Monthly Archives: December 2011

12/31/2011

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Don Lamoureux (DHS ’75): Bethel, MN
 
 
 
Jim Olson (Mid 60’s DHS Teacher) Obituary
 

James Arlan Olson

Services will be at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Service Location: Map
Visitation for Jim will be from 6 to 7 PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Kane Funeral Home.
View Guest Book | Sign Guest Book
Service Folder Pending | Video Tribute Pending

Obituary

James Arlan Olson, 73, of Sheridan passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at his residence.

Jim was born on January 2, 1938 to Clarence and Margaret (Zahn) Olson in New England, North Dakota. Clarence died when Jim was eight years old, Margaret later married Ralph Paulsrud.

In High School Jim was very active in basketball, football and junior legion baseball. He graduated in May of 1956 and went into the Navy in July. He was in the National Security Agency stationed in Kami Seya, Japan and honorably discharged from the United States Navy on July 30, 1962.

Jim went to Dickinson State Teachers College in Dickinson, ND where he worked various jobs in order to put himself through school. In May of 1965 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

He met his sweetheart Judy Geck while attending Dickinson State. They were married on August 21, 1965 in St. Patrick’s Church in Dickinson, ND. The couple moved to Dunseith, ND where Jim taught business classes at the High School and coached junior varsity football and basketball. In 1968 Jim graduated with honors being inducted into the Alpha Nu Society from the University of North Dakota with an MBA. The couple then moved to Argyle, MN where Jim was the principal of the Junior and Senior High School.

The fall of 1969 Jim and Judy moved to Minneapolis, MN where Jim studied to be a stockbroker. After completing his training they moved to Bismarck, ND where he worked for Dain, Kalman and Quail. In 1971, they moved to Sheridan and Jim went to work for Piper Jaffrey. November 1979, he opened the first Dean Witter Reynolds office in Wyoming and later opened satellite offices in Gillette, Cody and Jackson in 1985.

Jim was elected to the Sheridan County School District #2 School Board, serving nine years, holding positions in every office. He was a fifty year member of the Elks, Shrine and Scottish Rite. For over thirty years he was very involved in the Dog and Cat Shelter holding various positions on the board of directors and providing constant financial advice while managing its investments. Jim was a forty year member of the Sheridan Country Club and a loyal Lion’s Club member for over forty years. On two different occasions, Jim was invited to go on the “Man of the Year” pack trip with the forest service.

Jim had a love for golf, gardening, researching investment opportunities and reading a wide variety of newspapers, magazines and books. World War II was a hot topic. He researched and read numerous books to understand each country’s stance on the war. With his vast interest in learning, the teacher in Jim continually shared articles and knowledge with people everywhere he went.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, grandparents, and his infant son Dan James Olson. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Kristen Olson of Sheridan, WY, and his sister, Renee (Dean) Rettinger, New England, ND, nieces Meribeth (Wes) Ray, New England, ND, Gina (Glenn) Delabarre, Rapid City, SD, and nephew Perry (Brenda) Rettinger, New England, ND.

Visitation for Jim will be from 6 to 7 PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Kane Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Phil Wold officiating. Interment will be in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter at 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

 

Happy New Year Wishes

From Shirley LaRocque Wendt (’59): Tukwila, WA

 

HI GARY WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOOD HEALTH TO EVERY ONE THANKS SHIRLEY(LAROCQUE) WENDT

 

Downtown Dunseith Businesses

Question from Erling Landsverk (’44): King, WI.

Hi Gary and everyone:

I listened to Lloyd Awalt description of the down town businesses. He has got a great memory, but I believe the cream station on the north end and on the east side was Charlie Wrights cream station. and just north of Charlie Wrights was a second hand store, which I cannot name. and just north of that was the watkins, Marchand Lumber Co. , I believe that Floyd Nelson had a barber shop very near the Althea Theater, and I seem to remember Billy Wright had a store across fromm Arnold Lilleby’s corner garage that was located across from the cross street from Clarence and agnes Berg’s house.

I think this was correct in about 1942, but when I try to visualize things thenI often make mistakes. let me know if anyghinb I ha e mentioned is correct or not.

 

Erling Landsverk

 

 

 

Dunseith Photo – Bobby Casavant’s (’71) car

Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69): Fort Mill SC.

 

Dick,
 
The car that is parked right below the Standard sign, looks alot like the car that Bobby was driving the night we hit Shanny Vrems calf-cow…I’m I right? I cannot beleive the memory you have for vehicles…Thanks Dick……….Aggie

 
 
 
 
Dunseith Senior Center pictures
From Wayne (’61) & Rosemary Smith: Bottineau, ND
 
Gary: Here are some pictures from the Christmas dinner at the Dunseith Senior Center on December 22. Feel free to use those the readers would be interested in. The last picture are those that brought instruments for the “sing along.” Musicians are as follows: Rosemary Smith on keyboard; Jade Mogard on guitar; Carl Melgaard on dobro guitar; and Shirley Melgaard on guitar. Both Carl and Shirley sang a few old “country” tunes and Carl played the banjo also. He did one song on the banjo with a glove on his left hand. The dinner was excellent and fun was had by all as they sang many familiar Christmas carols.
 
Wayne (’61) and Rosemary Smith
 
Wayne and Rosemary, These are great! Thank you so much for sharing
 
Folks, I know we can name all those in these pictures. I have labeled the ones that I know. Gary
 
 
 
Picture #2
Left side:
Right side:
 
 
Picture #3
Left Side: Stan Salmonson, Cheryl Haagenson Standing
Right Side: Joan Wurgler Salmonson, Peggy Espe?, Mary Ann Hagen
 
 
Picture #4
Cheryl Haagenson at the podium.
Left side:
Right side:
 
 
Picture #5
Table one left side:
Table one right side: Mini Flynn
Table two left side:
Table two right side:
 
 
Picture #6
Table one left side:
Table one right side: Cheryl Haagenson
Table two left side:
Table two right side:
 
 
 
 
 

San Haven Photo ID’s

Reply Alan Poitra (’76): Bloomington, MN
 
Hi Gary, in the picture of the employees from San Haven, the lady behind Arlene Sands (over her right shoulder) is my Great Aunt Eva Morin.
 
 
San Haven Photo ID’s
Reply from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

There is still some correction to be made on the San Employees
picture. Barbara Schlatt is listed and is on the picture but not where
indicated. She is the lady behind Edna Mohagen and is only partially
visible. She is the lady who’s head is covering the bottom of the clock
on the wall. I also think the gal in front with the white dress
touching shoulders with Edna Mohagen is Bernice ‘Beanie’ Vanorny. I’m
sure Lola and Jay can tell us if this is her. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Thanks Dick & Alan,
 
Folks, we’ve nearly got this one nailed. Those in red are in question or not identified. This will be another one for the history books.
 
Gary
 
Everett Olson, Ruby Olson, Andy Sands, Nels Holman? or Oscar Thone?, Red Pearson, Grace Frovarp? (nurse) or Vivian Poitra? (nurse), Bennie Frovarp, Murile McDermeott? (nurse) or Vivian Poitra (Champagen) (nurse), Pete Link behind the nurses, Mary Lou (Hills) Dowling (nurse), Nurse?, Bernice ‘Beanie’ Vanorny (nurse), lady? peeking between Beanine & Barbara, Barbara Schlatt (head covering bottom of the clock), Edna Mohagen in black and white dress, Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit), Maxine Magnuson behind Margie Lillico, Eva Morin, Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top, Eva Morin in white, Mrs. Paul Decoteau, Stanley Dowling, John Gillis, Dan Kalk

 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.
 

Ole and Lena lived by a lake in nordern Nort Dakota (maybe Lake Metigoshe.) It vas early vinter and da lake had froze over.

Ole asked Lena if she vould valk across da frozen lake to da yeneral store to get him some smokes. She asked him for some money, but he told her, “Nah, yust put it on our tab.”

So Lena valked across, got the smokes at da general store, den walked back home across the lake. Ven she got home and gave Ole his smokes, she asked him, “Ole, you alvays tell me not to run up da tab at da store. Why didn’t you yust give me some money?”

Ole replied, “Vell, I didn’t vant to send you out dere vit some money ven I vasn’t sure how tick the ice vas yet.”
 
 
 
  

12/30/2011

Posted on by
Allen Pladson
Request from Almo Pladson (’72): Williston, ND
 
Hi Gary
 
Will you add my brother Allen Pladson to your distribution list?
Thanks
 
Almo
Almo, it is my pleasure to add Allen to our distribution list. Also, As I remember, you moved to Williston, ND. Can you send me your address so I can update my files? Also, where is Allen living? Thanks, Gary
 
 
Joe Spaeth
Reply from Allen Richard (’65): Midland, MI
 
If all car salesmen had 10% of his integrity it would be a better world. How many of you have NOT bought a vehicle from Joe?
 
Allen Richard
 
 
 
More on the Dunseith Main Streets
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

In reply to Bonnie’s question on the Stone Garage sign, it
appears to be a Standard sign and I suspect the distance from the camera
just made it appear to be a V. The Standard signs are quite unique and
are the only ones that have the lighted blue flame on the top. The
flames are visible on both signs in the earlier picture looking south. I
bought a Standard sign a few years ago just like the ones in the
picture. In fact I bought a Standard and a Texaco sign from a guy the
same day for I think $200. for the pair. When Red Kester’s family had
their auction sale I wasn’t able to be there so I called the auctioneer
and told him I would go as high as $300. on the same sign they had
listed on the sale. He called me that night and told me it went for
$1200. I don’t know if that’s called inflation or insanity but it was
great for the Kester family which made me feel good anyway. Right
people at the right place and you never know what will happen.

One item of progress I happened to notice is that in the older 1940s
picture there are no TV antennas on the stores but there are three
visible in the 1960s picture. The cafe sign on the building south of
the theater is ‘Gateway Cafe’. Is this the same place that was called
the ‘Confectionery’ in earlier days? I remember reading an ad in one of
the old Dunseith Journal newspapers for the ‘Confectionery’. Lloyd
Awalt or Floyd Dion or someone may know–how about it? Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
Former Dunseith Businesses
Listing from Lloyd Awalt (’44): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary & Friends’

Looking at the Post Cards of Dunseith, for some of you that haven’t seen Dunseith at the early times, I’ll see if I can refresh your memory. The one facing south would be in the Mid. 30’s early 40’s, going down the west side of the street. migration office, Dakota Hotel, little gas station, Horsemen Drug , Wilson Barber Shop,Peace Garden Cafe, Bottineau Creamery, Crystal Cafe, Myres Dept. Store, Ernest H. Bakery, Halvorson Bar, Red Owl Store, Stone Garage, Corner Bar, Lamoureux Garage, KC Sine, Corner Garage, Clarence Bergs House, Jess Wilson House. Going down the East side Charlie Watkins Cream Station, Iver Loes City Service, Hosmer Store, Dan McCoy’s Bar, Richard 5 & 10 cent Store. Kadery Pool Hall, Gottbreht Hardware, Post Office, Bank, Doutlas Funeral Parlor, Theater, Cafe, Ray Murray Judge, Clint Anderson Creamery Station, Leonard’s Cafe, Dunseith Jur., Telephone office, Hassen

store. Richards Gas Station, Lot of places have changed hands or gone. Like Myres Dept. now Gamble Store, Bottineau Cry. burnt down in 50? Now Bar. Watkins cream station , now Maries Beauty Shop. I could go on but maybe more later.

Lloyd

 
 
 
 
 
San Haven Picture
Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (’48): Bottineau, ND
 
I wonder if the lady next to John Gillis would be Mrs. Paul Decoteau ? (Amelia ?)
Mona Johnson
 
Everett Olson – dietitian, Ruby Olson – his wife, Andy (I think) Sands husband of Arlene Sands -postmistress, Nels Holman? or Oscar Thone?, Red Pearson – X-ray technician, Grace Frovarp? – Nurse or Vivian Poitra?, Bennie Frovarp – Postmaster and Commissary, Murile McDermeott? or Vivian Poitra (Champagen)? – Nurce, Pete Link (I think) behind the nurses powerhouse, Mary Lou (Hills) Dowling – Nurse, Barbara Schlatt? – Occupational Therapy or Bernice Vanory?,Edna Mohagen (forgot where she worked) in black and white dress, Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit) Business office, Maxine Magnuson (I think) behind Margie Lillico – Business office, Eva Morin, Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top – Postmistress, Eva Trafford in white – Manager of Employee Dining Room, Mrs. Paul Decoteau?, Stanley Dowling, John Gillis, Dan Kalk
 
 
 
News paper article/pictures
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot ND.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Today’s Story

Posted by Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL.

 

On a recent hunting forum the question came up… What is the smallest
caliber pistol you can trust to protect yourself from bears?
The answer was…

My personal favorite defense gun has always been a Beretta Jetfire in .22
short! I’ve found over the years when hunting, I never leave without it in
my pocket. Of course we all know the first rule when hunting in the
wilderness is to use the “Buddy System.” For those of you who may be
unfamiliar with this, it means you NEVER hunt alone, you bring a friend or
companion, even an in-law, that way if something happens there is someone
to go get help. I remember one time hunting with my brother-in-law in
northern Wyoming . Out of nowhere came this huge grizzly bear and man was
she MAD! We must have been near one of her cubs. Anyway if I had not had
my little Jetfire I am sure I would not be here today.

That’s right… one shot to my brother-in-law’s knee cap and I was able to
escape by just walking at a brisk pace.

Of all my guns, that little Jetfire is still my favorite.

  

12/29/2011

Posted on by

Dunseith & San Haven Photo’s

Reply from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Again, many folks are putting the names on the unidentified people
in the San picture. Brenda Hoffman triggered my memory when she said
the tall guy is Stanley ?—- that’s Stanley Dowling. Thanks for
bringing up his first name, Brenda. It sometimes take a little hint to
jar the memory. He was well known but I could not remember his name.
Thanks again to Brenda and Gary!

The Main Street picture I was trying to put a date on( ’42-’43) is
the one taken looking south. The other one had been sent in earlier by
Bernard Morin and I think we decided it was probably around 1960, as
Allen Richard said. He also mentioned the ’60 Chevy in front of the
bank may have been sold by Joe Spaeth. I had a few car deals with Joe,
myself. He let me try out a ’46 Ford pickup once. It had been traded
in and we knew the guy had replaced the engine and transmission with an
Olds ‘Rocket’ V8 and automatic transmission. We had seen him drag race a
Mustang and give the Mustang a spanking so we just had to try it out.
It had poor steering and WAY too much power and some real poorly
engineered engine mounts. As we brought it back into Joe’s lot behind
the Corner Service, I stepped on the gas a little to get over the rise
behind the curb. The engine mount broke and the throttle linkage pulled
the throttle wide open. The brakes were almost non existent and I
couldn’t find the key to shut if off for a split second too long and we
smacked into the side of KCs store, right about in the shoe department.
It was in the evening so the store was closed. We didn’t go through the
wall but it gave it quite a whack so I suppose KC and Margie had a few
shoes to put back on the shelf the next day. I went in with the keys
and told Joe he would have to have someone check out the engine mount
before someone got hurt. I think I may have–may have–neglected to
tell Joe about smacking the wall. Joe got a demo 442 Oldsmobile in
1965. I was looking at it sitting on Main Street in front of the Corner
Service and couldn’t believe it had the big ‘442’ letters painted on the
doors like a Nascar race car. He came out with a cigarette in his mouth
and said, “Get in and I’ll show you some real power.” We went out to
Dale’s and turned west and Joe stuck his foot to the floor and I was
impressed to say the least! We all had cars that we thought were a
little faster than the next guy’s but this was wild! Anybody else
remember the 442 display-demo car Joe had? Seems to me it was white.
It was the earlier ‘square’ type Cutlass body. I think it was passed
around between dealers so Joe probably only had it a few days. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 

Dunseith Photo’s

From Larry Liere (55): Mesa, AZ & Devils Lake, ND

 

Hi Gary

 

Great pictures that bring back fond memories. Is the cafe by the theater the same cafe that the Leonards ran or was theirs South of it? I remember Edna,s home-made Tomato Soup made with real cream and real pieces of tomato. Until I was about 60 years old it was the only kind of soup I would eat and I still only like about four kinds of soup. A friend in Devils Lake whose dad was the Sheriff had a Nash like the one parked in front of the cafe. She took a lot of teasing because if you remember Nash had seats that would turn into beds and with the sheriffs red light on top, well you can guess what they teased her about. What year did Barry’s Dad take the Horsman Drug sign off of the drug store?

Lo’s Cities Service Station has another memory because my mother was a good friend of Mrs. Lo. I think the Immigration Office closed after I moved to Devils Lake about 1946. Pictures like these bring back a lot of memories but at this age I wonder if all the memories are 100% correct or if the mind is playing tricks on us. Happy New Year!

 
 
 

Dunseith Photo’s

Reply Bonnie Awalt Houle (’56): Becker, MN

 

Happy New Year Gary,

Looking at the postcards of Dunseith, the sign for the Lake Brothers, Stone Garage has a sign that looks very like the Standard Oil sign on the other postcard yet the first letter is a V can anyone tell me what brand of gasoline that would have been? The sign at the Gamble Store, Cities Service would have been when Iver Lo had the Gamble store, earlier than the other postcard. There was also a soft ice cream shoppe attached between the Gamble store and Marie’s Beauty Shop. The sign of the cafe next to the Drug Store is the Peace Garden Cafe I believe. My magnifying glass can’t bring the letters up. Amazing what memories come back when you publish these pictures.

Thank you so much.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

 
 
Dunseith Photo’s
Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN
 
So glad to see the responses to the main street pictures. Upon further viewing, I also noticed that the North facing picture includes street lights, whereas the South facing picture doesn’t. I was the paper boy in Dunseith in the early 60’s and when I was in the service (64-67) I drew a map of Dunseith from memory of every building on the west side of town and all the business’s in town (over 60 of them). I can’t remember this now, but with the help of Gary and every one else’s, my memory is aroused. The San Haven pictures, I could only recognize Evertt and Ruby Olson and Eva Trafford. They were my mom’s bosses when she worked there. I do remember that the Olson’s had a son, Jeff, who was born on December 26 ( I don’t remember the year). Thanks to all for making my day.


 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

San Haven Photo

Reply Mona Dionne Johnson (’48): Bottineau, ND
 
Re: San Pic
I think the man between Andy Sand and Red Pearson is “Oscar Thone” – he worked at the front desk – telephone operator.
Mona Johnson

 

San Haven Photo

Forsyth, MO

Reply to San Haven picture message…..Your mystery man Stanley is Stanley Dowling. He worked in the carpenter shop with Albert Richard when I knew him.

 

Lloyd you do a good job on Dunseith history, I wish you were a couple years older so you could relate some of the Wayside Inn stories. The same goes for Floyd Dion.

 

Keith and Bonnie….great Christmas photo….a good thing you did not raise your family in Dunseith, the population would have doubled! Nice group. Gary Metcalfe

Bonnie, did I miss the picture that Gary is referring to? Gary


Gary’s comments – San haven photo

 

Folks,

 

With my labeling, I have made a lot of guesses for whom I thought the Identifies were meant for in this photo. This is part of the process to getting things all right in the end. Eventually we should have these folks identified. It is hard to distinguish rows, so identifying these folks from left to right may be the route to go.

 

Gary
 

Everett Olson – dietitian, Ruby Olson – his wife, Andy (I think) Sands husband of Arlene Sands -postmistress, Nels Holman? or Oscar Thone?, Red Pearson – X-ray technician, Grace Frovarp? – Nurse or Vivian Poitra?, Bennie Frovarp – Postmaster and Commissary, Murile McDermeott? or Vivian Poitra (Champagen)? – Nurce, Pete Link (I think) behind the nurses powerhouse, Mary Lou (Hills) Dowling – Nurse, Barbara Schlatt? – Occupational Therapy or Bernice Vanory?,Edna Mohagen (forgot where she worked) in black and white dress, Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit) Business office, Maxine Magnuson (I think) behind Margie Lillico – Business office, Eva Morin, Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top – Postmistress, Eva Trafford in white – Manager of Employee Dining Room, Unknown Woman, Stanley Dowling, John Gillis, Dan Kalk

 
  

12/27/2011

Posted on by
Cebu Rain – My FB posting a short time ago – Gary
 
Note: Shirley Larson is Jerry Larson’s Wife. Jerry passed away this past year. Jerry was the son of Clarence & Evelyn Roland Larson. They lived about a half mile east and a half mile south of Metigoshe. Shirley lives in Dickinson, ND
 
 
 
 

Dunseith Photo

Posted by Deb Crasco LaVallie: Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary: Does anyone remember when Dunseith looked like this? (Found
this in my mom’s photos) Deb LaVallie
Deb,
 
This looks very familiar to my days back in the area. These are great photo’s. Please keep them coming.
 
Thanks,
 
Gary
 
 
More Dunseith Photo’s from Deb LaVallie
 
More photos…the oil rig pic was from an old postcard and the two
pics of Mainstreet Dunseith probably were too…Deb
 
 
 
 
 
 

San Haven Photo

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 
Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Brenda Hoffman for identifying so many of the people in
the San Haven picture. I believe the lady that Brenda identified as
Edna, is in fact Edna Mohagen. The man on the far right is Dan Kalk, as
she supposed. I find it amazing that these folks looked so young in the
pictures when at that time, they seemed like they were older—-much
like I am now. Funny how that works. Thanks Brenda and Gary!

Dick

 
 

San Haven Photo

Reply from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (’65): Rolette, ND

 
Edna’s last name was Mohagen she was related to my mother Ella Evans Metcalfe. I spent a lot of time at San Haven with Carol Jasper exploring the buildings,tunnels, and grounds and babysitting for Chuck Johnson’s boys. I especially remember trick and treating on Halloween and how generous the folks were in handing out treats. What fond childhood memories I have of the San
 
 

San Haven Photo

Reply from Deb Crasco LaVallie: Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary: The lady standing next to my Grandfather, John Gillies, isn’t my Grandmother, Lucy….(in the San Haven employees photo)…Deb
 

Everett Olson – dietitian, Ruby Olson – his wife, Andy (I think) Sands husband of Arlene Sands -postmistress, Nels Holman, Red Pearson – X-ray technician, Grace Frovarp – Nurse, Bennie Frovarp – Postmaster and Commissary, Unknown nurses, Pete Link (I think) behind the nurses powerhouse, Unknown woman, Barbara Schlatt – Occupational Therapy,Edna Mohagen (forgot where she worked) in black and white dress, Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit) Business office, Maxine Magnuson (I think) behind Margie Lillico – Business office, Unknown, Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top – Postmistress, Eva Trafford in white – Manager of Employee Dining Room, Unknown Woman, John Gillis, Dan Kalk

 
  

12/26/2011

Posted on by
Starting Year Five:
 
Folks,
 
Today marks the start of our 5th year doing these daily Dunseith Blogs. In the past 4 years we have recorded a lot of history and I might add, along with some good camaraderie too. You guys are the greatest. Without your contributions we would have never made it this far. I have not done a recent count, but I believe my daily distribution list is nearly 700. That is a lot of folks all around the nation and world. I post all of these daily’s on our Dunseith Web site too. As of yesterday we were averaging 72 visits per day, this month, on this site.
 
Please keep the posting coming.
 
Thanks again for all of your support,
 
Gary
 
PS – I have posted the first Blog at the bottom of this posting.
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Diane Larson Sjol (DHS ’70): Minot, ND
 
 

 
Jim Olson (teacher) Passed away:
Message from Jan Bergan Evans (’66): Monticello, MN
 
Hi Gary I got an e-mail from Judy Olson and she informed me that Jim
had passed away
on Dec. 22 nd. I do not know any of the details, apparently he must
have been very sick .and in a lot of pain. I did not see any thing on
your e-mails so I am not sure if any one has informed you yet, He was
a wonderful teacher in Dunseith and I am sure every one who knew him
would like to know of his passing. That is all I know as of now.
Jan, I found his death notice, but there is no obituary available yet. Jim & Judy came along after I graduated, so I didn’t know them. With all of the reports that I have gotten, they were wonderful teachers and wonderful folks. Our condolences go to Judy and their family with Jim’s passing. Gary
 

James Arlan Olson

Posted in

James Arlan Olson, 73, of Sheridan passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at his residence.

Services for Jim are pending at this time.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 
 
 
 
High School Memories of Deb Crasco LaVallie
From Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (’65): Rolette, ND
 
This blog is so interesting. You never know who is out there with terrific stories. Debbie Crasco LaVallie was one of my first students in Belcourt back in 69_70. I remember her very well as an excellent student in sophomore English class. Many warm memories come flooding back about those days of long ago. Margaret Leonard
Margaret, I remember you being a scholar in high school too. To go along with that, you were also a very nice person.
 
 
 
Christmas greetings
From Lloyd Awalt (’44): Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary and family

 

Merry Xmas and a happy new year . we moved into a apartment in Nov. New one they built no. east of town our address is 495 jay St.

 

Lloyd

Lloyd, with our trips back to the area we will miss seeing your home with you guys in it on the corner of Main and the Highway 5. You lived there as long as I have known you and that has been a number of years now. I know you will enjoy your new home though. Gary

 

 

 

 

Christmas greetings
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

 

Here’s wishing all the DHS bloggers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Dick

 

 

 

 

Christmas greetings
From Esther Murrey Fleming (’65): Flint, MI

 

Merry Christmas to everyone from my house to yours.

 

Esther
 
 
San Haven Photo’s
Reply from Deb Crasco LaVallie: Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary…Thanks for the correction….In both photos, my Grandfather,
John Gillies is the second from the right. Deb
 
 
 
 
San Haven Group photo
Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
Dear Gary,

San Haven Group Photo taken in the hospital lobby – probably in the mid to late 50s:

  • Everett Olson – dietitian
  • Ruby Olson – his wife (I don’t think she worked at the San)
  • Andy (I think) Sands husband of Arlene Sands -postmistress. They moved from the Children’s Building to a little house just south of San Haven hidden from the main road.
  • Nels Holman (I think)
  • Red Pearson – X-ray technician and father of Charlene Woods and Sharon Zeiler
  • Grace Frovarp – Nurse
  • Bennie Frovarp – Postmaster and Commissary – husband of Grace
  • Unknown nurses
  • Pete Link (I think) behind the nurses powerhouse
  • Unknown woman
  • Barbara Schlatt – Occupational Therapy
  • Edna (forgot her last name and where she worked) in black and white dress
  • Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit) Business office
  • Maxine Magnuson (I think) behind Margie Lillico – Business offi
  • Unknown
  • Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top – Postmistress
  • Eva Trafford in white – Manager of Employee Dining Room
  • Mr and Mrs. John Gillis
  • Unknown man
  • Unknown man in gray pants and shirt (could be Mr. Kalk who was a janitor at the San)
Barbara Schlatt, Margie Lillico, Bennie & Grace Frovarp, Edna all lived in the apartments above the Commissary. Eva Trafford, the Olsons (Jeff and a younger brother), the Pearsons, the Jaspers (Carole), the Vanorny’s (Jay), the Boguslowski’s (John and Alan) and my family lived in various apartments the Childrens’ Building until the late 50s. My family moved to the house on top of the hill a few feet from the hospital in 1959. The Pearsons lived in the large house east of the Children’s building by the time we moved to the house. Pete Link and his family – Joey and Ron plus another little boy much later – lived in the little white house south of the Children’s Building beside the playground. The Boguslowski’s were the first at the San to have a tv (probably about 1956 – John and I would have been 5 or 6 years old) and I thought it was perfectly acceptable to just walk into their house to watch tv – Mom soon let me know that that wasn’t a very good idea..

Powerhouse Photo
  • Forgotten his name
  • Don’t know
  • John Gillis
  • Clifford Magnuson – husband of Maxine Magnuson
 
Dining Room Seating:
My family ate in the Dining Room. Our table was next to a window. Bennie & Grace Frovarp and Clifford & Maxine Magnuson had the table right next to ours. The Herc Nicolas (Jeannie, Ellen Graf) family had a table closer to the cash register and to their apartment above the dining room. Barbara Schlatt, Margie Lillico and Edna shared a table close to the Nicholas family. The Links, Johnsons and Pearsons did not eat in the dining room. Most employees did eat lunch in the dining room during the work week though often including Pete Link.

Every Christmas Eve, Eva Trafford brought in her phonograph and her Christmas records serenaded us as we greeted people we hadn’t seen for some time (Christmas Eve often included employees who normally didn’t eat in the dining room for the special Christmas Eve meal). Candles were flickering on all of the tables, the large Christmas tree was always in the middle of the serving area, the windows were decorated, and as happened everyday, linen tablecloths on the tables made it feel very festive. I know my family and I think most others, dressed in their finest. Everett Olson introduced Scandinavian foods to the Christmas Eve menu so luetifisk, lefsa, special sugar, fried cookies in Christmas shapes and meatballs were standard fare.

Because no one had a cure for tuberculosis before WWII and antibiotics, fresh air and fresh, rich food was thought to be the best cure possible. The San dietary department followed that dictate with whole milk, fresh butter, cream and other similar ingredients.. Each state had a tuberculosis sanatorium and were located at the highest points in the state (fresh, clean air) including San Haven.

I probably incorrectly spelled some names – any help would be appreciated.

Thank you Deborah so much for the memories!

Brenda Hoffman (Class of 1968)
 
 
 
Reply from Kelly Woods (’89): Massena, NY
 

Back Row 4th from left is Albert “Red” Pearson (my grandfather). Thanks for posting Gary. Kelly Woods 89’

 

Everett Olson – dietitian, Ruby Olson – his wife, Andy (I think) Sands husband of Arlene Sands -postmistress, Nels Holman, Red Pearson – X-ray technician, Grace Frovarp – Nurse, Bennie Frovarp – Postmaster and Commissary, Unknown nurses, Pete Link (I think) behind the nurses powerhouse, Unknown woman, Barbara Schlatt – Occupational Therapy,Edna (forgot her last name and where she worked) in black and white dress, Marge Lillico – (short lady with gray hair in a black suit) Business office, Maxine Magnuson (I think) behind Margie Lillico – Business office, Unknown, Arlene Sands in beige jumper with white top – Postmistress, Eva Trafford in white – Manager of Employee Dining Room, Mr and Mrs. John Gillis, Unknown man, Unknown
 
 

First Dunseith Alumni blog posted on December 25, 2007

 

Message from Vance Bailey’s daughter Dayna: Gary
Merry Christmas
I am Vance’s daughter Dayna.
I would like to Thank You for sending Doreen the email addresses of the
newspapers in North Dakota. I just sent his Obituary to them with a photo.
Thanks soo much.
Dayna

 

Message from Bill Grimme (65):

First of all, Merry Christmas to all my Dunseith friends. It has been a great year getting re-acquainted with everyone!

 
And second, thank you Cecile Berube for my Secret Santa gift from you. It is just what I needed in retirement-I was starting to get lazy! That’s a real easy thing to do, I have found. We’ll let everyone guess what the gift is.
 
I am looking forward to another year of email fellowship and look forward to seeing everyone again.
 
Bill
 
 
Message from Cheryl Haagenson: (71)
It is so great what you do to keep us all connected, Thank you! I am planning on the Alaska cruise I need to put my name on the list. Thanks again for all you do for us. Hope you had a great Christmas. And happy new Year

Cheryl Haagenson

 
 
Message from Ron Link (58):
Gary: Please add Ellen Myrick (Graff)(Class of 1958) to your E-mail recipients as she would certainly appreciate it. The E-mail’s are very informative. Her E-mail address is Thank you and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.—RON LINK
 
 
Message from Allen Richard (65):

Don Lamouroux–Remember our riding our Honda 350’s together back in the day? Damn I wish I had never sold that little bike. The kid that bought it didn’t have enough brains to replace the clutch cable and used the electric starter to start it in gear. I think he had it for maybe 3 weeks before it was trash. Sad end to a sweet little machine. It had less than 8,000 miles when I sold it. What happened to yours?
 
Allen
 
 
Message from Bill Hosmer:
Bill, we all remember you and the famous Thunderbirds doing a show over Dunseith in the 60’s. When I get a chance, I’ll dig out some neat comments from some of the class of 65 folks about those performances and forward them to the Dunseith Alumni. Gary
 
Gary. The flurry of memories enfolding the sadness of our loss of
Vance Bailey is an extremely soothing and stimulating read. With
comments from my brother Bob Hosmer, and my beautiful cousin Colette
Hosmer adding to the lore, I am tempted to add my two bits worth.
I spoke to Wayne Bailey, Vances brother. He is one of the dozen of
us who meet at the Dunseith golf course every Tuesday when it isn’t
covered with snow. Wayne indicated that there will be a private
family celebration of Vance’s life on the 29th of December. Wayne
is going to manage another memorial service at the Dunseith cemetery
around the time of Memorial Day next year. There is a family plot
where their Mother, Dad, and baby sister are buried. I will
certainly be in attendance there.
The memories of Dunseith are still vivid at my advanced age of 77.
I didn’t graduate from Dunseith HS, but my days spent there won a few
diplomas of “Life in a Great Place”. Vance’s description of the swimming
places, the stock yard hooliganism and falling off the cliff at the gravel
pit when “shot while playing cowboys and Indians” in my case were
acurate. Mac Macue (spelling) used to have a bag of candy mints in his
pocket and Gene Fassett and I used to check out the Dakota Hotel for a
handout on our way south on main street where Emil Hack would be sitting
on the sidewalk curb, where we could stop at the Wilson barber shop right
next to the drug store where we would read comic books until Mrs Shelver
couldn”t stand it any more and tell us to leave NOW. So we could
continue south to the barbershop and watch hair cuts that Jess was giving
while Ludie, his oldest son shined shoes. Clarence Hagen used to work at
the stone garage owned by the Lake brothers, used to stand leaning against
the east side waiting for cars to get gas. Later he was at Anzio in the
Sicily/Italian campaign of WWII. We’d head by the Lamoureux garage and
see what was going on in the maintenance area where Charlie, Leo, Ovilla,
and Albert might be fixing a truck or car. Across the street, Uncle Ray
Wilson was the judge. He and Ovilla played chess by the hour, and Uncle
Ray would let us puff on his pipe probably in hopes we’d throw up. Think
about that nowadays. KC Sine would usually be good for a coke or a banana
or maybe both. Mom never understood why I usually did not have an
appetite.

Willow Creek always had fascination for me. In the spring we would
catch tadpoles and minnows to save in a jar. Once we caught a
couple of garter snakes and brought them to my house just south of
the Commercial Hotel while the Grassmans still managed it. We were
feeding them some small frogs we caught at the creek, and the woman
who was taking care of me. Don, and Bob while the folks were gone,
came out to see this beautiful sight and said to get those critters
out of the yard. Later, she was taking a nap in the house and I
took a mounted rattle snake which one of my uncles gave dad. It was
in a coiled posture. I put it beside her on the bed and then went
to the kitchen and made a little noise so she would wake up. Sure
as heck she woke, screamed like a siren, and came after me with a
vengance. Sure didn’t do much more with snakes after that

The old skating rink and warming house was a favorite meeting place
whether you were skating or not. There was a pot bellied stove that
heated it up grand. As a matter of fact, my brother Don and I stopped in
there after a Sunday afternoon movie at the Althea Theater, right next to
Floyd Nelson’s barber shop. He didn’t allow kids to watch hair cuts.
Anyway Don and I stopped and Vance and Wayne were there in the warming
hut and we discussed lifes strifes.

Sunday School at the Stone Church was a must and at Christmas time
(Which is as I write this) we all were at some time in a play or
pageant. One time Dee Nelson (son of Floyd), Spencer Teal (son of
Bill and Irene who lived at the depot) and I (son of Jack and Inez
Hosmer) were THE THREE WISEMEN. I was the bearer of Myrh and still
remember the words I had to maneuver through the cotton beard we all
wore which would slip quite a bit while singing in the bathrobes which
were supposed to look like Arab garments.

The Johnson family, Mr and Mrs JJ, Bud, Bob, Warren, Roger, Chuck,
Walter, and Shirley were a family I knew well. Chuck and I were same
age, and the other guys were around and vocal so we learned alot of
good man-talk words. There Mother Carie was a beautiful and talented
citizen who lived a long life. Bob, Walter and Roger were at the
125th Celebration.

Another family I grew to know was the Ole Evans family at the mill.
Grandpa Gottbreht was still alive and Joe Evans and I ran over a
stack of newly sacked flour which was milled there. It was a mistake
because we had muddy boots on and left black tracks on those beautiful
white mounds. He shook his fist told me to get home, and he knew who
I was. Wow, I thought I’d be put in solitary, but no one ever
mentioned it again except me and Joe. We used to get in a buggy
powered by a horse called Mike and go out west across the creek to the
pastures west and north of the homestead to bring the cattle in for
milking. Then all the men including Uncle Frank, Ole, Myron, Joe, and
Rod would milk the herd. Celia Evans would operate the separator in
the milk house, by hand crank, and then it would be bottled and
delivered by Myron. The cream at the top of the bottle was divine on
breakfastfood, and the milk was delicious.

I’ll leave it here for now, and will do so with my warmest and most
serious hope for all your years to come, including the next one, to be
fulfilling, at peace, and in a grip of happiness and satisfaction. My
email in Arizona is Thank you all for being
who you are and for being from where we all were at one time or
another, DUNSEITH FOREVER. Bill Hosmer

 
Bill Hosmer’s follow up message:
Gary. The bundle of great mail you initiated is most interesting
and poignant with our loss of a terrific historically oriented
Dunseith citizen named Vance Bailey. A distant cousin of mine, and
a long time friend.

Your latest which I read today was terrific. I tried to add a few
memories and hoped that it would go to all the folks you had
addressed yours to, but it bounced at the “undisclosed recipient”.
Hopefully it did get through to you. (Bill, with such a big list I have

to send out 4 mailings with each of these messages.
The max is 100 names with each message) If it did and you don’t
object, perhaps it could be forwarded to your original addressing.
If you did or did not receive my input, could you give me a short
reply letting me know? I noticed in something you sent out that
there was a way to get to all the people with one shot, but now I
cannot locate it. My computer knowledge is in the dark ages zone.
If you did not get it, I can try again because I have the complete
(and valuable)listing of all known computer addresses, thanks to
forwarding by Bob Leonard.

You have opened a beehive of good reading, and I appreciate what you
have gifted us with.

Merry Christmas Today, here in AZ. Happy New Year as well. Bill
Hosmer

 
 
Message from Allen Richard:

Merry Christmas everyone–Gary–maybe you should look at a way to make all the e-mail available to everyone on an annual basis some how. Like in a massive e mail or in print in a way we could all subscribe to.
 
Allen
 
 
Allen, The easy way of doing this would be to set up a WEB site for all of these messages that folks could access for review. We could also post the many pictures that everyone has provided too, into this WEB site. I still want to send this stuff out to the Dunseith list though. It’s more meaningful when folks get these messages together at the same time and can make their comments. Then they could be placed into the WEB site. Folks often times don’t review WEB sites on a regular bases. It would be nice for folks to be able to access things like the class lists too. If I keep at this long enough, I’ll have them all. I have never looked into a WEB site and I’ll have to admit, I don’t have any idea what is involved in setting one up and maintaining it. Over this last year we have sure generated a wealth of information that could be placed into a WEB site.
 
Are there any suggestions from any of you out there? Is anyone interested in setting up a WEB site and maintaining it?
 
Our list is growing to a point that I have to send out multiple sendings with each message. Most email providers limit their number to 100 for each message so as not to overload their server. That is not a real problem yet, but it would be nice to be able to throttle these messages to the recipients with so many being sent every few seconds enabling one sending to the whole list. Do any of you know of any email providers that provide this service or know of any way this could be done. I know this is how major corporations send their email. Most email providers set daily limits too. So far I’ve been able to get around that by using several providers. It would be nice to have a provider that did not set limits though.
 
Any suggestions that any of you have would be greatly appreciated.
 
Gary
 
PS – As I was putting this message together, I received Cheryl Haagenson’s message that is included with this sending. She mentioned going on the Alaskan Cruise in July of 2009. Folks, this will be a great time for all of us Dunseith folks to get together and enjoy each others company for a whole week. We’ve got Sandra Trevers from the class of 60 that will be making all of the arrangements. She’s been in this business a long time and knows well how to arrange our travel and group activities. The 2009 cruise line schedules will not be posted until the April/May time frame, but we can be making plans. This is being planned for late July 2009 departing from Seattle. We chose late July to maybe accommodate some the farmers that may be interested in going. A summer cruise also accommodates the many Dunseith Alumni folks that are teachers or work for the schools. We will be sending out detailed info when the schedules are out and we have a cruise in place.
 
 
  

12/25/2011

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Conrid Metcalfe: Washington State

 

Conridm@aol.com

 
 
 
Happy Birthday Diane Hill Malone (DHS ’75): Burlington, ND
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Aimee Lagerquist (DHS ’97): Helena, MT
 
 
 
 
 
Reply to Deb LaVallie’s Story
From Glen Williams (’52): Missoula, MT
 
Gary…Deb’s story was great….glad you had it published..

Merry Christmas to you and your family..

Glen Williams

 
 
 
 

Merry Christmas and a Reply to Deb LaVallie’s Story

From Mel Kuhn (’70): St. John, ND
 

Howdy Gary,

 

I would like to pass along to everyone a Very Merry Christmas. I didn’t send in many stories this year, I guess the wife didn’t screw up allot this year so I didn’t have any material to write about. I suppose I could have talked about Dick Johnson and Larry Hackman scaring all the little girls by showing them their hienies and other such things. I guess this coming year I’ll have to be more on the ball.

 

Deborah LaVallie, a very well written and good story. Thank you for sharing.

 

Mel Kuhn


 
 
 
Maiden name correction to yesterday’s posting
From Deborah Crasco LaVallie: Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary: My name is Deborah Crasco LaVallie….my Dad was from Fort
Belknap, Montana and my Mom was Mildred Gillies Crasco, the daughter
of John and Lucy Gillies.
Deb,
 
Thank you so much for this info. I have made this correction in my files for you, but I need to get some corrections for some of the other LaVallie’s in my records. That will be a good NY’s project.
 
I think I remember you telling me that Pete (’65) Gillis is your uncle?
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
From Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN
 
Gary, it’s so wonderful to see your year has been so abundant that you can do for others. I wish you folks a very merry Christmas and another great year.

 

 

San Haven Pictures

From Deborah LaVallie: Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary: I am emailing some old photos of San Haven employees that
you might want to use on your website…the only one I know is my
Grandpa John Gillies, who worked there for many years in the
powerhouse…Deb LaVallie
Deb,
 
Thank you much for these pictures. I know they will be of interest to many
of our readers.
I am guessing that John Gillis, your grandpa, is the guy on the far right in the top photo? He looks
very much like Pete Gillis from my DHS class of 65.

 
San Haven – Can we Identify these guys?
 
 
OK folks, I know some of you know a whole lot of these folks. I will re-post with identifies. Thanks Gary
 
 
 
 
 
ND snow pictures

From Larry Liere (55) Devils Lake, ND & Mesa, AZ
 

Merry Christmas

 

What a difference in one year! Attachment picture “snow on table” was taken Dec. 2010 & picture Dec. 2011 was taken this Dec. I think whiter & brighter is the picture we need for Christmas in North Dakota.

 

Happy New Year,

 

LARRY & KAREN
 
 
 
  

12/24/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Obert Medlang (’66): Bottineau, ND
 

Thanks Gary

You are very welcome Obert. Gary


 
 
 
 
 
 
It’s Christmas Eve in the Philippines
 
Bernadette’s Niece’s little girl
 
Our Helpers, Sisters – Gaga and Tata
 
 
 
Under the Christmas Tree
 
 
200 Bags of goodies to be given to needy kids donated by our Expat group of Friends.
Bernadette will be giving these out tomorrow with a sandwich to each of the kids.
 
 
To be given to Bernadette’s Relatives
 
 
 
 
Donation from a generous Dunseith couple that will be given, this afternoon, to 16 needy Senior Citizens.
 
16 bags of rice, 6 lbs each 16 bags of assorted can goods
 
 
Hoolingans Lodge

Reply from Larry Liere (55) Devils Lake, ND & Mesa, AZ

 

Since Floyd Richard is married to my cousin Carmen I thought it would be nice to get more information about the Hoolingans Lodge that was once in Floyd’s family. I wrote to an Air National Guard friend and he sent the following information. I have removed the names of the owners because I do not know them and they may not want their names out on a log.

Larry
The Lodge is owned by _________and three others. _________ is one and the rest I’m not sure about. They have rejuvenated the old stone house by re grouting the stone and putting tongue and groove pine paneling inside. For years they used a generator for electricity but someone recently told me that they paid to have electricity brought in. The upstairs has been made into an open bay bunk room and the stone basement has been worked over with running water and sinks for bird cleaning. It is a very nice “hunting lodge”. I have been there twice hunting, once with my dad. I haven’t been there for years, but knowing _______ he would not let it deteriorate. We will be taking a trip to Frisco TX to see the Bison kick some a_s on 7 Jan in the Division 1 AA National Championship game against Sam Houston.

 
 
 
 
Christmas Story
Written by Deb Azure LaVallie (’67): Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary: Well, I wrote another story…I am writing for an
alternative online news website called The Tribal Independent that I
started with Minot Daily News writer, James Falcon and Turtle Mtn
Times writer and Freelancer, Delvin Cree…so, I’ll be writing more
often…mainly news though…but, I thought I would send you this
story…it tells about Christmas in the Turtle Mtns. Hope you like
it…it’s on thetribalindependent already….Hoping you all have a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Deb LaVallie
Deb, this is a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharring. Gary
 

 

Memories of Christmas Past

By Deborah LaVallie

Long before the coming of Christ, prehistoric and tribal People’s throughout the World celebrated during the time of the Winter Solstice, honoring this celestial and spiritually sacred period of time in the yearly cycle, the shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and, the longest night, and handing down through the generations, ageless ceremonies and rituals that have greatly influenced the way we celebrate this ancient “Holy” day, we now call Christmas.

The Winter Solstice, (Dec. 21) ( “solstice”, meaning when “the Sun stands still”), referring to the “Great Wheel” of the year, as taught by the Ancient Ones, was a time of abundance in agricultural tribes, the yearly Harvest finished and stored, and the work of the year completed, with the long, quietude of winter setting in.It was a deeply spiritual time of the year for many Peoples, a time of new beginnings when tribal Peoples celebrated a renewal of life, a time of purification and hope when warring and animosities were put aside, at least for a time.There was feasting and giving in many cultures, and celebrations, often with the element of fire, and with singing and dancing.

The Ancients taught that the Earth Mother was sleeping at this time of Mid-winter, along with the plants that were germinating in the cold, stillness of the Earth, waiting for the coming of spring.Indigenous Peoples rejoiced and celebrated the never-ending cycle of the seasons, while honoring and revering the constellation of Orion, “The Great Hunter”, that is so dramatically, bright and can be seen throughout the World during this season of miracles and wonderment. Also, Sirius, known as the Dog Star, and the brightest star in the sky during this time, who was Orion’s faithful companion in Greek mythology, can be seen clearly south of Orion’s belt in the nighttime sky.

Today, this special time of the year is celebrated by Christians as the time when the Savior Jesus was born, bringing light and the promise of hope to Christians throughout the World, and is also observed and celebrated by people of many cultures world-wide, though with different customs, traditions and belief systems.

Long ago, in the days when my Assiniboine (Nakota) ancestors roamed the Upper Plains, the time of the Winter Solstice would have been a time before the Big Moon or Hard Time Moon.By this time hides would have been tanned, the meat dried and roots gathered.Families gathered together, keeping warm in their tipis.There would have been plenty of food.It was a time when the young ones would be taught the oral history and the legends of the Tribe by the elders of the family.It was a time of great creativity and industry.They would have celebrated the Solstice through ceremonies and feasting, dance and song, in awe at the infinite beauty of the starlit winter sky and the miracle of the constellation, “The Great Buffalo”, and what we now call Orion.

A “traditional” Christmas, here in the Turtle Mountains centered on the Family, and was usually observed in a quietly, spiritual way, by going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.The women usually started their preparations for the holiday season, months before, canning the juneberries and chokecherries into jellies, jams and syrup. After the harvesting of their huge gardens, that sustained so many of the people here, through the hard times, they would can their jars of pickles, beets and fruit, storing their vegetables in root cellars, and baking cakes and pies and other treats often weeks before Christmas.

Growing up in the Turtle Mountains, my Christmas memories are of going to my Grandparents, John and Lucy (Davis) Gillies’ home.Grandma Lucy, who had 15 children of her own, always managed to have a little something for “everyone” that came to celebrate Christmas with them on that day.These old Metis ladies would “regift” and stash things away in their trunks throughout the year, also making quilts and crocheted hats and mittens so they were able to “give” to everyone in their family at this time.My Grandmother would get up at 5 AM to prepare her “first” turkey of the day.It was a day of comings and goings of family, visiting, eating and playing Grandpa John’s favorite card game, Whist.(You had to be really “good” to play Whist with Grandpa).

Raising a large family of eleven children, John and Cecelia LaFountain Lavallie (my in-laws)knew the value of hard work living a self-sustaining and subsistence lifestyle.People lived through hard times in the Turtle Mountains, yet, at Christmas, there was always a little gift for everyone, and plenty of food.Everyone had to go to Midnight Mass at St. Benedicts, and on Christmas day there would be a feast with family coming and going throughout the day.Grandma Cecelia would be convinced to sing the beautiful French/Metis songs taught to her by her mother, Isabelle Delonis LaFountain.

It truly is a beautiful and peaceful time of the year, here in the Turtle Mountains, with all the houses in the community lit up in a “Festival of Lights”, the ground covered lightly with snow.The wonderfully, talented cooks and their helpers are already at work, making their treats and planning their Christmas feast.There is a certain “Spirit” in the air, and one can almost believe that there really can be peace and goodwill between all mankind, someday.We all belong to the “Family” of Man, all races, all cultures, all religions, and, one can only hope that we can all learn to live in harmony with each other and our Earth Mother, the Four-leggeds, the Winged-ones, and, the Fishers, respecting each other’s traditions, beliefs and lifeways.This is my prayer, for the coming New Year, 2012.May the Creator Bless All.

  

12/23/2011

Posted on by
 
My Condolences are with Obert, Marlys and their families with their mother’s passing. We can not forget Bobbie Lagerquist either.
I have a lot of good childhood memories of Kenrose. She was very active with our 4-H club of which both Obert and Marlys were members of. She was always there giving a helping hand with all of our activities and other community affairs too. I remember being at community gatherings at the Medlang home numerous times. Those were definitely the good ole days. Gary
 
Condolences to Kenrose Medland’s family
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and friends,
With fond memories of Kenrose Medlang, who was my first Sunday School
teacher, I extend my heartfelt sympathy
to her children,grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vickie L.
Metcalfe

 
 
 
Reply from Marlene Lilleby Palmquist Larsen (’53): Ephrata, WA
 

Gary

Enjoy your blogs so much and rarely miss reading them, although I remember only

some of the good ole Dunseith alumni–Makes us all feel like one big family

Which brings me to a big concern about what is happening in the Philippians at this time

Are you and family and friends OK? Was this storm anywhere near you? It sounds

devastating! My prayers are with the people in the Philippians and with you.

We hear very little about it over here, but enough to know that it is not good!

Blessings and Merry Christmas.

Marlene Lilleby Palmquist Larsen 53′

We were very Lucky. That storm missed us going to the south and east. Last report I saw 1060 were confirmed dead and over a 1,200 were missing. 60,000 families were displaced. The flood waters caught folks off guard in the middle of the night with waters higher than their houses. Many folks were washed out to sea. Here in Cebu we got one big down pour that lasted a short time that caused some short term flooding with no measurable damages or loss of life. Gary

 
 

Reply to Flavia Moraes (’73) posting yesterday

From Flavia Cathy Campbell Springan (73): Stanley, ND
 
This is “our” Flavia and her grandson Pedro! She’s as beautiful today as she was in 1973!!
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Keith Pladson (’66): Roanoke Rapids, NC
 
Gary,
Thought this was an appropriate joke of the day for your blog at this time of year. I received it curtesy of my sister, Tina.
Keith Pladson (66)
 

  

12/22/2011

Posted on by
Greetings from Brazil
From Flavia Moraes (’73): São Paulo, Brazil
 
 

Dear all

May God bless you always.

Best Wishes from Brazil

Flavia
 
 
 
Stone House
Reply form Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): Bedford, TX.
 

In reply to Alan Richard’s post…I remember visiting the old stone house and walking around the outside with my mom years ago, hearing stories about the family. She said it had been sold as a hunting lodge but didn’t know who had bought it. I would have loved to have seen it in its original state when it was the family home.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

 

 
John Carlson’s Repsonse to the “Hooligan North Lodge”. (Stone House)
Posted by Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI.

This follows up on the exchange between Aggie Casavant and me. This is John Carlson’s response–and frankly this is the first I’ve know about our family inter connection.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!
Allen Richard
Hi Allen;

 

You’re too kind! Thank you!


I am married to Brenda Ouellette, who’s father Lavern Ouellette is the grandson of Emma Richard Ouellette. Emma was a daughter of Alex Richard, who homesteaded near St. Benedict, ND (South of Fargo) in 1878 and is the grand patriarch of the Richard family in ND. Alex helped his nephew, Hyacinthe Richard homestead near Willow City in the late 1890’s. Hyacinthe is the grandfather of Floyd Richard and he owned the stone house that we now caretake as the “Hooligan North Lodge”. The house is presently owned by Joseph Duff of Tucson, AZ and we have it under a 75 year easement, which we are 30 years into. There are 4 principles in the lodge who for the most part are or were members of the ND Air National Guard (The “Happy Hooligans”).


It has been a labor of love made all the more personal due to family connections. We spend two weekends a year (Spring & Fall) in performing clean-up/fix-up routines at the lodge and enjoy hunting there as much as we can in the fall. We have built good relationships with the local folks and feel like it is our home away from home now. Attached are some pictures form this past falls hunting.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


John

 
 
December 2011 Dunseith Alumni Web site activity
 
Folks,
 
For general interest I thought I’d post our Web site activity for this month. I post each of these daily messages on this site. When I get time I need to go in and post the rest of the 2008 years postings.
 
Please note that I do not post email addresses and personal info on this site.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

Kinda brings a tear to the eye!

 
A married couple had been out shopping at the mall for most of the afternoon, suddenly, the wife realized that her husband had “disappeared”.

The somewhat irate spouse called her mate’s cell phone and demanded: Where are you?
 
Husband: Darling you remember that Jewelery shop where you saw the Diamond Necklace and totally fell in love with it and I didn’t have money that time and said Baby it’ll be yours one day.
 
Wife, with a smile blushing: Yes, I remember that my Love.
 
Husband: Well, I’m in the barnext to that shop.

 
  

12/21/2011

Posted on by
Lillian Thompson Berstrom (DHS class of 1936): Superior, WI (715) 394-2189
 
Gary,

Could you add my cousin, Lucy, to your distribution list?

I was in North Dakota last month for deer hunting season. I drove and on the way up to ND, I stopped in Superior, WI to see my Aunt Lillian. Aunt Lillian lives with her daughter, Lucy. Anyway, we had a great visit and talked about different things. I mentioned your blog to her (Aunt Lillian) again and she asked if Lucy could get your emails now as she (Lucy) now has email. I told her I would ask you to add Lucy to your distribution, but then forgot about it until just a few days ago. So now I’m asking. By the way Aunt Lillian remembers well your long telephone conversation with her a while back.

Lucy’s email address is: lalaherrick@

 
Keith, Thank you so much for getting your aunt Lillian connected with us. She is a very sharp lady at her young age of about 95.
 
Lillian, you will have to correct me with your age, but I think I am close. You and Dad were about the same age and he was born in 1915. He spoke often of you too, so I have always known who you are. You guys were first cousins too. How well I remember our phone conversation several years back. You remember so much of the Ackworth/Dunseith history from the 30’s and 40’s that I heard so much about that all took place long before I came into this world. As I recall being told, you left the area in the mid 40’s.
 
For you history buffs and others too, feel free to call Lillian. She is a great conversationalist and will love your phone calls. (715) 394-2189
Gary
 
John Carlson
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI.

I’m not sure about who John is married to–In fact he is an online friend who I’ve not met in person — but he is a sharp guy and if my Uncle Floyd and his family like him, that is good enough for me. I’m including him in this note in case he wants to be a part of the blog. He and some friends now own the original Richard homestead in the Overly — Bottineau — Dunseith area. It is their official hunting lodge. I’ve seen it from the outside and have pictures of what they have done to it inside. It is amazing. It could be a year round residence.

 

Dad remembered it as a child. Some day I hope I can see it as it is now.

 

I hope John chimes in. He owns some of our history — he treats it well and respects the history of the area.

 

Allen

 

 

 

 

Jamie Melgaard, Son of Larry Melgaard and Grandson of Clarence and Darlene Pladson Melgaard

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

 

Darlyne E. Melgaard • 1930- 2010

Darlyne E. Melgaard, 80, Minot, formerly of Bottineau and Newburg, died Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in a Minot hospital.

Darlyne E. Pladson was born on July 11, 1930, to Theodore and Marie (Jacobson) Pladson in Columbus, ND. She was raised and educated in the Turtle Mountains.

On July 25, 1948, Darlyne was united in marriage to Clarence Melgaard at the Salem Lutheran Church, rural Bottineau. They made their home in Bottineau and later in Newburg where Darlyne was a devoted mother and homemaker. In 2005, after Clarence retired, they moved to Minot.

Darlyne had a love of music from a very early age. Her passion was playing the guitar and singing with family and friends. Darlyne and Clarence also provided music over the years at various community functions and nursing homes. She also enjoyed baking cookies and buns and was known for her great potato salad. She was currently a member of the Minot First Assembly of God Church and was active in coffee Bible study groups in Bottineau and Newburg.

She is survived by: Husband of 62 years, Clarence, Minot; children: Connie (Stephen) Harish, Devils Lake, ND, Larry (Janeen) Melgaard, Kenmare, ND, Dean (Janice) Melgaard, Bismarck, ND, Gaylen (Diane) Melgaard, Minot; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren: sister: Delores Holdaas, Seattle, WA; sister-in-law: Jean Pladson, Lake Metigoshe, ND.

Darlyne was preceded in death by her parents, brother Duane Pladson and nephew Jim Pladson.

Visitation: Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1 until 5 pm at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Funeral Service: Monday, December 6, 2010, at 11 am at First Assembly of God Church, Minot

Burial: Will take place in the spring of 2011 at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, Turtle Mountains

  

12/20/2011

Posted on by
Merry Christmas Greetings
From Florence Pladson Sime (’62): Deering, ND
 

Here’s wishing a merry christmas and a happy new year to each and every one of you. I have had a very busy year with the classes I had to take and still alot of doctoring but can’t complain as long as I can still get around. I also sold my farm and moved to Deering, N.D. My new address is 2069 68th St. N., Deering, N.D. 58731. It was a busy time but with the help of my children and freinds it all worked out. So I have been busy unpacking and putting things away so that keeps me busy. But it will be nice when it is all done.It was a big step but a good one.
We sure have had great weather so thay will shorten up the winter. Will be going down to visit my son and family in Beach for christmas.
BEST WISHES TO ALL OF YOU
FROM FLORENCE
 
 
 
 
Reply to Allen Richard’s posting
From Aggie Casavant (’69): Fort Mill, SC
 

Hi Gary,

 

In reference to Allen Richard’s posting about the Baby In A Car Seat along the road. Trust and beleive that this is a true story,and I thank Allen so much for taking the time for sharing it,and you posting it. If this is the same John Carlson that married Darlene Martinson from Rolette, you can rest assure this story is true. I know them both and their two of the most outstanding Christian people I’ve ever known. And if it isn’t the same John Carlson I beleive it anyway simply because we get these “hard core gang member” teens in where I work,and they are the most dangerous because they are willing to do anything to pass the “gang initiation”to be accepted into a gang. About 2 months ago we got at one time like 5 kids in from opposing gangs from here in Charlotte. Well needless to say every day for about the first 3 weeks when the staff would leave at the end of their shift felt like, they had been thru a war zone. The tactics described in this article that gangs use are spot on in keeping with gang initiation. I would encourage anyone reading this to go on line and look up MS-13 Gang. We have alot of them here in Charlotte, and they are the most vile and vicious gang known to date. They are all over the world in other countries and recruiting on a regular basis,and working in concert with “Alquida” ( I think thats how you spell it) They are coming in from the “Mexican Border”. The Mexican Drug Cartel, MS-13, and Alquida all work together. Not to scare anyone, but the state of the art tunnel they just found on the Mexican Border two weeks ago is no doubt been used not only to funnel drugs into this country, but terrorist, the drug cartel,and these MS-13 gang members. Two years ago they arrested 18 MS-13 gang members here in Charlotte….just a spit in the oceon comparing to what’s out there across this nation. To those of you who do not follow,or are not aware of just how out of control illegal immigration is into this country, I was at a Town Hall Meeting 3 years ago on “Illegal Immigration” and in the State of North Carolina alone, there was at that time….35,000 illegals living and living off of their state. Needless to say, that today, the state of North Carolina is broke. I could sit here all night and talk on this subject,and my personal expeirences with this gang stuff….But it’s Christmas….”Tis the Season to Be Jolly” But people need to be vigilant,and “If You See Something…Say Something”…..North Dakota is a perfect breeding ground now for this kind of stuff with so many strangers coming into the state….they would blend right in…. So Again…”If You See Something….Say Something”……and have a Merry Christmas and Safe New Year!!!

 

Thanks Gary

Aggie

Correction from Aggie

Gary….I would like to make a correction….It’s 360,000 Illegals in N.C.Instead of 35,000…. I think it was at 390,000 in 2006. I feel awful for the mess across the border in Mexico, I know alot of these people are fleeing from the brutality of the drug cartel and you can’t help but feel sorry for them. I just don’t understand why our government isn’t helping to make that country right instead of pouring money in countries half way around the world….Anyway just wanted to make the correction. Aggie

 
 
 
 
Rick Kuhn
Article posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Todays Minot paper. Rick is Mel’s younger brother.
Mel and I graduated together. We were in the same class our younger
brothers were also in the same class.

I haven’t been to Market Place Foods since last April.
That flood kept me away from Minot, as my dogs vet and their groomer
were both flooded out.

That flood created alot of changes.
My dogs are still healthy. But are also quite shaggy.

Counter to table: Meat market manager returns home

December 19, 2011
By KIM FUNDINGSLAND – Staff Writer (kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com) , Minot Daily News

After 20 years out of state, Rick Kuhn is enjoying his return to North Dakota. Customers at Marketplace Foods in Minot are enjoying his return too. Kuhn, Marketplace’s meat and seafood manager, can be found behind the counter or checking the content of products for sale.

The Dunseith High School graduate got his start at a Bottineau grocery store. Later he became part owner of a grocery store in Crosby. More recently he wrapped up an eight-year stay in Custer, S.D., prior to accepting his current position at Marketplace Foods at its 1930 S. Broadway location.

“I’ve pretty much done everything from the slaughterhouse to retail for a good 25 to 30 years,” said Kuhn. “My wife is from the area, family is still here and my youngest daughter is in college now. That makes us empty nesters. We just thought it was a good time to come home.”

Kuhn started his job March 1st and was house shopping at the same time. The flood of 2011 tore into Minot in June.

“I had looked at homes that are no longer there,” said Kuhn. “I’m very, very fortunate I didn’t buy something. We actually built a home in Surrey and got into that about a month ago.”

Free from the housing disruption experienced by many in the Minot area this year, Kuhn was able to fully concentrate on his new duties at Marketplace Foods. He is quite particular about the quality of meat, seafood and poultry offered for sale. His reasoning is simple customer care.

“That’s most important, absolutely essential,” said Kuhn. “Without the customer you don’t have a job and you don’t do business. It’s a pretty simple philosophy. We make sure we bring in the highest quality product and present it that way. We buy heavy to get the best deals and pass that on to our customers. It’s a busy, busy store and a good company.”

Kuhn stresses that his department won’t put anything out for sale that they wouldn’t put on their own dinner table. Special orders are welcome at anytime too. Fresh fish is ordered every Monday and Thursday and arrives in the store Tuesdays and Fridays.

“It’s amazing how quickly we can get fresh fish here and pork has come on really strong the last few years. It’s raised better and taken care of better. Poultry is just healthy and people are so much more health conscious,” noted Kuhn.

An increasing number of cooking shows can be found on various television networks today, even on the Internet. Kuhn says customers sometimes ask for items that aren’t regularly found in the meat market. In that case, said Kuhn, “we find out about it and do our best to get it for our customers.”

“Customers share their knowledge with us and that’s kind of nice,” said Kuhn. “If we can get what they want, we will.”

When it comes to cuts of beef, Kuhn calls himself “old school,” preferring meat with obvious marbling. Those cuts, said Kuhn, have a lot more flavor and can be a lot more tender than select cuts.

Cooking makes a difference too. Sometimes a good cook can make an excellent meal out of what may be considered a lesser cut of beef. Conversely, good cuts of beef may become less than satisfactory on the table if mishandled by an inexperienced cook. To help, Kuhn said his department welcomes customers’ questions about cuts and preparation.

“A lot of people have never made a certain cut, so we offer suggestions,” said Kuhn. “We have a nice, clean, bright store and offer the highest quality and service that we can.”

That is a very good, and very tasty, combination

  

12/19/2011

Posted on by
Fort the record, there was no blog Yesterday.
 
 
Happy Belated Birthday Kenny Nerpel (DHS ’65): Rugby, ND
 
 
 
Christmas dinner party at the Stokes residence
 
We hosted an Expat Christmas dinner party at our house last night. We were expecting about 70 folks and nearly 100 came. Bernadette prepared all the food of which there was plenty of. Mashed potatoes and gravy were a treat for these folks. Several guest said this was the first party in the PI they had attended where they served good ole mashed potatoes with grave. We had a verity of beverages that included 100 16oz bottles of water. Well before the evening was over the water was all gone. There were plenty of other beverages, so folks didn’t get dehydrated. We hired disco music too, so following the dinner, folks danced the night away. After everyone left, our helpers had everything all cleaned up, just as if there was never a party, before they went to bed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flooding in the Philippines
Questin from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary,

We were watching the news of the massive flooding in the
Philippines and were wondering if you were affected by it? I think your
place is in the hilly country but still torrential rains can do bad
things in draws and gulleys as they head downward. How are you faring?

Dick

Many of you folks have been asking about recent floods here in the PI. We were very fortunate. The storm missed us and went to the south. We had several heavy rain showers, but the brunt of the storm was to the south of us. We are located on higher elevation, so we will never have a flood problem at our place. With heavy rains, there is a certain amount of flooding in some of the lower places of our area. The drainage just can not handle the volume of water and many of the roads get flooded. Within several hours of a down pour, the roads are normally cleared of the flooding. Gary
 
 
Reply to ND snow storm joke
From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): Prescott, AZ
 
Reminds me of the time I got stuck in a snowbank in our back yard coming home from playing with Betty Lamoureux. I had to scream for Mom to come and pull me out. Lois
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Anna Mae Longie
(February 11, 1938 – December 16, 2011)

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ANNA MAE LONGIE Mekinok Equae (Turtle Woman)

Anna Mae Longie, age 73 of Dunseith, died Friday, December 16 2011 in a Belcourt hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Sylvan’s Church of rural Dunseith. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A wake will be held on Tuesday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the St. Sylvan’s Church.

Anna Mae Longie, a daughter of Moses and Flora (Iron Bear) Longie, was born on February 11, 1938 at Belcourt. She was married for a time to Steven Short. He passed away. She was then married to Richard Amyotte for a time. He passed away.

She is survived by sons, Larus Longie (Alice) Longie and George (Karen) Short both of Dunseith and Brodus Short of Belcourt; a daughter Rita ( Jeff) Poitra of Dunseith; adoptive children, Corey (Angel) Paul of Dunseith, Garrett (Laycee) Thompson of Belcourt, Rhonda (Roland) Morin of Dunseith, Timmy (Gail) Morin of Belcourt, Mark (Sandra) Morin of Dunseith, Yvonne Stretches of Bismarck and Lori Gunville of Wahpeton; 40 grandchildren; 50 (great?)grandchildren; a brother, Cecil Longie of Ft. Totten.

 
 
 
 
Today’s posting
From Allen Richard (’65): Midland, MI.
 
 

I don’t know if you want to share this or not, but John Carlson is a friend of mine who actually owns the original Richard farmstead near Overly. I know his background and I’d take whatever he says seriously.
 

Subject: BE AWARE. NOT A JOKE

Please read this. ( VERY IMPORTANT – NOT A JOKE!!!)
Important Message!!!! Please take a few minutes & read. It could save your
life!!!!!!!!!

MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
STATE OF MICHIGAN :


SITUATION…
While driving on a rural end of the roadway on Thursday morning, I
saw an infant car seat on the side of the road with a blanket draped over
it.
For whatever reason, I did not stop, even though I had all kinds of
thoughts running through my head. But when I got to my destination, I
called the Canton PD and they were going to check it out. But, this is what
the Police advised even before they went out there to check….

“There are several things to be aware of … gangs and thieves are
now plotting different ways to get a person (mostly women) to stop their
vehicle and get out of the car.

“There is a gang initiation reported by the local Police Department
where gangs are placing a car seat by the road…with a fake baby in
it….waiting for a woman, of course, to stop and check on the abandoned
baby.

“Note that the location of this car seat is usually beside a wooded
or grassy (field) area and the person — woman — will be dragged into the
woods, beaten and raped, and usually left for dead. If it’s a man, they’re
usually beaten and robbed and maybe left for dead, too.

DO NOT STOP FOR ANY REASON!!! DIAL 9-1-1 AND REPORT WHAT YOU SAW,
BUT DON ‘T EVEN SLOW DOWN.

“IF YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND EGGS ARE THROWN AT YOUR
WINDSHIELD, DO NOT STOP TO CHECK THE CAR, DO NOT OPERATE THE WIPER AND DO
NOT SPRAY ANY WATER BECAUSE EGGS MIXED WITH WATER BECOME MILKY AND BLOCK
YOUR VISION UP TO 92.5%, AND YOU ARE THEN FORCED TO STOP BESIDE THE ROAD
AND BECOME A VICTIM OF THESE CRIMINALS.

THIS IS A NEW TECHNIQUE USED BY GANGS, SO PLEASE INFORM YOUR
FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

THESE ARE DESPERATE TIMES AND THESE ARE UNSAVORY INDIVIDUALS WHO
WILL TAKE DESPERATE MEASURES TO GET WHAT THEY WANT.”

Please talk to your loved ones about this. This is a new tactic
used. Please be safe.

Get started NOW — SEND THIS MESSAGE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED
ONES TO BE CAREFUL AND AWARE OF EVERYTHING AROUND THEM SO AS NOT TO BECOME
A VICTIM..
WARNING # 2

Some knew about the red light on cars, but not the 112.
It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to
visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind herand put his
lights on. Lauren’s parents have always told her never to pull over for an
unmarked car on the side of the road,but rather to wait until they get to
a gas station, etc.
Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly
called112 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would
not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there
was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind
her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was
and there weren’t, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that
he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car
behind her.. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the
car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground.
The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.
I never knew about the 112 Cell Phone feature, but especially for
a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car.
Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place.

*Speaking to a service representative at Bell Mobility confirmed
that 112 was a direct link to State trooper info.So, now it’s your turn
to let your friends know about 112.

You may want to send this to every woman (and man) you know; it
may save a life.

This applies to ALL 50 states PLEASE PASS ALONG TO FRIENDS AND
FAMILY, IT CAN SAVE A LIFE….

 
 
  

12/17/2011

Posted on by
Ethan Pottenger’s death (Jarilyn Hiatt Pottenger’s son)
Thank you message from Jarilyn and her family.
Posted by Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (’79): Springfield, VA

 

Hi Gary  

 

Please post the below. Jarilyn received cards, telephone calls & e-mails from friends & family who wouldn’t have learned of their loss without the blog.

 

God Bless

Jacqueline

 

 

I have re-posted Ethan’s obituary too. We know Ethan’s death was so devastating for Jarilyn and her family. This was such a tragic accident too. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Jarilyn and her family. Gary

 

Thank You

 

We would like to send a heartfelt thanks to all who gave generously of their kindness and sympathy during this most difficult loss. All the prayers, visits, food, phone calls, flowers and donations are appreciated beyond words and will never be forgotten.

 

Thank you to all Ethan’s friends. We are grateful for the get togethers at the house, all the love and support shown to us. You all meant the world to Ethan.

 

Also we would like to extend our thanks to the Bottineau Fire Department, the Bottineau Ambulance and Sheriff’s Department. A special thanks to Nero Funeral Home and especially to Mike for all the kindness he has shown to our family.

 

Love,

Craig, Jarilyn, Sloan, Bryce, Justin & Sheena

 
 
 
 
Les Halvorson’s father passed away
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

WOLFORD Loren Halvorson, 91, Rugby, formerly of Wolford, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in a Rugby nursing home.

He was born June 6, 1920, to Harvey and Willia Halvorson, near Wolford. He married Eleanor Gustafson Sept. 3, 1946, in Glendive, Mont.

Survivors: sons, Lee, Williston, Les, Bottineau, Lyman, Wolford, Lyn, Aberdeen, S.D.; daughters, Kay Marsland, Bismarck, Cathy Halvorson Woolverton, Arvada, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Sadie Beryl Nicholas, Burlington, Mass.

Funeral: Saturday, 11 a.m., Wolford Lutheran Church, Wolford.

Burial: Wolford Community Cemetery, Wolford.

Visitation: Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, in Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby, and Saturday, one hour prior to the service, in the church.

Les, Until Neola brought this to my attention, I did not know of your fathers passing. We are so saddened. Our condolences are with you and you family with his passing. Gary

 
 
 
Reply to Erling Landsverk
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Erling’s post was most interesting. I have noticed too how
people are much more apt to smile and greet others during the Christmas
season. This should be the way it always is but we are finding the good
old North Dakota traditions of helping strangers and waving to other
drivers is starting to change. The new influx of out of state people
who are here to cash in on the oil field boom has brought with it some
of the less friendly and trusting attitudes from other parts of the
country. A couple weeks ago I was in one of the larger towns in the
western part of the state and pulled into a larger gas station to fill
my pickup with gas. I started the fill process and pressed the ‘pay
inside’ button on the pump but nothing happened. As I was looking to
see if I did something wrong, a voice came on the intercom on the pump
and said, “If you want gas on pump #1, you will have to come in and pay
before you pump it. ” I walked into the busy station and told the gal
I was on pump one and she asked how much I wanted, which I didn’t know
as I was going to fill and didn’t know how much it would take. She
asked if I had a driver’s license? I said I did but wondered what
difference that would make? I took it out and she took it and stepped
back and said,”Now you can go pump your gas.” She held my license until
I paid for the gas. My son is driving a semi tanker hauling water in
the oil patch right now and he says there have been so many drive offs
they had to get real tough. He just laughed when I told him of my
little experience. The way North Dakotans have always trusted each
other is being changed rapidly. Many years ago, we were out of state
and had to pay before pumping and I thought people sure were scared of
losing gas, but here it is! Yeah, I know, bah humbug! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

Reply from Muzette Berube Fiander (’74): MELBOURNE, FL

 

Hi Gary!!


Thank you for the birthday wishes! It was great to hear from so many people!

I hope you and your family are well and have a wonderful Christmas!!!


Thanks again,
Muzette

 

 

 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Marvin Larry Poitra
(May 8, 1962 – December 14, 2011)

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MARVIN LARRY POITRA

M. Larry Poitra, age 49 of Dunseith, died Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in a Bismarck hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. in the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery of Dunseith. Visitation will be held on Monday beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Funeral Home.

Marvin Larry Poitra, a son of Harry and Leona (DeLorme) Poitra, was born on May 8, 1962 at Belcourt. On May 23, 1980 he was married to Anna Schaan at Grafton. This marriage later ended.

He is survived by sons, Clinton Poitra of Mesa, AZ, Justin Poitra and Joshua Poitra both of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Kaden Poitra, Kayleigh Poitra and Eva Poitra; brothers, Rick Poitra and Kevin Poitra both of Dunseith, Douglas Poitra of Grand Forks, Scott Poitra of Grafton, Randy Poitra of Bottineau and Mike Poitra of Belcourt; sisters, Donna Fredrickson of Grafton, Cheryl Trottier of Alexander, ND, Peggy Poitra of Dunseith and Dianna Poitra of St. John.

 

 

 

Joke of the day

Posted by Karen Loeb Mhyre (’65): Bellevue, WA.

 

BREAKING NEWS!!!!

To help save the economy, the government will announce next month that the Immigration Department will start deporting seniors (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs.

Older people are easier to catch and will not remember how to get back home.
 
I started to cry when I thought of you.Then it dawned on me … oh, crap … I’ll see you on the bus!
 
  

12/15/2011

Posted on by
Computer problems
 
Last night when we got home from the mall, my computer was off. I never turn if off, so I figured there must have been a power surge or outage. When I restarted it, it would not re-boot. It said I was missing a program file. Fooling around with it for several or more hours I made things worse and in the process thought I maybe had lost all of my files. That is a very uncomfortable feeling. This morning I took my computer down to a computer store in the mall for them to evaluate. Within 10 minutes their technician had it up and running. That was a welcome sight.
 
With my computer problems this morning, I did not get a blog out. It is now nearly 11:00 PM. I have now gotten today’s blog ready, so I will send it. I will not be sending one tomorrow though.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Iris Senechal (Bedard) Wovert: Audubon, MN

iriswolvert@gmail.com
 
Happy Birthday Pam Houle Hagen (‘DHS 73): Big Lake, MN.
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Muzette Berube Fiander (’74): MELBOURNE, FL
 
 
 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Bob Stokes
 
 
 
 
Neola,
 
Dad was Bottineau’s Santa for many years. The wording of the quotes in the article sound like it could be him. Yes, he rode in Dennis Haakinson’s horse drawn sleigh a number of years.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 

Happy Birthday to Karen Larson: Bottineau Spectrum

Reply from from Lois Tweten: Helena, MT
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!! It was so nice to meet you, and my cousin Rhonda Kittelson, a couple of summers ago, in your store. I love the Botno cook book I bought from you! Nice memories going back to Botno to my home as a little girl!! Lois Tweten
 
 
 
Merry Christmas Greetings
From Erling Landsverk (’44): King, WI.

Hi Gary and everyone:
 
I can’t let this season pass without wishing all my North Dakotan friends a Mwerry Christmas. I thought the best way would to attach an article I wrote for just such an ocasion. I surely do miss the turtle Mountains and all of you folks
 
Fondly
 
Erling landsverk at Christmas

Attachment from Erling

 

 

The magic of Christmas

 

 

Christmas is truly magic. It enables all of us to see, feel and comprehend how our creator wants us to live and act during the year, and throughout our entire lives. It is a simple and wondrous life style. Simple rules consisting of basic behavior that allows Christmas to work its magic year around if only we could bring ourselves to do so.

About this time of year, when the magic birthday (Christmas) is drawing near, folks seem to change into innocent and benevolent children. People smile at one another, are prone to help each other, are concerned for each others welfare, and happiness. The love for our neighbor is demonstrated with generosity and expressed with happy and sincere actions of good will. Of course, we all know or have known the Ebenezer scrooge type. Remember the Bah, Hum bug phrase? Generally speaking, those folks secretly look forward to Christmas, but maybe, just maybe they would rather receive than give. Then again, I hope I am wrong. I like to think they will become like the old, loveable and crochetey Ebenezer on Christmas morning. The remarkable change from a stingy and gruff merchant to a happy, loving and generous citizen over night. That is the magic, I believe, was the aim of the story that Charles dickens portrayed so very well in his delightful “A Christmas carol”.

 

 

Our friends here in Wisconsin along with all our Christian friends across this great land, celebrate the greatest event of all. The promise of eternal life in a place filled with happiness, brought about by the birth of Jesus, who was born in a humble stable signifying that all who believed and wish to, could inherit the kingdom of Heaven and eternal life. I called it magic. It isn’t magic, but it is God’s Way of showing us a better way of life. Welcoming everyone, even those who reject Him at times. It is a wonderful time in spiritual magic that we experience every year. Remember Christmas Eve in WW I, German and allied troops stopped fighting and joined each other singing traditional Christmas songs. That was the hand of God showing a better way to Peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!

Erling Landsverk

 
 
 
 
Pastor Dan and Sandi Bean, Dunseith Missionaries, helping Children.
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
 
 
 
Dunseith News

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
 
 
Today’s message – Big ND snow storm
Posted by Leland Hagen (’50): BRYAN, TX
 
I just got off the phone with a friend living in North Dakota near the
Canadian Border. He said that since early this morning the snow has
been coming down, it is nearly waist high and is still falling. The
temperature is dropping way below zero and the north wind is
increasing to near gale force. His wife has done nothing but look
through the kitchen window and just stare. He says that if it gets
much worse, he may have to let her in.

  

12/14/2011

Posted on by
Folks,
 
Today is our bowling day and I am kind of rushed, so I am going with what I have from Trish.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Message from Trish Larson Wild (73): Stafford, CA.
 

Hi Gary,


Hope your holidays are happy! I just worked my first shift at Stanford today, and will be working most of the holidays this year. It’s good to be back on the Peninsula, living close to my son Jesse in Palo Alto, who started as a student at Stanford University this Fall. The horses are happy on their new pasture, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Emergency Medicine. Stanford Hospital is a level one trauma center with a world class neurosurgery team. I haven’t had much experience with that, so I’m looking forward to picking up new skills. I’ll be working the night shift, which is also new to me.


It feels good to be working again, but I miss sleeping with the horses outside the tent. I think I’ll be staying here awhile even so, and riding the local area and Yosemite in the spring.


What follows is a dumb joke a friend forwarded to me. Thought you’d get a kick out of it.


Happy Holidays!

Trish

Subject: My friends call me Bubba
 

A man boarded an airplane and took his seat. As he settled in, he glanced up and saw the most beautiful woman boarding the plane.. He soon realized she was heading straight towards his seat .. As fate would have it, she took the seat right beside his.

Eager to strike up a conversation he blurted out, “Business trip or pleasure?” She turned, smiled and said, “Business. I’m going to the Annual Nymphomaniacs of America Convention in Boston”

He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen sitting next to him, and she was going to a meeting of nymphomaniacs. Struggling to maintain his composure, he calmly asked, “What’s your business role at this convention?”

“Lecturer,” she responded. “I use information that I have learned from my personal experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality.”

“Really?” he said. “And what kind of myths are there?”

“Well,” she explained, “one popular myth is that African-American men are the most well-endowed of all men, when in fact it is the Native American Indian who is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is that Frenchmen are the best lovers, when actually it is men of Jewish descent who are the best. I have also discovered that the lover with absolutely the best stamina is the Southern Redneck.”

Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed. “I’m sorry,” she said, “I shouldn’t really be discussing all of this with you. I don’t even know your name..”

“Tonto,” the man said, “Tonto Goldstein, but my friends call me Bubba.”
 
All rights reserved

12/13/2011

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Brother Darrel (Bud) Stokes (DHS ’70): Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Donna Halvorson Krim (DHS ’77): Sartell, MN
 
 
 
Lee Hosmer’s Birthday
Reply from Lorraine Richard Nelson (46): Mesa, AZ
 
Happy Birthday dear cousin.. You are as beautiful as ever and I love you.. Lorraine.. Wayne says hi tooooooooooo…
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Wayne Molgard (DHS class of 1947)

  

12/12/2011

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Karen Larson: Bottineau Spectrum
 
 
 
New Residence address
for Connie Fauske Monte (’62): Fort Myers FL.
 

Hi Everybody: Just thought I would let you all know we have settled, I’m using the term ‘settled’ very loosely. Our new address is: 16073 Via Solera Circle, Fort Myers FL 33908. We like the town house, although quite a bit smaller than Kalama house. It is hard to squeeze everything in here. It does look like wall to wall furniture, but I would rather have that than things put in the garage where it can get scratched up. Let’s just say, it looks very cozy. The weather is wonderful, and I hate to admit, we have been here over a month and haven’t been to the beach yet. I just know once we start going, we will want to go everyday, like last year when we were here. I don’t know if I will be able to get Christmas card out this year, in case I don’t have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love you. Connie and Bob

 

 

 

Folks,

 

I have a little extra room today, so thought I’d share this nice picture of Bernadette with our good Friend Garlyn. These pictures were taken at the birthday celebration we attended that was on the same day as our anniversary.

 

Fred, the guy in the back is our Neighbor. His mother died last year at the age of 110. She was living with them here in Cebu. Up until a year before she died she was very mobile. She had a lot of hearing and eye sight loss that came about in the last year too. She had a very sound mind right to the very end. It must be their Jewish blood. Remarkable.

 

We have a camera, but the gals at our social gatherings take lots of nice pictures, much better than any we’d ever take, that get posted on Face Book. We can just pick and choose the ones we want. Of coarse they are all always available in their FB profiles too.

 

Gary
 
 
 
Bernadette with a good freind Garlyn.
 
 
I am not a dancer. Lorna just wanted a picture with me out on the dance floor is all.
The little blond girl, from Australia, is the granddaughter of the birthday gal.
 
 
 

Joke of the day
Posted by Richard Slyter (67): Dunseith, ND
 
Adults only
NUDE SANTA —–

Scroll down to see the nude Santa

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For crying out loud. Act your age. There is no Santa!

Sometimes I just can’t believe how gullible some people are!

 
  

12/11/2011

Posted on by
For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday. Gary
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Martin Peterson: St. John, ND
 
 
 
 
Reply to Aggie Casavant
From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND
 

In response to Aggies encounter with her little angel and the big gas can, It is so amazing when you are serving the lord how he puts us in places and puts people in our lives and he continues to bless us when we show christ love. As we are in the christmas season may we all remember that christ is the reason for the season and I pray that all on this blog and your families are truley blessed. I also asked for aspecial blessing and healing for all that are battleing any illness or diease. Just keep in mind God has promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Merry Christmas
 
 
 
 
Previously posted with message 233 on 9/24/2008
 
Bob Hosmer’s (56) reply to Gary Stokes:
 
Hi Gary,
 
This Dunseith and area Community blog you put together is fascinating. I enjoy it very much.
 
About Aunt Janet, she died 2006. Her son John Norman took care of her in Dunseith for several years and did a very responsible job of it.
 
Janet was first married to John Byrne of St John. This was John Norman’s father. They divorced and Janet later married Grant Norman who was a captain on one of the American Mail Line ships. They lived for awhile on Vashon Is., WA. Grant died and somewhere along the line Janet moved to Escondido, CA.
 
When dementia set in, John moved from San Francisco and together with his mother moved to Dunseith.
 
Aunt Janet gave the salutatory message at her graduation. I have the original talk she typed out on the back of an old Dunseith Red and White store advertisement. It’s pasted in a scrapbook my mother had and I can’t peel it back far enough to see who the owner and operator of the store was. I’m attaching a photo I took of the original. Hope you can read it. The copy is a bit faded.
 
Janet loved to play golf and tennis. She visited us while we lived and worked in northern Japan and took every opportunity she could to play golf. She always flew military standby and knowing the often wait-times she carried a book bag full of reading material. She was a wonderful aunt to me. I have many good memories of her kind generosity and putting up with me as a thirteen year old living with her and my grandmother (her mother) on Magnolia Bluff in Seattle in 1951.
 
Hope this information is helpful. Thanks for stimulating my memory bank about her again. Bob Hosmer
 
 
Janet Hosmer’s Salutatory message to the Dunseith High School Class of 1932
 
 
 
Dunseith High School class of 1932







Last First Address City / State / ZIP Phone Email
1 Bakken Arthur Born June 20, 1913–Died October 10, 1995 Deceased
2 Bedard Senechal Blanche Born February 14, 1914–Died March 17, 1979 Deceased
3 Berg Esther L.   Unable to locate   Sister’s name was Clara
5 Hosmer Norman Janet Born September 11, 1915–Died April 3, 2006 Deceased
6 Isakson Carl Born June 24, 1914–Died February 12, 1977 Deceased
7 Olson Alvin Born September 12, 1912–Died February 2, 1991 Deceased
8 Seim Morris Born July 14, 1913–Died August 1968 Deceased
10 Wicks Leonard Gladys Born August 16, 1912–Died July 1994 Deceased
 
 
 
 
Previously posted with message 233 on 9/24/2008
 
Art Rude Pictures provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Folks, Neola sent me these pictures of Art Rude. I am not sure where she got these, but she does not know where they were taken. With the Canadian flag in the back ground, it must be something to do with Canada. It kind of looks like Art may be the auctioneer at a sale. I am sure or I am hoping that some of you will recognize the area, event and year of these pictures. Do any of you recognize any of the other folks in these pictures? Gary
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary,

The pictures of Art Rude were taken at the Museum fun night several
years ago, when Art was the president . I’m the guy handing him the door
prizes for the drawing. Art is announcing the winners. The taller guy
with the beard is Art Jr. The other guy with the white shirt behind Art
is one of the performers, but I don’t recognize him. This was about 10
to 12 years ago and was held in the Senior Center on Main street in St.
John, ND. Thanks!

Dick

 
 

 

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

O.M.G., I’m rich!
 
Silver in the Hair
Gold in the Teeth
 
 
Crystals in the Kidneys

 
Sugar in the Blood

 
Lead in the Ass

 
Iron in the Arteries

 

And
an inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.

 

I never thought I’d accumulate such wealth.

 

12/09/2011

Posted on by
Reply to Lee Hosmer’s Birthday greeting
From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
 
Happy Birthday, Mom!

Love from your favorite daughter,


Colette
 
 
Face book posting
From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
 
Aggie, This was just too good not to post. You are a saint. Gary
 
 
 
 
 
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

Thanks for the birthday greetings. :) I had intended to spend the day with my mom at Good Samaritan in Bottineau. We were going to reminisce about the day I was born. She says she remembers it very clearly–as you know, she’s 94 years old, so she’s doing well. I found my “baby book” and was going to take it with me when I visited her. I had also planned to take my tape recorder, as I thought it might be a very interesting/informational visit. I’ll do it when I get back to Bottineau. I plan to stay in Minot for several days. I’m to call Dr. Swenson on Friday and report on my leg. He gave Celebrex to me to take (pain) for six days.
 
Wally/I and any of Wally’s family who don’t have other plans are going to eat out. The relatives had short notice, as I had planned to be in Bottineau for my birthday

 

I think you/Mel Kuhn have decided I’m 30–sounds good to me!! LOL!!

 

I see Debbie’s sister, Roberta Soland, passed away. I plan to locate her obituary (The funeral home’s URL is included in her obituary.) and send it. I don’t think I’ve sent it before, or have I?

 

Neola
 
 
 
Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 
Gary
Dick is right, I am the quiet ,shy type, and
I often stood off to one side and watched the other young fellows play in the puddles and the mud.
I stayed above the fray, and stayed cool, you know what I mean, kind of like the Fonz (Henry Winkler), from Happy Days
without the booster cable neck tie. However, I did eventually own a new $20.00 pair of black engineer boots that I bought at Hassen’s Store with money that I earned. That was about as close as I ever come to looking like the Fonz. They were a size to big, but I think someone convinced me that I would grow into them. I never did, but I wore them all the time anyway, until I wore them out. Some day I’ll have to buy another pair that fits. Maybe it was a good thing that I spent that summer working on my Uncles farm wearing them big clod hoppers.
 
That pictures of Dick on yesterdays blog amazed me. That was Dick Johnson!
I still can’t believe that the fellow on them pictures (Little Dick) is the same fellow we know now.
It is however, how I remember Dick, with black rimmed glasses, light colored hair with a heinie.
He definitely did stretch out after awhile, but I remember that he also kept the same look
for as long as I can remember. Then I saw him at one of the school reunions and saw that he had become his dad.
But for the longest time I often wondered what that Norwegian kid was doing sporting a German hair cut?
I was beginning to think that he must have been adopted?
Heinie
  • A slang term for the buttocks (also spelled hiney)
  • A derogatory term used for German soldiers that originated in World War I, short for Heinrich
  • A crewcut haircut (from the stereotypical German soldier’s haircut)
    •  
    I do what I can!
    Everyone have a good day,
    Larry
     
     
     
     

    Picture From Martha Lamb Schepp (68): Newburg, ND
    Martha, I missed your message that was included with the picture you sent that was posted yesterday. Normally the messages appear on top of the attachments. For some reason your message was displayed on the bottom and I missed it. So sorry about that. Gary
    PS – You most certainly have a family to be proud of.
    Martha’s message that should have been posted yesterday with her picture.
    This is our little family after 38 years of marriage. This was taken
    last Sunday at our grandson Tucker’s baptism. Tucker was born on Oct
    14. Our oldest granchild is 11, so we have had a baby at our
    gatherings for 11 years. The kids are sitting in front of their
    parents except for Karson at the end of the couch with his son and
    wife Kristen Marie is standing behind him. Just an update. Martha
    Lamb Schepp (68)
     
    As requested, Martha’s reply for today’s posting with the re-posting of the picture. Thank you Martha.
    Gary, I just thought I would do a 38 year upgrade when I e-mailed our
    family picture to you. Here’s the whole story.

    Lto R On the couch is our youngest son Karson with son Daxton Edwin
    (2yrs. 10 mo.), behind Karson is his wife Kristen Marie Casavant
    Schepp, massage therapist(she is the daughter of Rick and Denise
    Casavant of the Thorne area. Karson is a farmer/mechinist. Karson
    and Kris have been flooded and are hoping to move into their home
    this week sometime. They have a baby due Dec. 24th. Their home was
    only 4 yrs. old. A devastating year, as the water was coming down
    their street on their 4th anniversary. Many people dealt with much
    worse flooding than them. They live in Robin Wood Estates in Minot.

    Next couple is our third son,Kyle(agronomist at United Agronomy in
    Berthold) and his wife Bonnie( ICU nurse at Trinity) , the occasion
    was their son Tucker Kyle’s (2mo.) baptism last Sunday, Kyle is
    holding Lily Irene( 1yr.10), in front of them is their oldest
    daughter Aubree Ann (5yrs.). They live in Berhold.

    Next couple is Kristen Lee, our 2nd son( farmer/diesel mechanic) and
    his wife Melissa(domestic engineer/secretary), their daughters are
    sitting in front of them, Lynzee (7), Megan(9) and Kinsey (11). They
    live 8 miles west of Ruthville. Their girls go to school in Berthold.

    Lynn, my husband and myself. Lynn retired last spring from managing
    the seed plant in Newburg for many years . He is enjoying working
    for his farmer sons.
    I am still teaching Title 1 and a math and reading class, and
    reading strategist at the Newburg School. Thirty three years in the
    system.

    Kevin, our oldest son(director of Occupational Therapy at the Heart
    of America Health Center, Rugby) and his wife Alyson,( a Title 1
    teacher in the Eli Elementary School in Rugby) are on the far
    right . They have two sons, sitting in front of them, Dawson Paul,
    (9) and Gavin Lynn (7).

    We feel very blessed.

    Lynn and Martha Lamb Schepp class of 68

     
     
     
    Joke of the day
    Posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
     
    A guy goes to the bank to cash a check. He asks the young blonde
    cashier if he can have all large bills. She replies, “I’m sorry sir
    but all of our bills are the same size.”

    Dick

     
     
    		  

    12/08/2011

    Posted on by
    Happy Birthday Leona (Lee) Hosmer: Wilsonville, OR
     
     
    Happy Birthday Joan Tremblay Johnson (DHS ’79): Dunseith, ND
     
     
     
    Happy Birthday Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
     
     

    Replies from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND
     
    Renee (St.Claire) Salmonson,
    I am very sorry to hear of your illness, I will say a special prayer for
    you that all will be healed and never return. God bless you Renee

    Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

    Pete Gillis
    I am very sorry that your cancer returned, hope all goes well with the
    chemo. I will say a special prayer for you as well that you also will be
    healed. God bless you Pete

    Ginger(LaRocque) Poitra

     
     
     
    Picture From Martha Lamb Schepp (68): Newburg, ND
     
    Martha,
     
    This is a beautiful picture. I am assuming this is your family? To be honest, the only one I recognize in this photo is you. You have not changed. The guy sitting on the sofa is a resemblance of your Dad, Floyd Lamb, so I am assuming he is your son?
     
    Please identify so we can re-post with all the names.
     
    Thanks,
     
    Gary
     
     
     
     

    Larry Hackman (Hienie Haircut)

    Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
     
    Gary and Friends,

    In reply to Larry Hackman about my hienie haircut. He doesn’t
    believe it had an effect on the girls. I just thought I would send some
    proof of the appeal it had. Larry, I had it figured out by the time I
    was 3 years old. Larry had all that dark curly hair that he thought was
    so nice, but I remember him having to play marbles by himself. I used
    to feel so sorry for him off in the corner of the play ground while
    those of us with heinies were right in the thick of things. I saw Larry
    several times in the last couple years and he still has lots of that
    dark curly hair—still no heinie! It wasn’t booster cables, Larry, it
    was the haircut. That’s Patty Fassett in the pictures. She wasn’t too
    sure at first but later she even liked me with patches on my pants.
    See, Larry, it had to be the haircut. Thanks Gary!

    Dick

     
     
     
     
     
    Joke of the day
    Posted by Randy Flynn (70): Happy Valley, OR.
     

    A blonde goes to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards.

    She says to the clerk, “May I have 50 Christmas stamps?”

    The Clerk says, “What denomination?”

    The blonde says, “God help us. Has it come to this?

    Give me 22 Catholic, 10 Lutheran, 8 Presbyterian, and 6 Baptists”

     
    		  

    12/07/2011

    Posted on by
    Alice Kuhn
    Memories from Rob Olson (79): Walla Walla, WA
     
    Gary I would like to wish Alice Kuhn a belated Happy Birthday. When I was growing up I spent a lot of time at the Kuhn house with Ricky. Alice was always nice and it is a joy to see her again, if only through a picture.

     
    Rob Olson
     
     
     
    Pete Gillis (65)
    Update from Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND
     
    Gary,
    Just a little update on Pete – he’s had 2 chemo sessions – lost his hair
    but I love him anyway, he actually looks cute bald. Currently, he has a
    terrible cold, some bone, muscle pain but other than that tolerating the
    chemo pretty good. I got this fantastic homemade tomato soup recipe from
    one of my co-workers and he just loves it! Next session is December 18th
    for a cat scan and the 19th for chemo in Fargo. Thank you to all for your
    good wishes and prayers.

    I am also going to include a flyer for Renee St. Claire Salmonson who has
    been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer – she is a sister to Larry St. Claire.
    She is currently undergoing chemo in Bismarck and staying with Darlene and
    Jim Tooke in Wilton, ND.

     
     
     
     
    Booster cable (Neck Tie)
    Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
     

    Gary

    That Dick Johnson is a funny guy

    and he also has one good memory.

    Apparently a dangerous combination.

    Yes, wearing a set of booster cables as a tie became the thing to do back in the day.

    In fact it became a hell of a fad back in the sticks, almost a necessity.

    You never knew when that battery was going to quit?

    But if you were wearing that tie.

    People knew that they could count on you, to give them a boost.

    There was one young feller in particular, who found that after he hooked up the booster cables,

    that he could create a bigger charge by rubbing his heinie.

    It would make them turn over a lot faster.

    Was that for starting cars, or getting girls, or both?

    Was that you Dick?

    See what you started.

    Them damn booster cables!

    I was hoping that they were just a forgotten memory.

    I still carry a set in the trunk of the car and in the tool box of the pickup,

    for getting into them exclusive clubs,

    and for giving a boost now and then to help someone out.

    Although its been years since I have been asked for a boost.

    Maybe because I don’t have a heinie.

    I have never had a heinie!

    Larry
     
     
     
    Joke of the day
    Posted by Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
     
    Norwegian Love Story

    Ole & Lena lived by a lake in Northern Minnesota. It was springtime, and the lakes were just beginning to thaw.

    Ole asked Lena if she vould valk across da frozen lake to da yeneral store to get him some smokes. She asked him for some money, but he told her, “Nah, yust put it on our tab”.

    So she walked across, got the smokes at the general store, then walked back home across the lake. When she got home and gave Ole his smokes, she asked him, “Ole, you alvays tell me not to run up da tab at da store. Why didn’t you yust give me some money?”

    Ole replied, “Vell, I didn’t vant to send you out dere vit some money ven I vasn’t sure how tick the ice vas.”

     
    		  

    12/06/2011

    Posted on by
    Reply from Phyllis Mckay (’65): Auburn, WA
     

    Congratulations Gary and Bernadette! 33 years is a milestone to be celebrated. I loved your description of your wedding day, Gary. It is a different perspective than we girls would have. The pictures were wonderful too. Bernadette was a beautiful bride. I suppose your parents were younger in the pictures then we (the class of 65) is now!! Where does the time go!!

    Phyllis, you are right. When we got married, Mom was 57 and Dad was 63. Uncle Nels was 74 and Helga was 66. Today, dad would be 96, Mom 90, Nels 107 and Helga 99. It is hard to imagine we are in the age group they were back them. Gary

     
     
     
    Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND
     
    Happy Anniversary Bernadette and Gary. Here’s hoping you have many more.
    Thank you Ginger, Gary

     

     

     

    Alice Cote Kuhn’s 85th Birthday

    Message/picture from Mel Kuhn (’70): St. John, ND

     

    Howdy Gary,

     

    Yesterday [December 4th] was Mom’s 85th Birthday. We had a little get together for her at Good Sam. 4of us 6 kids made it with a lot of grandkids and some great grandkids. I also had my first face to face meeting with Neola. Neola was saying that this Thursday is going to be her 30th Birthday. Happy Birthday Neola!

     

    Mel

    Mel,
     
    Your mother is looking great! We wish her a belated 85th birthday.
     
    Yes, Neola does have a birthday this coming Thursday December 8th. She mentioned something about being 30. Kind of hard to believe that her mother is 94 though and doing well.
     
    Gary
     
     
     
    Joke – Larry Hackman
    From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
     
    Gary’s attire for the formal gathering reminded me of an old joke. A
    group of people were invited out for supper to a fancy restaurant and
    one of the guys (I’m pretty sure it may have been Larry Hackman) wasn’t
    wearing a tie. When he approached the door, a big doorman stepped in
    front of him and told him he couldn’t enter without a tie. Larry argued
    that he didn’t have a tie but wanted to go in with the rest of his
    group, but the doorman refused. Larry is pretty sharp when it comes to
    redneck inventing so he headed back to the car to see what he could
    find. Nothing in the car resembled a tie but he did find a set of
    booster cables which he wrapped around his neck and fashioned into
    something that sort of looked like a tie and then he headed back to the
    door. He asked the doorman, “How’s this?” The doorman looked at Larry
    carefully and then said, “OK, I’ll let you in—but don’t start anything!”

    Dick

     
     
     
     
    Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
     
    John Belgarde Jr.
    (August 30, 1954 – November 28, 2011)

    Send FlowersSend Sympathy Card
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    JOHN BELGARDE JR.

    John Belgarde Jr. age 57 of Belcourt, died Monday in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the Church.

    John was born on August 30, 1954 to John and Margaret (Gillis) Belgarde in Heidelberg, Germany. He attended various schools throughout Germany, Korea and the United States. He graduated from Wayzata Senior High School in Minneapolis, MN. He attended the University of Minnesota, East Grand Forks Technical College and the Turtle Mountain Community College.

    John worked as a professional over the roads semi-truck driver for several years. He then went to work for the BIA and later on Ojibwa Indian School.

    John enjoyed hunting geese, fishing, snow skiing and riding Harley motorcycles. He often attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. He was an avid history buff, particularily about the history of WWII in the Pacific. He adored his pet dogs and cats.

    John was very traditional and enjoyed attending Powwows and was very proud of being a pipe carrier and participant of the Sun Dance Circle.

    He is survived by a daughter, Tina Belgarde of Phoenix, Az; son, John P. Belgarde III of Seattle, WA and Harley (Belgarde) Tacan of Brandon, MB; parents, John and Margaret (Gillis) Belgarde of Dunseith; brother, Mark R. Belgarde of Plymouth, MN; sister, Pam Belgarde of Cloquet, MN; and a nephew Maurice P. Smith II of Cloquet, MN and many extended family members

     
     
    Joke of the day
     

    Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
     
     
     
    		  

    12/05/2011

    Posted on by
    Happy Birthday Jerry Williams (54): Watertown, SD
     
     
    Reply from Pam Fassett Faust (’65): Lilburn, GA
     
    Happy Anniversary Gary & Bernadette! Frank and I will celebrate #39 later this month. Thanks again for all you do for the group. We all appreciate it and some have touched base with old friends that would otherwise never happened.
    Congratulatoins Pam with 39 years of marriage. Bernadette and I will always be catching up to you guys. Thanks, Gary
     
     
     
    Reply from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
     
    Gary and Bernadette,

    The years have been kind to you both. Nice looking couple and
    great folks! By the way, as the old timer would say—“Gary, you clean
    up pretty good.”

    Dick

    Thanks Dick. Kind of like coming in from the hay field and putting on a suit. Most of us guys had to dig way to the back of our closets to get our suits. There is not much need for them over here. The attire for this affair was formal. Being all dressed up, on the way out the door we snapped a few pictures at the house, all of which turned out really bad. Thank god for the facebook postings from all of our friends. Gary
     
     
    Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN
     
    Happy anniversary, Gary and Bernadette. I think the best sign of success or happiness is a long marriage. If so, you two are a fine example of that. Hope you have many more.
    Thanks Dennis, Gary
     

     
    August 4, 1973
    Martha Lamb (68) Wedding
     
     
     
     
    Previously posted with message 244 on 10/6/2008
     
     
    Folks,
     
    I received this article from Neola Kofoid Garbe yesterday, that she sent out to her Bottineau Bunch. This article was published in the Bottineau Courant in 2004. Salem Church is connected more to the Bottineau side, but I know many of you remember and can relate to Salem. Salem Church was our family church in my growing up days. Salem is located about 2 miles into Bottineau County on #43 and 7 or so miles east of Lake Metigoshe. During the summer months, Glen Rude unlocks the church doors, every morning, for the public to view. Arliss Rude Hagen’s parents were Albert & Gladys Rude. They lived a short distance east and on the south side of the road from the church. Glen currently lives on the home place. Their Brother Laverne is Married to Carrole Fauske (66). Arliss is married to Leonard Hagen, originally from Rolette. The Sunday school attendance chart is still hanging on the wall in the back of the church. My name and some of you on this distribution are listed on that chart. Arliss and Leonard did a really fine job restoring the whole church, both inside and out. Feel free to stop in and take a look if you are driving by. If the door is locked, Glen will let you in, if he is home.
     
    Note: This article does not mention that Arliss and Leonard lived in Woodenville/Bellevue, WA and owned & operated Hagen’s construction for nearly 40 years. They are professionals when it comes to building and remodeling.
     
    Gary
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Joke of the day

     

    The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a
    look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage, ‘Hey Doc, want
    to take a look at this?’

    The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was
    working on the motorcycle.

    The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, ‘So Doc,
    look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any
    damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like
    new.

    So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks
    $1,695,759 when you and I are doing basically the same work?’

    The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the
    mechanic…

    ‘ Try doing it with the engine running.

     

    		  

    12/04/2011

    Posted on by
    Reply from Chuck & Geri Metcalfe (’59) Munro: Fargo, ND
     
    Gary and Bernadette—Congratulations on your 33rd wedding anniversary! Neither of you have changed much; you must have taken very good care of each other all these years–just a beautiful wedding picture of the two of you, and nice to see the picture of your parents and uncle and aunt. You both deserve the very best. We love pictures.
    Geri ’59 and Chuck Munro
    Thank you Geri and Chuck, Gary

     

     

     

    Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

     

    Congratulations Gary and Bernadette. And to many, many more!

    Cheryl Larson Dakin

    Thank you Cheryl, Gary
     
     
     
    Reply from Aggie Casavent (69): Fort Mill, SC
     
    Gary and Bernadette,
     
    Congratulations on your many years of marriage…..couples like you are becoming more and more a rare group of people….very rare….Hope you have many more happy years ahead which I’m sure you will….
     
    God Bless you both,
     
    Sincerely,
    Ms. Aggie
    Thank you Ms. Aggie, Gary
     
     
     
    Reply from Paulette LaCoix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware
     

    Happy 33rd anniversary Bernadette and Gary! Loved seeing the pictures of your wedding. Thanks for sharing.

    Paulette Chisholm

    Thank you Paulette, Gary

     
    Folks,
     
    We were invited to a 60th birthday party of of good friend of ours, whose birthday is on our anniversary. Her husband had been planning her birthday celebration for longer than a year. Their children and Grandchildren came from Australia too. They made it a formal gathering so the ladies had their gowns and a lot of the guys their suits. There were about 90 folks in attandance, 45 of whom were from our group of friends. I have included a few pictures from last night below. It was a fun evening enjoyed by all.
     
    Gary
     
     
     
    Bernadette and Gary Stokes on their 33rd wedding anniversary
     
     
     
    A few of the gals from our group that attended the Birthday party
     
     
     
    Several of us guys got cut out of this picture. Not a wide enough angle lens.
    		 

    12/03/2011

    Posted on by
    No Posting yesterday.
     
    For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.
     
    Gary
     
     
     
    Folks,
     
    33 years ago today, I married Bernadette, a very beautiful and loving gal both inside and out. My how the years have passed.
     
    We were married in Our Saviors Lutheran church in Bremerton, WA. Dad’s brother Nels and his wife Helga were Bernadette’s stand in parents. They walked her down the Isle. My Parents along with Orvin Hagen came to Bremerton, via Amtrak, for our wedding. Following our wedding we had a reception at the Elks club. My parents rode with Nels and Helga from the Church to the Elks. Nels got lost, so they were a bit late getting to the reception.
     
     
    December 3, 1978 – Bernadette & Gary Stokes
     
     
    Nels & Helga Petterson Gary & Bernadette Stokes Bob & Elaine Stokes
     
     
     
     
     
    Reply From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
     
    Hi Gary,

     
    What a surprise to open the Blog yesterday and find my sister, Jan … and then this morning, the Turtle Mountain Star article. Thanks for thinking of us … and thanks for keeping all of us connected with our friends and relatives at home and elsewhere on the planet.

    Colette
     
     
     
     
    Holiday Craft Sale December 3rd
     

    Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

     

    Sherri Slyter Millang – Owner/manager of Sher’s Cafe, Lake Metigoshe
     
     
     
     
    Joke of the Day
    Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND.

    With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a
    65-year-old friend of mine was able to give birth. When she was
    discharged from the hospital and went home, I went to visit.

    ‘May I see the new baby?’ I asked

    ‘Not yet,’ She said ‘I’ll make coffee and we can visit for a while
    first.’

    Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, ‘May I see the new baby now?’

    ‘No, not yet,’ She said.

    After another few minutes had elapsed,

    I asked again, ‘May I see the baby now?’

    ‘No, not yet,’ replied my friend.

    Growing very impatient, I asked, ‘Well, when can I see the baby?’

    ‘WHEN HE CRIES!’ she told me.

    ‘WHEN HE CRIES?’ I demanded. ‘Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?’
    “BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, OK.”?

    		 

    12/01/2011

    Posted on by
    Happy Birthday Darrel Fassett (DHS ’47): Boynton Beach, FL
     
     
     
     
     
    Happy Birthday Don Boardman (DHS ’60): Bottineau, ND
     
     
     
     
    Published in the Turtle Mountain Times
    By Deborah Azure LaVallie (’67): Dunseith. ND
     
     

    Santa Clause comes to Dunseith, ND

    By Deborah LaVallie

    Santa Clause will be coming to Dunseith, as part of the First Annual Dunseith Winterfest, Saturday, December 3.In light of the recent tragedies, various people in the Community thought that this would be a perfect time for the people to come together to bring a little “hope” to the children, at a time when the community needs to “heal”.Santa will be giving out candy and fruit at 1 PM at the Turtle Mountain Outreach and the Turtle Mountain Youth Council offices near the Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Gallery.Coordinator, Claudette Counts was also instrumental in recruiting a Santa (Don Bercier) and Mrs. Santa, after a relentless search.There will be a Merchandise Bingo at the Dunseith City Hall at 1 PM that day, with Kim Marion, of the Nursing Home Auxilary coordinating it.Proceeds from this event will go to the Dunseith Nursing Home for Christmas gifts for the residents there.There will also be an Arts and Crafts Sale and Indian Taco Sale at the Peace Lutheran Church from 9 AM to 5 PM that will provide a”marketplace” for local “crafters” and entrepreneurs.

    It’s only through the efforts of people like Mayor Jessie Marion and his wife Kim, Wayne Barbot, President of the Dunseith Commercial Club, who donated $,1000 of candy, and, Claudette Counts, Coordinator of Turtle Mountain Outreach, whose program bought the oranges and apples and is also coordinating the Santa event, and, promoting the event, who made this First Annual Winterfest a reality.The idea of an annual Winterfest came about as a way to provide a little economic stimulus to this depressed community, (according to the 2000 Census, the East Dunseith Housing is one of the poorest communities in the Nation), but, the major focus was to get Santa to visit here for the children, during a time when many of our children go “without”.

    This wonderful story of how Santa came to Dunseith reminds me of the Author Charles Dickens who wrote, “A Christmas Carol”, “David Copperfield”, “A Tale of Two Cities”, and, so many more.Through his stories, documenting the harsh, brutal conditions of 19th Century England, where child enslavement was common, and, his efforts at “social reform”, he changed the lives of millions of brutalized children.It’s only through caring community members and volunteers bringing “people” together who can make “real” change in an impoverished, depressed community. Christmas is for the Children…and, bringing a little “hope” to the children of the Dunseith community could possibly, in some way make their lives better, even for that one moment when Santa Clause gives them a treat.Folks, I really do BELIEVE.

     

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
    Michael Kenny and I were the only guys at the Farewell gathering.
    I’d say we were lucky guys in the company of all these great women.