skivvies .” The soldiers pointed their bayonets surrounded me, told me to put my hands behind my head.” (He’d say, like this and he would show us) “Then, one of them spoke very slow and loud, who are you and what are you? ” ( We girls then would really be wide eyed imagining Alcide, very brown, wearing only dirty bottom briefs ,ie skivvies with long stringy hair.(Then Alcide would get up from his chair straighten himself up to his full height) ..and finish the story…say, ” I said, (insulted) Haven’t you ever seen an American Innian”. (Then Alcide would proudly walk out of the room.) Blessed be the memory of the kind,gentle, PROUD AMERICAN INNIAN VETERAN…..ALCIDE LAJIMODERE..Vickie Metcalfe

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01/22/2009

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Gary

From Edna (Susie) Knox Millang (60):

Hello Gary – Just want to correct Doreen Bailey. Viola Hobbs is also a cousin of mine. Her Dad was Allen Hobbs. Harvery was her brother. Thank you for all you do. Edna Susie Millang (60)

The name Harvey Hobbs is a very familiar name to me and I’ll bet to a lot of other folks too. I’ll bet Doreen was thinking Allen and said Harvey. Harvey Hobbs and Lake Metigoshe come to mind. I think I remember him having a store over there. I think Viola mentioned that too, when I talked to her. I hope I’m not wrong with my thinking. I believe Harvey is deceased. Gary

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Hi, Gary and Gary (MetcalfeL) Yes, Miss Ewen was my supervising teacher from Minot State at the time. She was quite a character and didn’t hold back about anything. I started teaching in the fall of l952 at Cleveland School west of Rolette and kept on there for 3 years until Dot and I got married and she taught there for 1 year. At 8th grade graduatiion in Rolette, Miss Ewen was the speaker, and I had a student graduating then. She looked out in the crowd and said “Yes, and there sits that Tom Hagen, and he didn’t even send me and invitation to his wedding” Dot and I both had her so she knew us both. Quite the old gal but we learned from her!!!

Thanks, Tom (Class of 51) Sending this from Texas as we are visiting with them for a week

Reply from Bonnie Smith Kohler (Wayne Smith’s (61) cousin):

HI GARY:

I AM ALSO RELATED TO DENNIS, CLAUDIA AND TERRY ESPE, AND WE SAW THEM AT WAYNE AND ROSEMARY’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY AT THEIR HOME. CLAUDIA WASN’T THERE, BUT THE REST WERE AND WE HAD A REAL NICE VISIT AS ALWAYS.

BONNIE

Bonnie, I knew that too, that you and the Elmer Espe kids were cousins. Lets see if I’ve got the connections correct. Frances Espe, Maybelle Salmonson & Alfred Smith were siblings to you dad Hank. Gary Metcalfe mentioned several days ago too, remembering seeing you over at Kelvin, before your family moved to MN. Gary

Reply from Marlene Lilleby Palmquist Larsen (53):

Dear Gary

I am really enjoying your E-mails and all the stories about people from Dunseith. The Viola & Dick Ziegler

story was really cute and interesting. I remember in grade school Viola Hobbs and Bonnie Awalt and so many others you hear from — The Leonards were cousins of mine as was Lois Lilleby — We are in Yuma Az.

for the winter and hope to get together with Bob and Donna Leonard in the next week and Lois and her husband Len are coming from Prescott for a short visit haven’t seen them for several years, so it will be

a nice time together and maybe we’ll see a few more Dunseith snowbirds.

Another cousin, Eileen Egbert Spitzer (daughter of James Egbert) who now lives in Fargo and is visiting us here in Yuma thought your blog was so good and she would like to be added to your list.

Her E-mail address is EREENIE@ aol.com. Keep up the wonderful work. You are so appreciated.

Marlene Lilleby Palmquist Larsen

Eileen, it is our pleasure to add you to our email list. The Egberts were well known in the Dunseith community. Without reviewing my notes, I believe your dad was a son of Adrian’s. I think your dad was killed in WWII. Please correct me if I’m wrong. If I remember right, your mother never remarried. Gary

Reply to Dale Pritchard (63) from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Dale, Maybe 52 years ago I knew Gene Beckman. He was a great friend of Carlyle Nelson. Preacher Nelson’s son up on Willow Lake Road. Anyway, I drank a few beers with him and Carlyle in Minot. They were heavy equipment operators at the air base then. Gene was a cool guy and a year or so after I met him he went down with a plane in Alaska. I think he must have had 2 names,I think Carlyle moved back to Dakota recently, he knew all about Gene Beckman.

Excuse me Doreen Bailey, did you mean Alan Hobbs or was Harvey Alan’s real name??
Gary Metcalfe

Gary, I believe Carlyle is Abe Nelson’s son who also lived in the Willow Lake road. I think Pastor Nelson lived on the Willow Lake Road too. Carlyle is living in Bottineau. He went to high school in Bottineau. Carlyle still has the farm up on the Willow Lake road. I talked to him a few months ago. I also saw a lot of Carlyle, both in Dunseith and Bottineau, with our trip back for the reunion in 2007. Gary

Reply from Marie Iverson Staub (60):

Dale,
I was pleased to receive the email from you regarding my cousin but the
person who was killed in Cook Inlet was Gene Beckman who was another
brother to Allen and Irvin Beckman . I remember that as we were still
living in Dunseith. There mother Oleanna was my mothers sister and I
think that was a reason that she passed away as she couldn’t cope with
that news and I can see how that would affect a mother as I have two
boys and I can’t imagine anything happening to them. Again thanks for
the email. If you ever talk to Allen tell him Hi from his cousin.
I know the last time I saw Irvin he was working for the highway
department but I can’t remember if that was in North Dakota or another
state he was also in the service with Elvis Presley. I’m sure this is
more information than you ever wanted to know.

Marie Staub (Iverson)

Reply to picture posted yesterday from Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Reply to Bev Morinville Azure: Nice picture of you guys!!!!

Sharon Longie Dana (73)

From Warren Anderson (65):

Hi, Gary and all from the Great Dunseith Schools, and the bush country schools too! This is the picture that tells our feelings when we have so much snow and cold in N Dak. Soo-o cute. My wife and I are flying out to Florda on Friday for 7 days, we set this trip up to break up the cold month of January. I do not wish 40 B-low temps on my friends back in Dakota. However it better not be 25 above all the time we are gone because I love to snowmobile. Have fun–Warren ’65

01/21/2009

Posted on January 21, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Doreen Bailey:

Gary & Dick Johnson
I enjoyed the article from Reminisce ‘Extra’, I recognize the name Viola
Elaine Hobbs, she is a first cousin to Vance Bailey. His mother Marie Hobbs
and Viola’s father Harvey Hobbs were bother and sister. Thanks for the
memories that keep Vance close! Doreen Bailey

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Viola Hobbs, you got away from us too soon, I bet your dad thought so too. I remember you and Renae Chilton in Miss Schur’s class in the Dungeon. Leroy may have been Leroy Cote, surely not Leroy Stadheim?

I would like to pay tribute to a group that a lot of people can identify with. The one year rural teachers. They were to the teaching profession what the combat infantry soldier was to the military. Mud and snow, wind and cold or hot, no insulation or electricity. Tell me a mustard sandwich isn’t good after a couple years of peanut butter and jelly.

Some teachers were just 18 years old after nine months of training and 6 to 8 grades to teach.

I am sure I knew 20 or 30 teachers that had to deal with Miss Ewen. She was an institution. Something of the ilk of Patton or MacArthur. That Tank Commander in Italy straightened out Patton and Give-em-hell Harry dealt with McArthur. But I am not sure anyone messed with Miss Ewen or any of her people. She made a lot of great citizens. There are a lot of great rural school stories out there, Tommy Hagen what year did you start teaching and how about Miss Ewen??

Bonnie Smith you were just a cute little kid who came to Kelvin every Saturday night the last time I saw you. Also your brother Wally and I don’t know why Harriet comes to mind, was she a sister? Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Dale Pritchard (63):

Marie / Gary,

About 30 years ago or more, Irvin Beckman was living in Anchorage,
Alaska and was a small plane pilot. One day after takeoff he went out
over Cook Inlet or the Gulf of Alaska and went down. Neither he nor the
plane were ever found. George had gone up there to wait on something to
turn up. It really depressed him to come back home with nothing. I
never knew Irvin. Apparently he was somewhat older than me and was
already gone when Allen came into the picture. Allen was a good friend
of my brother, Darold.

Dale

Dale Pritchard’s (63) Reply to the Smith girl photo:

Doris Smith Pritchard is Dale’s aunt.

Gary,

Can’t help you with this. I just don’t remember what Doris looked like when I was 10 years old. Two of Doris’ sisters lived down here in Shreveport for many years. I can’t remember their last names so don’t know if they are still here or moved on. I get up to Shreveport about every 6 months or so just for someplace different to go.

Dale

Dale, yesterday’s message with Doris’s sister’s picture was forwarded to her son and your cousin Bill Pritchard. I got a message from Bill letting me know that he will show this picture to his mother for her to identify. He said he will get back to me. I think Bonnie Awalt Houle provided us with that picture.

These are the Morinville kids. I beleive this picture was taken in 2007.

Back: Deb & Bev

Front: Duane & Toni

Manvil & Dorothy Sebelius

Sebelius Boys: Duane, David, Jeff, Marvin, Dennis, Daryl, Dean and Harvey

01/20/2009

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Gary

Viola Hobbs Ziegler (54) – This article is all about you that Dick has provided: rtziegler@onlinemac.com

Viloa, This is an amazing story that your husband has written. Who is the LeRoy mentioned in this Article? Would it be LeRoy Birkland? Gary

Hobbs Ziegler

Viola E.

1602 N.E. Riverside Drive, Unit # 12

McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 474-2563

rtziegler@onlinemac.com

Article Posted by Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

The January issue of Reminisce ‘Extra’ just came and as I was reading
through it, the name ‘Dunseith’ caught my eye. This is an international
nostalgia magazine with stories from individuals from all over. This is
an article by Richard Ziegler of McMinnville, Oregon and it bears
reading—-you will see why! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from From Joe Johnson (77):

Gary,

While serving in Korea at Camp Humphreys in 1980 I remember seeing the SR-71’s that were flying out of Osan Air Base while visiting friends that I attended Korean language school with (Osan was north of Camp Humphreys by 9 miles or so.). Even in Camp Humphreys all the Army personnel knew when an SR-71 was taking to the air for a flight over North Korea, or possibly China or the Soviet Union and who knows where else. The way we all knew was that the SR-71 had a very distinctive series of sonic booms, usually 3 in very quick succession as the plane accelerated through and then to, two (2) or three (3) times beyond the speed of sound. These sonic booms were just seconds apart as I recall.

When I first heard these sonic booms I asked about them and learned, from Army friends who had been stationed at Humphreys longer than I, that they were caused by the SR-71s flying out of Osan. I later confirmed the sonic boom stories with my Air Force friends. Ellen, thanks for the info on the SR-71 and bringing back some fond memories of the time I spent serving overseas in the US Army.

If you would like to see the maps of Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base south of Seoul Korea follow this link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=37.020921,127.00985&spn=0.143636,0.387268&t=h&z=12

Camp Humphreys is SW of Pyongtaek across the river and Osan Air Base is straight N about 9 miles just S of the city of Osan. Both military installations are easily identified by their air strips and surrounding airfield and military building layouts.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that your 2009 New Year will become your best year yet!!! Thanks to everyone for all their stories.

Joe Johnson (77)

Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher):

Gary,

What a great piece of info on the SR-71 submitted by Ms. Myrick. What a great airplane that was. I remember the SR-71 very well from my days of living on Okinawa near Kadena Air Base 1977-1979. You always knew when an SR-71 was about to take off. The roar from their engines was very distinctive and seemed to cover the entire Island. We had a nick-name for the 71. We called it the “Habu” after the local poisonous snake. The take off times for the 71 were supposed to be secret for security reasons but ask any kid on the Island and they all seemed to know just when the bird would take off. I remember a rare night on the Island when, in late Fall, the sky was so clear you could see forever and the moon was very bright. I heard the roar of a 71’s engines and walked to the top of a hill near our base house. The plane took off and you could see the flames shooting out the back of the engines. Suddenly, the 71 literally stood on it’s tail and became a rocket ship shooting straight up into the sky. How high it went I really don’t know but one could follow it’s path from the trail of smoke and condensation it left behind. It was truly an amazing aircraft and this was really brought home to me when, several years later, I met one of the electrical engineers and aircraft designer who had worked on the design and creation of the SR-71. He was retired and had accompanied his wife to Germany as she worked on a consultant contract for our school system. He was a very interesting chap and told me a number of things about the airplane. The technology was very advanced and much of what went into this aircraft still remains a secret. However, much has also been realized in commercial aviation from the development of the 71. I was saddened when they retired the SR-71. As was stated she was an expensive bird to fly but perhaps the main reason was she was no longer needed as satellites had taken over much of the surveillance operations of our military. As anyone who was connected with the Air Force and the SR-71 will tell you she was a great aircraft that brought back the “romance” of military aircraft.

Bob Lykins

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary, Don’t know what was in #342 but guess my computer doesn’t like it because it still hasn’t gotten through. Unusual. I rec’d today’s message #343 what a marvelous story from Ellen Graff.

Bonnie

Folks, again please don’t hesitate to let me know if you do not received a message. Bonnie did finely receive #342 when I sent it to her as an attachment to a message. Gary

Folks, I have this photo in my files labeled as a Smith girl. I forgot who sent it. Do any of you recognize which one of Winthrop Smith’s daughters this would be. His daughters are Doris (Pritchard), Betty, Beverly, Lois & Judy. I’m sure if there was a way for Doris, who lives in Bottineau, to see this, she could tell us. Gary

01/19/2009

Image

Folks, this country, the Philippines is about 80% catholic. They religiously honor all their saints. Recently they honored their saint Sto. Nino with a procession. The procession route was about 7 miles or 4 hours in length. It was attended by an estimated 1.5 million people. When the start of the procession came back to the finish from where they started, it was another 45 minutes before the end of the procession could start. There are only about 4 million people on this island of Cebu. Cebu is about 150 miles long with a girth from about 5 to 15 miles. Gary

Reply from Bonnie Smith Kohler (Wayne Smith’s (61) cousin):

HI GARY:

I NEVER WENT TO SCHOOL IN DUNSEITH. I ATTENDED SCHOOL IN ST. JOHN THROUGH PART OF THE FOURTH GRADE, AT WHICH TIME OUR FAMILY MOVED TO MT. IRON, MINNESOTA.

THANKS FOR ADDING ME TO YOUR LIST. I STILL REMEMBER SOME OF THE NAMES OF PEOPLE SUCH AS LLOYD AWALT AS THEY ALSO LIVED OUT HERE IN SOUTH GROVE(ADDITION TO MT. IRON). AND YES, KENROSE MEDLANG IS MY AUNT. ALSO HENRY SALMONSON IS MY UNCLE AND THEY ARE THE ONLY AUNT AND UNCLE I HAVE LEFT BACK THERE. I HAVE COUSINS THAT WE VISIT WITH AS OFTEN AS WE CAN, BUT NOW THAT MOST OF US ARE GRANDPARENTS, WE ARE BUSY TENDING TO LITTLE ONES ALSO.

THANKS AGAIN FOR INCLUDING ME, I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO MORE MESSAGES.

BONNIE

Bonnie, Besides the Smith’s you have other cousins that many of us know too. Off the top of my head, Bradley Salmonson, son of Hank and Obert & Marlys Medlang, children of Kenrose. Your uncle Hank Salmonson is going strong. He is still living on his farm located 2 miles east of the Ackworth Cemetery. He and the Lagerquist’s are close neighbors. Kenrose Medlang is still living on her farm too, located just east of Stan & Joan Salmonson on the south side of #43. Gary

Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69) reply to Karen Loeb Mhyre’s (65) Ice pictures:

I agree the pics of the ice are beautiful. Just awesome what water and cold can do..BUT I think I will take the weather in ND even tho it has been VERY cold…would rather try to stay warm and shovel snow than fight ice any day of the week.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,In reply to Gary Metcalfe, although I knew Alcide Lajimodier fairly well, I don’t know who his dad was. He lived with Ward and Annie Anthony south of Horseshoe Lake for a few years and I went there to visit several times. One time when winter had closed in and the lake froze over, I took an old gun and headed across Horseshoe Lake to hunt a bit on the way to Anthony’s. It was like going back in time. When I got to their place and walked up the steps and as I knocked on the door, I noticed a pancake in the window down behind the stove. They had me in and we sat around the table and Ward started his jargon about horses and the like. Then he said, “The damndest thing happened this morning. Ma was flipping pancakes and one never came down.” I told them it was behind the stove. Alcide and Ward jumped up and looked and then let fly with another banter about how dumb the other one was. They used to get so bored down there, they would start an argument just to have something to do! I saw it with my own eyes. Ward would say, “Yes it did.” Then Alcide would say, “No it didn’t.” Pretty soon it was, “You dumb ass, you wouldn’t know if it did or didn’t.” It was hilarious! They used to sit around the table and feed the dog candied orange slices, the fakey sugar kind. He was so fat he would lay on the floor and pant continually. I thought it couldn’t be good, just watching him. One time later when I was there, they were all sad so I asked what’s going on? They said, “Poco died– had a heart attack right there on the floor.” No doubt! I always thought Alcide was an uncle to Alice Bergan so she must have been a Lajimodier. I found out later she was a Laverdure, so I don’t know the connection. Gary’s mention of four gates on the road to Anthony’s was exactly right, I opened and closed them many times. As kids, Keith Smith and I would go down the trail south of their place, through all the gates, to Anthony’s. They were so far down in the woods, it was nearly an adventure just to get there. My old buddy, Carroll Carlson worked on the Miller ranch at Chinook, MT in the late 30s. He said Alcide showed up there as a ranch hand. He said Alcide was deathly afraid of snakes and would jump off a hay stack if someone yelled “snake”! Vickie Metcalfe confirmed the story, as her dad also said the same thing. I was at Kelvin when Alcide had a heart attack. I remember Richard Slyter and I were there with Leo and Betty Poitra, who took him to the hospital. He passed away later that night. I think Alcide was a veteran of WWII, but I’m not sure. Thanks Gary! Dick

Unidentified photo posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Does anyone recognize this young lady?

Posted by Randy Hiatt, Evan (Bing) Evans son:

From Ellen Graff Myrick (58):

We’ve seen a lot about ships, how about some airplane information?

Ellen’s reply when I asked her if she was the Pilot and had been in the Air Force. Gary

Hi Gary,

No I’m not the pilot…..don’t I wish I could have been. I don’t think it said who the pilot was since I sent the entire email to you – might need some editing?? Actually I taught English in North Dakota and Minnesota for 25 years and then quit that when I married an Air Force NCO who was an aircraft mechanic. After we married I started a 26 year civil service career with the Air Force working in Personnel and the Education Center. I retired from Grand Forks AFB in October 2005 and really enjoy the fact I don’t have to get cold since our home is usually about 75 degrees inside.

When we were in California I worked at Norton AFB and the Detachment that took care of the 171 was two doors down. The planes weren’t stationed there but always made it to every Air Show. I did have occasion to go to the office of the personnel who took care of the 171 (kind of scary since the highest security clearance was required and an escort was required at al times). I was always very impressed with this plane and when one of my friends forwarded this today I thought I’d send it to you if you want to share it with the group.

Thanks, Gary.

Ellen

This was once a highly sensitive program at Norton AFB. SR-71 Blackbird

In April 1986, following an attack on American Soldiers in a Berlin disco, President Reagan Ordered the bombing of Muammar Qaddafi’s Terrorist camps in Libya . My duty was to fly Over Libya and take photos recording the Damage our F-111’s had inflicted.. Qaddafi Had established a ‘line of death,’ a territorial Marking across the Gulf of Sidra , swearing To shoot down any intruder that crossed the Boundary. On the morning of April 15, I rocketed past the line at 2,125 mph.

I was piloting the SR-71 spy plane, the world’s Fastest jet, accompanied by a Marine Major (Walt), The aircraft’s reconnaissance systems officer (RSO). We had crossed into Libya and were approaching Our final turn over the bleak desert landscape when Walt informed me that he was receiving missile Launch signals. I quickly increased our speed, Calculating the time it would take for the Weapons-most likely SA-2 and SA-4 surface-to-air Missiles capable of Mach 5 – to reach our altitude. I estimated that we could beat the rocket-powered Missiles to the turn and stayed our course, betting Our lives on the plane’s performance.

After several agonizingly long seconds, we made The turn and blasted toward the Mediterranean .. ‘You might want to pull it back,’ Walt suggested. It was then that I noticed I still had the throttles Full forward. The plane was flying a mile every 1.6 Seconds, well above our Mach 3.2 limit. It was The fastest we would ever fly. I pulled the throttles To idle just south of Sicily , but we still overran The refueling tanker awaiting us over Gibraltar.

Scores of significant aircraft have been produced In the 100 years of flight, following the achievements Of the Wright brothers, which we celebrate in December. Aircraft such as the Boeing 707, The F-86 Sabre Jet, and the P-51 Mustang are Among the important machines that have flown Our skies. But the SR-71, also known as the Blackbird, stands alone as a significant contributor To Cold War victory and as the fastest plane Ever-and only 93 Air Force pilots ever steered The ‘sled,’ as we called our aircraft.

The SR-71 was the brainchild of Kelly Johnson, The famed Lockheed designer who created the P-38, the F-104 Starfighter, and the U-2. After The Soviets shot down Gary Powers’ U-2 in 1960, Johnson began to develop an aircraft that would Fly three miles higher and five times faster than The spy plane-and still be capable of photographing Your license plate. However, flying at 2,000 mph Would create intense heat on the aircraft’s skin. Lockheed engineers used a titanium alloy to Construct more than 90 percent of the SR-71, Creating special tools and manufacturing Procedures to hand-build each of the 40 planes. Special heat-resistant fuel, oil, and hydraulic Fluids that would function at 85,000 feet and Higher also had to be developed.

In 1962, the first Blackbird successfully flew, and In 1966, the same year I graduated from high school, The Air Force began flying operational SR-71 missions. I came to the program in 1983 with a sterling record And a recommendation from my commander, Completing the weeklong interview and meeting Walt, my partner for the next four years He would Ride four feet behind me, working all the cameras, Radios, and electronic jamming equipment. I joked That if we were ever captured, he was the spy and I was just the driver. He told me to keep the pointy End forward.

We trained for a year, flying out of Beale AFB in California , Kadena Airbase in Okinawa , and RAF Mildenhall in England . On a typical training mission, We would take off near Sacramento , refuel over Nevada, accelerate into Montana , obtain high Mach Over Colorado , turn right over New Mexico , speed Across the Los Angeles Basin , run up the West Coast, Turn right at Seattle , then return to Beale. Total flight Time: two hours and 40 minutes. One day, high above Arizona , we were monitoring The radio traffic of all the mortal airplanes below us. First, a Cessna pilot asked the air traffic controllers To check his ground speed. ‘Ninety knots,’ ATC replied. A Bonanza soon made the same request. ‘One-twenty on the ground,’ was the reply. To our surprise, a navy F-18 came over the radio with a ground speed check. I knew exactly what he was doing. Of course, he had a ground speed indicator in his cockpit, but he wanted to let all the bug-smashers in the valley know what real speed was ‘Dusty 52, we show you at 620 on the ground,’ ATC responded. The situation was too ripe. I heard the click of Walt’s mike button in the rear seat. In his most innocent voice, Walt startled the controller by asking for a ground speed check from 81,000 feet, clearly above controlled airspace. In a cool, professional voice, the controller replied, ‘ Aspen 20, I show you at 1,982 knots on the ground.’ We did not hear another transmission on that frequency all the way to the coast.

The Blackbird always showed us something new, each aircraft possessing its own unique personality. In time, we realized we were flying a national treasure. When we taxied out of our revetments for takeoff, people took notice. Traffic congregated near the airfield fences, because everyone wanted to see and hear the mighty SR-71 You could not be a part of this program and not come to love the airplane. Slowly, she revealed her secrets to us as we earned her trust.

One moonless night, while flying a routine training mission over the Pacific, I wondered what the sky would look like from 84,000 feet if the cockpit lighting were dark. While heading home on a straight course, I slowly turned down all of the lighting, reducing the glare and revealing the night sky. Within seconds, I turned the lights back up, fearful that the jet would know and somehow punish me. But my desire to see the sky overruled my caution, I dimmed the lighting again. To my amazement, I saw a bright light outside my window. As my eyes adjusted to the view, I realized that the brilliance was the broad expanse of the Milky Way, now a gleaming stripe across the sky. Where dark spaces in the sky had usually existed, there were now dense clusters of sparkling stars. Shooting stars flashed across the canvas every few seconds. It was like a fireworks display with no sound. I knew I had to get my eyes back on the instruments, and reluctantly I brought my attention back inside. To my surprise, with the cockpit lighting still off, I could see every gauge, lit by starlight. In the plane’s mirrors, I could see the eerie shine of my gold spacesuit incandescently illuminated in a celestial glow. I stole one last glance out the window. Despite our speed, we seemed still before the heavens, humbled in the radiance of a much greater power. For those few moments, I felt a part of something far more significant than anything we were doing in the plane. The sharp sound of Walt’s voice on the radio brought me back to the tasks at hand as I prepared for our descent. San Diego Aerospace Museum

The SR-71 was an expensive aircraft to operate. The most significant cost was tanker support, and in 1990, confronted with budget cutbacks, the Air Force retired the SR-71.

The SR-71 served six presidents, protecting America for a quarter of a century. Unbeknownst to most of the country, the plane flew over North Vietnam , Red China , North Korea , the Middle East , South Africa , Cuba , Nicaragua , Iran , Libya , and the Falkland Islands . On a weekly basis, the SR-71 kept watch over every Soviet nuclear submarine and mobile missile site, and all of their troop movements. It was a key factor in winning the Cold War.

I am proud to say I flew about 500 hours in this aircraft. I knew her well. She gave way to no plane, proudly dragging her sonic boom through enemy backyards with great impunity. She defeated every missile, outran every MiG, and always brought us home. In the first 100 years of manned flight, no aircraft was more remarkable. The Blackbird had outrun nearly 4,000 missiles, not once taking a scratch from enemy fire. On her final flight, the Blackbird , destined for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, sped from Los Angeles to Washington in 64 minutes, averaging 2,145 mph and setting four speed records

01/18/2009

Posted on January 18, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Doreen Bailey (Vance’s wife):

Gary, To answer your question: Yes Judith Bailey Foley is related to Vance
Bailey, they are cousins. Judy’s father Harvey Bailey was, Vance’s father,
Virgil Bailey’s Brother. Virgil and Harvey were sons Mahlon Bailey and
Frances Anderson they had the farm on the Hill north of Dunseith . Harvey
worked for the Rolla Turtle Mountain Star from 1928 to 1980, Judy went to
school in Rolla. Doreen Bailey

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

Vance Bailey and Judy Bailey are cousins. Vance’s Father, Virgil Bailey is the Brother of Judy’s Father, Harvey Bailey. Judy is also an author, she writes short stories and poems. We should get her signed up on your Blog.

Certainly enjoyed the snow pictures from ND. they have more snow then Minnesota but we aren’t jealous, THEY CAN KEEP IT!!!!

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

As I remember when Vance & Wayne stayed with us at Lake Metigoshe, we
used to comment on both sharing an uncle, Uncle
Harvey Bailey which was Judy’s dad. So, I guess that would make them
first cousins.
Mona Dionne Johnson

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s reply to the Bailey wedding picture posted in #266:

I mailed just the one of Judith to Judith. I had a nice visit with Judith yesterday before I left Bottineau. I still have this picture. Judith mentioned her sister who married a Martinez and one who married a Perrin, so I was going to keep an eye out for them. Here it is!! WOW! Judith has email, but would rather not give it out; she would rather I send pictures to Marlene Henderson and have her forward them to her.

Lloyd Awalt called a few minutes ago and said he recognized Judith. She is a cousin of Vance Bailey, and so is Lloyd. Mothers were Andersons, I think. I told Lloyd I had a nice visit with Judith yesterday, and I was sure she would enjoy hearing from him. I just sent Judith’s phone number/mailing address to him. From Bonnie Awalt Houle’s info, I was able to locate both.

I’ll look at this picture a little closer later, just wanted to let you know the latest the Judith/Lloyd. I’ll definitely send this picture (and another one I found) to Judith/her sister. Now that I know Judith is in this picture, it isn’t difficult to recognize her.

Thanks, Gary.

Neola

Judith Bailey Foley

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and ND Friends. I’m catching up on my reading of your blog notes. I was glad to hear that my pal Pete Gillis gifted his family with his presence, and I’m hoping he’ll gift us next summer with that splendid draw he traces through the air on the Dunseith Golf Course. Also, I’m sorry to read that Shelly Azure has a heavy diagnosis. Thoughts and prayers are with them, and my other golfing buddy, Dwight Lang. That’s tough news about too many of our lot. Bill Hosmer

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Neola, Hope this is finding you well I love your additude .Your going to beat this I can feel it .I just wanted to let you know you are on my prayer list. Keep looking up . He is listening. I talk to my sister Debbie and she is improving please keep her in your prayers everyone. Thanks again Gary for all you do .Its amazing .

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Vidio from Cecile Gouin Craig (61):

Folks, the Seattle area and Washington have had their share of snow and flooding this winter too. The following Video was sent to Cecile by her daughter Barb. She lives in Fall City, located, I think, about 30 or so miles North East of Seattle. The featured video is from King 5 news, one of the main TV stations in the Seattle and Puget Sound areas. Gary

Cecile’s Daughter Barb’s message:

About half way thru the video you see Brad and my gray head standing next to sink hole on our main road to town (we’re in the bottom right corner next to the K5). My trip to the post office just got a lot longer.

Cecile’s note:
Where they are standing You could see the Post Office. But now it’s a 21 mile trip to go get the mail. (Barb is my daughter). Cecile

http://www.king5.com/video/featured-index.html?nvid=320306

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Gary Metcalfe

Olard Boucher was the twin of Adelard Boucher, older brothers of Elmer. Olard died on one of the Pacific Islands his first day of battle, Elmer could tell us more. I believe his boot camp was also in Louisiana so reasonable that they would have met. I see the resemblance. I am sure it is not Dary Ryan. This would indicate that my picture of Herman did take place at bootcamp as you previously suggested. I will compare to picture posted by Gary of Olard – Olard and Herman were 1st cousins once removed. Victor Boucher, Herman’s dad, was uncle to Olards dad. Thanks Gary.

Sharron

Pictures posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Thanks for the info, Gailord Peltier.

Neola

Bonita Parisien & Alfred Henry

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

01/17/2009

Posted on January 17, 2009 by Gary

Request from Pam Wenstad Lane (78):

Hi Gary,

My name is Pam Wenstad Lane. I graduated in “78”. My parents are Elberta and Oscar Wenstad. I think you might have graduated with either Donnie or Connie. I was to young to remember. Also Debbie Slyter is my sister.

I went to school with Dellorie Enno, Shelly Hagel, Keith Berg,David Fugere.

Thanks Gary,

Pam Wenstad Lane

Pam, I remember your family well from the Willow Lake area. Our families were back and forth a lot in my younger and your a lot younger days. I’m closer to your brother Arlan’s age. He is a year older than me and I’m 61. Thank you so much for this request to be added. Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary this is to Dwight . first of all I would like to say I am sorry about you having cancer.It is a very scary thing to hear the Dr say those words. I to had the same fun news a year ago on the 9th of jan 2008 I had cancer on my tongue and they removed 50% that was cancerous and then on to 36 treatments of radaition ( which was the hardest part of this whole thing) BUT with that being said today a year later I am cancer free so far Praise the Lord. My Dr told me my attitude had alot to do with my recovery. Radaition on the mouth is the hardest type of radiation a person can have. Dwight my point is Keep up your spirit and it is amazing how your body heals. I am praying hard for you and for the others I know that have cancer. stand up against this awful illness YOU CAN WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Well, Dick it is hard to do justice to some stories, when the story is more in the viewing. I guess I don’t remember Richard Belgarde sitting on the woman’s side, always in the middle and singing Elvis’ songs all the way to work.

Gates….that was one of the semi negatives those days. I sure wish there would have been a third party when my dad would decide to visit his old friend Annie Anthony, 4 gates in and 4 gates out. They had to be closed every time and the hasp was 6 ft. off the ground sometimes. A gate that was easy to open was a blessing as was a cow that was an easy milker. I didn’t hold the lantern while my mother milked the cow, but she sure did milk the hards ones.

I’m thinking about an old family friend that worked for my dad, Alcide Lajimodier, one of a kind guy. Was his dad Joe or Ben or neither?? The only ones that I think may have known very well were Clayton and Alice Bergan’s kids.

Cold here in Missouri this a.m. too, about 10 degrees, above zero, but cold for here.

Thanks Gary sure do appreciate you and what you are doing to keep us all in touch. Gary Metcalfe

From Jerry Williams (54):

I MAY BE A REAL SOFTY BUT THIS DID BRING TEARS TO MY EYES–ALLOT OF TEARS. WHEN I SEE THINGS LIKE THIS I REALIZE HOW LUCKY I AM AND HOW MUCH MORE THAT I COULD HAVE GIVEN TO THE WORLD. I ALSO REALIZE HOW GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO MYSELF AND TO MY FAMILY.

http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

GOD BLESS YOU ALL. JERRY WILLIAMS “54”

From Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65):

Gary,
I noticed no one sent any pictures of the snow, around our area, maybe I
missed it too. A lot of the stores in Minot had to close to clean off the
snow from the roofs. The Wal Mart has been closed since Sunday the 11th,
later the Town and Country Mall, Miracle Mart, and Oak Park closed for the
same reason, they would ‘ve put the customers in danger if the roof would
fall in.

The weather is HOT! today it’s 9 degrees below here in Belcourt this morning.

It is supposed to rain today?? and get into the 20’s and 30’s this
weekend. We’ll see.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65)

Ginger, I received these two ND snow pictures from Carmen Richard and Neola Garbe. Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57) to Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Sharron, I am convinced #333 has Herman and Olard Boucher. Compare #329, the way Olard holds his arems and parts his hair. Why do I think he was killed in the war? Was he Elmer Boucher’s brother? I think so. Gary Metcalfe

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s reply to Monte Espe’s (68) message posted below:

Hi,

Thanks for much for the email/prayers. People’s prayers are sure working; I’m feeling fine. I have a doctor’s (surgeon) appointment on Monday, so I’m headed back to Minot as soon as I get ready. I’ll try to respond more thoroughly to this at a later date, as there are a few things I’d like to mention–naturally! Ha! My appointment with the oncologist is Feb. 9, so I’m assuming sometime after that, I’ll be starting radiation. I take a day at a time/don’t worry about any of it/have no pain unless I accidentally bump my breast. I have a hard time remembering not to lift over 10 lbs. with my right arm, as it feels “fit”, and even though I’m basically left-handed, I do reach for/carry many things with my right hand/arm.

Thanks again for the email. Thanks to you, too, Gary.

Neola

Monte Espe’s (68) message to Neola & Gary:

Note – Bonnie, Alvin & Viola Berg’s daughter, from Bottineau, is Monte’s wife. Alvin’s sister, Helga, was married to my dad’s brother Nels. Gary

Gary and Neola, Yes, Peggy is Bonnie’s youngest sister. She
is teaching at Mandaree. Their address is 3611 103ave sw,
Dickinson,nd 58601. Neola, you also have the information right
on the Bergs. Also Neola, you have been and remain in our
prayers. You will beat this with all these prayers and your
positive attitude. Last night we were at the Minot State game
and it was [are you tough enough to wear pink night],about
breast cancer awareness, with proceedes going for research.
Gary, I remember Your uncle Nels well, throughly enjoyed our
many visits with Nels and Helga. Also, just a little sidenote
Gary. Diane Schneider Sedlack [daughter of Wesley Schneider
and Evelyn Hiatt Schneider], who is a good friend of Bonnie and
me would like to be added to your list. She lives in Eden
Prairie, Mn which is twin cities area. e-mail

Diane Schneider Sedlack, I remember you well. I used to see you up at Fauske’s and also at the many community and Hiatt functions that we both attended when we were kids. I remember your dad well too, working all those years in the Creamery. You have many relatives on both your parents sides in our distribution. You aunt Florence Hiatt Dahl, from Alaska, is also on our distribution. It is my pleasure to add you to our daily Blog. Gary

Message/pictures from Julie Hiatt Bonebrake (81):

Hi Gary,

Here are some pictures of my husband Billy and our neighbor down the street. They some how managed to get the snow blower on the roof of our house, and attempted (key word attempted) to blow the snow off. They were having some trouble keeping the blower from sliding down the roof. It was pretty comical. We have so much snow in Minot. Just in January I believe we have received over 20 inches and I think most of it is in our back yard. I will try to send more pictures. Please share these with the rest of the world. Thank you so much.

Julie (Hiatt) Bonebrake

Julies’s second reply: Her pictures did not come thru the first time. Gary

Hi Gary,

As promised more snow pics. I think in the 5th picture is our hot tub. You can see where Bill has made a ramp to get up 3 stairs to clear a path to our front door. It’s been pretty crazy around here. Today we had temps in the 30’s ABOVE 0 and warmer tomorrow, now it will truly be a mess!! Thank you for keeping us all in touch, and I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

Julie (Hiatt) Bonebrake

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary/Others,

I just had a fun visit with Judith Bailey Foley. From info provided by Mona Dionne Johnson & Bonnie Awalt Houle, I located an address/phone number for Judith (white pages on the net) and called her. I’ll be mailing her picture to her soon.

Also, thanks to Judy Azure, Rita Gable’s picture is ready to mail.

I’m packing/getting ready to return to Minot (I’m going a day earlier than I had planned to go.), so I’ll either mail the pictures on my way out of town, or I’ll have my husband mail them after I get to Minot–He makes daily trips to the mall and other places; I prefer to stay home and work on “projects”.

I’m taking the last pictures I’ve sent, with me to Minot, and will get them sent from there.

There are others (Gailord Peltier/Debby Champagne, etc.)who have helped with addresses/identifying people in the last few days and before. Thanks to all of you, too! I appreciate any/all help!

Neola

Question for all: Is Judith related the Vance Bailey family? Gary

01/16/2009

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Gary

Temperature report from Evon Lagerquist (77):

Hi Gary, Thought I’d let you know, we had a toasty -50 or lower ( that was as low as my thermometer would register), this morning in the hills! Don’t you miss weather like this?

Evon

Man, It’s cold up there in the hills in the Ackworth community. It’s currently noon here in the PI and the temp is 88F. That’s a 138 degree difference in our temps at the moment. I remember those Nylon tires having a flat spot from sitting in the cold. At times we’d have to drive several miles, with rough riding, before they’d be rounded out again.

I just now recieved Martha’s message posted below. It was -52 in the Newberg area this morning too! Gary

Reply from Marth Lamb Schepp (68):

Hi Gary and Monte,

Lynn and Shane are going to the Mohall Seed Show tomorrow where they will have a booth for the Souris River Coop. I will send this with Lynn. I’m sure Shane will enjoy your information. I just heard on the news that Newburg’s own Leonard Walsh, who is our local meteorologist recorded a whopping -52 this morning. Wow!

Monte, I also remember how excited we were when the oil rig was set up north of your parents home. And the country school days. I wish I could remember the rules to kick the can. Suppose there might be danger involved with such a game at school these days. Martha

Reply from Julie (Knox) Seier (82):

Gary,
Once again, thank you for doing this. It is amazing the things
that come up here that bring back childhood memories for me.
First off, the squeaking of the runners on the sleigh as the
horses pulled a load of wood or a load of hay on a quiet winter
day in the Trutle Mountains. I can still smell the smoke from
my Dad’s cigarette that he rolled himself, from the Prince
Albert tabacoo can, on the way home from whatever it was we
were hauling that day. My Dad had a team of horses on the farm
up until about 2003 so my kids got to have the fun sleigh rides
in the winter as well. We mostly used them for work when I was
a kid but every now and then we would have friends come to the
farm and he would give them a sleigh ride too. Not too many
folks my age can say that they used a team of horses for farm
work! I would have much rather hauled hay or wood or cleaned
the barn than do housework!

I remember Martin Belgarde too. He and my Dad used to hay
together for many summers lots of years ago. The one thing that
I can remember about him distinctly was that he always drank
cold coffee. When we would bring them lunch in the hay field he
always had his jug of cold coffee. He said it was the best
thing in the world to quench his thirst. (YUCK!!) Because he
was diabetic he kept candy bars in his lunch box too. Once in
awhile he would slip them to us girls for a treat! He was such
a nice man.

Monte, I met Shane Lester a few years ago when he was a student
at MSU-Bottineau. Luann came to know him and found out we were
realated. Fun young man.

Mark Schimetz, thanks for the photos from Aunt Minnie Flynn’s
birthday party. I was sad that I had to miss it.

Again Gary, thank you so much for your hard work.

Julie (Knox) Seier class of 1982

Reply from Marie Staub Iverson (60):

Gary,

I want to add my thanks for all the great emails you send out each day I look forward to reading them ever morning.

Most of the time I recognize the names of several of the people but this morning I was surprized to read the message from Dale Pritchard as he mentioned one of my many cousins Allen Beckmen who was married to Lois and I was wondering were he was as after his dad George Beckman passed away I haven’t had any

contact with him. His mother was my mothers sister who passed away several years ago. I also wonder were his brother Irvin is as when we were younger we spent a lot of time with them .

So it’s great to here he’s in Golden Colorado.

The message from Dwight Lang brings back a lot of memories of school .I hope everything goes great for him as I’m sure it will . I sure remember his mother- a great lady. One year she sent me a bunch of things

that they had left from one of the reunions which I was not able to attend.

Thanks again Gary for all this great infomation.

Marie Staub Iverson 60

Reply from Dave Slyter (70):

Dwight Lang:

Just want to pass on a word of good luck to you during your medical procedures for your cancer. Hopefully they caught it early so it won’t be much of anything. When I seen your picture it reminded me of when you hired me to go down and clean your dad’s house. It was a fun job as your dad always had a challenge for me to clean up. ha But I always managed to help him out anyway I could. So you take care and our thoughts and prayers will be with you thru this medical ordeal.

God Speed,
Dave Slyter (70)

Reply from Judy Allery Azure (65):

Gary & Neola,

The picture with the date January 20,1973, is my cousin Rita Keplin Gable. Rita is a school counselor in the Dunseith School system. Neola you should be able to contact her there. Not certain of the others, thanks Gary & Neola for all the wonderful pictures and information concerning Dunseith. By the way Gary I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I was recently hired at Cultural Divesity Resources in Fargo, I am the Program Manager for the new Native American Center, very excitig positon as I get to meet so many new people from North Dakota and Minnesota.

Well Gary, the weather is suppose to change this weekend, we are expecting above 0 by Saturday. I guess we live in this beautiful state because we LOVE everything about it.

I must sign off for now so until next time all take care. Sorry to hear about so many with illnesses, I will be praying for you all.

Judy Allery Azure

Judy, Congratulations with your new job. I have reposted Rita Keplin Gable’s photo below. We have a number of folks working in the Dunseith schools on our list, so I’m hoping Rita sees this. I just checked the Dunseith school WEB site and Rita is listed on their staff page. Thank you Judy, Gary

Rita Keplin Gable

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

Gary: Unknown pic #2 is of my cousin, Judith (Bailey) Foley, who
lived in Rolla. Her dad worked for the Turtle Mountain Star.
Mona Johnson (48)

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Good Morning Gary,

It is wonderful to wake to your messages each morning. Certainly enjoy hearing from everyone especially on mornings when the temperature is -26 in Minnesota.

The girl in the unknown photo #2 is Judy Bailey Foley. She is the daughter of Harvey and Hulda Bailey, and a graduate of Rolla High School. She has been married to Robert Foley of Rolla for 50 years. She is a retired teacher from Willmar Minnesota, her husband Robert is a retired Media Specialist of the school system.

Judy is my cousin.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Judy Bailey Foley

Folks, for those of you that have been following the trail of messages, Randy Hiatt recently discovered the Jim & Ella Evans Metcalfe siblings and vice versa. They are first cousins. His biological father Bing Evans & Ella Metcalfe were siblings. The following is a message trail between Geri Metcalfe Munro and Randy. Randy’s mother was Delores Hiatt Berkland. Gary

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

Hi Gary,
MANY THANKS for connecting us with Randy Hiatt–we are sharing info with him (not all for publication on the blog). I’m adding this one because I mention that the Evans family had all moved away by the time you were born, except Aunt Nellie (Evans) Byre. She has two daughters in Minot, one in Rugby, etc Nellie never did leave ND–she lived at Kramer, ND where Bing died while doing carpenter work on the school there. We are as pleased as Randy is about all of this connection.
Of course, Mom and all her siblings are deceased.
Geri Metcalfe Munro

Subject: MORE INFO FOR YOU
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:22:46 -0600

01/15/2009

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Monte Espe (68) to Martha Lamb Schepp’s (68) Question:

Gary, I have to let you know how much you are appreciated by
putting this all together. So much history is being recorded by
our own little group. Here is what I found out. Shane
Lester’s Grandmother [Fern Wetherelt], was born at Kelvin in
1905. The oldest daughter of Thomas H Wetherelt. Thomas H
Wetherelt and my Grandmother Scelina Wetherelt House were
siblings. Fern Wetherelt moved with her parents to Broadus,
Montana in in 1922 and in 1928 married Joseph Lester [Shane’s
Grandfather] Shane’s father [Lloyd Lester] married Charleen
Best[who grew up on a ranch west of Towner]. So yes Shane has a
lot of relatives from up in the Hill’s. Hope this answers your
question Martha. Of course Martha and I go back to our first
grade as classmates at Hilltop School. Gary, When I came in
from the shop tonight , the snow crunch’es under your feet like
it did when we were kid’s. It’s -38 out tonight and clear as a
bell. WILL BE OUR COLDEST NIGHT IN YEARS !!! Hope it’s years
till it returns. Also the coyotes are really howling it up.
Bring back any memories ?

Monte, It is so nice to hear from you. I know many others will be excited to hear from you as well. So things are kind of cold in Minot. I’ve gotten several other reports of this nasty cold front that is passing through your area. It got cold here last night too. It was 76F when I got up this morning. These folks had their coats on.

Martha, It sounds like Shane may have a whole lot of relatives he didn’t realize he had. Gary

Dwight Lang (61) – Colon Cancer:

I think most of you know Dwight and knew his parents, Adam & Charlotte (Hiatt) Lang. Gary

Dear Friends,

2008 has finally ended, thank goodness! Property values, retirement accounts and all other investments free fell as expenses, taxes and living costs, grew like pig weeds in early summer. To cap off this wonderful year, I has a colonoscopy performed on the 31st of Dec. Happy New Year!! On the positive side of the ledger, this old tight wad finally splurged on a new LCD 47″ TV. Merry Christmas to me! Now I actually pay my Comcast bill each month knowing I enjoy watching their service.

Here we go with 2009. As the Obama maniacs plan for their super blow out bash in DC, I awaited the biopsy results. Got a call Friday and malignant was the verdict. Since moving to Tucson some five years ago, I have used the VA for my primary health care services. Having had several health issues mainly back and hip problems these last few years, at times I have bitched and moaned about the delays in receiving services thru the VA bureaucracy. I have found the care and the staff both to be great at the VA, but scheduling to receive them is usually another matter. Well today being Tuesday, I got a call from the surgeons assistant, Mary, and I am set up for pre-opt testing and consultation within two week with surgery scheduled to remove the cancerous section of my Colin the following week. Now how about that for service? I know and trust Dr. Levine, the surgeon, and Mary, his asssistant. Yes, I am relieved and hope for the best in the remainder of 2009.

I still have the area code 58319 (Lake Metigoshe) on my AOL welcome screen and as I logged on tonight, I see it is 25 below in Bottineau (hope the wind is not blowing). The extended forecast for Tucson is for highs in the low 70’s all this week. Yes, there are some things to be thankful for even when this old body starts giving me fits. This Internet thing is kind of neat too, isn’t it? Within a minute, my small sermon here, will find it’s way to the Phillipines, Ukraine and Texas to North Dakota without a stamp. Happy New Year to all of you and I wish to each of you the best life can offer through 2009.

Dwight Lang

Dwight, We are here pulling for you. We know the thought of cancer is kind of a scary thing, but you can beat it. Our son Bernie had a spot of colon cancer a few years back and he’s cancer free today. Don’t let this get you down. We are here for your support. Please keep us posted. Take your laptop with you when you check into the hospital so you can keep us posted with your condition. In May you’ve got to be well and ready to head north to Lake Metigoshe. Gary

Dwight & Charolotte (deceased) Lang

From Carmen (Leonard) Richard (Rolette):

Our nephew, Bryan Schmeitz, son of Stella (Richard) and Louis Schmeitz. is truning 50 on Feb. 4th. He has been battling Multiple Sclerosis for a number of years and is a resident of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Bottineau. He is pretty much confined to his room, as the heat and lights bother him. I am requesting a card or letter shower to help him celebrate this milestone birthday. It would brighten his day to hear from any of you. Bryan graduated from Dunseith High School in 1977. His address is

Bryan Schmeitz

Good Samaritan Home

725 E 10th St.

Bottineau, ND 58318

Carmen, Bryan is on our daily distribution also. I’m not sure how much of each of these daily messages he reads, but when I first added him to our list many months ago, his mail box was full at the beginning. Since then it’s only been full a time or two. I have pasted his email address and phone number below.

Folks, Please send Bryan a card. You can send him an email message too, but I think he’d really appreciate cards and a personal visit if you are in the area. Gary

Happy Birthday Bryan

Schimetz, Bryan
E-mail Address(es):
bjlss@min.midco.net
Personal Information:
Phone: 701-228-5841

Terry Espe (64) retires from the Head of the ‘Home Land Security Office’ at the Peace Garden Port of Entry.

Posted by Patti Metcalfe Woods (67):

Gary,

Jack and I will be attending Terry Espe’s Retirement Party tomorrow night, Thursday, January 15th, at the Norway House in Bottineau.

Wish you could all join us. Terry’s wife, LeaRae (Parrill) and I started first grade together in Dunseith. LeaRae’s mother, Mrs. Millie Parrill was our first grade teacher.

Terry’s brother, Dennis Espe, was my junior high teacher. I road on the same school bus as Terry’s sister, Claudia. She had a beautiful long plaid coat and

would wrap our feet in her coat to keep them warm. There were no radios or heat in Johny’s bus. These are all very fond memories of mine.

I have worked with Terry at the border for 22 years. He was a number one boss and we will miss you Terry.

His job is complete. He has given his best effort. It is time to sweep up and turn out the lights on this career. For the light

will come up brightly on the brand new adventures that await him. Enjoy your retirement, Terry.

Best Regards, Patti and Jack Woods

Congratulations Terry! I see they are celebrating your retirement today, 1-15-09, but I’m kind of thinking, like the rest of us Federal retiree’s, your retirement was effect on the 3rd of the month. Is your successor from in house or did they bring someone in from the outside? I’m hoping Patti was selected for the position? Enjoy your retirement. We are looking foreword to seeing you and LeaRae, on our cruise and also at the Dunseith Seattle Alumni reunion, this coming July. Gary

Terry and LeaRae (Parrill) Espe

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Jill Flynn Tinjum for the correct story on her uncle Harold
Flynn. This was great research and very interesting. Also thanks to
Ginger Larocque Poitra for her input on Martin Belgarde and Andy
Patnaude. If you find out more from Alfreda, please post it for us. Gary
Metcalfe—the John Belgarde I mentioned is the dad to ‘Little Raymond’
and Chippie, and lives on the south side of Hwy 43 across from Carpenter
Lake. I think the boys even worked for you, if I remember right. I think
you have a couple stories about that too! Something about Richard
(Elvis) always sitting in the middle of the pickup so he wouldn’t have
to open gates. You tell it! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65):

Gary,

This summer the Wondrasek Photography lady and her daughter in Bottineau
decided to give to the people, pictures she had kept all these years, that
were taken at their studio.

They said that if we know who they were to take them and give them to the
people we knew.

I took a few of them and some were of this couple. Jeannie and Ron,
Jeannie lives in Belcourt and is the sister of Dave Jollie who owns
Jollie’s Supermarket here in Belcourt. I talked to her one day about the
pictures because I wanted her to have them. She said that her children
would love to have them, since they are no longer married. I still haven’t
gotten them to to her but I will.

Mrs. Wandrasek and her daughter are very kind in doing this, there were a
lot of pictures there. The lady at the museum was telling me that a
couple of the older ladies stayed up until 4:00 in the morning at the
court house looking at pictures.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65)

Ginger, I am about 100% positive one of those ladies that stayed up all night going through those pictures was Neola. Do you have a copy of the picture Neola posted of this couple in Message #337? Gary

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Dear Gary,

In this very kind message from Neola she mentioned a picture posted of Ernest Tennancour. Could I have a copy or forward of the posting.

Ernest Tennancour was the great uncle of the children of Dale and Alma Gottbreht. Ernest, brother of Mary Louise Tennancour our great grandmother by her first husband John Levi Gaudette, was our neighbor across the street and up the block. Their home was near the steep Willow Creek bank. EJ and I were returning from a visit to Aunt Celia Evans late one spring, traveling along the creek shore. One could hear the rush of water under the snow covered ice and EJ decided she would check this out, we were 6 and almost 5. “Don’t do it Emma Jo”, but out she went and fell through about 8ft from shore. I fled up the embankment and started screaming for Uncle Ernest all the way to his home. He was out the door and rushed past me with a long shovel and was able to extend it to EJ and pull her off the ice. Lucky she was such a “light weight” and only lost boot and shoe from one foot. I am sure Uncle Ernest and Aunt Theresa must have tired of my frequent visits; a family hero. I’ve never had a problem believing in
Guardian Angels; he was one of those too.

Be well. You do good work Neola and Gary. Love the prospect of Gary’s page in 2009.

Sharron Gottbreht Shen

I think this is the picture you are referring to? Gary

Ernest Tennancour

The Robert & Dorothy Pritchard family from Dale Pritchard (63):

Dale, I hope you don’t mind me posting this.I know it will be of interest to many of our folks.

I’ve included a recent picture of your mother too. Gary

Gary & Neola,

Shirley (#1) was married to Alvin (Howard) Wagner from Bottineau.
Divorced and remarried to a Zahn. All three deceased.

Lorraine (#2) is married to LeRoy Tohm from Kramer. To show how we all
get tangled up with shirt-tail relations, LeRoys brother, Melvin, was
married to Fay Hiatt (Deceased).

Lois (#3) was the one married to Lyle Draveland from Bottineau.
Divorced and remarried Allen Beckman from Bottineau. I’m not sure if
they are divorced also or just gave it up but they don’t live together.
They both live in Golden, Colorado. I think Lyle passed away two or
three years ago.

Carol (#7) is married to Don Corzine from Texas, currently the Sherrif
of Yokum County, Texas.

Neola – We had 7 in the family. Shirley, Lorraine and Lois then Darold,
John (Deceased), and myself, then we had a tie-breaker with Carol. The
first four went to Bottineau High School. I don’t have any idea which
ones stayed long enough to graduate. Lois also went one year to high
school in the Washington DC area. Our Uncle John, who lived there at
the time, somehow persuaded our folks to let her go back with them.

Dale

Dorothy Pritchard several weeks before her 96th Birthday this month – 01/09

01/14/2009

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Claudette McLeod (From Belcourt):

Hello Gary & Friends,

I would like to begin by thanking you Gary for all of your hard work, and keeping everybody connected and sharing all those of memories as I sure remember alot of names but just never knew where everyone was at nowadays. But it is sure nice. I am writing in response to Martin Belgarde, he was a nephew to my Grandpa Roy Poitra who is the father of deceased Thelma Davis & Della (Jean) Poitra, Martin’s mother was Rose who is a sister to my Grandpa.

Claudette, I have you listed in my files as ‘Nadeau/McLeod, Roberta/Claudette’. I can not locate the email you sent me, so I’m hoping I have you listed correctly in my files. Thanks, Gary

From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73) Daughter of Norman & Irene Hiatt:

Good morning I went to work @ 6 a.m and it was -28 here in grafton n.d. the first thing that came to mind was mom getting us all on the bus and then going out to do chores. I don’t think she ever complained. For all of you that your parents are still living call them and tell them “I love you” I sure wish I could. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

I found the article in Readers Digest and sent a letter to the magazine protesting the use of the Peace Garden as pork spending. I hope many of you will do the same. The Peace Garden is a wonderful place to visit and I have many fond memories of times spent there with family and friends. I know many or most of you do too. Please let readers digest know how you feel about this. Thanks. Hugs and prayers Susan

Susan, I’ve reposted Bonnie’s message below from message #336 addressing this topic.

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dunseith Alumni: Check out the slam in the Reader’s Digest February issue, page 50. Speaking about a bill the was passed through they are speaking about PORK SPENDING, Dunseith North Dakota, pop.739 received $295,000 for the International Peace Garden, I don’t believe that they checked at all to see what the Peace Garden is, what it stands for, or the correct population of Dunseith. Maybe Readers Digest should get a lot of letters from our Alumni letting them know the importance of the Peace Gardens, and what it represents. You can e-mail Readers Digest at letters@readersdigest.com. Let our appreciation of the Peace Gardens be known.

From Jill Flynn Timjum (68):

Thanks, Gary, for all your work on the Dunseith Alumni blog.

I passed on the above messages to Mom and Dad. They will appreciate it.

The following information I have gathered about our uncle, Harold Flynn, who died in the Philippine Islands during World War II. (Our grandmother, Mathilda Flynn, was honored as one of the Gold Star Mothers during Memorial Day programs in Dunseith, having lost her son as a result of the War.

Frank and Mathilda Flynn lived in Rolette in the years before World War II, so the family was schooled and known in that area. Their son, Harold Frederick Flynn, born in 1919, joined the army in May,1941 at Ft. Snelling, Minneapolis, MN. Previous to that, Harold had been in CCC camps in North Dakota and also worked at various jobs, like for farmers in the area. Dad (Jack) was inducted into the army in 1942 at Ft. Snelling. Frank and Mathilda moved to Dunseith in 1942 after Dad joined the service, so the family was not located in the Dunseith area until that time.

Harold was with Company B, 803 Engineering Battalion, U.S. Army. He sailed from San Francisco on the U.S.S.Tasker Bliss in October of 1941. He was stationed at Fort Stotsenburg, Pampanga, Philippine Islands, about 80 km north of Manila. (Part of Fort Stotsenburg became Clark Field, then Clark Air Force Base –from an internet source.) He drove a reconnaissance or commander car. He usually drove the Captain (company commander) or other officers to their destinations.

Harold died in Camp #3, Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp, Philippine Islands, on June 12, 1942 from malaria and dysentery. Lack of food and water and no medicine caused so many of the prisoners to die of disease. The family was notified by Western Union in October of 1942 that Harold was missing in action on the Philippine Islands. There was no official confirmation of death until October 1945. Harold’s remains were buried in the US Armed Forces Cemetery, Manila, PI, and were reinterred at the request of the family at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN in 1949.

Besides the official notices from the government, the family received notes from the diary of Lt. Col. F. S. Conoty:

Pvt. Harold F. Flynn, 803 Eng. Battalion

a. beleagured from 8 Dec 1941 to 6 May 1942

b. was a P.O.W. from 7 May 1942 to 12 June 1942

c. died of disease (malaria and dysentery) 12 June 1942

d. was not absent from his post without proper authority

Harold was not on Bataan, a peninsula to the southwest of Manila, I am sure. He was in Camp #3, Cabanatuan, north of Manila,at the time of his death.

A Fergus Falls, MN Ex-POW Clarence K Larson wrote a book in 1998, A Long March Home, where he fulfilled his promise to his compatriots that whoever survived would tell the story of the Bataan March. Part of Clarence’s POW stay was at Camp #1, Cabanatuan, which he said was built as a prisoner of war camp. He tells of the death, disease, and horrific treatment they endured, which undoubtedly existed in each of the camps.

Thanks again, Jill

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

Gary,
I think someone mentioned something about Andy Patnaude getting shot
during World War ll, and wanted to know more about the situation. Andrew
has a daughter who stills lives around the area her married name is
Alfreda Morin. She probably knows a lot more about him, and then maybe
not, some of those dad’s didn’t mention those kinds of things to their
daughters.

Alfreda’s brother (Jigs) Andrew was killed in a car accident on San Hill
not long after the new road was built, he was only 17 at the time of his
death.

Alfreda’s mother was Mary Delorme.

Martin Belgarde was my Grandma (Poitra) Bergie’s, sister Rose’s son, her
sister, Rose was married to Fred Belgarde. Martin had a sister Agnes
Peltier (her husband was Dan), Ida was another of his sisters. Agnes and
Dan had one daughter Dorothy, who didn’t have any children. Dorothy passed
on too so that ends that family. Ida had no children and was never
married, Martin and Florestine had no children.

I’ll quit here for now, I will write more later.

Ginger (Poitra) LaRocque (65)

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Another memory of Martin Belgarde, one morning in the sixties, old John Bedard, at age 86, and I were looking out the picture window of the old house at the little lake and about a foot of fresh snow. Can you imagine Martin riding a Scorpion snowmobile, they were tippy and smaller. He had his big brown parka on with the hood up. He made a turn and when we saw him from the back, John said, in his broag, “Gentle Ben”, so I called Martin Gentle Ben from then on. Needless to say I just listened to those old timers? Martin lived about l mile east of us on the old Fred Belgarde place, next door to George Albert.

Dick you asked about John Belgarde’s war stories, now I am sure you didn’t mean Toby’s son, but I am sure it was Dan’s brother or else Charlie’s brother. Charlie held a higher rank in the military, Captain, and was a very successful contractor in Minneapolis. Warren Anderson’s uncle.

Thanks Gary Metcalfe

Message/Pictures from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis:

> Hey Gary,
Wonderful to hear from you. Pretty Cold here right now, with the wind
chill around -15. Schools are running late, some not having school at all
and bus trouble. I’d rather be where you are right now! Especially since
we are supposed to get -30 to -40 below weather this week, eeeeeeeeeeeek!

Pete and I are doing very well. He had a check-up in December and the PSA
has not gone up any higher nor has it gone down but they are just going to
continue him on the medications he is on now and hope it keeps working.
He is very thankful to have been able to be with us another Christmas.

Our daughter moved home in May and she is going to school at the TMCC in
Belcourt for elementary ed. Her husband is currently on unemployment but
that is good as they have 4 children, Taylor who is 11; Thalia who is 8;
Elizabeth the terrible 2 year old and Elliott 8 months. So he is a big
help with the 2 babies. But we now have 9 people in our house and of
course Pete and I had to make some renovations again! Turned our garage
into 2 huge bedrooms for them and we are one big happy family. Naturally
Pete and I are thinking about rebuilding a little shack for us, after all
we are getting up in age and that much activity is a little bit too much
for him, lol.

I have been pretty busy what with benefits for other unfortunate people in
our community coming down with this horrible disease called Cancer. We
had one for Linus and Diane Gladue’s daughter Shelly Azure (married to
Mark Azure who manages the golf club) this past Saturday. We managed to
raise over $2000.00 for them. She has to go to Minneapolis on Tuesday of
this week. Andrew LaVallie is another one we heard of, they have found
lung cancer and he has to go for surgery on the 26th or 27th of this
month. He says he hasn’t touched a cigarette since Vietnam!

Anyway, enough of that, I saw the pictures of your wife’s family members
and they were great! I’m glad she was able to get together with them. I
sure miss my family members who are no longer with me.

You tell Bill hi for us.

Verena

ND Poem from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis:

> Hey everybody, Happy New Year! Here’s another cute little poem about
God’s Country for you to enjoy-

It’s winter in North Dakota and the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour at thirty-five below!
Oh, how I love North Dakota
When the snow’s up to your butt, you take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut!
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I’ll hang around.
I could never leave North Dakota-
I’m frozen to the ground!

Verena Gillis (Mrs. Pete)

ND Poem from Larry Hackman (66):

Gary

A few people were sending in poems, that they would sing as they traveled into North dakota. Here is the one we ar singing now.

Larry

It’s winter in North Dakota

And the gentle breezes blow

Seventy miles an hour

At twenty-five below

Oh, how I love North Dakota

When the snow’s up to your butt

You take a breath of winter

And your nose gets frozen shut

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

So I guess I’ll hang around

I could never leave North Dakota

‘Cause I’m frozen to the ground

01/13/2009

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Shirley LaRocque Windt (59):

GOOD MORNING MARTIN BELGARD WAS MY MOTHERS UNCLE HIS FATHER WAS FRED.

ANDY WAS MY DAD’S UNCLE HIS WIFE MARY’S DAD JOE DELORME WHO WAS MY GRANDMOTHER MARY LAROCQUE BROTHER SO I WAS RELATED TO BOTH OF THEM THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO GARY

Reply from Judy Allery Azure (65):

Gary,

Florestine and Martin Belgarde were my aunt & uncle (Florestine was my dad’s sister) Frank Allery was my dad, and Clarence was my uncle, all these people are deceased. Yes, Ronnie they were related to you also, as our dads were 1st cousins. My uncle Martin did serve in the service and so did my Uncle Clarence Allery.

Hope you all have a wonderful 2009…

Judy

Judy, I can see now where you got your good character, being related to Martin & Florestine. Because you had to work, we missed seeing you at our 2007 reunion. I’m hoping we will see you in future reunions. I remember you well and it’s been over 45 years since I’ve seen you.

Folks, Judy, after dropping out of High School, went back and got her GED and from there went on to graduate from college. She told me her major too, but I forgot. Judy lives in Fargo.

Reply from Clark Crum (54):

Hi Gary,

I enjoyed the picture of Mrs. Shelver, what a wonderful lady. Visited her at the Haaland Home in Rugby when she was over 100, alway sharp and her appearance never changed.

She and Glen were my 2nd. set of parents, and Barry was my Best Man at my wedding in 1960. Clark Crum (1954)

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):

to the mellmers: congratulations on your 60th anniversary, sure do have some great memories with you guys when you lived in dunseith

to randy hiatt: welcome aboard, this blog is great and you will enjoy it greatly and also find out things that you never knew about,gary does such a great job putting it together, cant have my morning coffee without it.

JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS

Comments about ND folks from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):

You just don’t find the same friendliness that people from North Dakota display anywhere else. And I don’t think that it’s because most of us are related in some way. They just are. When I got married 32 years ago and my in-laws came out from California, I gave them directions to get from the airport in Minot to Bottineau. I even told them about the 2 curves in the road. What I forgot to tell them about was Thompson Street. So after they got to Bottineau and drove around for a few minutes, they decided to stop at someone’s house and ask for directions. The lady who answered the door made the comment “Oh, are you here for the double wedding? Well let me just get my buns out of the oven and I’ll take you right over.” So she pulled her batch of bread out of the oven and led my in-laws the few blocks to my Dad’s house. They talked about this for a long time. Six years ago friends of ours from here in Texas came up for my mom’s funeral and it was way below zero and snow was blowing like crazy. They ended up drifting into a snow filled ditch. They called us on their cell phones and a couple of our husbands went to rescue them. Meanwhile, every single car that passed them on the road, and there were several, stopped to see if they could lend a hand. I could go on and on with examples but you all know them too. I’m just saying…….. what wonderful, kind and generous people!

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Cheryl, I have been around some in my day, and yes ND folks are well know throughout the nation for being really friendly folks. I am well know by the PI folks as being an above average friendly American and that is a fact. It’s my ND roots. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

The picture of Herman Boucher and the other soldier, unknown, in #333
looks a lot like Dary Ryan in #336 to me. Could he have been in the same
training camp at the time? I could be wrong but the facial features are
similar. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Sybil Johnson:

Good morning all from Wyoming. Its now 23 and we got our first snow for winter of about 2 inches. I woke up and looked out and to my surprise, there was snow on the ground. I had to even go out and brush off the food for my
squirrels and birds.
I was appalled, when I saw what they are calling “pork spending” to the Peace Gardens. I use to drive from Minot,
just to visit them and feel the serenity of the Gardens. Of all the sites in North Dakota, the Peace Gardens were
my favorite. Sometimes, I would go up and I would feel the Canadians were doing a better job on their side,
than what was happening on our side. For, I would see where visitors threw their garbage on the ground/ not
even bother picking it up. What I like mostly were the Bell Towers and the Chapel, but yet, the whole Gardens
are so Peaceful, I just wish more people would learn about them. Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com)

Warren Anderson’s (65) reply to picture posted below by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary, They are Belcourt people. Nice folks, Ron Laverdure is the Groom and Jeanie Jollie is the Bride. The gentlemen 3rd from the right is Doug Gourneau, I knew him some before we were drafted togeather in ’69. was in viet nam togeather and both wounded in the same area. He has left us now. Kind of a sad ending, like Cliff Henrey. Have fun, Warren

Ron Laverdure & Jeanie Jollie Wedding

01/12/2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Gary

Brenda Berube Lenertz Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

BISMARCK Brenda Lenertz, 55, Bismarck, formerly of the Minot and Rolla areas, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in her home.

She was born Aug. 20, 1953, to Edward and Evelyn Berube in Rolla. She married Myron Lenertz June 24, 1977.

Survivors: husband; daughters, Andrea Lenertz, Bismarck, Jenna Lenertz, Fargo; mother, of Belcourt; sister, Sharon Austel, Simi Valley, Calif.; brothers, Gary, Mandan, Brian, Bismarck, Perry, Euclid, Minn., Timothy, Andover, Minn.

Funeral: Saturday, 10:30 a.m., St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Bismarck.

Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Vigil and rosary service: Today, 7 p.m., Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck.

Visitation: Today, 5 to 7 p.m., in the funeral home.

Folks, This Berube family recently lost their father/husband Edward too. Edward was a brother to Fortune & Lawrence Berube. My condolences go out to the Berbube family for the loss of Brenda and Edward. It has to be tough loosing two family members so close together. Gary

Pete & Vie Mellmer Celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversay:

Message from Jim Mellmer (72):

Today, January 11th, is the 60th wedding anniversary of Pete and Vi Mellmer. They were married in 1949 in New England, ND. They are living in Bismarck at 3009 N. Colorado, Bismarck, ND 58503. Also, Pete will be celebrating his 80th birthday on March 2nd of this year.

Thank you Jim for posting this. We congratulate your parents for 60 years of marriage and also your dad with his 80th birthday. Your family was well known in the Dunseith community. Gary

Question from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):

Hi Gary,

Last night we were at my husband’s company Christmas Party, Souris River Cooperative, somehow the agronomy manager, Shane Lester, started talking about his heritage. He said his Grandma Wetherelt was at Kelvin Store in the 1920’s and later moved to Breadas, Montana. Does anyone remember hearing this name or have any stories to share. He also says he is related to the “House” family. Any comments would be welcomed. Thanks for all that you do Gary and everyone else. Martha Lamb Schepp

Martha, I think Shane Lester may have some relatives among us. This is from the 1982 Dunseith Book. With what you said, his family may be one of the ones listed below. I’ll bet we have some folks that will know.

Herman House Married Scelina Wetherelt. Their children were: Velva (Mrs. Tony Christianson), Jessie (Mrs. Carl Millang), Effie (Mrs. Art Espe), Walter, George (Married Violet Hiatt) Harold (Married Pearl McKay, and Richard (Married Bertha Metcalfe).

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

To Randy Hiatt: Lois Hiatt and I were friends and she baby sat for you while your Mom worked at the Gamble Store. Your nickname was “Pudgy” and we all called you that, infact couldn’t remember your name as anything but Pudgy until you signed on to Gary’s newsline. We had a lot of fun taking you around with us even at Slumber Parties at Lois’s house. Sure am glad you were so small you couldn’t remember anything that went on!!!.

Dunseith Alumni: Check out the slam in the Reader’s Digest February issue, page 50. Speaking about a bill the was passed through they are speaking about PORK SPENDING, Dunseith North Dakota, pop.739 received $295,000 for the International Peace Garden, I don’t believe that they checked at all to see what the Peace Garden is, what it stands for, or the correct population of Dunseith. Maybe Readers Digest should get a lot of letters from our Alumni letting them know the importance of the Peace Gardens, and what it represents. You can e-mail Readers Digest at letters@readersdigest.com. Let our appreciation of the Peace Gardens be known.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Reply from Ron Longie (65):

Randy,

I remember Martin and Florestine very well they were real close friends to my folks, they lived north of town, and we used to go there quite often. I believe my dad and Florestine were cousins, if I remember right Florestine was Clarence Allery’s sister (I could be wrong). Randy thanks for the memory recall.

Ron Longie

Ron and Dick with your posting below, My dad became a close friend of both Martin & Florestine when he worked at San Haven. He spoke highly of them, very often. I never met them, but I felt as though I knew them through my dads converstations.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Martin Belgarde and his service time. I knew him
in later years through selling hay to him and trading guns. He was a
story teller for sure. Another serviceman who was badly wounded was Andy
Patnaude, who was shot through the eye as he peered out from a trench.
He was supposedly with another Dunseith soldier when he was wounded, but
I can’t remember who. Maybe Martin Belgarde or Dan Decoteau–I’m not
sure any more. Maybe someone can fill us in if they know the details.
Jay and Lola Vanorny were good friends with Martin and Florestine, maybe
they know. I remember Andy had an artificial eye and a plate in the
back of his skull, his injury also affected his balance. Gary M. did
you ever hear John Belgarde tell about his experiences in the tank
battles? He said they were told the new Sherman tanks were bullet proof
and to take the Panzers head on. They met up with a new a Tiger tank and
it shot right through their new Sherman tank! It was the wrong kind of
shell so only blew a hole and didn’t explode. He said they headed for
cover and stayed out of sight just like they did with the old tank! The
Turtle Mt. Star did an article on John’s WWII experiences about 2-3
years ago. I don’t think I kept the article but I planned to and forgot.
John passed away just shortly afterward. It was interesting, although he
may have ’embellished’ a tad! I guess he earned that right! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

My wife’s dad told about how his ship, a destroyer escort, was also used
to help transport Marines between islands and battles. While on the Navy
ship the Marines were under the command of the Navy Admiral. The rivalry
between the different branches of the military caused a lot of barroom
brawls, so this unique command made the Marines on board disgusted, to
say the least. The Admiral ordered everyone on deck and at attention,
while he gave the men their orders for the coming day and the next
battle. He started out the briefing with—“Tomorrow morning at 0600
hours–for you Marines, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is
on the 6!” My father-in-law said all the sailors were grinning and the
Marines were boiling mad! There wasn’t anything they could do that
wouldn’t cause a court martial! They were heading into places where they
probably needed both the humor and the anger just to survive. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

It just ocuured to me again how connected everyone is. Rich Campbell and Wally, my husband, worked at the same bank in Minot for a few years.

Neola

Annabelle Shelver’s picture posted by her grandson (Dave’s son) Jeff Skjelver:

Hi Gary,

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Annabelle Shelver with one of her great-granddaughters taken at the Shelver cabin at Lake Metigoshe in 2002.

My wife posted this one at her website:

http://www.queenanneswar.com/

Peace…

Jeff Skjelver

Jeff, this is a great picture. Many folks remember your grandmother well. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

Annabelle Shelver with her Great-Granddaughter – 2002

Message/Pictures from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

Gary,
I will attempt to attach some pictures of my Uncle Bing Evans, Dary Ryan and my parents, Jim and Ella Metcalfe, Jimmy and Gary taken while they lived in Seattle–1941–I was not born yet at the time of these pictures, but soon after. lol Hope our cousin, Randy, enjoys these.
Geri Metcalfe Munro Class of’59

p.s. Hi to Margie Longie; I graduated with Wally and friends with Willie and Marg.

Pictures posted by Geri Metcalfe Munro – L to R:

Dary Ryan, Jim Metcalfe holding Gary, Uncle bing

and Jimmy Metcalfe in front.

Ella Evans Metcalfe holding Gary, Uncle Bing Evans;

Jimmy Metcalfe

and Dary Ryan in front

Dary Ryan (he was Kenrose Medlang and Glady’s” brother;

their mother was a good friend of my Grandmother, Randina (Martin) Evans

01/11/2009

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Wow, I guess I have another cousin!! I tried calling Randy Hiatt tonight to welcome him to the family, but did not get an answer.

It’s really something how one letter can tip you off to lots of things you would like to know. Herman mentioned Cote’s outfit, I thought Laureus Cote was somewhere over there, now I know for sure.

Does anyone remember Martin Belgarde? He was a fixture at Lamoureux Bros. Garage, about like Carroll Carlson was. Martin was a great storyteller. I think he actually was in Italy for awhile. He said he jumped off a ten foot bank hoping to break just one leg and all I broke was my gol dang gun. LOL

Janice and all of you in Seattle area, hope you are staying safe and dry through all of this unusual wet/snowy weather out there. Gary Metcalfe

Gary, I think you’ve got a pretty squared away cousin too with Randy. You mention Laureus Cote. I knew him well. He and Loretta included me as if I was one of the family when I went to Bremerton, WA in the fall of 1966. Laureus often mentioned his WWII service years in Europe. He passed away several years ago. I can get you connected to his children if you wish. Fern Cote Berube (Mrs. Lawrence) and Laureus are siblings. Gary Stokes

Request from Marge Langan Wilcox (Ron Longie’s (65) sister):

Good morning Gary,

You probably don’t remember me.
I am Ron Longie’s sister in Vancouver WA…. would like to be added to the Dunseith alumni
I left Dunseith in 1956….. after marrying Hollis Wilcox
I get all of the messages from my brother Ron longie.

Marge Langan Wilcox

Marge, I know a lot of folks will remember you. Ron and Willie are remembered well by many. You guys come from good stock. Welcome aboard. I have reposted your family photo below along with a more recent picture of your mother and Hannah Loab. You are a very pretty girl. Gary

Wilbur Longie Family:

Back row: left Wallace, Wilbur, Marge, Ronnie
Front row: left Willie, Patti, Ursula, Donnie

Hannah Higgins Loab & Ursula Longie – 7-13-07

Reply from David Slyter (70):

To Dick Johnson:

I too enjoy reading the War stories. It is so interesting to read the letters of the soldiers to their loved ones during a very tough time in their lifes. Not being a military person myself, I still have a respect for the ones that serve in any of our armed services. Our dad Fred Hiatt was commander of the American Legion in Dunsieth for many years and as you know we always played or sang at the memorial day programs at the old Duseith city hall or the High School. It takes people like my dad, or Jack Flynn, or Floyd Dion and the Hosmers and many more to keep things going in a small town like Dunseith. Those were the good ole days.

To Randy Hiatt:

Welcome to the Dunseith Alumni pages. Mom always spoke of the day that she delivered you into the world and it was a proud moment for her. In 98 we took Mom out to Washington on a summer trip with us. It was great seeing you and the rest of the Hiatt clan at the picnic that everyone thru for us. I had seen relatives that I hadn’t seen in 25 years. Mom passed the following year in 99 but had always talked about that previous summer. So again welcome to our world and enjoy.

Dave Slyter (70)

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

It is so frustrating that I cannot send mail direct to Gary Metcalfe. Just wish to thank him for the keen insight he has into the 34th. I shall look for the book he recommends. Copies of the camp picture in the mail by Monday; I am sure Aunt Emily and/or Uncle Roland will know fellow soldier. I have no idea what camps behind the lines looked like but the tent structure looks collapsable and screened – good for buggy Louisiana but also important in Italy where fever born disease from mosquitoes was a problem in river areas. Sharron

Reply from Allen Richard (65):

To Wally Garbe– Yeah this is a weird winter by modern standards for sure. Saginaw Mi was a couple inches short of its annual snow fall last week– we are supposed to get another 3-4 inches tonight. Over the Christmas Holiday — in a 10 day period, we went form nearly no snow to two feet of snow to no snow. We have about 8 inches now. I hope you don’t get another “blizzard of ’66” That was the nastiest in my memory. I have a few stories about that one– I’m sure a lot of you do too.

Hope everyone had a great holiday season — onward and upward for 2009—not sure if we can get much lower!

Allen

Willie/Maxine Hiatt picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Willie and Maxine Radley (38) Hiatt lived in the Ackworth community until moving to Bottineau in about 1955. Norris Knutson purchased their farm and has lived there ever since. Willie was a plumber in Bottineau for many years. Maxine worked for Dr. Sveen, a Dentist in Bottineau, for a number years. Willie pasted away this last year. Maxine is currently living at the Oak Manor Apartments. Their children are Barbara Cote, Harvey, Lawrence & Doug. Doug has been working the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau for quite some time now. Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Jammin’ to the oldies Minot Daily News: December 28, 2008

Frozen Fingers Music Association holds stage show, jam session

The Frozen Fingers Music Association held a stage show and jam session at the Sleep Inn in Minot Saturday. Members of the association entertained an audience with old-time and bluegrass music.

“This organization is for the education of people about old-time music, and it’s for fun. The whole purpose is to promote bluegrass and old-time music, to get a few more people interested in it,” said Dick Johnson, vice president of the Frozen Fingers Music Association.

Once individuals are interested in the music, it seems to be something that sticks with them. Johnson recalled how he started playing.

“I came down to the concerts three years ago. I went in a jam session with my guitar, and I didn’t leave my chair for 14 hours,” he said.

The Frozen Fingers Music Association is made up of old-time and bluegrass groups from around the region.

Frozen Fingers hopes to interest more young people in the music, and the association serves the purpose of teaching them how to play.

“The best way to learn how is to sit down with people, and do it. It’s something we need to keep doing, or it’s going to slowly dwindle away,” Johnson said.

Frozen Fingers’ next stage show and jam session will be held at the Sleep Inn in Minot Feb. 14-15. A dance will be held Feb. 13, and a guitar clinic will be going on during the stage show and jam session.

“It’s a full two days of music groups, old-time or bluegrass. Sunday morning we’ll have a polka mass, and during the day we’ll have old-time gospel music,” Johnson said.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

I know some of you know Claudia Harrison Trebas. Gary

Hi Everyone,

Claudia sent the info written in green. I had “run” the original email by her before I sent it. I’m including her latest info. Thanks, Claudia.

FYI: Claudia has acess to a computer in Bismarck/Bottineau, so you may visit her site/send emails any time, and she’ll receive them immediately. Neola

January 9: Good morning Neola, I am home now, as of last night. Really
glad Bottineau didn’t get the snow. I will be in Bismarck
for treatments, 6 chemo, 3 weeks apart and then 6 weeks
radiation. I will be home when I can be. I have to have
hercepin every week until I’m done with chemo, then
herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Thank you for passing it
on, it is so nice to hear from people and have the support.
How are you? When do you start? Is radiation first? Let me
know how that goes and keep me posted. You are in our
prayers also. Thanks for all the laughs, you know laughter
is the best medicine. God Bless, Claudia

Hi Everyone,

Some of you know Claudia Harrison Trebas/her father and mother, Marvin and Muriel Bergeron/her grandparents, Leo and Claudia DuBois Bergeron (Page 76 in Centennial Book). Leo and Claudia lived 9 miles east of Bottineau (about half-way between Bottineau/Dunseith; Leonard Neubauer and family lived there later; Leonard’s son now lives on “the place”.

Claudia is married to Brad Trebas of Bottineau. Brad/Claudia live in Bottineau. I copied/pasted the following info I found in Claudia’s Caring Bridge site. I have had two surgeries to achieve clean margins and the lymph nodes were removed after cancer was found in the sentinel node. I will begin chemotherapy treatments January 16th and radiation will follow. Maybe we can’t see this as a blessing quite clearly yet, but we do know we are blessed with such loving and supportive family and friends.

It is with Claudia’s permission and blessing that I send this email to all of you. If you click on the link I’m including, it will take you directly to Claudia’s journal on Caring Bridges (Hi, Claudia!). Claudia would love to have you visit her journal/read the information/look at the pictures/sign her guestbook. Claudia is staying at her daughter’s (Chelsey) home in Bismarck. It’s not exactly the way you’d choose to spend more time with your grandson, but, if you have to stay somewhere, you can’t do better than seeing your grandson (other family members) every day.

Neola

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/claudiatrebas

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net

IPG “Rainy Day” fund.

Gary,

As you can see, this is a little old. The Courant was lying on the table. I saw this article and decided to scan/send it. Now I can throw this part of the paper.

Neola

01/10/2009

Posted on January 10, 2009 by Gary

Weather report from Wally Garbe, Neola’s husband:

We got 13 inches of snow last night. To say the least Minot is shut down completely and most of Ward County. Schools are closed and many of the businesses. The forecast is for some more wind this afternoon. So we could have a good old North Dakota blizzard. Like the ones I remember many, many years ago.

Request from Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79):

First off Gary thank for your hard work keeping us in touch with whats going in North Dakota today and taking us down memory lane.

My cousin Randy Hiatt son of Aunt Deloris (Hiatt) and Uncle LeRoy Birkland would like to be added to your distribution list. He lives in Seattle (or Suburb). His e-mail address

Thanks again for bringing us all closer.

Happy New Year!

Jacqueline (Hiatt) Fix

Gary Metcalfe and all, Randy Hiatt mentions Bing Evans in his message below as being his biological father. He would like to learn more about his father Bing. I think he has hit the jack pot with you Gary Metcalfe. I think you guys would be related too. Gary

Message from Randy Hiatt:

Gary I can’t believe how much you know about all the relatives in ND. I wouldn’t mind at all if you posted my e-mail. Thanks for bringing me closer to my family and friends.

As you have probably figured out this is my work e-mail address. Would it be to much trouble to ask you to add my home e-mail to the list? It is hapicamper2@comcast.net

Thanks Gary.

Randy Hiatt.

Randy’s message.

Gary thanks for adding me to your distribution list. I am neither the Randy Hiatt from Lynnwood or Everett. My wife Lori and I are from North BendWA. 98045.I have lived there for more than 20 years now. I was born in Dunseith in 1954 in the house my mom (Delores Hiatt) was living in and delivered by my aunt Margret (Fredy Hiatts wife). My step father who I was just back to see is Leroy Birkland and yes he lives in Bottineau.

I just read a lot of the e-mail that you sent me after this one. Dunseith Alumni Wow a lot of those names were very familiar. Like Dick Johnson who was my half brothers (Terry Hiatt) good friend.

As time goes on I want to learn more about my real father Evan Evans or Bing Evans as he was called. I know that he pasted away in a house fire when I was only 1 or 2 years old. Anyway it so good to hear about some of the people from the TurtleMountains.

Thanks Again

Randy Hiatt

Building Envelope Specialist

W.G. Clark Construction

O 206-340-6659

C 206-499-2940

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

To Sharon Gottbreht,

Good job Sharon! That is not Bing or Ole in the picture with Herman. If you go to message #70 you will see Ole with the gal he married in San Francisco and Bing in work uniform. Bing was 27 years old and Ole was 25 when they went in the service. They realized what they were in for from the beginning. Most of the replacements were probably 18 year old kids and the older soldiers felt terrible guilty for not being able to keep them alive in a rifle company. When Herman mentions Ick and Dary Ryan, I think he meant Ike Hagen??

When he says you all got to see Ole, Ole had been wounded pretty bad and had had 28 months in combat so needed rest badly. They sent him home for a time, 3 or 4 weeks maybe.

I am going to suggest the picture of Herman and the unknown soldier was at Boot Camp in Louisiana. It is fun trying to figure out the wat and when of a time so far in the past. I don’t think any of these men had a racket, this was about the time that they were abandoned by Patton and most of the units as they went into France and Normandy, the 34th went on to the end of Italy.

Here is another letter that Bing sent his mother dated

November 18, 1944

France

Dear Mother,

I’ll have to find out how Ole works that furlough stuff. I could go for a little of it myself. If I didn’t know him so well, I’d swear he was AWOL. Two generous furloughs in quick succession isn’t the usual thing you know.

The mail came in this evening with your letter of Oct. 27. Rather slow for a V-letter but I guess that’s to be expected this time of year. Christmas packages have been pouring in for more than two weeks now. I got one from Hanna and two from Edna about a week ago. Tell Edna the cookies were swell.

It appears the young ladies around that part of the country are making one last desperate drive while it’s still legal, and it’s a long time ’til ’48. Poor Ole. I wonder if he survived the mad rush of matrimonial-minded maidens?!? A Tech. Sgt. I hear is considered a pretty fair catch….up in them thar’ hills…should be good for about a hundred dollar monthly allotment, which ain’t to be sniffed at, by any means. As to my chances, —I feel confident and maybe just a bit smug over the fact that all First Sgts. in general are considered such utterly repulsive people, that even the most hardened character must indeed be in sorry straits to dare associate with one. However, being a cautious sort of a guy, I’ll stay away ’til Leap Year is over.

Over here, things are going much the same as usual, although the weather has turned somewat colder. We’ve already seen the first snowfall of the season, which melted within a few hours after the sun came out. Of course we’ve been issued warmer clothing and I for one, don’t fear the cold.

Best regards to all! Bing

PS. This blog is such a wonderful register of history that could just be forgotten. Now I wish I had my one and only letter from Ole to type into the blog, but….I have lost it. How sad for me. One thing I do remember from his letter is that he told his mother that “I had a coke today, the first one in over a year”.

Randy Hiatt, I will forward message #70 to you with those pictures. Gary Stokes

From Dick Johnson (68):

You all are doing a great job on the history of WWII. I really enjoy
hearing local stories of those who served. It does seem to me though
that some people, especially younger ones, really don’t care about this
stuff or even want to be bothered hearing about it. Little do they
realize that without the sacrifices that these men and women endured,
they would not have the life they take for granted today. I’m sure we
are not as removed from the issue because it was closer to our time and
much study of it was done during our schooling. Anyway the old slogan
‘Lest We Forget’ is certainly self explanatory! Memorial Day is becoming
a day to enjoy the lake or other activity when we need to remember what
the true purpose of the day is!

In the message from Sharron Gottbreht Shen, the picture of Hermann
Boucher and another man–I don’t think that is Bing Evans, but Gary
Metcalfe and his crew will know for sure. The letter is very interesting
and gives us an insight to what our local soldiers were up against.
Italy was another rough battle zone and was one Hitler did not want to
give up. The battles of Anzio, San Pietro, and Cassino were some of the
worst of the war. Heavy casualties for every yard gained. Thanks
Sharron, Gary M., and Gary S.!

Dick

Posted by Dick Johnson:

Gary and Friends,

Bill Hosmer mentioned his dad, Jack Hosmer and someone going to Kansas
City to recruit a baseball team. Today I was looking at an old Dunseith
Journal and here was the article—April 2, 1936. If there is some
interest from the readers I can scan the article and post it. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Gary,

Here is the article although it doesn’t fit the scanner completely. Thanks.

Dick

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

01/09/2009

Posted on January 9, 2009 by Gary

A big salute to Mrs. Flynn from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):

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

Martha Lamb Schepp

Randy, K & Jill Flynn, Please pass this message onto your mother? Thanks, Gary

Thanks to Jack/Minnie from Rob Olson (79):

Gary

I just had to write after I saw the Flynn family photo. I picked Randy, Jack and Minnie out right away. Don, Lyle and I lived right across the street from the Flynn’s. What a nice famly. In fact I credit-or blame Jack Flynn for introducing me to ice cream. If I was out in the yard when he came home he would invite me over and Minnie would get me a bowl, or two. (Like I needed it!). Jack was another person who would take me and whom ever wanted to go to away baseball games. We rode in his pickup-sometimes in the front seat and sometimes in the box. It didn’t matter to us we were going to a game. It was always an adventure. It did not even matter if I or any of the guys had any money which we usually didn’t Jack would take care of us buy us seeds and pop or whatever.

Some times-early in the morning Jack would come over to the trailer and knock on the door and ask Lyle if he wanted to go up to the farm and pick rock or haul bales. After a lot of begging Jack even took me. Jack told me that if the rock was to heavy for me to lift I was to let Lyle know and Lyle could pick it up and put it in the pile. Being no dummy eventually all the rocks got to be to heavy for me so Jack let me ride on the tractor/loader with him.

Minnie was the owner of the gift shop at the Peace Garden. One year she hired a gal by the name of Christina Hiatt- Jim Hiatt’s daughter. I was working for Orvin Hagen on the grounds ( I did that for 4 summers-great job!). Orvin’s crew spent most of our breaks at the gift shop and Christina and I met. We celebrated our 25th this past summer. Thanks Minnie!

Randy, as most of the older baseball fans know, was a stellar second baseman for the Dunseith Dragons. By looking at the size of his arms in the picture I think now Randy could make that throw from second to first without a problem–just kidding. I did not know Jill or Kay well but one thing is for sure those Flynn’s are good people and I owe a big thanks to them for treating me so nicely.

Happy belated birthday Minnie.

Rob Olson

Rob, What a surprise! I had no idea that you are married to Jim Hiatt’s daughter, son of Norman and Irene. What a pleasant shock to read that statement. As you well know, I know Jim and his sisters well. We were close neighbors our entire growing up years. I’m hoping Jim can make it up to Seattle for our ‘Seattle Dunseith Alumni Reunion’ this coming July. It’s been nearly 40 years since I’ve seen him. Speaking of Orvin, he was like family to us. I need to call him again one of these days too. He lives in Kindred ND. What a small world!

Randy, K & Jill, Can you pass this along to your folks too? Thanks Gary

From Rod Hiatt (69):

Gary, Not sure if you even want to put this on your blog, but sure were
a lot Dunseith people there.

Rod, I for sure want to post this. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Good morning Gary and the rest of the world.

Well I believe that we started 2009 out with probably one of the social
highlights of the year, not saying that there won’t be
more events to come.
Toad Knutson and Jenna Mastvelton wedding brought out almost every
Hillbilly from Souris to St. John and flat landers from
the Canadian border to S. Dak. and east and west to the neighboring states.
Now Jenna, is the daughter of Lisa (Williams) twin to Lois Soland and
sister to Lori Lagerquist, and another 3 sisters that I never knew
existed + some brothers I was also informed about. When these younger
ones moved to Dunseith the others were already on their own. I noticed
that they were all getting their picture taken, so maybe someone will
have a copy to post later. So now thats where a lot of the Dunseith
people came in, knowing or being related to the Williams family.
Ray and Lori Lagerquist and there 3 daughters and new son-in-law came
back from Montana and it sure was good to sit and talk with them. I
don’t think that I had seen Ray for 15 years or better and back in the
early 70’s Ray, Brian Fauske and myself were kind of a, well thats
another whole chapter that maybe we’ll just leave out for right now.
Toad, son of Roger and Julie(Bullinger) Knutson & grandson to Norris and
Arlene Knutson, well that brought out all the Hillbillies Toad is
involved in Demolition Derby racing, so that brought out the rest of the
people in at least the 2 counties.
The wedding was held up at the Metigoshe Chapel and the reception and
dance followed at the Armory in Bottineau. They had the place decorated
up really nice with the wedding party at the head table and parents and
grand parents up toward the front as well. They served a large group a
very good meal( a little disappointed that Rodney and Curt Lagerquist
didn’t furnish fresh Venison).
My son Jason and his wife Lisa were matron of honor and best man, so
they both gave a short speech or toast. Lisa’s was very nice and sweet,
what you would expect to hear from someone talking to their best
friends, and Jason’s, well lets just say that it sure got the crowd woke
up, as well as embarrass his mother. A nice slide show was presented and
then the MUSIC began.
It was -20 outside but it was heated up inside. I’m sure that with all
the anti freeze that was consumed that night, it wouldn’t have made much
difference if it were-40.
The dance floor was full with steps like the St. John Shuffle and the
Turtle Mountain Twirl. Not so sure I didn’t see the Williams Twins (
Lisa and Lois) doing some kind of Shottish or Highlander step as well.
It sure was great visiting with all the friends and family that you just
don’t see often enough. Seems like its either a wedding or funeral that
brings people together. I know that some of you might be thinking that
there isn’t much difference in the 2, but I’m not saying that, as my
wife reads all of Gary’s emails. I hope all that were there enjoyed the
evening as much as I did

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

Gary,

I am enjoying all of the information I receive in your e-mails! It’s almost like being “home” —-in Dunseith. A few people have commented about how many of the men who served in the military are rather silent about all that took place while on duty. I met a couple men where this was certainly the case.

Many years ago, I met a man called Gail Halvorsen. His sister introduced me to him one Sunday. I spoke to him for a short time; I can’t remember what we even talked about. Sometime later, his sister Marilyn, said he dropped candy to children in Germany when he was stationed there. She told me this about 25 years ago. It wasn’t until last week that I found out what that “dropping candy” was about. There was a 1 hour special on TV about the “Candy Bomber”. Gail Halvorsen was that candy bomber. He has been honored by the Republic of Germany in many ways. He received the highest medal awarded by them. He also carried the German team’s National Placard into the Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 2002 Winter Olympics. He became the commander of some airbase in Germany and also participated in its closing. He has been back to Germany many times and something was named after him (I missed what it was). They said the U. S. Military has modeled some of Halvorsen’s actions in Iraq, dropping toys, teddy bears, and soccer balls to Iraqi children. I wish I had known all of this at the time I met him–I imagine he could have told us many things !!

Another man we knew for about 30 years was Jess Bullock. Ron saw him frequently, Jess worked at the lumber yard where Ron bought lots of “stuff” We also saw him at church on Sundays. He left Merced about 15-20 years ago. One day after his departure, someone mentioned he had served in WW2. He had never said a word about that. They then told us he had been at Guadalcanal and that he was the 2nd most decorated soldier in the war–right behind Audie Murphy. Jess was the most gentle, soft spoken man I’ve ever met. They tell me he’s mentioned in “Guadalcanal Diary”–I’ve never checked that out—one of these days, I will.

There are so many stories to be told and so many men (and women) to be thanked for their service to our country. I had no idea so many men from the Dunseith area served in the military. We owe them a great deal!!!Thanks for doing what you’re doing, Gary. I’m learning more about Dunseith and its people from these e-mails.

Shirley Olson Warcup

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,With the interesting discussion on the men and women who served in WWII,
there is one young man who hasn’t been mentioned. Harold Flynn, the
brother of Jack Flynn, was among those who died at the hands of the
Japanese on the infamous Bataan Death March. He would be the uncle to
Randy, Jill, and K. Flynn and also uncle to Terry, Tim, and Tera
Martinson. I can’t find any mention of this in the Dunseith history
book, but I believe it’s correct. Maybe some of the family will confirm
or correct me. That was one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific war.
Carroll Carlson said that Gen. MacArthur told the men to fight to the
end until reinforcements could arrive, knowing none were being sent!
Those that did hold out to the end were nicknamed the ‘Battling Bastards
of Bataan’, by those who knew of their valiant, though hopeless, effort.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew):

Dick Johnson mentioned that you had to live in North Dakota to understand how folks help each other. When my Uncle Carroll died I had to come up from St Louis to make the funeral arrangements. It was mid May and there was a lot of new snow on the ground from a freak storm. I had to drive between the funeral home in Bottineau to Dunseith where Uncle Carroll’s funeral would take place then on to Rolla to stay with my Aunt Verlie Aird Clark. On the way back to Dunseith from Bottineau a van had gone off the road into the ditch. The Sheriff stopped the first 4 wheel drive vehicle that came by and had him pull the van out of the ditch. Then the sheriff let the traffic move on. There are very few places in the US where something like this would have happened.

From Sybil Johnson:

Dick, you are so right. Not even here in Wyoming, can one depend on help from a stranger. You really dont even dare
look for help; atleast that’s the way I feel. Being by myself, I dont trust alot of people that pass my apartment.
Wyoming is known for being one of the main routes for drugs and where I live here in Cheyenne, there have been
many homes around me that have been noted as drug outlets. The 10 years that I have been in my apt., I have
made very few friends and that is sad. I have more friends on the internet, than right here in Cheyenne. But, I
cant do anything about that and I wont dwell on it. Have a nice day everyone.
Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com.)

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Leonard & Eleanor have asked to put their messages on hold until they return to their summer home at Lake Metigoshe in the spring. I’m hoping they will see this posting? Gary

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

I spoke with Aunt Emily Birkland Boucher this week; she confirmed that bootcamp was in Louisiana but did not know exact location. She said that Herman did receive the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and several other ribbons. Uncle Herman seems weary of war and the more fierce combat as Axis lose ground and are pushed north. The attached picture was found with Herman’s letter. Uncle Ernie confirms that the picture was taken in Italy. I was told identity of the brother-in-arms, but did not write it down! Perhaps Ole or Bing Evans?Sharron

Herman Boucher’s letter from Italy in 1944:

Dear Sis & Bro Italy 7-11-44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love & Best Regards from your Bro Herman

Herman Boucher

Herman Boucher & Bing Evans?

Posted by Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette):

Carmen, this is beautiful. Gary

BLESSED NORTH DAKOTA

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said: ‘Today, I am going to create a land called North Dakota.

It will be a land of outstanding Natural beauty; a land of beautiful lakes, each one full of fish. It Shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of Buffalo, tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk And moose, rich farmland and fair skinned people.’

God continued, ‘I Shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and They shall be known as a most friendly people, people who practice being Nice every day.’

But Lord,’ asked Gabriel, ‘don’t you think you are being too Generous to these North Dakota people?’

‘Not really,’ replied God ‘just wait and see the winters I am going to give them,’

AND NOW YOU KNOW

01/08/2009

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Gary

Condolences to Ivy Eller Robert with the loss of her brother from Robin & Bernard (76) Morin:

Our sincere condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robin and Bernard Morin

Thanks. Bernard

Request from Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79):

First off Gary thank for your hard work keeping us in touch with whats going in North Dakota today and taking us down memory lane.

My cousin Randy Hiatt son of Aunt Deloris (Hiatt) and Uncle LeRoy Birkland would like to be added to your distribution list. He lives in Seattle (or Suburb). His e-mail address RHiatt@wgclark.com

Thanks again for bringing us all closer.

Happy New Year!

Jacqueline (Hiatt) Fix

Jacqueline, Thank you so much for including Gary. I know many of our folks remember both his parents. Gary

Reply from Debbie Armentrout Metcalfe (77):

Gary:For many years mom has reserved her Monday mornings to gather the news for the Turtle Mountain Star and the Courant. I will pass on your thanks.

Debbie

Debbie, Neola has provided us with several more of your mothers wonderful ‘Dunseith News’ columns posted below. Gary

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Reply to Dick and Larry,

I think the stucco man was probably Adrian Egbert, who else but a man who used to custom saw firewood. You may remember how we used to push a whole years supply of poplar trees through a buzz saw in 6 ot 7 hours in the winter with the help of 3 or 4 neighbors, well Adrian traveled doing this every day for a given amount of time.

The second house you talk about was Martin and Randina Evans. That old model A probably belonged to Bing or Ole. I pulled the spark lever down all the way and really made a lot of miles in my minds eye.

The third house was built by Archie Metcalfe, logs running vertically. A warm house and it may have been sheeted before the stucco.

Sue is retyping a letter from Bing, I have several, in hopes that Sharon Gottbreht will send that one from 1944 by her Uncle Herman. I had surely wondered about Fritz Eurich for a long time, also Olard Boucher, they were definitely heros. When we find out about Adrian Mongeon’s Bronze Star and Johnny Danielson’s Silver Star, we will have Dunseith surrounded.

Bing always guards his mother from worry in his many letters: Dated March 23, 1944

Dear Mother,

This marks a little more than two months on the Anzio beach-head for us and we’re beginning to feel almost at home here. Jerry, in his crude manner, still continues discouraging any such ideas but to no avail. This was their favorite bathing beach, guess that’s why they were so riled up when we barged in. Well, if they want to bathe, there’s a river running through Berlin. That’s where they belong anyway. One of these days maybe they’ll wise up.

In many respects we’re living quigte comfortably in spite of Hitler’s hench-men and their threats. We’re eating pretty good NOW. Our regular ration is supplemented with bread and fresh meat. And once we even had “sure enough” cow butter which was a real treat. Of course we get butter in our regular rations which good too. And I almost forgot the doughnuts, we’ve had ’em a couple of times. We have facilities for taking hot baths and the civilians do our laundry, so you see we’re living alright. A “rest camp” has been established and those who are fortunate enough to go there can see movies and they have other forms of entertainment, but the rest is the best thing away from the worries and danger of the front lines.

Dary Ryan is here on the beach-head although I haven’t seen him yet, but I hope to soon.

I got some home town news papers from some of my Rolette friends in one of the other Batteries so I’ve been reading up on the latest developments back home. It appears they’re having some difficulty meeting their “Bond” quotas and I can’t blame them. Their quotas are altogether too much for rural communities.

I hear the girls may come home this spring and I suppose you’re looking forward eagerly for that, after being so much alone this winter.

Best regards to all! Bing

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,You nearly have to live in North Dakota to understand the way folks here
help each other. The other day there was a picture of Randy Hiatt, Ike’s
son, posted here on the blog. A couple years back I was out in the
eastern part of the state to pick up an antique car. As I was heading
back with the car on my car trailer, I looked in the mirror and noticed
a tire was going down on the trailer. I stopped out in the middle of
nowhere to put on the spare, but my spare was also flat. I limped along
at about 20 miles an hour until the tire was nearly flat. I came to a
rural elevator at Loma, ND. There are no houses anymore but the elevator
is still operating. I pulled in to see if they might have an air
compressor I could use to air up the tires. The young guy came out and
said he loaned his compressor out that day and it hadn’t been brought
back yet. I told him I have a real problem with a flat and a flat spare.
He said we could just drive over to the next farm and use his air and he
jumped in with me. I asked if the guy was home and he said it didn’t
matter, he knew where the stuff was and how to turn it on. We did
exactly that and I was ready to go. On the way back to the elevator he
asked who I was and I told him. He said he was Randy Hiatt and was from
St. John. I told him I had breakfast with his dad in St. John that
morning before I left! He wouldn’t take a dime for helping me and wished
me luck on the rest of my trip. I can only imagine what my chances of
having this kind of help in other places than good old ND, would have
been ! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70):

Gary,

In answer to Bev…….That saying about you can’t teach an old dog new tricks…….Well I’m a pretty old dog. Besides, if anyone saw me with a smile on my face they’d think I got my medication mixed up. HA!HA!HA!!!!

Mel Kuhn

Picture posted by Susan Fassett Martin (65):

These are the five Watkins girls–Irene (Mrs Wm T Fassett), Lenore (Mrs
Leslie J Hoover), Carol(Mrs Emery Carbonneau), Jeannine(Mrs Adolph
Robert) and Murl (Mrs Johnny Hill). There was also Elaine but she was
much younger and was not part of the run around together pack. This is
dated Oct of 1976. I will try and find an older set of the five if I
can. Thought some of the older Dunseith alumni might be interested. I
am sorting pictures—again!! I may never get done with scrapbooks and
albums, but I am going to give it a try. Hugs, and prayers, Susan

Picture:

Irene (Mrs Wm T Fassett), Lenore (Mrs Leslie J Hoover), Carol(Mrs Emery Carbonneau),

Jeannine(Mrs Adolph Robert) and Murl (Mrs Johnny Hill).

01/07/2009

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Gary

From Warren Anderson (65):

Hi, Gary we are talking about WWII alot and a friend of mine sent this to me. I think it is great as we only studied about “Betty the

Ribbeder” in History Class but here is another nation that used wood. Maybe Mr. Hosmer can say alittle more about it. Class of ’65 Warren

Warren, This is a very interesting movie about the 1944 Australian fighter bomber manufactured out of wood called the Mosquito. This movie is a bit large to be sending out with a group message.

Folks, please get in touch with Warren if you’d like for him to send you an electronic copy of this video. It’s an interesting clipping. Gary

Reply to Neola from Chery Larson Dakin (71):

To Neola Kofoid Garbe, good luck on your surgery tomorrow. You are in my prayers for a quick recovery. Take good care, and let us know when you can how you’re doing.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Neola’s reply following Lumectomy Surgery:

Hi Everyone,

First, THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers. They were definitely answered.

I’m so blessed to have so many “praying” relatives/friends. I did not worry about the surgery before I had it, and I’m not worried about it now. I don’t expect cancer will be in the tissue they removed. If, by any chance, there is, we’ll take it from there.

Wally and I got home about 20 minutes It[It’s taken me 15 minutes to write this email, so it’s a little long ago now)ago (after dropping off a prescription for pain pills and buying a few groceries for me to take along to Bottineau tomorrow). Annn Kofoid’s funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 at Nero Funeral Parlor. At this point in time, I plan to go. I’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I’m feeling fine right now–the pain pills will wear off sometime this afternoon, so that might change. I’ll take a couple more pills if I need them.

I am very fortunate in that I heal quickly. The first thing I did when I got back to my room was to ask for Diet Coke (Yes, I KNOW it isn’t good for me!). Then I had two slices of toast/jelly and a cup of coffee. After that, I had to prove my kidneys/bladder worked. They do.

I see the surgeon on January 19, unless something comes up. I don’t plan to see him before the 19th.

I imagine that’s when I’ll find out when the radiation treatments start. Again, I don’t anticipate any probelms before/with the treatments.

Again, thanks for all the prayers, emails, cards, anything I might have missed mentioning.

Like I said, I am BLESSED!

Neola

P.S. We stopped for groceries to buy ice cream. Wally says I can rationalize anything; I didn’t want to let him down, so I “rationalized” that I need to indulge myself and have some ice cream–half-gallon, of course!! (Two of them!)

Tim Martinson’s reply to Larry St. Clair’s photo posted in message (328):

Hello Gary, I had to comment on the picture that Larry sent to you. I had mentioned that Larry was part of the

class of 1966 and you had said that he was from the class of 1965. It kind of puzzled me that was I wrong

and my mind slipping but has the truth come forward at the bottom of the picture. Tommy was a senior that

year as his 4 year stripes on the letterman’s sweater attest to. I could still be wrong and Larry was eligible to

play an extra year as in a red shirt freshman status. I sure hope this does’nt raise a stink and DHS has to forfeit

all those games that were won that year!!!! Maybe we should keep this quiet? Hope your web site is secure?

Anyway the picture brought a smile to my face and fond memories of loud cheering and fast paced basketball.

Always looked forward to the next day breakdown of the previous nights game at the bakery. Back then it was

slaps on the back, way to go, and usually a win, that paid off for off for all the hard work put in at the lengthy

practices. Take Care, Tim

Yes Tim, you were right. I had Larry in the wrong year. He’s listed with the class of 66 now though. You are not the only one that brought this to my attention. It’s wonderful that you guys catch this stuff so it can be corrected. Future generations will be looking at this stuff in years to come and we want it to be right. Gary

Reply from Dale Pritchard (63):

Gary,

I did a search for “USS Cole” on the internet and it brought up several
newsworth and interesting things. On the first page are listed
“Recovery of the USS Cole” and “U.S.S. Cole.” The first one is a video
of the recovery with music. The second is a tribute with music to the
17 sailors who were killed in the terrorist attack. Scroll down on each
to see it all.

You mentioned going through Clark Air Base in the Philippines. When I
was stationed in Okinawa and both times in Japan we spent a lot of time
there working with our sister unit. I guess you know that Clark was
closed after Mt. Pinatubo erupted and buried it in ash. It wasn’t
practical to rebuild it after so much damage was done.

Dale

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Mel Kuhn, I think you should come and live in our house with me for a few weeks I could train you and send you home after that and your wife would be soooooooooooo happy, After all most men are trainable lol

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):

To Mark Schimetz: Thanks for that wonderful picture of your mother at Minnie Flynn’s birthday party, she looks great, when we where in school I could not wait to go to lunch so I could see your mother she is and was then too, a wonderful person, I did not realize until years later that we where related as her brother Ernest Richard was married to my aunt Beatrice slyer, next time you see your mother give her a hug from me

JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS

Lloyd Awalt’s service posted by Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):

I hope this comes thru ok…happened across it this morning and thought you might enjoy it. Thank you to all our veterans for all you did and continue to do.