No blog the past two days

For the record I did not get a blog posted for the past two days.

Gary

Louise Boucher
Posting from Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75):  Minot, ND

Hi Gary:

I met Louise Boucher and her daughter, Janice Pederson, today.  Louise is married to Elmer Boucher’s brother (now deceased), and she’s also a sister to Ernie Cote.  Of course, she knew my parents as well as the Casavant’s, Boucher’s, Cote’s, Fugere’s, etc., from the Dunseith/Rolette/Bottineau area.  She is very interested in receiving the daily blog and any prior blogs you could send.  Louise doesn’t have email; however, her daughter Janice does.  Can you please add bobp@ to your list and they will pass along the daily blog emails to Louise. 

Thanks for everything you do, Gary!

Debbie Fauske

Thanks Debbie,

I have added Louise/Janice to our distribution.

Gary

Frances Hanson Morinville’s Brother (Five Generations)
Picture posted by Dewy Morinville (’72): Dunseith, ND

Need some help Identifying several of these folks.

   Five generations: Great Grandma, Harriet, Harry. Young boy?

Posting of the day
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

            Only fellow North Dakotan’s would “get” this bit of  humor! 

The following  advertisement appeared  this weekend  on the bulletin board 

of Bottineau’s very own Hometown Market, which is located on North Main Street. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________                                                             

                                                COD

            The piece that surpasses all understanding.

 Lutefisk Dinner(more information about the  annual Fall supper including potatoes,

lefse and pie on October 26 at the Towner Lutheran church)

 Remember, Lutefisk is the other white meat.

            ____________________________________________________________________

            I have been ‘smilin’ every since reading this.         I had to go back and read again

            NO, I’m not of Norweigian descent but I do enjoy my lutefisk,   fruit suppe’

            sandbakkles and lefse.

            Until later, Vicki

====================================
Blog (185) posted on August 8, 2008

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

The world is indeed getting smaller.  I just read Sybil Johnson has been added to your list (I’ve already sent an email to her.).  She/Auggie and family lived about four houses south of Wally/me in Minot when they/we lived on 22nd St. N.W.  Her youngest son was in my class.  I’m embarrassed I can’t think of his name.  Kelly is the only name that comes to mind, but that was Auggie/Sybils’s older son.  I believe he was killed in an accident at the Air Force Base when he was working there. Sad,  I remember their daughter well, too, but her name also eludes me.  I’m hoping she will reply and “fill me in” on what’s been going on in their lives these last years.  I can tell the years have passed since the Johnson family and I first met.  I see Sybil is a great grandmother.  When I first met them, her daughter was in elementary school.  Hi, Sybil.

I am so happy to hear Ann’s lung transplant went well.  As you know, the Birchwood, besides having a beautiful setting/decor, serves excellent food.  You most likely remember Floyd bought Dad’s garage in Bottineau when Dad retired.

Back to sorting pictures.

Neola

Request from Jean Eurich Roland:

Hi Gary.  I’m Jean (Eurich) Roland, a former Dunseithian!  I’ve heard oodles about your efforts and was wondering if you can add me to your mailing list.  My email addresses are:

I understand that my sister-in-law, Ann Pritchard, will be a topic of your communications in the coming days.

Thank you so much.  I look forward to further communication with you.

Regards – Jean

Jean L. Roland, RN, BSN, CPHQ
HCQIP Inpatient Project Coordinator
NDHCRI
800 31st Ave SW
Minot, ND  58701
phone: 701-852-4231
fax: 701-838-6009
e-mail:

Jean, Yes, Mona Johnson is keeping us updated with Ann’s Lung transplant.  Floyd/Ann are on our distribution list as well. Your family raised Floyd, so he is truly your brother.  Your cousin’s Dale and Carl Pritchard are also on this distribution list.  Gary

Ann Prichard’s updated condition from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

Gary:
I am told that Ann Pritchard is still in critical, but stable condition, but is showing slight improvement, following her lung transplant.

Mona Dionne Johnson

From Keith Pladson (66): 

Gary,

Thanks for the 1940 input on Ackworth.  One of the persons mentioned was my Uncle Willie Thompson.  Willie died at a fairly young age and thus I don’t remember him in person at all.  My mother spoke often of him.  He clearly was very important to her during her childhood.  I was not aware that he was ever at the Kramer CCC, so I found this rather interesting.   Uncle Willie was married and him and his wife (Rose?) had two children.  However, they lived in Wisconsin, so we had virtually no contact with them.  To the delight of all of my siblings and myself, Willie’s son (our cousin) Matthew attended our mother’s funeral in 2001.  It was the first time most of us had ever met him.  What a wonderful surprise and blessing that was.

Also mentioned in the item were my Grandmother Alice, my Aunt Esther and my Mother Ella.  I’m sure some of the readers of this blog remember my mother and all of her family.  Except for my Aunt Lillian who lives in Superior, WI, all of my mother’s family is now gone (the older generation, that is).  Interestingly, my mother and her older sister Esther were as close as sibling can be and until my mother’s death, they spoke to each other every day (either in person or by phone).

Thanks again, Gary, for including that little item.
Keith Pladson (Class of 66)

From Keith Pladson (66):

In reply to Crystal Fassett Andersen’s input on No. 81 (did you mean it to read No. 181 Gary?), my sister Fern Pladson Beaver (class of 67) is a member of the cast in some community theater production in the Devil’s Lake area.  Though I have not been able to attend any of the presentations (it’s a long drive from Virginia), she says she really enjoys her role and invites all friends, relatives or old acquaintances to come and enjoy their work.  My sister Florence Pladson Sime (class of 62) has been to one of the productions and could probably tell more about it.  How about some input Florence?

Keith Pladson (Class of 66)

Keith, That was meant to be issue No. (181), not (81). I noticed the mistake after I had sent the first two lists.  I have 7 distribution lists for sending these daily messages.  I am limited to 99 folks with each sending, so I have all you folks divided up into 7 distribution lists. I have a return copy sent to myself on each list, so I can monitor if they go through.  Gary

From Gary Morgan (54):

Gary & All,

A while back Mr. Lykins mentioned that Third Culture people often feel more comfortable  living overseas and that he had a heck of a time adjusting to living in the States.  Who isn’t uncomfortable living in our society of Godless schools and government, alternate lifestyles, political correctness and litigation hungry lawyers?  I’ve lived in the U.S. all my life and I still haven’t adjusted.

Gary Morgan

From Randy Flynn (70):

From Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Gary, the man in the picture with Mary Ann Hagen is Alvin Haagenson. He is Cheryl’s dad….

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary, the guy sitting by Mary Ann Hagen is Elvin Haagenson. This is in the

other photo from Neola. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Cheryl Haagenson (71): 

That handsome gentleman with Mary .Ann Hagen is Elvin Haagenson, my Dad.  He is 95 and lives at home with me in Dunseith.  He has lost most of his eye sight due to Glacoma

but still does well.  He stopped his Sun!day afternoon poker games a couple  months ago. Thanks for asking. He was surprised to hear that his picture was on the “machine” and said to get it out there who he was!  Thanks again Gary for all you do!
Cheryl Haagenson

From Florence Pladson Sime (62): 

Hi, the gal in the front row on the Azure picture is Christine,

who is a beautician. She has the white sweater on. The gal in the
back row with the red top on is Viola. She was married to Hartley
Carlson from Bottineau. She was a teacher at the Dunseith Day
School for many years.

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary, the picture of the Azure family has several I know–Red sweater in

the back row is Viola who was married to Hartley Carlson in Bottineau.
The gal on the front far right is Carol who runs Azure’s Store on the
Jack Rabbit road. The gal with the light hair runs a beauty shop next
door to the store, but I’m not sure of her name.Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): 

Top Row: Viola, Lois, Morris, Rosalie (Azure )Thomas

Sitting: Cecelia (Azure) Thomas, Delia, Fred, Christina and Carol Azure.             

Sitting L to R: Doug Manson-George Longie-Chuck Laducer-Kent Sayers-Leroy Jeannotte-Darly Laducer-and Daune Gourneau

2nd row: don’t know the first name? Wessel’s -Lillian Lafountain-Maryann Delorme-Pewe Jeannotte-Ron Trottier-Jeantte Grant-_______________?Freddie Blue

Standing L to R: Francis Thomas-Bob Gourneau-Duke Vettleson-Gary Falcon-Howard Longie-Joe Blue.

Reply to Hosmer Question
From Colette Hosmer (’64): Santa Fe, NM

Hi Rich,

I was wondering the same thing (re: Eric Hosmer).  From what I’m told, all Hosmer’s in America originated with two brothers who came over in the mid 1600’s so, in any case, we’re talking major “shirt-tail”.

Colette

Question
I see an Eric Hosmer playing for the Kansas City Royals in the World Series.  Any connection with the Dunseith Hosmer’s?

Violence and the Marysville, WA High School
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

For what it’s worth, as once again I throw in my 2 cent opinion.

As a small child, I lived in Marysville, WA.

I have wonderful memories mostly warm and fuzzy,

and one of deep sorrow of life there.

I  have always considered, Marysville my second home town.

Yesterday, the awful yuck feeling came over me when

hearing about the violence at Marysville-Pilchuk High School.

Sadness, swept upon me today, reading… family violence.

A young cousin pulled the weapon which murdered his own cousins.

Then, took his own life.

Un-believe-able

1 cousin murdering another?

What is going on?

Kids need examples within families;

How to converse when sad, mad, glad and scared.

How to talk and listen as adults taking responsibility for their actions,

Seeing and hearing respectful apologies,

And experience sweet forgiveness.

I am so fortunate to have received all those gifts  of love from my family,

from parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Vickie

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

Grandma’s Invitation 

Dear Family,

I’m not dead yet. Thanksgiving is still important to me. If being in my Last Will and Testament is important to you, then you might consider being with me for my favorite holiday.

Dinner is at 2:00.

Not 2:15.

Not 2:05.

Two. 2:00

Arrive late and you get what’s left over.

Last year, that moron Marshall fried a turkey in one of those contraptions and practically burned the deck off the house. This year, the only peanut oil used to make the meal will be from the secret scoop of peanut butter I add to the carrot soup.

Jonathan, your last new wife was an idiot. You don’t arrive at someone’s house on Thanksgiving needing to use the oven and the stove. Honest to God, I thought you might have learned after two wives – date them longer and save us all the agony of another divorce.

Now, the house rules are slightly different This year because I have decided that 47% of you don’t know how to take care of nice things. Paper plates and red Solo cups might be bad for the environment, but I’ll be gone soon and that will be your problem to deal with.

House Rules:

1. The University of Texas no longer plays Texas A&M. The television stays off during the meal.

2. The “no cans for kids” rule still exists. We are using 2 liter bottles because your children still open a third can before finishing the first two. Parents can fill a child’s cup when it is empty. All of the cups have names on them and I’ll be paying close attention to refills.

3. Chloe, last year we were at Trudy’s house and I looked the other way when your Jell-O salad showed up. This year, if Jell-O salad comes in the front door it will go right back out the back door with the garbage. Save yourself some time, honey. You’ve never been a good cook and you shouldn’t bring something that wiggles more than you. Buy something from the bakery.

4. Grandmothers give grandchildren cookies and candy. That is a fact of life. Your children can eat healthy at your home. At my home, they can eat whatever they like as long as they finish it.

5. I cook with bacon and bacon grease. That’s nothing new. Your being a vegetarian doesn’t change the fact that stuffing without bacon is like egg salad without eggs. Even the green bean casserole has a little bacon grease in it. That’s why it tastes so good. Not eating bacon is just not natural. And as far as being healthy… look at me. I’ve outlived almost everyone I know.

6. Salad at Thanksgiving is a waste of space.

7. I do not like cell phones. Leave them in the car.

8. I do not like video cameras. There will be 32 people here. I am sure you can capture lots of memories without the camera pointed at me.

9. Being a mother means you have to actually pay attention to the kids. I have nice things and I don’t put them away just because company is coming over. Mary, watch your kids and I’ll watch my things.

10. Rhonda, a cat that requires a shot twice a day is a cat that has lived too many lives. I think staying home to care for the cat is your way of letting me know that I have lived too many lives too. I can live with that. Can you?

11. Words mean things. I say what I mean. Let me repeat: You don’t need to bring anything means you don’t need to bring anything. And if I did tell you to bring something, bring it in the quantity I said. Really, this doesn’t have to be difficult.

12. Domino’s and cards are better than anything that requires a battery or an on/off switch. That was true when you were kids and it’s true now that you have kids.

13. Showing up for Thanksgiving guarantees presents at Christmas. Not showing up guarantees a card that may or may not be signed.

In memory of your Grandfather, the back fridge will be filled with beer. Drink until it is gone. I prefer wine anyway. But one from each family needs to be the designated driver.

I really mean all of the above.

Love You, Grandma.

====================================
Blog (183) posted on August 6, 2008

From Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

Gary:

Floyd Pritchard’s wife, Ann, received her transplant lung ! last
evening/night, and her daughter, Pam, says she responded to staff and is
back under sedation for the day.  Wonderful !  I am sure the family
would appreciate prayers, prayers and more prayers for her recovery and
reception of her new lung.  I am so happy for her.
Mona Dionne Johnson (48)

Ann, I was not aware of any health problems you are experiencing.  I hope all goes well with your new lung. Our prayers are with you.  Gary

Folks, Floyd and Ann are the owners of the Birchwood up at Lake Metigoshe. Gary

Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): 

Hi Gary,

I am using my daughter Roxane’s computer, she’s the daughter who lives right next to us. Michaela lives closer to us now also, she moved to Belcourt a couple weeks ago.

Our summer vacation will be over on Monday, back to work we go.  School begins on the 20th of August. This school year we will see some changes in our school.  The Elementary will have a big school all to our selves as the Middle School has moved to the old High School because the new High School was occupied last school year.
I’ll write again.  Nice to hear from all of you.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (“65)

Ginger, It’s great to hear from you. I am glad that you are getting these messages all the time now.  We thoroughly enjoyed seeing you and your sisters last summer.  Bernadette really enjoyed your company and was so glad she met and learned to know you and your sisters.  Gary

Request from Trish Larson Clayburgh (73): 

Hi Gary and Sybil,

This will serve as your introduction to each other.  Gary, I met Sybil in Cheyenne, Wyoming today and learned that she was married for many years to Augie Johnson from Dunseith.  (Sybil was from Minot).  She would like to be added to the “Gary blog”, and her email address is:

Sybil’s husband was a cousin to Don Johnson, Dick’s father, and is living in Minot.  We had a good time noticing what a small world it is, and she will no doubt know many of the folks that write in, or are written about.

Sybil, I hope you enjoy reading the stories and tidbits that people submit through this wonderful web connection.  I bet it stirs up a ton of memories for you, as it has for all of us that can’t wait to read the daily post.

Thanks Gary once again for all you do!

Trish

Reply/Omission/Correction form Bob Lykins (DHS teacher – mid 60’s): 

Interesting.  Cyber-space does some fascinating things.  What you highlighted in red begins and ends a whole piece on characteristics that I sent in my message.  I pointed out that living overseas gives us a greater insight into other cultures and other ways of thinking.  It builds in us a higher tolerance for alternate ways of life.  We tend to be bi-lingual while other people in the world, for the most part, speak only one language.  I also pointed out that the nuclear family was much closer and tended to do more things together as a family unit while the extended family had less influence on us.  I also said that those students who spent their high school years in schools overseas tended to gravitate towards occupations that would bring them back overseas as this was “home” to them.
Folks who live their whole lives in the U.S. have a hard time understanding this concept.  Those of us who have spent much of our lives growing up, and/or living, and working overseas can relate to this all too well.  It gives us an identity rather than leaving us wondering if we fit anywhere.  We are “Third Culture.”

Bob

Gary,

Bob Lykins reply to Diane Larson Sjol: 
Reply to Diane Larson Sjol.

It is obvious that you have found an occupation through which you can put your lessons from living overseas to good use.  This is not at all surprising as this is the trend of young people who have grown up overseas.  My two oldest children, who grew up in Japan and Germany, have gone on to such occupations.  My son is with the Department of State and my daughter studied and sang opera overseas.  She later also enlisted in the Air Force as a linguist.

As for my writings, you might try obtaining my most concise summary which can be found in the Kappa Delta Pi “RECORD,” Winter issue, 1986, pages 39-43.  I have more recent work but this is a better summary.  If you send me your mailing address I will send you a copy.

My studies have dealt primarily with the effects of living overseas on students and my writings reflect this.  However, these characteristics apply to adults as well.  Once Third Culture, always Third Culture.

Where did you live in Germany?  I lived for 28 years in the Wiesbaden area working at Lindsey Air Station.  I also worked at the Abrams Complex in Frankfurt and at Rhein Main Air Base.  No doubt we were “in country” at the same time and our paths probably crossed on occasion.  I worked for DoDDS and as an education coordinator traveled to all of the elementary and secondary schools giving workshops and working on curriculum.  I was also active in overseeing and running several student activities at the Germany level such as the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Seminars for students and Model United Nations.

It’s always great to touch base with a TCK (Third Culture Kid).  You may want to do a Web search on the “Third Culture.”  When I first started doing research in the subject, in the earIy 1980’s, I was one of a very few doing so.  Today there are many.  Even an outfit called Third Culture Family Services exhists in Pasadena, CA.  Probably one of the best works I have read recently is the book, “THIRD CULTURE KIDS: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds,” by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken, Intercultural Press, Inc., 2001.  It is good material and presents a nice listing of resources and bibliography.  It’s an easy read.

Glueck haben und Auf Wiedersehen.

Bob Lykins

Reply from Keith Pladson (66):

Gary/Ivy Eller Roberts,

I don’t go online everyday as some (perhaps most?) do, so had not read your input, Ivy, until today (No. 180).  Wow!  I knew many actors had served in uniform, but not all of the ones you named.  You are so right about the current crop of actors and actresses we have.  Interestingly, many of them are also in the 14 percentile of the population who would like to see all reference to God, Jesus Christ and the Ten Commandments removed from any and all Government monuments, edifices, publications, money, etc.  Hmmm…
Keith Pladson

Reply from Glen Williams (52): 

Gary…That was a great article on the 1953 football squad….Thanks to Gary Morgan..

Gary mentioned that Virgil Vanorney  volunteered to coach the 1950 football squad to teach team members football basics,  prior to our new paid coach arriving…that is true as far as it went….

What he forgot to mention was that his dad, Ken Morgan, also helped with the pre-season coaching duties…it was the combination Ken Morgan and Virgil Van.. that got the team off on the right track…as Gary mentioned …..

I think the team members all believed that if the two of them had continued as coaches we would have had a much better season in 1950 and 1951….

I believe it was not until Lincoln Jerstad  (sp) became coach that the team really started having winning seasons…

So thanks to Ken and Virg…. They taught the new team all of the football basics….

Glen Williams class of 1952….

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

The 1950 football picture and stories got me remembering some later
football playing we did at DHS. I don’t remember the year exactly, but
about 65-66 we were having a problem keeping Marvin Kalk from going
offside (crossing the line before the ball was hiked). Marvin was a big
guy and was one of us linemen. Real often he would tear into the
opposition as soon as the quarterback started his rundown. We even held
onto his jersey but he just couldn’t wait and often caused us a
penalty.. Other than that, he was a good player. One time the coach
asked how we were going to keep Marvin from jumping the gun? I think it
was Frank Evans who said, “Let him play center, he won’t go before he
hikes the ball”! It worked well, but Marvin would watch between his legs
to see if the quarterback caught the ball and the opposition would turn
him nearly inside out just about every time he hiked the ball! As we
charged the line we could hear poor Marvin howling on the bottom of the
pile, on the line! But he did his job and never went offside again!
Darrel Fassett mentioned the rivalry between Dunseith and Rolla. It was
the same when we played and probably still is! I remember when in a game
in Rolla, one of the Rolla players grabbed Dave Shelver’s face guard and
yanked it over backward! He could have broken Dave’s neck! Several of
the Dunseith fans ran out on the field in protest and here came the
Rolla folks! I remember it being quite tense for a while as the refs
tried to calm things down. It was so cold, and light snow was falling,
that the quarterback borrowed a pair of gloves to try to hold on to the
ball! Tempers still flared when stuff like this took place, even on a
cold miserable night back in about 1962! Thanks Gary!

Dick

The following pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

This is a picture of my Dad, Bob Stokes, and Lloyd Awalt carrying “Old Glory”, the United States Flag, in the annual memorial day parade in Bottineau.  From as far back as I can remember, Dad was in that parade, every year, and always carried “Old Glory”. Heaven forbid if he saw anyone anywhere mishandled, abused or even misfold the American flag. Dad and Lloyd were Ligonier partners for years.  Dad and Lloyd conducted and participated in many military funerals in the Bottineau area. Dad is now deceased (Aug. 2000).  Lloyd continues to be a very devout legionnaire and VFW member. Dad had the honor of having Lloyd fold and present the American flag to his family at his burial at the Ackworth Cemetery.  I never asked Lloyd, but I kind of think dad requested him to do that, knowing that he would do it right and he did.  Dad’s flag is now displayed, every memorial day, on his post, at the Bottineau cemetery.  Gary

Question
From Rich Campbell (’68):  Minot, ND.

Gary,

I see an Eric Hosmer playing for the Kansas City Royals in the World Series.  Any connection with the Dunseith Hosmer’s?

Rich Campbell

Joke of the day

A man goes to the bar on a cruise ship and

fact, this one is on me.’

would like to buy you a drink, too.’

The old man says ‘Thank

I want a Scotch with two drops of water.’

Coming up’ says the bartender.’

would like to buy you one, too.’

I want another Scotch with two drops of water.’

however, is a whole other issue.’

====================================
Blog (183) posted on August 6, 2008

        Happy Birthday Dale Evans: Algona, WA.

The Fall Colors
Posted by Don Martel (DHS Principal): Rosemount, MN

The fall colors here are the most beautiful I ever remember seeing.

The pictures were taken in our yard here in Rosemount, MN, yesterday.

Don

Story
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town.  From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family.  The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family.  In my young mind, he had a special niche.

My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.

But the stranger…  he was our storyteller.  He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future!  He took my family to the first major league ball game.  He made me laugh, and he made me cry.  The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn’t seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.

(I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them.

Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home – not from us, our friends or any visitors.  Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad didn’t permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis.  He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex.  His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger.  Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked …  And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family.  He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first.  Still, if you could walk into my parents’ den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?….

We just call him ‘TV.’

(Note: This should be required reading for every household!)

He has a wife now….we call her ‘Computer.’

Their first child is “Cell Phone”.

Second child “I Pod “

And BORN NOT LONG AGO WAS A GRANDCHILD – IPAD

HOW TRUE THIS IS!!!

====================================
Blog (181) posted on August 4, 2008

Reply From Darrel Fassett (47): 

What Gary Morgan didn’t tell you about that football team was that they turned into a very good team.  I  followed the progress of the team(via Turtle Mountain Star) and they and Rolla were both pretty good.  Gary was the Dunseith running back and Rolla also had a very good back.  Of course, the Rolla player got all the ink. Since I had worked with both Gary and Dick at the lumber yard I had to come watch the game when the two teams met.  Early in the game the two met whie Gary was carrying the ball and Gary ran right over him.  After that it was a rout.  I don’t remember the score but it was large in favor of Dunseith.  I bet Gary remembers the score.  At that time there was an intense Rolla-Dunseith rivalry( maybe still is) so that made it even better. Gary was too modest to tell you that they became a very good football team.

From Gary Morgan (54): 

Gary & All,

Thinking back to my freshman and sophomore years in high school….we never had cars to cruise like you younger people.  Mostly, we would hang out in the bowling alley or wander down to the Crystal Cafe.  Some of the older guys might go to the pool hall.
Once in a great while, Donnie Hiatt would get his dad’s pickup.  He would pick up Jerry Williams and myself and sometimes Jimmie Footit and with the three or four of us jammed in the pickup, it would be off to Bottineau to pick up girls.  Those Bottineau girls were really a bunch of snobs.  There might be three or four of them walking down the sidewalk and we would pull over to the curb and throw them the only pick up line we knew..”Do ya want a ride?”.  They never did and only once did one actually flee, but that was probably because she was alone.  It could be thirty below and they still wouldn’t get in.
Looking back now, I can’t help but wonder if the stock rack with the cow crap up and down the sides might not have been a disadvantage.  I think it may have somehow intimidated them.

Gary Morgan

From the Turtle Mountain Star archives

This shoud bring back a few memories for some of you folks.

A lot of the rest of you are related to or knew of these folks.  Gary

  February 15, 1940

No blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

    Happy Birthday Beth Fauske Duncan (DHS ’67): Yorkville, Ill

Happy Birthday Carol Robert Braun (DHS ’69): Oseceola, WI

====================================
Blog (181) posted on August 4, 2008

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply (Gary Cota): 

Gary,

I see no one has answered Neola’s question about Gary Cota’s family. His
wife, Darla, is from Deering, ND and her maiden name is Brummond. The
older of their sons is Maynard, the younger is Dean. Gary is now retired
and  lives in Dickinson, ND. He is battling both cancer and loss of his
eyesight. I called and talked to him a couple months back and he said he
only has about 10% of his sight left. He was still upbeat though, even
with all the problems. His sons live in Grand Forks and Bismarck the
last I heard. Gary is my mother’s first cousin, as their mothers were
sisters. Gary graduated from DHS in 1956. He said they don’t have a
computer so no email. I think they would like to have the picture that
Neola found. I suppose their mailing address is on the master list you
compiled. Thanks!

Dick

Folks, I got Gary Cota’s phone number from Dick.  I just talked to him. He has a few health problems and he told me he is 90% blind, but he is upbeat.  He was really glad to get my call. He does not have email, but his phone number is 701- 290-2550. He gave me permission to give it out to all of you folks. I know he’d love to hear from you guys.  Gary

From Crystal Fassett Andersen (70): 

Hi ! Dale & I just returned from our annual retired postmaster get together. Each year we try to attend one of ND wonderful small community theaters. Last year we all gathered here in Walhalla for the play at Frost Fire,our local theater. This year we went to Ft.Totten to se “Hello Dolly!” and lo and behold who was the male lead ,but none other that Dunseith class of 71 graduate Gary Fulsebakke. He was superb!!! He and Art Rude,Don Berg & Alan Henning were our boys quartet during our high school years and my sister Paula was their accompanist,so I was thrilled to see Gary perform. If you still live in the state or are back for a visit,I would make this a stopover. A lot of talent came out of Dunseith,so any of you who were the lucky ones to have this talent,please let the rest of us know where and when you are displaying your talents. If I am anywhere close,I will be there. This goes for you,Dick & Brenda. I am only on the “other” side of the state!!!   Thanks again  Gary. Crystal Fassett Andersen

Request from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Gary,

Would you please add my dad, Norman Larson to your email list?  He

will really like getting them from you…he graduated from Bottineau
in 1943 and he and my mom got married in Dunseith and my mom and Leona
Hosmer were sisters (Verdellis Richard)..so that is his connection
with Dunseith and he knows alot of people. there…his email address
is

Thanks. Diane

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Hi everyone,

I have to comment on Shelver’s Drug store.  I remember sitting and
twirling around on those stools while waiting for my cherry
coke…those were the best floats and sodas around….I also remember
some of the candy we got there and the wonderful smell of that store.
I can’t go down main street in Dunseith without looking for it, the
bakery and Hosmer’s.

I really appreciated the photos of the stars and their contributions
to our armed service…I never knew that and will forward the info to
my dad who will get a kick out of it.  Also, Gary, please add my
sister Norma (Larson) Vaughn’s email to the list.  She attended schook
in Dunseith too when we were kids but only went to the first grade
there. She will be home on Tuesday the 5th and we will make our pit
stops in Dunseith…Thanks again for this forum.  It means alot.

Diane

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

        Happy Birthday Lee Stickland (DHS ’64): Dickinson, ND

      Happy Birthday Karen Loeb Mhyre (’65): Bellevue, WA

Bottineau First Lutheran Lutefisk dinner
Message from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):

Gary,

My son Brady and I had the privilege of dining at the same table as your brother Darrel and wife Debby at the First Lutheran lutefisk and meatball supper.

Angus Campbell was also at our table.  I was asking your brother if you were a lutefisk eater and he wasn’t sure.  He shared that your dad loved it and when he came to a lutefisk supper,  he came to eat only lutefisk.  I’d say my dad was the same way.  Anyway we didn’t have any pictures of the dining to share, but rest assured that we didn’t have a lot of color on the plate, unlike those you often share of your dining excursions. 

We enjoyed it just the same

We are looking forward to a week of nice weather in North Dakota.  The seven day forecast is calling for highs in the upper sixies all week.

Darrel and Debby shared that Bernadette has been having some poor days.  I was sure sorry to hear it.

Thanks for all you do – we can’t say it enough.  Bill Hosmer said it well.  Take care.  LeaRae Parrill Espe

LeaRae,

I used to love the meatballs, but not the lutefisk. I am not a seafood lover. I see seafood, but I don’t eat it and I live in the Philippines too with an abundance of seafood.  Dad wasn’t much of seafood eater either, but lutefisk he loved.

Speaking of Angus Campbell, I saw a recent picture of him standing next to a combine out in the field posted on Face Book by Audrey Wilhelm.  He looks great at 89. Wonderful man.

Bernadette has been feeling a bit better the past several days. Tonight is our monthly Cebu Expat dinner of which she will be attending along with me of coarse and her nieces Novie, Mirasol and Edelyn. Our daughter-in-law Lorelie will be with us too. I currently have 104 on the list that plan to attend tonight’s dinner, so it will be a fun one.

Yes, Bill Hosmer said it well.

Gary

Reply to Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68)
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi  Lola,  Thanks   so  much  for  allowing  Paulette  to   share   your   story.   It  was  very   interesting  to   travel  down  memory  lane  with  you.

As  hard  as  some  of  those  days  sounded, in  spirit   they  seemed  like  better  days than  today.  Just  plain  and  simple  and  uncomplicated  in  so  many  ways ….like what  our  parents  use  to  call  the  good  old  days. 😉

Thanks  again  for  sharing. Blessings….. Aggie  Casavant’

Corrected  Recollections from my aunt Leona
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

On this bright sunny morning, whilst the dogs are in the yard, again in search of  the elusive Mr. Squirrel I sat paging through the Bottineau Centennial book.

As I scanned the book, my finger ran across a name.  I began to be bombarded with recollections, the many stories of Aunt Leona (Metcalfe)Oswell.  Her first home on the shore of Rabbit City lake, famiy, friendships, school………work.

The places where she worked out as a young teenager, the  Lillebys, the Leonards, the Magnusons of Bottineau,  The Dunseith Bakery and the home of  Morris and Vic Seim in Upham.

Leona was between my dad and Uncle Emil in age. She was the first in our big  Metcalfe  clan to graduate from Dunseith High School!

After her fathers death in 1935, Leona moved with her mother Rose, brothers Emil, Cliff and little sister Jean into a chicken coop on Dunseith’s East side.  Her mother, Rose began creating a cozy home for the family. Rose could cook, sew, decorate artistically, and creatively. As I understand, from the many stories of  her daughters, Grandma Rose  was the epitome of “Shabby Chic”.  As a wee child I remember her smell.  She always smelled of flowers whenever enveloped in a hug!

So it was, Rose  (LeDieux) Metcalfe, re-started  her life once again Dunseith, now a single working mother.

Rose as a child, had been taught meticulous stitching, crocheting and embroidery  by the Grey Nuns, while living at the Fort Totten Indian Boarding school. Sewing became one of her many talents.

Mrs. Hannah Rude was a supervisor of the WPA new deal program; a government sewing program created by the Roosevelt administration. And, Rose Metcalfe began working there. Mrs. Rude took an avid interest in the family. She took young Jean under her wing and fostered interest in Leona and her mother Rose to attend Dunseith Lutheran church.

As I write, I recall, Mrs. Annie (Tooke) Nicholson, a gold star mother, clasping my hand at Peace Lutheran church, telling me often, of  Grandma Roses’ musical talent. And how she loved when Rose Metcalfe called a square dance.

Leona said, “We would walk into church, often late, following mother, who opened the door singing on pitch.”  I from sweet  memory,recall the voice, “In the Garden”and “Whispering Hope.”.

Until later.Vickie

“Then grab your partner, dosey doe, swing him around and don’t let go! … (It comes from the French ‘dos-à-dos,’ meaning back-to-back) 

This just such an awesome rendition of this song- if you listen to every word and think about it — it is so the truth!!-  this is my favorite song of all time!!_ –thanks VIckie for sending it– 

It amazes me how they sing alcapella   and the bagpipes  just add so much!!_

From: “Vickie Metcalfe”

Once again wonderful music .

http://biggeekdad.com/2010/12/amazing-grace-il-divo/

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Blog (179) posted on August 2, 2008

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

Gary,

Boy, I don’t know what is happening to my submissions but, when I send them, they look error free and then when I read them in your e-mails they have dropped paragraphs and symbols where some corrections have been made.  It doesn’t look good for an old typing teacher.  Must be my computer and how I am approaching corrections and additions.  Maybe Bill Grimme has some thoughts.

Bob

Reply to Bob Lykins from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Reply to Bob Lykins,

Thanks for that great explanation Bob. It really makes sense to me
now.  It explains my interest in transcultural nursing.  As a nurse
and nursing instructor, I try to teach the importance of other
cultures and honoring their traditions.  It is very conducive to
healing when we follow the customs and traditional beliefs of others
in providing them care.  I too could go on and on about this subject.
I would love to read some of your articles. How can I get ahold of
them?  Moving around the world instilled a love in me for other
people.  I find that I am a “people person” and very interested in
different ways of life.  I love Germany and would live there and
practice nursing there for a couple years if it would be possible.
But let me say that wherever I have gone I have always proudly told
others that I am an American.  In spite of the turbulent times our
country is going through, I am proud to be an American.  We are free
to do as we want….in everything.  No one tells us how to “be”.  What
has allowed us to keep our freedom are the men and women who stand up
for it and fight for it every day without being asked to.  People like
all of you are what this country is all about.  We help each other, we
learn from each other, we support each other, we love each other.  Who
woulda thunk it?  Just remember…. Margaret Mead, famed
anthropologist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the
only thing that ever has.”  I think we are on our way.  Diane

The Shelver’s – From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

It was once said by someone, that the only thing that doesn’t change the
fact that everything changes. It is true, but it seems to me that
progress has stolen much of our history. One thing that comes to mind is
the soda fountain that was in Shelver’s Drug for many years. We met
there after school and had chocolate or cherry Cokes just about every
day. Edna Leonard and Glen and Annabelle Shelver would serve us some of
the best drinks in the country. I remember they also had Green River
Lime and Mission Orange, but I always had chocolate Coke! They also had
ice cream sundaes and malts and other items. The booths and stools, as
well as the counter were original varnished wood and were beautiful dark
wood. When the drugstore was remodeled in the early 60s, this was all
removed to update the drugstore to a much more modern building. They
then had just a pop machine and for a while we still gathered there for
a bottle of pop, but something was definitely missing! When driving
through Dunseith, I nearly always remember the good times we had at the
drugstore and now even the building is gone.We have recreated a soda
fountain, with booths and back counter, at the Rolette County Museum
site in St John. We even have a very old ‘Shelver Drug’ sign displayed
with it! The museum is open every Sunday from 2-4 and by appointment
anytime! This is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so if you are in
the area stop in or give us a call and we will show you through the
buildings and displays. My number is 701-263-4564 and Mel’s is
701-477-5819. If we aren’t able we will find you a guide. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Message/Picture from Gary Morgan (54): 

Gary & All,

Attached is a snapshot of the entire 1950 football team that my mother took after we had beaten Belcourt in our first game of the season.  We had previously thumped Towner in a practice scrimmage so we were on a roll.  Back row: Billy Leonard, Marshall Awalt, Clayton McKay, Bob Leonard, Jerry Blake, Don Hiatt & Stephen Renault.  Front row: Gary Morgan, Eddie Leonard, Dick Morgan, Jerry Williams, Glen Williams & Don Hosmer.  White jersey: Barry Shelver.  We only had 12 game uniforms so Barry, being only a lowly 8th grader didn’t get one.  However, in the next game, against Leeds, Stephen got his nose broken, a not uncommon  occurrence in those days, and was out for the season.  This was a good thing for Barry cuz now he got a game uniform.  I don’t know why Bill missed the team picture.  This was the first football team Dunseith fielded since before the war and we took our lumps.  We played Belcourt twice so got two wins but were humiliated by Leeds 60-13 and also beaten by Rolla, Towner and Bisbee twice for a record of 2-5.  We were competitive in all but the Leeds game.
The next year, we won our first two games but in the second one, against Rolette, Don Hosmer’s head met Eddie Leonard’s knee and they were both knocked out of action.  Since we only had three subs to start with, including 90 lb. Barry Shelver and 75 lb. Gary Woodford, we had to cancel the rest of the season.
Janice is right.  Old school friends are special.

Gary Morgan

Letter from Patrick Godfrey from the the class of 1950 – Phone (712) 322-8770

Note: Patrick does not have email.

Happy Birthday Bob Leonard (DHS 1951): Dunseith, ND

Military Service
Reply from Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

 Note: Your reply Bill I felt was worthy of added exposure, so I posted it on my Face Book page. https://www.facebook.com/gary.stokes.18

I have pasted below a comment from that posting that is worthy taking note of from a good friend of mine.

Thanks Bill for this reply. You always focus your main attention to others in your conversations highlighting their successes. That is the kind of a guy you are. Bill, many of us cannot hold a candle to you and all of your successes and that is a fact.  Gary

Gary and North Dakota friends. 

I have to say on this my 84th birth date that so many of you have given praise to people who served and serve now in military units.  This seems to me to be a characteristic of patriotism that we Northern North Dakota folks have always maintained, even in controversial times. 

    I can remember in the first times of WW II, our young men were leaving our tight community and going to places far away and dangerous.  The guys my age joined the Boy Scouts, collected paper, and other items to be sent somewhere to help. We bought War Bonds, Savings Stamps, became a unified community and country because the young men in our area were going to war.  When our guys came home to Dunseith after their training, to go to war, we were in awe. I remember so many names: Norman Fassett Marine Corps, who was on the invasion of Iwo Jima. A deadly place where the flag eventually was raised on Mount  Surabachi. His brother Bill Fassett in the South Pacific in the Air Corps. Allen Campbell a tail gunner on B-17s in England flying bombing missions over Europe, Swede Lindy a sailor on a Naval ship in the Pacific that was attacked by Kamakazi Japanese aviators killing them selves in the glory of the emperor, Emerson Murray, whose dad Ray ran the creamery on main street, Wayne Williams in the Army in the European campaign.  Clarence Hagen who was in the invasion of Sicily and Italy, Harold Korbel who used to work for Steve and Jenny Cook at the original Kelvin who was a fighter pilot flying P-47s in Europe.  The Johnson brothers, older than Chuck and I who served in the Air Corps, and Navy-Bob, Warren and Roger.  Loyd Awalt who was in the Navy in the Pacific arming fighters with ammunition to do their mission. Vance Bailey, who started the Dunseith Blog through his own interest in our community history served in the Navy.  There were more, and among them were our Tribal members from Dunseith and Belcourt who served courageously, and honorably, and gained the respect of all of us.  That war had full support of the citizenry, as it should have, because it was an obvious

    Korea and Vietnam wars were not accepted by our population, but our citizenry in ND showed care for those who served, despite the political stance.  Whenever I came home on a furlough between trips to Vietnam, there was unqualified friendship and support from everyone in my home town.  There were other things going on in the country which were more dramatic in negativity.  Marshal Awalt , Our Tremendous Gary Stokes, and I served in that fracas, as did many more, like Aime Casavant who was a crew chief on F-4 aircraft in Thailand and South Vietnam. 

   In my senior years, I f eel like saying something that reflects my admiration for all of you on this blog, your parents, your grandparents, your children and your grand children.  It is a gift to realize the sensational community that raised me, supported me, and gives me friendship, even after all these years. 

  In my own way, I salute this readership, and all your parentage.  Keep doing the positive stuff, forget the negative stuff, and remember where you came from.

Thanks for being who you all are.  Bill Hosmer

Reply from my good Puget Sound Shipyard Colleague in the Scheduling department.
Mark Moshay:  Bremerton, WA.

 Posting of the day
From Jim Kofoid:  Bottineau, ND

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, ‘Good morning Alex.’

 ‘Good morning Pastor,’ he replied, still focused on the plaque. ‘Pastor, what is this? The pastor said, ‘Well son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.’ Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, ‘Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?’ 

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Blog (179) posted on August 2, 2008

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s reply to Gary’s comments from yesterday: 

It’s sad, but Doris Kessler is now living at Good Sam.  I’m not sure of her mental abilities now–I think they are slipping somewhat.  I visit with her sometimes when I see her there–say “hi” for sure.

Neola

Neola, I am so sorry to hear of Doris’s condition.  She was such a mentally sharp lady.  Gary

From Bob Lykins (DHS Teacher – mid 60’s): 

Gary and all,

In response to Diane Larson Sjol’s comments regarding living military.  People such as Diane have an identity of their own.  It is called people of the 3rd culture.  Gary, you are Third Culture, I am Third Culture.  Anyone who lives and works in a culture not of their own, nor do they intend to become a part of the host culture, is called a Third Culture person.  Our first culture is that in which we have been raised.  Our second culture is any culture in which we have lived.  The effects of living in a host culture give rise to a third culture person.   Gary, you live in the PI, Diane has traveled the world as a member of a military family, I have lived and worked in Japan and Europe with DoD schools.  Living this way of life builds in us certain characteristics that set us apart from the general population.   One is that we are very well traveled and have experienced a variety of situations which has taught& r to return to a Third Culture Community.  Approximately 70% of them accomplish this by enlisting in the military or working for the government overseas, obtaining employment with International business, or as missionaries.  To a Third Culture person returning home often times means returning overseas where they have been raised.  This is not being anti-American.  In fact, like Diane and the rest of us, we are fiercely patriotic.  It is just that we feel more comfortable in a Third Culture environment.  I must confess that I have had a heck-of-a-time adjusting to living back in the States and I look forward to returning to Germany for a couple of months in the fall.  I could go on and on about this subject since it has been and continues to be one of my studies.  I have written several articles and lectured widely to governmental institutions and international business concerns on this subject.  It answers a lot of questions by people

Bob Lykins

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Ele’s forward was right on down to a tee! Don Martel’s forward about the
Ten Commandments is also right on. I’ve always wondered what these
people think our laws were based upon! Where would you have gotten the
idea that stealing and killing and other crimes were wrong if it wasn’t
from the Ten Commandments? I think lawyers and judges have confused
themselves as to where the laws are founded! Common sense is fading in
our legal system. Dad always said that nothing is so simple that a
lawyer can’t complicate it! I think he was right! Thanks Gary, Ele, and Don!

Dick

Message/Pictures from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): 

Gary,

So many people in the Dunseith area seem to have a tie to Washington state.
We went to Port Townsend, WA for 10 days the first part of July and visited
“Hurricane Ridge” where there are many beautiful snow capped peaks and hills
flocked with spring flowers.  The mountains, while we were there, were
filled with smoke from the California fires. They weren’t as visible as they
might be.  I shared pictures of our trip with Lola Metcalfe Vanhorny and she
wrote back with interesting family memories.  She gave me permission to
share them with the “Gary Blog.” Feel free to post her story or any of the
pictures I sent along.

Tim, Many of your gabbier classmates are very excited and happy to hear the
good news about you.  We hold you in healing light.

To our service people, we cannot thank you enough. Thank you for sharing and
please tell us more about your experiences in Viet Nam or the Middle East.
Whenever we fly we always give a round of applause for any person we see in
uniform.
Thanks Gary,
Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

Paulette, I have pasted Lola’s lovely letter below.

I know that area of Washington state really well.  I lived in Bremerton, located on the Olympic Peninsula, for 37 years.

Bremerton is just an hours ferry ride across the sound, to the west, from Seattle. Gary
Lola,

Wow, what a story! Thanks for sharing that. I never knew all this went on.
Those paths we don’t take…  I thought this a good
story to share with the Dunseith blog, but of course would leave that up
to you.
Paulette

(Lola Metcalfe Vanorny’s (68) reply)
I remember in 1961 we went to Seattle to  my brothers  (jim jr)
graduation

for his masters-  he worked at Boeing–  and   to Denny Creek in the
cascades for a picnic with all the MEtcafe relatives– they mostly settled
in Seattle–  I loved  it there!  anyway–  –  gorgeous!– my parent s
moved to Seattle in 1939 cause Gary had asthama  so bad and  after he was
about a few months old —  he had spent almost his entire life in the
hospital   –   the dr in Bottineau –  told my folks that he would not
survive if they didn’t leave this climate!– soo they sold everything they
had and paid the dr bill to the bottineau hospital  it took everything
they made on their sale–  except enough to buy a pickup   and moved to
seattle–  —  this is as I remember from what my Mom told me—

— Dad started out with a wheel barrow digging basements and then as the
war ended,    the cement era  came into being and he started a construction
company and poured cement all over the Seattle area and Alaska– –but Mom
said their weekend was  always   picnics at Denny Creek!! in the
Cascades–   —

When we visited it was just like a dream!!!_   gorgeous!!!!! — water so
clear you could see to the bottom of the creek and we walked across a log
and watched the fish etc – rocks — it will be forever  burned on my
mind–

air so light and clear and the smell of the pine trees–  AND QUITE
COOL!!!—   like heaven —
my poor Mom when she had to move back to NoDak!!!_)-   Dad decided he
didn’t want to raise his kids in that environment (that was at the time when the
unions came into being —  even bombings at houses etc..  and you had to
party with the “Good Ole Boys”   and drink and gamble mostly forget the
family—–and he knew that would be very detrimental to famiily life ( he
sold out to his partner Chris Berg who became a millionare—  with
offices  in 11 different  countries)    —   however always stayed in touch and
friends with Dad—a very good friend–

soooo  – he  bought a farm in the Turtle Mt for  $400 and moved  everyone
back to nodak—LeRoy Strongs lived in their house so Dad just built on a
lean -to and -they all lived together —  (which is why I think there is
quite a bond between the two families even to this day)———no
electricity –no water-  sometimes a phone —-more often than not it
didn’t work  ————— nothing just a house in Rolette County-and onto a farm

and start up buying cattle etc.      farming  —  .and lots of work!!!  that meant 4 babies

and 3 more subsequently!–  and   hauling your water for everything and even laundry-and

hanging  clothes on the line in the winter until they froze and then bring them into the house
to finish drying and then iron  EVERYTHING –clothes    even the t
shirts–hankies —    and sheets and dishtowels –  with a “sad Iron” that
you heated on the wood stove  .  milking cows and feeding calves and

cooking–endless cooking on that wood stove and oh man could she cook!!–
and send the kids with their Dad to Kelvin  on Saturday night for
groceries and selling cream (like a vacation ha! )     and then scrub and
wax and shine the whole house for Sunday– which ALWAYS  meant company for
meals!!–  after church   in the summer  – but church  the winter was
called Little Prairie Ladies Aid and all the members of the church went to
different households for  church– ( the old country church was too cold
to heat–)  —  which started around 10 am in the  selected home’s
living room and kitchen area  and as soon as church was over it was time
for potluck dinner and an afternoon of visiting and kids playing and
babies being played with– I remember that well– what fun we had!!–

Mom said she cried the entire trip home   (she had lived that cold nodak
winters and very poor and hard work   for all those living then during the
depression— all her life and had it soooo nice in Seattle with all the  conveniences –
washer ,  dryer , vacuum , sidewalks , new homes,,  new things and lots of
fun–  people from Nodak went there to work and stayed with Mom and Dad–
and she cooked and did their laundry when they went to work in the
shipyards mostsly–  she talked of Max Petersons and the Schimetz’s
staying there –   etc)    .  and when they stopped in North Dakota in the spring of

1945– whatever town they were in the wind shipped a flag so hard it about tore it  apart   —  soooo
unhappy- but Gary did okay and mother—– being mother —  so good
natured —  –  adjusted–took things in stride and “bloomed wherever she  was
planted !!  she got to love Nodak again —and  adjusted and  was happy  where  she was
always!–  she was such a flexible person–  and was happy all the
time—- I don’t ever remember seeing Mom when she didn’t act really happy
to see us !==whether at home or in public–   yes she was a beautiful lady
both outside and inside!!–  and Dad knew that and he appreciated it –
always trying to make her quit working so hard– !
Dad promised Mom that he would put in electricity and water as soon as it
was available and he did —   I just have vague memories of them hauling
in a bathtub and all of us kids trying to be the first to be in it —  I  think
they got electriccity when I was about 2 yrs old cause that is all i
remember about that —  anyway enough rambling  — I have always wanted to
go back there-    it is absolutely heaven on earth!!–  I supposed it has
all changed now though–

in the early 80’s Jay and I decided to go to Montana and visit his Mom’s
sister Lucille and her husband– — we stayed with them and had a ball
fishing on a dam in montana – well,  as long as we were that close —-I
insisted Jay and our kids see the “Road to the sun ” in Glacier –cause i
remembered it from when i was a kid——–    with Dad —       so we
took off for there – I remember going through there with the folks and how
beautiful  it   was and I wanted Jay and the kids to see and enjoy  it–yeah
right !  they sure did and had a ball!!! =–  however –I was on the
floorboards scared to death-  I supposae the responsibility of kid did it
for me — I was never so glad to get out of mountains!!–  anyway gotta
close this for tonight — morning comes early — but thanks for  the
pics–gorgeous–Love ya -Lola

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Do any of you recognize any of the folks in these two pictures?

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

            Happy Birthday Bill Hosmer  (DHS ’48):  Tucson, AZ

Happy Birthday Carol Pritchard Corzine (DHS ’67): Denver City, TX.

Posting of the day
From Rosemary (Wayne ’61) Smith:  Bottineau, ND

Delta Baggage Handlers
This will give you goose bumps or tears!   This was recorded at D/FW International Airport.

As you watch the video, notice the number of people watching from inside the terminal. Most people have no idea Delta does this.  Hat’s off to them. This soldier was a K9 soldier with a dog trained to  find IED’s. Yes the second small coffin is his partner.  Click on line below……..
http://www.youtube.com/embed/c_VGxfmDmEo

====================================
Blog (178) posted on August 1, 2008

Neola, for all of us from the Rolette/Bottineau county areas, this is a very

familiar and beautiful remembrance.  I remember these sunrises well, on #5.

For those of you around the Bottineau area, the Name Doris Kessler is Familiar.

She is the former owner of the Bowling Alley currently owned by her son Tom, so

it is still in the family.  Doris continues to be a very active civil affairs member of

the Bottineau community.

The mornings before each of  my parents funerals, Dad in 2000 and Mom in 2004,

We, along with many family members, went to the Bowling Alley for Breakfast.  We filled

up 5 or 6 tables.  When we went to pay the bill, Doris said everyone’s breakfast is

on me.  She paid for everyone.  For many years prior to my parents deaths, they ate

every evening meal at the Bowling Alley.  Often times on week ends they would eat

all 3 meals there.  During the week they ate their noon meals at the Bottineau

Senior Center. Gary

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):

I thought maybe your readers would enjoy this one–I sure did. Ele

Those who grew up in small towns will laugh
when they read this.

Those who didn’t will be in disbelief and
won’t understand how true it is.

1) You can name everyone you graduated with.

2) You know what 4-H means.

3) You went to parties at a pasture, barn,
gravel pit, or in the middle of a dirt road.  On Monday you
could always tell who was at the party because of the scratches
on their legs from running through the woods when the party was
busted. (See #6.)

4) You used to ‘drag’ Main

5) Most people went by a nickname…

6) You scheduled parties around the schedules
of different police officers, because you knew which ones would
bust you and which ones wouldn’t.

7) You could never buy cigarettes because all
the store clerks knew how old you were (and if you were old
enough, they’d tell your parents anyhow.)  Besides, where
would
you get the money?

8) When you did find somebody old enough and
brave enough to buy cigarettes, you still had to go out into the
country and drive on back roads to smoke them.

9) You knew which section of the ditch you
would find the beer your buyer dropped off.

10) It was cool to date somebody from the
neighboring town.

11) The whole school went to the same party
after graduation.

12) You didn’t give directions by street
names but rather by references.  Turn by Nelson’s house, go 2
blocks to Anderson’s, and it’s four houses left of the
track
field.

13) The golf course had only 9 holes.

14) You couldn’t help but date a
friend’s ex-
boyfriend/girlfriend.

15) Your car stayed filthy because of the

dirt roads, and you will never own a dark vehicle for this
reason.

16) The town next to you was
considered ‘trashy’ or ‘snooty,’ but was actually
just like your
town.

17) You referred to anyone with a house newer
then 1950 as the ‘rich’ people.

18) The people in the ‘big city’
dressed
funny, and then you picked up the trend 2 years later.

19) Anyone you wanted could be found at the
local gas station or the dairybar.

20) You saw at least one friend a week
driving a tractor through town or one of your friends driving a
grain truck to school occasionally.

21) The gym teacher suggested you haul hay
for the summer to get stronger.

22) Directions were given using THE stop
light as a reference.

23) When you decided to walk somewhere for
exercise, 5 people would pull over and ask if you wanted a ride.

24) Your teachers called you by your older
siblings’ names.

25) Your teachers remembered when they taught
your parents.

26) You could charge at any local store or
write checks without any ID.

27) There was no McDonalds.

28) The closest mall was over an hour away.

29) It was normal to see an old man riding
through town on a riding lawn mower.

30) You’ve pee’d in a cornfield.

31) You laughed your butt off reading this
because you know it is true, and you forward it to everyone who
may have lived in a small town.

I would not have wanted to have been raised
any other way!!!!

Tough times don’t last… Tough people do

No Blog yesterday.

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy Birthday Patti Metcalfe Woods (DHS ’67): Dunseith, ND


Happy Birthday Rita Parisien Anderson (DHS ’73):  New Rockford, ND

Carolyn Wilhelm in Reference to a picture posted
From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottinea & Minot, ND

Carolyn Wilhelm is from Bottineau.  I think her sisters are Lois Wilhelm Hahn, Beverly Wilhelm and Betty Wilhelm, maybe more.  There some boys, too–I think!  In 1987, Tom/Carolyn’s address was Dunseith.  I’m guessing they probably still live there.

Reply the 1950 Football picture
From Larry Liere (’55):  Devils Lake, ND

Wow Barry Shelver #9 would have been in 8th. Grade in 1950 but I know that is him as I remember him from

3rd. Grade. In the 2007 photo he does look just like his Dad.  It would be fun to have a picture of Glen at

that age`about 70 years old. I didn’t know Don Hosmer, was he Bob’s Brother??

      LARRY

Larry, Yes Don Hosmer is Bob’s Brother. Bill Hosmer is their older Brother.  Gary

Dave Shelver (’63) Visits Lee Stickland (’64):
Posting from Lee Stickland (’63): Dickinson, ND

Gary and ALL

I was sneekin’ a nap ’bout 10:30 am MDT this Monday.  Felt a tug on my toe and there stood the star quarterback from the Dunseith Dragons’ 1962/63 football team.

DAVE SHELVER, the retired CRNA is up and around, taking nourishment and able to self-ambulate.

Was great to see YOU, Dave.  A I mentioned, life in a nursing home is not the end of the road and is not a serious bump in the traffic-lane; it is a curve around which is offered a new view.

I spent 20 years alone.  I am not alone here.  Dad was in this nursing home for 4.5 years and many of the staff and some of the residents who were here then are yet here.

Just returned from having an evening steak at Applebee’s with friends.  I have total freedom, preferrably with assistance; just need to sign out and let staff know that I am leaving.

“LIFE is how we make it; not always how we take it.”     LEE      s      10-13-2014

However, the make and take words are reversed relative to TIME as it is my opinion that 

YOU cannot

                “””Make               TIME to do any/something —–TIME cannot be made/created

                “””YOU must take TIME to do things”””.

Lites out in hall way at 9:20 pm:  I have a private room with my own complete bathroom, including a tiled shower.

I get up at 3 am each morning and visit with staff for an hour.  Alarm is 6:10. Brkfst 7:30

I use exercise machines at their max limits for 50 minutes each morn.

 C U @ da nex hitch  LEE

Great-Grandpa’s Hallowe’en Story
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

I discovered years ago through professional classes how important 

identity, connectedness,and power are to a person’s development.

Telling family stories, helps children form their identity and connection

with who they are.

Recently, I found, many of my nieces and nephews liked family stories.

As kids they, used to come to my house, stay and I would tell them  tales at bedtime.

Now  some years later, recently, one of my nephew’s  told me he didn’t want the “oral history” stories lost.

So, I decided to write down a Hallowe’en Tale for him.

This past weekend, I wrote my Grandfather Metcalfe’s story.

I  I never met him in person.

But I feel I know the person he was, through  the stories I have heard about him.

Dad told  me,  that his father often told him stories in the 1920’s and early 1930’s.

Here is a story about his father:

˝Great-Grandpa’s Hallowe’en Story”
(note: The time was probably in the early 1870’s.)

 Long, long ago in another country, were two friends who grew up neighbors in the gently rolling hills and woods of Upper Canada.

 One boy, William was borne the seventh son of a first generation Scots mother and second generation English father.

 The other boy Tommy, was of  Scottish-Irish descent. His parents were also pioneers to the vast Upper Canadian Wilderness.

 Billy attended all his formal years of schooling with Tommy.

 As best friends, they shared similar Gaelic traits.

William’s mother oft told tales of the highlands she heard from her parents. Tommy heard and shared superstitious Celtic tales from his Irish mother.

 Each year the boys looked forward to the fall of the year time when they joined other young lads for once a year, ventures.

There was one night of the year, when it was an accepted practice, boys could be ‘hooligans’ for one night. Youth gathered with other youth, the boys roamed the neighbor hood playing tricks.

 On this dark, dark moonless autumn night, fog began slowly rolling in. Soon they were a group of damp, gray mis-shapes eerily moving and disappearing.  It continued to be so foggy …..one could not see the persons around him.

The boys got to another destination, succeeding  in lifting up and carrying  another families toilet i.e. out house  up away over and over….another hill.

As they trudged quietly along, Billy felt a small tug.

 Then, an urgent one….Billy spoke in a low tone, “Who is that? Tommy, into his ear, whispered.. chattering, softly…CCcc, “C..come..Billy, Lets get out of here, now…Puzzled, Billy 

allowed Tommy to guide him away through the dank, dark woods.

 Finally, he muttered in frustration, “Why did we leave the others?”  Tommy shivered said, “Because Billy, there were 13 of us.”  Billy shrugged and replied, “So?”

Tommy shivered, his eyes grew big, and he said, “Bill, “When we first gathered, there were only twelve!”

“Someone, something joined us……….”  Neither lad would admit to being frightened but each hastily found his way home. 

They never told anyone and never went back tricking again.

Soon, at sixteen, Billy left from the home of his childhood.

He never saw his friend Tommy again. But how he missed him. And longed to see his face and laughter again.

 Billy many times fondly spoke of Tommy with tales of childhood friendships. 

Every Hallowe’en he told that tale of young “hooligans” playing tricks by moving neighbors toilets to unseen destinations ….. to youngest son.

Many years later my dad discovered, where his father’s best friend was.

 Tommy, had also roamed west, settled down, and tried to find his good friend, Billy. 

Where was Tommy?

 Tommy Craig settled in Killarney, Manitoba.

         So close yet so far away.

That was another time, another far, far away place,

That was the way t’was in the days of old.

Friends, I absolutely hate to think of people texting while eating dinner.

I  wish for you, during the coming holidays at dinner tables you tell stories!

Keep connecting as ever, Vickie

 Joke of the day
Posted by Leland Hagen (’50):  Bryan, TX

The Deaf Wife Problem  Fred feared his wife Rhonda wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss. ‘Here’s what you do,’ said the Doctor, ‘stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.’ That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was In the den. He says to himself, ‘I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.’ Then in a normal tone he asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?’ No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, ‘Rhonda, what’s for dinner?’ Still no response. Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his Wife and asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?’ A gain he gets no response. So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?’ Again there is no response.. So he walks right up behind her. ‘Rhonda, what’s for dinner?’ (I just love this) ‘Damn it, Fred, for the FIFTH time, CHICKEN!’

====================================
Blog (177) posted on July 31, 2008

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends, Last Saturday night a few of us played music for a wedding reception at Long Lake, for Amy Kester and Eric Nabon! . We had a great meal and a real nice crowd. Amy is the daughter of Jim and Connie Halvorson Kester [64]. The evening was full of surprises. Nancy Hosmer Baldwin and Colette Hosmer came up and said HI and we had a’ too short ‘ conversation with the music and all! Then later as I was taking a break, Greg and Angela Berube Malget came over and visited for a while. I asked Angela if indeed her brother Robert had broken his leg, while snow skiing in the ditch behind a car, and she said YES he did! I thought I remember seeing him with a cast from the accident, but now I know for sure! It was probably unimportant to most of the readers, but after I mentioned it I wondered if I was wrong, when no one replied. I remember Robert Berube had a grayish blue 51 Chevy two door with full disk wheel covers. I believe he sold it to Garrett Myer and he rolled it up by Lake Upsilon the next winter on the icy road coming out to highway 43. I was going ice fishing one Saturday and saw the car on its top in the ditch, luckily Garrett didn’t get hurt but the car was done! I think it was the winter of  64-65, but don’t know for sure. Thanks Gary! Dick

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

I would like to comment on my sister Cheryl Larson Dakin’s post about  military life.  We usually disagree slightly on whose version of our  life is correct so this may be a first but she is right on the mark.   Growing up in the military brought many challenges…having to change  schools and move to a new location and make new friends, leaving  behind old friends every three years….but we stood by each other as  a family and joined the hundreds of other military families who were  doing the same.  To us it was our way of life.  We were privvy to many  exciting adventures within the US and abroad.  We learned about  culture and being sensitive to others…we learned how important it is  to look out for each other.  We were always proud that our dad was in  the Army and we were proud that we were Americans.  We must remember  that our military is a voluntary service where men and women join of  their own free will to preserve what our flag and country stand  for….so yes, a huge thanks to all who serve; to all who have served;  to those who didn’t make it back; to those we are still waiting for.  One thing that got us through and made our lives easier was when we  were able to go back and live in Dunseith among old friends and  relatives.  I always felt at home there even though I only went to  school off and on during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades.  Between  posts we always came back to ND and to Dunseith to visit family…so I  am also proud to be a member of the “Dunseithians”. Diane

Glen Williams (52) Reply to Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Bev you are right one of the guys is Barry Shelver….and he has changed somewhat from 1950…..

From Janice Leonard Workman (56):

Gary, The guys in the picture are Barry Shelver, he must have been the water boy in the football picture is it was 1950, he probably was in 7^th or 8^th grade.  The next one is Gary Morgan (#4 in the football pic), then Clark Crum, (#10), last but certainly not least is Jerry Williams (#11).  So there is Barry, Gary, Jerry, and Clark, four best buds in high school and after.

Biography from Andrew Fassett (DHS 1938): North Liberty, IN
Note: Andrew is Bill and Gwen Grimme’s Uncle

I am writting to you as someone asked about me. I left North Dakota Oct. 1940. I came to Mishawaka, Indiana to visit my brother George and his family and never came back. I enlisted in the Army Oct. 1943. Was in the service for three years. Returned to Indiana after discharge. Married Betty Jane Brubaker in 1946. Moved to North Liberty, In. where we still live today. We raised four children and now have 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grand-children. I retired as a Security Officer from Bendix Corp, after 32 yrs. of service. I have been retired for 32 years  and am enjoy it very much. We visited Dakota several times over the years, but all my brothers and sisters have  pasted on now so haven’t been back  for quite a while. We have seen Gwen and Bill Grimme and their families though. We are getting up there in age now, but are doing pretty good. We enjoy reading all the Dunseith News you have in here.

Sincerly

Andrew L. Fassett

Thank you Andrew so much for this biography of your life. You have had in interesting life too.   I am sure that many of our readers remember you. For sure they remember Bill and Gwen Grimme.

Andrew, doing the  math, I am guessing you were born in about 1920?

Thanks again,

Gary

1950 Football picture – picture below near the bottom.
Reply from Gary Morgan (’54):   Garrison, ND

Gary & all,

As for the photo of the fall of 1950 football team:  First Row: # 1 Bob Leonard, # 2 Don Hiatt,

#4 Gary Morgan, #5 Dick Morgan, #6 Glen Williams, #7 Kick McKay, #3 Eddie Leonard.

Back Row:  Gerald Blake, # 12 Marshall Awalt, #10 Clark Crum, #8 Don Hosmer, #11 Jerry

Williams, #9 Barry Shelver.

Janice is right, her brother Bill was also on team as was Stephen Renault.  I don’t know why they missed the picture.

The class of 52 has strong resentments about Coach Blake since he pretty well screwed up their junior and senior year in sports.  I suppose my class would have too except we were lucky enough to subsequently have two good years under Lincoln Jerstad.

Keep up the good work, Gary.

.Gary Morgan

To the Veterans, their families and friends
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Veterans Day is coming again on Tuesday, 11/11/14

Throughout the year, Veterans continue to be visible and serve.

Here in Bottineau,  Bottineau County Flag volunteers,

unless inclement weather interferes,

up early to display all of the flags early every Memorial Day morning.

Many volunteers do not leave Bottineau on that day.

But,remain quietly in the community.

They are not heading for the lake or leaving town.

They are committed to a goal of honor.

Early in the morning, before the rising of the eastern sun,

sometimes a few, sometimes a plethora,

gather again for  the call of flag duty.

Often time, there is a frosty chill,when they each climb aboard

to ride in a dusty pickup bed.

And like a well oiled machine,

they begin the morning solemnly hanging  flags throughout

 the town and at the cemeteries.

              WOW!

The city is transformed.

what a sight to behold!

RED,WHITE, and BLUE 

waving in the breeze.

Before the evening shadows consume the western sun, 

diligent workers are back in the back of vehiclesand take down each flag.

The flags are folded and carefully tucked away for the next use.

Satisfied and pleased to have gathered with those of a common goal.

Day is done.

Years ago, 

I got to know a couple of those “old” Vets  quite well.

Cecil and Arland were friends and fathers of my friends Sharon and Arlys.

They were also staunch WWII veterans with vision.

My friend, Sharon’s dad, Cecil quite handy with woodworking created

many of the first signs honoring individual county veterans,

which  hang  on poles throughout the city.

Sharon, Arlys and I through numerous discussions,

discovered we were rooted with commonalities, 

bonded, each of us a daughter of a WWII Veteran of Foreign War.

With the passage of time, many WWII Veteran soldiers,

… my dad and fathers of my friends have faded away. 

But, Veterans of American Legion, the AMVETS,

and the VFW continue to persevere. 

They maintain embers of a legacy.

There seems to be fiery determination among the Bottineau Veterans groups to 

continue maintaining the embers glow and to never let the fire

or colors of the freedoms burn to ashes or fade away.

In honor of my memories of a veteran on Veterans Day. 

I thank you for keeping steadfast, the embers glowing.

Vickie M.

VFW Flag Program
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

GARY and All,

As you read the following article,  you will see  Lloyd Awalt assumed the flag duties.

Now the flag duties are  in the hands of Karen Hagen Simon’s cousin, Ron and  husband Dale Simon.

My good friend, Karen’s (70)  dad Clarence Hagen graduated with Don Aird’s uncle Carroll Carlson  (’37).

Clarence and Carroll were both veterans of WWII.

Carry on! Vickie

TITLE:  VFW Flag Program

PHOTO:   Attached

BY LINE BELOW PHOTO:     On 11 Oct 14,  Ron Martin, CDR VFW 8688, pictured with the new “Flag Program” sign is posted on the new flag pole at the future Bottineau County Veterans Memorial Bulding / Park. He was assisted by Les Sands and Al Wondrasek-not pictured.  The Bottineau County Flag Program was established by the Bottineau VFW Post 8688 in 1984 by Gordon Kittleson, Arland Hanson, and Almer Ring.  Presently, on special designated dates the Veterans of American Legion, AMVETS, and VFW team up and put up over 460 flags through out Bottineau, Hywy 5, Oak Creek Cemetery, St Mark’s Cemetery and assisted by numerous other organizations and individuals.  The program honors the pass veterans who served our country and are now in their eternal home.  With the passing of the original program members, Lloyd Awalt assumed the duties of  continuing the flag program.  Today, Ron Martin assisted by Dale Simon continue the established program.  With the establishment of the new Bottineau County Veterans Memorial Building and Flag Pole a new sign honoring the original program members was erected.  Information on the Flag Program can be acquired by contacting Ron Martin at 228-8994.

Joke of the day

The Tomato Garden

An old gentleman lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard.

His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,

I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like the old days.

Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Papa,

Don’t dig up that garden.
 That’s where the bodies are buried.

Love, Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.

That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Papa,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now.

That’s the best I could do under the circumstances.

Love you,

Vinnie

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Blog (175) posted on July 29, 2008

From Martha Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

If my mind doesn’t fail me, I believe from the days of Kelvin Homemakers that today is your Mom Elaine’s birthday. Thinking of your Mother today.
Martha Lamb Schepp

Martha, You are absolutely correct. My mother was born on July 29, 1921.  You have a fantastic memory.  How well I remember your mother, Dorothy,  and my mother being members of the Kelvin Homemakers along with many others from up in that area, some of whom are on this distribution list.  I don’t want to start listing the former members for fear of missing someone, however reading the Dunseith News in the Bottineau Courant I see that the Kelvin Homemakers is still a very active organization with Leola Lagerquist, Elenore Fauske and Mary Ann Hagen.  They were all members with our mothers years ago. You and I attended many functions associated with that organization in our younger days.  The men would be visiting in one room and we kids would be in another room while the ladies had their meeting.  Those were fun days.  Gary

Tim Hill’s (68) progress from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Last night while I was working on a tractor in my shop, the phone rang.

I was real busy and grumbled to myself about who wants something now!
When I picked up the phone, this familiar voice said, “Hi Dick, this is
Tim”! It was great to hear his voice again and to hear how strong and
alert he is! He was just like the old Tim, full of fun. We had a good
chat and went over a bunch of the stuff we did over the years, some I
have sent to the Gary Site—and some NOT!! He is doing as well or
better than is normally expected and is very positive about the outcome.
Tim is amazing! He enjoys the emails and reads them every day! It will
go by quickly and soon he will be back home, giving us all a run for it!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):

Hi Gary and all

I’ve enjoyed reading the comments and experiences about the military and wanted to add a couple of my own thoughts. My dad retired from the Army in 1970, the summer before my senior year in high school. All my life we lived on army posts except when we came back to Dunseith when Dad was stationed places where we either couldn’t join him (Korea) or we had to wait (up to a year sometimes) before we could join him, mostly overseas. Since there were so many long stretches when he was gone, when he did get home we would sometimes “fight” to see who would get to unlace his boots. It usually ended with one of us at each leg. We were so proud of our Dad and what he represented to us. We still are. Anyway, we grew up with soldiers marching and the American flag flying, the Pledge of Allegience and assemblies where soldiers came to talk to us about our country and freedom and what it meant to be American. All the movies we ever went to began with the Star Spangled Banner and everyone stood and either saluted or stood with their hands on their hearts. If you weren’t seated yet, you waited. When we were in Ft. Belvoir, at 5 pm the bugler started playing taps and the flag was lowered and everyone anywhere near the parade ground stopped, drivers got out of their cars and saluted the flag and waited there until the flag was safely folded and put away. Only then did traffic start again. When my dad was in Viet Nam, all the wives got together to support each other, to worry together, sometimes cry together, and rejoice when they learned their husbands were on their way home. Life was not without some real hardships but it was a wonderful way to grow up. It is truly an honor to lend whatever support we can to the  men and women serving in our military. So to them and to their families left behind I want add my prayers for their safety and to say a great big THANK YOU for all they do to protect our freedom and our way of life.  And thank you Gary for giving us this forum.

Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71

From Bob Hosmer (56): r

Gary,

Sure do enjoy hearing from every one.  Just a note: I do think #8 in the football line up is me.  I would have been a freshman I think.  If the picture is before 1952, then it isn’t me.

Bob Hosmer

Glen William’s (52) reply with the correct names: 

Gary…you got them all correct except number six….and that is me…

Now can you match the four guys in the 2007 photo with the 1950 team members….

Glen Williams

Gary.. The attached 2007 reunion photo pictures four guys who were members of the 1950 football team…can you you match the 1950 football individual team members  with the individuals in the 2007 photo…????

No looking back now…!!!!

Glen Williams

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Posting from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

We seem to be a little slow on news lately so I thought I’d hook on a picture of my one month old Great granddaughter. Her name is Nora Jean. We just heard from our grandson today that he is being deployed to Iraq in January. He just got back from Afghanistan last February. He’s a drone pilot so he sees a lot of stuff. He didn’t talk much about Afghanistan. So if maybe everyone could kind of keep him in their prayers it would be nice. Thanks.

Mel

Things you might not know about North Dakota
Website link posted by Eldon Berg:  Kenmore, WA

FYI

mentalfloss.com/article/59177/15-things-you-might-not-know-about-north-dakota?bypass=1

Eldon Berg

====================================
Blog (175) posted on July 29, 2008

From Ivy Eller Robert (74): 

Gary…

I read all of the stories about you men & women that have bravely given their lives for us and to us. Whether they were killed while serving in the military or not, in a way, when they entered the military, doesn’t matter what branch, their lives were changed and so they gave their lives to us. Not having anyone close, that I can recall, that have served in the Military, I just can’t imagine what some of them have endured for us. It’s like this example, I can’t ever fathom what it would be like to be an alcoholic, recovering or what! I’ve never had to experience that. I’ve been around a few people that have, but until I would walk in their shoes, I will never know for sure what that’s all about. I feel that way about the solders that have served our country so that we can be free.
I’ve wanted to reply to some of the stories I read, but haven’t until now, Vickie Metcalfe’s & Sharon Dana’s emails really touched me. I feel saying THANK YOU to those people that have served our country is not enough but what else is there to say & do but THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.
Ever since the U.S. got into Iraq, this time, I’m finding more co-worker and new friends, that have been in the military & have been to Iraq or have served some where in that region. When I meet someone new and find out that they have served our country, I make it my priority to say “THANK YOU” for what you have done. If they are a co-worker, I try to take them to lunch or to buy them a beer or coffee after work, just to say THANKS. It seem such a very small thing to do for what they have done for us, but not knowing how else to show my own appreciation to them, I choose to do the lunch thing.
All I can say to all of you who have served or are serving right now: THANK YOU, YOU TRULY ARE HEROES to those of us like me! GOD BLESS YOU!

And God Bless you Gary, for this blog……it really has united old friends and families from Dunseith. It’s amazing…….

Ivy (Eller) Robert
From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

FromBob Hosmer (56): 

Hi Gary,

The story about Glen Shelver brought back a lot of memories.  I remember evening a man came into the drugstore with a bleeding wound in his head.  Glen looked at it cleaned the wound and stitched it back together again.

I remember when I was about 12 years old that I was impatient with the slow burning fuse of a home made bomb I constructed using sulfur and powdered zinc tightly wrapped in tissue paper.  I finally went the direct route and lit the tissue itself.  The bomb went off before I got my hand away and the zinc and sulfur had burnt my hand an blackened it with residue.  I didn’t want my mother to know what happen to my hand and ran down to the drug store to see Glen Shelver.  He brought me around the soda bar turned on cold water which soothed the burns and then wrapped it in some gauze. He probably put some save on it too, but I’m not sure.

Another thing he and Annabelle would do is measure the height of Barry and his friends on a vertical water pipe.  I was always the top line of all that were measured.

My wife and I saw Annabelle a few months before she died.  We stopped at Rugby and found her sleeping in a chair in the lounge area.  We gently woke her up and when she saw me she said “Hi Bob.”  She was a 102 then.  When she was 101 we visited her and Hope Bedard. Walking down the hall way (Katrine was with Hope and I was with Annabelle) Annabelle said to me as we walked a clipping pace, “I don’t like to walk with Hope.  She’s walks to slow.”

Just some thought to share.  thanks to everyone who is contributing.

Bob Hosmer (56)

Picture/Message from Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62): 

The picture of Arnold and Lorna was taken while we were up in Rugby for Arnold’s b-day. At the same day, we went to see Connie Peterson and Blair Tandeski at the folks’ old farm. They really appreciated  Connie and Blair’s hospitality. Take care, Sandra and Mike

Folks, The messages from here to the bottom of this email all relate to the 1950 Dunseith squad football picture that was provide by Glen Williams.

From Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): 

Mercy……….58 years ago a picture of the Dunseth squad…Picture 52.  The faces all look familar, but the only one I can put a name to is my brother Don, number 2.  A bunch of good looking fellows…..
From Janice Leonard Workman (56): 

Hi Gary, in the football picture Glen Williams sent  #1 is Bob Leonard, # 10 is Clark Crum, #9 Barry Shelver, # 4 Gary Morgan, #5 Dick Morgan, #12 is Marshall Awalt.  I think that #8 is Don Hosmer, #11 is Jerry Williams and #2 could be Don Hiatt, I also think that Glen Williams knows all in this picture because he is either # 6 or 7.  Oh, yes Kick McKay could be #6 or 7 also.  My 3 older brothers, Bill, Bob, and Ed were on one of the 1^st football teams Dunseith had in the early 50’s.  On the same team were the Morgan boys, Dick and Gary and the Williams boys, Jerry and Glenn.  There was an article in one of the papers about all those brothers, probably the Turtle Mountain Star or the Dunseith Journal.  I don’t see Bill at all on the picture, and #3 could be Ed, but he isn’t smiling and not wearing glasses, so I can’t be sure.  It also looks like someone, maybe a coach is smudged out of the picture on the left.  The team played 6- or 9-man.  These days, when you see a football team picture, even in high school, there are many more players than in this picture.  I think Auburn High School has about 50 or 60 on their team.  Of course it’s a much bigger school also.  Anyway, when Dunseith started it’s football program, I was not in high school yet.  In the picture, Barry Shelver was probably a freshman.  When I got into high school, Mr Jerstad was the coach and the cheerleaders always got to go to the away games, but we didn’t have buses, so we rode with whoever.  What fun those days were!!!

Janice Leonard Workman
FromBonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

Good Morning Gary,

The football picture sure brings back lots of memories.  This picture was taken only shortly before Eddie Leonard went into the San Haven with TB.

#12 Marshall Awalt, #10 Clark Crum, #8 Don Hosmer, #11 Unknown, #9 Barry Shelver, #1 Bob Leonard, #2 Unknown, #4 Gary Morgan, #5 Dick Morgan, #6, #7, both unknown, #3 Eddie Leonard.  Was the coach a fellow named Mr. Blake?

The stories of the Military Men from our community are wonderful, we have no idea what they have been through.  Marshall was in Korea, and also in Vietnam twice, he never talks about his experiences.  From the medals he has earned we know he did what was expected of him to the best of his ability and then some.  Thank God for small town boy across the country who have given their all so we can life in peace.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I sure you will get several IDs on the football picture. I will throw in

my guess.
No. 1–Bob Leonard
4–Gary Morgan
5–Dick Morgan
7–Kick McKay
10-Clark Crum
8–Don Hosmer
9–Barry Shelver?
6–Bill McKay?
2–?
11-?
12-?
3–?

Jerry Williams is probably one of the players, if he has the
picture. Gary Morgan will know these guys are!

Dick
From Ellen (Graff-58) Myrick: 

Some names/gueses od 50 football team:  12 ?, 10 Clark Crum, 8 Bob Hosmer, 11 ?, 9 Barry Shelver, 1 Bob Leonard, 2 Don Conroy, 4 Gary Morgan, 5 Dick Morgan, 6 & 7 Glen and/or Jerry Williams, 3?

Ellen (Graff-58) Myrick
Photos/message from Glen Williams (52):  

Gary this is a “cleaned up photo”that I eamiled you before….someone said they could not recognize anyone….maybe this will help….It was the 1950 squad…and Bob Leonard was number 1…now who else do you recognize?

Glen Williams

Gary.. The attached 2007 reunion photo pictures four guys who were members of the 1950 football team…can you you match the 1950 football individual team members  with the individuals in the 2007 photo…????

No looking back now…!!!!

Glen Williams

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy birthday Luella Halvorson Dion (DHS ’47): Dunseith, ND

Norway Trip
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

There are some very old authentic buildings in Norway that are kept in the exact way they were for hundreds of years.  One such place is called the Folke museum at Voss.  There is a complete farm on the hilltop that is hundreds of years old and is preserved in it’s original state.  These pictures are taken there and show how the Norwegians lived long ago.  Here in the US,  we tear down our old buildings and replace them with ‘brass and glass’ structures but in Norway,  the old buildings are still all over the place and are well kept.  Many are used in the same way they were for all these years.  It isn’t to say that there are no new buildings there either.  They just don’t tear down all the old ones.  The first picture is of the kitchen area of one of the earliest houses we were in.  The fire was built in the middle of the room and the cooking was done in a huge iron pot.  Looking at size of the big wooden curved stools the women sat on,  I doubt that anyone complained about the food either!  The second picture is of the outside of one of the old buildings that dates back hundreds of years.  The third picture is the inside of the barn where there were milking stalls made from stone slate.  Kind of a deterrent to cows chewing on the stalls,  I would guess.  We saw many such buildings all over Norway but were not in very many of them, although we did tour a few.  I think they tell the story as to why the Norwegian people were a hardy bunch.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

====================================
Blog (174) posted on July 28, 2008

Vickie Metcalfe’s (70) reply to Sharon Longie Dana (73) & Gary: 

Note: Sharon Longie’s letter follows Vickie’s below.

I write this, as I was influenced by the sharing of Dunseith Veterans, Gary, and to Sharon Longie , because, as Sharon continues to write, her clarity of heart and her pride as an American Citizen will not be silenced.

Meanwhile back here in ND.

Gary, Last week, I ran into your brother, Darrel at Wal-Mart.   Bud and I discussed the recent sharing of Ken N., Warren A, your’s,  Evon’s pics of  her Lagerquist brothers and others, this past month.  Through the words, eyes, minds, and  heartfelt sharing of pictures and first person experiences of Viet Nam, you let us know…pieces of  your experiences….in that another world outside of Dunseith.

Bud and I discussed, that while you were there;  We, back home, on the farm were doing chores, sharing rides into the weekly confirmation classes and bumping along in the slow yellow school buses over dusty gravel roads to and from Dunseith school.  While at school,we’d go through the motions, acting to be normal teens, to fit in, in hallways, classes,study halls, Stella’s lunch,Speech and  POD, then long bus ride home again chatting nonsensically with our second families ie our  bus buddies.

Silence on what  we’d watched so intently on T.V., in our living rooms the night before.   After the animals were well fed, the chores done, supper with family visiting around the kitchen table, clean up dishes, then dashing to get the best space on the floor, in front of the t.v. with dad sitting in his easy chair…  just 1/2 hr. time to watch news before homework,

Yup. Those little 1 or 2  t.v. channels flickering.. shadows.. sounds…shhkkhhs crackely ..grays, black and whites,  or whoa the nightly news with  Quiet. Watch. Listen. Dan Rather, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite.  … New T.V?.. forbid __color, vivid colors…reds,…explosive….raw, raw feelings….. Acute Silence. Homework.

One Sunday,the new Lutheran Church had been built, the members were voting on a new name.  I sat in one of the pews with my parents and siblings at the old Dunseith Church. Various speakers from the congregation put in their plugs, speaking  on 3 or 4 or 5  names.  My thoughts rambled away… as an errant teen (you know how much more intelligent we were then?), thoughts like, “these names don’t make sense to me and those old church grown ups.. don’t seem to be aware of ..what’s going on in the world.”  The pastor spoke, ” as conferments, you are members of the church and each conferment gets to vote on new name for the combined congregations. ”  My thought,  ” Wow. That, and, we weren’t even 21….”

I was respectful. My mouth was Silent.  But, my heart thump thumping, so bursting inside as I listened to  names like, Ebenezer, ..Trinity,..St.___, then someone spoke a word….What? Who? What was that? a feeling of hope,”Perhaps there are grown-ups here who are aware of what’s going on in the news.”  I had the feeling of  Hope!  “Were they  throwing out a name just to fill a quota to vote on? ” No. All the  names were put  on a written ballot, and all conferments present  from Dunseith Lutheran, Rendahl Lutheran, and Little Prairie Lutheran voted.

“What name did we all  feel in our hearts?”

It came to pass………….. when the votes were counted.

PEACE

To, Each of you, the military warriors &  members of military families, X and current, I  know now, that we, may have been silent to each other during those trying times. Often confused just trying to figure out how to make sense of stuff and then communicate.  I believe, Each of us; the errant teens, the Ladies aide mom’s, the wise leader -elders, the silver starred (grand)mothers, the VFW dads’, We were just there in Dunseith together,with  thoughts and hearts flying those many miles to Viet Nam, to you the guys there.

You, our hometown big brothers and bus buddies, a belated but heartfelt                        THANK YOU AND PEACE. Vickie Metcalfe

Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:41:10 -0700 (PDT)

From: Sharon Dana <msmtice@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: msmtice@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Hello #172, Well said.

To: “Vickie L. Metcalfe”

X-EduTech-MailScanner-From:

Thanks Vickie, i appreciate it. Since i went in the service and was a military wife you see a different side to freedom. I went to a concert tonite for a young man who was on American Idol. His name is Phil Stacey and he wrote a song about Old Glory and sang it there and it brought tears to my eyes becasue people do forget and we can’t forget we are Americans every day and what we have is not just given to us we fought many fights to be where we are. I am jsut thankful for those freedoms and able to wxpress it. Sometimes its a hard thing for me to do quietly because i have been on both sides of the fence and i like that freedom side alot. I will quickly tell you a story about my sone David when we lived in Japan, he was 10 years old and one day it came out in the base paper that there was going to vbe a demonstration at the Main Gate of our Naval Facility and any families that lived off base were to come and stay on the base til the deomonstration was
over, they expected it to be peaceful but wanted to insure our safety. So i did what they asked and went on the base. We were told what time the demonstrtion was going to be going on and once things cleared up and folks went home, we to could go home. Well my son asked if he could see how the Marines were keeping us safe at the main gate so i decided to drive him there so he could see what was happening. The gates of course were closed and standing there shoulder to shoulder were United Sates Marines all across the gat with the rifles drawn but not pointing at anyone but there were ready. My little boy couldn’t believe his eyes and he asked “they are doing that so that we can live here and still be Americans” and i said yes that they would defend us and die for us if necessary. He never forgot that day. Neither have I. Seeing them there and knowing i lived on foreign soil a few miles from that gate makes you appreciate your freedom and love that flag
even more.

Thanks again Vicki, i was a little surprised no one else said anything about what I wrote. check out that website from Grys site the one about losing someone, i went and listened to the video and its awesome…………makes you feel proud.

Sharon

Sandra Zeiler Vandal’s (62) reply to Gary Metcalfe (56): 

Hi Gary,  in response to Gary Metcalfe,  That accident was approx. 59yrs. ago.  What I have been told—we went to Kelvin for birthday candles for my cake.  It was my 5th b-day..guess you could say I did it up right!!!  A couple from Canada came around the corner going a bit fast, but certainly not expecting to see a child on the road.  What I remember—a long time in the hospital(Mom with), a cast from above my waist, down both legs, and very itchy knee caps.  Going home still with the cast and scooting around on the floor and up&down the staires.

Dr. Nelson put a metal plate in my leg along with springs and screws and hoped for the best.  I have some great scars (sewed up with cat gut, must have had a fancy med. term for that) I am very fortunate ,the best is what I got.  I don’t remember how many of stitches—how long ago was your accident, Gary .  Sandy Vandal

Dave Wurgler’s (64) Reply to the Dunseith Peace Lutheran Picture: 

Gary : You probably know I left Dunseith in 66 but I think i can pick a few of this photo that I remember so here I go. Back row 4 right Erling Berg, 5 right Stan Salmonson, my brother in law,6 right Cliff salmonson, 3rd row 2 right Joan Wurgler, maybe Salmonson, my sister, 2nd row 4 right Agnes salmonson, oops then Deloris berg, Erlings wife wow now Imight be getting confused but 5 right is Caroleen Lider splash Williams and 1st row Don Johnson 2right Cliff Halvorson 3right  is Laurel or loren Sturuck, and 7 right is Don Willaims. This is the best of my recolection, and if anyone else can contribute I will be looking. Happy Day Dave (64)

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Thanks to Bob for sharing his/his daughter’s/granddaughter’s story. I can’t even imagine the pain an incident like inflicts on a family.  The sad part is that (I understand) most “shakers” are good/decent people; they just “snap” for a bit.  So sad.  I haven’t had time to read the article; I hope it remains on the net for a few days.

When I get ready, I’m going to the hospital again.  I have to admit my mind/body need more rest.  Tomorrow is the Class of ’58 reunion; that’s the class I actually graduated with.  I plan to attend the banquet on Monday/picnic on Tuesday, although chances are great, the banquet is all I’ll attend.

You can mention in your email that I’m not doing much with pictures these days, due to Mom’s being in the hospital–if you want to.  My energy level is dropping.

Neola

From Floyd/Carmen Leonard Richard: 

That picture of the fellow in uniform that was unidentified is Larry Richard, son of Ernest Richard and Beatrice Slyter. They lived in Bottineau when he graduated from high school, but they previously  lived in Dunseith and some of their children attended grade school there.Their daughter, Marlene (Richard) Parslow was a member of the class that graduated in1965 and attended the gathering at the Dunseith Country Club last year. Larry lives in Pennsylvania and is an ordained minister. He also served in Viet Nam.When the family went to Minot to meet the plane when Larry returned from service, he talked about his expericnces  over there, but when they arrived at his home, he told his parents that was all he was ever going to say, and that he never wanted to talk about Viet Nam again.

Ernest Richard is a brother to Floyd and Don Richard and Stella Schmeitz.

Marlene Richard Parslow’s (65) Reply to Gary: 

Note: Marlene was with the DHS class of 65 before her family moved to Bottineau. I am pretty sure Larry Went to Bottineau too.  They have lots of relatives from and in the Dunseith area.  And yes, as Carmen Richard stated, Marlene did attend our DHS class of 65 reunion last summer

Yes!!  This is my big brother, Larry!!  Who has this picture?   Wasn’t he a handsome dude?  Today he is a Methodist Minister in Pennsylvania.

Yes, LeRoy, Dianne, Lester, Jim, Mike, Deb, Peg, and Brad are all my siblings!! We are all doing well. My father, Ernest, passed away 2 years ago.  My Mom, Beatrice (Slyter) is still alive.  She will be 86 in November.

Thanks for asking about this picture!!
Marlene(Richard)Parslow
715-425-7525

 
Photo/message from Glen Williams (52): 

Gary this is a “cleaned up photo”that I eamiled you before….someone said they could not recognize anyone….maybe this will help….It was the 1950 squad…and Bob Leonard was number 1…now who else do you recognize?

Glen Williams

From Florence Pladson Sime (62): 

In reply to Neola question about Tom and Carolyn Boguslawski, they live in Lewiston, Idaho. I don’t know their exact address.

Keep up the good work as it is great to hear all the news about
people that you haven’t heard of for years. Florence

Tom & Carolyn Wilhelm Boguslawski, stamped Nov. 24, 1967

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy Birthday Darrel Abrahamson (DHS ’68): St. John, ND

Happy birthday Theresa Sivertson Delikat: Box Elder, SD

 Shelver Drug Store
Reply from Don Aird: St. Louis, MO

My Mother, Clarissa Carlson Aird, worked in the Shelver Drug store and lived in the above apartment.  I  was born in Bottineau then spent the first three years of my life in that apartment.  That’s where Dad found them when he returned from Europe at the end of WW II.

Message from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

I hope you and your family are doing well.

We are doing fine here in the Dakotas.

There has been a little bit of a nip in the air lately to warn us of what  is to come.

But, for right now, a light jacket and it feels great.

My favorite time of the year.

A lot of apples this year and you know what that means – pie.  Can’t wait.

Oh Gary, just to let you know, The rhubarb was also exceptional this year.

To bad Marco Polo didn’t make it over to the Philippines.

I guess camels can’t swim, that is what Mel told me anyway.

The real reason I had to write was to let you know, that the Grandkids are all doing great and send you a few pictures.

Proud Grandparents,

Marion and Larry

Grand-daughters are royalty.  Sadie was Queen  at the Velva High School Homecoming, daughter of my son Larry and his wife Lynn,

and Madison was a Princess at the Hazen High School Homecoming, daughter of my daughter Angie and her husband Scott.

Great job girls. and below them is a article on my grandson Nate, son of my daughter Angie and her husband Scott.

Sadie

Madison

The grandson also does great.

2014 Baseball

Scholarship Winner

Nathan Leintz, sponsored by the Hazen American Legion Post #189, has been awarded an American Legion Baseball Scholarship as the 2014 Player of the Year for the Department of North Dakota. Nathan is one of fifty-one winners chosen nationwide. The scholarship is awarded to an American Legion player in each participating Department (50 states and Puerto Rico), and is based on leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and financial need. The scholarship may be used by the recipient to attend an accredited college of his/her choice within eight years of high school graduation. Nathan’s application was selected and the most deserving and thereby named the Department Player of The Year. Nathan recently graduated from Hazen High School. He will be attending Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Nathan was a baseball four year letter winner, Rookie of the Year 2011, Golden Glove Award 2012-2014, Team MVP 2014, All-Region 2014, Senior Athlete of the Year Region 8 2014, All-State player 2014, ND 2014 State Runner-Up and Team Captain 2013-2014. Nathan was also in football, Hockey on the Student Council and National Honor Society to name a few. Nathan plans on majoring in Secondary Education and Coaching. He chose this degree because he would like to teach Math or History. Nathan’s goal in life is to be a coach and be a mentor to the youth.

====================================
Blog (173) posted on July 27, 2008

FromArdys Bakken Horner: 

Gar:  Delores and Erling Berg   Stan and  Jaon Salmonson are in this photo…I wonder if it wasn’t something to do with Peace Lutheran church…about the time of the dedication of the new church  in l969  Ardys Bakken Horner

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary,

I think the unidentified man in the back row might be Clarence
Christianson.  Row  two is ‘ Gladys’ Henning  then  possibly  Mrs.
Christianson. The gal by Joan I don’t know, she may have been a bank
employee or a teachers wife?? I may not be right here so we will see if
someone else knows for sure.  Thanks!

Dick

Picture/Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

This is a LARGE picture: 16″ X 20″.  I checked the Turtle Mt. phone book, but no Tom is listed.  Do the Boguslawski’s in your email lists know where Tom/Carolyn live?  It might be expensive to mail, but if I can deliver it locally, I’d be happy to do so.  Or if someone in the Dunseith area would like to pick it up when I finally get the pictures to Dunseith, I’d be happy to include it in “the box”.

Thanks to your email lists, Gary, and the courthouse pictures, I have now met Angela Berube Malget and her husband, Greg–If I’ve misnamed you, Greg, I’m sorry; I can’t locate the email that contains your name. After meeting me, I know you have no problem believing this! Ha!  We met in Bottineau yesterday.  I was able to give Fern’s and Edward Berube’s pictures to Angela in person.  What fun!!!

Neola

Tom & Carolyn Wilhelm Boguslawski, stamped Nov. 24, 1967
Are Tom & Carloyn from Dunseith?

From Bev Morniville Azure (72): 

From Bob Lykins (DHS teacher in the mid 60’s):

Gary,

I hope this goes through and people are able to access the story and photo gallery. Although most people on the Dunseith list do not know my daughter, Carrie, her story is one that everyone should be aware of as “baby shake” occurs all to frequently, not only in our country, but across the world.  It is a condition that is caused by a crime of violence perpetrated in most cases by the father.  My former son-in-law was and, I guess, still is a nice guy.  But, he made a terrible mistake and for a moment lost his cool, shook my grand-daughter, and forever changed our world for the worst.

The main story appeared in last Tuesday’s (Ju;ly 22nd) USA Today paper.  The “baby shake” story was also made a lead in USA Today’s website (given below).  I talked with Carrie the other day and she said her boys were tickeled to see a picture of their mom and Winter in the banner at the top of the front page of USA Today sandwiched between Payton Manning and the Joker.  Care has, in the past, along with Winter traveled far and wide lecturing about “baby shake” and how to prevent it.  Unfortunately, Winter’s present condition prevents her from traveling great distances and so they limit their activities to around Syracuse, Utah where Care’s husband is stationed at Hill AFB.

While my daughter, Carrie, credits my grand-daughter, Winter’s will to live to her strong soul. I believe it is as much a credit to my daughter’s incredable strength of, love, and dedication to her daughter that has given Winter a longer life than expected.

Gary, I send this message to you to distribute far and wide in the hope that people will read their story and if, in doing so, it saves one little child from being shaken, well, just think how powerful that would be.  Maybe, just maybe, all of the pain and loss of quality of life Winter has suffered, all of the heartache my daughter has endured, and all of the sadness my family has carried over the years will have been worth it.

Bob Lykins

> Carrie and Winter are part of a big USA Today story on “baby shake.” In the newspaper they could not get everything in so they made the story a lead on their web-site. The second site listed below has their photos. You can also access the photos by clicking on “PHOTO GALLERY” in the story. I wonder if it made the international edition. I guess it is on page 5 of the national edition. It came out on Tuesday. After viewing the photos and seeing what Carrie had to say, I must confess I shed a few tears. Through it all Care has shown such great courage. She has been and continues to be a wonderful daughter.
  
Bob 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-21-shaken-baby-syndrome_N.htm 

 http://www.usatoday.com/news/gallery/n080722_sbs/flash.htm?gid=634 

No Blog yesterday.

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy birthday John Tangen! Hope you had a great day!!
From Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

Sam Smith / Yvonne Poitra Photo
Reply from Debbie Poitra Rondeau (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Good Morning Gary,                

I do know Yvonne Poitra, who her first husband was Sam and than later on they divorced and she married a Graber from Rolette.  Yvonne passed away a few years ago, and her first husband Sam I think still lives in Alaska.

====================================
Blog (172) posted on July 26, 2008

Folks, Several of you have replied to the Dunseith Lutheran photo with names. I will compile all your messages and repost that photo, hopefully, with tomorrows message.  We are still missing the identity of several folks on that photo, so please reply if you recognize any of the unidentified folks in that picture.  Gary

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Dear Gary, Another reflection;Dick’s story about Glen Shelver.

My parents had a deep abiding respect for Glen and Annabelle Shelver.

Cliff and Lottie Metcalfe, whenever they needed medical questions answered would  go to the back of the drug store, to seek Mr.  Shelver’s wisdom and counseling.    As a kid-member of Dunseith Lutheran, now Peace Lutheran, I observed Glen and Annabelle Shelver as a  deeply spiritual couple. Truly  a couple  who “walked the walk”.   They exemplified, “true character traits”, they humanely valued and treated every person they met with dignity ….. no matter who you were, what your income was, how you looked, how old  or young you were,  what you wore.. the color of your skin, regardless of  any disabilities mentally,  physically, or morally. etc.

My dad,( Cliff) remembered, reflected and  relayed the character traits imparted to him by  many wonderful hometown folks, from time to time noting that from the  time he was a fatherless teenager,  Glen Shelver was right up there for him as a role model and “as good as any doctor”.

Here is the story I recall dad witnessing, “One day  in the fall of 1964 when Emil Metcalfe and his family moved back to Dunseith. The big Metcalfe brothers, Cliff and Emil wearing their white plastering bibs were walking  up main street ( probably after pie at the cafe :).)   Glen Shelver called out of Shelver Drug gesturing to them,  “You boys come in I want to look at something.  Emil and Cliff stepped into front of the drug store, he motioned them to the  back, past the front counter, past Mrs. Leonard and Mrs. Shelver,and other customers,  past the roasting nuts, and beyond… the over-the-counter displays,then behind the back counter, the safe, into the back room.

Mr. Shelver said to Emil, “It’s been along time, hold out your hand. Emil did and  Mr Shelver smiled at Emil’s hand but did not shake, just  said, “How is it?  Emil said,  It’s fine”.

preface this ,  In the mid 1930’s when  the 4 youngest Metcalfe children were living  with their mother, Rose in Dunseith. Emil would do odd jobs around town to supplement the family income.  One day,  Emil’s entire thumb was cut off.  Emil  picked up his thumb where it fell gripped it with his fingers in the palm of his hand and ran straight to Glen Shelver at the drug store. At first, Emil wouldn’t open his hand, because he thought the thumb would be thrown away.  Glen Shelver  patiently, quietly,calmly, talked Emil into opening his hand, then with skilled swiftness, without a facial reaction, cleaned the wound where the thumb had been. Then, cleaned the thumb.  He placed the two together…. without stitches, pulling an ointment off the  back shelf smeared it all over, wrapped it tightly and said to Emil “leave it alone, don’t get it wet and let it heal…..

It healed and Emil had full use of his wonderful  hands….

Back to the 1964 story……Glen Shelver then opened up his ledger and showed  Cliff and Emil the entry of that day in the 30’s.  Dad noted there were pages  upon pages of entries ……pages of unpaid bills..Dad said, Promptly, Emil reached in his bibs, pulling out his check book.  Glen Shelver said  to Emil, ” I didn’t ask about the hand to be paid.” But Emil said, “I know but,I  can pay now.”  And Emil paid………..not much by 1964 standards that old  mid 1930’s bill.

after note, as a niece I recall….Uncle Emil our Metcalfe family gentle giant, had big big baseball glove size, strong but gentle hands..

Ah, but for the value of one  hand.  And the  value and wisdom of Glen Shelver.

Vickie  Metcalfe

From Allen Richard (65):

Re: Dick Johnson and Glen Shelver.

There has to be hundreds of glen stories out there.  He was an amazing guy and as nice as he was amazing.  Dad was kind of the local “pseudo vet” out on the prairie — He and Bae Pigeon before Bae moved to town.  With Glen’s advice Dad and Bae performed nearly every vet function on livestock that wasn’t specifically designated to licensed vets.  Back in those days that covered quite a spectrum!  I learned a lot too, but got away from livestock well before my skills were on the same planet with Dad or Bae.

I think the “old school” pharmacists were kind of like the “horse doctor’s” of the 1800’s and dentists like Doc Holiday —- multi talented and self trained —.  Here in Midland a local dentist or pharmacist bagged a bank robber– with a rifle — from his office window!

Anyone remember the infamous “Zip to Zap” in 1969?  The guard was sent into Beulah or Hazen to push the college kids out of town as the party wore down.  One guard member “goosed” student in the butt with his bayonet.  I saw the local pharmacist stitch him up through the window of the drug store.

Like i said– these guys were multi talented–Glen was just a wonderful human being on top of all that.

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

Gary and Friends,

In the summer of, I believe, 1966 my good friend Rich Campbell got his
first car! He came driving into our yard in a gray Plymouth two door,
about a 1950 model he had just gotten from his great aunt Lilly from
Langdon! Rich, please correct me if my memories are off. It was a well
kept little car and he was proud as could be! John Bogus and I were in
our garage working on one of our cars and walked out to take a closer
look. The interior was original and still had a real nice wood grained
dash! We asked Rich how it ran? He reached in and hit the key and it
purred–sorta! John and I looked at each other and both said, ‘It’s
missing’, at the same time. Rich wasn’t really into mechanics like we
were so hadn’t noticed the miss. We checked out the engine and found a
dead cylinder. I pulled out the spark plug and there wasn’t any
compression in the cylinder, whatsoever! I put a screwdriver in the
spark plug hole and found that the piston was standing still when the
rest of the engine was running!! We tore the engine down and found that
the piston had broken in two and the bottom was going up and down while
the top stood still. I had never seen that before or since! We took a
used piston out of a junk engine my dad had at the farm and put it back
together and it ran fine! The good part is that Rich and his
father-in-law restored the old Plymouth just a few years ago, and as far
as I know the old used piston is still going up and down! I believe Rich
took the broken piston and painted it gold, and kept it for an ash tray,
although as far as I recall he never smoked.  Rich, am I close here,
it’s 42 or maybe 43 years ago so the old mind may be off a little!
Thanks to Gary and all who share their memories of old Dunseith!

Dick

Photo from Glen Williams (52): 

Gary….I attached a photo of the DHS football team in the early 1950’s….It was one of the first teams when football was re-introduced at DHS..

Glen Williams

The following four pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

I’ll take this picture along to Good Sam and give to Lillian.  This is to share with your list if you would like to.

Neola

Invoice says LeAnn Davis, Jan 7, 1972

Another courthouse picture, no name.
April 5, 1969 printed on the backside.

Happy Birthday John Tangen: Calistoga, CA.

Requested biographies of former DHS Students DHS Class of 1938 – (Day 1)

1. “Beatrice Dailly Johnson 823 Railroad Ave, Apt 11 Bottineau, ND 58318 (701) 228-2449”

2. “Andrew Fassett 29375 New Rd North Liberty, IN 46554  (574) 656-8770”

3. “Eleanor Nerpel Bishop 6111 W Arrowhead Ave Kennewick, WA 99336- (509) 783-9921”

Reply to Lee Stickland’s posting yesterday.
From Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Gary, Lee Stickland and friends, It was a gift to read your post, Lee, about my visit to your HOME in ’07

and visit with your Dad.  The Stickland family has always played an important role in my life. From the

old days of grade school, through some fairly recent years in poker games with Leonard and Eleanor,

the Darrel Fassets, and Bob Leonards.    I remember the visit, Lee, and I can picture you in the comfort

that fine residence offers, thanks in large part, because of your own efforts to make it what it is. Congratulations

to you, Thank You for your post. God Bless you and your neighbors and family members.

  Thank you too, Gary for the gift of your keeping us all on the same frequency.    Bill Hosmer

Reply to little kids picture posted yesterday
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I just have to take a wild guess on the picture of the two little kids posted yesterday.  I think it’s two of the Awalt kids taken in the ’40s.  It looks like the old coal bins at the depot or part of the old railroad roundhouse in the distance and that would probably put the picture taken on the south side of John and Gertrude Awalt’s house on the east side of town.  A real wild guess would be Emma Jean and Bonnie but that could sure be wrong too.  As I said,  this is a shot in the dark.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

 Dick, You are really good. You are half right. See picture pasted below with names.  Gary

Reply to little kids picture posted yesterday
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

Hi Gary, hope all is well with you and the family.  My guess of the two little ones is they maybe are Medrud kids.  If so, which ones I’m not sure.  Rod and Mary may know! 

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Reply to little kids picture posted yesterday
From Bonnie Awalt Houle (’56):  Becker, MN

The blonde with the dirty feet sitting on the porch is me.  I have no idea who the sweet baby is, maybe Eileen Eurich, Dave and Winnifred’s baby.   We are at the Awalt’s home. 

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

Bonnie,
You are so right. That is you and Eileen Eurich. Mary Eurich Knutson sent me that picture along with the one of their dad Dave holding Eileen. We posted that wish no ID seeing you you’d recognize it was you and you did.
Gary

Mary Eurich Knutson’s message and pictures –  scanned and sent by Karen at the Bottineau Spectrum

Hi Gary

It’s been awhile since we’ve been in contact.  Hopefully I can get some more pictures sent and a story or two this winter.  Did you receive the pictures I sent through Karen (Bottineau Spectrum) again.  That’s Dad holding Eileen and the two little girls are Eileen and Bonnie Awalt.  Be fun to run the baby pictures as guess who again  just to see if Bonnie or another one of

their family picks up on it.   Thanks so much.

Mary

====================================
Blog (170) posted on July 24, 2008

Message/Picture from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Mel, I am so sorry I missed this message of yours and Dick’s with yesterday’s mailing.  Gary

Howdy Gary,

Yesterday must have been a slow news day so I guess it must be time for me to throw in some more babble. I survived a weeks VACATION with my wife on a trip to Indiana. We went down to go to a reunion of her side of the family and her dad’s 80th. birthday. I had never met any of her family except for her dad and sisters and kids. I hadn’t been back to Indiana for 25 years and had forgotten about the 900% humidity there in the summer. It really made me appreciate the Turtle Mts. when we got back. My wife and her Dad took me on a trip back in the back country somewhere to see where the old family farm was. I swear I saw some little albino boy in bib overalls sitting on the front stoop picking a banjo back there somewhere. The sounds of pigs squealing was making me a little nervous. The drive down went fairly well and I was glad because I truely do love my wife and I didn’t want to have to kill her. So I stopped and got a roll of duct tape and bound her hands so that she would keep her fingers off of the radio and AC buttons. I tried to explain to her that when you’re on the passenger side you aren’t allowed to touch buttons. Women just can’t understand this. What’s up with that anyway? Now I suppose Lola V. will be passing this on to my wife at work to see if she can get me in trouble again.

Well after a slow start here in the Turtle Mts the June berries are finally out and are real tasty. I hope this gets Larry Hackman to thinking about a June Berry pie. Do any of you remember when we used to really have a lot of berries. Some company would park a semi-trailer behind Hosmer’s Store and would buy up all the chokecherries that the locals would pick. I was never any good at this as I would eat more then I put in the bucket. I have a couple of nice wild raspberry patches in my yard but never make anything out of them. I just go stand in the middle and eat my fill. Lots easier then baking a pie.

I’m hooking on a picture of my son Ricky who is in the Guard and is scheduled to be deployed to Kosovo ’09 sometime. Well I guess that’s enough babble for now.

Mel Kuhn[70]

                                          Ricky Kuhn

From Dick Johnson (70): 

Gary and Friends,

One time in the early 60s, I cut the end nearly off my left thumb when I
picked up a jar that was cracked. I grabbed the jar tightly, thinking it
was heavy and it broke in my hand! I ran into the house, while squeezing
my thumb to stop it from bleeding. Mom was taking a nap on the couch and
when she woke up and looked at my thumb, she fainted and fell back on
the couch! I ran up to the clinic but no one was there–it was Saturday!
The only other place I could think of to get help was the drugstore. I
went in and walked to the back and asked Glen Shelver if he could help
me. He took me in the back of the store to a sink, and then said to let
go so he could see it. When I took the pressure of it was still bleeding
bad! Glen had some powder of some kind that he put on the wound and it
stopped the bleeding he then cleaned and bandaged it and said to be
careful not to bump it on anything. The last thing he said was, “And
don’t ride your bike”! I went home and showed Mom how Glen had fixed me
up, much to her approval! I sat around for a while and then decided to
head over to Campbell’s to see what Rich was up to that afternoon. Well
as I walked past the garage, there sat my bike! I hadn’t tipped that
bike over for a long time, why walk?!? I took off like always, cutting
through between Hassen Murray’s and Marie’s Beauty Shop, jumped off the
curb and rode across Main street, like always! When I got to the curb on
the other side of the street, by the Dakota Hotel, I went to jump back
up on the curb there, but with only one hand on the bars, the bike jack
knifed and I flew off, landing on the sidewalk ON MY BAD HAND! I sat up
and looked just in time to see the bandage turn red! I walked back into
the drugstore and back to see Glen! The first words out of his mouth
were, ” I TOLD YOU TO STAY OFF THAT DAMN BIKE”!! He fixed me up again,
but this time I pushed my bike home and left it there!! I am sure I
should have had stitches, but my thumb healed perfectly, with only a
scar, thanks to Glen Shelver! The comedian, Jackie Gleason, once said
that nowadays when a kid gets sick, they get him a private nurse, when
he was a kid he broke his leg and his old man took him to the drugstore!
How true! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Irene Pigion’s Obituary provided by Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary, I  copied the following for your information;

Irene Pigeon is dear Lise’ ( Rousseau) (DHS Class of 64)  Metcalfe’s mom.  Vickie

Lise/Larry Rousseau-Metcalfe

3029 34th Ave SW  #230

Fargo, ND 58104

(701) 364-5410

No email address
Irene Pigeon, 88, of Fargo, died July 22, 2008, at Elim Care Center in Fargo, ND.

The daughter of Jeffrey and Marie Pronovost, Irene was born December 19, 1919, at Lac a la Tortue, Quebec, Canada where she grew up and attended school.
On July 8, 1944, she married Roland Coutou at Grandmere, Quebec, Canada. He died June 8, 1946, of a work-related accident.

She remained in Canada until 1950 at which time she married Joe Rousseau on November 25, and they moved to North Dakota where Joe farmed. In 1956 they moved to Dunseith where she worked at San Haven Sanitarum for fifteen years. Joe died November 12, 1969.

Irene then married Romulus Pigeon on June 15, 1972. They lived in Dunseith until his death in 1979. She then moved to Carrinton, ND.

In 2003 she entered Elim Care Center where she remained until her death.

She is survived by: her daughter, Lise Metcalfe (Larry) Fargo, ND; grandsons, Brian (Kiki) Columbia, CA, and Christopher (Kristina) Fargo, ND; brother, Clement Pronovost, and sister, Liette Boulet (Aime) both of Montreal, Canada.

Memorial service: Saturday, July 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.

Please sign the online guestbook at (www.hanson runsvold.com).

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Do any of youknow the folks in these two pictures?  Gary

Requested biographies of former DHS Students DHS Class of 1938 – (Day 2)

1. “Beatrice Dailly Johnson 823 Railroad Ave, Apt 11 Bottineau, ND 58318 (701) 228-2449”

2. “Andrew Fassett 29375 New Rd North Liberty, IN 46554  (574) 656-8770”

3. “Eleanor Nerpel Bishop 6111 W Arrowhead Ave Kennewick, WA 99336- (509) 783-9921” 

            Can anyone guess who these two little ones are?

Message to Bill Hosmer (’48)
From Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Colonel Bill and ALL

     Sorry, Sir, I do not find YOUR email address in my mess and my ability to search at this 12:47 am is limited.

     I hope this method is acceptable.

     When the Activity Director here at St Luke’s Home walked into my room the am of 2 October to deliver my mail, I saw the cover of the newest FLYING magazine she was yet holding and YOUR name immediately came to my mind.

     The THUNDERBIRDS of the USAF were prominently shown in formation flying red, white and blue jets.

      KC Sines is again envisioned as he ‘hit the dirt’.

BILL, thanks so much for coming to St Luke’s to see my Dad, Bob, in about 2007.  That visit was better for him than many rounds of medical efforts.  The NH has since been replaced by 

a new one with all private rooms.  I knew the administrator and the social worker when Dad was here; many plans were advanced for the new home at time.  I was happy to have been

invited to comment toward that formation.

NOW:  I get to live here.  Living in a NH is not the end of the line; it can be the beginning of a whole NEW journey.  Intense head trauma at age 19 and many, many falls involving head-versus-concrete over the last years means that HERE is best.

Nursing Homes were good to me for the near 20 years I ran them, (or they ran me ?).

                                              LEE      s      10-3-2014       

Class matrix Pictures
Request from Don Martel (DHS Principal):

Hi Gary,

Again, thank you so much for starting and continuing this blog.

Would it be possible to post the picture composites of each graduating class from DHS?  It would require someone in Dunseith to scan and copy or photograph each one and send it to you.  It would be nice to have a reference to look at when reading about certain individuals.

Just a thought.

Don

Don,
If someone can scan and send me the class matrixes, I can post that is not a problem.
Gary

====================================
Blog (170) posted on July 24, 2008
Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

I forgot to ask if anyone would be interested in having this picture.

Hi Gary,

I’m busy sorting/scanning/saving/sending courthouse pictures.

I don’t know where/why this picture was taken, but I recognize some of the people as being from the Dunseith area: Clarence/Helen Christianson Bye, Clarence/Alvina Brudwick Christianson, Clifford/Alma Christianson Halvorson, Clifford/Alice Lindberg McKay, Lester/Dorothy Halvorson, Mr./Mrs. Medlang, Art Rude.  I’m sure many of those in your “lists” know all the people in the picture, so I don’t need to know who they are.

I have the Dunseith/Belcourt graduation pictures on my mind, too.  When I get more of them sorted, I thought maybe I would put them in a box/boxes and take them to Dale’s/some other place in Dunseith on a certain day/time.  You could send the day/time to your lists, and anyone who thinks they might have relatives/friends included, can show up and look through the boxes.  I was also thinking I would send a list of the names that are on the backs of the pictures (to you, so you can send them to your lists), so people have an idea whose pictures are in the boxes.  What do you think of this idea?  It will take me awhile, as I have pictures on almost all surfaces in my apartment, except one chair in the kitchen/my recliner/bed/computer chair.  I love this project, but it is definitely time-consuming.  I also have pictures I’m delivering in Bottineau.  I would LOVE to go to the courthouse again, but I don’t dare–I don’t have room for more pictures!

Neola

Folks, What was the occasion of this photo. Many of you are in this picture. Stan Solmonson, I see you standing in the back.  I also recognize Don Johnson sitting to the left in front.

Can any one identify those in this picture? I will resend this out with names when we have everyone identified.  Gary

Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69)reply to the Amie DesRaches Family: 

Hi Gary, Thought I’d send these pictures of Rodney and Lyle . Rodney was stationed in Vienam and Lyle was in Germany.

                    Robney Lagerquist (67)

                          Lyle Lagerquist (68)

Viet Nam Pictures & message from Kenny Nerpel (65): 

Turtle Mountain Americans,

Regarding Gary’s Vietnam photo: Gary Wall and Gary Stokes

Wow, those are some strack troops (ideal in military dress, demeanor and
bearing). Notice the bloused boots and clean uniforms. I think I
remember using something called boot blousers when we were in basic and
AIT to get that clean professional look, but I never saw anything like
that in Vietnam. Where did you get them anyway? Where I was we got clean
uniforms in bulk every two to three weeks, whether we needed them or
not. Sometimes they came in by convoy; other times they just dropped
them out a chopper and then it was a mad scramble to try to find
something near the correct size.

The attached photos (Trang Bang, The Road and The Road2) are of members
of my platoon while on road security (it looks like blue ribbon was the
beverage of choice back then) and of Vietnamese soldiers (White Mice)
searching through the belongings of people wanting to use the road. All
photos except the the one taken from the air were taken the same day
along the dirt road Six Alpha, which connected the village of Trang Bang
with FSB (Fire Support Base) Pershing. The brown-uniformed guys are
South Vietnamese police called white mice; the nickname came from their
uniforms and I think that they sometimes wore white helmets and gloves.
The photo from the air is of a small fire base (Dees) taken from an
approaching helicopter. The smoke indicates where they want the chopper
to land.

It’s been about forty years now, so maybe it’s time for a Vietnam story:
The Road

Highway 1 was a paved highway out of Saigon (Ho Ci Minh City) running
through Cu Chi, Trang Bang and on towards Tay Ninh. It proceeded
northwest about 15 miles to the city of Cu Chi and then it was about 8
miles farther to Trang Bang. Near Trang Bang was a bridge and FSB
Stuart. The road where these pictures were taken was the dirt road Six
Alpha, a secondary road leading from Trang Bang north to FSB Pershing
then on to the Saigon River. The Vietnamese fellow (Wine Maker) visiting
with the troops lived along this road and made some of the worst rice
wine that has ever been made. He was always more than willing to share
some of it with us and we were willing to partake. We figured what are
they going to do to us anyway? Send us to Vietnam? This road was a
supply route and had to be patrolled to protect the convoys supplying
FSB Pershing about 4 to 5 miles up the road from FSB Stuart. Daily
convoys from Cu Chi took this route and required heavy security because
of constant mining of the road and harassment of the convoys by the VC.
Road security was welcome duty. It afforded the opportunity to mingle
with the locals and it was a break from the other duties of the
infantryman. Even though considered good duty it was not without danger.
On one of my first assignments to road security I remember saying, “this
isn’t so bad.” On that day we were providing security for the
minesweepers, which involved patrolling both sides of the road while the
engineers went down the middle sweeping for land mines. I happened to be
the closest to an engineer when a mine was discovered. I took a seat on
the shoulder of the road while the engineer proceeded to dig the mine
out. Suddenly there was a deafening explosion. The mine had been
triggered. I looked up and saw huge chunks of earth flying up and then
dropping back towards the ground. Another member of the platoon who had
been “in country” for awhile came over to me to see if I had been
injured and when I said I had not, he remarked, “I think you should help
look for the body parts. I always do because if this happens to one of
my friends, I think it would make it easier for me to help bag up the
body.”

Welcome to Vietnam!

Kenny

Requested biographies of former DHS Students DHS Class of 1938 – (Day 1)

1. “Beatrice Dailly Johnson 823 Railroad Ave, Apt 11 Bottineau, ND 58318 (701) 228-2449”

2. “Andrew Fassett 29375 New Rd North Liberty, IN 46554  (574) 656-8770”

3. “Eleanor Nerpel Bishop 6111 W Arrowhead Ave Kennewick, WA 99336- (509) 783-9921”

       Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (168) posted on July 22, 2008

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary I  got the pic’s to work……………..  I  still say there is  no better  eye candy then a man in uniform . Thank you all whomever  has served  to keep  our FREEDOM , You  all  are the best. GOD BLESS  U ALL.

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe, Names identified by Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

Back row left to right, Dave, Joyce Dennis,Middle row Larry, Bernice,Tex. Front row, Patsy, Darlene, Joann. Dave still lives in St. John and has been a mail carrier for about a kazillion years and his wife was the home ec. teacher here for about as many years and retired maybe 5-6 years ago. Other than that I don’t know the rest.

Mel

Amie Des Roches Family, St. John
Back L to R: Dave, Joyce and Denn
Middle L to R: Larry, Bernice,Tex
Front L to R: Patsy, Darlene, Joann.

Folks,  I thought I’d include a few pictures our Veteran service members with today’s message.  Gary

                                    Cliff Henry (65)

                                   Kenny Nerpel (65)

                       Ron Longie (65) with his daughter

                             Todd Poitra (Ginger/Tony’s son)

                             Warren Anderson (65)

                                        Bill Fassett

     Happy Birthday Kim Fugere Ogilvie: Renton, WA

====================================
Blog (168) posted on July 22, 2008

“Our Home Town” From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary,

You’re site has many folks fondly remembering, thinking and
then communicating  their remembrances and commenting on the
perceptions of others.
Gary, Today, I believe, not just communication…but one the
greatest gifts of your site is the evoking  and re-awakening of
wonderful remembrances for the times gone by, drawing on the
commonalities of all  of us who read and share the love of our
“Hometown” and the fondness of our hometown cohorts.

This morning after reading, I was bombarded with feelings;
Aye. The nostalgic warm cozy ones for yesteryear’s, peaceful
order of chore time in the gentle country barn as I  read Dicks and
Tim Martinson stories. Then,viewed the sweet,  brotherly love of “Age
of Innocence” , of Tim and Terry Martinson (Tim’s 1950’s picture ).
While, remembering,  “The smell of the sweet hay, the warmth
of the cow’s flank when resting  my head  there, as  milked swished
into the pail while gripping the smooth teats, the dark, fluid gentle
eyes of a cow,looking well pleased chewing her cud, the mewing of
cats looking for a stream of milk to catch,while the old dog lapped
up milk, and a hen squawking to let you know she laid an egg,and the
team of horses chomping on oats. While the thoughts reflected  on
are; just being in the contentment of the present.

Then, I read on and thought of the perceptions of others….
Of downtown  Dunseith through the eyes of adventurous teens
on Saturday nights……..
Of those sharing the pain with the loss of integral family
members.  And others asking for prayers for those who are ill and
medical care.
To “Hello Viet Nam”, through the eyes of an Ackworth country
boy and  a Bottineau city boy.
Then ” Hello Viet Nam Again”… years later……………..
Thank you all for  your stories shared  through words and pictures.

Gary, Many people passing through Dunseith may think its
?…But,  Thanks to cyber-space, your site has helped to revive, our
hometown community.
Did you ever imagine years ago while in Viet Nam, you’d be
writing around the world to  your hometown folks through cy-ber space?

Later. Vickie

Vickie, This cyber space technology sure does bring a lot of folks together from around the world.  With us the neat part about it is that we all share these neat messages, together, at the same time, in mass communication around the globe.  From here in the PI, I feel well connected to the states, thanks to you guys.  Gary

“More Farm Life” From Dale Pritchard (63): 

Gary,

According to my Dad, we had the only cows in the country he knew of who
could read.  We had a couple of my neices and nephews (non-farm types)
who stayed with us a few days once.  My Dad had a small board with each
cow’s name on it above their stantion in the barn.  My Dad was in the
barn with these other kids when the dog brought the cows around the back
side and herded them in.  He greeted each cow by name and told it to
take it’s place, which it did.  The kids were really amazed and always
wanted to see that again each time they came back.  On the other side of
the barn were pens for the calves depending on their size.  Sometimes
they would make a mistake and go in the wrong pen.  My Dad said the
calves were still learning how to read so they didn’t have name tags
yet.  It wasn’t often that he came up with something off the wall like
that but when he did, it got remembered.

Tim Martinson mentioned putting hay in the haymow.  We initially used
horses to pull the hay from the hayrack to the haymow.  It went up and
in and one of us tripped the lock so it fell where it was needed.  In
later years, My Dad bought an old truck which he wanted for the
rear-end.  He put this rear-end on wheels of it’s own and hooked the
shift lever in there somehow.  This thing ran off the tractor’s power
take-off.  Put it in a forward gear to pull the hay up and in the barn
and put it in reverse to rewind the cable.  It worked fantastic for
pulling people out of ditches also.

Gary, you might remember what we called the “Bug?”  That was the result
of another project of his.  The “Bug” came from another old truck that
he stripped down, put a seat on it facing the rear dual wheels, and had
rear wheel steering with what was originally the front wheels.  That
project’s only purpose was to bull rake hay to bring back to where we
stacking it.  With a heavy load in the bull rake, the rear wheel
steering worked a lot better.  The second best part about that thing was
when we were stacking hay away from home.  We usually drove it to and
from the field because there was room for all of us and it was a little
faster than the tractor, but not much.  Rear wheel steering and speed
just don’t go together.  This was when Hiway 43 was still gravel.  Cars
from out of state would meet us, stop and turn around so they could pass
us, then wait for us to go by again so they could see again what they
thought they saw.  I can still visualize them talking later about seeing
Ma and Pa Kettle with their car.

My Dad was a self-taught welder and could make almost anything once he
decided it was possible.  He also welded broken parts for many of the
neighbors for a number of years.

Dale Pritchard

Dale, How well I remember your dad being the inventor that he was and also being the neighborhood welder.  He was a very smart man with a ton of common sense.  Your dad could weld anything regardless of the difficulty or the metal and his welds held. When ever a piece of machinery broke down my dad was down to see your dad to get it welded.  Your dad would stop whatever he was doing, even if he was out in the hay field.  He would go home and weld what ever my dad had that needed to be welded. I remember your dad had a portable welding machine too that he would take to jobs that could not be delivered to your house.  I also remember that backward running bull rake that your dad made.  I remember you guys haying Esther Tangen’s, now the Pladson, meadow using that machine.  I remember you guys going to and from the hay fields, on the main roads, with that backward running machine too.  It was a very unique invention of your dad’s.  Gary