10/30/2015 (2306)

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Gary

Correction
Duane Link pasted away – Son of Phyllis McKay (’65) and the late Joe Link (’63)

Correction: Joe Link was Duane’s dad, not Ron as I previously posted. I knew that very well too, so it was a real dumb mistake on my part. Thanks Phyllis for being so understanding. Gary

Turtle Mountain Wild Boar
Posting from Raphael Poitra (’65): Dunseith, ND

Gary, This is a wild boar that Mike Peterson shot across the highway from Kelvin Klinic . The boar was in Mike’s pasture. The picture with Mike is my hand holding the pig’s mouth to show the tusks.

Thanks Gary! Raphael Poitra

Face Book Posting from Larry Hackman’s Daughter, Angie Hackman Leintz
Larry Hackman (’66) and Marion Schneider Hackman

Postings From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Richard Gunville Obituary
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

I extend sympathy to Rick’s family and friends.

The John and Helen Gunville family were neighbors of the hills.

I recall Rick when he was also employed at Dunseith School.

He was known as a hard worker. dependable and well liked.

Sincerely, Vickie Metcalfe

Obituaries

Richard James Gunville
(September 5, 1955 – October 25, 2015)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book | Send Sympathy Card

Richard Gunville, age 60, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Dunseith, ND passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Richard James Gunville was born on September 5, 1955 to John and Helen (DuBois) Gunville in Belcourt, ND. He was raised and educated in Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1974. After graduating, he worked construction, worked as a basketball coach for two years, drove bus for the school, and worked at Dunseith Elementary School as a maintenance worker and custodian. In 2003, Richard moved from Dunseith to Grand Forks to be with his family and started working at the Ramada. He stayed there for about a year and went on the work construction at the UND paint shop for five years. UND offered him a position with them as a maintenance worker, which he accepted and remained employed.

Richard married Elaine Gunville on October 22, 1976 and became the proud father of four children, Ryan, Cody, Skyler, and Ricanda. He was the very proud “papa” of his three grandchildren, Analeigh Gunville, Sky Chaske, and Baby Gunville.

Richard’s favorite pastime was a loving family man. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved to work on cars and going to car shows. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and spending time with his dog, Bailey. He loved to watch sports especially football, as he was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. His family was the most important thing to him and loved to have family close together. He was blessed with a great work ethic and worked hard all of his life to raise his family and he was very independent and strong. Richard has touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him in any way.

Richard is survived by his wife, Elaine Gunville of Grand Forks; four children, Ryan (Hiedi) Gunville of Grand Forks, Cody (Carrie) Gunville of Grand Forks, Skyler (Amber) Gunville of Grand Forks, and Ricanda (Reginald) Chaske of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Analeigh Gunville and one on way due in March; brothers, Robert Gunville, Mark (Val) Gunville, and Jerry (Ann) Gunville; sisters, Sharon (Virgil) Poitra and Debbie (Darrell) Champagne; several nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces, and great great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandchild, Sky Chaske, brothers, Timothy and James Gunville, sister, Florence Dodgion, nephews, Bob Dodgion, Dustin Champagne, and William Gunville, and nieces, Sherry Poitra, and Sherry and Mary Gunville.

Casket Bearers are Ryan, Cody, and Skyler Gunville, Devon Champagne, Darrell Champagne, Reginald Chaske, Aaron Gunville, and David Gunville. Honorary Bearers are all Richard’s family and friends. Music by Pat and Linda Peltier and family.

A visitation will begin at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Dunseith, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 10 AM in the church with Fr. Dennis Mary Dugan presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

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

Gary and Friends,
While a student at Dunseith School, I was an avid reader.

I checked out and brought home many books on American history which I shared with my dad to read.

We discussed books at the supper table; Dad favored Bat Masterson while I favored, Wyatt Earp.

As an adult, one for my bucket was filled when I visited Chief Joseph and Big Horn Battle fields in Montana with my nephews and nieces.

Recently, I found it interesting Billings, Montana school patrons honored another hero, Doctor Medicine Crow by naming a school after him.

Now I know how someone becomes a war chief.

Later, Vickie

http://www.krtv.com/story/30372763/dr-joe-medicine-crow-the-last-living-plains-indian-war-chief-celebrates-102nd-birthday

“It was on the European battlefields Medicine Crow completed all of the four tasks needed to become a Crow War Chief. As a scout he led several successful war parties deep behind enemy lines; he stole German horses; he disarmed an enemy; and he touched an enemy (counted coup) without killing him.”

====================================
Blog (375) posted on February 20 , 2009

Posted on February 20, 2009

Happy Birthday greetings to Mildred Fulsebakke from Erling Landsverk (44):

HI GARY:

WHEN I LEARNED THAT MILDRED FULSEBAKKE WAS CELEBRATING HER 90TH BIRTHDAY WITH HER FAMILY, I WANTED TO ADD MY GREETING ALONG WITH A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH. YOU SEE, HER HUSBAND JAMES ALONG WITH THREE OF HIS SIBLINGS AND ALL OF OUR FAMILY ATTENDED THE SAME ONE ROOM SCHOOL. IT WAS THE LOON LAKE SCHOOL #2, ABOUT A HALF MILE WEST OF THE FULSEBAKKE HOME

DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, WE OFTEN STOPPED AT THEIR HOUSE TO WARM UP BEFORE GOING ON TO SCHOOL, BECCAUSE THE TEMPERATURE AS YOU KNOW USUALLY HOVERED AT OR BELOW ZERO, AND FOR LITTLE KIDS WE GOT PRETTY COLD AFTER TRUDGING A MILE THROUGH THE DEEP SNOW. THE LAST AND ONLY TIME THAT I SAW MILDRED WAS AT THEIR HOME IN 1970 I BELIEVE, MY WIFE AND I AND THREE OF MY SIBLINGS DROVE OUT FROM WISCONSIN TO VISIT OUR OLD HOME SITE, VISIT SIGRID FULSEBAKKE AND AS MANY OF HER FAMILY AS WERE AROUND, OUR OWN NELS LANDSVERK FAMILY AND OTHER FRIENDS, AND WHEN WE LEARNED THAT JAMES AND MILDRED HAD A FARM NEAR THE PEACE GARDEN, WE STOPPED TO GREET THEM, AND OF COURSE MILDRED INVITED US IN WITH A BIG SMILE AND HER AND JAMES AND ALL OF US TALKED ABOUT OLD TIMES. IT WAS A GREAT VISIT. UNFORTUNATELY WE NEVER DID SEE THEM AGAIN, NOR DID WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THEIR CHILDREN. TO ALL OF THEM I MUST SAY, YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND YOUR FATHER WAS ONE IN A MILLION. WE ALL HAVE LASTING FOND MEMORIES OF THE FULSEBAKKE FAMILY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILDRED!
JO ANN AND ERLING LANDSVERK

Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

To Gary Stokes:

In blog #375, I meant to send my email to Gary Fulsebakke, and I did; somehow, I must have clicked on Gary Stokes, as well.
I was wishing Gary Fulsebakke’s mom, Mid (Mildred) a HAPPY BIRTHDAY 90th birthday this weekend. Gary F. and I have shared some stories back and forth this week.

Geri Metcalfe Munro

James & Mildred Fulsebakke Family:
Back: Gary Mid & Jim
From Jim Jr. Joel & Shelly

For general info – The Forestry is now MSU-Bottineau
Brittney Fulsebakke is Mid’s Granddaughter. Her parents are Jim Jr. (75) and Marlee Rae (Reing). Marlee Rae’s mother, Marlene (Oliver) Reing is a sister to my sister-in-law Debby (Darrel) Stokes.

Reply from David Slyter (70):

My thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn, Richard and their children. I use to work with Richard at the school when we were both custodians there. What a great family. I pray you have a speedy recovery Marilyn. Great things can be cured through the help of prayer.

To Dick:
Thank You for the great picture of your grandpa, Glenn and Dad. I am thinking that your Grandpa must have sold his share to my Dad as there was a few years when Dad and Glenn owned the bar. I don’t know if a lot of you remember the kids leagues they use to have on Saturdays when Glenn and Dad owned the bowling alley. It was great. I think they had like three or four teams of kids bowling on Saturday mornings. Again thanks Dick and Gary. Good memories

10/27/2015 (2305)

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Gary

Happy Birthday Odell Millang: Oak Harbor, WA

Happy Birthday Sharon Took Parkhouse (’67): Osseo, MN

Visitors from Seattle

Our Daughter Sheryl, Granddaughter Nevaeh and their friend Carrie arrived here in Cebu at Midnight last night from Seattle. They will be here until November 13^th. They are getting reacquainted with all their relative. They bond well.

Gary

Bernadette, Nevaeh (Granddaughter), Sheryl (Daughter) and
Carrie (Friend from Seattle)

====================================
Blog (374) posted on February 19 , 2009

Posted on February 19, 2009

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure:

First I would like to tell Neola I wish you luck on the radiation it can be rough but your spirit is such a go get em spirit you will do great , the radiation team in Minot is wonderful they treat you very well and always encourage you as the treatments get tough. I will keep you in my prayers. Second Marilyn is in the hospital as far as I have heard in Minn. still, I talked with her sister Bernie just the other day and Marilyn is not well she has a lot of aneurism’s and Bernie said she is now in God’s hands Please keep her in your prayers . I had my yearly Ct scan and check up and so far no more cancer I am starting to feel great again. I thank you all again for your support and prayers in the last year I will ask you to please continue to pray for me and my family, Debbie is home and is working hard on getting her speech back it is a long road for her I call her once or twice a week and talk to her. Happy Birthday to Mrs. Fulsebakke. and Art I am so sorry your have lost your wife. I only talked with her one time but she was such a friendly woman we visited at the Bottineau Fair she was sitting behind me and I was telling someone I had graduated in 72 from Dunseith and she tapped me on my shoulder and said then you went to school with my husband Art so I got to tell her all kind of stories about you Art. May God Hold you and your family close during this time of sorrow. But know she is now healed and dancing with the angels. GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Reply to Marilyn Peltier Allery’s condition from Judy Allery Azure (65):

Hi Gary, Paula, and everyone

Marilyn Peltier Allery is my sister-in-law, she is married to my brother Richard. Marilyn is in St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. She had brain aneurysms and is in ICU in the Brain Unit. She seems to be coming along quite well, spent the past weekend with her and my brother, along with her mother and my youngest brother Dallas. All the prayers will be greatly appreciated. Marilyn was put in a chair for 4hrs this weekend and seemed to tolerate it quite well. She is getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. Marilyn was hospitalized on January 23, 2009, under went surgery during the night to clamp the aneurysms. This was quite an ordeal for her family, Marilyn and Richard have 3 children. I will try and keep all posted on her condition. Thank You Paula for remembering Marilyn.

Judy Allery Azure

Reply from Debbie Fugere Fauske (75):

Hi Gary:

I spoke with Richard Allery by phone today. He is in Minneapolis with Marilyn. I mentioned there had been a note in the blog regarding Marilyn’s situation. I asked how she was doing and if it would be okay to update the Dunseith blog about her condition.

He said she’s no longer in a coma, her eyes are open, but she’s not really awake either. He also said she seems to recognize their voices, and turns toward them when they talk. She is unable to speak at this time.

The doctor’s have started physical therapy at this time.

He said the doctor’s say she’s come a long way but has a long way to go.

Debbie Fauske

Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

Gary,
I just have to share with you how precious it was when your mom married Jim Fulsebakke, neighbor and single. They came to Little Prairie Lutheran Church near Kelvin, where my parents, Jim and Ella Metcalfe and all of us seven children attended. In those days, I will have you know, the men sat on one side and the women and younger children sat on the other side. Well—-
when Jim and Mid came in (she was dressed to the nines in a suit, hat and gloves (WOW, I thought–what a glamourous couple)–I must have been about what (I was born in 1941), but she sat on the men’s side with Jim. Well—-after the service a lady approached my Mom and said you’d better ask Jim (Metcalfe) about this, and tell them that they should sit on their own side.
When Mom told Dad, he said “next Sunday, you and the girls sit on the men’s side with Mid, Jim and the men. After that, all the families sat together on both sides. We felt they were such a great addition to our neighborhood, and they CERTAINLY WERE. God bless you kids and your Mom on her 90’t birthday. Geri (Geraldine Metcalfe) Munro

Reply/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,Steve Cook’s Turtle Mountain Restaurant, I believe, was on Main Street
in Dunseith. I think it was on the east side about mid-town. For those
who have a Dunseith History Book, look on pages 371 and 372. Somehow I
thought it later became McCoy’s Bar. Don’t know for absolute, but I
think I heard that long ago. If anyone knows, please write and let us
all know. Kenny Nerpel—Thanks for the P. W. Poole story. I have the
article from the News with pictures. I’ll try to scan it and send it for
those who do, and don’t remember him. It may take me some time as right
now I can’t remember where it is! Mom sent it to me when I was in
college in Grand Forks. Knowing Pete, you would have died laughing at
the stories he was telling the reporter! The guy sucked it up like a
‘Hoover Deluxe’, word for word. All of us who frequented Kelvin know how
‘Ol Pete could spin a yarn! Everyone must have at least one ‘Pete Poole’
story. I’m attaching a picture of the Garden Tap from about 1957. Those
behind the bar are my grandfather, Henry Olson, Glen Johnson, and
Freddie Hiatt. This was when the Tap first opened. Classy joint—white
shirts and ties! Grandpa and Glen were partners when it opened. Thanks Gary!Dick

Henry Olson, Glen Johnson, and Freddie Hiatt.

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s question to Colleen Brudwick at the Good Samaritan Home:

Hi Colleen,

I need help/info, please. I understood Highway 43 performs on Sunday. I just received Gary Stokes’ Dunseith Alumni newsletter. In it, Gary Fulsebakke has a note stating there will be a 90th birthday party for his mother at Good Sam, starting at 3:00. Will both events be taking place at the same time–little overlapping 30 minutes?

Thanks.

Neola

Colleen’s reply:

The music is at 2:00 on Sunday; the party is at 3:00.

10/25/2015 (2304)

Posted on October 25, 2015 by Gary

Duane Link pasted away – Son of Phyllis McKay (’65) and the late Ron Link (’63)

Obituary for Duane Ronald Link

Duane came into this world on November 27, 1964. He arrived on Friday after Thanksgiving and weighed only 4 pounds. Duane was so tiny, he came home in a Christmas stocking one month later on December 27, 1964. His parents Phyllis McKay and Joseph Duane Link were thrilled and scared to death to bring their itty bitty baby boy home to their trailer house in Minot, North Dakota.

In 1966, when Duane was almost 2 years old we moved to Seattle, Washington in hopes of a new job for Joe. Three years later Duane got a baby sister named Tyera. He loved his baby sister dearly and gave her his favorite “blankie” to snuggle at nap time. He loved to pull her around in their wagon while during walks in the neighborhood. He kissed on her whether she was sleeping or not, often waking her. He also loved to tease her unmercifully, telling her we had found her at a camp site at Ocean Shores. When they were teenagers they became best of friends and partners in crime always covering up for each other’s discretions. Tyera was his champion and Duane was her body guard.

Duane’s first dog was a little black terrier mix named Blackie that loved Duane. He said no matter how close Blackie was next to him, if he said “Blackie” the dog would crowd closer to Duane. After Blackie died, Duane saved his paper route money and bought two Scottie dogs. This began many years of raising and selling puppies. With the puppy money he bought his first motorcycle, a television, and his first car.

Duane loved muscle cars. His first car was a 1967 cherry red Chevy Chevelle. It was the vehicle that transported him and his sister Tyera on many wild adventures. Coming home one night in the fog, Duane saw a heard of horses galloping down the road straight at him. The thundering hooves proceeded over the top of his car, without any damage to the horses. Duane’s Chevelle only needed a new hood and a little pounding out of dents to the roof of his car. This story was reported in the Maplevalley newspaper “Voice of the Valley”.

While working at Micron Duane became friends with a fellow worker that was Korean. He learned how to jig for squid and how to make Korean Kimchi. At this time Duane also became interested in the Korean martial arts Taekwondo. He achieved the rank of red belt which is the rank below black belt. He was very proud of how he could break boards with one strong kick. When we were invited to his home for a gourmet meal, “another of his accomplishments” he would dress up in his dobok and put on a demonstration of demonstration of high kicks and precise movements.
Duane’s first long term job of eight years was at Safeway with his dad. When Safeway went on strike, Duane started working for a plastic extrusion plant called Micron in Kent. He became supervisor of the night crew. After working with precision machines he decided to return to college to complete his Machinist training. Duane worked in the aerospace industry as a machinist until the crash in 2008. For the past several years he worked at many different odd jobs. He decided to go to North Dakota to be closer to his sister and her family. After one winter in North Dakota, he returned to Washington State. Duane’s last job was at Skills Incorporated as an aerospace machinist. He loved his job and was looking forward to buying a new car.

Duane left us at only fifty years old on October 18th, 2015, He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Duane Link. He is survived by his sister Tyera Link Sebens (Mitch), his nephew Derek Sims, his niece Chelsea Sims, his great nephew Gaige Sims and his mother Phyllis McKay as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Remembering the old reel to reels
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

I watched this site about how beavers once parachuted into “The River of No return” in Idaho.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/beaver-parachute-1.3285962

The second film was lost for years.

Watching the second film reminded me of the all those reel to reel films we watched at Dunseith School.

I know many folks consider the beaver destructive

My opinion differs from lots of folks…including family members and neighbors..

But I choose to stick to my opinion;

Beavers will always reign as a favored animal who continue to amaze me by their

construction methods and their familial relationships.

until Later, Vickie

====================================
Blog (373) posted on February 19 , 2009

02/18/2009

Posted on February 19, 2009

Mildred Fulsebakke’s 90th B-day – posted by Gary Fulsebakke (71):

Hi Gary,
I thought some of the folks out there would like to know that we are
having a 90th birthday celebration for our mother, Mildred Fulsebakke
(Mrs. James Fulsebakke) on Sunday February 22, at the Good Samaritan
Home in Bottineau. The celebration will begin at 3 pm. with a short
program and refreshments to follow. The public is cordially invited to
attend. Thanks for the blog and keep those memories coming! Gary
Fulsebakke

Gary, I remember you mother well. She and my mother participated in a lot of the same community organizations/activities in our younger days. Your family farm was located near the west side of the Peace Garden. I remember well, in the summer of 1958, when your dad, my dad and a few others car pooled together to work at the Minot Air Force base. That was a very long commute.

I wish your mother a very happy 90th birthday. I saw her, at the Oak Manor apartments in 2007, when we were back there. She looked great! I understand she recently moved to the Good Samaritan Home. Gary

Mavis Hagen’s Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Mavis Hagen, age 56, of Bottineau, went to her eternal rest with her Savior on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at a Bismarck hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, February 19, at 2 p.m. at the Bottineau High School Gymnasium. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 18, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with a prayer service held at 7 p.m. at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the memorials be given to the March for Hope, 403 Bennett St., Bottineau, ND 58318.

Mavis A. Hagen, a daughter of Orthon and Deverne (Klebe) Froseth, was born on October 26, 1952, at Bottineau. She was reared there and graduated from Bottineau High School in 1970. Mavis felt “2 teach is 2 touch a life 4 ever”; therefore she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Mayville State in 1974. Mavis began touching lives through teaching in Medina, ND, and in the fall of 1979 she moved to Bottineau. She continued her passion of teaching 3rd graders at the Bottineau Central School. On July 8, 1978, she married Arthur Hagen in Bottineau, where they had since resided.

Mavis was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau. She was active in the March for Hope, Relay for Life and many other educational and community activities.

Her loving family includes: her husband Arthur of Bottineau; daughter, Devonne (Jonathon) Leonard of Okinawa, Japan; son, Joshua (Keisha) Hagen of Bismarck; grandchildren, Keiandra Hagen and Jarik Leonard; mother, Deverne (Floyd) Thom of Bottineau; brother, Dorvine (Judy) Froseth of Bismarck; sister, Evette (Bruce) Bierman of Newburg; mother-in-law, MaryAnn Hagen of Bottineau; brother-in-law, Tom Larsen (Christine) of Chehalis, WA; many nieces, nephews and those she touched through teaching.

Those loved ones who she joins in heaven include her father, Orthon, sister, Charla Larsen and father-in-law, Clarence Hagen.

From Paula Fassett (71):

Hi Gary and all,

I just received an e-mail message from Dunseith and heard that Marilyn (Peltier) Allery has been hospitalized with an aneurism – or maybe several. I don’t know details, so won’t guess. Marilyn was one of my classmates – Class of ’71. She is a beautiful person – inside and out – and I pray for her recovery and hope that all of you will add Marilyn and her family to your prayers.

Paula Fassett

Peltier

Marilyn

PO Box 833

Dunseith, ND 58329

(701) 244-5266

marilyna@tmcwfs.net

From Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

It was great hearing from Lynn Henriksen. I remember the year my
family spent in the telephone exchange at Kelvin quite well. I
think this must have been about 1960 or 1961 when I was in the
seventh or eighth grade. I also remember the kindness that her
mother “Midge” displayed to the folks in the community. I am
saddened to hear of Hal’s accident. I remember him as being such
a pleasant and well behaved child.

A highlight of the time I spent there was when I got to fill in
as the “operator” when my mother took a break.

I remember long walks in the woods behind the store, clearing off
a patch of ice on Lyde Lake for skating, and swimming trips to
School Section Lake with Rick, being ever so careful to not get
any sand or water in his car. Besides the central office there
were also a few other buildings near the store. Directly behind
the store was an empty cabin and to the North of that, down a
country lane, was a little three room building occupied by Peter
Wellington Poole.

I knew I had some information on Poole somewhere, so for the last
few days I had been searching for it with no success. I finally
resorted to asking my wife to help and within 5 minutes she had
located it. Go figure. On November 6, 1971 the Minot Daily News
published an article about the then 89 year old man.

Some of the highlights:

His small three-room home had no electricity, telephone, or
running water. He hauled water from a spring about 25 feet south
of his home. He used a kerosene lamp which he purchased from a
former occupant,Tom Kirkwold, whose wife once ran the Kelvin
telephone exchange. He spent much of his time cutting wood for
his kitchen range and wood heater in his bedroom. He didn’t like
coal because of the cost and a preference for good old Turtle
Mountain Poplar. Poole was a veteran of WWI serving with the
35th Division after being called up in 1917 with the National
Guard at Rolla. He was very vague about details of his army
career. Poole indicated that he had traveled almost around the
world with the secret service and had the job of scouting ahead
for the enemy. He said that when he returned to the United
States his service records were missing and it wasn’t until 1945
that he was able to establish a record of service in order to
qualify for compensation. His only income at the time the
article was written was the $121 a month that he received in
compensation from his military service. He was born in Ontario
and received no formal education. However, he did learn to read
and write. At that time he had no car and his main contact with
the outside world came from visits with friends at the store and
tavern at Kelvin during the day.

Kenny

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Reply to Mel Kuhn

To answer your question Mel, if you stepped off of your Uncle Jimmy Birkland’s porch and walked 1 1/2 miles south, then 1/8 mile east, you would be at Rabbit City Lake. I think I have covered some of the shinaningans that happened there in the 20’s and 30’s in earlier blogs. The end of the 30’s was the end of Hillside Twp. as local people knew it. As the government bought most all the township, on behalf of the Native American people.

I think it would be safe to say that Fish Lake, that Crystal was referring too was 1 mile east of Johnny Belgarde’s on the same side of the road in Holmes Twp. John lived on the old Hosmer place. And you are right, Belcourt Lake was better known as Fish Lake.

What I remember about George Gottbrecht Manufacturing was a brand new style of pump jack. All farmers needed a pump jack to pump water for the cattle. Ours like most was dangerous, if you did not lose your tongue on the pump handle you may lose your fingers in the big exposed gears on the pump jack. George’s pump jack was enclosed and the only one I ever saw was LeRoy Strong’s. Then the electric came and we went to electric motors.

Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Hi, Gary, just a quick reply to Linda Gardner from Bottineau, I am her
mom, Lillian Wenstad Gardner’s first cousin, as her Grandma and my dad
were brother and sister. We may have met when she was little but she
would remember Orvin.

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

From Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Everyone,

I visited with my surgeon, Dr. Lane Lee, today about the lump in my breast. He, too, thinks it’s from “over-lifting” and isn’t concerned about it. If he isn’t concerned, neither am I. Apparently, it will go away on its own.

I have an appointment with Dr. Freiberg (oncologist) on Wednesday. I’m assuming a radiation treatment schedule will be set up at that time. I’m guessing they won’t start immediately, as “their” schedule is most likely full for awhile. This means I’ll be attending the special entertainment (Highway 43) at Good Samaritan on February 22.

Unless Dr. Freiberg has other ideas, I plan to return to Bottineau on Friday. Mom has an appointment with Dr. Lee on Monday (Feb. 23), so I’ll be her chauffer that day. Jim usually takes Mom to her appointments, but he has a really busy February schedule (driving the “Forestry” sports teams to their events). Unless treatments start soon, I’ll stay in Bottineau for awhile.

So, all is well in my world; I hope it is in your world, too.

Neola

Message/Picture from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

This photo is dated 1906 and says,”left to right–Steve Cooke, ? <
Hilda Wridberg, standing by plant, Paul LaFazer. Interior of Steve
Cooke’s “Turtle Mt Restaurant” Dunseith ND.” Steve Cook was Midge
Hendricksens father I believe hence, Lynn, Rick and Dana’s
grandfather. Enjoy!!! Susan

Turtle Mt Restaurant (Kelvin) 1906
L to R: Steve Cooke, ?, Hilda Wridberg, Paul LaFazer

10/24/2015 (2303)

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Gary

Lefse Recipe and Story
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

http://www.startribune.com/how-to-make-lefse-straight-from-lutheran-church-ladies/285253271/

I enjoyed this Lefse recipe story from Minneapolis tribune.

My branch of the family could not boast being Norwegian.

Too many other Duke’s mixture nationalities are represented in our specific tree branch.

However, we do claim Norwegian.

Hpw? My third grandma was Grandma Ingrid Seim.

Grandma Seim was our ‘Grandma of the heart.

She told Dad for his kids to call her Grandma.

And we did because dad loved her.

My Dad was taken under Grandma Seim’s capable wing as a young teen.

Hens, I grew up eating lefse.

And later I cooked and ate Lutefisk with my Dad !

I also remember when Aunt Ella(Evans) Metcalfe baked Lefse on top of her wood stove.

Who needed a lefse grill in the days of old when you had a wood cook stove.

In recent years, my younger sister peels potatoes, cooks, rices and

mixes up a batch of dough

the night before November Veteran’s Day.

She always uses Red River valley red potatoes.

The morn of Veterans Day, I pack up the dogs drive N. into the hills and give her 1 hand.

She rolls,

I turn.

I always choose make an intentional mess out of three rounds.

Oops! oh no. Oops! not again…OOP s another one!

Lickety splint!

I being the family peasant, I devour the warm lefse with butter and….dark, dark, brown sugar.

Civilized members in the family prefer white sugar)

After our marathon rolling and baking lefse; my sister pulls out white dough mixed in the bread dough machine.

We fry ‘Dough gods’ in a black iron skillet. served up with homemade chokecherry jelly.

What a Veteran’s Day we’ve had!

I usually do not eat lefse again for another year…….

This year at the Boissevain, Manitoba Labor Day flea market .

I looked and looked and finally found an antique sugar shaker to use for lefse at my sisters Thanksgiving table.

but……don’t tell her it is a surprise.

Later. Vickie

====================================
Blog (372) posted on February 16 , 2009

02/16/2009

Posted on February 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Aime Casavant (66):

Aime, A little bird from the sky told me your are celebrating your Birthday today, February 16th. I’m thinking this may be a milestone birthday too? Anyway, happy birthday and just enjoy this one day of the year that is truly yours to enjoy with family and friends. Gary

Condelences to Art Hagen and Family:

Prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Don Sharratt’s passing posted by Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):Don Sharratt passed away February 1, 2009

Don was adopted by Erwin and Leah Boucher Sharratt who farmed near Thorne. There were two other children born later, Darvin and Sandra. Bonnie McGibbon is Don’s wife. His children are from his first marriage; he also had a daughter who is deceased. Don was born in 1933. He attended high school in Dunseith; lived with a family that maintained the school, grounds and furnace. Don would assist this man and I thought his name was Hagen?? Don did not finish high school, enlisted and served in Korea around age 18. Don is well known to Floyd and Carmen Richard. We had shared and interest in Boucher and Casavant ancestry. His natural parents were of Rolette County; he sought but was never certain of their identity. Don was close to Lee Hosmer and I did call her.

The following is a message from Don Sharratt’s wife, Bonnie:

As most, if not all of you know, my dear Don passed on 2/1/09. Because of this I wanted you to know about the upcoming funeral/memorial service that is planned.

It is scheduled on Sun 3/08/09, at 1pm at:

Avalon Chapel/Adair Funeral Home

8090 N Northern Ave

(located in NW Tucson, from the Oracle/Magee intersection, go 1 block west, then 1/2 block north)

Tucson, Az 85704

ph(520) 742-7901, my contact=Sam

For out-of-towners:

I want to be sure that visiting is as easy as possible. So I would like to refer you to my niece, Brooke Cromwell, a well-connected professional travel agent, to assist you with any travel needs. She is with Travel Leaders Worldwide, and can be contacted at ph 919-799-0883. Leave your name and number and she will get back to you promptly. By the way, she and I have already done some local hotel inspections and special lodging options near the funeral home have been pre-arranged, including breakfast and airport transportation.

If I can be of assistance to any of you, please let me know. And thanks to all who have sent cards, flowers etc and your good thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for the support of my family & friends. So, thank you.

Fondly,

Bonnie

Bonnie L. McGibbon
Donald D. Sharratt
6921 N. Montezuma Dr.
Tucson, Az 85718-2438
home ph (520) 299-2141 (unlisted)
cell (520) 907-0863

Email address change for Jerry LaCroix (73):

We have a new email address please use this for
future emails. We too enjoy the stories and information that comes
across the blog.

Jerry LaCroix (73)

From Bonnie Awalt Houle 56:

Good Afternoon Gary,

It seems everyone has happy memories of the Peace Gardens. There was nothing my Dad enjoyed more then walking around the Peace Garden, I remember one warm spring day when we were walking around he asked my sister Emma Jean and I to run down this hill and when we got to the bottom by the trees we could say anything we wanted in a normal tone of voice and he would be able to tell us what we had said when we came back up the hill. It was quite a jog down the hill and when we got to the bottom we turned to each other and said something like, “What a Fool Dad was!” Then we raced back up the hill certain he wouldn’t be able to repeat what we had said. He immediately asked us why we thought he was a fool. Then he explained that God had made this natural amphitheater, and someday he was going to put the finishing touches to it, by building a stage and benches into the hillside. I visit this site everytime I return home and this time I say to myself, “What a Fool I was”. I don’t recall what year Dad built the stage and benches but I know I was 7 and my sister 9 when Dad told us his plans. Isn’t it amazing the insight our wonderful ancestors had.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 56

Reply from Chrystal Fassett Andersen )70):

Thanks Gary Metcalfe for the insight on “old man Templeman” as my Grandparents always called him, but now I want to know where Rabbit city lake is/was. Terry Halvorson lives out by Riverside cemetery.and I think my Grandparents lived there when they came back from Seattle, guess I better talk to my Uncle Darrel and write some things down. I know where Martin Belgarde lived. I am sure many people have stories about our Grandpa Bill “Pappy” Fassett, since he was the town cop for years and the town fisherman as well. I know all of us “brats”( as he fondly called all his granddaughters), have fishing stories from fishing at Fish Lake with Grandpa Bill. I remember him telling us..when one of us got old enough to ask about fishing limits..that there wasn’t any limit for senior citizens and never when he had brats with him. I remember stopping in places on the way home from the lake to distribute fish to different people, we even kept the bullheads for a Mrs. Belgarde that lived across form Carpenter Lake. I liked stopping there because they had a yard full of kids. Does anyone remember which Belgarde family that was? Anyway, I could go on and on.Thanks again BOTH Gary’s. Crystal Fassett Andersen

10/23/2015 (2302)

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Gary

Happy Birthday Dale Evans:

Phyllis Campbell Passed away.

Phyllis J. Campbell, 88, Stanley, formerly of Dunseith and Minot, passed away Thursday, October 15 in a Stanley nursing home. Her memorial service is scheduled for Monday, October 19 at 2 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan at a later date.

Phyllis Jean (Berg) Campbell was born on November 4, 1926 in Courtenay, ND to George and Belle (Wilson) Berg. She attended grade school in Courtenay until her family moved to Jamestown, where she graduated from Jamestown High School in 1944. Phyllis attended Jamestown College where she met the love of her life, Alan Campbell. She transferred to UND, joined Delta Gamma Sorority, but found that absence made the heart grow fonder and at Christmas, Alan gave her a diamond ring. They were married July 30, 1947 at Voorhees Chapel on the Jamestown College campus.

Phyllis and Alan moved to Pittsburgh, PA for Alan to continue his education at the University of Pittsburgh. Phyllis worked for a life insurance company during this time. They returned to Minot, ND in 1949 where she worked as a secretary for Taube’s ladies clothing store. In 1953, Phyllis and Alan moved to Dunseith where he began working for his dad at Security State Bank.

Phyllis was very involved in the Dunseith community. She was an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star, Dunseith Community Betterment, United Methodist Church and Dunseith Golf Club. She served on various boards in the community including the Dunseith Community Nursing Home advisory board for 19 years and also as a member of the Board of Directors of Security State Bank. Phyllis was instrumental in starting the Dunseith Senior meals program and the Dunseith Senior Center. A special focus for Phyllis was her involvement in the development and ongoing success of the Log House. She is quoted as saying, “I really imagine, because it’s foremost in my mind, that the success of the Log House and the reception it has received has been the most satisfying work I’ve done.”

Phyllis and Alan moved to the Wellington Assisted Living in Minot in 2008. Alan passed away in January of 2013. Phyllis continued to reside at the Wellington until she moved to Mountrail Bethel Home, Stanley in March of 2014.

Those who continue to celebrate her life include: Rich (Vicky) Campbell, Minot, ND, Dave (Jodie) Campbell, Bismarck, ND, Cathy (Steve) Springan, Stanley, ND and Jeff (Lori) Campbell, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren: Kyle Campbell, Duluth, MN, Nicole (John) Grubb, Burlington, ND, Jim (Darla) Cook, Seattle, WA, Heather Campbell and her friend, Chris LaClair, Eagan, MN, Alisha (Jeremy) Lacher, Bismarck, ND, Shaun (Zanna) Campbell, Bismarck, ND, Courtney Campbell and fiancé Tyler Stradinger, Mandan, ND, Sara (Andrew) Herr, Springfield, MO, Gregg Springan, Madison, WI, Kayla (Travis) Dressler, Bismarck, ND, Jeremy (Brooke) Campbell, Bismarck, ND; great-grandchildren: Nona and Sage Campbell, Colin and Kate Grubb, Trenton and Ellie Lacher, Lola Campbell, Watson and Campbell Herr, Hudson Dressler and Knox Campbell; sister, Margie (Bob) Solien; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alan; infant daughter, Janice; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Dottie Berg; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Bert Dunn; nieces, Linda Stafford and Barbara Berg;nephew, Jimmy Dunn.

Memorials are prefered to Mountrail Bethel Home, Stanley, the Dunseith Nursing Home or the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.springanfuneralhome.com
Reply to the Kester family photo!
From Elve Hill Fuchs:
You all look awesome👍
Elve Fuchs

Unknown Instructor
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Back again.

Just now, I removed the former information from Mr. Azure’s picture and added Gary Metcalfe’s information. I’m glad you are reposting former newsletters, as I didn’t always get information people provided for the pictures to the pictures the first time the info was provided. Thanks to EVERYONE who provides information about the pictures. I seemed to have “run out of steam” several years ago and didn’t get as much accomplished with the pictures as I had intended to do.

Hartley/Pearl Dunderland Carlson and family lived a couple of blocks from us in Bottineau. Their children are a little younger than I am. When Hartley/Viola married, I learned to know her, too, although not for several years after they married. They lived in Bottineau; Wally/I lived in Minot. I learned to know Viola better after I retired and spent more time in Bottineau. I first heard of Viola when she was my cousin’s (Lois Christianson Roland) first grade teacher. Viola was quite the lady and educator.

Neola

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Joke of the day

Posted by Don Malaterre (’72): don@woltmangroup.com Sioux Falls, SD

A man was sitting on the beach with no arms and no legs.

Three women from England, Scotland and Norway respectively were walking
past and felt sorry for the poor man.

The English woman said “Have you ever had a hug”?

The man said “No” so she hugged him warmly and walked on.

The Scottish woman asked him “Have you ever been kissed”?

The man said “No” so she kissed him tenderly on the lips and walked on.

Then the Norwegian woman said “have you ever been roughed up and man handled”?

The man broke into a big smile, and said “No”.

She said “well you will be when the tide comes in.

====================================
Blog (371) posted on February 15 , 2009

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Mavis’ Hagen funeral is Thursday at 2:00 at the High school. Family and friends’ service is Wed. night, 7:00 at Nero Funeral Home.

Art’s address. 222 8th St. W

Bottineau, ND 58318

Condolences to the Art Hagen family from Bernard Morin (76):

Our sincere condolences to you and family in this sad and very trying times. Bernard & Robin

Thanks. Bernard

Message/Pictures from Bernard Morin (76):

Gary and friends,With all the talk about Deerheart Lodge recently I thought I would share with everybody something that I purchased from ebay a while ago. It is a toothpick holder that I think is cut from poplar. It is about 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches high. The banner is attached with thumb tacks which I removed to get a better picture of. I bought it from Minnesota but can’t remember what city. Hopefully the pictures come through okay.

Thanks. Bernard

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Reply to Cystal Fassett

I’m not sure where Terry Halvorson lives now, but the Templeman place was part of the old Rabbitt City Lake group, which was Hillside Township. Templeman was an accomplished farmer who fed lots of livestock on his farm. He fed lots of grain which we called screenings. He was Dunseith Bank President for eight years. Bill and Kate lived about l mile east of Maylon Bailley or 1 1/2 miles east of Fred and Rose Belgarde, Martin’s folks.

I am going to write a little about Clint Anderson one day. As far as Pappy Fassett, there are people out there that know a lot more about him than I do, but he is deserving of an article of his own.

Crystal that really is a great picture.

Trish Larson, its nice to know that someone besides me knows there was some food fit to die for, the cream was #1, saskatoons aka juneberries may have been even better than strawberries. Side pork was tops. Can you believe that recently, my wife and I found the regular old side pork in a restraunt ran by four former soccer player gals. It is in an old school house about 30 miles north of Seattle.

Its just as well I didn’t think I liked the ice cream, I thought they put too much salt in it AND there was never enough.

Gary Metcalfe

Jerry (Gerald)/Carol Berg Hamel photo posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Everyone,

Carol is the daughter of Martin/Alice Brudwick Berg.

Carol/Jerry have two children: Lynette is married to Wade DuBois; they have three boys: Christopher, Daniel, Austin. Live in Bottineau.

Carol/Jerry’s son, Glen, isn’t married. Lives in Bottineau.

Carol is my “first” cousin.

Neola

I remember Carol Berg well. She attended Ackworth country school for a number of years before transferring to the Willow Lake school. The Bergs lived 3 miles from both schools. Carol’s dad, Martin, would take Carol to school everyday and pick her up each day after school. I don’t believe I have seen Carol since about 1959. Carol would have been with the class of 67. I’m not sure where she attended school following willow Lake, but I’m assuming Bottineau? Carol’s son-in-law, Wade Dubois, is a nephew to Dennis Dubois (63). Gary

Jerry (Gerald)/Carol Berg Hamel – May 1, 1988

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

May might be from the St. John area. I knew Ernest/Ernie Randa years ago. He attended the Forestry when I did. I met Ron Randa and Ken Randa in Minot. Wally/I bowled in a couples’ league with Ken and his wife. May might be a sister/sister-in-law to these fellows, or not.

Neola

From Trish Larson Clayburgh (73):

Hi Gary – I thought you might enjoy dis blurb about dat new airline – all us good folks from nort dakota should sign up for flights on dis one den, doncha tink?

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE LUTHERAN AIR IS NOW OPERATING IN MINNYSOTA.ALSO SERVING VISCONSIN, NORT AND SOUT DAKOTA.
If you are travelin soon, consider Lutran (Lutheran) Air, da no-frills airline. You’re all in da same boat on Lutran Air, where flyin is a upliftin experience.Dere is no first class on any Lutran Air flight.
Meals are potluck. Rows 1-6, bring rolls; 7-15, bring a salad; 16-21, a main dish, and 22-30, a dessert. Basses and tenors please sit in da rear of da aircraft.Everyone is responsible for his or her own baggage. All fares are by free will offering and da plane will not land ’til da budget is met.

Pay attention to your flight attendant, who will acquaint you wit da safety system aboard dis Lutran Air 599.
Okay den, listen up. I’m only gonna say dis vonce. In da event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, I am frankly going to be real surprised and so vill Captain Olson, because we fly right around two tousand feet, so loss of cabin pressure would probably mean da Second Coming or someting of dat nature, and I wouldn’t bodder wit doze liddle masks on da rubber tubes.
You’re gonna have bigger tings to worry about den dat. Just stuff doze back up in dair little holes. Probably da masks fell out because of turbulence which, to be honest wit you, we’re going to have quite a bit of at two tousand feet, sort a like driving across a plowed field, but after a while you get used to it.

In da event of a water landing, I’d say forget it. Start saying da Lord’s Prayer and just hope you get to da part about forgive us our sins as we forgive doze who sin against us, which some people say “trespass against us,” which isn’t right, but what can you do?

Da use of cell phones on da plane is strictly forbidden, not because day may confuse da plane’s navigation system, which is by da seat of da pants all da way. No, it’s because cell phones are a pain in da wazoo, and if God meant you to use a cell phone, He would have put your mout on da side of your head.

We start lunch right about noon and it’s buffet style with da coffee pot up front. Den we’ll have da hymn sing; hymnals are in da seat pocket in front of you. Don’t take yours wit you when you go or I am going to be real upset and I am not kiddin!

Right now I’ll say Grace: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest and let deze gifts to us be blessed. Fadar, Son, and Holy Ghost, may we land in Dulut or pretty close.” Amen.

God be wit ya now, ya know.

10/21/2015 (2301)

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Gary

Happy Birthday Beth Fauske Duncan (’67): Yorkville, Il.

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

Margery Kester’s Birthday photo
Posted by Cheryl Kester Gaugler (’69): North Brunswick, NJ

Gary,

Hope this finds you and Bernadette doing well. My mom, Margery Kester, turned 98 on October 6. I’ve attached a picture of Mom and her children (left to right-Michael, Joanne Boucher, Pennie Grenier, me). She is now a resident in the long term care facility in Rugby and doing well.

Thank you for all your hard working keeping everyone connected.

Cheryl (Kester) Gaugler

====================================
Blog (370) posted on February 14 , 2009

02/14/2009

Posted on February 14, 2000

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

GARY, ART HAGEN POSTED THIS ON CARING BRIDGE YESTERDAY. WE HAVE LOST A WONDERFUL PERSON AND GREAT THIRD GRAD EDUCATOR. VICKIE

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. To Let you know that Mavis lost her battle to cancer at 5:14PM Feb 12 , 2009.

Love you all Arthur, Devonne, Jon, Jarik, Joashua, Keisha and Keiandra

Condolences to the Art Hagen family from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

My sympathies to Art Hagen and to all the extended family on the passing of your dear wife Mavis. I graduated with Arlin and we had 4-H with the Hagen family. May God’s blessings be with you during this difficult time. Lynn Halvorson Otto (75).

Condolences to the Art Hagen Family from Dave Slyter (70):

To Art Hagen and Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with in the coming days, with the loss of your dear wife and mother. She fought a long hard battle and will always be remembered for her uplifting attitude towards it all. God’s Blessing be with you all.

Dave Slyter (70)

Marlys Hiatt’s (71) reply to a joke type email that I sent out. Gary

Hi Gary,

Today (2/12/2009) I opened this email and had to just laugh out loud.
Today is my 56 birthday and I think the sentiment expressed is quite true.

Thanks again for making my day.

Marlys

Marlys, I know you didn’t expect me to reply to your message on the daily blog, but I wanted to wish you happy birthday using this tool. You know I remember the day you were born back in 1953. I was only 5 1/2 years old, but I do remember that day. Your mother and my mother were both pregnant at the same time. Your mother with you and mom with Darrel (Bud). Bud was born several months ahead of you in December 1952. That also put him a year ahead of you in school, having been born in 52. I think you went two years to Ackworth before we were all bused to Dunseith. Gary

Message from Erling Landsverk (44):

HI GARY!

I HAVE BEEN READING THE DAILY DUNSEITH ALUMNI NEWS AND MEMORIES. I AM AWARE THAT MY AGE PREVENTS ME FROM ASSOCIATING FACES WITH THE FAMILY NAMES I READ. I COULDN’T HELP BUT HAVE MY MEMORY JOLTED WHEN BUTTE, ST. PAUL APPEARED IT SO HAPPENS THAT MY FATHER GUNDER LANDSVERK BUILT THE CAIRN MONUMENT ON TOP OF THE BUTTE, AND OUR FAMILY ATTENDED THE STATE CELEBRATION THERE IN 1933 I BELIEVE. I REMEMBER ACCOMPANYING MY DAD, ALONG WITH MY BROTHERS WHO WERE OLDER, AND HELPED DAD BY MIXING MORTAR, AND CARRYING STONES, I REMEMBER ROLLING A COUPLE OF STONES DOWN THE SOUTH FACE OF THE BUTTE UNTILL MY DAD CAUGHT ME, AND SCOLDED ME FOR DOING THAT. HE REMARKED IN NORWEIGEN” STOP THAT, ITS HARD ENOUGH TO GET THE STONES UP HERE, WITHOUT YOU ROLLING THEM BACK DOWN” I REMEMBER THE STONES WERE HAULED UP ON STONE BOATS WITH HORSES. THE WORK WAS DONE BY MY FATHER, SOME OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS, AND NEIGHBORS WITHOUT COST EXCEPT FOR THE LIME AND CEMENT THAT WENT INTO THE MORTAR, AND I AM NOT SURE THAT THEY DIDN’T ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THAT AS WELL. . I LAST VISITED IT IN 1992, AND I WAS ADVISED BY MY UNCLE THAT HE HAD TO REPAIR SOME DAMAGE CAUSED BY VANDALS, AND I NOTICED THAT A FENCE HAD BEEN INSTALLED TO PROTECT THE MONUMENT TO EARLY MISSIONARIES, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS FATHER BOTTINEAU. SUSAN MARTEN’S ACCOUNT OF SOME OF HER CHILDHOOD WAS FASCINATING, SINCE WE VISITED KOTSCHEVARS DEER HEART LODGE QUITE FREQUENTLY, AND I STILL REMEMBER SOME SUVENIERS THAT MY PARENTS HAD. THE MINERAL SPRINGS ADVENTURES SURELY RING A BELL FOR OUR FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS AS WELL. ALTHOUGH SUSAN IS YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE A DAUGHTER OUR MEMORIES OF THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS(HILLS)ARE STRIKINGLY SIMILAR. I SURELY REMEMBER LLOYD AWALT, I SHOULD, WE WERE CLASSMATES, UNTILL IN 1943 HE JOINED THE NAVY, AND OUR FAMILY MOVED TO WISCONSIN, AND I LATER ENTERED THE ARMY AND SERVED IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ IN THE E MAILS, LLOYD APPEARS TO BE JUST AS GUNG HO AS EVER.. I COULD GO ON AND MENTION LOTS OF FOLKS, AND ALL THE MEMORIES, BUT I BETTER STOP AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE AN OPPORTUNITY. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY GARY. HAVE A GREAT VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!

ERLING LANDSVERK

Erling, I am so sorry I missed posting this message of yours with yesterday’s blog. I just discovered I missed sending it. Gary

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):

Thank you Dick for the pictures…I remember going to Deer Heart Park every summer, just as we went to the Peace Garden every summer for a picnic. It was a magical place to me. Seeing all the animals and bridge, cabin and flower beds tucked into the trees as if they had just sprung up right where they were. Everything sort of fit into the way the trees grew. And you never knew what new sight was going to greet you around the next corner. I wish I could take my kids and grandkids to see it in person instead of trying to tell them about it and show them pictures.

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Hello Gary and Friends,

About Morris Azure, if I am not mistaken, Morris was part of a unique family. His parents, Fred Azure’s ran a very homey type store up on the Reservation for many years. His sisters were rural school teachers, Ackworth for one. Viola married Hartley Carlson from Bottineau.

For what it is worth….I don’t claim to be an authority on world cruises, but Bruce Williams may be. If you don’t know who Bruce Williams is ask Billy Grimme, he seemed to also be a fan of Bruce. Bruce claims to have been on many world cruises and says if you only do one cruise in a lifetime, it has got to be an Alaskan Cruise.

Gary Metcalfe

PS Gary told me that the story about the horse races/foot races that the Native American in the story with the ponytail sticking straight out was ON FOOT, NOT A HORSE. Sue

Gary, As with Erling’s message, I missed sending this yesterday. Sorry about that. Gary

Reply from Paula Fassett (71):

My sisters both wrote, so I’d better get my two cents worth in, too! Cheryl Kester mentioned the ‘quaking bog’, which was at Mineral Springs. As kids we used to hike up there every now and again and the bog was always fascinating! In another stage of my life, old Louie Racine (grandfather to Vincent “Vinnie” Racine, for those of you who know him) talked about it and called it “mushkeg” – which I think is a Cree word – or variation of one – for that kind of area. It’s moss, dead plants, etc., that are more or less suspended or floating on water that seeps from – in this case – the spring and is between that mossy crap and hard ground – voila – quaking bog. There’s probably some fiction mixed in with my fact, but that’s my story. Crystal, I’m glad you added in the part where Susan fell off the log and into the creek – we’ve teased her about that for about 40 years now!!!

Paula Fassett

Paula, Like with Gary M’s and Erling’s messages, I missed sending this one of yours too, yesterday. My apologies. Gary

Reply to Lynn Henriksen (64) from Bill Grimme (65):

Lynn,

This is my Valentine to you. Nice article. I enjoyed reading it very much.

Bill Grimme

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Folks, I see Bill sent this message via his Blackberry, so he must still be traveling. He called me a few days ago from San Francisco. The next day his plans were to rent a car and head south to visit/vacation in Carmel, Monterey, Big Sir, etc. Gary

Reply from Trish Larson Clayburgh (73):

Hi Gary,

I was really surprised to see an “entry” from my cousin Linda this morning. I haven’t been keeping up with the Dunseith “blog” lately – I’ve been too busy. But I have saved them all and will catch up later on a rainy day…

I wrote an email to Linda, and when I was done, I realized that my memories of those North Dakota summers might stir up similar memories for others, so I thought I’d send it to you to post it if you want to. Linda’s parents were wonderful North Dakota farm people – with big hearts and big laughter. I always enjoyed our summer vacations there, before we moved in 1969 to finally live in North Dakota, near where my mom had grown up.

Here’s what I remembered today, and thanks Gary again for all that you do.
From Trish Larson Clayburgh to Linda Gardner, my favorite cousin:

Hi Linda,

I was surprised to hear that you now live on the West coast. I had no idea!

I live in Fort Collins, CO, not Phoenix. I moved here about 4.5 years ago. I love it here, and have gotten more into my horses than ever. I’m in training to compete this spring in the sport of eventing – a combination of jumping, cross country trials, and dressage. I’m having the time of my life! My “day job” is working as a trauma nurse in an emergency room. We work three 12 hour shifts a week, so that gives me 4 days off to ride my horses, and I’m just loving it! Colorado offers so many opportunities for horse lovers.

It’s funny – my lifelong obsession with horses all started for me as a child on those trips to North Dakota. I was completely horse crazy (which I’m quite sure is a genetic defect), and I remember learning to ride one summer at your house on that big fat black mare at your farm. I was in bliss….my legs could barely hang on to her big round back, and I fell off a hundred times I’m sure, but never really got hurt for some reason. It was heaven for me – riding in the sunshine through the trails to the fields where your brother and dad would be cutting hay or harvesting in the sunshine. I was quite fascinated with the beauty of the rows of cut hay and how they managed to drive that hilly terrain. I would sit on the horse near the edge of the field for hours, watching the farm work, completely happy.

Later, when we moved to Dunseith, it was your dad that helped me find Shawnee, that scraggly little filly palomino I had through high school. She eventually became a wonderful friend and a beautiful sweet horse. My dad bought the horse for me, but it was Uncle Bill who helped me learn to take care of her – from teaching me how to brush her out to fitting the saddle and bridle, and riding her for the first time. I can still remember his laughter and delight in your big barn. He really loved animals and children, didn’t he?

I loved your parents – they were always so good to me, and visits to your farm were always a pleasure to be anticipated. I remember the “Pet” skunk in your chicken house (who was probably enjoying several eggs a day, don’t you think?), and all those baby chicks in the the barn, under that huge light. I also remember my first experience with picking huge grape sized ticks off your farm dogs, and then squishing them on rocks. Uff Dah! I’m surprised my brother didn’t figure out a way to torture me with those….maybe he was as grossed out as I was.

One of the fondest memories of my youth is the homemade ice cream during the summers at your farm, made with the fresh cream from your cows. I remember all the men – your dad, my dad, Lloyd, taking turns turning the crank. As a kid, I couldn’t imagine how it could taste so freaking good with all that salt in it!!! I had no idea back then that the salt was on the outside, working to increase the chill on the cream. I think people enjoyed confusing me – I was like six years old? There were so many of us, there was never enough ice cream left for me – I got only a taste – but it was heavenly!

And of course your mother’s strawberry patch – wow. She grew the biggest strawberries ever! And the raspberries. Eating them with cream and sugar while playing cards at your kitchen table – crazy 8’s I think it was, and of course Rummy! Lloyd was always so funny. There was lots of laughter….and rides on the tractor to the swimming hole after long days of work and for me, riding all day long on that poor black horse.

Anyhow – it’s good to hear from you. What’s going on in your life now?

Trish

Trish Larson Clayburgh in the Rawah Wilderness, CO

Message/Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Hi Gary, In my search for Omemee pictures,I have come across a lot of my Dad’s old pictures that are not labeled but here is one that was. I thought it would trigger some memories and stories. A lot of people probably remember”little” Charlie Andersen,I think they were neighbors to my Grandparents at some point. I remember them talking about living on “the old Templeman” place,and I have it in my head that is where Terry Halvorson lives now,but I know someone will set me straight,if my memory has once again failed me,There is no date on them and the women had no first names,but from looking at my Dad & Uncle Darrel I am guessing this was taken about 1934 or 35. Bill Anderson,Mrs. Bill Anderson,Mrs. Clint Anderson,Clint Anderson(in hat),Charles Anderson,C.B.Templeman,Darrell,Wm.”Bill” & Wilmar”pappy” Fassett and Jiggs the dog. This is certainly fun. Thanks Crystal Fassett Andersen

Bill Anderson, Mrs. Bill Anderson, Mrs. Clint Anderson, Clint Anderson(in hat), Charles Anderson, C.B.Templeman, Darrell, Wm.”Bill” & Wilmar”pappy” Fassett and Jiggs the dog

Frozen Fingers Festival posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

From Mark Schimetz (70):

http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/61-2009/leginfo/bills-res-jour/index.html

www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/61-2009

Above will get you to various links in the ND Legislators assembly. There is Video access to the floor but none to the 23 standing committees at this time, however hearing schedules are available on the web site

INFORMATION IS FROM AARP.

att: Gary Stokes. You may publish this on in your blog if you wish. I am sure many will be interested in the health care legislation alone this session.

(10/20/2015 (2300)

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Gary

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

Happy Birthday Lee Stickland: Dickinson, ND

Reply to Bill Hosmer’s Recollection of Dunseith.
From Joe Johnson (’77): Lindstrom, MN

Gary,

As a reply to Bill Hosmer’s wonderful recollections about Dunseith. I remember anytime I heard my father and uncle’s talking of Bill Hosmer it was with the highest regard. Also, Bill’s mention of Sy Kadrie’s pool hall and Neil Hassen brought back some memories of conversations overheard about the pool hall and visits with my father to Neil Hassen’s store on main street in Dunseith. Growing up in Dunseith was definitely good times! Gary thanks for keeping us all in touch. Joe Johnson

Justin Abrahamson
Born: November 20, 1980
Died: October 06, 2015

Send Flowers

Justin Abrahamson, age 34 of Aurora, CO died Tuesday October 6, 2015 at his home. Funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Thursday starting at 6:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm both at the church. Burial will be at the Little Prairie Cemetery rural Dunseith.

Justin Abrahamson, a son of Doyle Abrahamson and Lynda Biffle, was born on November 20, 1980 at Englewood, CO. He graduated from Ponderosa High School in Parker, CO. He helped his dad for many years, including doing the survey work for home plate at Coors Field. Justin began working for Merrick and Company in Aurora, Co in 1997. He progressed from rodman to instrument operator to party chief. In 2006, along side his dad, he was part of a team who made multiple climbs on the Continental Divide to retrace and re-monument the original Base Line dividing the Kansas and Nebraska territories in which is now Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering on December 13, 2008. Justin worked on Merrick & Company projects throughout the United States.

Justin enjoyed off road four wheeling. He was twice nominated for the Merrick Way award. First for providing CPR to a motorcyclist suffering from a heart attack and also for designing and building theft prevention measures for the Merrick ATV trailer.

Justin is survived by his mother and step-father, Lynda and John Biffle of Parker, CO; half brother, Paul (Tracy) Martin of Olympia, WA; step-mother, Cindy Abrahamson of Aurora, CO; step brothers, Paul (Nicole) Davis of Aurora, CO and Matt Davis of Columbus OH; paternal grandmother, Maude Abrahamson of St. John, ND; maternal grandmother, Vivian Kent of Park Rapids, MN; aunts and uncles; Darrel (Phyllis) Abrahamson and Tom (Betty) Abrahamson all of St. John, Laurie Inkin of Victor, NY, Lynn (Lynette) Kent of Dickinson, ND, Landis (Ann) Kent of Gillette, WY, Ladyn (Susan) Kent of Parker, CO and Larry Kent of Park Rapids, MN; girlfriend, Cassandra Thacker of Aurora CO and nieces, nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Doyle; grandfathers, Howard Abrahamson and Les Kent and one aunt, Jeanmarie Abrahamson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to your Toy For Tots, an organization that was very important to Justin.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Send Sympathy Card

Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries

Sign Guest Book

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

I love the wisdom of A.A. Milne’ s Winnie the Pooh!

Here is more of Winnie real Canadian history on todays Canadian news.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.2616492

Vickie

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

====================================
Blog (369) posted on February 13 , 2009

Posted on February 13, 2009

Mavis Hagen’s passing posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

This came from my friend, Ruth Gust.

Renee called awhile ago to let me know Mavis (Froseth) Hagen passed away today. Art is her husband. Sue Froseth is Art’s sister.

Folks, Mavis is Art Hagen’s (72) wife. Art’s parents are Clarence (deceased) & Mary Ann Hagen. They lived up in the Ackworth community, in the hills. Art & Mavis are the owners of the Davidson’s meat processing plant in Bottineau.

Art and Family: You have our deepest sympathy with the loss of Mavis. I know she has been struggling with life for sometime time now and we were all hoping she was out of the woods and on her way to recovery. From all reports, I understand that Mavis was a really upbeat and positive person. I understand that she was an excellent teacher too, well liked by her students and staff alike. This has to be a really rough time for you with the loss of such a wonderful companion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary

Hagen

Arthur

222 8th St W

Bottineau, ND 58318

(701) 228-3865

arthurhagen@min.midco.net

From Lynn Henriksen (64):

Hi Gary,

I gave so much thought yesterday to old friends and what they mean to me, so I wrote the attached post for my blog & published it just now –thought you’d appreciate it. <<…>>

Keeping Spirits Alive,

Lynn Henriksen

Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com

Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com

Lynn, I copied and pasted below, from your blog, the article of discussion that you just posted. You, unlike me, are a very good writer. You have written a wonderful heart wrenching story. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

Folks, please visit Lynn’s web and blog sites. She has put a lot of work into these wonderful sights.

Be Mine, Valentine

February 12th, 2009

Just a couple days ago something extraordinary ‘happened’ to me, that I want to tell you about.
It was heartwarming, so appropriate for Valentine’s Day – can’t help being a romantic.

I was raised in a wonderful place in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota at a little country store, Kelvin, just 4 miles south of the US-Canadian International Peace Gardens and 9 miles north of Dunseith, pop. 800! We, kids, were the Dunseith Dragons, “Blue & White Dynamite, Fight Team Fight.” Yes, I’m reminiscing way back to my formative years where a “man’s” handshake was his word, where the work ethic was not asking, “what’s in it for me,” but rather, “what can I do for you,” where the community came together for what we called a ‘building bee’ if someone lost a home or barn or store to a fire, where we could wander the town without fear or supervision and swim in the lake without life guards (luckily, no one drowned). Of course those were simpler times then everywhere, but I cherish my childhood where Turtle Mountain Memories are irreplaceable. A huge piece of my heart lies in the Turtle Mountains and Dunseith, especially Kelvin.

I’m thankful for the Face Book link and Gary Stokes for consciously reconnecting me to that time and place and to those good people. I joined Face Book just last weekend – had my arm twisted, heels dug-in not to go that route, but I have to say it was a very good thing I joined, because Gary Stokes, the Dunseith Alumni guru with a mighty following for his email Blog-blasts, found me and lured me in. He then blasted my unassuming response to that message he sent to me literally all over the place!

Little Valentines have been blowing my way the past few days through direct emails and website contacts reawakening in me tender memories, friendships, and ties. What’s more, many people are interested in writing a bio-vignette about their mothers and sending it to me – others have subscribed to my Blog feed – Wow! I hope they know I feel that the inspiration they say I’ve given them to write a “Mother Memoir” is truly a gift they’re giving me.

Harking back, once again, to school days, when Valentines were a really big deal, I remember we were allowed to build elaborate hearts and houses and chambers to place on the ledge under the windows inside our classrooms, hoping to attract as many Valentines as possible. It was a creative time filled with hopes for love and friendship, as well as dashed dreams, if Mr. or Mrs. Right-for-me didn’t deliver the longed-for “Be Mine.” Politically correct wasn’t even dreamed-up back then, I don’t think; we weren’t expected to give a Valentine to everyone in the class, and each of us knew we wouldn’t get one from everyone else, either. Most of us had our feelings hurt occasionally, but isn’t that real life? Expectations weren’t such that we believed attention, awards, friends, college, or jobs were a given – we knew we had to work for what we got, in return we learned to value what we did receive.

I value my Valentines past, present, and future. Thanks for being in my life. I used to think online cards were not sincere enough or the easy way – but I roll with the times and blogs.
I sincerely want you to Be Mine, Valentines . . . xo

Lois Hiatt Fugere’s Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Arnold Wenstad family posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, I don’t have an email address for either Gary or Karen. I’m hoping that someone can pass this message along to them if you/they should happen to see them. Gary is living in the Willow Lake area and Karen is living in Kansas. When putting their class lists together, I had a nice visit with both Gary & Karen. Gary

Karen, Gary Arnold & Arlene Wenstad

Winthrop/Clara Smith picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Pictures posted by Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Here are a few pictures of Deerheart Lodge from the Dunseith History
Book. Many of the readers probably have the book and have already seen
these, so these are for the ones who don’t yet have a copy. Thanks Gary!

Dick

10/18/2015 (2299)

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Gary

Happy Birthday Bob Leonard (’51): Dunseith, ND

Happy Birthday to Bill Hosmer
From Glen Williams (’52): Missoula, MT.

Happy Birthday…to Bill Hosmer….and may you have many more…

You are a hero to many of us old timers

Glen Williams

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

Gary, This was one of those chapters of your contribution to the betterment

of all of us who grew up in and around Dunseith. The picture of your family

showing the cards and pictures on the wall, plus the never to be forgotten

uniform of the day, the bib overall. What a remarkable recollection of our

days in that special place we will never forget as long as we live.

I note, that at becoming 85, that certain things creep into the mind.

First, I was not supposed to live this long. Second, I’m glad I did because

some of the readers of this forum need to know that I knew your grandparents,

parents, and now you. So let me say that Gary has given us the gift of

simple ways to say something to each other. For that I propose a toast to Gary and

his beautiful wife who I had the pleasure of hugging on the street of Bottineau.

All of you have in one way been a part of my life through earlier generations of your

families, which makes me believe you are part of who I am. Growing up in Dunseith

in the 30s and 40s with the likes of Chuck Johnson and his brothers, Darrel Fassett,

playing basketball with Don Johnson, and being in love with his wife, Bernice, living

next door to the Sunderland girls, when Patsy and I at the age of about

5 decided we would be married and go to West Point and raise chickens, when

the Evans brothers and I ran around the Mill and Grandpa Gottbreht chased us

out of the flour room for making a mess. Hazel Olson worked for my Dad

at the Hosmer store for many years. There were the Cornell’s, five offspring

who all served during WW II. The only Five Star Flag in a window in town;

Floyd Nelson who had a barber shop next to the Althea theater, along with

Jess Wilson who had one close to the Drug store. The Shelves’ who

tolerated our reading funny books until we were told to either buy one or

go for a walk. Sy Kadrie had a pool hall, but 18 was the age of allowance.

One day I was back on a leave from West Point, playing pool there when

on the radio an announcement told of the break out of the Korean War. The

Hassens had a store on the south side. Neil and I were in the same class

at the old Dunseith School. Across the street, north of Hassens was the

telephone operator, Mrs. Deeter. She had two daughters, I was in love

with Carol, the youngest. One day after school I took her a bouquet of wild flowers

and handed them to her on the back porch. She grabbed them and kicked me

on my shin with her hard toed shoes and slammed the door shut. Wayne Molgard

was with me and laughed himself silly. His Dad was a railroad man on

our Galloping Goose which went out in the morning and back in the afternoon.

We are from a rural community and I brag about it to all my retired military

pals who would not understand the value system developed because of

the mutual respect the people in town and in the hills and on the prairie

had for one another. Nothing in my long life has been more important

than being a part of the society of those who began, survived, and left

Dunseith and those nearby who made it work. Thank you, Bill Hosmer

Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Vicki and Gary,

My son Todd would like to thank you for the kind words concerning his new position as VSO (Veterans Service Officer).

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra class of 1965 , a classmate of Gary’s

From Ron Peltier (’70): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary, just reading a comment from Cheryl Kester Gaugler, I don’t know if anyone ever answered her question, but I’m sure she was talking about Mineral Springs.

Re Cheryl Kester’s Spongy Ground.
From Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA.

I apparently missed this the first time around. Yes, in 1964 or 65 I came across this oddity of spongy earth about half-way between Rugby and Minot on the North side of the highway. it was on a gently sloping side hill and I was into it before I realized the ground was wet. It seemed to move like little waves when I walked on it. Like I didn’t know any better, I jumped up and down a couple times and the ripples in the sod went out about 10 feet. It was then that the thought “quick sand” came to mind. I very carefully got back on dry ground. My boss went to two or three farmers in that area the next day to see if they knew anything about it. The farmers said it was just a place where the water table came to the surface, somewhat like a natural spring. Years later, about 1975, I saw basically the same thing in my wife’s grandfather’s back yard in Mississippi. He had tapped into it and that’s where he got his house water from. I still don’t like ground that moves under me!

Dale Pritchard

====================================
Blog (368) posted on February 12 , 2009

02/12/2009

Posted on February 12, 2009

Request from Shelly Hagel (78):

Hi Gary,

Will you please add my dad (Ray Hagel) to your email list.

I am sure he will enjoy…………………

Thanks so much

Shelly

Ray, it’s my pleasure to add you to our distribution. Gary

Reply to yesterday’s pictures from LaVerne (Carrole Fauske 66) Rude:

Hi Gary & Bernadette,I was just looking at the photos and info on the blog and must say I can’t remember ever seeing the group picture of us all. Sure brings back the memories of those many years ago. Carrole was looking over my shoulder and her comment was, “That Gary sure was a good looking kid”. That picture of the “old man” was one I can’t remeber either. Hope all is well with you guys and I do hope to see you this summer.

LaVerne

Carrole, Thanks for the compliment. I think those features were short lived though. I noticed I had you listed with the class of 67 yesterday. I’ve corrected that with today’s message. We are all looking forward to seeing you guys this summer, up in Seattle, at our Dunseith reunion on July 24th. Gary

Reply from Linda Gardner (Bottineau):

It was so exciting running into Jackie at the Elks – I’ve been in the Washington area for almost 40 years (can’t believe it’s been that long) and it’s not very often that I run into someone from back home unexpectedly!

My dad and Trish’s mom were actually brother and sister so Trish is my cousin. I have not heard from her since she moved west to Phoenix I believe.

I got together with some friends (Laframboise family in Rugby) I went to country school with the in the Turtle Mountains last summer and we thought it would be fun idea to have a Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion. I originally contacted the Superintendent of schools (Bottineau and Rolette share the Superintendent) to see if I could get some names but have not heard back from him – It’s been over a year and half since I contacted him. Is there anyone interested in participating in that?

I plan to be in the Bottineau area this summer for the Q-Centennial and hope to get some plans in motion for such a reunion in the summer of 2010.

My mother was a Wenstad so a lot of my cousins on that side of the family went to country school in the Turtle Mountains and then to school in Dunseith. Our farm bordered the Rolette County Line but the farm itself was in Bottineau County even though our address was Dunseith.

As I was reading the messages, I was especially interested in the one about Butte St. Paul. We used to have most of our Country School picnics there and it used to be a “hot” spot for gatherings – I actually climbed up the Butte summer before last. I had been up in the “hills” as we referred to them, visiting Jack & Minnie Flynn. On the way back to Towner, we stopped at the Butte. It was a wonderful view from the top!

The other “hot” spot where we used to spend a lot of family/friends time was Long Lake – fishing, picnicing and playing horseshoe. Bud Hagan used to run the place there (he was my mother’s cousin) and it was always a good time.

Linda, I pulled out the Bottineau book after sending that message yesterday and noticed that Trish Larson’s (73) mother and your dad were siblings. I remember Trish telling me that too, when I asked her if she was related to you and Lloyd. We frequenly hear from your many Wenstad cousins too, that we have on our distribution list.

Margaret Metcalfe Leonard’s (65) reply to photo posted yesterday:

Hi Gary,The instructor is Morris Azure. He had a TV business in Rolette at one
time and I know his family very well. He worked at the Jewel Plant in
Rolla for many years. His daughter Julie Pfeifer lives in Rolette.
Margaret

Mel Kuhn’s (70): reply to photo posted yesterday:

Howdy,

The unknown instructor looks like either Morris Azure or Al Azure. Al worked for Baker Elec. for years. Morris at the Jewel Plant.

Mel Kuhn

Morris Azure

From Marge Longie Langan-Wilcox (56):

Gary,
I would like to wish everyone on the Dunseith Alumni a Happy Valentine’s
Day.

marge langan-wilcox t

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Deerheart Lodge was owned by Henry Kotschevar, who was a brother to Lillie Kotschevar. Lillie lived just south and west of Dunseith on the little farm which we as kids liked to call “the smiling house” . Lillie was connected to the Watkins clan, as Sue (Watkins) Bell lived with her for many years as a companion and housekeeper. Carol Carbonneau may have more information. The following is from an article written in the Minot Daily News from an interview with Lillie when she was 90 years old. She was a sweet lady and was at most of our family functions over my growing up years. I wish that I had interviewed more of the older family members back then and gleaned more information. Here is the excerpt:

“……Lillie’s brother Henry Kotschevar will be remembered by many as the operator of Deer Heart Lodge, a tourist attraction four miles west and two miles north of Dunseith for 25 years. Henry, a graduate of the University of North Dakota, and his wife moved on a quarter section of brush land and pasture about 1935 and developed the area into a fairyland park and home.

They showed their home with its furniture carved from native timber and their park to the public until his health failed about 1960………..Their place was sold to Frank, Julian and Joseph Peltier and they in turn have sold the place to Kenneth Hill………Kotschevar had made all the furniture in the house, including a dining room table from plywood and a bed. He carved lamps, lamp stands, vases and picture frames from poplar. Selling these items and other souveniers, along with a 15-cent admission to tour the lodge during the summer months provided the Kotschevars with their only income. They reared four boys and a girl……..

On a Sunday the lodge sometimes had more that 100 visitors. Mrs Kotschevar, who took up taxidermy, mounted deer, birds, chipmunks and frogs for display on the grounds, some in glass showcases. In one area stuffed frogs she labeled, ” Dunseith poker players” were playing cards around a table. On a pedestal enclosed in two feet of glass mounted squirrels gathered for a wedding included one dressed as a priest and a couple in appropriate garb.

Kotschevar dug a circular brook which flowed under a stone bridge. Fed by a flowing well, the small brook provided a setting for a large number of flower beds and stone walks. He made one stone flower bed in the shape of a star with an upper portion in the shape of a pentagon. Using stone from the area, Kotschevar built a gateway to the yard and a wall around the trees. Kotschevar and his wife also had a vegetable garden and a garden where they raised apples, plums and strawberries. On the west end of the lodge they provided a picnic shelter for the public. Tours would start and end at their house. ”

Can you picture the place?? What a shame that so many of the landmarks around Dunseith have not been preserved. If any one has any pictures of Deer Heart Lodge, please post them or I would like to have copies. Contact me. If anyone would like the entire article I could copy and send.

Hugs and Prayers, Susan

Reply from Clark Crum (54):

Gary,

The “quaking bog” was at mineral Springs (you could drink the water coming out of the springs. I always thought you were on a big bowl of jello, it was very different. There was a site where we found artifacts on the way up to the springs.

Dick Morgan, Glen Williams and Don Hosmer led the way for Gary Morgan, Jerry Williams, Barry Shelver and I on many a trips to the Springs and the site.

Clark Crum

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Paulette LaCroix asked about the “quaking bog”. That probably was at Mineral Springs just north of town a couple of miles. We used to make a trek up there every summer and bounce on the bog. Crystal has pictures in dad’s old slides of us hiking up there. Maybe she will post them. I remember in High School about 6 or 7 of us got left up there after a school trip by Mr Grossman and had to hike back to town. I know it was me, Phyllis McKay and 3 or 4 others. Anyone remember that from the class of ’65?? I think Kenny Nerpel was in the bunch??

Susan

Reply from Bob Hosmer (56):

In reply to Cheryl, I remember something of what you describe being near Mineral Springs. It was a most interesting phenomenon. I was raised and round–maybe fifty feet or so across and, as you said, spongy. Someone else may have a better grip that memory than I do.

Bob

Bob Hosmer, WA Chaplain
Marketplace Chaplains USA
Cell: 425-299-0928
Email: rkhosmer@comcast.net
Website: www.MChapUSA.com

Message/Pictures from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

I saw Cheryl Kester Gauglers inquiry about mineral springs. I am not going to attempt the history of it but it was a main place for an excursion for our family. It was always kind of scary/exciting to walk on the bog and have it bounce.We were always told it was kind of a sacred place for the native Americans so we were always on the lookout for arrowheads or some such treasure.But I don’t recall any of us ever finding anything.The Kester twins & our family often hiked up there. We would always call Jim Evans to get permission to go traipsing through his cow pasture. My Mom Irene or my Aunt Lenore would point out various plants, trees and of course any potential berry patches. One time the creek was high enough that we couldn’t wade across and had to crawl on a log. My sister Susan fell off and got soaked. She didn’t think that was as funny as the rest of us did!!I am enclosing a couple of pictures of one of our excursions.1st pic. Mineral SpringsSusan,Marise Hoover,Crystal,Lenette Hoover,Donnie Law,Irene(Mom),Lenore Watkins Hoover(moms sister),Craig Law & Les Hoover 2nd: Marise Hoover,Paula Fassett,Lenette Hoover,Susan Fassett,Irene & Crystal Fassett posing by Mineral springs 3rd: Irene Fassett, Bonner Law(the game warden at that time)Susan Fasset,Les Hoover,Donnie & Craig Law

Mineral Springs: Susan, Marise Hoover, Crystal, Lenette Hoover, Donnie Law, Irene(Mom), Lenore Watkins Hoover(moms sister), Craig Law & Les Hoover

Marise Hoover, Paula Fassett, Lenette Hoover, Susan Fassett, Irene & Crystal Fassett posing by Mineral springs

Irene Fassett, Bonner Law (the game warden at that time)Susan Fasset, Les Hoover, Donnie & Craig Law

Frozen Finger Festival posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe

Hi Gary,

I sent this awhile ago, but I’m resending it, as the “BIG EVENT” is this weekend! It should be lots of fun. I hope the weather co-operates. Last year, it was so cold it wasn’t fit for anyone to out and about.

Neola

10/17/2015 (2298)

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Gary

Happy 90^th Birthday Guy Knox: Dunseith, ND

Happy 85^th Birthday Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

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

Todd Poitra – Rolette County’s Veterans Officer
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Ginger, Gary and friends,

This week’s Turtle Mountain Star has a great, lengthy article, and photo of Todd Poitra.

Todd Poitra is Rolette County’s new Veterans Officer, replacing Mr. Boucher who retired.

Todd served the United States of America as a Marine for six years!

Every now and again , Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra is accompanied by her son Todd to Bottineau.

Tony exudes ever so much patience …..while Ginger and I enjoy are oft to a good visit!

I am certain Mr. Poitra will be an asset to Rolette County’s Veterans.

Until later. Vickie

Folks,
With the little correspondence that I have had with Todd I know that he will do a great Job being the Rolette County Veterans officer. He comes from great stock. His mother, Ginger LaRocque Poitra. is a class mate of mine, the DHS class of ’65.
Gary

====================================
Blog (367) posted on February 11 , 2009

Posted on February 11, 2009

Reply from Lynn Henriksen (64):

Yes, of course I remember Dot & Tommy! Mom loved you both so much. I always remember you as being so nice & fun. The names you just brought up & even the mention of the cabin behind Kelvin bring up so many wonderful memories – it actually brings tears to my eyes and tightens my throat, so I’m glad I can type, not have to speak right now, since I’d break down bawling. Seems like a million years ago – and the stuff we each have tucked inside can be triggered so easily by just the mention of a name. Thank you for think of us!

Briefly, Dana and Rick and families are all happy & healthy – Dana in Idaho, Rick in Oregon (1/3 of the time in Baja developing his “casa” project).

And yes, all the play time & boyhood memories between Markey and Hal. Hal had a horrible, crippling accident about 20 years ago – he is amazing, doesn’t let quadriplegia stop him – has a beautiful “saint” of a girl friend, writes, etc. I’m sure he’d love to hear from Markey & from you two – don’t know if I should put his email address in this reply, so please email me & I’ll give it to you.

Keeping Spirits Alive,

Lynn Henriksen

Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com

Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com

Reply to Tom & Dot Hagen from Colette Hosmer (64):

Hi Tom and Dot,

I remember you well! Lynn and I were best friends and if she wasn’t staying at my house I was at Kelvin with her. I felt like I had two homes during those years. I remember walking down the hill often to visit you and Dot and the kids. I also remember you working in the store. It seemed as if you were always in a good mood and had a great sense of humor. I’ve thought of you and your family often over the years.

Colette

From Cheryl Kester Gaugler (69):

Hi Gary,

Am learning a lot of history about Dunseith from these postings – thank you.

I have a question: Does anyone know the history of the ‘quaking bog’? The Fassett girls, Pennie and I (and whoever else was available) used to take hikes, led by Bill & Irene Fassett, up through Evans pastures, across the creek and into an area that was very unique. It was full of small streams with a middle that moved, like the piece of earth was spongy. I think they may have surveyed it at one time to see if there was anything worth mining. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Thank you once again for all your time and effort keeping everyone connected.

Cheryl

From Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79):

Good Day Gary,

It is a small world. Miles from ND, first time at this Legion in VA and I am told there are people from ND there. I say great not thinking they would be remotely close to Dunseith, think again. Linda Gardner daughter of Phelps (Bill) and Lillian Gardner from a farm on the county line! She attended the country schools until they closed and because the farm was on the Bottineau side attended Bottineau. She told me how she would like to have a reunion with individuals who attended the country school. And of course I told her all about your great communication tool that we all relive the “good old days” and stay in touch with current affairs back home. Her e-mail address:

Thanks Gary.

Linda Gardner, I remember you and I know many of our readers from the Willow Lake/Beaver Dam & Rendahl church areas will as well. Trish Larson Clayburgh’s mother, from the class of 73, is a Gardner. I’m assuming Trish’s mother and your dad were cousins. I have added you to our daily distribution. Please let me know if that is OK. It is in deed a very small world. Gary

Reply from Rita Anderson (Former owner of the Gamble store):

Dunseith Alumni,

I was to the Cachevars, a little farm, or whatever several times. Their furniture was made from the wood that they got in the Turtle Mountains. They grew alot of their own vegetables. If you want to know more about it, you can contact Carol Watkins Carbonneau. She could tell you more about them. There is another place not too far from there called Butte St. Paul. Many years ago, there were alot of doings there. There is a stone monument at the very top, quite a steep climb to get there, but once you get to the top, on a clear day you can see quite a distance. That property was donated by Pete Bogawlaski many years ago. It was quite a place for picnics and outings. In the Turtle Mountains, there is also a place called Bear Bute. It is also a steep climb, but worth the view. I just thought I would mention these.

Rita Anderson

LaVerne Rude’s military photo posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Neola sent this picture of LaVerne Rude in his Air Force uniform. LaVerne is a retired Air Force Pilot. I’m not sure of his entire Air Force career, but I do know that he flew a lot of the C141′s over the Pacific. LaVerne is Married to Carrole Fauske (66). Many of you and especially those of you from the Bottineau area know LaVerne. He graduated from Bottineau HS in 1963, the Forestry in 1965 and NDSU in 1967. The Rude’s lived about 2 1/2 miles into Bottineau County, just east of Salem church, on #43, also know as the Peace Garden Road. Glen is still living on the farm.

LaVerne, I just happen to have a recent picture of you too, that I included. That picture of us together in 1953 brings back lots of memories. Our families were back and forth, real often, in those days. Dad took the picture, so he’s not in the picture. Bib Overalls were sure in, back then. I think it was in about 1953 that I remember your dad telling us they budgeted $5.00 each for you Glen and Arliss’ Christmas gifts. Our folks could sure stretch those cream checks back in those days.

Stokes’ & the Rude’s (Stokes house) – Christmas 1953:
Adults L to R: Glen, Gladys & Arliss Rude, Elaine Stokes, Albert Rude
Kids L to R: LaVerne Rude, Allen, Darrel & Gary Stokes

Kim Lagerquist’s (80) picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

Here’s a name I recognize!!

Neola

Neola, Kim is Evon Lagerquist’s younger brother & son of Leola. Gary

10/15/2015 (2297)

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Gary

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

Happy Birthday Jim Mellmer (’72): Mandan, ND

Happy Birthday Jan Peterson Hurley: Walhalla, ND

Ralph Bjornseth’s 90^th Birthday celebration
Posting from Luella Boardman Bjornseth (’49): Bottineau, ND

Hi!

Just wanted to let you Ralph had a great 90th birthday party. Wish you could have been here for it. All the kids, grand kids and great grandkids except one who was sick were here plus a lot of other relatives and friends. It was fantastic and seemed like everyone had a great time. Got lots of pictures and I expect you have already seen some of them that a couple of the grandchildren put on Facebook.

Now the last of them have headed for home so things are getting quiet and we can get some sleep. Hope Bernadette is feeling better. Tell her hello from us.

Luella

Ralph and Luella Bjornseth family

Vietnam Voices with Jerry LaFountian.
Web Link posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Note: Jerry LaFountian’s dad was from Belcourt, ND.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fpRb2oyBI
Vietnam Voices: Jerry LaFountain

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe’s Vietnam Web link posting
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX

The article Vickie submitted was very interesting. My Dad was the supply officer and then the XO in Pleiku from June 8, 1967 to June 8, 1968. When he came home we were transferred to Minot where he was the regular army advisor to the National Guard. One of his duties was to inform families of sons/fathers/brothers killed or missing in action in VN. Fortunately it wasn’t often he had to call on families but when he did he never just walked away. Sometimes he spent hours sitting with families. And many times he went back later to check on them. When I read articles about this era, I am always relieved when there is a good ending. There were so many that weren’t. Thank you to all the brave boys and men and women who served during that time.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

====================================
Blog (366) posted on February 10 , 2009

02/10/2009

Posted on February 10, 2009

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Hi, Gary, this is to reply to Lynn Henriksen(64) Hi Lynn, do you
remember Tom and Dot Hagen when we
lived and worked for your Mom, Midge, for 3 summers at Kelvin??? I
worked with Rick in the store and gas station and we lived first in the
little cabin down back and later in a mobile home we would bring up for
the summer. The phone exchange at first was Eleanor (Metcalfe) and
Cliff Nerpel, and later Kathy (Maginol) and George Gregory. Ken Tooke
would bring the gas for the pumps. Lots of memories come back from
those days!!!! How are Dana and Rick???

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Hi, sorry but I had to add a little more to the message Lynn Henrikson
(64) Her brother Hal and our son Mark (Tom) are about the same
age(50s) and played together every summer . Our son and family are
moving to AZ in July what is Hal doing now???

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Reply from Marge (Landsverk) Fish (57):

Hi Gary and all,

I was just reading Dick’s e-mail and it brought back memories.

I remember going to Cachevar’s? I’m not sure of the spelling. It was on the crest of a hill at the start of the Turtle Mountains.

It was very different with furniture made of tree limbs and varnished. There was a lot of taxidermy of frogs playing violins, otters, prairie dogs and more, it was fascinating to a kid. It was across the road from Hills.

I was friends with Elve and Arla Hill and remember going there and riding horses. That was a big deal as I was crazy about horses and a town girl.

I had my first soft serve ice cream cone at the little place that was on the west side of Iver Lo’s store. I’m sure they made it with cream as it was the best that I can remember.

I got my hair cuts and rarely fixed at Maries beauty shop. I mostly got Toni Perms that got pretty hard to manage from my mom but thats what you did when your hair was straight as a stick.

I don’t remember if the Smokers in the basememt of the city hall were in the 50′s or before but there were rumors of guys losing a farm or a vechicle.

Dales cafe had the best hamburgers with everything on them even cucumbers!

Thanks Gary!

Take Care

Marge (Landsverk) Fish

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

In answer to the question about the “Tastee Freeze” soft ice cream parlor next to Marie’s Beauty Shop. Some of the girls’ that worked there; Millie Crum and Elaine Schneider were the first two who worked there, next it was Marlene Kraft and Joann Kester. I don’t remember who worked there after that. It was a great place to hang out in the 50′s.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

So excite by the clip posted by Dick Johnson – made my day! I wonder if it was moved? destroyed by fire? Must go but will want to write to Lloyd soon and thank him for his input.

Gary I have searched over and hour for the Hot Sauce ordering info. Cannot seem to locate. If not too much trouble please paste to me. Sharron

Sharron, I have 3 bottles of this hot sauce, compliments of Bill Hosmer. It’s good stuff.

This is the info on the bottles.

https://www.milehighhotsauce.com/

Mile High Hot Sauce
288 Aviation Road
Pikeville, NC 27863
Toll-Free Orders: 1-866-264-5344
mpcooper@milehighhotsauce.com

Reply From Sharron Gottbreht Shen:

Yes Gary,

I like the dialogue. Bill Evans often called Dale “George junior” – your slip brought this dear expression to mind. In my father’s will drawn up after inlistment, George, my brother, is called Dale Jr. and he is listed second, my spot! It speaks to me about pride and affection and makes me happy. The picture of dad standing by the repaired semi was taken about 1947 along the street of the former Link home where we moved that same year. Dad learned to remove his keys from that semi after young George climbed in at age 4/5 and attempted to drive! The rolled trailer picture was probably late spring 1944. I hope to verify that today. I have no idea where the rear axel/wheels may have gone but Uncle Roland might know.

Sharron

Sharron, I have reposted the picture of your dad with the correct labeling. With the first posting I identified him as George. Sorry for the mistake. Gary

Dale Gottbreht

Posting from the Dunseith Journal from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

With all the talk about these guys lately, here are their bowling scores
from November 28, 1938. This is from the Dunseith Journal also. If you
don’t care to sit in the old bowling alley and watch these guys, you can
walk over to the Althea Theater and take in a show! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,Here are a couple pictures to go with the newspaper bowling scores and Althea Theater ad. Don Johnson bowling in the old bowling alley–Lilleby’s, behind the bar and Eleanor Awalt Stickland in front of the show hall. Thanks Gary. Dick

Don Johnson

Eleanor Awalt Stickland

Posted by Ellen Graff Myrick (58):

How’s this for a “snowman” !! This was built in Wahpeton ND. Kinda gives you an idea of how much snow we’ve been having.
Pretty good sculpture too, don’t ya think?

10/13/2015 (2296)

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Gary

Happy Birthday Patti Metcalfe Woods (’70): Dunseith, ND

3 Brothers in Viet Nam
Web Link posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

His dad was Turtle Mtn. Chippewa.

http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/vietnam-voices-i-prayed-to-everybody-the-devil-the-great/article_2f533e26-5c6a-53d0-919a-d51862b1031e.html

A great article about a Vet from Lewis town Montana.

====================================
Blog (365) posted on February , 2009

02/09/2009

Posted on February 9, 2009

Lynn Henriksen (64) Reply to Gary:

Hi Gary,

Thank you for your kind words about my site – I’ve worked very hard on it, to say the least. Yes, you can post my website on your blog (I’m so snowed under with getting my website platform robust, that I seldom get a chance to read your blog – sorry, but I just can’t do it all).

Thought you’d enjoy this bit of info: the picture I have up of the book cover I designed for TellTale Souls: Keeping Spirits Alive One Story at a Time is Mom on board the SS Aleutian on her way to Alaska, pregnant with my brother, Rick. You probably saw it when you looked at the site.

If you do link my site, I’ve found it’s best to just paste this:http://www.telltalesouls.com. Also, since I’m hoping to get TTS published this year, I’m beginning work on my next book, which will be the male voice on mothers. I’d love it if you’d write a bio-vignette about your mother or another important woman in your life.

I’d be pleased if you’d put it out there that I’d be interested in hearing from any or all of you reader with a story for possible inclusion in my next book. That would be so great to have Dunseith-rooted people included in my book – I’d be thrilled. Both Colette & Janet (Hosmer) and Dana (my sister), as well as Sam (Colette’s daughter) and both my daughters, Jennifer & Samantha, have stories in the current book.

It is important to note that when someone submits a story it needs to through my site – it’s easy by clicking on “Submit Your Story” so their “Mother Memoirs” won’t go to spam and I won’t lose them in the avalanche of daily emails!

Hope you’re well & happy! You always sound so positive and upbeat…

Keeping Spirits Alive,

Lynn Henriksen

Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com

Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67):

Lloyd Awalt’s comments on the “smokers” made me think of Deer Heart Lodge.

I remember visiting there when I was quite young. There was a carving a four “frogs” in a poker game. The older folks seemed to know the inside joke that they represented certain town men. ( Maybe I have this mixed up and someone can shed some light on other details of what seemed like an enchanted spot.) Deer Heart Lodge was located on the Willow Lake Road and that place is currently owned by Kenny Hill. I remember alot of taxidermy, full size deer standing around the yard. Also, the furniture was hand made out of logs. I wonder what happened to all of the mementos that were there. Lots of tourists visited there and we would often have strangers drive in our yard looking for it, We had to tell them they were one mile off.

“Smokers” were used by the Jaycee’s in the late 60′s to raise money to buy bleachers for the gym. The Dunseith Jaycees of that era were very active and achieved #1 in the State Parade of Cities two years in a row under the presidencies of John Morgan and Terry Espe. The guys really pitched in on community projects as well as participating in state and national events. Rodney Armentrout flew a few members to the National Jaycee Convention in St. Louis. The convention was held under the “Arch” and one of the speakers was President Richard Nixon.

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

On page 355 in Mountain Memories has a superbly written article about a 7 year old son of Oliver Decoteau who drown on a spring day in Willow Creek, in Dunseith. He crawled out on a branch and it gave way. Spring of 1960. Clarence Michael’s was the policeman on duty.

A few people have expressed some interest in the old stories. If a story seems a little to much to believe about the old days, don’t be too sure. My dad told the story about Jack Smith, that old rounder who brought wild horses from Montana for a big sale in Dunseith and what a celebration every 2 or 3 years. It was said he and one of the old Demery’s fought for 3 days, I think they took nights off. I likened that to something that I observed many times in the hills. You had smaller farms and I thought it was interesting to observe a bull and a neighboring bull, they would threaten each other for a day or so then fight for an hour and rest for an hour, this would go on for 2 or 3 days sometimes. Lots of times I’m sure people didn’t know what was going on.

I decided to share Ben Lagimodeire’s secret how to save yourself from a mean bull in an open pasture. We have some people living in Wyoming and Montana who may need to use this information. He took down his pants, put his hands under his knees and jumped backwards toward the bull in short sporadic jumps. It worked on that bull and he was a notoriously mean bull.

They had grand horse and foot races, does anyone know the name of the old Native American that had a long braid that stuck straight behind him on that fast horse? Did you know that Art Seim was a pretty fast runner.

Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Lloyd Awalt–I too thought the picture was of Dale Gottbreht standing by
the semi. It was the way I remember him, kind of all business. You
mentioned Marie’s Beauty Shop being south of the Althea theater. When
did she move to Charlie Wright’s building where she spent the last many
years in the business? How many folks remember the ‘soft serve’ ice
cream shop that was just on the south side of ‘new’ Marie’s beauty shop?
I remember some of the high school girls worked there. It must have been
in the mid to late ’50s, and wasn’t there for very long–maybe only one
summer, although I’m not sure. We got a few ice cream cones there and
sat in the shade by the Dakota Hotel and ate them. Lloyd mentioned the
‘smokers’ in the basement of the city hall and the preacher that tried
to shut them down. Gary Morgan commented about that back a while. He
mentioned the name of the pastor which I think was from the Methodist
church, if I remember right. If you saved these messages, it was in one
of them with the picture of the Methodist church (community) choir.
Lastly, Lloyd mentioned Dale Gottbreht’s manufacturing business making
whetstone sharpeners, etc. A few years ago I found a new piece of
equipment in a box, in perfect condition. The sticker on the device said
‘Made by Dunseith Manufacturing’. I gave it to George Gottbreht as I
thought it was probably more meaningful for him to have than me. It was
made in Dale’s shop. Thanks for the memories, Lloyd. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

Gary:
I, too, realized the pics were of Dale Gottbreht, that is like Lloyd
says. I remember riding in the truck with Dale on his way to Grand
Forks and him dropping me off in Emerado where he and my Aunt Alma lived
at the time, and me helping with their children.
That goes a long way back, but some memories stick with you. I ‘spose
at the time that was the farthest away from home that I had traveled.
And, of course, I lived with them in Dunseith my first year of high school.
Mona Dionne Johnson (48)

10/11/2015 (2295)

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Gary

Evelyn Lykins Passed away
Message from Bob Lykins (60”s DHS Teacher): Hutto, TX.

Gary, I just wanted to let you know that my ex-wife, Evelyn Lykins passed away suddenly last night. We were a young married couple when living in Dunseith and she worked as the elementary school secretary 1964 through 1965. I know there are a number of people in that area who remember her. She died of a bacterial infection that got into her bloodstream as a result of a perforated colon. It was sudden and she did not suffer. Our two children and one of our grandchildren were at her side when she passed. She was 71 years old and a retired accountant with the Department of Defense.

Bob,

our condolences are with you, your children and all of Evelyn’s family with her passing.

Gary

====================================
Blog (364) posted on February 8, 2009

Posted on February 8, 2009

Reply to Allen Richard (65) from Kay Hosmer (77):

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Richard – from Kay Hosmer (77)

Allen Richard

Pam Wenstad Lane’s (78) reply to Gary:

Thank You Gary, I want to let you know how much I love this site. I know you hear this all the time but Thank You for all of the time and work you do to bring people together. I’ll be moving back home next summer, so this makes it awesome, even though I don’t know most people. I am getting messages from relatives that I didn’t even know I had.

Pam Wenstad Lane”78″

Pam, I decided to post this message, even though it was a personal reply to me. I think folks will be interested in hearing of the connections you’ve made and that you will be moving back to ND. Gary

Email address change for Marge Landsverk Fish (57):

HI GARY, Feb. 7

I have been without a computer for 3 weeks and now have a new one.

My new e-mail address is:

I have been missing your e-mails and will have to get back on track now.

The weather in Horicon Wi. today was in the 40′s, just beautiful for Feb. I took my dog for a nice long walk, she gives me a reason.

Thanks for all your work on the e-mails.

Marge(Landsverk) Fish

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):

Good Morning Gary: Questions for Sharren and answers to some of her questions in message #361.

Sharren Gottbreth Shen (59) Yes,Sharren their was a Dunseith Livestock Exchange it was a long narrow building sandwiched between the Peace Garden Cafe and Ray Wilson’s Law Office. Yes, it had pictures of dogs playing cards and it was a place where the guys played cards. This group of men celebrated their birthdays together playing cards and having a dinner, these celebrations were held at the depot. Later on the Livestock Exchange became Marie’s Beauty Shop.

The “Smokers” poker card games were big poker games where men from all over came to gamble.

The money raised from holding these games was used by the city to purchase the new fire engine. It was used for other big ticket items needed by the City. These games were held in the basement of the Dunseith City Hall.(I remember there was a disagreement about whether or not it was legal or morally right to hold these games and one of the pastors of the community had them raided.) Hopefully someone can give us more input about this.

The pictures you sent I think were labeled wrong. #2 is a picture of Dale Gottbreth. #3 is also Dale, I do remember when Dale rolled the livestock truck. In 1942 Dale Gottbreth built a warehouse across from our home in Dunseith. The warehouse was used to manufacture Water Pumps and Whet Stones used for sharpening knives etc. This building was later moved out to where Dales is now and is part of the original cafe.

Lloyd Awalt

Hertha Egbert Photo posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

I’m not sure if Hertha is a Dunseith or Kramer Egbert. I just happened to see this picture last night.

Neola

Neola, The Dunseith and Kramer Egbert’s are all the same family. According to the dunseith book, Jim Egbert, Adrian’s brother, married Hertha Torno from Kramer. They had two children, Vernon & David. Gary

Hertha Torno Egbert

1909-1996

Hentry was posted in Uncategorized by Gary. Bookmark the permalink.Edit

10/10/2015 (2294)

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Gary

Gottbreht’s
Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (’59): Watertown, NJ

Dear Gary,

As ever, your web postings are an awaited part of my day. I picked up on Gary Metcalfe’s kind compliment and returned to that entry with information that brother George offered some time ago. Although very sad, I will give the correction here.

The truck-trailer wreck happened not because of ice in that April of 1944, but because of an auto driven at desperate speed from a hill cross road and that barreled into the trailer. Had he waited for just the right vehicle to come along? Dad must have waved down the next passerby to alert authorities. Dad had a 2-floor load of hogs on board; only one suffered a broken leg. You can imagine those happy porkers juking about in total freedom; all were recovered and brought to market.

So Dale’s enlistment date was 14 May 1944; boot camp near St Louis, MO. En-route to Fort Lewis Millitary Base, WA, Dale passed through Devils Lake. Hector and Cecelia Boucher and Alma Boucher Gottbreht were waiting there in Hector’s Ford Coop. Obviously there was a prearranged plan because Dad jumped into the car and said “Let’s get the hell out of here.” They went fishing for 3 days to Lake Shandy. Lucky Dale; AWOL for 3 days meant a few days in the brigg and not the firing squad. Story related to me by Hector’s daughters.

Keep well dear friends and thank you Gary, Sharron

====================================
Blog (363) posted on February 7, 2009

02/07/2009

Posted on February 7, 2009

Request from Rod Kalk (61):

Hi Gary,
Please add Lisa Williams Mastvelton to your emails-
to your emails.
We’re enjoying great temperatures in ND.
Thanks, Rod Kalk Class of 1961

Rod, it is my pleasure to add Lisa Williams Mastvelton (82) to our distribution list.

Lisa, you were quite young when I left the Dunseith area, so I don’t remember you all that well, but I do know the Lagerquist’s and the Knutson’s, both extended relatives of yours. Your sister Lori is married to Ray Lagerquist and your daughter, Jenna, is married to Toad Knutson. I don’t know Toad, but I know his grandparents, Norris & Arlene Knutson, well. Toad’s dad, Roger, was just a little tite when I left the country. It’s hard for me to believe, in my mind, that Roger is all grown up and has grown up kids of his own. I guess things didn’t come to a stand still when I left the country. Rod Hiatt filled us all in, with message #333, with the wonderful wedding and reception of your daughter Jenna & Toad. My brother Darrel and his wife Debby told me they also attended their wedding and reception. From all reports, it was a wonderful affair. Gary

Reply from Pam Wenstad Lane (78):

Hi Gary,

Fisrt of all, I would truely like to tell you how much I like this site. I don’t know most of the people,but I like to read all of the history.Thank you for all of your work.I was wondering how I could get ahold of the Prairie Past and or Mountain Memories to read about Fred Morin.Maybe Gary Metcalfe can help me out. I would be grateful.

Pam Wenstad Lane “78″

Pam, You can purchase a copy of the ” Prairie Past and or Mountain Memories” book, on line, from the Dunseith WEB site. This is the Dunseith WEB site linkhttp://www.dunseithnd.com/souvenirs.html

I strongly suggest purchasing a hard cover copy of the is book. The paper back is glued together and in time falls apart. The hard cover copy is bound well and does not come apart. The paper back is a good back up copy for taking pages out of to scan. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

In reply to Ginger’s question of a family from Dunseith’s Main Street
that drowned, it was the second wife of Carl Watschke and her son. They
were fishing on Long Lake and got caught in a sudden storm with strong
winds which overturned the boat. Mabel and Larry Nordquist drowned. Carl
managed to keep afloat and Larry’s sister Joy Nordquist swam to the
shore, although she was not a swimmer. The reason I am aware of what
happened that day in 1957 is that Joy later married my dad’s brother,
Cliff Johnson, in 1960. The terrible tragedy of that day has haunted my
aunt throughout her life. She and Cliff don’t have email and hopefully
won’t even hear about this message from those of you who do. I hope this
answers your question. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Marth Lamb Schepp (68):

Hi to all,

We were just to Minot last night to meet our newest Gandson. Daxton Edwin Schepp, son of Karson and Kristen Marie Casavant Schepp also the grandson of Rick and Denice Casavant of Rolette. Daxton was born on Feb 4 at 6:40 P.M. 8 lbs. 3oz. and 201/2 inches long. He is our 7th grandchild, 3 being boys and 4 girls. The oldest will be 9 in March and until Wed. the youngest just turned 2. They are so fun. We have two grandsons from Rugby staying for 2 nights this weekend. Best say goodbye as we have a game of Yahtzee waiting. Thanks for all that everyone has does, especially Gary for keeping this going. Martha Lamb Schepp (68)

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

Your web sight sound fascinating, you are so intelligent, you and Billy Grimme. Too bad Conley Grimme isn’t still around he too was very intelligent with all this tech stuff.

I have let my secretary job slack off as I’ve been running around with my Grandkids at NDSU, had a grand time, but now it’s back to getting Lloyd on line again.

Bonnie, Thank you so much for the nice words, however, Bill is the guy with all the smarts. I discovered that it takes more time than brains to put together a ‘simple’ WEB page. Gary

Lloyd Awalt’s (44) reply:

Hello to Gary Metcalfe,

Gary mentioned the time my Dad was up at your place and came across the field carrying a child piggy back. It wasn’t me it was my brother Bill. Everything else you remembered was correct. Keep the messages coming.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Diane Berg Rheault (79):

Gary, the picture of the soldier in this email……… When I looked at it, at first glance, it reminded me of one of the Tooke kids (of Kenneth and Nettie(Knox) Tooke). Wondering if it could be some relative either on the Tooke side or the Knox side.

Just a thought….Diane (Berg) Rheault

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Justene Metcalfe’s parents are Shannon & Debbie (Salmonson) Metcalfe. Her grandparents are Cliff/Lottie Metcalfe & Harlan/LaDonna Salmonson. Gary

Posted by Glen Williams (52): junnermt@msn.com

Dear alumni and friends,

Thomas J. Clifford
1921-2009

The entire University of North Dakota alumni family is grieving the loss of one of our most beloved members. Thomas J. Clifford, one of the University’s and state’s most iconic and dedicated alumni passed away in his home on February 4. He was 87 years old. My heart goes out to Tom’s wife, Gayle, and the entire Clifford family during this difficult time.

As a UND faculty member, the youngest-serving dean and longest-serving president, Clifford touched the lives of nearly everyone he met. On a weekly basis, I never fail to meet or visit with someone who has an inspiring “Tom Clifford” story. In having many of these memorable conversations with the young and old alike, it’s clear Tom’s impact spans generations. He was a caring and compassionate man who took chances on students and inspired people to succeed. Serving as one of the University’s greatest presidents, the “Clifford Era” from 1971-92 was a time of steadfast growth and success at UND. Clifford was a mentor, a confident leader, a savvy businessman, and, more than anything, a loyal friend and alumnus of the University. No one in our illustrious 125-year history has positively impacted more lives in a variety of ways. He was our “renaissance man”, a war hero and a leader across several disciplines.

It is an understatement to say Tom’s passing leaves a void that cannot be replaced. He will be dearly missed on so many levels, both professionally and personally by thousands. Please keep the Clifford family in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

I am certain many of you have stories and memories about Tom you would like to share. Please visit www.undalumni.org, where we have set up a tribute in his honor. Some of these stories may also be included in the May Alumni Review, which will include a tribute to Clifford’s life. You may also contribute a story about Clifford for inclusion in the Alumni Review by sending it to alumnireview@undalumni.net I know his family and friends will enjoy reading your fond memories of their loved one.

Sincerely,

Tim O’Keefe, ’71
Executive Vice President and CEO
UND Alumni Association and UND Foundation

UND Alumni Association
3100 University Ave. Stop 8157
Grand Forks, ND 58201-8157
(800) 543-8764 or (701) 777-2611
Fax: (701) 777-4054
www.undalumni.org | www.und.edu

Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | Contact

10/9/2015 (2293)

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Gary

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

Happy Birthday Theresa Sivertson Delikat: Box Elder, SD

1944 Note Dame Academy photo
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin ($B!G(B71): Bedford, TX

Thanks for posting. I should have double checked my spelling!
Cheryl

PS I hope Ginger iced her hand. I know how much that can hurt. From the description of her fall, I’m glad it wasn’t any worse!

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
Olynda Pigeon | 1929 – 2015

Olynda Pigeon

Born: June 21, 1929

Died: October 07, 2015

OLYNDA PIGEON
Olynda Pigeon, age 86 of Dunseith, died at her home on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michaels Catholic Church of Dunseith. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday, beginning at 6:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the church.

Olynda was born to David and Eva (Kraft) Eurich on June 21st, 1929 near Dunseith. She was raised in the Dunseith area and attended Dunseith, Curry, and Siem schools there. On May 31st, 1951, she married Ydola Pigeon at Dunseith. They made their home on the Pigeon farm where Olynda helped on the farm, worked at The Pigeon Store, and raised her children. She was employed at San Haven from 1965-1987, and later at Pemstar Corporation until her retirement. Ydola passed away on October 8, 2012. She had continued to make Dunseith her home.

The Pigeon farm was a frequent stop for area farmers, friends, and family due to Olynda’s exceptional hospitality. Guests were always welcome. Olynda was an excellent cook and baker and no one ever left her house hungry. She loved flowers of any kind and was always happy to receive a bouquet of the first crocuses or wild tiger lilies from her grandchildren in the spring. She was a self-taught quilter and her beautiful hand-made quilts were a prized gift to her loved ones for birthdays, weddings and baby showers. She enjoyed playing cards with her family and for many years was also a weekly whist player at the Rolette, Dunseith, and Bottineau Senior Centers. Olynda was a tender hearted, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who made holidays and Sunday dinners so special for her loved ones.

Olynda is survived by her daughter Colette Schimetz of Bottineau; son, Marc Pigeon of Dunseith, grandchildren John Schimetz of Bottineau, Jennifer (Craig) Zachmeier of Rugby, Matthew (Amy) Schimetz of Bottineau, William (Raelynn) Schimetz of Richardton, Daniel Schimetz of Bismarck, Kaitlyn Pederson (Andy) of Bottineau; Andria (Steve) Miller of Devils Lake, Nicole Pigeon of Fargo, Jessica Pigeon of Minot, Christopher Pigeon of Dunseith, Samantha Pigeon of Rolette; Great-grandchildren Trenton and Keelie McCloud, Riley and Bailey Zachmeier, Daunte Nadeau, MiKayla Tyson, Ally Schimetz, and John Schimetz; by her sisters Marie Beachler of Bottineau, and Eva Paulson of Rugby.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, David Eurich; sisters, Erma Peltier, Irene Kilichowski, Frieda Reisig, and Betty Nerpel; and son-in-law Reid Schimetz.

Jack Flynn Memories
From Allen Richard (’65): Midland, MI

A few things— First Jack Flynn. I didn’t have a lot of interaction with him— but when I did– it was fun. I loved his quick wit.

Next: Notre Dame Academy– I went there as a first grader because my parents didn’t want me to transition from Currie School summer school to “regular” winter school. 1953-54 was the last year for Currie and my first grade at ND. I was in a class that included 1st and 2nd grades– I think 13 kits total. Our teacher was Sister Albert Marie. She was amazing. Others in the classroom included Rene, Joe and Gerald Casavant; Joanne and Doreen Houle and Angela Berube. I had 3 cousins with me in the room. Upper classmen included Houles — al the way to Keith I think, and all the Casavants older than Joe and Gerald — All the way to Paul I think. Most memorable was Carol Leonard — younger sister of my aunt Carmen (Leonard) Richard. Even as a first grader I thought she was gorgeous!

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (362) posted on February 6, 2009

02/06/2009

Posted on February 6, 2009

Dunseith Alumni WEB site:

Folks,

I am in the process of developing a Dunseith Alumni WEB site. This WEB site is not intended, in any way shape or form, to replace our daily email dialog. In doing that I think we’d quickly loose the comradery that we have developed. We still prefer for folks to request to be added our email distribution, rather than just going on line to view the posted daily messages.

I am not posting any personal info on this site. I strip all the email addresses and other personal info when posting the daily messages. I will post each days message as we go along and back fit all the others as time permits. I have posted the Alaska cruise and the Seattle Dunseith Alumni reunion on this sight as well. Please provide me with any items you’d like posted.

Gary

Thank you from Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette), Bryan Schimetz’s aunt:

Thank you to everyone who sent birthday cards to Bryan Schimetz at the Good Sam in Bottineau. He was quite surprised, and appreciated them very much. It was a day brightner for him to know that so many people cared.

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

Gary,
I remember hearing of a family drowning, they (if I recall correctly)
lived in a house on Main Street in Dunseith. Does anyone remember this
happening? I seem to remember that they hadn’t lived in Dunseith for very
long. I always wanted to know what happened. My parents didn’t discuss
these types of happenings with us, in our day we left the room when adults
were speaking, so I guess I overheard parts of their conversation. I
could be totally wrong on all counts. I don’t suppose I was very old.
Ginger(65)

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

It doesn’t get any better, town kid with farm experience. That old machinery had a lure for a kid that was all consuming and there were lots of three legged dogs. I knew it was Joe Lagimodiere when you mentioned the bib overalls.
Dunseith seemed like a larger town to me when you had shanty town and I do remember some the people who lived there. Joe, also Louis Bergan, Ann Grady, Slim Wallin, I am not sure when Axel Johnson moved there, Tommy Counts, Van Counts and many more.

When we talk about people like Fred Morin, we can’t completely appreciate what a job that was, he had to know and understand the bootleggers and the people that were not allowed to drink in public. Not much backup for a law man in those days. By all means like Wyatt Earp, a hero.

Great job on the pictures Sharren Shen.
Gary Metcalfe

Correction to yesterday’s picture posted by Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

The picture was actually taken in Denver. I forgot to include
that when I sent the message.

Kenny

10/6/2015 (2292)

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Gary

Jack Flynn Memories
From Rob Olson (’79): Walla Walla

Gary-

I have been at a seminar for the last 5 days and finally caught up with your blog. I am saddened by the loss of Jack Flynn-a true man of honor and respect. I see my brothers have written, but I feel compelled to also relate my feelings for him for he set a course for my life without even knowing it—or maybe he did? Living across the street from Jack and Minnie was a great blessing. If I was hanging out at the house playing in the yard when Jack got home he would invite me over and usually feed me some ice cream. We didn’t have it in our house and I think he knew that. His family treated me so well and I am appreciative to this day.

When there was a baseball game out of town Jack would invite me to go with him. He made sure that I was appropriately dressed and well behaved. He took other kids to games too. We would pile in the box of his pickup and off we would go. He loved baseball and gave me every opportunity to watch and be associated with it. Later when I played baseball for Mayville State, like many Dunseith boys did before me, I came home for a weekend when I ran into Jack. He knew I was playing at Mayville but wanted to know what my plans were. I told him I was planning on being a teacher and a baseball coach and we talked of other things. As we parted he looked at me and told me he was proud of me. I felt like he gave me a million dollars! He never said a discouraging word to me. Every person would be lucky to have a Jack Flynn in their life.

Rob Olson

Randy Kelly
Reply from Sybil Johnson: Minot, ND

Randy was Augie’s cousin and very well liked. I enjoyed visiting him, when we were in St. Paul back in 1984, when Kelly was killed and he visited us, when we lived in Minot.

Sybil Johnson

1944 Note Dame Academy
Posted by Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX

This is the senior class 1944 Note Dame Academy. From the top it’s Edward Vandal, my Uncle Virgil Richard, Theodore Bower, Evelyn Berube, next riw is Rose Marie Vandal, Lila Tennancour, Delores Becker, Muriel Bergeron. Then my mom Verdellis Richard, (white collar, arms crossed) then on the first row Elaine Dionne, Libbey Henry, Crystal King, Muriel Garceau. Can you please post this on the blog for me? I’m on my cell and for some reason my emails don’t go through. Thanks Gary!

Ginger LaRocque Poitra Fell and hurt her hand
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

I just wanted to let you know that I fell Thursday, October 1st. I was trying to decorate for Halloween

I was on a step stool and had just put Winnie-the-Pooh on top of a cabinet,

I preceded to get down carrying an object (angels) I was going to switch out for another object.

My tennis shoe got caught on the rubber of the step of the stool, I began falling backward unable to catch myself.

I kept going and going then I finally landed on my buttocks very very hard and then to my back,

still carrying the angels which were kinda heavy.

The way I was carrying the angel statue made of ceramic,

of which I was still holding very tightly to,

part of it was what hit the top of my left hand.

This caused my blood vessels to do whatever happens to them when hit with a force like it did, made my hand turn blue and swell.

Ginger

====================================

Blog (361) posted on February 5, 2009

Posted on February 5, 2009

From Ginger(LaRocque)Poitra (65):

Gary,
I didn’t receive e-mail number 359. I sure have been enjoying all the
stories of times gone by. We all need to remember and pass our memories
on to our children and they to their children, and so on. My son who
lives in Texas was telling me how he tells his sons his remembrance of his
grandparents, whom he loved so much. I had said to him we live and we
die, no one remembers. That isn’t true is it? You all have proved that
here on this blog. You all remember a lot of people and the stories you
all tell are so invigorating to read. We owe Gary Stokes so much for
starting this, and including us all. Thank you Gary you are one of a
kind! and you are appreciated. Many Many thanks.Ginger(LaRocque)Poitra (65)

Ginger, Thank you so much for the very nice compliment. You are such a sweetheart. If I remember correctly, I think you and also a few others were a bit nervous with the thoughts of attending our 2007 class of 65 reunion. I think those thoughts were quickly diminished when you arrived at our pre-reunion breakfast the day before our formal reunion. We had a large turn out for that breakfast too. I will forever cherish that week of my life with the reunion of so many folks I had not seen for nearly 42 years. Like so many said, it was as though we had never parted. Gary

Reply from Marge (Longie) Langan Wilcox (Ron, Willy’s & Wally’s sister):

Hello from Washington state

Gary I certainly enjoy your tidbits everyday.
I am glad you have added me to your lists.
although I have been gone from Dunseith since 1956.

I remember Elaine Watkins very well.
she was in Agnes Berg’s room in the Dunseith school.

that’s the year the boys were burning the girls dresses.
and I happen to be the target by my Brother Wally.
our mom was mad at him.

margelanganwilcox

Marge, I had Agnes Berg for my 3rd grade teacher up at Ackworth. That would have been about school year 55/56. I remember her as being such a nice lady. Gary

Reply to Gary from Eileen Egbert Spitzer (Adrian Egert’s Granddaughter):

Thank you for the information on my father. It was very interesting. Since so many are gone, so much

will have been lost. The date of my fathers death was listed wrong in the chart. He was killed in

Germany May 2, 1945. WWII. My mother never remarried and raised my brother and I alone. She

died in October, 2007 at the age of 94. Eileen Egbert Spitzer.

Eileen, I had your dad’s info right on my combined class list, but it was wrong on the solo class list. Those dates on the Solo class list (1939) were for your Dad’s uncle, James, Adrian’s brother. He was born 12/18/93 and died 9/15/68. I was unable to locate your dad’s info at the time I was putting his class list together, so I thought his uncle was him. Your cousin, Lois Lilleby Fielding is the one that told us about your dad. You dad was only 25 years old when he was killed in WWII. What a sacrifice he made for our country and you too, for loosing him so early in your life. Gary

Egbert

James

Born December 8, 1919-Died May 2, 1945

Deceased

From Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

It ain’t Paris and it ain’t Hong Kong, but it ain’t bad! There
seems to be something about fast food and the class of ’65.

Kenny

Kenny Nerpel in Denver, Co.

Bill Grimme

in Paris France Gary Stokes in Hong Kong

Kenny, You are looking mighty fine. Like Bill says, those Big Mac’s hit the spot.

Maybe we can get a few more pictures, from around the country, to add to our collection of McDonald’s.

Gary

Reply & George Gottbreht pictures from Sharren Gottbreht Shen (59):

Two for Lloyd Awalt, Gary. I sure look forward to his every entry; such fantastic recall that awakens so many happy memories.

George Gottbreht had an office on the east side of Main St: Dunseith Livestock Exchange. I think it must have been located near or in the Wilson Law offices? I believe the title was lettered on the window. Today I think of it as his private card room! Every time I would stop there looking for a nickle or dime, Grandpa and company would be playing cards. I can still smell the smoke of his cigars. The walls had several prints of dogs playing poker, some had expressions of chagrin, some sniggering, some surprised. The dogs were all smoking cigars too! Grandpa was there from early 40′s till his death in ’51. Jim Gottbreht told me of the Exchange sales ring and stock pens where Dale’s is today and I presume that is where most of their business was conducted.

Jack Hosmer told me about the Business Men’s Meeting held every month on Main St. I thought it might have been at Kadry’s. Any member celebrating a birthday that month would receive a new Stetson. Perhaps Lloyd or others could expand on this club.

I remember dad going to every “Smoker” held in town. I have the impression that these games were held in winter. I know my Uncle August Dionne would come from Thorne so I surmise all players were welcome. I wonder where they were held? My picture is rather dim but I will post it anyway.

Sharron

Sharron’s memo for the pictures:

Notice the white slats and black lettering of the semi trailer in the background of George Gottbreht picture taken around 1940. White proved impractical no doubt, but it is the same truck/trailer used by the Dunseith Livestock Exchange of George Gottbreht and his son Dale Gottbreht to transport livestock from rual Dakota to Fargo. Transport work and a hog farm out of the Grand Forks area defered Dale’s enlistment; when the semi was overturned on icy roads 1943/44, Dale was summonded for active service. Dad liked company for the long hawls to the Fargo Sales Ring and I was chosen one summer when about 8 yrs old. This all new experience to view the groomed animals in the tiered sales theater and hear the auctioneer stutter was amazing. Sales must have gone well beause dad treated us to a case of Bing cherries for the trip home; yes, a few extra stops on the way. The noon meal at Dale’s home was a silent affair except for radio livestock and feed reports.

George Gottbreht – about 1940

Gottbreht overturned semi trailier 1943/44

Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

I’ve been meaning to send an email, thanking the person who sent the pictures of Minnie Flynn’s birthday party, to you. Alice Vandal Leonard planned to attend, but because of the weather, she didn’t make it. I forwarded your newsletter that included pictures of Minnie’s birthday, to Alice. She was so happy to receive them. As you know, Alice doesn’t care to receive all the newsletters, so I try to forward the ones I think she might enjoy seeing. Alice was one of the four ladies who wrapped caramels to set on the registration desk at Frozen Fingers Festival, Sleep Inn in Minot on February 13-15. Dick and Brenda Johnson/Ron Hett will be performing at this event.

Thanks again.

Neola

eBay info for Bill Hosmer’s friends book “The Birds Were Silver Then” posted by Neola Garbe:

In a riveting collection of first-person accounts, The Birds Were Silver Then captures the idealism and tragic missteps of America’s earliest air missions over North Vietnam. Told in revealing detail by the pilots who survived, the book is both a testament to their heroism and a cautionary tale for our nation.

Read what people are saying about Lowell Peterson’s new book….

“Dr Peterson’s collection of essays and first-person interviews provides a clear overview of our nation’s often misguided Vietnam policies and a detailed account of the bravery of those charged with carrying our those policies – often to tragic ends. Whether you lived through this era in our history, or were too young to remember it, this book brings to life a critical juncture in the air war and honors those who served its cause.”

Melvin R. Laird
Secretary of Defense 1969-1973

“The Viewtnam War waas a political disaster. Lest we forget, this book remimds us that those who served in that war served honorably and heroically.”

Robert F. Froehlke
Secretart of the Army 1971-1973

“Those of us who were venturing into a new ear of pain and destruction grew closer together and gained stupendours respect and trust for one another. That is the underlying lesson I became aware of while we were losing our virginity in combat and experiencing the exhilaration which come from being shot at.”

William J. Hosmer
Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

10/5/2015 (2291)

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Gary

Correction: Kenny Hill, not Kenny Hiatt
From Lyle Olson (’75): West Fargo, ND

Gary, in my comments about Jack Flynn I mentioned that Jack hayed with Wally and Kenny Hiatt. It was actually Kenny Hill And Wally Hiatt. My apologies to Kenny Hiatt, if there is a Kenny Hiatt.

Thanks for the correction Lyle,
I was racking my brain trying to figure out who Kenny Hiatt was. As a kid I thought I knew all the Hiatt’s down to my generation.
Gary
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70): St. John, ND

Gary,

I figure that Larry and Henry Hackman must have made it back to Bismarck from their camping trip to Rugby. I say this because Larry is back on his computer. He told me that they found a really nice new camping spot there in Rugby for their campers. He said it was right there in front of the Shopko store. Nice and flat with lines painted for where you were supposed to park. He said they were a little stingy with the size of the spots though and there weren’t many trees. Just that one tall skinny one with a light bulb on top. He said the light was kind of handy though when you wanted to kick back in your lawn chair and have a beer after dark. Dicky Johnson should be getting home from his vacation on Sunday also. He’s been gone to that Norwegian thing down there in Minot all week. Da Hoste Fest or something like that they call it. I should be able to tell when he gets home, there’ll be that unmistakable odor of Lutefisk coming from the West. I hope you can understand this I have a heck of a time writing in Norwegian. Well y’all have a good day now y’ear. Later.

Mel

Posting From Allen Houle (’67): Villages, FL.

From a skinny kid who attended an elementary boarding school called Notre Dame Academy, and attended middle and high school in Dunseith. Put myself thru college and had a great high school teaching/coaching career that lasted 36 years. I’m retired now and spending my winters in Florida at a place called the Villages. It’s a retirement community 50 miles north of Orlando. People here call it Paradise and it certainly is, but I like to think of it as Disneyland for grownups. It’s Disneyland every day. So many activities here that you can’t possible do them all. I’m playing a little softball, bowling and of course golfing. I feel very blessed. What a country!!!!!!

Allen Houle Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe on 11/27/2011

====================================
Blog (360) posted on February 4, 2009

02/04/2009

Posted on February 4, 2009

Bill Hosmer’s (48) reply for book purchase:

Gary, I spoke with my friend Lowell Peterson who put the book together to be sure the info was current and correct. The book, “The Birds Were Silver Then” is on E Bay, for those who use that format. It is soon to be on Amazon, but not yet. It is possible to order it from his address which follows: PETERSON HOUSE, 2627 BEECHWOOD APPLETON, WISCONSIN 54911. AT THIS ALTERNATIVE, THE COST IS $25.00 PER BOOK PLUS $2.50 FOR SHIPPING. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO PETERSON HOUSE. HE NEEDS TO KNOW THE ADDRESS OF THE BUYER PLUS A DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER. Gary, your help in this is appreciated. Doc Peterson told me to pass on his gratitude for what you have done. Me too, Gary. Cheers, Bill Hosmer

From Clark Crum (54):

Gary,

I was away for 3 weeks and enjoyed catching up on the e-mails.

Jerry Williams was a good quaterback in Football, his fake handoff to Gary Morgan (who was one of the best 6 man. players in the state) and Jerry had the ball hid and he calmly walked the opposite direction and made the touchdown before anyone knew what was going on.

I did see Viola Hobbs Zigler in Pick City, ND where her brother had a store and service station. Viola left Dunseith on graduation night and visited again. It was great visitng her and Dick, she still had the personilty and spirit.

We have the opportunity to visit with Gary and Pat Woodford in the summer time and enjoy some golf.

Does anyone know where Jimmy Foote is?

Clark Crum (54)

Clark, I have a James Footit listed for the class of 51 that is deceased. Could this be the same guy you are referring too? Gary

Footit

James

Born October 31, 1933–Died October 16, 2006

Deceased

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

I remember Joe Lagimodier, as the gentleman that drove the team of horses pulling a sickle mower cutting grass throughout town. He had a 3 legged dog that followed him everywhere. He used to tease me that if I continued to follow him everywhere I would end up missing a leg also. Then one day when I followed him home his wife gave me a glass of lemonade and told me not to listen to “Old Joe’s foolishness”, and I could follow him if I wanted to. Joe kept his horses in our pasture. I don’t remember what he looked like except for the bib overalls, and the stories he always told and the cookies he shared. His home was spotless and his wife really nice. They lived at the end of the dirt road that ran along our pasture to the road leading to Lake Shutte.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

I think you (Susan & Paula Fassett) have the gift of writing a good story and I think possibly you have a treasure of history from your ancestors. I always look forward to stories about people worth writing a book about, as I think your grandparents were. They lived in a glorious time when people had to rely on each other for so much, I am sure they fit into Rabbit City Lake area very well.

By the way, Eileen it wouldn’t have been hard to write a book about Adrian Egbert. Most of us that are 70 years old never knew Adrian when he was young. I could never imagine the amount of hard work that Adrian did early on. My dad knew Adrian’s intrepid nature well, and his bad breaks.

Kind of ironic how we keep going back to Rabbit City Lake where Adrian’s sister drowned in the lake along with my Aunt Lily back in the early days.

By the way Janice, I appreciated your story about Corinne and I know she surely enjoyed going to the movies.

Gary Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Fred Morin who lived to 104 years of age. He
spent the last few years of his life living in the farmyard of his grand
daughter, Jeannie Azure Domben, near ‘Yellow Corners’ about 10 miles
south of Dunseith. He was interviewed by a researcher from the ND State
Historical Society in about 1975. When Jeannie found out about my
interest in all history of our area she allowed me to listen to the
taped interview. Having lived in the area since the time of the Civil
War, he certainly saw a magnitude of change in his lifetime. He and his
father hauled freight from Devils Lake to St. John and slept on the
ground on the two day trip. He remembers when the first few white men
began to show up in the area. They started plowing up the prairie and
things began to change drastically. He remembers the first store, owned
by Martineau’s in St. John. This is where most of the people did their
trading. He said the buffalo were gone but he and ‘the old man’ picked
up buffalo bones and hauled them to Devils Lake to sell and then
brought freight back. Fred’s dad started to farm but grain was so cheap
they fed it to the horses instead. He remembered oats being 10 cents a
bushel. All the towns in the area were just little outposts with a few
buildings. One of the most interesting memories of Fred’s was being
young and seeing the devastating fire that burned much of the Turtle
Mountains. The interview is quite long and is very captivating to the
listener. It is probably the most interesting ‘one on one’ interview
ever done and recorded, of anyone that age from this area. It might be
possible to get a copy of this tape from the ND State Historical Society
or maybe even from Jeannie Domben at our request. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Crystal, I am so sorry I forgot to attach your pictures with your message yesterday, so I’m reposting today with pictures. Gary

Reply from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Well,since veryone else added their two cents,I thought I better add mine. What I remember about Elaine:…my boys (Aaron & Tyler Gunderson) thought of her as Aunt Laney. She never forgot my birthday or theirs and she made a wonderful angel food cake,always had a Knock,Knock joke,scratched your back and loved to “thumb” wrestle. She may have been mean when she was younger but I never saw it. She loved all our babies and would sit and hold them for hours.She would get so excited when she saw us coming to their house ^& she would be half down the road to meet us. She adored my Mom Irene and called her daily on the phone. She was a gift from God to our family. I also remember Corinne Leonard. She and Edna went many places with my Mom and loved to touch you and would smile that big smile of hers. I am attaching a few photo. Some I thought you “boys” would love and my favorite of some of out “aunts” and cousins. I saw Lorraine Neameyer Haas and she commented on how she didn’t realize how we were related to so many people. We had huge family picnics annually at he Peace garden and Uncle Ernie Amundson’s and I always thought everyone who came was a relative. As I got older I now see ,that in our family, if you show up at a picnic even once,You’re family!! So to all my extended family in the Turtle Mts. And everywhere…”Thanks for the Memories!!” Love and Blessings Crystal Fassett Andersen 1st picture; Dad Bill Fassett batting against Rolla at the Rolla fair June 1951 2nd : Grandpa Wilmar “Pappy” Fassett and Harry Fassett June 1953 3rd: Bill Fassett shooting,John Hill,Elvin Haagenson, Kids are (I think) Charlie Carbonneau,Gary Wenstad & Janet Haagenson (correct me Sisiter Sue ,if I’m wrong) 4th: Irene Fassett holding Paula,Murl Hill holding Brenda,Elaine & Helen Watkins,front: Ann Carbonneau,Susan &Crystal(in bonnet) Fassett,Charlie Carbonneau & Grandma Gudrun Watkins holding Marise Hoover.

Bill Fassett batting against Rolla at the Rolla fair June 1951

Wilmar “Pappy” Fassett and Harry Fassett June 1953

Bill Fassett shooting, John Hill, Elvin Haagenson,

Kids are (I think)

Charlie Carbonneau, Gary Wenstad & Janet Haagenson

Irene Fassett holding Paula, Murl Hill holding Brenda, Elaine & Helen Watkins

front: Ann Carbonneau, Susan &Crystal (in bonnet) Fassett, Charlie Carbonneau &

Grandma Gudrun Watkins holding Marise Hoover.

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

10/3/2015 (2290)

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Gary

Condolences to the Flynn family
From Paula Fassett (’71): White Bear Lake, MNMy condolences to the Flynn family. I can’t write a better tribute to Jack Flynn than Lyle and Don Olson did. What wonderful words – and reflective of the two wonderful men who wrote them. I’m sure Jack would be proud.

Paula I. Fassett

Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA

My special thanks to Larry Hackman for providing the wonderful pictures of Jim and Ruby Birkland and their family. In 1965 we crossed paths quite regularly while working on the Grand Forks missile sites. As happens, we went our separate ways and I never saw him again. Another picture Larry provided was that of Robert Rivard and his family. I knew Robert and Helen in high school and there again, I haven’t seen them since. Gary, you have the personality required to do the job (or hobby) that you’re doing. Thanks for your efforts it making it work so well!!

Dale Pritchard

Thanks for the nice comments Dale.
Gary

====================================

Blog (359) posted on February 3, 2009

02/03/2009

Question for Bill Hosmer:

I have been asked how to go about purchasing the Book “The Birds Were Silver Then” written by your friend Lowell Peterson. Can you provide us with that info once again? I have the book, compliments of you. There is an address and email address on the copyright page, but I’m not sure if those are correct anymore. It’s a really good reading hard cover book all about the air war over North Viet Nam of which you were a big part of and are mentioned numerous times throughout the book. Being a career Air Force pilot, you were Senior and the lead for your group for all the air strikes you performed. The old saying, “Rank has it’s privileges” may not have been so true with the air strikes over Viet Nam.

Thanks,

Gary

From Ivy Eller Robert (74):

Hi Gary…..Hope all is well!

This is for Janice Leonard Workman:

Janice…I remember your sister Corinne. I believed she loved to play cards and board games. I remember when I was little, a would tag along with my sister Carol (sometimes Bonnie) and we would go visit Corinne. We had a great time with her, she loved company. I remember, she had a crush on someone ( I don’t recall who it was) and Carol would tease her about him, she would laugh and blush. She was so sweet. I have fond memories of her……..I can still see her in my “minds-eye” laughing and playing games!

Ivy Eller Robert

From sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Hello Gary,

The family of Donald Sharratt [11 Jan 1931-1 Feb 2009] asked that I would inform friends of his passing. Don was the adopted son of Erwin and Leah Boucher. Don did not complete high school but would have been in the class of ’48. He enlisted in the Korean War and worked as a mechanic; skills he used in lifelong service. The family asks that any memorials be made to Disabled Veterans.

Don was an avid genealogist and enormous help to me researching the Boucher and Casavant families. Always spoke with great fondness of his many Edward Boucher and Sharratt cousins. I will miss his many phone calls over the years since 1982. Bonnie McGibbon, Don’s beloved wife of more than 20 years will share expressions of sympathy with his several children and grandchildren.

Bonnie L. McGibbon, 6921 N Montezuma Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Hi Gary, Just a quick reply to Pam
Wenstad Lane.(78) My name is Tom Hagen and I am first cousin of your
Dad,Oscar Wenstad and your grandma Anna and my father Tom were brother
and sister. I would visit your home when you kids were little and even
stayed with you for a couple days when there was a snowstorm!!! Cousin
Tom Hagen, 51

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Today I got an email from Linda Johnson Juntunen in Rolla. She said her
husband Dale remembered our address in Grand Forks was 2029 2nd Ave N,
not 2022 2nd Ave N as I said. He lived there with several of us in
’70-’71 and has a great memory! I hope he doesn’t spread any ‘rumors’
about the old ‘Sugar Shack’, as it was called. Just a bunch of decent
guys doing the things that nice guys do! It really wouldn’t bother me,
Dale, if your memory is a bit faded! Thanks Dale and Linda! Thanks again
Gary!

Dick

New email address for Marty Spriggs (former teacher):

We did change our email address.

New address:

Thanks for everything you do.

Take care, Marty

Reply from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

I’m enjoying the wonderful/loving stories about Elaine Watkins. The pictures of Elaine when she was “little” are adorable and precious. I remember her as she looks in the picture where she and Irene are dancing. I didn’t know Elaine well, but I felt so bad when she passed away. If my memory is correct, I met Elaine at a get-together at the Rendahl Church may years ago. I can’t remember if it was a New Year’s Eve event, or it is was after some other event. I remember we played “board games”. Orvin Hagen was there, of course (I can still picture him laughing/giving directions/entertaining us.), as were Barbara and Bobby Bott, Mickey and Neva Haagenson. I’m sure there were many others, too (Gary/Karen Wenstad?), but these are the ones I remember. That’s probably the night I met these people. Mickey and I didn’t see each other often through the years, but we were friends the last 25 years,or so, of her life. I see Barbara often when I visit Mom at Good Samaritan.

Neola

Message/Picture from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary, In answer to Bobby Hosmer; Bobby I too remember the day Elaine was struck, not a pleasant sight. Scared the heck out of me and I gave Miss. Eggy a healthy distance after that. Elaine loved to swing, you had to race like crazy at recess time in order to get a swing. Elaine had a limp or walked on the balls of her feet sorta but it didn’t slow her down one bit when it came to getting a swing at recess. When frustrated Elaine would find someone that wouldn’t fight back to take it out on, usually I was one of the people she would pinch.

My Parents and Bertha and Earl Myers were good friends and enjoyed having dinner together and playing cards. Bud liked to play cards also, he would play with us kids. When Bud won everyone with-in a mile knew it because of his laugh. When I was entering high school Bud was told he had TB and went to the San Haven to live. I don’t ever remember seeing him again.

This picture was taken at the school reunion can’t remember what year.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Elaine Schneider, Dwight Lang, Elaine Watkins, Duwayne Lang, Janice Leonard, Mickey Haagenson & Bonnie Awalt

Question for Bill Hosmer:

Thanks,

Gary

From Ivy Eller Robert (74):

Hi Gary…..Hope all is well!

This is for Janice Leonard Workman:

Ivy Eller Robert

From sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Hello Gary,

Bonnie L. McGibbon, 6921 N Montezuma Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Dick

New email address for Marty Spriggs (former teacher):

We did change our email address.

New address:

Thanks for everything you do.

Take care, Marty

Reply from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

Neola

Message/Picture from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

This picture was taken at the school reunion can’t remember what year.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Elaine Schneider, Dwight Lang, Elaine Watkins, Duwayne Lang, Janice Leonard, Mickey Haagenson & Bonnie Awalt

From Bonnie/Lloyd Awalt (44):

Lloyd, he has compiled a listing of the Main Street Businesses in Dunseith. If anyone has any changes to make, feel free to add your memories. bonnie (56)

Lloyd Awalt

Ifyou were entering Dunseith from the South back in the early 40’s these are the businesses you would see.(to the best of my recollection)

East Side

Richards Service Station

Hassens Store

(street intersection)

Deiters Telephone Office

Mornville’s Grocery*

(vacant lot)

Leonard’s Café

(operated by Ed Leonard

Anderson’s Creamery

Ray Wilson’s Law Office

Barber shop

Althea Theater (Arnold Lilleby)

Douglas’s Funeral Home

(Street intersection)

Bank (Campbells)

Post Office

Hardware Store

S. Kadry Pool Hall

Pete Richard’s Variety Store***

Cote Liquor Store

Hosmer’s Store

(street intersection)

Gamble Store

Charlie Wright’s Creamery

Pool Hall/Teen Center

Wilson’s Home **

Watkins/Morgan Lumber Yard

*** Joe Mornville started his store here

**Dunseith Clinic

* Michaels started the Dunseith Journal in this building until a fire burned it down.

West Side

Michaels Newspaper (Dunseith Journal)

(street intersection)

Corner Garage

Stadheim/Woodford bar- bowling lanes

Small lunch counter -Bertha Myers cook

KC Siems Red/White Store

(vacant lot)

Lamoureux Brothers Garage with a large lot full of oil drums/machinery

Liquor Store/Lilleby-Lacroix

(Street intersection)

Stone Garage-Ray Lake

Red Owl Grocery-Lamoureux/Bedard

DionShoe Store

Snow White BakeryPat McAtee

Myer’s Clothing Store

Crystal CaféPoliquins/ Rosie McCoy

CreameryRay Murray/Bottineau

Peace Garden Café Fountain’s

Barber shop

Dry Cleaners/ Shoe Repair Dore

Shelver’s Drug

(street intersection)

Dakota Hotel

Cabin Gas Station Lloyd Awalt

Boarder Patrol Office in hotel cabins

From Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy,

Gary, Dick left things so wide I open that I’m having trouble knowing what to do. I spent last Friday with him helping him work on a couple of tractors. The word challenged comes to mind but I just don’t know how to put it in a sentence with Dick’s name and use it properly. I am just totally at a loss for words, someone else is going to have to step up and take a shot. Larry H. how about it?

Mel Kuhn

10/2/2015 (2289)

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Gary

Reply from Randy Kelly (’69): St. Paul, MN
Gary,

I forgot to congratulate you and your wife on the birth of your twin grandchildren. What a blessing. God is truly great!

Take care.

Randy

Thanks Randy: They are special. They look like
Bernie, their dad too. Very healthy and doing well.

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Lyle Olson (’75): West Fargo, ND

Gary and all,

So sad to hear of Jack Flynn’s passing.

I hauled literally thousands of hay bales for Jack. Although barely a teenager I still remember all the conversations we had driving from town to his farm. He talked about all manner of things, including sports, politics and life in general. He talked to me like I was a man and not a tweener.

As most know, he rarely talked about his military service, or at least not with me. As I grew up and heard the horrors of Vietnam Nam from the local boys who fought over there, I often thought that Jack must have seen some god awful things during his long tour of duty in WWII. He was truly a patriot and one of the greatest generation. It was his advice upon which I joined the USAF after high school ( well his advice and that of James Very, the Juvenile Court Judge at the time—-

However, I prefer to remember that it was Jack’s advice that carried the day!)

Jack was an avid reader, until the cruel onset of his vision loss. I would bump into him from time to time and he would tell me about a book he just finished. He also wanted to talk about law with me and I must admit he stymied me on more than one occasion. But he did so with humor and intelligence.

Although not a very good baseball player I was a bench warming member of some of the best Legion teams Dunseith ever produced. Jack would show up at almost all the games. He loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching his boys from Dunseith. I remember him showing up at a Babe Ruth State tournament game in Minot and he then drove a few of us younger boys to watch our Legion team play a Regional or State game in Carrington. He bought us all lunch and made sure our parents knew we were with him.

Back to hauling bales, Jacked would often hay with Wally and Kenny Hiatt. I remember Jack letting me drive a load of hay back to the farm and I took a corner a bit too fast and half the load tumbled off the trailer. Kenny was not too pleased and said a few swear words my way. Jack simply walked over to the pickup and grabbed a warm Schlitz beer out of the box and said he would supervise me while I restocked the load. That is exactly what he did. Never said a bad word my way and never mentioned it to anyone. By the time I finished he had put away 3 to 4 warm beers and asked me to drive home! Definitely gave me confidence to drive, which I know now was his intent. Can’t beat that kindness!

Lyle Olson
West Fargo

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Don Olson (’75):

The Olson family moved to Dunseith in 1968. I am the oldest of three sons of Lorraine Somers, (Metcalfe). My name is Don and I have two accomplished brothers, Lyle and Rob. We were involved in sports, baseball, basketball, and football. Our mother worked three jobs to support us but we did have people who watched us play and would tell our mother about our performance, be it good or bad. Mr. Jack Flynn was one of these people.

Growing up in Dunseith you were certain of a couple things. One, if there was a sporting event in town, especially baseball, Jack Flynn and Herman Martinson would be there. Looking back at the experiences we had in Dunseith, we were very privileged and honored to be taught about life by these two men. Herman Martinson was one of the best people I have ever met or probably will meet. His soft-spoken guidance helped more than one young man see problems more clearly and he had this sense of knowing what you needed to feel better. Once in a while, he would jack you up if you had been slacking or he would boost you up when you needed the reinforcement.

Mr. Flynn was the driving force behind the American Legion teams from the late 60s through the early 70s. He made sure that the Dunseith squad had all the equipment they ever needed and funding to go to tournaments and food for the boys. I think for about three summers we played over 40 baseball games and were in three state tournaments.

All he ever asked for in return was respect for the game, respect for the American Legion and sportsmanship. You were expected to stand at attention for the American Legion Creed; you were expected to hustle on and off the field at all times. You were to respect the umpires and referees and to be good sportsman and act like gentlemen. I do not remember a time when he did not support each and every individual in the team like we were part of his family.

The second thing I was assured of as a boy; was that we were expected to give our best efforts in any endeavor we chose. He believed in our potential as boys and later as men. I feel truly blessed to have had role models such as Jack.

My last encounter was with Jack was one afternoon at The Hardware Store. I stopped in for something and when I asked David Fugere for the item, Jack who was sitting on the bench, said “I know that voice is an Olson; which one are you?” I told him I was Don and he related how he would sometimes walk across the street to our little trailer and grab one of the younger Olson Boys to go with him to pick rock on the farm. First it was Lyle and then Rob as he got older. My brothers talked about being with Jack as a great experience as he was fountain of knowledge and care. He never ceased to ask about my brothers when I saw him. It was an honor to be mentored by such good men.

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th Birthday Party
Posting/pictures from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Hi Gary,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing better. Hang in there old friend.

I really appreciate that you are still able to find the time to get the blog done and sent out to all of us.

Here are some photos of Jim and Ruby (Kuhn) Birkland’s, “80th Birthday Party” celebrated at the Lutheran Church in Dunseith , ND. on Sept. 20,2015.

If your gonna play in North Dakota , ‘You gotta have a fiddle in the band”!

A great time was had by all.

Larry

A few others who joined in the fun.

A couple other guys and a hot rod at the Birthday Party.

Thanks Gary, You do a great job!

====================================
Blog (358) posted on February 2, 2009

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51):

Hi to all: We are home from visiting children and grandchildren during December and from Costa Rica during January–where we studied and lived with a family.
We had felt some small rumbles in the earth a few times before the big earthquake occurred (6.2) and we ran out of the house to the back yard, where we swayed back and forth with the earth for a short time, I even felt nauseous. North of San Jose at Volcan Poas occurred massive damage and some people have never been found and several communities were wiped out. The T.V. news, of course carried it constantly and the people of C.R. came to the rescue as best they could. I even saw a large monkey run into the arms of an animal rescuer. It was very touching. Volcan Poas is again open for visitors, but the devastation of the roads and beautiful mountains and streams is great–just in that area. The rest of C. R. is okay. About 30 volcanologists were studying Poas in the crator when it cccurred, but they all came out unharmed. Happy New Year to all! Lois Lilleby Fielding

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):

Hi Gary, Here is my answer to Dick.

Hello Dick Johnson,

1960 is when Bill Teal retired from the depot, Bill Teal almost never drove, he always got someone else to drive for him.. Bill and Irene moved down next to Jack and Minnie Flynn. Ray Hagel took his place as depot agent. Yes I remember putting pennies on the train tracks and having the train flatten them, so you weren’t the first to do that and you sure weren’t the last. Doing that sure made a penny look like it could be worth more than one cent didn’t it!

My Dad John Awalt bought the Dray Line in 1931 from Ike Berg. We used horses to haul the freight, we hauled everything, coal, ashes, and ice besides what came in on the train. During the Christmas Season is was not unusual to haul as many as three truck loads of mail up to the San Haven. Coal was a big part of the business because almost all homes, stores and the school was heated by coal. The coal had to be pushed from the train cars into the coal sheds and later loaded onto the wagon or truck and hauled to it’s destination. The bucket you pushed it with by hand was no easy chore, and sometimes if you hit a nail in the floor as you were pushing it was a bugger of a quick stop. Dad sold the Dray Line in 1943.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56):

Hi everybody, hope you all are getting ready for spring. Surely it must be on the way!!!

Elaine Watkins died just 1 month after my sister Corinne. Both were mentally challenged. It was interesting to hear of Elaine’s ability to remember things,

because Corinne could also. She remembered all the relatives’ birthdays, anniversaries, and she could also tell you how old people were. My mother used

to say, if it weren’t for Corinne, nobody would have gotten birthday cards from her. Corinne did not attend public school, although that was tried and failed, but she did have a

tutor come to the house for a time. That was Elinor Fuchs and she made a big improvement in Corinne’s life. Elinor taught her to read enough so she could find things in

the newspaper. Especially she would look to see who was in the hospital from Dunseith. As Mom was writing the news for the TMS, that was a big help. One of the things

about Elaine, when we were younger, was that we would sit together at the movies, way down in front. She wasn’t always as friendly as she was as she got older, but

mostly we managed to get along. She and Corinne were much more compatible. I don’t remember Bud so well, but I knew his folks better as they were often in the Crystal

Café when I worked there. Bud was pretty quiet, but friendly.

I really think Gary Metcalf gives Bonnie and I a lot of credit as I see our names in his messages pretty often. Thanks, Gary, you are alright!!!

Adrian Egbert was a character around town. He was the father of my aunt, Margaret Lilleby who was just the best aunt to have in this world. She and Louis drove a

taxi in Dunseith for a number of years before moving to Washington. They lived in the house the Dick Johnson’s folks had before moving to their farm. Eventually my

brother Lowell owned that house. The house was right across from Adrian’s Northern Hotel. Adrian’s woodpile was always a temptation on Halloween, and my

friends were involved in several “tricks” there. Dorothy (Adrian’s second wife) and my mother were friends and visited often. When Mom wanted to sell the house we

had lived in (get this, which was built by Adrian) Dorothy bought it for $2000. What a deal!! Donald and his wife lived in the last I knew.

Enough for now. Take care. Janice Leonard Workman, class of 1956 rules!!!!

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Re: Modeste Lagimodiere

Modeste’s homestead was about 1 1/2 miles south of Rapid City Lake and one mile off #3 highway. Louis Riel Jr. was son of Julie Lagimodiere and Louis Riel Sr.
I have a story of Joe Lagimodiere and old Martin Evan’s, also Ben Lagimodiere told my dad what to do if a mean bull got you off guard in an open field.

If Alice Bergan doesn’t have a picture of Alcide, what with Alcide babysitting her kids all those years, then I guess we are out of luck. People reading this would get a lot more out of it if there was a picture.
It is interesting that Bergan’s land is connected to the old Modeste homestead and Mahlon Bailly was right next door The Banker Templeman place where Wilmer Fassett was after 1935 was there also.

Melvin Cook, someone out there may know what family brought him to the area. I am guessing maybe the Anderson’s. On those swimming adventures on Rabbit City Lake, they would look way over on the other side of the lake, and say “there he is”. Melvin swam like a duck, staying under water so long, they wondered where he was at. I think he had some other talents too.

About 1947 Dad introduced me to a man named Fred Morin. He had a big star, a big hat and he was a rather striking figure of a man, this was up on the Jack Rabbitt Trail north of Dunseith. As I read his story in Prairie Past and Mountain Memories, one could easily write a book on his life of 104 years. I thought Fred did a lot of his duty on foot? For sure Wilbur Hall did his work on horseback on the Canadian Border when we first came back to the farm. Things really were changing fast in the 40’s.
Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): c

Cousin Bob,

I liked your memory/letter which included Elaine Watkins very much. I have added this image of you to my file of “cousin Bob Hosmer memories” in my head. That’s one of the great things about this communal “blog”. It enables us all to build a more complete picture of those who contributed to our lives.

Thanks to you, the “Fassett Boys” and others, my memory of Elaine has filled-out considerably.

Colette

Susan, I forgot to attack the pictures when I posted the following message with #355. Sorry about that. Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

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

Irene Fassett & Elaine Watkins Dancing – Paula Fassett on couch

Elaine Watkins – 1940

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