Monthly Archives: June 2011

06/30/2011

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Diane Hill Moline’s house is under water.
Message from Diane Hill Moline (75): Burlington, ND
 

Friends & Family:

 

 

 

We are fortunate to have a camper we are currently staying in, parked at Karl’s sisters place northeast of Burlington. We will be moving our camper on Saturday to park it behind my work, Central Trenching “CTI”. There is water and sewer hookup there. It will be fine for the warmer months!

 

 

 

With all north-south roads being closed except for the 83 bypass, it currently takes me 40 minutes to commute to work, which used to take me 5 minutes! Karl is able to get to work through the north route.

 

 

 

Our house has taken on water of up to around two feet below the roof. You cannot see our house or shed from any of the photos, however this is a picture of the house & condo’s across the street from us. This is the closest we can get to our home and have heard reports the level of water will be constant for two weeks.

 

 

 

Water in the City of Minot and surrounding areas has been contaminated. We are using bottled water as it is accessible.

 

 

 

It’s hard to believe this is happening to everyone. It feels as if you are watching this movie about someone else, and in the morning you will wake up and it will all be a dream.

 

 

 

Please keep everyone in your prayers, it will be a long road ahead.

 

 

 

Diane Moline

Diane, how devastating. Words can not adequately express what is happening to you and all your neighbors. I can not imagine being in your situation. You are most defiantly in our thoughts and prayers. Gary

 
 
 
Birthday Greetings to Bernadette
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

We would like to wish Bernadette a HAPPY BIRTHDAY too. She looked
to be enjoying herself at her party. One observation though—on the
one picture she switched the ’63’ on the cake to ’36’. Bernadette, if
it works for you, go for it! Have a good one.

Dick

 
 
Birthday Greetings to Bernadette
From Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware
 

Happy Birthday Bernadette! Looks like you have many good friends, great fun, tasty food and a devoted husband. Wishing you many years of the same!Paulette Chisholm

 
 
Pictures from Bernadette’s Birthday Party
 
The Indian guy, Randell, sitting next to me works for JP Morgan and Chase. Being an American based company he works nights. He took the night off to help Bernadette celebrate her birthday. He had just gotten back the day before from a whirl wind trip attending meetings up and down the Atlantic states and Texas too for his company. We learned to know his parents really well when they spent time with him here. JP Morgan provides him a nice big house to live in here, so his parents have a nice place to stay when they come. They live in India.
 
The guy to my right, Ben, is from Holland. He is retired from the Holland Army. The guy sitting at the back table behind is from England. He is sitting with folks from Ireland, Holland and the USA. English is the common Language.
 

 

 

 

 
 
 

06/29/2011

Posted on by
Dorothy Pritchard’s Funeral – Thursday
Posting from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND
 

Hi Gary,

Dorothy’s funeral will be Thursday, June 30th, at 2 p.m. at Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Lunch to follow at the Senior Citizen’s Center. Would you please include this info in your blog the next couple of days? Appreciate it!

Thanx,

Evon
 
 
 
 
 
Condolences to the Pritchard family
From Dennis Dubois (63): Fargo, ND.
 
Happy birthday Bernadette! Thanks for sharing Gary with us. I didn’t get the news yesterday and I thought something was wrong with my computer. So sorry to hear about Dale Pritchard’s mom. Dale was a classmate of mine, wonderful man, who has done real well in life. I have a measure of envy when I see people who have had their mom for so long, my mom died at 52. Isn’t the Minot saga just terrible, but the news I’m so proud of is how they’re taking care of each other. Typical of North Dakota. I remember when my mom got cancer in 1961, dad was working out of town, Bob Stickland and his family took me and my sister in and took care of us until mom came home from the hospital. I could never thank that family enough. I hope Leland has forgiven me for beating him so often in ping pong. Just another North Dakota Pride story. Have a good day all.

 
 
 
Condolences to the Pritchard family
From Chuck and Geri Metcalfe (59) Munro: Fargo, ND
 
Hi Gary and Bernadette—-Happy 63rd birthday to you, Bernadette—we so enjoy the pictures of you folks and your friends; especially the lovely Phillipino ladies.

Also, our condolences to the Pritchard family; we hope you will print pictures of all those kids—my Dad, Jim Metcalfe, always said that Bob Pritchard did not have an ememy in the world—good folks!

Geri and Chuck

 
 
 
1955 Confirmation Class Picture identifications

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND
 
OK Gary, I will fess-up and identify our class of 1955 confirmation class:
Back row, Bobby Lagerquist, Curt Halvorson, David Lo, Ernie Kundert, Val Bott
Front row, Lowell Leonard, Eileen Eurich, Rev. Arlyn Anfinrud, Geri Metcalfe and Floyd Pritchard.
Hey, this is no glamour shot……..yikes!
Geri
Geri, You guys all look OK in this photo. You are just being too critical. You must remember this was taken 56 years ago. Gary
Back row, Bobby Lagerquist, Curt Halvorson, David Lo, Ernie Kundert, Val Bott
Front row, Lowell Leonard, Eileen Eurich, Rev. Arlyn Anfinrud, Geri Metcalfe and Floyd Pritchard.


 
 
Bernadette’s Birthday Party.
 
Bernadette most certainly had a Birthday party of a life time with about 65 of our friends at a dinner party held at one of the local Chinses Restaurants. Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

06/28/2011

Posted on by
No Message yesterday
 
I was tied up yesterday morning and did not get a message posted.
 
Today is a holiday in our house too. At 12:40 pm today, Bernadette will be 63 years old. It’s her Birthday.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Dorothy Pritchard Passed away
 
 
Message from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Gary,

You probably already know this but my Mother, Dorothy Pritchard, passed
away at 98 years old about 4:00 AM Saturday morning. For the past 2 or
3 years she had been saying that she didn’t know why she was still here.
Air fares leaving from down here were about $1,400 on the weekend but I
got a cheaper one leaving Monday. Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau will
handling the funeral.

Dale Pritchard

Dale,
 
I was somewhat suprised when I got your message. One just thinks that certain folks will live forever and can never die and your mother was one of those folks. When I visited your mother in June 2010 her spirits were high and her memory clear. When I walked into her room her first words were “Hi Neighbor”. She had some hearing loss, but we were able to converse. She show’d me pictures of all of her family and of coarse she had the latest news of each and every family member right down to the last great grand child. Our memories will never fade of the great neighbors you folks were to the south of us up there in the hills. Your mother will be missed, but never forgotten.
 
Gary
 
Dorothy Pritchard pictured with Darrel Stokes on her 97th Birthday.

 
Minot Flooding
Message from Alice (Edmond) Vandal Leonard:
Folks,
 
I received the following forwarded message from Glen Williams that Alice had sent out to her friends. I asked Alice for her permission to post. The following is her reply to me with her posted letter.
 
Thank you Alice,
 
Gary
 
PS – Alice is a brother to Mike Vandal. Mike who is married to Sandra Zeiler was our first school bus driver following the closure of Ackworth.
 
Hi, Gary:

If you’d like to print what I sent out, please use the corrected directly following as I did this in such a hurry this morning and some of it needs clarifying. I just didn’t have the time to respond to all the emails and phone msgs and wanted everyone to know that it does mean a great deal to me to hear from them. Also, thank you, Gary for your kind words. I hope we meet sometime. Alice

P.S. Perhaps you might like to correct my late husband’s name to read Edmond (with an o), okay? Thanks again. AGL

 
 
Hello all you wonderful, thoughtful people:

I’m sorry I can’t send separate msgs right now but I want you to know how much it means to have all your thoughts and prayers via emails and phone, with all of us here. Truly, it is a trying time and as we struggle your spirit comforts.

As you know, our city of Minot is overwhelmed with all that we have to do to keep our heads above water (pun intended)! About 5000 homes have water on main floor and/or above, about 12,000 are evacuated and are with family, friends or in shelters at our university dome, Catholic High School, or city auditorium. Presently, we have only one route from north to south and vice versa, period, so no travel is advised. My son, John and his dog are moved in with me as he is on the edge of the mandatory evacuation zone and the water is at his intersection. He has 6-12″ varying seepage (clean water, Praise the Lord) in his basement and son-in-law Dan is monitoring the pumps, vacumning the water, determined to not let too much become soggy; the ground being saturated does not allow us to do much about drying out. We had moved up everything, appliances, etc. earlier in the week. Grandsons Seth and Chauncy’s home that they rent out since they no longer live in Minot, has seepage and my son-in-law Dave, their dad, is pumping and vacumning there, the mighty Souris River just two houses from theirs. We really are fortunate compared to all the sad stories, yet hope is so evident even in those stories. This looks like an all-summer-long thing and many most likely will lose their home, this in spite of a housing shortage in town and the area all around. Most businesses are located the opposite side of town and of course those lower are inundated, so that we conserve (where could we shop without inching in our cars for 2 hours on the bypass?) and yesterday the city water supply became contaminated – yes, boil the water. At the end of the press conference yesterday after a state health rep talked about boiling water, our city engineer says, ” Volunteers, National Guardsmen, all of us are everywhere and outdoors eating, wiping our hands on our dirty clothes, licking our fingers and they expect us to boil the damn water!”

Our pastor, Father Fred will say Mass at the Knights of Columbus hall this morning, great comfort! Our church is heavily diked and we pray it will survive, however our parish school immediately south of it has water to the first floor; everything had been removed of that level previously. At least 4 of our public schools’ dikes breached so that they are covered with water, as are parks and most of the state fairgrounds, praying that the diked buildings stay dry. There is some humor here and there: of our beautiful sunny day, one young reporter says, “It’d be a great day to take the children to the park if there were one to go to.”

Continue to pray for us, please? May God bless you all. Love, Alice

 
 
Orvin Hagen
 

From: Linda Gardner
Phone: E-mail: Message:
Hi Gary – I’m still in Towner visiting my brother Lloyd. Saw the notice about Orvin’s party in Bottineau. It was a great time and we got to see so many people. Oliver Nelson brought Orvin to Towner yesterday for a Wenstad family gathering here. We had a wonderful time with him – He yodeled for all of us. I have some pictures to share when I get back to Virginia. I also hope to have a video of Orvin yodeling that I will share if I can figure out how to download it!

Lots of water in here. I’ll be leaving here July 5 and will probably get home 7/8 or 9. Will send pictures then.

Thanks for all you do!!

Linda, how wonderful it was of you to stop and get Orvin in Fargo on your way to Bottineau from Virginia. We are looking forward to seeing those pictures too. If you can post that video on Utube so we can post the link, it would be great. Gary
 
 
 
 
Beechler name discovered on our Website
Posting on our Website
 

From: geraldine beechler
E-mail: Message:
I was bored and I put in my last-named and found this site about how the Beechler name was first spelt , My name is Geraldine Beechler , from Lawrence Beechler and it used to spelt buechler wayyy back in the day.


Hello Geraldine, What part of the country or world are you living in today? With this posting we are hoping someone will be able to tell us if you are connected to the Dunseith Beechler’s. Gary

 
 
 
 
Souris River flooding
Pictures posted by Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
 

Hi Gary:

 

I’m forwarding two photos that a former co-worker sent of the flooding Souris river. They are taken about 10 miles north of Northgate, ND – the photos are taken 25 hours apart. For those of you who may not be familiar with Northgate, it’s right up on the Canadian border, NW of Minot. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with all the people in North Dakota – AND Saskatchewan – who are affected by the flooding.

 

Paula Fassett

 
 

 

Replies to the 1955 Lutheran Confirmation Picture from Lowell Leonard (59): Dunseith, ND
 
 
From Florence Pladson Sime (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Names on confirmation picture: Floyd Pritchard, Eileen Eurich, Geraldine Metcalfe, Val Bott.
 
 
From Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA.
 

Gary,

The picture Lowell sent really brought back a lot of memories. I babysat for Rev. Anfinrud. I believe his son’s name was David.

The picture back row: ?,Curtis Halvorson, David Lo, ? ?

Front row: Lowell Leonard, Eileen Eurich ( I think) Rev. Anfinrud, ? ?

I should know all of them but that’s what happens when you get old.

Marie Iverson (Staub) 1960
 
 
Back: Curtis Halvorson, David Lo, ??, ??, Val Bott
Front: Lowell Leonard, Eileen Eurich, Rev Anfinrud, Geri Metcalfe & Floyd Pritchard
 
 
 
Joke of the day:
 
Men in Heaven

When everybody on earth was dead and waiting to enter Paradise , God appeared and said, “I want the men to make two lines. One line for the men who were true heads of their household, and the other line for the men who were dominated by their women. I want all the women to report to St. Peter.”

Soon, the women were gone, and there were two lines of men.

The line of the men who were dominated by their wives was 100 miles long, and in the line of men who truly were heads of their household, there was only one man.

God said to the long line, “You men should be ashamed of yourselves, I created you to be the head of your household! You have been disobedient and have not fulfilled your purpose! Of all of you, only one obeyed. Learn from him.”

God turned to the one man, “How did you manage to be the only one in this line?”

The man replied, “My wife told me to stand here.”

Happy Midsummer Day to you all,

06/26/2011

Posted on by
Surprise 90th Birthday party for Orvin Hagen today at the Bottineau Senior Center.
 
 
 
 
 
Happy advanced Birthday Orvin. I promise that I will make a special effort to be at your centennial in 10 years too. Gary
 
Folks,
 
My brother Bud told me they had a surprise birthday party for Orvin Hagen this afternoon at the Bottineau Senior Center. This would be his 90th birthday too. He was born July 14, 1921. I understand that he rode up to Bottineau from Fargo with Linda Gardner. Hopefully we will have some pictures to post. Bud said Orvin was very surprised. He said Orvin did a little yodeling after everyone sang him happy birthday.
 
Gary
 
 
 
1955 Lutheran Confirmation Picture from Lowell Leonard (59): Dunseith, ND
Posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Lowell Leonard had his confirmation picture and his certificate in
his car when I talked with him tonight. He asked if the readers of the
blog would be interested in seeing it and if I could post it for him so
here it is. It’s from the confirmation class of 1955 at the old
Dunseith Lutheran Church. The pastor is Rev. Anfinrud and I know most
of the kids but I want to let others identify them. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
 
Pictures from the Achieves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
  

06/25/2011

Posted on by
Lorraine Richard Nelson (46):
 
When I got up this morning I had a message on my Magic Jack phone from Lorraine Richard Nelson, so I returned her call. We had a nice chat. She said she was born and raised on a farm 1/4 mile east and 1/4 mile north of Rendahl Church among all those wonderful Norwegians. The Rude’s were their close neighbor to the west. She said she used to frequently ride her bike over to the Rude’s. She remembers Art so well. She said she very much enjoyed seeing his pictures on the Blog. She said she remembers Orvin Hagen really well too and really enjoyed seeing his pictures posted too, along with his brothers Leland and Tom.
 
Gary
 
PS – Lorraine told me today that they have 18 rental houses in Minot. As of today, 14 of them are under water with the floods. She said they will survive though. She is concerned for all those folks loosing their homes with mortgages and no flood insurance.
 
 
 

New Email address

For Cecile Gouin Craig (61): Windsor, CO
 
Hi, hope this finds the both of you well. Have not had E-mail since 2 June so am trying to catch-up. I’m sure there was more folks on the blog that had quest. Hopefully they were all more knowledgeable than I on the computer. Plus we just got back from Seattle. New address: Thanks for all you do. Cecile
 
 
 
 
New Email address
For Jeanmarie Abrahamson (65): Denver, CO
 
 
 
 
Square Dance Picture and Club
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 

Hello all….Gary is out on his truck driving run to Kingman, Az. from Springfield, Mo. but he left this note for me to put in for him. Sue
 
Hey Gary you are looking at your old friend, Lloyd Larschus in the square dance picture, Maxine and Willy too. We had a great big dance club called The Turtle Mountain Twirlers. Everyone from Arlys Tagestad to Walter Gagnon. I don’t know how many in this readership (is that a word?) knew Walter but he was one you don’t forget. Everytime we would do an alaman left, Walter would go the wrong way to get attention and the only time he would come back into the circle was when he saw the prettiest girl! We had a great teacher and caller, Don Dahlen from Muus Lumber in Minot.
 
Dennis I guess you were about the only Dubois I did not know. But what you said about your dad brought back memories of Walter Dubois at our farm putting up hay. He called me “Partner” and told me stories of my dad from an earlier time. I put him in a class with Emil Morin and others that knew how to treat kids. Gary Metcalfe
 
 

06/24/2011

Posted on by
Minot Flooding – First Grandchild
Message from Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND
 

Hello Gary,

We too are in the midst of the worst flood in the area since the one that Noah was involved with. My sons Josh and Eric both have homes in the flood plain and if it comes through the way they are predicting today, Josh’s home will have water to the ceiling. As of this morning water was filling his basement as it had gone over the dikes. Eric’s house which we just bought last October is on the west end of the river area and with any luck it will be maybe midway up the walls on the main floor. It is totally like living in a major night mare, but the houses are just wood, concrete and paint and that can be replaced. Brian and Deb Fauske’s new home is also in that same flood plain and it doesn’t look any better where he is at than the boys.

The only glimmer of sunshine this week was my son Jason and his wife Lisa gave me a grandson yesterday afternoon. Not being really prejudice he is the cutest little baby that I’ve ever seen. His name is Braxton Ray Hiatt me and Grandma are about as proud as a couple of peacocks.

 

Follow up reply:

By the way this is our first grandchild, if you hadn’t already guessed

Rod, we are so sorry to hear of Josh, Eric and Brian’s homes along with so many others that will be loosing their homes. This is mother nature and about all we can do sit back and let her run her course. Congratulations with the new grandbaby too. Gary
 
 
VOIP and Magic Jack Phone numbers
Request from Leland Hagen (50): BRYAN, TX
 

Hi Gary,

 

As I recall you posted a “magic jack” phone number a few months ago that had a stateside area code. I failed to make a note of it at the time and wondered if you still have it activated?

 

I look forward to your daily emails and always read them first. Even though I have been gone from the Turtle mountains for over 60 years the names and the stories stir my memory.

 

Thanks for great job you do.

 

Leland

Yes Leland, I have a Magic Jack and I still have my original Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone.
 
Magic Jack (701) 428-8186 This is a local Kindred, ND phone number too.
VOIP (360) 362-1222 This is a local Bremerton, WA number
 
Both of those numbers are good. If we are sleeping or not home, please leave a message and I will get back to you.
 
I purchased a Magic Jack phone at Radio shack several years ago. For the initial price of $40 and $20 each year there after or $60 for 5 years with unlimited toll free calling to the USA and Canada, it sounded like a really good deal, that is until I tried calling Dunseith/Bottineau. Magic Jack does not have a contract with some of the smaller rural phone companies. Much of ND falls into that category. However, I can call Cell phones in Bottineau/Dunseith just fine, just not their land lines using Magic Jack. For that reason, I did not get rid of my original VOIP phone. Magic Jack has a contract with Kindred, ND that enabled me to select a Kindred number. Gary
 
 
 
Square Dance Identities from Doris Smith Pritchard
Posted by Keith Pritchard: Bottineau, ND
 

Gary, Ran the square dance photo past my mother, Doris Pritchard (Smith). She’s fairly confident that the man between Maxine and Willie is Lloyd Larshus. She thinks the man on the far right may be Karl Skarpol. Keith Pritchard

Thank you Keith and Doris. Now that I have been told this may be Lloyd Larshus, taking a second look, it does look like Lloyd. Lloyd Larshus is a first cousin to Art Rude too. Lloyd and Orlene Flaata Larshus live in the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau. Their apartment is very close to Vivian Clark. Vivian is living in your Aunt Dorothy Pritchard’s former apartment that she had for many years before transferring to St. Andrews. I have Vivian Clark’s email address and will include her with today’s message asking her to run this by Lloyd. I have known Lloyd and Orlene my entire life. Lloyd and Orlene have the same wedding anniversary date as my folks, June 18th. They were married in 1950 and my folks in 1941. Vivian Clark’s apartment was my Aunt Olga Petterson Hansen Haseldahl’s apartment before Dorothy lived there. I have been in that apartment many times. Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day:

Man and woman have been married for thirty years or so. He says to her, “I want to buy you a diamond necklace for your birthday”. She says; ” I don’t want it.” He says; ” My plan B is that I’ll buy you a brand new Mercedes for your birthday.” She says; “I don’t want that either. I want a divorce!” He says; “I hadn’t planned on spending that much!”

06/23/2011

Posted on by
Don Conroy is homeless with the Minot Floods
Message from Don Conroy (56): Minot, ND
 
Gary and folks who make this blog so special: To clear up the square dancing mystery, I have to say that my mother would have very much loved to do the square dancing bit; my father—-never,never ever!!!
As Minot resident (probably, former resident) formerly residing a half block from the river, I’m now homeless. It’s OK, though. Several thousand folks are in much worse shape than me. I’m off to Detroit Lakes area to spend the summer at my son’s place, along with my dog, Norman. Don Conroy
So so sad Don. We are so feeling for you in this helpless situation you are in with the pending flooding of our house. Being a half block from the river is not good under the current circumstances.
Thank you so much for taking the time in this current crisis to reply to us with the information about the photo. Now that we know it is not your parents in this photo, we can concentrate on others that we think thes folks may be. Hopefully Jeff Cote (Posting below) can shed some light on this photo.
 
Hang in there Don and please keep us posted.
 
Gary

 
 
 
Reply from Willie and Maxine Hiatt’s Grandson
Jeff Cote: Devils Lake, ND
 

My dad, Ernest Cote, used to tell me of the barn dances that were held at the round barn. Sounds like a lot of fun. I live in Devils lake now and acctualy play in a couple of bands with a guy from Cando who used to play at the “ole Cote Round Barn” love his stories too. I would love to see the pics that have Willie and Maxine in them, they are my grandparents. Larry Liere sent me this info, I would really like to Join the blog. Thanks; Jeff Cote

Jeff, It’s great hearing from you. With a personal message I forwarded that Barn dance photo to you. Hopefully you and your mother Barbara can shed some light on who is in this photo. It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution. With your Cote and Hiatt genes, you have many relatives among our viewers.
 
Thank you Larry Liere for forwarding our blog to Jeff.
 
Gary
 
 
 
1953 Baseball Team name correction
From Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND
 

Gary & All,
In regard to the picture of the 1953 baseball team, it’s incredible how much the person sitting between Lloyd Awalt and Darrell Fassett looks like me but actually it is Dick’s Uncle Cliff Johnson. In 1953 I was still playing legion baseball for Harold Larson.
Keep up the good work and best regards

Gary Morgan

 
 

1953 Baseball Team name correction

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary,

The old baseball team had one correction. It’s Cliff Johnson instead of Gary Morgan in the front row. I checked with Gary and he said it was Cliff and not him. He didn’t play with these guys and Uncle Cliff said he did.

Dick

 
 
 
 
 
Reply to the Class of 65 initiation picture
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary

It is time for a little humor.

The water here in North Dakota is a little higher then what Johnny Cash sings about and is still rising.

I’m am a little luckier then the people that live in the valley and do live on a hill.

Back to the subject at hand.

I hope this photo wasn’t taken at the prom that we the class of 66 provided for you folks of the class of 65.

I also think these gals could have found something a little more appropriate to wear.

I’m sure Sister Rose’s store would had something for them over in the evening wear Dept.

Do you have a pictures of their dates?

I suppose their dates were the ones walking around with the paper bag in their back pocket?

Actually, I don’t think any of these gals would have found a date at closing time at the snake pit,

except for maybe that one on the left with the nice legs?

Larry

Did we ever decide it that was Rene or Kenny in this picture? Gary
 

 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

The guys were all at a deer camp. No one wanted to room with Bob, because he snored so badly.. They decided it wasn’t fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.

The first guy slept with Bob and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot. They said, “Man, what happened to you? He said, “Bob snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night.”

The next night it was a different guy’s turn. In the morning, same thing, hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot. They said, “Man, what happened to you? You look awful! He said, ‘Man, that Bob shakes the roof with his snoring. I watched him all night.”

The third night was Fred’s turn. Fred was a tanned, older cowboy, a man’s man. The next morning he came to breakfast bright-eyed and bushy -tailed. “Good morning!” he said. They couldn’t believe it.. They said, “Man, what happened?”

He said, “Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Bob into bed, patted him on the butt, and kissed him good night. Bob sat up and watched me all night.”

 

 

06/22/2011

Posted on by
New Home Address for Keith Pladson
Posting from Keith Pladson (66): Roanoke Rapids, NC
 
Gary,
Alice and I have been in the process of relocating. Our new address (for anyone interested) is 202 Lake Pointe Drive, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (our email address remains the same as before).

Because of all that is involved with relocating (especially after several years in the same place) I have gotten behind in reading your daily blog.. Anyway, just finished reading number 1204 so am slowly catching up.

In response to Brenda Hoffman’s input in number 1204 I would just like to commend her on sharing a wonderful and touching family story. Thank you.
Keith

 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Report from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
 

Sounds like Minot will have 7 feet more water than they did in 1969..the Year The Mouse Roared..needless to say they will be a lake and many people will suffer because of it. They said on the news last night that they were concentrating on the infrastructure and hoping to be able to hold them safely…lift stations, city hall, etc. They have completely stopped trying to raise the dikes. This is building to be a record setting event as well as a very sad one for everyone who lives there, or anywhere along the Mouse. Richard’s sister said she’s ok so far and has not had to leave her home, but our daughter is evacuating today, along with thousands of others…my prayers go out to them all.

ele
Ele, So So sad for your daughter and all those folks. Please keep is posted with the fate of your daughter.

 
Texas Drought
Report from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary, All the reports of wet weather from up North is somewhat disconcerting for those of us living in Texas as we are in the midst of an extreme drought. I sure wish they could send some water our way. Drought brings it’s own problems other than crop and livestock loss. The ground around our houses are so dry it is shrinking. As it does it undercuts the support of the slabs on which our houses are built. This results in the slabs cracking and the walls of the houses well. The concrete slabs making up our driveways are beginning to look like waves pitching and rolling as the slabs drop on one side and rise up on the other. My neighbor has a driveway slab that has dropped at least 4 inches from the one next to it. The city of Llano, Texas, near where I live, draws it’s water solely from the Llano River. A good size river, it is now but a trickle and they are predicting that they will need to begin trucking in water in about 30 days. Since hurricane season is upon us we are looking forward to some relief from that. However, hurricanes get their energy from warm water and the warmer the water, the more powerful the storm. The Gulf is very warm for this time of year and there is some concern that the hurricanes will cause more damage because of the strength of the storms both in terms of wind and heavy rains causing flooding.

 

Good to see Dennis Dubois finally woke up. Dennis was in my General Business class and being a first year teacher, and teaching a class I did not exactly love, I fear I put Dennis into a deep sleep each class period. Then again, maybe he did get something out of the experience as he did end up a very successful business man. However, I wish not to make any claims as Dennis was one of our brighter students and his own man. He would have succeeded no matter what. I enjoyed talking with him and many of my former scholars at the reunion a few years ago.

 

Take care and keep up the good work. Great seeing photos of the PI and your friends. It brings back good memories of my time there.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Comments from Sybil Johnson: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
 
Thank you, Neola, for the clip. I knew it was bad in Minot, but, had no idea it was getting that bad. In living in Minot, myself; I remember when the dykes were built, I think
it was in 1976. I lived on Valley Street at that time. That was a hectic time, so I can imagine what it is now. We have been having rain, also, here in Chippewa Falls, but
nothing like what is hitting North Dakota.
Its even snowing in the upper levels of Wyoming. This weather is surely crazy.
I wish everyone to be safe in the Minot area and throughout North Dakota.
Sybil Johnson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
  

06/21/2011

Posted on by
Blog numbers
 
Folks, yesterday’s blog number should have been 1212, not 1211. I posted it as 1212 our website, so I am continuing with 1213 today. Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Dennis Dubois (63): Minneapolis, MN
 
Gary, a great story about your dad. Is it just me or were all of our parents so special. Not much material things but what a wonderful time growing up. I remember having a tumble weed for a tree one xmas, a few years ago my girlfriend decorated a tumble weed for me, about 60 years after the first one. It was so special! Thanks, Gary, for passing on these stories. As I get older I enjoy them even more. have a good day.
 
 
 
Minot/Bottineau Rains – floods
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary,
My rain gauge shows my yard got another 2 inches since last night,
it’s spotty conditons all over the area…

Minot is in a sorry state. all the bridges are closed in Minot.

It is becoming quite an effort to even get to Minot from Bottineau.

The Canadians are battling water also.
Today residents of Bottineau have been told to runs sump pumps outside.
Many Bottineau homes have water in their basements.
The ground is saturated and no where else to go.

I have a very muddy crawl space. But thankful I am not bailing water
yet. And also thankful, I am not within fire danger like folks in
AZ. Vic

For more info

http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/555911/Water-woes-continue.html

 
 

 

 

Minot’s Pending floods

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

If anyone is interested in watching what is going on in the Minot Flood fight go to:

 

http://www.kxnet.com/?setCity=min&

 

Minot is in big trouble as the amount of water coming from Canada is catastrophic. There will be mandatory evacuation later on today.

 

 
Round Barn Square Dance group
Reply from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ
 
Gary,
Back to the square dance picture, when I said that the man to the left of who I still think is Florence Conroy, I meant the man to her right looks to me like it is Mr. Ed Conroy. The mystery continues.
Jean
Jean, Ed Conroy passed away in 1972. Could this be their son Don?
Folks, We’d like some more input on this. The more I look at this picture, the more I think that the one guy is Willie Hiatt – The hair, the nose, the glasses, the body profile all resemble Willie in my mind. Gary
 
 
 
 
 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Kim’s parents are Duane and Lorraine Peterson. When Neola sent this to me asking who Kim’s parents are, even though I do not Kim, I instantly knew she was Duane and Lorraine’s daughter, because she so very much resembles her mother. Gary

06/20/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
Dear Gary what a wonderful story about your father. No surprise that your heart is as big as his was.
Brenda
Thank you Brenda. Gary
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
 
Another good Expat party last Saturday at the Cebu Marriott pool side bar and grill:
 
Folks,
 
I have some extra space today, so I have posted several pictures of our dinner party last Saturday at the Cebu Marriott pool side Bar and Grill. This is a monthly dinner gathering we have at various locations. We had a good turn out for this one with about 30 folks We had one big long table. Lots of fun enjoyed by all.
 
 
 
Evelyn, Lorna, Bernadette & Rose
 
 
 
Guys, Lorna I think is the only available one of this bunch.
Lorna, Em-Em, Melcah, Thess, Evelyn & Rose.
 
 
 
Lucky Pete – These gals love to have fun. They so very much enjoy each others company and ours too.
 

06/19/2011

Posted on by
Round Barn – Vivian (Urbain) Berube Cote’s comments
Posted by Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN
 
Hi Gary and All,

I spoke with my Aunt Vivian Cote yesterday and she verified that the
barn was built in 1946-47. My father, Lawrence Berube would have
purchased the barn in around late 1949 or 1950 as she said my father
owned the barn when she and Uncle Urbain were married in June of 1950.
Uncle Urbain designed it and he and my Grandfather, Alfred Cote, built
it together. I saw Murl Hill’s posting of the ticket date of the first
dance (wow!). So, as you say, the dates seem to fit.

I also asked her if she and her children could tell us the details about
the airplane my Uncle build in their basement. She said it probably
wouldn’t be for a couple weeks or so, so hopefully she will get that to
you before long. She is having knee replacement surgery next week I
believe so she said she would get to it as soon as she could.

Thanks Gary,

Angela Berube Malget

 
Thank you Angela. We wish Vivian the best with her knee replacement.
I understand they can be painful. Gary
 
 
 
Fathers Day – Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and friends,
I’m thinking tonight of Fathers Day.

When reading NPR ( National Public Radio) on line just a wee bit ago,
there was a Fathers Days section asking people to share remembrances
of songs or music was a favorite of their “Dad’s” for Fathers Day.

My dad in his later years…(He passed away to soon at age 61)
especially loved to sing; Amazing Grace, “I Once Was Blind, NOW I
see”, & “I saw the Light”.

My Dad loved all kinds of Scottish dittys which he learned from his
father.
He liked various hymns and square dance calls, which he learned from
his mother, Rose . But they most often gave him the blues.

He’d sing “Roamin in the Gloamin”, by Sir Harry Lauder, and for my
mom, “I’ll Give You a Daisy a Day Dear…”.
As a child, I remember him singing in a Dunseith Community Christmas
concert trio with ?Don Hosmer .

He’d often sing made up crazy songs for his kids.

My Dad was also my dance teacher.
With a great sense of timing, he enjoyed old time dancing, two steps,
waltzs, foxtrots and jigging/clogging.

The last time I danced with him, it was to the Tommy Belgarde Band
with Jimmy LaRoque fiddling.

Happy Father’s DAY everyone.! I hope you each have happy musical
memories of your Dad too.
Vickie

 
 
 
Bob Stokes Santa posting
From Neolo Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Neola,
 
This is a good ‘Fathers Day’ remembrance for my dad. For dad, Material things
were secondary to his love and friendships with people. He was a people person thru and thru.
He so loved playing Santa for all those years in Bottineau. Visiting the folks in the Hospitals,
and the senior homes was the highlight of his duties playing Santa. Going to these places was
his idea. It was not a requirement of the job. This article mentions dad having a good gift of gab.
That he most certainly had with so many stories, some fiction, some true. We miss him dearly.
At the age of nearly 85 in August 2000, he pasted on. Contraire to the norm, his memory and
mind became better and better the older he got. He forgot pretty much nothing.
 
Thank you Neola for sharing,
 
Gary
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Square Dance lady – Reply to Dick Johnson (68)
From Larry Nagel (Teacher): Shields, ND

Dick, I don't know for sure--but it sure looks like Florence Conroy.--I remember her telling me that they square danced. Larry Nagel

Larry, This may very well be Mrs. Conroy. For me this lady very much resembles Maxine Hiatt too

and the guy Willie Hiatt.In the group photo, these two folks are in separate circles/squares.

I am not a square dancer, so I do not know the moves, so this may be Mrs. Conroy.

 
 
Joke of the day
posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Here’s an old one but it’s a classic. A doctor calls a guy and
tells him he has some bad news and some worse news. The guy asks what
the bad news is? The doctor says that the test results came back and
showed the guy only has about 24 hours to live. The poor guy asks what
could possibly be worse than that? The doctor says, “I tried to get in
touch with you all day yesterday.”

Dick

06/18/2011

Posted on by
Rental cars – Priceline.com
 
Folks, I couldn’t believe that Hertz accepted my offer of $15/day (72% savings) for a full size rental car in Seattle following our cruise next February. With taxes and fees, $29/day plus $11/day for liability insurance. Visa covers the collision insurance. The add on expenses are nearly double the basic rental charge. Gary
 
 
Round Barn – Tickets to Cote’s opening dance
Message from Murl Watkins Hill (50): Dunseith, ND
 

Gary,

I was going through my High School scrapbook. I found dance tickets to Cote’s Opening Dance for May 14th, 1948. The second one I have

Is for July 29, 1948 with music by Wen Shuh. Ring any bells? It sure does for me. The D G on the ticket, I must have gone with

Darrald Grenier. Many good memories, Thanks Gary, Murl Watkins Hill

Murl, Your findings have confirmed some questionable dates. This means the barn was built prior to 1948. How fast did they build barns back in those days? I’d say at least a year. Angela’s educated guess of it being built in 1946/47 is probably right on. Gary
 
 
Round Barn – Square Dancers
Reply from Mary Eruich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary
Regarding that picture of the square dancers. Maybe Bill Pritchard can
find out for us who all the folks are. Doris and Corbin were part of
that group as was Mom and Jean and Dorothy. Jim and Ella Metcalfe were
members too if I remember right. I’ll never forget Jean laughing about
the night they had the contest passing a lifesaver on a toothpick .
They had two rows of people and each had a toothpick in his mouth and
they were to pass this lifesaver down the line toothpick to toothpickp
to see which line could get the lifesaver to the end of the line first.
No hands allowed. Jean was only about 9 or 10 years old. She said she
shoved her toothpick up some guys nose.
Mary K
Doris Smith Pritchard (46)
 
Hello Doris,
 
Was Bill able to print out those Square Dance pictures for you? Do any of those folks look familiar to you? Were you and Corbin part of the dance group pictured? Like Dick Johnson said, those folks look very familiar. For me too, they look very familiar, but other than for Whom I think are Willie and Maxine Hiatt, I can not place anyone.
 
Thanks, Gary
 
 
 
Posting from Janet (Ron 71) Houle: Kensington, MN

 

Gary – I don’t know if you have stumbled across this magazine or not but it is a fun one to page through – lots of ND events and history.

 
 
 
Wal-Mart Truck between Kramer and Russell
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
Wal-Mart Truck
Reply from Jerry Olson (Souris ’68): Bremerton, WA
 
I ‘ll bet the driver is looking for a new line of work right now. Having managed EPA Cleanup sites and oversaw a fleet of dump trucks and tankers, the rules & signs on the road were clear. He chose to ignore them. He is fortunate he wasn’t killed. I would have fired him while he was waiting to get rescued. I guess I am pretty cold and hard on anyone that chooses to break the rules like that. There sits a $100,000+ truck with probably that again in the trailer in merchandise.

On one spill cleanup (gasoline tanker roll-over up on Hwy 20 in NW Washington), we needed as many trucks as we could get and hired a number of independents. They were paid by the load to bring the contaminated soil down out of the Cascades to the processing facility (Huge Burner). This one driver was turning one or two loads more a day than any of the other drivers. He and his wife both drove and the truck was running nearly 20 hours a day. (Our operation to clean it up was 24/7). And then it happened. His brakes overheated, missed a curved on a steep road coming out of the Cascades and went right into Lake Diablo, contaminated soil and all. The water cleanup, truck removal, sampling of the water cost our company around $!00,000. Thank God, his wife was not on that run with him. He managed to get out of the cab and was picked up by reservoir workers on the lake.

I guess what I am saying, is I have no sympathy for the driver. I know Wal-Mart cut costs (corners) but this one cost them.

 

 

 

Joke of the Day

Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61): Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND

 

–A distraught senior citizen
phoned her doctor’s office.
“Is it true,” she wanted to know,
“that the medication
you prescribed has to be taken
for the rest of my life?”
“‘Yes, I’m afraid so,”‘ the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence
before the senior lady replied,
“I’m wondering, then,
just how serious is my condition
because this prescription is marked
‘NO REFILLS’.
  

06/17/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Betty Watschke Cooley (45): Redmond, WA
Folks, I have Betty’s permission to post her reply. This was a private reply to me from Betty that I wanted to share with all of you. It is so nice to hear from folks like Betty. Gary

Hi Gary – –
 
I’m replying this way as I’m not familiar with the Facebook procedure yet. This computer and I don’t always get along too well.
 
No, I don’t have any Watschke relatives living in ND any more — they are all scattered elsewhere. LaRose Ketterl ing who is on your mailing list is a close friend from DHS days is my main contact back there. She retired from UND and is back in Mercer, — that’s an old homestead from her younger growing up years. We do have one niece in Heimdal — she was born and raised in Tacoma , Wa. and retired (can you imagine that?!!) to ND with her husband. He had family there at one time, but no longer. No one here can u nderstand them staying in ND but they seem to like the small town life.
 
I surely do enjoy receiving the daily blogs, even tho many of the younger folks I don’t know, but remember many of the family names. Do appreciate, along with many others, all the time and effort you put into getting the news transmitted.
 
We are missing our many travels since my husband’s health started failing several years ago. Had a stressful time for 2 months (Jan – March) when he was in and out of hospitals and rehab facilities, and then recuperating at home. Had his 86th birthday during that time and now uses a walker for getting around. His great spirit and attitude keep him going and we are still planning on spending our month of Nov. in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — this will be our l5th year in the same condo on the beach in the Old Town part.
 
Thanks again. Betty Watschke Cooley
 
Follow up Reply from Betty

I forgot to reply about your son being inBellevue. Yes, we are indeed in Microsoft country. In fact, our condo is only about a half mile from the main Microsoft campus (the oldest part — they keep adding more and more nearby property and buildings) — we’re straight down 40th Street on the shore of Lake Sammamish. We have many Microsoft workers in our complex as it is so close and convenient for them. Just a bit of info for you. Betty

 

 
 
 
Reply from Dennis Dubois (63): Minneapolis, MN
 
Thank you so much for sending me all this info. It’s so nice to hear about the folks from Dunseith. We were so blessed to have grown up in that environment. Every time I go back there I get to see people from 50 years ago, they may not look the same. But their personalities haven’t changed a bit. There seems to be more laughter in Dunseith than any other place in the world that I’ve been. Thanks Gary and keep the news flowing. Have a good day.
 
 
 
Temporary Disconnct
Message from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
Hi Gary and Everyone:
 
This is to advise you not to include me in any mailings beginning on June 19th. We are moving to a new location and for the present it is uncertain as to how soon I can utilize my computer or the internet. Hopefully it will not be for long Have a great 4th of July everyone! !
 
Erling Landsverk
Erling, We are so hoping you get moved and back on line quickly. We know you have special Hardware and software enabling you to use your computer. We will miss you, even for one day. Gary
 
 
Round Barn Square Dance Picture
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

At first glance, I too thought the gal on the left was Florence
Conroy but I don’t remember her square dancing. I then thought it
resembles Maxine Hiatt. When Gary said Maxine and Willie square danced,
I looked at the picture Gary believes to be Willie and unless my
imagination is way ahead of me, I think it says ‘WILLIE’ on the back of
his belt. I think Jim and Marion Coleman were part of this group but I
don’t see them in the picture. The men in this picture all look
familiar to me but I can’t put names on them. My guess is that most
were from the Bottineau area. Someone will remember them in time.
Thanks Gary!

Dick


 
 
 
Dunseith Nursing Home Annual Appreciation dinner
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
 
 
 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

This is dedicated to all of us who are seniors, to all of you who

know seniors, and to all of you who will become seniors.

 

 

 

“WHERE is my SUNDAY paper?!”
The irate customer calling the newspaper office, loudly

demanded to know where her Sunday edition was.
“Madam”, said the newspaper employee, “today is Saturday.

The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on SUNDAY”.
There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone,

followed by a ray of recognition as she was heard to mutter,
“Well, #$*t, that explains why no one was at church today.”

 

06/16/2011

Posted on by
Dennis Dubois (63): Minneapolis, MN
 
Folks, I was pleasantly surprised last night when I got a Face Book invite from Dennis Dubois. When I last talked to Dennis he did not have a computer or email. Now he has both and Face Book too. How well we all remember Dennis being the Basket ball star that he was of our days. He was two years ahead of me, but I remember him so well.
 
 
2007
Dennis Dubois (63) & Lee (Leland) Stickland (64)
 
2007
Dennis Dubois (63) and Phyllis McKay (65)
 
 
 

To: Brenda & Cindy Hoffman

From Kay Hosmer (‘77): Crown Point, Ind

 

How I remember seeing this beautiful wedding photo in your home up at the San!! Happy anniversary to 2 lovely people.
 
Alice and Harvey Hoffman
 
 
 
 
 
Round Barn
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

To Angela Berube Malget,

 

You are so welcome for sharing the clipping of “the round barn”. You would be surprised how excited I get when I think I have found something I think Gary might want to share with his readers. :) I, along with everyone else, look forward to his daily newsletter. :)

 

Neola

Neola, Your dedication of contributions for this daily blog are so very much appreciated. You have contributed so much history and pictures from the past that are of interest to so many of us. They bring back so many good memories. With the changes of modern times, much of what we discuss are only memories for this day and age. Your contributions have brought back so many of those good memories that we as a group can share together. When I hit the send button and this stuff is distributed to Dunseith folks and others all around the nation and world, it gives more meaning, in my mind, that this stuff is being shared together at the same time by all. Your contributions of modern news worthy items are greatly appreciated too.
 
Neola, you are a saint and we so very much appreciate all that you do. Gary
 
 
 
Round Barn Dances
Reply/Story from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

It’s good to hear so many stories about the Cote-Berube-Myer round
barn and the dances held there. I had no idea the dances were ongoing
until 1982. I attended a few in the late ’60s and they were memorable
times to say the least. At the top of the stairs and on the left there
was a small kitchen area. Bertha Myer was the one who was always there
selling lunch with other gals. The place was usually packed with
dancers and folks who came to watch. One of the last times I was
there, there was an incident I will always remember. I was standing
near the lunch counter (Imagine that) and four young local rough guys
came up the stairs together. They had the intention of starting a scrap
with the first available person they came to—it was very evident to
me. They just happened to walk up behind a young fellow from Bottineau
who was standing there talking with Tom Berube. They sent one guy up to
start the fight and then they planned to jump in and clean house. The
lone hooligan put his hand on Sam Wood’s shoulder and spun him around.
That’s the last thing he remembered doing for quite a while! With all
the guys at the dance to choose from, he picked a fight with a Golden
Gloves boxer! I was told that Sam was a Golden Gloves boxer later,
although I don’t know that for a fact. Anyway, Sam knew, in half a
second, what was about to happen and he gave the guy about three good
pokes to the nose before he could even blink. He went down face first
on the floor and his tough buddies just slid him off the dance floor and
carried him down the stairs and out the door and the dance went on. I
will never forget thinking, what were the chances for them to pick a
fight with probably the only actual boxer in the place filled with
people. Sometimes things just work out for the good guys! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Replies to the Round Barn Square dance picture
 

 

From Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

 

Gary,
Re: the square dancers, the woman facing forward on the left is Florence Conroy and to her left Ed Conroy? I will never forget Mrs. Conroy, she was my fourth grade teacher and was a very good teacher. I remember going to a couple dances at the round barn in the late 60’s with Lea Rae Parrill.
Jean

 

 

 

From Lloyd Awalt (44): lata@utma.com Bottineau, ND

 

Hi Gary The dance group I know 2 of them you probably know them too Willie & Maxine Hiatt middle of picture.Lloyd

Lloyd, Willie and Maxine Hiatt instantly came to mind for me too when I saw this picture. I have cropped out who I think they are below the picture. From what Jean thinks with her comment above, who I think may be Maxine, she thinks may be Mrs. Conroy. If memory serves me right, I think Willie and Maxine Hiatt belonged to a square dance club? The group listed in the picture is the “The Turtle Mountain Twirlers”. Were they a Bottineau group/Dunseith group or combination of? Gary
 
 
 
 
My guess and I think Lloyd Awalt’s too?
Maxine & Willie Hiatt
 
 
 
 

The Equine Nomad girl

Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
Trish, I totally missed your pictures with the first posting of this message, so I am reposting to include the pictures. My apologies for this oversight. Gary
Hi Gary,

I’m writing with an update and photos from the Pacific Crest Trail, for those readers of your blog that may be interested but don’t have access to Facebook or my blog.

I started out on the PCT at the Border of Mexico on Friday, the 13th of May. My riding partner and I had taken a good deal of time to shop for a good saddle horse for him and had finally selected a beautiful tall white Arabian – 16.1 hands tall. He named him Clover.

We had some wonderful adventures on the trail. The beauty of the PCT between Campo and Anza was spectacular. The trail runs high above the Anza Borrego Desert Park. The views pan away to vista after vista of that desert and the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and other small oasis towns far below. We camped along the trail, finding rivers and other water sources for the horses, and usually pretty good grazing. We also carried alfalfa pellets and a senior feed.
 
We went slowly for the most part, as the Arab was getting used to life on the trail and we wanted to break him in slowly. My horses carried most of the weight in packs – including feed for themselves. Up to 220 pounds each when fully loaded. That weight would decrease as they ate their way through the feed – 24 pounds a day.
 
Water was an issue, but we managed to find enough. One of our stops for water was only a cache placed by “trail angels”. Jugs of water in cases by the trail. It was funny to see the horses guzzle from a jug, but they drank well and each downed four gallons before they were through.
 
Only about 10 days into the trip, one of the new steel shoes on the Arab’s front feet came off. I carry everything I need to trim and shoe, so was able to replace those shoes right away, but I was concerned to see that his hooves did not look great. The hoof wall was weak and separated from the sole in places, and chunks had broken off – especially the right front.
 
I was glad to get him shod, but didn’t shoe the hind feet as the steel shoes were still intact and the day was hot, the trail narrow, and it was time to move on.
 
I would come to regret that decision.
 
We kept on moving over rocky, steep terrain, enjoying the views and all the horses seeming fine. After about 140 miles, one of the back shoes came off, and before we noticed, most of his left hind hoof wall crumbled, down to the tender sole. I had nothing to nail to in trying to replace the shoe, and we were miles from the next town of Anza. Besides that, the horse would not tolerate my efforts to hold his foot and kept trying to kick – not me – but just would kick kick kick. I was worried he might injure me by mistake and I couldn’t get any hoof wall to nail to anyway.
 
My friend Chance took a backpack and ran down the trail into the small mountain town of Anza, while I stayed camped with the four horses. We thought it might be an overnight run/hitchhike to Temecula (50 miles away), but when he got into Anza (about 6 miles each way), he managed to find a couple of mounted Sheriffs heading to a parade. They gave him two easy boots (a rubber shoe/boot that fastens onto the foot with velcro) and Chance ran all the way back. When he got back, he had run for four hours.
 
We were able to get the horse safely back to Anza with the boots on, and found a place for him to recover with some friends. We started looking for a new horse, but after 3 days, realized that it was impossible to find a horse in condition to take on the rigors of the PCT without proper conditioning. At least not in our price range.
 
So my partner gave up on the ride, and suddenly departed. I bought the Arab from him, and I haven’t seen him since. I caught a ride back to Altadena to get my truck and trailer, and drove to Anza (3.5 hour drive) to pick up the horse. I took him to the farrier to have Eponashoes nailed on his rear feet. The shoes are fantastic – they are a thick polycarbonate shoe with a gel pad under the frog. He was comfortable right away, and the swelling that had developed in his leg started to reside right away.
 
Once we had him taken care of, I returned to Altadena with all four horses. Since my “partner” took off with critical safety gear like a water filter, maps, GPS, etc, I am now having to resupply to continue without him. It’s my own fault for taking a novice on a ride like this. I thought we’d be ok if we took it slow at first, but I was wrong. This trail is trecherous in parts, and requires an experienced rider AND horse. From now on, I’ll be riding solo.
 
So we are back in Altadena, and my good friends that live here (good North Dakota people!) have asked me to house sit while they take a trip to Arizona for a couple of weeks. They raise canaries and the baby birds are still hatching, so there is a fair amount of care involved. They also have a dog and cat I’ll be feeding.
 
The time here will give me the opportunity to get my 2002 Chevy truck a tune up, replace the windshield (I took a rock on the highway a month ago), repack, and gear up to head north. Also, it gives me a chance to get the Arab in better condition. He’s doing really well in his new shoes and easily did a three hour ride in the desert a couple of days ago.
 
I ride all four horses every day and there is a spectacular canyon with trails and a challenging ride to a waterfall right from the stable where I board, so it’s a good place to keep the horses in good condition.
 
From here, I plan to skip the Mojave desert leg of the PCT north of here and head to Lone Pine, an “Old West” town where a lot of Hollywood movies have been filmed. I hope to continue on the PCT as a solo rider. There are parts of the trail that are not passable by horses, and I plan to trailer around them. Not many people have completed the entire PCT on horseback, and several horses have been killed in the effort. My main goal, as always, is to keep my horses and myself healthy and injury free. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, and the chance to live 24/7 with the herd.
 
This kind of life is not for everyone, but I am loving it 100%. I met a person who rode the entire length of the PCT (2700 miles) a few years ago, when he was 72 years old. His method was to put his horses at the place where he was starting, in the care of someone who could be trusted. He would then drive his truck north and cache supplies for himself and his horse, leaving his truck and trailer at a place that he would then ride to over the next few days. He traveled light, and did not take a pack horse. He tells me there are portions of the trail too dangerous for a pack animal. I’ll be taking his advice and will avoid those spots.
 
I plan to use his method of shuttling the vehicle and caching supplies, but because I have pack horses, I will carry more food and camping gear, and will be able to stay on the trail for longer stretches. I won’t be able to ride as far or fast per day as he did perhaps, but I’m not in a hurry. For me, it’s all about just being in the wilderness with my horses. The pleasure of riding and packing is hard to describe, but it’s a healthy way of life, and only a horse crazy person can understand the desire to travel this way. There are many other rides I want to take besides the PCT – including trails in Kings Canyon, Inyo, and Yosemite.
 
It’s the fulfilling a lifelong dream for me, only it’s better than I dreamed it would be in so many ways. The biggest thing for me is that my horses love the lifestyle so much. They seem to really enjoy being on the trail and having a job to do. We grow closer and stronger every day, and more cohesive as a herd. My mare is definitely in charge, and the 3 geldings are so in love with her, that they can be trusted to stay close behind her on the trail or in camp. It makes it easy to keep it all together.
 
Anyhow, I thought there might be someone out there interested in my crazy nomad lifestyle stories. I’m always happy to hear from anyone “back home”. I never get lonely, because I have my best friends with me, but sometimes it’s nice to know that people are rooting for you somewhere…
 
Thanks for the networking you do to make this all possible, Gary. The people from North Dakota are the best!
 
Trish Larson (73) Wild
The Equine Nomad
970-219-9154
trish.wild@yahoo.com
trishwild.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
 
  

06/15/2011

Posted on by
Bill (61) and Eunice Awalt Celebrate 50 years: Lincoln, NB
Posting from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
 

Dear Gary,

On June 11, 2011 Bill and Eunice Awalt celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Fargo. All of their Children and Grandchildren came to help them celebrate along with many people from the Rolla and Dunseith area. They were able to have all but one of their original attendants present. The singer from their wedding came to sing their song for them one more time. Attached is a picture of the maid of Honor, Eunice’s Sister Marilyn, Eunice, Bill, and Best Man Lloyd Awalt.

It was a marvelous celebration for everyone. Congratulations Bill and Eunice Awalt.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Congratulations Bill and Eunice. You guys are looking great!!. You look so young to be celebrating 50 years. Yes, we know Lloyd is a good (Best) man too. You guys (Awalt Family) are a significant part of the Dunseith history we remember so well.
Thank you Bonnie for sharing. Gary
 
 
 
Round Barn
Question from Marge Longie Langan-Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA

Gary,

 

Isn’t this the barn sitting just outside of Dunseith.

Which I think but maybe I am wrong, where the Berube’s reside.

Although I haven’t been back there since 1997.

 

Marge Langan-Wilcox

Marge, you are absolutely right. It’s across the road and a little east of Dale’s. Gary
 
 
 
Cote/Berube History – Round Barn
From Lloyd Awalt (44 Pictured above): Bottineau, Nd
 

Hi Gary

Allen, Urbain and I were in the same class together I quit school in my second year of high. Going back if I’m not mistaken the cote barn was built in about 1947 & 48 Theresa and I were not married when we went to dances there. The only name then was the Cote barn. Urbain Probably drew up the plans. Lawrence Berube started a dairy farm at the time I hauled milk from there when I worked at the creamery. When Cotes came to Dunseith they lived at the east end of lake shuttie where we went swimming. Bill Evans and Fred Cote built there houses across from the dairy queen. Urbain built an airplane in the basement had to knock a wall can’t remember if he flew it or not. I would put some dates in but I got to do some more remembering Lloyd
 
 
 
More Round Barn history with pictures
From Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN
 
Hi Gary,

Regarding the round barn, I have left a message for my Aunt Vivian. She
is in Seattle right now so probably won’t get your email. I will find
out where she is staying and forward the two blogs to her. I know there
is some discrepancy in the date it was built (I don’t think that was
ever clarified) and I think the correct date was around 1946 or 1947 but
I will verify that. As far as I know, Uncle Urbain designed it and he
and my Grandfather built it together.

I am attaching a copy of an article about the barn that I found today in
a copy of a special publication commemorating the 100 year anniversary
of Dunseith dated July 6, 1982. My Grandmother states that the barn
was built around 1952 but I don’t think that is accurate as she also
says the farm was sold to my father approximately four years after it
was built. In the next attachment is a copy of an old newspaper from
1951 and it shows an advertisement for a dance at the Berube Barn so my
guess is that my dad had most likely purchased it around 1950-51 and
four years prior to that would be 1946-47. Anyway, I’ll try to find out
tomorrow or perhaps Rachael or Robert will also reply. Haven’t had a
chance to talk with them today.

I had no idea that they had square dances in the barn up to 1982. Does
anyone know if they danced beyond 1982?
Can anyone identify the dancers in the picture? Kind of interesting as
Greg and I took square dance lessons a couple years ago and it’s been
lots of fun.

That was a very interesting article about the barn in the Bottineau
Courant. Thanks for sharing it Neola.

Thanks Gary,
Angela Berube Malget

 
Can anyone identify the dancers in the picture?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

06/14/2011

Posted on by
Message numbers:
Yesterday’s message should have been 1205, not 1204. I posted it as 1205 on our Website, so today’s message is number 1206.
 
Folks,
 
Our travel agent just called to let us know she has our flights booked from Cebu to Miami for our cruise next February. She did well. We will be flying via Korean Air lines from Cebu to Las Angeles with a 4 hour lay over in Korea. We then have a 3 hour lay over in LA. In LA we will be going thru customs and transferring to American Air Lines arriving in Miami at 8:00 PM on Friday, February 17, 2012. With an arrival of 8:00 PM in Miami, we gave our selves and extra day in Miami before catching the cruise on Sunday the 19th. Travel time from Cebu to Miami is 31 hours. 24 hours air time. There is a 12 hour time change too. I remember the old saying back home, “If you drill a hole deep enough you will reach China”. Here in Cebu, if you drill a hole deep enough, you will reach Florida or the east coast.
 
Our plans following the cruise are to return to Cebu via Seattle. With this being February, I think we will fly right over ND. We will not have any winter clothes with us. We only wish this was later in the year so we could spend some time in ND.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Cemetery Contact update
From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Gary,
A week or two ago you listed the area cemeteries and who to
contact if one wants to make a donation. I just wanted you
to update the Rendahl information as Sharon (Eurich) Hanson
is now the treasurer.
Her address is Sharon Hanson
9644 27th Ave NE
Dunseith, ND 58329
Phone 701-244-5504
LeaRae, Thank you so much for this updated info. I have updated my master copy pasted below and the Dunseith Website. Gary
 

 
 
 
Urbain Cote

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Thanks, Gary. The timing just seemed a little off — but so is my memory. Angela grew up on that farm so she might have more info. It is a pretty amazing place.

 

By the way — I heard that Urbain built an airplane in the lower level of his home and had to remove part of the wall to get it out. My Aunt Louise Horsman could have more info on that one, or better yet, I’m sure his kids would be able to enlighten us.

Fern (Lawrence) Cote Berube, Angela, Rachael, Robert and Muzette’s mother was a brother to Urbain. I remember them living on that farm when we were in High School.
 
I remember Laureus Cote, Urbain’s brother, telling me all about the Airplane that he built in his house. I have forgotten the details, but as I remember they did have to remove a wall to get it out of the house. I don’t remember the details of the test flight either or if Urbain was the one flying it?
 
Gary
 
PS – I just received a message from Angela about this barn. I am unable to open her attached files, so I will get back with her and between us we will get this all straightened out for tomorrows blog.
 
 
 
Mandolin Story – The rest of the story
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Gary, you are embarrassing me with the mandolin story. There is
what Paul Harvey called ‘the rest of the story’, and here it is. I was
in the second hand store for about the third time while it was open and
Lorraine Metcalfe Somers was looking at the mandolin. She very politely
asked the owner what the price was and he said it was $150. She then
asked if he might be able to take a little less? He answered her in a
sarcastic and belligerent tone, “NO, I won’t take any less.” Lorraine
then politely asked if he might then take a partial trade of some
exercise equipment she had that was in like new condition? He again
answered in a very disrespectful tone, “I don’t want any more of that
kind of junk!” Lorraine just looked at me with a defeated look in her
eyes and left the store without the little mandolin. OK, I was very
upset with the way ‘Doc’, the owner, talked to Lorraine and as I browsed
at the used merchandise I just got madder and madder about the deal and
how she was treated. I do LOTS of wheeling and dealing and always try
to be fair and honest in every deal but when something like this
happens, I have been known to smile and go for the throat. I went over
and looked at the mandolin. Right away he asked if I was interested? I
said I would be but not for any $150. I showed him the flaws and told
him it needed to have a lot of work and that he would be lucky to get
$50. for one in that shape. He turned back to his sarcasm so I hit it
again about how I heard he was moving to Minnesota and he would just
have to pack it up and try to sell it to some poor sucker there who
doesn’t know how bad a shape it’s in. He started to believe me and of
course asked how much I WOULD give him for it? I knew he had more than
$50. in it as it was worth lots more than that but I wanted his arrogant
treatment of Lorraine to cost him something. He tried the $100 tag and
I just set it down and smiled. He was now feeling like he had been
trapped by his mandolin. He said, “Man I have $80. into that thing.” I
said I would give him $80. and he wouldn’t have to try to pack it up.
I showed him the cash and he went for it. After I picked up the
mandolin and he had the money he said, “Are you going to try to play
that thing?” I said, “I don’t want to play it. I ‘m going to give it to
Lorraine.” The look on his face was well worth the $80. I walked out
feeling good and felt even better when I saw the look in Lorraine’s
eyes—priceless! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Pacific Crest Trail – http://trishwild.blogspot.com/
Update from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 
 
Hi Gary,

I’m writing with an update and photos from the Pacific Crest Trail, for those readers of your blog that may be interested but don’t have access to Facebook or my blog.

I started out on the PCT at the Border of Mexico on Friday, the 13th of May. My riding partner and I had taken a good deal of time to shop for a good saddle horse for him and had finally selected a beautiful tall white Arabian – 16.1 hands tall. He named him Clover.

We had some wonderful adventures on the trail. The beauty of the PCT between Campo and Anza was spectacular. The trail runs high above the Anza Borrego Desert Park. The views pan away to vista after vista of that desert and the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and other small oasis towns far below. We camped along the trail, finding rivers and other water sources for the horses, and usually pretty good grazing. We also carried alfalfa pellets and a senior feed.

We went slowly for the most part, as the Arab was getting used to life on the trail and we wanted to break him in slowly. My horses carried most of the weight in packs – including feed for themselves. Up to 220 pounds each when fully loaded. That weight would decrease as they ate their way through the feed – 24 pounds a day.

Water was an issue, but we managed to find enough. One of our stops for water was only a cache placed by “trail angels”. Jugs of water in cases by the trail. It was funny to see the horses guzzle from a jug, but they drank well and each downed four gallons before they were through.

Only about 10 days into the trip, one of the new steel shoes on the Arab’s front feet came off. I carry everything I need to trim and shoe, so was able to replace those shoes right away, but I was concerned to see that his hooves did not look great. The hoof wall was weak and separated from the sole in places, and chunks had broken off – especially the right front.

I was glad to get him shod, but didn’t shoe the hind feet as the steel shoes were still intact and the day was hot, the trail narrow, and it was time to move on.

I would come to regret that decision.

We kept on moving over rocky, steep terrain, enjoying the views and all the horses seeming fine. After about 140 miles, one of the back shoes came off, and before we noticed, most of his left hind hoof wall crumbled, down to the tender sole. I had nothing to nail to in trying to replace the shoe, and we were miles from the next town of Anza. Besides that, the horse would not tolerate my efforts to hold his foot and kept trying to kick – not me – but just would kick kick kick. I was worried he might injure me by mistake and I couldn’t get any hoof wall to nail to anyway.

My friend Chance took a backpack and ran down the trail into the small mountain town of Anza, while I stayed camped with the four horses. We thought it might be an overnight run/hitchhike to Temecula (50 miles away), but when he got into Anza (about 6 miles each way), he managed to find a couple of mounted Sheriffs heading to a parade. They gave him two easy boots (a rubber shoe/boot that fastens onto the foot with velcro) and Chance ran all the way back. When he got back, he had run for four hours.

We were able to get the horse safely back to Anza with the boots on, and found a place for him to recover with some friends. We started looking for a new horse, but after 3 days, realized that it was impossible to find a horse in condition to take on the rigors of the PCT without proper conditioning. At least not in our price range.

So my partner gave up on the ride, and suddenly departed. I bought the Arab from him, and I haven’t seen him since. I caught a ride back to Altadena to get my truck and trailer, and drove to Anza (3.5 hour drive) to pick up the horse. I took him to the farrier to have Eponashoes nailed on his rear feet. The shoes are fantastic – they are a thick polycarbonate shoe with a gel pad under the frog. He was comfortable right away, and the swelling that had developed in his leg started to reside right away.

Once we had him taken care of, I returned to Altadena with all four horses. Since my “partner” took off with critical safety gear like a water filter, maps, GPS, etc, I am now having to resupply to continue without him. It’s my own fault for taking a novice on a ride like this. I thought we’d be ok if we took it slow at first, but I was wrong. This trail is trecherous in parts, and requires an experienced rider AND horse. From now on, I’ll be riding solo.

So we are back in Altadena, and my good friends that live here (good North Dakota people!) have asked me to house sit while they take a trip to Arizona for a couple of weeks. They raise canaries and the baby birds are still hatching, so there is a fair amount of care involved. They also have a dog and cat I’ll be feeding.

The time here will give me the opportunity to get my 2002 Chevy truck a tune up, replace the windshield (I took a rock on the highway a month ago), repack, and gear up to head north. Also, it gives me a chance to get the Arab in better condition. He’s doing really well in his new shoes and easily did a three hour ride in the desert a couple of days ago.

I ride all four horses every day and there is a spectacular canyon with trails and a challenging ride to a waterfall right from the stable where I board, so it’s a good place to keep the horses in good condition.

From here, I plan to skip the Mojave desert leg of the PCT north of here and head to Lone Pine, an “Old West” town where a lot of Hollywood movies have been filmed. I hope to continue on the PCT as a solo rider. There are parts of the trail that are not passable by horses, and I plan to trailer around them. Not many people have completed the entire PCT on horseback, and several horses have been killed in the effort. My main goal, as always, is to keep my horses and myself healthy and injury free. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, and the chance to live 24/7 with the herd.

This kind of life is not for everyone, but I am loving it 100%. I met a person who rode the entire length of the PCT (2700 miles) a few years ago, when he was 72 years old. His method was to put his horses at the place where he was starting, in the care of someone who could be trusted. He would then drive his truck north and cache supplies for himself and his horse, leaving his truck and trailer at a place that he would then ride to over the next few days. He traveled light, and did not take a pack horse. He tells me there are portions of the trail too dangerous for a pack animal. I’ll be taking his advice and will avoid those spots.

I plan to use his method of shuttling the vehicle and caching supplies, but because I have pack horses, I will carry more food and camping gear, and will be able to stay on the trail for longer stretches. I won’t be able to ride as far or fast per day as he did perhaps, but I’m not in a hurry. For me, it’s all about just being in the wilderness with my horses. The pleasure of riding and packing is hard to describe, but it’s a healthy way of life, and only a horse crazy person can understand the desire to travel this way. There are many other rides I want to take besides the PCT – including trails in Kings Canyon, Inyo, and Yosemite.

It’s the fulfilling a lifelong dream for me, only it’s better than I dreamed it would be in so many ways. The biggest thing for me is that my horses love the lifestyle so much. They seem to really enjoy being on the trail and having a job to do. We grow closer and stronger every day, and more cohesive as a herd. My mare is definitely in charge, and the 3 geldings are so in love with her, that they can be trusted to stay close behind her on the trail or in camp. It makes it easy to keep it all together.

Anyhow, I thought there might be someone out there interested in my crazy nomad lifestyle stories. I’m always happy to hear from anyone “back home”. I never get lonely, because I have my best friends with me, but sometimes it’s nice to know that people are rooting for you somewhere…

Thanks for the networking you do to make this all possible, Gary. The people from North Dakota are the best!

Trish Larson (73) Wild
The Equine Nomad
970-219-9154
trish.wild@yahoo.com
trishwild.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
Joke of the Day
 
NEXT SEASON ON DANCING WITH THE STARS

For those of you who believe everything you see on the computer.

This is one of the best photo shop jobs I’ve seen… Too funny)

 
 
  

06/13/2011

Posted on by
Alice and Harvey Hoffman are celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary, Tuesday.
 
Posting from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 

Wedding Photo June 14, 1945

 

 
They met on a blind date in Bismarck in December 1944 and were married the following June 14, 1945. The day they met Alice was a clerical employee at the State Capital in Bismarck and Sargent Harvey Hoffman was on leave from the army. Following Harvey’s release from the army in September 1945, they lived in Bismarck, moved briefly to McClusky, ND (Harvey was from McClusky and Alice from Denhoff), returned to Bismarck and then on to Lodi, California.

It was in California that doctors discovered both Alice and Brenda (born in 1950) had tuberculosis. The California doctors strongly suggested Alice and Brenda return to ND for treatment (each state provided free treatment for residents – Alice and Harvey were considered residents of ND). Unfortunately, San Haven, the North Dakota Tuberculosis Sanatorium, was filled to capacity. The San Haven Superintendent, Dr. George Loeb, promised both Alice and Brenda beds if they could return to San Haven by a specific date – just a few days away. Harvey hired a driver and Alice, Brenda, Dale (born in 1946) and the hired driver, drove night and day from California (including over the mountains in winter) to North Dakota to meet that deadline. Brenda and Alice were admitted on March 4, 1950 (Alice’s bed was the fifth in a room designed for four patients).

Brenda was released in 1952 and Alice in 1953. During their hospitalization, Harvey worked in the hospital kitchens and Dale lived with his grandparents in McClusky. Dale joined the family when Alice was released in 1953. Their first home as a family at San Haven was in the Children’s Building.

Other families living in the building at that time included the Jay Vanorney, Charlene and Sharon Pearson, Carol Jasper, John and Alan Boguslowski and Jeff Olson families. Most of the families shared one of the two central bathrooms on each floor and the one telephone in the hallway. The Children’s Building was also the school bus stop. San Haven school children were bused by Herc Nicholas (father of Jeannie and step-father of Ellen G) to and from school in Dunseith including a trip home for lunch.

Cindy, Alice and Harvey’s third child, was born in 1959 after they had moved to the cottage next to the hospital.

Harvey took over the San Haven bakery in the mid 1950s and Alice started her San Haven work life babysitting Chuck and Mona Johnson’s boys (Brian, Craig and Kevin), moved to Occupational Therapy with Barbara Schaalt (sp?) and then accepted the position that she held for more than 20 years – Executive Housekeeper. Alice and Harvey retired from San Haven in the early 1980s, wintered in Truth or Consequences, NM for years and maintained a summer home in Rugby where they now live. Alice is 85 and Harvey will be 88 in October. Both are healthy, active and continue to enjoy their retirement
 

June 14, 2010:

Alice & Harvey Hoffman

 

 

May 2010

Gary Stokes, Harvey Hoffman, Dave (Brenda’s husband) Alice Hoffman,

Brenda Hoffman & Esther Murray

 

 

 

Round Barn

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

I think there is an error in the story. I think the designer and builder of the barn was Alfred Cote and Urbain’s father. Alfred is Angela (Berube) Malget’s grandfather. His wife, Rebecca (Robert) Cote was a sister to my Grandmother, Hortence Pigeon.

 

Urbain was one of Alfred’s sons, who at the time of the construction was likely overseas fighting bad guys. I could be wrong, but I think he was a B-17 tail gunner.

 

There are at least four houses that I know of that Alfred built–all on Main street. The first two are the southern houses on the west side of Main, the third is across from the gas station–It was built for Grandma Pigeon, but she died before she could move in. The last on is on the corner northwest of the lumber yard.

 

Allen

Allen,
I was always under the impression that it was Urbain’s dad Alfred that built this barn too until I went back and read Urbain’s Eulogy and Obituary that I have pasted below. His Eulogy is kind of hard to read, but it states that he designed and built the Historic Round barn. Urbain was an inventor. He designed and built many unique things in his life. I do have his Wife Vivian Berube Cote’s email address. I included her with yesterday’s and today’s blog. Hopefully she got these messages?
Gary

 

 

 

 

 

Dick Johnson’s act of kindness

 

Folks,

 

When I was searching for Urbain Cote’s Obituary, I just happen to see this posting from Lyle Olson. We have learned to know Dick Johnson pretty well with all of his contributions to this daily blog. This story really sums up Dick’s Character. It most certainly deserves a re-run.

 

Dick, you are one of the main cornerstones to the success of this daily blog. This act of kindness really sums up the integrity and character of the guy behind all of the interesting postings, from you, that we eagerly look forward to seeing and reading.

 

Thank you again Lyle for sharing this beautiful story.

 

Gary

 

Previously posted on 3/29/2008

Beautiful story From Lyle OLson (75):

Gary:

I would like to relay a story of a random act of kindness by Dick Johnson. My mother, Lorraine (Metcalfe) Somers, worked as a secretary in the Dunseith School system for 32 years. She passed away a year ago come 4/10. As many know she enjoyed playing guitar and singing. Although she stopped playing in bands in the mid-1980’s she continued to play at home and on other special occasions (two of which occasions she truly remembered with great pleasure: the wedding dance and then the 50th anniversary of Duane and Lorraine Peterson). In any event, one day she was in the local second hand store looking at a mandolin. Dick Johnson happened to be in the store at the same time. Having a fondness for all things Bluegrass, my mother always wanted to learn how to play the mandolin, and she thought it might also keep her 69-year-old fingers nimble. Well, she offered a price to the store owner but he would not come down on the price. She left the store, went grocery shopping and went home. About an hour after she arrived at home, the door bell rang and here was Dick Johnson with that very same mandolin. Dick told my mother that he had always appreciated her playing and singing and that he wanted her to have the mandolin!! I have to say that my mother was never one to cry (many of you know this given her stern lectures and looks when you did something wrong in school), but she cried a good long time after Dick left, and she cried each time she told the story to others. When she passed away, the mandolin and my mother’s beloved Martin guitar passed on to my brother Rob Olson, the only one of the Olson boys who can play an instrument. I want Dick to know how much we appreciated his random act of kindness and to know that the mandolin and the story that goes with it is one of our greatest treasures of a life filled with music.

Lyle Olson
Class of 1975

 

 

Noon Luncheon in Cebu.

 

Folks, I thought this was a nice picture of all of us that was posted on FB.

This was a Luncheon that the ladies decide to have last Friday.

Eddy and I were the lucky guys this day.

 

06/12/2011

Posted on by
No Blog yesterday
 
Folks, Yesterday Bernadette and I visited some friends of ours that are spending 3 nights and 4 days at a beach resort about 50 miles north of us. It’s their 40th anniversary gift that a bunch of us pooled together and gave them for their anniversary. We went up in the morning, had lunch with them at noon and came back home late afternoon. In doing this I was unable to get the blog out yesterday. Gary
 
 
 
Pot Luck and Jam session at the Senior center. Dick & Brenda Johnson – Highway 43.
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Gary,
 
Highway 43 (Dunseith) and Prairie Rose (Minot) will be performing at this event. I don’t know if there will be other performers, too. I don’t see any time mentioned in the ad. Maybe I’m missing it?
 
Neola
 
 
 
 
Highway 43
Ron Hett, Dick & Brenda Johnson
 
 
 
 
Urbain Cote round barn

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/2011

Posted on by
2012 Dunseith Caribbean Cruise:
 
Folks,
 
We are fast aprocoaching our depost due date, 7/19/2011, for our cruise. After 7/19/2011 we will be giving back the remaining cabins we have reserved. After 7/19/2011 we can not guarantee the prices posted either.
 
If you are planning on joining us on this cruise, please get in touch with Gina, our travel agent. Her contact info is listed below
 
Your group leaders,
 
Bill Grimme – Birmingham, AL
Phyllis McKay – Auburn, WA.
Gary & Bernadette Stokes – Cebu, Philippines

 
Cruise details and sign up info from our travel agent
 
Gina’s message:

Gary, We have 100 cabins on hold for you, at this time. 

A cabin deposit of $250 – per passenger is due by 7.19.2011 with formal names and preferred cabin type.

 

Final payments are not due until: November 18th 2011

 

Inside cabins begin at $708.75 – total per passenger (depends on deck).

 

Ocean view with a port hole window – $848.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

 

Ocean view with picture window – $918.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

 

Balcony cabins begin at – 1058.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

 

*Mini Suite – is first come/ first serve and will be quoted at time of passenger deposit for a Mini Suite.

 

*(with a current price of $1288.75 – total per passenger)

 

 

7- Day NCL Western Caribbean Round-trip Miami

 

 

 

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Sailing Date: 2/19/12

 

 

Embarkation: Feb 19, 2012 – Disembarkation: Feb 26, 2012

 

Ports of call: Miami; Great Stirrup Cay; Ocho Rios; Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Miami

Please contact Gina Ford at either of the below phone numbers to confirm your cabin.

 

Thank you,

 

Gina S. Ford

 

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Itinerary Details

 

 
Updated list as of Friday June 10.2011






 
Cabin No.
Name
  
Notes
1 5544 Gary Stokes Bernadette Stokes Cebu, Philippines  
2   Bill Grimme Irina Protassevitch Birmingham, AL  
3   Gwen Grimme Eltz George Eltz Spokane, WA  
4   Margaret Metcalfe Leonard   Rolette, ND  
5   Beverly Handeland Hamnes Mel Hamnes Bottineau, ND  
6   Deborah Knudson Busta William Busta Willmar, MN Deborah is Bev Hamnes’ Daughter
7   David Shelver Linda Shelver Lake Havasu City, AZ  
8   Jon McGregor Bonnie McGregor Pelican Rapids, MN Bonnie & Linda Shelver are sisters
9   Oliver Reing Marlene Reing Bottineau, ND Marlene is a sister to Debby Stokes
10   James Fulsebakke Marlee Ray Reing Fulsebakke Bottineau, ND Marlee Ray is daughter of Oliver and Marlene Reing
11   Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson Heather & Nathan Albertson St, John, ND  
12   John Bullinger Tina Pladson Bullinger Bottineau, ND  
13   Dan Pladson Robin Pladson Belfield, ND  
14   John Bedard Margaret Bedard Bottineau, ND  
15   Nancy Bedard Olson Gary Olson Hillsboro, ND  
16   Darrel Stokes Debby Stokes Bottineau, ND  
17   Phyllis Mckay Patsy Mckay Heggen Auburn, WADunseith, ND  






18   Margaret Bedard Strong Jerry Stong Dunseith, ND  

 
 
 

Hotel and Transportion details in Miami

 

Hotel: Hyatt Summerfield Suites in Miami

 

Folks,

 

Gina, our travel agent, has arranged for us to stay at the HyattSummerfield Suitesin Miami. She has blocked off 45 one Bedroom Suites and 5 two bedroom Suites. The Hyatt has free shuttle service from the Airport.

 

Rates plus 13% tax

One Bedroom Suites at $159.00 (king)

Two Bedroom Suites at $209.00 (king bed in each bedroom)

The living room has a sectional pullout Sofa bed in all Suites.

**5th and 6th persons in 2-Bedroom suites are $10.00 additional per person.

 

For reservations please call the Hyatt at (800) 517-3966 or log on to their website www.hyattsummerfieldsuitesmiami.comand enter into the Corporate/Group box G-CAWi.When booking tell them you are with the Cruise At Will Dunseith group.

 

Payment is due at time of booking. Refunds are available for cancellations no later than January 12, 2012.

 

Gina has made arrangements with the Hyatt for our group room rates to be exactly the same rate for up to 3 days prior and 3 days after our cruise.

 

Transportation from the hotel to the ship and to the airport upon return

 

Ground transportation is available for $24 round trip – per passenger (includes: your hotel to your ship and your ship back to the Miami airport).

 

Names and the payment for your Ground transportation will need to be provided to Cruise At Will prior to November 18, 2011

If you wish to confirm your ground transportation, please send a note with your name(s) and a check payable to Cruise At Will to:

 

Cruise At Will

15847 Bobolink Dr

.

 

WoodbridgeVA22191

 

 

 

 
 
2012 Dunseith Caribbean Cruise:

Plug from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

 

Hello all….I need to put in a plug for the 2012 cruise on the NCL, Pearl. We were on the Pearl in January, out of New Orleans and that ship was carrying the number 1 spot in customer satisifaction for NCL fleet and it was the best time. We have a hard time waiting until February 2012 to take another cruise.
  

06/09/2011

Posted on by
Minot Flooding – Brian Fauske
Message from Diane Millang Volk (77): Sherwood, ND
 

Please post a message to Brian and Deb Fauske: Our family has been following the flooding in Minot and we were so surprised when we viewed a newscast with an interview with Brian and Deb Fauske. They live in the coulee at Apple Grove area of Minot that had a flash flood. We wish them well and hope that all the families affected by the recent rains and flood are now safe.. Diane and Ron Volk

We too wish Brian and Deb well with the recent flooding. First and foremost we are glad they are physically OK. Second we are hoping they had minimal damage?

 
 
 
Email address Change
From Jim Metcalfe:
 

This is to advise you that my E-mail address has changed to the following:

Jim, I do not have your address in my Files. As I remember, you are living in either NM or AZ? Gary
 
 
Message from Edith Struck Lampman (73): Hudson, WI
 

Hi Gary,
I do not often respond to your posts, but I read most every one. I am some times reading 5 & 6 at time. I am not one to sit in front of a computer. My job at the local hospital is to register patients in the ER and to verify insurance and follow up on all work comp and motor vehicle accidents. I am not a great “typist” and get by ok but do not relish the idea of sitting at a keyboard after I am off work.
 
That being said, I admire your tenacity at keeping this network going!! The day you call it quits will not disappoint anyone because you have done so much for so many and for so many causes, that everyone would understand your retirement. But until that time, Thank You for an incredible commitment to an incredible number of great, great people!!
 
Most Admirably and Most Sincerely!
Edith Struck Lampman ’73
Hudson,WI
Edith, Thank you so much for this very nice compliment. At the moment I have no plans on retiring from doing this anytime soon. I am retired, I have the time and this is what I have chosen to do with my time. Doing this keeps me connected to a bunch of wonderful folks in the good ole USA and ND from here in the Philippines. It’s a win win situation. Gary
 
 
 
Lois Tweten’s Dad – Bottineau Race Track
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
 
Gary and Friends,

I am sure sorry it was Lois Tweten’s dad who was killed at the old
Bottineau race track. Lois, I was not born yet when the pictures were
taken and so I’m not able to name any of the people in the pictures.
The cars pictured seem to be rather well built and this race may have
been some kind of a special invitational race of some kind. My friend,
Myron Langehaug from Bottineau, at one time had some really neat
pictures of the Bottineau race car drivers sitting in their jaolpies
while they were being photographed. If my memory serves me right, he
had borrowed the pictures from some older person in Bottineau. The next
time I see him I will ask. I would sure like to have copies if
possible. And—thanks Lois for the compliment on our Hostfest
performances. It was fun.

Ele Slyter’s analysis of Mother Nature brings to mind something an
older friend said to me once 31 years ago. Mt. St. Helens had just
blowen the top 1300 ft of it’s summit into the atmosphere. My friend
said that we need something like that once in a while just to let us
know how really insignificant we really are. I agree. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Aircraft Carrier
USS John C Stennis (CVN-74):
 
Video
http://www.dump.com/2011/04/16/one-us-aircraft-carrier-has-a-more-powerful-air-force-than-70-of-all-countries-video/

 

Folks,

 

This is a fabulous Video of the USS Stennis that was posted on FB by a friend of mine. The Stennis is now home ported in Bremerton. In my day she was home ported in San Diego. Our yard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), had jurisdiction over all the maintenance and upkeep repairs of the Stennis while she was home ported in San Diego. I met Bernadette in June 1968 when PSNS sent me to the Philippines for a pre-overhaul ship check on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), sister ship to the Stennis. With that ship check part of our checks had to be done underway. We boarded the Enterprise in Subic Bay and rode her into the Indian Ocean. In the Indian Ocean we were flown off the ship in a Plane just as you see them flying off the flight deck in the video. What a thrust of inertia that was being catapulted off that ship. When we came to the end of the Ships runway, it was like we came to a complete standstill, but we were still in the air and moving under the airplanes power.

 

Gary

 

  

06/08/2011

Posted on by

Vernon Boucher

June 7, 2011

Minot Daily News

Dec. 31, 1927-June 6, 2011

ROLETTE Vernon George Boucher, 83, Rolette, died Monday, June 6, 2011, in a Rolette nursing home.

He was born Dec. 31, 1927, to Emil and Emiline Boucher, in Thorne. He served in the Army from 1950 to 1953. He married Annette Casavant on Nov. 23, 1960, in Thorne.

Survivors: wife; sons, Mark, Rolette, Myles, Rugby, Rick, Bismarck, Cory, Minot; daughters, Valorie Mortenson, Rolette, Joni Doehler, Bisbee; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank, Dickinson, Romeo, Rolette, Larry, Eden Prairie, Minn.; sisters, Julie Vandal, Bismarck, Lydia Eller, Rolla, Yvonne Renfendt, Minot.

Memorial service: Thursday, 11 a.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette.

Burial: St. Edwards Catholic Cemetery, Thorne.

Rosary service: Wednesday, 7 p.m., in the church.

(Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

Annette Casavant Boucher (61), our condolences are with you and your family with Vernon’s passing. If memory serves me correctly, I believe your older sister Bernadette is married to Vernon’s brother Frank. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary
 
 
 
 
Dale’s
Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND
 
Gary, I just read your TWELVE HUNDREDTH issue.. Congratulations for your gift of presenting us the words, pictures, memories, and good will all these many months. There were poignant messages in this issue which reflect the spirit of friendship and love shared by so many across this northern ND real estate for all these years. I’m enjoying a stay at Dale’s Motel and see the few friends from the past in the lounge and in the restaurant. It is not the same without Ernie, but George is the anchor of the place and for that matter, the Dunseith Man Of The Century in my view. I shared a minute with George this morning to tell him how well the people at Dale’s treat me, and how much I appreciated his leadership in the Centennial , 125th celebration, and the all class reunions held here. I bet that many of you would feel the same. It has been chilly, windy, and wetter than any of my days and years here. Today would be a men’s golf day, and I’m testing the air for sanity, but heck, it’s just North Dakota, folks. It’s our place. Bill Hosmer
Yes Bill, we so appreciated all of the support that George gave us for the Dunseith Alumni Reunion last year with the donation of his facility, the Bingo Barn, and guidance for this event. His contributions and guidance contributed to a very successful event of which we so dearly thank him for. He (Dale’s) also facilitated our class of 65 gathering and dinner the evening before the reunion. He provided a wonderful buffet dinner for our group of 35 folks (Pictures below). Gary
 

 
 
 
The Missouri Flood Battle
Message/Posting from Ele Dietrich (69): Dunseith, ND
 
Man, meaning mankind in general, thinks he is very intelligent and has all kinds of ideas and proven? theories of how to beat Mother Nature…then the impossible, so called 100 year event occurs and suddenly man is not the winner of the battle…this happens over and over not only in flood situations, but forest fires, tidal waves, volcano’s,earthquakes, etc…even something as simple as clearing a patch of ground for a grain field or garden. Leave it alone for a year and Mother Nature will start to reclaim what is rightfully hers. Man is not as intelligent as he would like to think and Mother Nature can not be beat…all you can do is ride out the storm, pray for the best and above all use your common sense when building or choosing a site to live on and when to run like blazes. Man may win the battle sometimes, but Mother Nature will win the war.
 
ele

06/07/2011

Posted on by
Thanks to Evie Gottbreht (65)
Reply From Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN
 
Thanks to Evie Gottbreht Pilkington for the birthday wishes and to you
too Gary. They seem to come around so often. I hope you also had a
nice birthday in May and that you and your family are doing well.

Angela Berube Malget
Class of 65

Angela, I will catch up to you in July. One of our class mates has a May birthday and I have forgotten who. Gary
 
 
 
Kenneth Tweten was killed on the Turtle Mountain Race Track
Reply from Lois Tweten: Helena, MT
Excerpt from Dick Johnson’s posting yesterday
Thunder Mountain Speedway north of Bottineau has just started
another season of stock car racing. I found two old pictures of racing
at the Bottineau County Fair Grounds. These were called jalopy races as
the cars were mainly older cars that had been stripped down to the frame
and a seat so they would go fast. These pictures are from the late 40s
or early 50s. Racing stopped there after a very tragic accident that
took the life of one of the people involved.
 

Dick,

Thank you soooo much for the pictures of the jalopy races. It was in October 1948 that it was my Dad, Kenneth Tweten, who was killed. My Mom, my brother Johnnie and I were standing in the middle of the race track (can’t remember what it is called) and of course saw the accident. I remember Mom throwing the camera, Johnnie watching the dog get shot, and me staring in unbelief, (a jalopy hit the dog and then ran over my Dad’s leg,breaking it of course, into his/John Deere shop’s jalopy that he was fixing under it), giving him a factured skull. He died an hour and a half later at St Andrew’s. Bob Page, from the shop) grabbed Mom (Ann) and two men grabbed me and Johnnie. Dad was only 33. Our dog, Bum, sat on his hind legs in front of our house, just a block from St Andrew’s, for days, howling to the North – where we drove with our parents to the race. I can’t image how hard it was for my Mom, losing her husband so young! Dick, I want to thank you so much for the improvements on the new track that you noted in the above message!! Also, a reminder how much I injoyed your Highway roup’s music at the Hostfest last year. I sat there each morning eating my rice pudding listening…

 

Two years later Mom met & married Harold Skjervem at the Ice Cream Parlour. I’m sure many folk remember that place, as I sure do!! I would joke with Harold that I remembered how he flirted with Mom and wasn’t in the parlour really for ice cream. ha

Dick, can you or others, recognize those in the pictures? I was only 6 and Johnnie (now goes by Ken) was 7, so I can’t recognize them.

I will print the pictures for myself and Johnnie.

I became aware of this blog from Bev Azure Morinville (sp) at the Dunseith souvenier store (by Dale’s) a couple of years ago. I told her that I was “home” for a visit, staying with my cousin (the other Dick Johnson) Carol Sletto Johnson, 5 miles South of Overly. Bev told me her parents were there that day, and could never go back. I was so sad when she died, as she was so special and sweet!

I drove by the new racing site and took some pictures, I think my Mom’s, mother, Ronnaug (Shjerve) & Knute AAsen lived on that plot of land. Does anyone know?

Thanks so much for these pictures.

In Botno friendship, Lois Ann Tweten
 
 
 

Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72)

Reply From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

 

reply to Vicki Hiatt LaFountaine(73) Vicki, we ALL said AMEN !!! To Debbies, Family, please tell her we are all praying for her. She was a good friend back then and we enjoyed lots of fun times together. Saying many many prayers for her and her family. Hugs to all

 

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

 

 

 

Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72)
Reply Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

 

I felt so bad to hear about Debbie.She has been in my thoughts. Glad to know she didn’t have a blood clot & was discharged from the hospital.Hope & pray all goes well during her recovery ( speech therapy & Physical therapy) A family friend Connie ( Zorn) Landsverk.—–
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

 
 
 
Janice Morin Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary and Friends,

I am saddened by the sudden passing of Janice Morin.

She was the youngest child of Emil and Genevieve Morin.

The Morin family were our dear, dear friends and neighbors always to be counted on.

Our family spent many wonderful times in their company.


When we were kids, Janice quite adamantly shared her simple beliefs.

And, she continued to be a person of deep spiritual faith all of her life.


I was proud to be her friend.

And I, I will miss her forever, sitting at the back booth at Dales.

God Speed Janice, go in Love v.


Vickie Metcalfe
 
 
 
 
Mary Ann Hagen: Bottineau
 
Folks, Several weeks back when I was having a Face Book chat with Art Hagen, he told me his mother now has email. I have now added Mary Ann to our daily distribution.
 
Mary Ann, do you remember this Birthday party. I think I do. I’m thinking this may be the time that we had an early snow. I remember Herman Hagen being at one of your parties with brand new snow tires on his car. I remember how everyone outside watched as he turned around in your yard with the new snow not slipping a tire. His mother, Alice was with him too. In those days we attended a lot of community gathers at your house, so this may not be the time, but I’m thinking it is.
 
Congratulations (13 years later) for having been chosen North Dakota Mother of the year. It was an honor well deserved. Of your family members listed with the picture below, I notice that Art’s name is invisible. He’s in the picture though.
 
Mary Ann, the last time I remember seeing you was at the Senior Center in Dunseith during the 2007 125 year Dunseith reunion. You and Clarence were together. I remember having a nice chat with you guys that day too.
 
Gary
 
PS – I’m guessing the picture below of you and Clarence was taken at the Dunseith Senior Center?
 
 
 
1957 – Mary Ann Hagen – Surprise Birthday Party
 
 
 
 
Clarence & Mary Ann Hagen
 
 
 
 
 
 
1961/62 BHS home coming Kind/Queen

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Everyone,

 

This is another Wondrasek picture. I’m quite sure the queen is Karen Sanden. If not, please tell me.

 

Gary is the son of Joe/Beatrice Dailly Johnson; Beatrice (38) is “from” Dunseith (Page 516 in Centennial Book). Karen is the daughter of John/Beatrice Sanden (Page 611 in Centennial Book). Mrs. Sanden owned “Lad and Lassie” in Bottineau years ago.

 

I don’t know how to contact either Gary or Karen to send this picture to one of them. If one of you has an email for either Gary/Karen, I’d appreciate if you send it to me. If not, would one of you be interested in having this picture (maybe for the class’ 50 year reunion next year), please tell me, and I’ll mail it to you.

 

Neola

Beatrice Dailly Johnson (38), Gary’s mother, lives in the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau. Her mother was a Cote, making her a relative to so many of you folks. Gary’s brother Wayne who is married to Joan Bergman, lives in the Bremerton, WA area. Gary
 
 
 
  

06/06/2011

Posted on by
Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72)
Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND
 

Im so sorry to hear of Debbies stroke and yes I will be praying for a complete recovery. She had such incredible strength during Bobbis illness always putting everything before her own health. Lord we just pray now for Debbie and all on this blog that need a Touch from you in their lifes and everyone said AMEN
 
 
 
Thunder Mountain Speedway
Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Thunder Mountain Speedway north of Bottineau has just started
another season of stock car racing. I found two old pictures of racing
at the Bottineau County Fair Grounds. These were called jalopy races as
the cars were mainly older cars that had been stripped down to the frame
and a seat so they would go fast. These pictures are from the late 40s
or early 50s. Racing stopped there after a very tragic accident that
took the life of one of the people involved. The new track has gone to
strict safety standards to protect both the drivers and the crowd from
injury. I was a driver at Thunder Mt. for several years and to my
knowledge, only one injury occurred and that was caused by an
undetectable poor weld on the seat belt hold down. After my racing
days, I served as an inspector in the pits. Often as the drivers were
lined up and ready to head out onto the track, I would reach into the
car and give a strong jerk on their safety harness just to make sure in
their haste and excitement, they hadn’t forgotten to latch up the
locks. The first time I did that to most of the guys they were rather
annoyed that I did it but soon they understood the importance and just
leaned back and relaxed and gave me the thumbs up. The new drivers were
often so excited that they were almost numb to their actions so they
were for sure needing to be checked before they went out for their
heat. I have to admit, that there is something about dirt track racing
that is nearly addicting. After I quit my involvement with the sport
altogether, I didn’t go to the races for a couple years and really
didn’t think I missed it. One night a couple years later Brenda and I
went over to watch. The Bombers and the Streets had no real effect on
me. Then the Modifieds came rolling out and did their hot laps. When
they all kicked it for the green flag, I could hardly sit there and not
want to go home and build another car! I think gasoline and
testosterone are a natural mix. Thanks Gary!

Dick


 

06/05/2011

Posted on by
Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72) – Get well
From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas
 
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO DEBBIE SLYTER FOR HER RECOVERY FROM HER STROKE AND TO HER FAMILY ALSO, DEBBIE IS A TOUGH COOKIE AND I AM SURE SHE WILL TOUGH IT THROUGH THIS ALSO
 
 

 

Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72) – update

From Donna Wenstad (75): Amado, AZ
 
Deb was released from Bismark and is home doing well. What Rugby see as a blood clot Bismark tests showed not to be so. She will have to undergo some speech therapy and physical therapy on her hand. Please keep the prayers coming throught the duration of her recovery.
Thanks to all, Donna Wenstad

REPLY TO “ENDURING EIGHT” – Class of 65

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

 

Boy does that bring back memories!!! Mostly bad. After Mrs. Conroy’s class and Miss Selzler’s 5th grade we got Miss Nordin. OMG! In sixth grade I got an hour of after school detention for saying the word “heck” in a conversation when I was helping clean the blackboards. It was near Christmas and Miss Nordin asked if I had any idea what I was getting for Christmas. Part of my answer was “My sister doesn’t know what the heck to get me.” The we had her in 7th grade too. We were supposed to have Art Rude —

 

Some things remain indellible in the mind of a child.

 

 

 

Night out in Cebu.

Rose is the gal standing between Bernadette and me. Of all of our Expat lady friends, Rose is one of Bernadette’s closed friends. The gals standing behind us are close friends too. Guys, these gals are all single too. Gary

 

 

 

Joke of Day:

 

Bob says to his son: “It’s time you got married & I have the perfect girl for you.”

His son immediately replies: “I’d rather choose my own bride, Pop.”

Bob sighs: “But the girl is Bill Gates’ daughter.”

The son thinks about this for a split second , then answers: “Well, in
that case, yes! OK, Dad.”

Bob then approaches Bill Gates and says: “I have the perfect husband for
your lovely daughter.”

Bill Gates quickly answers: “No way! My daughter is too young to get
married!”

Bob says: “But this young man is a vice-president of the World Bank.”

Bill Gates thinks for a while then answers: “Ah well, in that case, yes,
that’ll be OK with me.”

Finally Bob goes to see the president of the World Bank.

Bob smiles and says: “I have a young man to recommend as a
Vice-President.”

The President hurriedly answers: “Not interested, I already have more
vice-presidents than I need.”

Bob continues smiling: “But this young man is Bill Gates’ son-in-law.”

A few seconds pass, then the World Bank President answers: “Ah that’s
interesting, Hmmm. In that case, well yes, he can start tomorrow.”

And that is how successful businesses work

06/04/2011

Posted on by
Thelma Hagen Johnson (Deceased)
Correction to Yesterday’s message.
 
Folks, I wasn’t thinking correctly yesterday when I stated that Thelma is living in Dunseith. I do know that she has passed on. I had her sister Joyce Hagen Evans on my mind when I made that statement. I talk to Joyce every now and then on the phone too. Sorry for the mistake. You know there is a positive side to these mistakes and that is they generate camaraderie. Gary
 

 

Thelma Hagen Johnson
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary,

You are real close—but no cigar. Thelma Hagen Johnson passed away
a couple years ago. She lived in Rugby for many years. Her sister
Joyce Hagen Evans still lives in Dunseith. Same family, just a sister.
Donnie Nelson is their nephew and was raised by Orvin after Orvin’s
sister, Donnie’s mom, Helen Hagen Nelson passed away very young when
Donnie was just a little guy.

Dick

 

 

Thelma Hagen Johnson

Reply from Leland Hagen (50): BRYAN, TX

 

Hi Gary,

First let me thank you for the daily blog and the connections it makes to so many things from my past. It is the first thing I read when I check my email.

 

I did notice a discrepancy in the entry about sister Thelma. She unfortunately

passed away in 2006. I think you probably had sister Joyce (Hagen) Evans in mind when you wrote that as she still lives in Dunseith.

 

Leland,
 
 
 
 
Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72) had a stroke
Message from Pam Wenstad Lane (78): Dunseith, ND
 

Gary,
Please send all prayers and thoughts to Debbie. She had a stroke on Tues. night. She was in the Rugby hospital and is on the way to Bismarck by ambulance. The kids are both with her as well as Jack. They found a clot by her aneurism by her heart. Don’t know what they’ll do. She did lose some speech and movement in her hand which she was getting back.They did a test this morning and found the clot. She has been seeing doctors in Bismarck for awhile now.With all other developments Debbie has, she is not a good candidate for surgery. Dealing with the aneurism itself is a tricky surgery. Please everyone send prayers and thoughts to Debbie. We just lost Bobbie , please God don’t take Debbie too.
Pam Wenstad Lane
Pam, We are so sorry to hear of Debbie’s stroke. We are hoping and praying that all will be well. Please keep us posted.
 
Folks, Debbie is living on the original Willow Lake School site. Pam is living with her now too. Gary
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN
From Evie Gottberht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
 
Class of 65 Reunion – July 2007
Back left: Allen Richard (65) with his daughter.
Back Right: Bob Lykins, our former class typing teacher. He taught us well too.
Front: Angela Berube, Evie Gottbreht, Gary Stokes, Bill Grimme

 

Hi Gary,
 
I would like to wish Angela Berube Malget a Happy Birthday….I believe June 5th is the day! Blessings to you Angela and “thanks for the memories!”
 
Evie
Angela, We all wish you a very happy birthday. Have fun and enjoy. I will be catching up with you next month. Gary
 
 
 
Erling Landsverk (44)
 
 
Folks, Going through some of the past postings I ran across this introduction from Erling. With his recent postings and with all the new folks I feel it’s appropriate to repost this introduction of Erling’s. Erling is a writer with several published books too and he is also a Musician with several CD’s. I have several of his CD’s and I also have a copy of his book “My Dakota Years”.
 
Erling, you are an amazing guy with so many talents that we all admire dearly. It’s with great pride that we can say, “Erling Landsverk is from Dunseith, ND” and for me the Turtle Mountains.

Prviously posted with message 60 on March 29, 2008

From Erling Landsverk (44):

Subject: Looking for contacts

 

HI GARY;

 

PLEASE DON’T LET THE SUBJECT MATTER MISLEAD YOU, BUT AT MY AGE I AM SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THAT MANY OF MY OLD FRIENDS, CLASSMATES, NEIGHBORS ETC HAVE POSSIBLY PASSED AWAY, MOVED TO WARM CLIMES OR COULD BE VERY ILL, (WE HOPE NOT). FURTHER I AM CERTAIN THAT MOST OF THE YOUNGER SET THAT PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PROGRAM, PROBABLY DON’T HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHO I MIGHT BE. SO LET ME EXPLAIN A LITTLE.

 

HAD I REMAINED AT DEAR OLD DHS ONE MORE YEAR, I WOULD HAVE GRADUATED IN “44” ALTHOUGH OUR CLASS AT DUNSEITH WAS SMALL I KNOW MANY OF THEM ARE NOT AROUND ANY MORE BUT FOR YOU YOUNGER E MAILERS, NELS LANDSVERK WAS MY FATHERS BROTHER, SO ALL OF HIS CHILDREN ARE MY FIRST COUSINS. I KNEW THE HALVORSON FAMILY WELL, THEY WERE NEIGHBORS, THE BYE FAMILY WAS ALSO A NEIGHBOR AS WERE THE HAGENS, AND I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH OSCAR AND RAYMOND. I KNEW MANY OF THE HIATTS, AND ATTENDED SCHOOL WITH MANY OF THEM. THEY WERE A GREAT BUNCH, HOWARD LANDSVERK IS ALSO MY FIRST COUSIN, HIS FATHERS NAME WAS KNUTE, AND HIS KID SISTER MARJORIE LIVES IN WISCONSIN ABOUT 40 MILES TO THE EAST OF PORTAGE, AND WE SEE ONE ANOTHER EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT YODOLA PIGEON DIDN’T COME TO THE SCHOOL REUNION, HE AND I TOOK PART IN THE JUNIOR CLASS PLAY, I AM SURE HE WOULD REMEMBER, IF HE SEES THIS MESSAGE. URBAIN COTE WAS ALSO A CLASS MATE, A GREAT MUSICIAN, BUT I UNDERSTAND HE RECENTLY PASSED AWAY IN ARIZONA, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DELEPHINE WENTLAND? HOW ABOUT URSELLA CARLSON, ABE NELSON’S TWO BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS, THELMA HAGEN

I COULD GO ON BUT IF SOME OF YOU YOUNGER DECENDANTS RECOGNIZE ANY NAMES, WOULD YOU LET ME KNOW.

 

GARY, YOU ARE DOING A GREAT SERVICE FOR MANY OF US, I REALLY MISS THE NORTH DAKOTA PEOPLE A GREAT DEAL, THEY ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, AND I LOVE THEM ALL.

 

ERLING LANDSVERK
 
 
Enduring eight
Class of “65” with their 7th? grade teacher.

 

The eight students that began in the first grade at Dunseith and graduated from DHS

 

Note: Barbara Kalk told us several weeks ago that she did not attend school in Dunseith for several years in the lower grades.
 

From the top down Left to Right
Carol Jasper, Ginger La Rocque, Alan Boguslawski, Bill Grimme, Susan Fassett, Barbara Kalk, Esther Murray, John Bedard, Miss Hildur Nordin
 
 
Transportation in the Philippines:
This family motorcycle accommodates a family of eight with a few personal belongings on the side. I’d say this is probably a 105cc Honda. This picture was taken by some friends of ours. Gary
 
 
  

06/03/2011

Posted on by
Missouri River Photo’s
Web link provided by Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND
 
 
Gary,

These are some good air photos of the Missouri. By chance, I was over
and around them today. Since there has been a lot of on the Dunseith
blog, I thought I would send them. I hope all is well in the
Phillipines.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/sets/72157626713863979/

Aime

 
 
 
Pin Stick and Memories
From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
 
Hi Gary and Everyone:
 
After the letter from Leland Hagen, and Doreen Larson Moran describing the fine points of that most popular sport, pin stick, so dear to the Loon Lake schools, I find myself feeling quite contrite that I may have doubted for a moment that this particular sport might have been forgotten I owe a big Thank You to Leland and Doreen for reminding me that others also enjoyed this intricate sport. I might add that Clemens Helgeson held the championship in my class. Seriously, I must admit to a lump in my throat when I found that others remembered as well. Leland remarked that he attended Loon Lake School #2, District 15, where Inba B Olson was the superintendant of the Bottineau county Schools . Lets hear it for Pin stick, which is the same by any other name. I remember my sister Borghild and Florence Christianson sharing one of the double seats along the west side of the classroom. What is remarkable is that not only did they begin their education together at Loon Lake School, but they managed to stay in contact with each other for the rest of Borg’s days. They did so by mail, phone and a few visits. There is something about those friendships that begin in the turtle Mountains. By the way Leland, did you know that your father and my Dad had a considerable part in the construction of the school house? And did you know that your sister Thelma and I were class mates in dear old DHS. Our two families visited each other in the early days. Last year, when Borg and I attended the one room school reunion, not only did we get to visit with Orvin and his son I believe, but we also found the site of our old school and had our photos taken standing on the remnants of the old concrete steps. It surely brought back a flood of memories. Thank you both for sharing your memories, and stay in touch. Life is fragile and I want it to be filled with wonderful memories of a land that is so dear to my heart.
 
Thank you Gary for making this connection a possibility
 
Erling Landsverk
Erling,
 
With me being one generation behind you, you most certainly mentioned some very familiar names to me and I know to a whole lot of others too.
 
Clemens Helgeson lived on the Helgeson farm east of Long Lake. Clem Never married. Later in life he moved to Bottineau. He and Ralph Bjornseth, Husband of Luella Boardman Bjornseth (49), paired up as onsite Diesel Mechanics. They overhauled many diesel engines throughout Bottineau and Rolette counties. Ralph was a mechanic at the international dealership in Bottineau for many years, so he had the experience behind him and Clem too. They were among the best Diesel mechanics of all times. Their reputation followed them too. Clem has now passed on. Ralph and Luella live in Bottineau.
 
Florence Christianson Struck lives at the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau. Maxine Radley Hiatt, also from Borg and Florence’s DHS class of 38 recently passed away.
 
Thelma (Glen) Hagen Johnson, sister to Orvin, Leland & Tom, lives in Dunseith.
 
You mentioned Orvin’s son. You are right, Orvin has an adopted son, Donnie Nelson, pictured below with the Hagen brothers.
 
Gary
 
 
Orvin, Leland & Tom Hagen with their Nephew Donnie Nelson.
 
 
Message from Susan Fassett Marten (65): Spearfish SD
 
John and I drove west on hiway 5 to the Mohall corner and then south to Minot yesterday. The amount of water everywhere is
amazing. It rained on us all the way from Walhalla to Mohall. Stopped in Botno at the sr center looking for Betty Nerpel, and found not only her, but Lloyd and Marshall Awalt and Eloise Boppre. Was fun to see all of them. We are in Bismarck tonight and tomorrow will be home in SD. Was fun to see everyone. I love road trips.
 
 
Lloyd and Theresa celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary in 2009
 
 
 
Marshall and Lloyd Awalt.
Lloyd served in the Navy and Marshall served in the Marines for 30 years.
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
Joke of the day:
From my good Irish Friend Michael Kenny:
 
Introduction to the Joke below:
Michael & Barbara were born and raised in Ireland. After Michael completing Dental school and Barbara becoming an RN, they moved to England where they spent their working careers, 30 plus years, before retiring to Cebu, Philippines. The old saying, you can take the Irishman out of Ireland, but you can not take the Irish out of the man applies to this joke. Gary
 
“And then God Created Ireland …”

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired, “Where have you been?”

God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, “Look, Michael, look what I’ve made.”

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, “What is it?”

“It’s a planet,” replied God, and I’ve put life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place to test Balance.”

“Balance?” inquired Michael, “I’m still confused.”

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth.

“For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor.
Over here I’ve placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things”.

God continued pointing to different countries. “This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.”

The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, “What’s that one?”

“That’s Ireland, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes and hills.

The people from Ireland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world.
They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things.”

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, “But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance.”

God smiled, “I will create England. Wait till you see the arseholes I put there”.

06/02/2011

Posted on by
Reply to Kay Hosmer–

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
 
Thanks — and please do. Give her a BIG HI FROM ME!
 
I also remember you well as one of my best students while I was teaching in Dunseith. Let’s just say that you were a much better student in my class than I was in your Mom’s!! Did you know I also coached the Dunseith Women’s Softball Team after Rod Armentrout retired? I think we actually beat the Turtle Mountain Belles from St. John. The girls hit something like 6 homers — back to back — in that game. Some of the team members included Stella Schimetz, Jess Hosmer, Joni Richard, Mary McCoy — and from there my memory fades — after all — that was in 1970!!!
 
Best wishes, Kay!
 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Report from Shonda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND
 

Hey Gary .. Been a very long time since I have made contact … its hard to come here after my mother Bev’s passing … just figured people might like an update from the soggy town of Minot ND …. we have spent the last 24 hours packing our friends and extended family up and moving them to higher ground thank god we now live on north hill … we being good old North Dakotan’s have done it all with many laughs and smiles and a few tears .. I just wanted to share with you not so much fact of numbers of the river flooding but more of the feel you get in town … people here are SO AMAZING , everyone is chipping in and helping out from the offers of campers to stay in to bring food to the red cross and the other shelters , we have the guard guys and gals who are directing traffic smiling and waving , we have the animal shelter that has stepped up along with the maysa arena that have allowed people to bring their pets (which is AMAZING as we all know most places will NOT allow this )
we have people from all walks of life bringing food , water , blankets , towels and everything you can think of .. so for all of you that are worried about Minot … please know we are the MAGIC CITY for a reason and that spirit is showing in the faces of people that are are facing losing their homes .. I must close now just wanted you all to know that MINOT is alive and well and we are the PROUD PROUD MAGIC CITY

Shonda Campbell (Azure)

daughter of Bev Azure

 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Report from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA
Hi Gary…….
 
Thanks again for this service you do, it’s priceless to those of us who like to keep in touch with the old home town. I talked to my son, Jonathan, who lives in Minot. He said that yesterday, on short notice, him and his wife Kate helped evacuate a family to safety from the flood. He said that he was catching some ‘shut eye’ because he was going to drive a semi with sand bags to try to help keep the water back from some homes there. He works for a big farmer in the area. They usually plant over 5000 acres, but could only do 50 acres so far. And looks like that’s all they are going to get planted for the growing season.
 
Ivy Eller Robert (74)
 
 
 
 
Bismarck Flooding
Report Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary, The south part of Bismarck is also flooding. alot of homes with water in there basement already. We live near by the flood zone but haven’t been affected yet. Praying it stays away from us. This is a first for Bismarck, really opens a persons eyes when it hits home. Kathy
 
 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Report from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
 
I received a call from my sister Karen in Minot today. She’s one of the many that were given 24 hours to evacuate. Her house is just blocks off of broadway near the river. It’s expected to crest on Thursday. As with all disasters we expect the worst but hope for the best. For Karen, and all of those affected, I pray that your losses are minimal, that the rain stops, and life can get back to normal soon. It’s so devastating. I remember in 1969 we were out of school for about a week and we would take the bus from the airbase everyday to Minot to sandbag and work with the Red Cross. So many courageous folks working together then too.
Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71
 
 
 
Minot/Bismark Flooding – Weather/Farmers
Report from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Folks, Dick sent this message yesterday. Within moments of hitting the send button yesterday, I received this from Dick. Gary
Gary and Friends,

Just a little update on the flood problems in the area. We have had
more than our share of water this spring and just lately we received
several more inches of rain. Minot and Bismarck are getting hit the
worst with both the Missouri and the Mouse Rivers going over their banks
into flood stage. The National Guard has been called in to help with
the flood control but the next few days will tell the story if their
efforts and the efforts of the volunteers will be enough to save
hundreds of homes and businesses. The other problem that hits us
directly is the wet conditions have made it impossible for the grain
crops to be seeded. At this time most years, farmers are getting close
to finishing but this year very few acres have been planted and the
probability of getting the crops in is getting more grim by the day.
Even though the flooding and it’s effects are devastating, most of the
people just take it in stride and make the best of a bad situation. I
was told today that even the enlistees in the National Guard, who have
only signed up in the last short while, have been called to active duty,
sandbagging and helping with the flood efforts. We are waiting for a
phone call to see if we are going to need to go to Minot to help some
friends who may need to sandbag their homes in the next couple days.
The predicted crest is within a foot of the front door of one friend
and the other is currently moving his belongings to higher ground. The
Corp of Engineers is guessing, at best, as to the actual crest height
so one or two extra feet from rain and miscalculation can spell
disaster. There is flooding out in Montana and much of that water will
eventually end up in the Missouri River and go through Bismarck later,
so this might be a long ordeal for those folks. On the lighter
side—-An older friend of mine from Washington State called and asked
me if it was raining a lot? I told him it has rained nearly every day.
He said he does the same thing out west as he did back here when it
rains all the time. I asked him what he does? He said, “I just let it
rain.”

Dick

 
 
 
ND Flooding
Report from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
 

I just took a roadtrip to ND – Bismarck, then up through Minot, to Dunseith, Rolla, Walhalla……… While in Bismarck, we went out to Ft. Lincoln and from the roof of the bockhouses out there you can really see the extent of the flooding of the Missouri River. We drove up to Minot from Bismarck, but headed east on the 2 & 52 bypass south of Minot, so didn’t see the flooding right in Minot, but the flood-water west of Towner is amazing. I’ve seen water in that area before, but not like it is currently. We went north through Towner, Willow City, etc. The water level north of Towner is pretty scary, too. Willow Creek in Dunseith is at full capacity, too. My heart goes out to all the families affected by the flooding of their homes, farmland, etc. It does appear, however, that the ND ducks and geese are VERY happy this year!!

While in Dunseith, we paid a visit to my Uncle Darrel & Aunt Dorothy Fassett, who are back for the summer. Got a brief chat with Stella & Mark Schimetz, too. Always fun to go home.

Paula Fassett

 

 
 
Flooding in Minot
Picture provided by Carmel Leonard Richard: Rolette, ND
 
 
 
 
Wedding Announcements
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Folks,
 
What a coincidence. These two Neighbors are getting married on the same day. Les/Myra Henning Halvorson and Darrel/Debby Stokes live directly across the street from one another. Congratulations to both Nathan/Diana & Roland/Lori Jo.
 
We wish we could be in Minneapolis to attend and celebrate my nephew Nathan and Diana’s wedding too, but there are a few too many miles and oceans in-between to for that to happen. We met Diana last year when she and Nathan came to Bottineau to visit us when we were there for the Dunseith Alumni Reunion. Nathan most certainly got a good catch with Diana. On the other hand, she too got a good catch with Nathan. They are a wonderful couple.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saving the Bank Building – Bottineau Stone Bank Building Restoration
Report from Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum): Bottineau, ND
 

From what I have understood from Vicki Metcalf the stone masons on this building may have been the Landsverks. We would really like to find some early pictures of inside to go by. If anyone out there can help with teller or dentist or dr. pictures we would like to put together a photo wall when everything is done. (Including photos of the gentlemen that built it) A redone back wall and a new roof and it should last for another 100 or more years. Karen


Group organizes to save bank building

Local Touchstones group brings in architect to examine the stone bank building; Inspection results in positive outlook for 1890s-era structure

 

The stone bank building on Bottineau’s

Main Street

has stood for more than 100 years, and though it has started to crumble in places, it could be restored with relative ease, an historic architecture expert says.

“It’s a good project,” said Bobbi Hepper Olson, the Grand Forks architect who examined the 1890s-era bank from top to bottom on Thursday. “It just needs maintenance. All buildings need maintenance.”

Hepper Olson said the building is very sturdy, even though some stones around a back window have fallen from the façade in the past year and there is water damage in the interior. She led the restoration of an 1893 bank building in Buxton, N.D., that was in much worse shape, she said. Four years of work and about $220,000 of donations later, the Buxton bank is a community asset that turned out so well, Hepper Olson has added her office onto it.

She also is the consulting architect on the Coghlan Castle restoration project, a similar rough-hewn stone building outside St. John, N.D., which she tackled alongside Joe Whetter, a Bottineau stone mason. Whetter has agreed to work on the Bottineau stone bank project as well, and he affirmed Thursday that the building is basically sound.

“This structure is savable. I’ve seen buildings in worst shape than this one and those buildings were saved,” Whetter said. “When I worked on Coghlan Castle that building was ready to come down, but the group over there was able to save that one.”

The immediate need is to repair the stonework around the back of the building, Whetter said, estimating that would take him and his crew about two weeks.

Then there is the roof. The building needs a new one to make it weather tight and prevent further deterioration of the interior, Hepper Olson said.

That’s where a new nonprofit group, Touchstones, comes in. Headed by Karen Larson, Mae Streich and Sharon Kessler, the group has the promise of a 30-year lease on the building from its owner, Glen Swanson of Bottineau. Their goal is to repair, repurpose and preserve the building for future generations. Several other Bottineau residents, including Tim Davis and Dr. Larry Larson, have volunteered to join the project in an advisory capacity.

“People always ask me about the old bank,” Karen Larson said. Her store, Spectrum, is two doors down the street from the bank’s front door. “It seems a lot of people have a lot of curiosity about the building, and many have expressed concern since those rocks fell off the back last fall.”

That concern helped turn thoughts into action.

“Our first step was to get an architect here to determine the feasibility of restoring the building,” Kessler said. “We were braced for bad news, but Bobbi’s initial assessment is that with some work this building can stand another couple of hundred years.”

Now comes the hard part: fundraising, grant writing and grunt work.

“We’re really excited at the prospect of restoring this wonderful historic structure and making it part of a revitalized and vibrant

Main Street

,” Streich said. “It won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.”

Within a couple of weeks, Hepper Olson will submit a written assessment to the group that will include an action plan and cost estimates, but Thursday she gave Touchstones an initial fundraising goal: $100,000. She estimated that repairing the roof alone could run between $16,000 and $20,000. And the immediate stonework also will cost thousands of dollars.

But the effort would be worth it, she said. Bottineau’s founders “took a couple of years to build the bank and put a lot of thought and spirit into it,” she said, and that looking closely at the construction it’s obvious that the builders intended that this bank last several lifetimes. “We shouldn’t be the ones to let it go. This is a prime, visible location. It’s at the heart of

Main Street

, the heart of this community.”

The architect noted that the Bottineau bank is in much better condition than the bank she restored. There the structure needed water, sewer and electrical service, it had no floor, no roof and needed a mold abatement. “You have a solid floor, a roof and no mold problem,” she said. The building also has functioning water, sewer and electric service.

Touchstones will begin writing grant applications this summer, and the group hopes to tap local sources to get enough funding to begin the most urgent repairs. They would also like to hear from anyone who has memories or photos of working or transacting business in the bank building, which subsequently housed lawyers, doctors, a dentist and other offices, but has been vacant for a generation.

Bottineau Mayor Doug Marsden toured the building on Thursday, too, and said it has been vacant his entire 13 years in office.

Touchstones’ goal is to turn the lights back on and see the building in use again. “We’re going to start a blog,” Kessler said, “so no matter where you are, you can check on our progress. We hope that anyone who feels a connection to Bottineau will help us with a donation of some kind.”

The group would welcome tax-deductible donations and historic information on the Bottineau stone bank sent to: Touchstones, c/o Spectrum,

520 Main St.,Bottineau,N.D.58318

.

 

 

 

 

 
 
  

6/2/2011

Posted on by
Missouri River Photo’s
Web link provided by Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND
 
 
Gary,These are some good air photos of the Missouri. By chance, I was over
and around them today. Since there has been a lot of on the Dunseith
blog, I thought I would send them. I hope all is well in the
Phillipines. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard/sets/72157626713863979/Aime

 
 
 
Pin Stick and Memories
From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
 

 

Hi Gary and Everyone:

 

 

 

After the letter from Leland Hagen, and Doreen Larson Moran describing the fine points of that most popular sport, pin stick, so dear to the Loon Lake schools, I find myself feeling quite contrite that I may have doubted for a moment that this particular sport might have been forgotten I owe a big Thank You to Leland and Doreen for reminding me that others also enjoyed this intricate sport. I might add that Clemens Helgeson held the championship in my class. Seriously, I must admit to a lump in my throat when I found that others remembered as well. Leland remarked that he attended Loon Lake School #2, District 15, where Inba B Olson was the superintendant of the Bottineau county Schools . Lets hear it for Pin stick, which is the same by any other name. I remember my sister Borghild and Florence Christianson sharing one of the double seats along the west side of the classroom. What is remarkable is that not only did they begin their education together at Loon Lake School, but they managed to stay in contact with each other for the rest of Borg’s days. They did so by mail, phone and a few visits. There is something about those friendships that begin in the turtle Mountains. By the way Leland, did you know that your father and my Dad had a considerable part in the construction of the school house? And did you know that your sister Thelma and I were class mates in dear old DHS. Our two families visited each other in the early days. Last year, when Borg and I attended the one room school reunion, not only did we get to visit with Orvin and his son I believe, but we also found the site of our old school and had our photos taken standing on the remnants of the old concrete steps. It surely brought back a flood of memories. Thank you both for sharing your memories, and stay in touch. Life is fragile and I want it to be filled with wonderful memories of a land that is so dear to my heart.

 

 

 

Thank you Gary for making this connection a possibility

 

 

 

Erling Landsverk

 

Erling,
 
With me being one generation behind you, you most certainly mentioned some very familiar names to me and I know to a whole lot of others too.
 
Clemens Helgeson lived on the Helgeson farm east of Long Lake. Clem Never married. Later in life he moved to Bottineau. He and Ralph Bjornseth, Husband of Luella Boardman Bjornseth (49), paired up as onsite Diesel Mechanics. They overhauled many diesel engines throughout Bottineau and Rolette counties. Ralph was a mechanic at the international dealership in Bottineau for many years, so he had the experience behind him and Clem too. They were among the best Diesel mechanics of all times. Their reputation followed them too. Clem has now passed on. Ralph and Luella live in Bottineau.
 
Florence Christianson Struck lives at the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau. Maxine Radley Hiatt, also from Borg and Florence’s DHS class of 38 recently passed away.
 
Thelma (Glen) Hagen Johnson, sister to Orvin, Leland & Tom, lives in Dunseith.
 
You mentioned Orvin’s son. You are right, Orvin has an adopted son, Donnie Nelson, pictured below with the Hagen brothers.
 
Gary
 
 
Orvin, Leland & Tom Hagen with their Nephew Donnie Nelson.
 
 
Message from Susan Fassett Marten (65): Spearfish SD
 
John and I drove west on hiway 5 to the Mohall corner and then south to Minot yesterday. The amount of water everywhere is
amazing. It rained on us all the way from Walhalla to Mohall. Stopped in Botno at the sr center looking for Betty Nerpel, and found not only her, but Lloyd and Marshall Awalt and Eloise Boppre. Was fun to see all of them. We are in Bismarck tonight and tomorrow will be home in SD. Was fun to see everyone. I love road trips.
 
 
Lloyd and Theresa celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary in 2009
 
 
 
Marshall and Lloyd Awalt.
Lloyd served in the Navy and Marshall served in the Marines for 30 years.
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
Joke of the day:
From my good Irish Friend Michael Kenny:
 
Introduction to the Joke below:
Michael & Barbara were born and raised in Ireland. After Michael completing Dental school and Barbara becoming an RN, they moved to England where they spent their working careers, 30 plus years, before retiring to Cebu, Philippines. The old saying, you can take the Irishman out of Ireland, but you can not take the Irish out of the man applies to this joke. Gary
 
“And then God Created Ireland …”

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.He inquired, “Where have you been?”God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, “Look, Michael, look what I’ve made.”Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, “What is it?”

“It’s a planet,” replied God, and I’ve put life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place to test Balance.”

“Balance?” inquired Michael, “I’m still confused.”

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth.

 

“For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor.

 

Over here I’ve placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things”. God continued pointing to different countries. “This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.” The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, “What’s that one?” 

“That’s Ireland, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes and hills.

 

The people from Ireland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world.

 

They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things.” Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, “But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance.“God smiled, “I will create England. Wait till you see the arseholes I put there”.

06/01/2011

Posted on by
Jess Hosmer – Former Teacher
Reply to Allen Richard from Kay Hosmer (‘77): Crown Point, Ind.
 
Mr. Richard, I will give my mother the compliment about her teaching abilities (since she doesn’t have a computer, so won’t read your kind words). Thank you!!
 
 
 
 
Minot Flooding
Posting from Wally Garbe: Minot, ND
 

Those of you who do not live in our area and out of state, may not understand the very serious problem Minot is in. The rain that we received in the Mouse river basin amounted to up to 4 to 5 inches in some areas. Mandatory evacuations are in process and they have only 24 hours to get out. This additional moisture has raised the river crest above the dikes that were in place and raised in the last several days. It is felt that the dikes will be topped and water will spread thru out the valley. How many people will be affected is any ones guess. One estimate I heard was 10,000 and my estimate is closer to 15,000. Where do you put that many people in 24 hours.

At this point, man has done everything he can and the rest is up to God’s plan.

 

 

Minot Flooding – Evacuations

Posting Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Hi Everyone,
 
I was composing an email about Minot’s flooding when I received this email from Sheila Grosgebauer. I decided to add info to this email and send it.
 
People living in “the valley” in Minot are to evacuate by tomorrow night. This includes a huge part of Minot. I’m very grateful Wally/I live on “South Hill”. This flood situation is going to get REALLY bad, not only in Minot, but all along the Mouse/Souris River.
 
Newburg has volunteered the use of their gym for people who need to evacuate. Bless them! When you get the order to evacuate, but have no place to go, what do you do???? That’s the dilemma MANY people who must evacuate, face. The situation is almost mind-boggling. I remember the flood of 1969, which was BAD. This year’s flood could be worse than the flood of 1969, as, at that time, the entire valley wasn’t required to evacuate. It’s possible people living along the river between Minot/Burlington might need to evacuate. Burlington is also being flooded. The river was full a couple of night ago, water lapping against dikes, etc., and the area received 5 more inches of rain that night. There was just a notice on TV that areas north of us received up to 2 inches today. More rain showers are predicted.
 
I’m not very good at navigating Facebook, but there are good videos of the flood in Minot/area on it. I don’t know if you type “Mouse River in Minot”, the videos will come up. Ruth, perhaps you can tell me how to do this/how this works. :)
 
I’m feeling much better (For those of you who might not have heard, I spent Monday to Friday last week in Trinity Hospital. I was loading my van to head to Bottineau when I got what I thought was a muscle spasm in my stomach. I thought it would go away, but it didn’t. That evening, Wally took me to the emergency room at Trinity. After lab work/a CAT scan, I was admitted to the hospital. It seems I had small intestine blockage.). If my doctor gives me the OK tomorrow, I plan to go to Bottineau either tomorrow/Thursday.
 
Neola

 
 
 

 

Bottineau High School class of 1964 in Grade 7
Folks, Neola has provided us with the names that go along with these two pictures.
Thank you Neola. Gary
 
 
 
Mr. Garbe’s 7th grade class
 
 
 
 

Mrs. Renick’s Bottineau High School class of 1964 in Grade 7

 
 
 
Vietnam Stats
Posted by Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
 
I know this page will be of interest to you and many of your readers. I will always consider Ernie a victim of agent orange and asbestos. I wil be away for a few weeks but will write soon. Preparations for a move to NJ in Sept takes up a lot of time. Always thankful for what you do. Sharron

 

Subject:VN stats

There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including those added in 2010. The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36 years since the last casualties.
Beginning at the apex on panel 1E and going out to the end of the East wall, appearing to recede into the earth (numbered 70E – May 25, 1968), then resuming at the end of the West wall, as the wall emerges from the earth (numbered 70W – continuing May 25, 1968) and ending with a date in 1975. Thus the war’s beginning and end meet. The war is complete, coming full circle, yet broken by the earth that bounds the angle’s open side and contained within the earth itself.
The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth, Mass. listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956.
His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.
There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.
39,996on the Wall were just22or younger.

The largest age group, 8,283 were just 19 years old

3,103 were 18 years old.

12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.
5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.
One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.
997 soldiers were killed on theirfirst dayin Vietnam.
1,448 soldiers were killed on theirlast dayin Vietnan.
31 sets ofbrothersare on the Wall.
Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons.
54 soldiers on the Wall attended Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia. I wonder why so many from one school.
8 Women are on the Wall. Nursing the wounded.
244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of them are on the Wall.
Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.
West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation. There are 711 West Virginians on the Wall.
The Marines of Morenci –They led some of the scrappiest high school football and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie typical of Morenci’s mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a group in the Marine Corps. Their service began on Independence Day, 1966. Only 3 returned home.
The Buddies of Midvale –LeRoy Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales were all boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart. They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field. And they all went to Vietnam..
In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed. LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on Thanksgiving Day. Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The most casualty deaths for asingle daywas on January 31, 1968 ~245 deaths.
The most casualty deaths for asingle monthwas May 1968 – 2,415 casualties were incurred.
That’s 2,415 dead in a single month.

 

 

 

Pritchard/Miller Wedding

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Johna is the daughter of Keith/Janet Pritchard of Bottineau, granddaughter of Corbin/Doris Smith Corbin (p. 605). Corbin/Doris owned the “shoe store” in Bottineau for many years, purchasing it from Mr. Charnholm. Doris’ sister, Beverly, was a member of the Class of 1957; another sister, Lois, 1958.

 

Keith is a physical therapist/head of the department at St. Andrews in Bottineau.

 

Neola