From Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA

Hi Gary,

I, too am the proud owner of the LP of Cindy & The Turtle Mountain Boys that Alan Poitra talks about. It came from my Mom’s country music collection. I have approximately 100 LP’s that are mainly in ‘mint’ condition. Yes, ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ by Gary Poitra is one of my favorites. My folks, Herman & Emma Eller, were very good friends with Frank & Rose Poitra. My Dad’s first wife was Laura Azure, she was Rose’s sister I believe. The friendship continued long after Laura passed and Dad married my Mom. I remember going to ‘Uncle Frank’s’ place often to visit. I don’t recall when Rose passed, but I know I must have been in grade school. I remember her a little but not too much, but I really remember ‘Uncle Frank’ & his hole family (that’s what my Dad taught us to call him out of respect).We also visited Mr. & Mrs. Roy Poitra as well. I recall we were there one Sunday & this lady showed up and someone pulled out a guitar & she sang just like Kitty Wells. I don’t remember who she was, but boy could she sing & Uncle Frank was playing his fiddle while doing a ‘jig’ while sitting.
Every once in a while, I pull my portable record player out & dust off the LP’s and take a trip down memory lane. I don’t care what anyone says, you just can beat the country classics of Tammy, George, Loretta, Patsy, and many others………….

Thanks,
Ivy (Eller) Robert (74)

Reply from Leland Hagen (50): Bryan, Texas

Hi Gary,
I listened to the shortened version of the “Mule Skinner Blues” and it sounded
real good, so please send me the complete version. I would like to send it to some
of my friends here in Texas that do a little jamming every thursday afternoon. I’m
sure they would be impressed.
I look forward to reading your email every day and want to thank you for all the
fine work you do in this regard. Having been gone from the Dunseith area (except
for infrequent visits) for the last 58 years I don’t know most of your contributors,
however I do find their input very interesting. I did know many of their parents and
grand parents!

Leland Hagen (50) Bryan Texas

from Sharon Gottbreht Shen (1959): Everett, WA

Finally found a copy of an original photo of a hunting scene, probably taken 1947/48 at the Peace Gardens. George Gottbreht stands to the right of the door and he died in 1951. I thought the youth might be Edwin Seim? Kneeling from left to right: Hagen? Lucien Bedard; probably Art Seim; James Metcalfe; Dale Gottbreht. Have not been able to identify man in uniform, perhaps Peace Garden staff. Could be Alex Forbes standing right of George G; has also been suggested that it might be a Nerpel. The original picture is small and very dark; definition is less with enlargement.

I did not appreciate the zest guys and some gals had for hunting until we moved outside of town 1954. Well before dawn dad would wake me for waitress duty. Mrs Teresa Fontaine would already be there when I showed up at 4 am. She or Stella Schimetz would have roasted a large beef chuck the night before to make countless sandwiches. Hunters from the area or guest from motel would began to arrive and order huge platters of eggs and bacon, ham, sausages, flap jacks etc. Never before had I served a dozen fried eggs to one client! Dad would be there having coffee, telling tales and giving directions. He would provide a box now and then to carry sacs of sandwiches, Teresa’s delicious potato salad, Charlotte Boguslawski’s pies, cookies, cookies, cookies and numerous thermos of coffee. I was so green! All that work with such great cooks is now a happy, useful memory. Little wonder that I would drift off in Mr Starks Civics class.

Sharron

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

This is posted in one of my ‘Fathers history books. Peter Jardine,
Wesley Fassett, Grandpa Bigham are all attached in my family tree. Mr
Higgens is the grandfather of Karen Loeb, or maybe great grandfather.
Steve Cook is Lynn , Dana and Rick Henriksens grandfather. Interesting
picture. Enjoy!! Susan

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Gary, and other good friends. Got this from two different sources, both fighter pilots from my past. The names were not familiar to me, and the date mark is two years before I was born. Interesting price list. Bill Hosmer

Bill, This is interesting. Sharron Gottbreht posted this same post card with message 387 that I have included below. I assumed she physically had the card and had scanned it, but I realize now that it must be posted somewhere on the internet. Yes, they list some interesting prices. This would have been before the computer age, so all these cards had to be individually typed which was very labor intense compared to today’s standards. Gary

1928 Post card from Sharon Gottbreht Shen (1959): Everett, WA

Interesting Penny 1928 Post Card. I Remember the Sisters across the street from us had a Model T!

Sharron

Sharron, This is really interesting. Chester Bjorngaard’s history is listed on Page 256 of the Bottineau Centennial book. Gary

Folks, I want to share this message that we recently sent out to the folks that will be going on the Dunseith Alumni Alaska Cruise the last week of July. For those of you that are interested and would like to join us on this cruise, I think our Travel agent, Gina, can still find you a cabin. We currently have 76 folks registered for this cruise. Gary

Dear Fellow Dunseith Alumni Cruisers,

For every 8 cabins booked we earn one free cabin fare based on the average cabin booked by our group. Most groups use this amenity to pay for the cruise leaders cabins and their personal use. In fact, with most groups, the group members are unaware of this amenity. In the planning stages of this cruise we decided, on Day 1, that we’d use this money for the benefit of the group. We just weren’t sure of the ways it could be applied and how it could be managed. We have been tolling around just how we’d do that. We were thinking we could purchase Tee shirts, name tags and have a few parties on the ship for some of the use of this money. Those were just some of the ideas we had. Until recently we were unaware that we could apply this money towards everyone’s cruise fare. That is what we have decided to do. The total money earned for this amenity will be divided equally among all those in our group and credited towards their final payment. It will not be known until all the calculations are done, at the time of the final payment, how much this credit will be. We currently have 37 cabins booked, so we will let you do the math.

Statement from our travel agent, Gina Ford

one persons base cruise price Free for every 8 cabins booked is a groupamenity. This amount may be deducted from everyone’s cruise price at time of final payment. This amount is determined by the final head count at time of final payment. This discount is also based on which cabin type you have “the most: of.

I will get exact amount of discount from NCL with full explanation for their calculation as well).

This most likely will be about a week prior to the final payment date, so that you have plenty of time to send out a group email with the discount amount to all the folks in your group.

Gina

Some Cabin fare adjustments have been made for our group.

Statement from our travel agent, Gina Ford

Please be advised that “any” onboard credits from the cruise line – can vary from cabin type to cabin type, as well as depending on theexact date that each cabin booked into the group. Due to the fact that this amount will vary, it will not be offered for a “Group” distribution email. It will be advised to each cabin as they call in their final payment. If the entire Group had all booked their cruise vacation – at the same time, and selected the same cabin categories, this would be easier to explain. The onboard credit is simply a “gift” from NCL and is 100% based on the exact cabin they selected – in combination with the exact date that they decided to book their cruise. This onboard credit that NCL offers is not a group amenity.

Our group prices have been adjusted as listed, in red, on the chart below.

The original prices quoted are in black.

Final Cabin payments are due on April 24th.

Please bring any questions that you may have to Gina, our travel agent’s, attention

Your group leaders,

Bill Grimme

Gary & Bernadette Stokes

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

‘Mule Skinner Blues’ posted by Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, I have gotten a couple request for the CD that I mentioned. I wanted to clarify something, the CD that I mentioned was ‘Cindy and The Turtle Mountain Boys’, this does not include my grandfather Frank Poitra, it had the following singers, Scotty and Cindy Thompson, Roger Thingsvold and my father Gary Poitra. The vinyl album was sold around many parts of the Turtle Mountains and outside the immediate area, but they were well known in Dunseith, Rugby, Bottineau, Souris, Rolla, Belcourt and many other towns and played many bars in and around Dunseith. Cindy and Scotty Thompson and Roger Thingsvold were from the Bottineau area and my dad of course from Dunseith. I am including one more song from the album that everyone should know and it is called ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ and was sung by my father and as I remember was always requested at many social functions. My apologies if some people thought it was my grandfather and uncles. I do have music by them but nothing that can be reproduced. But for those of you that requested a copy of the CD by all means I will make one for you. I hope you can attach this song because it is and still gives me a tingle to hear my father sing it…

Alan, I asked Bill Grimme to reduce and shorten this song a bit to a size I could post with this message. He was able to do that. This is Bill’s reply: “Had to shrink a lot and also shorten to get even to this size.”

Bill, As usual you did a fine job. The song is shortened a bit, but the quality is still there. You actually reduced the file size to about 10% of the original. Thank you so much for doing this.

Folks, ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ sung by Gary Poitra is attached. This is the shorten version. Please contact Alan Poitra or myself if you’d like a copy of this full size. Gary

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Colette, Here is Debbies addy again Debbie Marmon…..1911 north Merriam ….Miles City MT 59301. ALSO AS SOON AS I CAN FIND SOME TIME I WILL BE SENDING YOUR PICTURES OK BEV

Bev, I thought I had this message included with yesterday’s blog, but for some reason I missed it. Sorry about that. Gary

Message from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ

Hi, all you good friends out there!! Dot had her right hip replaced on
March 16 here in AZ. She is doing great and the therapist had her up
out of bed an hour after recovery. She will be in the hospital for
about 3 days and then recovery at home. We have things pretty well set
up for getting around the house. She will have to climb 3 steps but
they teach her that at the hospital. Thank you for all your prayers
and kind thoughts. We will keep you posted.!!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

Lloyd, Thanks for sharing more information on Roy Anderson. My brother and I talked and we both thought he could read since he had so many books on “Westerns” and made comments on them. I’m sure our folks knew he couldn’t read. We weren’t aware of such information at the time. I’m happy to hear that he got to see his sister after so many years. As you mentioned his rising voice in excitement, I could imagine the crinkled nose and toothy renditions of his “take” on things. Thanks for bringing even more color to this memorable character of our past.

Gary M., I appreciate your comment on inheriting my father’s zest for life. We kids sometimes did not know our parents like others with the hours they worked 6 days a week @(9 AM to Midnight) We envied those who farmed and might know them “shoulder to shoulder.”

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

Folks, The following is a message Neola sent out to folks on her distribution list that I thought I would share with you guys. Her mother, Emma Kofoid, is a resident at the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau. Last week she was rushed to a Minot hospital with a low pulse rate and a few other problems. She spent some time in the ICU and they were able to get her stabilized. Emma will be 92 years old in May. Neola is also in the middle of radiation treatments for her breast cancer.

Neola, our thoughts and prayers are with both you and your mother with all these things that are going on in your life’s at the moment. Gary

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s message:

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the prayers/thoughts for Mom and me. Mom is much better; she is now on her way back to Good Samaritan in Bottineau. Bill Young (our relative) and Marvin Brandvold (long time friend) came to get her.

I was at the hospital today from about 12:45-2:15 and then went for my treatment. After the treatment, I went back to Trinity to stay until “Good Sam” came. We had been told it might be about three when they came, so I thought I’d be there when they came. Bill/Marvin are taking great care of Mom.

At this time, I plan to go to Bottineau (for the weekend) after my treatment.

All for now.

Neola

Correction to Yesterday’s message.

With my comments to Lee Stickland about the new car his parents purchased. The years were 1963-64, not 1993-94. Gary

Bill Grimme’s Web site for the ‘Tickle Pink’ postings.

http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

I had a great pleasure today with a visit from John and Margaret Bedard. They stopped in Birmingham today and spent about six hours in the Magic City. They were great company for me! They are on the way back to ND from some extensive cruising and a winter in South Carolina.

Bill

July 12, 2007

Front: John Awalt & John Bedard – Back: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey

From Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary,

With Dad’s passing and a ‘few’ ensuing things to do and my buying a new printer, I find it more timely to send this by mail. Call it a step toward closure, if YOU choose ? I was with Dad for most days for 7 years so there is a bit of adjustment to follow.

Remember, there once was a box near the road that was consistently visited M-Sa to put stuff into and to take things from.

I got to assist in that 6 day a week tour of duty, occasionally. I can only imagine, 30 years of that schedule with snow and mud not relenting, much. One more day per week than the NORMAL 5 days a week job is 20% more, wow.

Anyway, found this HWY 43 info Dad’s things and I am not a ‘stuff ‘ fan.

All is good here, as far as I know and that is just far enough.

Lee

Lee, how well I remember your dad delivering our mail. I will always remember how he’d sit way over towards the right of the front seat so as to be able to put the mail in the boxes. That in it self must have added discomfort to his job with the driving of his car. He was very consistent, delivering our mail the same time everyday. He put a lot of miles on his car everyday. I remember his relief man, for vacations, was your uncle Bill Peterson. I also remember in either 1993 or 94 your dad purchased a brand new car. I’m not sure if he used it for delivering mail or not. I remember well sitting in the back seat of this brand new car with a bunch of other folks, with you driving. This would have been during lunch time on a school day, because we were seldom in town outside of the school day. That’s one memory that has stuck in my mind all these years.

Debbie Morinville Marmon’s (70) address from Bev Morinville Azure (72):Duneith, ND

Colette, Here is Debbies addy again Debbie Marmon…..1911 north Merriam ….Miles City MT 59301. ALSO AS SOON AS I CAN FIND SOME TIME I WILL BE SENDING YOUR PICTURES OK BEV

From Shonda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND

– Rollin’s Ancient History, 1734: “Eating in Egypt

was designed not to tickle the palate but to satisfy the cravings of nature.”

– Nathaniel Hawthone’s Passages from the French and Italian note-books, 1864: “Something that thrilled and tickled my heart with a feeling partly sensuous and partly spiritual.”

– St. Nicholas (magazine for boys and girls), 1907: “I’m tickled to death to find some one with what they call human emotions.”

and, finally, in 1910, in an Illinois

‘ newspaper – The Daily Review, in a piece titled ‘Lauder Tickled at Change’, we have:

“Grover Laudermilk was tickled pink over Kinsella’s move in buying him from St. Louis

.”

The inclusion of the term in a newspaper, without any explanation of meaning, indicates that the writer expected readers would already be familiar with it. It seems that that phrase didn’t originate much before 1910 though. There are many references to it in print soon after that date, but I can find none earlier.

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

You should see a page that looks like this:

If you place the mouse on a track and click the left button, the selection will play using Quicktime, but you will not download the track with this method. To download, place the mouse cursor on the track, click the right mouse button and you will see a pop-up menu. Select “Save Target as….” and you will be taken through the download process to put the track on your computer. From that point, you can play the track with about any music program, such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill

Obituary: Alfred Satrang (37):

CLARENCE ‘ALFRED’ SATRANG

Nov. 24, 1916-March 13, 2009

POSTED: March 15, 2009

Clarence “Alfred” Satrang was born on Nov. 24, 1916, in Dunseith where he grew up on a farm in the Turtle Mountains.

Alfred volunteered to serve our country in the United States Army during World War II. While stationed in Sydney, Australia, he met and married Beryl Mary Graham on July 14, 1945.

Although they journeyed to the United States separately, he was reunited with Beryl when he met her on the train in Minot in April 1946. Alfred introduced her to “life in the hills” where they made their first home on the Satrang family farmstead.

In 1947, Alfred and Beryl moved to Rolette where together they raised three children. Alfred worked at R & O Contractors of Rolette from 1947 until 1952. Alfred then accepted a job with the Farmers Union (Cenex) in Rolette. For 30 years, Alfred delivered fuel to people all over the Rolette area. He knew the area “like the back of his hand.” He retired from the Farmers Union (Cenex) in 1982. Alfred loved retirement life. He became a great gardener and also enjoyed golf and the friendships both activities afforded him. Alfred always had a cup of coffee and smile for the many folks who came through his squeaky back screen door.

On March 13, 2009, Alfred was reunited with his wife, Beryl; his parents, Melvin and Inga (Rue) Satrang; his brother, John; sisters, Berdella Clark and Lela Wenstad.

Survived by his children, Corrine Satrang, Grafton, James (Sherry) Satrang, Wellsburg, West Virginia, Kent (Joleen) Satrang, Fargo; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; brother, Clyde (Marge) Satrang, Mt. Iron, MN.

Services for Alfred will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Valle Lutheran Church in Rolette with burial in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at Mandan, ND, in the spring.

Visitation will be held at Valle Lutheran Church on Monday from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Friends may sign the online register book and share memories atwww.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com

I feel fortunate that I did, because now I have the opportunity to send my condolences to Gary Houle and his family at the passing of their beloved mother, Lillian. I didn’t know her well, but the glimpses of her that remain in my memory from the 60s are filled with her unique energy and light and warmth. Throughout our high school years Gary spoke only kind and loving words about his mother – that alone would fill any mother’s heart. She was well loved, and I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Houle family.

Keeping Spirits Alive,

Lynn Henriksen

Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com

Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Dear Gary and Paulette,

More information on Roy Anderson, Roy worked for my Dad up in the Hills until it was too much for him to be able to feed the cattle. He moved into Dunseith into a little Cook Car on the East side of town (where the Nursing Home is now). He swabbed out the Crystal Cafe, and also worked for your Father at the Liquor Store. After his cook car burned down my Dad offered to build him a new one but he refused and moved into the Commercial Hotel run by Mr. and Mrs. Grimmie. Roy had never learned to read or write. Mother wrote all his letters for him and read all his mail to him. Roy had two sisters, Lucretia and Pluma. Lucretia had a similiar birth defect to Roy. The children were seperated as very small children and hadn’t seen each other for 40 years before they were reunited.

Roy was very into Politics and listened to radio and tv and had the newspapers read to him. He became very knowledgable about it and in a discussion on the subject you’d find that his voice would raise higher and higher the more excited he became.

Lloyd Awalt

Lloyd, I’m assuming Roy was a brother to Grandma Anderson, your grandmother, that everyone speaks so highly of. We had a number of replies with great memories of her with our class of 65 correspondence prior to the 2007 reunion. I am posting one of the those replies below from Phyllis McKay.

Oh how my family loved Grandma Anderson!! I couldn’t wait to be taller
than she was. I’m not sure I ever achieved that goal!! I remember going
to see her when my brother Dan was small and we were outside playing
when Dan ate some dirt. Don’t ask me why he would do such a thing but he
did!! My mother was trying to wash out the dirt from his mouth when
Grandma Anderson said “Good Lord, dirt anent anything to worry about. We
all eat 7 pounds of dirt before we die anyway!” That was something I
remember raising my own children. Don’t sweat the small stuff. A
philosophy to live by!!

After Grandma Anderson passed, we had a few parties in her little house.
Her house was located real close to John’s parents’ house. Do you
remember that John? It was about the time the twist came out. You
brought your record player with all the latest songs. Oh the fun we
had!!
Phyllis

Colette Hosmers (64) reply fo Bev Morinville (72) and Sharron Gottbreht (59):Santa Fe, NM

Bev,

Will you please list Debbie’s address again? I found a perfect card for her (relating to her holding the pup in the photo of you three girls) but I’ve misplaced her address. Thanks.

Sharron,

I’ve always admired your “genealogy mania”, as you refer to it. It’s especially fun when my clan can ride the tide of your discoveries…..Charlemagne, eh?

Colette

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

I’m so glad I asked questions about Alice, Roy Anderson and the connection to the Hosmers! Lorraine Neameyer kindly wrote and informed me about Alice. Carmen Richard wrote to tell me about Sharon Gottbreht’s research, Floyd wrote about Roy and I got to hear from Sharon too! Thanks to all for your response! I didn’t know someone had done so much research on the Boucher family. Ken and I made a trip to Quebec a few years ago and found a cemetery in Contrecoeur that could’ve been sitting in Rolette or Dunseith with so many familiar names. The town historian told us how half of the families went to the plains to farm and the other to work the factories in New England.

Lloyd, thank you for your information on Roy and feel free to share more. I had no idea he had a farm or that he was related to anyone I knew. When Roy lived out back, my mother would send me out to deliver a home cooked meal or he would come in for a pail of water, so I got to know him better. From time to time I would sit and visit with him and found out that he was an avid reader and favored “Westerns.” He told me that he could never use a hammer and nail since one side of his body wanted to do exactly what the other was doing. Roy seemed quite the cantankerous character at times and scared me a little at first. Later I found that he was very appreciative and bright man who had a soft side and a warm heart. Many times in our kitchen, with pail in hand, he entertained us with stories and his flawless delivery of one liners. Our family grew quite fond of Roy. He was on my list of “town characters.”

Sharon, I am very much interested and appreciative of the research you’ve done and will contact you to see how I can get the “ream” of information. Charlemagne eh? Interesting stuff! Thanks so much for your willingness to share! Thank you too Gary for your information and for “the blog!”

Paulette Chisholm

PS Pauline Jones lived up the street from us. Does anyone know from where she came or if she had relatives in the area? She had a huge statue of the “Pieta” in her backyard.

Reply to yesterday, from Allen Richard (65):Midland, MI

Gary–

First in the cheerleader picture — next to Margaret is Doreen Houle.

Then to Sharon Gottbreht Shen–Have you connected directly with Carmen Richard? Do you have a copy of the Richard family history? I’m quite sure she has a copy of the most up to date history which should date from the early 1600’s to the present. Your comment about the Boucher name being traceable to the 9th century is fascinating. My grand mother was Anna Boucher, sister to Mrs. Vic LaCroix, and I believe sister to your grandmother too. The names escape me — but Floyd and Carmen have all those pieces to the puzzle too.

I’ve found a couple other Richards in my travels. Bill Richard is the Administrative Assistant to Congressman Oberstar of MN. Bill runs Jim’s Washington office and oversees the operation of the congressional district operations. I don’t know the exact connection, but he has copies of the same pictures that are in the family history–he had no idea who they were.

Here in Midland, Michigan I met Tim Richard. I haven’t had the chance to figure out that connection at all, but the family resemblance and body language is unmistakable. Tim kept the French pronunciation

“Ree-shard.”

Allen Richard

Lillian Houle funeral – posted by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Thought you would like to see this. The Church was full, Lillian Houle and her family had many friends in the area . Lillian had 44 great grandchildren, 79 great great grandchildren and 10 great great great grandchildren. We all gathered at the Senior Center after services and had wonderful visits the family, many of whom I had not seen since the early 70s. The Houle’s are relatives of mine a ways down the line. Lillian’s mother was a sister to my grandfather George Richard. Stella, my mothers aunt hence my great aunt. Lillian being an activity organizer at the home would have been proud of this turn out. Barbot’s, Awalts, Vandal’s, Richards, Schimetz’s, Flynn’s, Armondtrauts, Berube’s, Dozel’s and many more I didn’t remember here and did not know. I don’t know if you want to use this or not. Its is up to you. I expect to get some pictures from Ron’s wife Janet, or Ron’s sister Pam of the group shot of the Houle family taken at the Senior Center.

Mark, We’d love to see those pictures of the Houle family. The Senior center in Bottineau was almost like Lillian’s second home for many years.

Folks, correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe all the folks in the Senior Citizen’s picture pasted below are deceased.

Picture from Glen William’s (52): Missoula, MT

Folks, we’ll have to let the class of 52 fill us in on who these 3 guys may be???

Three amigos from class of 1952

From Carmen Leonard Richard:Rolette, ND

Much has been written about North Dakota recently, and tho do not usually forward jokes, I thought some might get a kick out of this. We are really ahead of the times here in Dakota !!!

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion, that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, a story in the LA Times read: ‘California archaeologists, finding traces of 200 year old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers.’

One week later, The Minot Daily News, a local newspaper in North Dakota, reported the following:

After digging as deep as 30 feet in his pasture near Logan, North Dakota, Ole Olson, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Ole has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, North Dakota had already gone wireless.

Thank Heavens for Ole.

Who said North Dakotans are hicks?

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Hi Gary, in reading the replys to Erling’s letter regarding the ND story I commend him on his response. His undying love for ND is a tribute to all the people that come from that state who move elsewhere or decide to stay. After Tuesday’s blizzard in Fargo that just adds fuel to the fire but for myself I miss a good old blizzard once in awhile. It makes for hardy people and besides, it’s just weather. No different than the 120 degrees in Arizona in the summers. So, Erling, thanks for sticking up for us North Dakotans! The Landsverks have always been good neighbors to the Halvorsons in the “hills”. Lynn Halvorson Otto

Just had to add to Bill’s remarks about the Michael Moore’s video. I thought it was a hoot, but took it in the nature for which is was meant…”to be funny!” Comedy is nearly always linked to a morsel of truth with exaggeration. Hey, you guys that send all those denigrating jokes about women(without being shot) have to know this. If there wasn’t a morsel of truth to them..we wouldn’t laugh.

On another note. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Alice Faine? She was in the class of ’68. Also, does anyone know anything about Roy Anderson? He was the man who worked for my dad in the Corner Bar and the Crystal Cafe for many years. Later he lived in our backyard playhouse that my mother fixed up for him. He said it was the nicest “shack” he’d ever had. We got a kick out of his colorful and rhythmic one liners. It was the first time I had ever heard the line “he was so dumb, he couldn’t pour p— out of a boot if it had the instructions on the heel.” I wish I could remember some of the many others.

Bill Grimme, thanks so much for the “Tickle Pink” download site. (They must’ve had so much fun.) Now, can we get Frank Poitra’s CD on it also? This could be great site to share talent from our area and or videos that people might want to share.

Living in Delaware I have run into a few people from ND. One time I saw someone in a jacket with a familiar logo leaving a grocery store. I yelled “hey North Dakota” and they smiled, turned around and walked back to talk. I just “knew” they’d be friendly. Ha! I’ve never heard a disparaging word about ND in all the states we’ve visited or lived over the years. From what I’ve gleaned, we are considered hearty, hard working and very friendly. As Bill said, “this is my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Thanks Gary,

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

PS Hosmer girls: I think your grandmother and my grandmother Coranna Boucher were sisters.

Paulette La Croix, Toni Morinville, Randi Mongeon, Brenda Hoffman

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Ginger LaRocque Poitra mentioned several families she remembered living
in what was commonly called ‘Shanty Town’. Can anyone remember the cold
night that Lawrence and Ruth Hetle’s big house burned down? I remember
how bright the fire was as I watched from our house. I don’t think they
could have been able to save much of anything the way it looked. I would
guess it was in about 1959 or possibly 1960. I think it was around
Christmas when it happened. They then moved to the far southeast corner
of town and lived there for several years. Ginger jarred my memory when
she mentioned the families and I remembered the fire. Thanks Gary!

From Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND

Hey North Dakotians:

If you haven’t heard yet the NDSU Bison have just won the Summit League Championship and will be going to the “big dance” which is the NCAA tournament. It’s there first year in Division 1 sports and what a way to start the new transition. “GO BISON” Watch Sports Center on ESPN. Its all over the sports pages and then watch for who and when they play in the up coming NCAA tournament. Congratulation BISON.

Dave Slyter (70)

Bill Grimme’s WEB link for the “Tickle Pink” CD

Lillian Houle, Bottineau, 91, Passed away:

Dear Gary and Friends from Dunseith,

On Sunday March 8 at 4:00 a.m. Lillian Houle passed away. The Wake will be held on Thursday, March 12, with the funeral Friday, March 13, at St. Marks Catholic Church in Bottineau. Lillian was born April 27, 1917. She married Aloysuis Houle in June of 1935. She had 12 children, 44 Grandchildren, 78 Great Grand Children and 10 Great Great Grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Bonnie and Keith Houle

To the Houle family, Our condolence are with you with the loss of Lillian. She was a wonderful human being. She became a very close friend of my folks through the senior citizens in Bottineau. We’d see Lillian, often, with each of our summer visits back to the area. One could always plan on Lillian volunteering her services for what ever the occasion may be without ever being asked. She was a true friend to those that knew her. My mother with her dementia, never forgot Lillian. My mother could be sitting with her back to the door at the senior center and instantly recognize Lillian’s walk when she came in the door. We saw Lillian, at the Good Samaritan home, in Bottineau, in 2007. We first met her in the hall in her motorized wheel chair and then again on our way out when we took her picture. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary & Bernadette Stokes.

Winifred Pritchard Eurich (37), Bottineau, not doing well.

From Wendy Strietzel (Grandaughter):Minot, ND

Gary,

This is Dorothy Eurich Strietzel’s daughter Wendy sending you this message. I just wanted to ask people to say a little prayer for my Grandma Winifred Pritchard Eurich. We believe she had a stroke early last week and on Friday her conditioned worsened. My mom and her sisters have been at her side since Friday afternoon. As of this afternoon Grandma was in and out of conciousness with her breathing getting worse. I do know they are doing everything they can to keep her comfortable. So if the folks in your newsletter will keep my grandma and our family in their thoughts and prayers it will be much appreciated. I am sure my mom and her sisters can use all of the support they can get during this stressful time.

Take care and God Bless.

Wendy Strietzel

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): Saint John, ND

Howdy Gary,

In reply of Orville Sutton. I knew Orville for quite a few years and didn’t know until a few months ago that he had lived in Dunseith. He had a farm that was probably about 8-10 miles straight east of St. John and tight against the border. He also had an excavating operation that he ended up in with a fellow by the name of Brian Gatke. Dick Johnson and I had lunch an hour’s worth of bullshipping with Roger just a week or two ago. I had worked with Roger at the Farmers Union in Rolla back in the mid-80’s. Roger is quite a mechanic and welder and also did some excavating.

The North Dakota Video–I started to watch it and became irritated so I had to quit, so I better not comment.

Mel Kuhn

Reply (Erling Landsverk) from Bill Hosmer (47): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

I think Erling deserves a special award from the State of North Dakota for his brilliant and thorough treatment of this place held in such high regard by those of us who lived in our home state of North Dakota. Gary, maybe his masterful description and spirit of home we all feel deeply should be sent to the appropriate office or agency in the state government, where a higher level of recognition can be rendered on an official basis. I salute Erling for his articulation and his firm loyalty to a part of our land we all love. I will happily contribute to it’s being published in a local paper, or brought to the public’s attention in some other way. Count me in. Thanks, Erling for a heart stomping work of art and logic. It made me proud to have our common heritage. Bill Hosmer

Bill, I agree 100% with everything you have said.

Folks, how can we make this happen? Who or where can we go with this at the state level. Can any of you associated with the state government both past and present or any one else that may be in the know help us out with this one? Maybe if we get the states attention, it will grab the attention of the Readers Digest for publication.

Erling, you are a gifted writer. This article deserves attention. Gary

PS – I have reposted Erling’s letter at the very bottom of this message.

Bill’s follow up repy to Gary (Bill I wanted to share this reply with everyone – Gary):

Gary, I hope that can happen. I thought, also, about the ND Chamber of Commerce, or Visitor’s Bureau, or any other agency. It was a tremendous contribution, and hit me right square in the heart and brain. Thanks for the miracles that happen right before our very eyes on your classic communication circuit. Bill

Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

I didn’t see the video Dick was talking about and by the sounds of it, I don’t want to. But it made me think of Art Rude (Jr)’s song: 40 Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out!!!

Paula Fassett

Paula, Art Rude gave me a copy of his CD when he visited us in Bottineau in 2007. It’s a great album and yes, 40 Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out, is a beautiful song.

Now about the ND Video that Bill Grimme posted. I think Bill did a wonderful job of generating a lot of good positive ND comments with the posting of that not so good video. Bill’s a brilliant guy and I think he was using a little reverse psychology with this one to get some reaction. Bill, it worked. You are a genius. Gary

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Gary and all North Dakotans,

Those who spend time in North Dakota have decidedly different views of the state. Ron recently went to an orthopedic doctor in St. George (I went there with him). When Dr. Brad Root asked where we were from (almost all old people in this area have come from some other place); we said California, however, we were born and raised in North Dakota. He said he spent four years at the air base in Minot. We spent 30 minutes conversing about No. Dak. He loved the state. His main emphsis was on the quality of the people. He had gotten to know many of them and had nothing but praise for them. One of his nurses finally knocked on the door and reminded him there were several other patients waiting to see him. We’ve been back to see him a couple times and his greeting usually contains something about our being from North Dakota. I think we get special treatment because of where we’re from!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Hi everyone..

Actually Bill, I thought the North Dakota video was quite funny…what
a bunch of idiots…I think ND is the best kept secret around and
frankly, I hope no one finds out how great it is to live here. You
know what Art Rude’s (Jr.) song said, “Forty below keeps the riff raff
out”…being an Army brat, in our travels I was surprised at the
number of people (kids mostly, in my school) who didn’t even know ND
was a state….well, we will just keep it that way. I have lived in
big cities and none of us want what they have. They are nice places
to visit, but we can always come home to good people who know what is
important…good friends….good food (it is always about the food)
and good fun. Take care all.

Diane Sjol

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

I’m sure you remember Art Rude, Jr. has a song “Forty Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out”. I have both of Art’s cassettes–great/interesting songs. I was thinking Art wrote the song, but now I’m not so sure about that.

I also have a “Rendahl” cassette. This includes Art, Ole Bursinger, Jerry Olson, the Lund Family, Scotty and Thelma Thompson (Their daughter, Lu, lives in Willow City now.), a group I can’t remember, and most likely other I’m forgetting. I have one/two of Scotty and Thelma’s tape/tapes, too. I dubbed the last three tapes onto a 90 minute tape; it made a great tape. I haven’t listened to it for awhile now. When I bought the tapes/dubbed them, I listened to it every day for quite some time.

Neola

Reply from Dale Pritchard (63):Leesville, LA

Gary and Neola,

Thank you, Neola, for coming up with the newsletter on Mom. And Thank
you too, Gary, for distributing it. I didn’t learn about Mom and Dad’s
elopement until after he died in ’93. It rather amazed and amused me.
That would have put him at 22 and her at 20. I lived in the old
pictured until about 4 years old, although I don’t remember it at all.
My Dad burned the house down after one of our cattle pushed the door
open, went in, fell through the kitchen floor, and died before she was
found. I remember Dad looked for that missing animal quite a while
before he found her. In addition to the house, he had started building
a barn also but never finished it because they moved. We had several of
those old “dug” wells on the place, about 3 feet in diameter, with the
platform on top. One of our cattle fell through head first one time. I
remember helping fill all the old wells with rocks, both there and on
the farm where we lived later. One is covered by the drive leading in
from the road. I’m sure that was about the time we had our first well
“drilled.” Mom is a notorious “list keeper” and used to keep up almost
anything and everything. She has (or had) one list with almost
everyone’s birthday for miles around. I used to read it regularly but
after being gone so long I started losing track of who was who. As an
example, Gary, I know that your birthday and those of your parents and
brothers were listed in there. I know Clarence Hagen is no longer with
us, but I give my Thanks again to him for being there when Mom needed
help in the worst way. Thanks Gary! Keep this project going! Dale

Request from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN

Hi Gary I would like a copy of the CD Tickled Pink Thanks for all your work in keeping Dunseith alive jan Evans 9519 95th St NE Monticello MN 55362

This is Erling’s letter & message that was posted yesterday. Gary

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

HI GARY;

THIS MUST ABOUT THE THIRD TIME IN ONE YEAR THAT I HAVE LEARNED OF UNTRUTHS ABOUT MY FAVORITE STATE. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF A LETTER THAT I MAILED TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GROUP. I WAS GLAD I WROTE IT

ERLING LANDSVERK

TO:NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

1145 17^TH ST. NW

WASHINGTON D C20036-4688

ATTN: EDITORIAL STAFF

MY FAMILY AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN AVID READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR THE

`PAST 40 YEARS OR MORE. THAT BEING THE CASE I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTEDAND MORE THAN A LITTLE CHAGRINED AT THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED ON PAGE 140, ENTITLED “THE EMTIED PRARIE”.

THE TONE OF THE ARTICLE IMPLIES THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS BECOME AN EMPTY WASTELAND, ABANDONED BY THE EARLY SETTLERS DISAPPOINTED AT THE MEAGER EXISTENCE THAT COULD BE ATTAINED FROM AN UNFRIENDLY CLIMATE AND EXTREMELY POOR SOIL. AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NORTH DAKOTA, I CAN SAY WITHOUT FEAR OF CONTRADICTION THAT THE PICTURE DRAWN BY THIS ARTICLE IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH, AND

IN NO WAY

REFLECTS THE CONDITIONS IN THAT GREAT STATE OR THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITIZENS LIVING THERE.

I EXPERIENCED THE DEPRESSION, DROUGHT AND DIFFICULT TIMES DURING THE THIRTIES AND EARLY FORTIES. OUR HOME WAS LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCENIC AREA FILLED WITH SMALL LAKES AND STREAMS,WITH FORESTS OF POPLAR, WHITE BIRCH, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND OAK. WILD GAME AND BERRIED FRUITS ABOUNDED EVERYWHERE IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, A VIRTUAL PARADISE LOCATED AWAY FROM THE LARGE METROPOLITAN CENTERS, AND WAS THEREFORE OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED. ANYONE VISITING THE AREA TO THIS DAY WILL FIND THE COUNTRY MUCH THE SAME, AND AS BEAUTIFUL AS BEFORE. NATURALLY TINY HAMLETS IN SOME AREAS BECAME DESERTED, THE SAME COULD BE SAID ABOUT MANY STATES, INCLUDING WISCONSIN, WHERE I LIVE PRESENTLY. I CAN EASILY NAME A DOZEN SMALL HAMLETS THAT HAVE REGRESSED TO A FEW HOUSES OR LESS, BUT THE POPULATION IF FAR GREATER HERE AND THE AREA IS FILLED WITH HOMES AND SMALL FARMS INSTEAD, BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO LARGER CITIES. I SUGGEST THAT IF NORTH DAKOTA WAS LOCATED ABOUT A HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTHEAST, NEARER TO THE TWIN CITIES, THE STATE WOULD BE FILLED WITH PEOPLE, EVEN IN THE AREA THAT YOUR ARTICLE COVERS.

TO PUT NORTH DAKOTA IN A FAIR PERSPECTIBE, I WOULD LIKE TO LIST SOME POSITIVE COMMENTS.THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, DEDICATED IN 1932, IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SERIOUS ATTENTION TO FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOR CANADA. ANYONE VISITING THIS LARGE AND BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL UNITY WILL COME AWAY WITH A LASTING FEELING OF NATIONAL PRIDE, AND SECURITY. TO THE WEST LIE HUNDREDS OF OIL WELLS, STRETCHING FROM THE MONTANA BORDER TO BOTTINEAU. ONE OF OUR NATIONS WELL KEPT SECRETS AS TO OIL RESERVE. THEN THERE IS THE TWO LARGE MILITARY AIR FIELDS AT GRAND FORKS AND MINOT. ONE OF WHICH IS A MEMBER OF THE NORAD DEFENSE. NEXT THERE IS GRAND FORKS, HOSTING THE FIGHTING SIOUX, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOCKEY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA.NORTH DAKOTA CAN ALSO FEEL PROUD OF IT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ETHANOL PROGRAM BY THE WAY THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS HAVE BEGUN TO GROW CROPS OTHER THAN CORN TO PRODUCE ETHANOL.THE AREA AROUND DEVILS LAKE, AND MINOT (LAKE GARRISON) ARE BOTH KNOWN FAR AND WIDE FOR THE EXCELLENT FISHING AND LOCATIONS FOR WATER SPORTS.

I COULD GO ON, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BEGIN TO SOUND LIKE A PROMOTION COMPANY FOR ATTRACTING TOURISTS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS ARE ITS PEOPLE.DURING MY LAST VISIT THERE IN 2007, I FOUND THEM TO ALL BE THE SAME FRIENDLY, HARD WORKING, UNASSUMING, FAIRMINDED PEOPLE AS ALWAYS.GOD BLESS THEM ALL

ERLING LANDSVERK

P SI REALLY WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE PROVIDED ANYONE IN THE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER.

Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): Farimount, ND

Note: Picture was posted yesterday

The young man with my Dad is Oscar Hagen as you and Bev assumed. He is married to my cousin
Emmeline. Her mother Myrtle was mom’s sister and also a sister to Bert Hanson as you stated.
I too appreciate any cards that would be sent to Debbie. It is hard to look at the pictures of her
when we were children knowing what she is presently going through. Thanks, Gary.
Toni Morinville Gredesky

Toni, I just got off the phone with Oscar Hagen. He has not had a chance to look at the past several days messages because his wife has been in the hospital and is currently in a nursing home, but will be going home shortly. Oscar sure has a sharp mind. He and I were raised in the same neighborhood, but at different times is all. He is closer to my dads age. He told me a lot of the Stokes history that I never knew. It was sure a pleasure talking to him reminiscing our old neighborhood and the people in it. Toni: Oscar said he saw you at his wife’s mothers funeral a few years back. He remembers your very beautiful daughter that he said looks just like you. You guys along with Oscar’s wife, Emmeline and us share Audrey & Jean Hanson Pladson as first cousins.

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Dick, Thanks for the new picture of Uncle Bob, and letting my brain relax from the temporary vertigo. Bill Hosmer

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

I noticed the “reversed” image, as well. Thanks, Dick, for the switch…..my mind couldn’t quite manage it. So now it looks as if it was taken in your driveway, not ours, right, Bev? Was the car yours?

Colette

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY

Gary and all,
While living in North Dakota, for 20 yrs, I was in every point of the state. I was in direct sales at the time and I know personally, 99% of those I had contact with, were great people.
They went out of their way, to make me comfortable during the time I was in their homes. Here in Wyoming, I dont get that feeling. Yes, there are nice people here, but most of them just dont have that hospitality attitude, like the people of North Dakota.
Sybil Johnson, Cheyenne, Wyoming (great_grandma2007@live.com)

Dorothy Pritchard – Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

After visiting Mom at Good Samaritan today, I visited my aunt, Alvina Christianson, in long term at St. Andrew’s Hospital. Alvina’s St. Andrew’s Health Center newsletter was lying on the table, so I read it. This great article about Dorothy Pritchard is in it. Karen Hagen Simon came into Alvina’s room to refresh her water shortly after I was wondering about there being extra copies of the newsletter. I mentioned to Karen I’d like to scan/send Dorothy’s article to you, and if she knew of any extra copies. She said she was sure she could locate a copy/two, which she did almost immediately.

Neola

Neola, The neighbor Dorothy mentions calling in this write-up, when Robert died, is the Hagen Family, Karen’s folks, Clarence & Mary Ann. Dad called me in Bremerton, almost within the hour too, to let me know of Robert’s death. It was a sudden shock. The Pritchard’s were our neighbor’s, one mile to the south. In reading this article, I have sure learned a lot of facts about Robert & Dorothy that I never ever knew before. It’s a beautiful write up. Gary

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

HI GARY;

THIS MUST ABOUT THE THIRD TIME IN ONE YEAR THAT I HAVE LEARNED OF UNTRUTHS ABOUT MY FAVORITE STATE. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF A LETTER THAT I MAILED TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GROUP. I WAS GLAD I WROTE IT

ERLING LANDSVERK

TO:NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

1145 17^TH ST. NW

WASHINGTON D C20036-4688

ATTN: EDITORIAL STAFF

MY FAMILY AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN AVID READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR THE

`PAST 40 YEARS OR MORE. THAT BEING THE CASE I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND MORE THAN A LITTLE CHAGRINED AT THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED ON PAGE 140, ENTITLED “THE EMTIED PRARIE”.

THE TONE OF THE ARTICLE IMPLIES THATNORTH DAKOTAHAS BECOME AN EMPTY WASTELAND, ABANDONED BY THE EARLY SETTLERS DISAPPOINTED AT THE MEAGER EXISTENCE THAT COULD BE ATTAINED FROM AN UNFRIENDLY CLIMATEAND EXTREMELY POOR SOIL. AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS BORNAND RAISED INNORTH DAKOTA, I CAN SAY WITHOUT FEAR OF CONTRADICTION THAT THE PICTURE DRAWN BY THIS ARTICLE IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH,AND

IN NO WAY

REFLECTS THE CONDITIONS IN THAT GREAT STATE OR THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITIZENS LIVING THERE.

I EXPERIENCED THE DEPRESSION, DROUGHT AND DIFFICULT TIMES DURING THE THIRTIES AND EARLY FORTIES. OUR HOME WAS LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCENIC AREA FILLED WITH SMALL LAKES AND STREAMS,WITH FORESTS OF POPLAR, WHITE BIRCH, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND OAK. WILD GAME AND BERRIED FRUITS ABOUNDED EVERYWHERE IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, A VIRTUAL PARADISE LOCATED AWAY FROM THE LARGE METROPOLITAN CENTERS, AND WAS THEREFORE OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED. ANYONE VISITING THE AREA TO THIS DAY WILL FIND THE COUNTRY MUCH THE SAME, AND AS BEAUTIFUL AS BEFORE. NATURALLY TINY HAMLETS IN SOME AREAS BECAME DESERTED, THE SAME COULD BE SAID ABOUT MANY STATES, INCLUDING WISCONSIN, WHERE I LIVE PRESENTLY. I CAN EASILY NAME A DOZEN SMALL HAMLETS THAT HAVE REGRESSED TO A FEW HOUSES OR LESS, BUT THE POPULATION IF FAR GREATER HERE AND THE AREA IS FILLED WITH HOMES AND SMALL FARMS INSTEAD, BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO LARGER CITIES. I SUGGEST THAT IF NORTH DAKOTA WAS LOCATED ABOUT A HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTHEAST, NEARER TO THE TWIN CITIES, THE STATE WOULD BE FILLED WITH PEOPLE, EVEN IN THE AREA THAT YOUR ARTICLE COVERS.

TO PUT NORTH DAKOTA IN A FAIR PERSPECTIBE, I WOULD LIKE TO LIST SOME POSITIVE COMMENTS.THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, DEDICATED IN 1932, IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SERIOUS ATTENTION TO FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOR CANADA. ANYONE VISITING THIS LARGE AND BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL UNITY WILL COME AWAY WITH A LASTING FEELING OF NATIONAL PRIDE, AND SECURITY. TO THE WEST LIE HUNDREDS OF OIL WELLS, STRETCHING FROM THE MONTANA BORDER TO BOTTINEAU. ONE OF OUR NATIONS WELL KEPT SECRETS AS TO OIL RESERVE. THEN THERE IS THE TWO LARGE MILITARY AIR FIELDS AT GRAND FORKS AND MINOT. ONE OF WHICH IS A MEMBER OF THE NORAD DEFENSE. NEXT THERE IS GRAND FORKS, HOSTING THE FIGHTING SIOUX, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOCKEY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA.NORTH DAKOTA CAN ALSO FEEL PROUD OF IT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ETHANOL PROGRAM BY THE WAY THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS HAVE BEGUN TO GROW CROPS OTHER THAN CORN TO PRODUCE ETHANOL.THE AREA AROUND DEVILS LAKE, AND MINOT (LAKE GARRISON) ARE BOTH KNOWN FAR AND WIDE FOR THE EXCELLENT FISHING AND LOCATIONS FOR WATER SPORTS.

I COULD GO ON, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BEGIN TO SOUND LIKE A PROMOTION COMPANY FOR ATTRACTING TOURISTS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS ARE ITS PEOPLE.DURING MY LAST VISIT THERE IN 2007, I FOUND THEM TO ALL BE THE SAME FRIENDLY, HARD WORKING, UNASSUMING, FAIRMINDED PEOPLE AS ALWAYS.GOD BLESS THEM ALL

ERLING LANDSVERK

P SI REALLY WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE PROVIDED ANYONE IN THE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER.

Folks, I’m hoping everyone remembered to “Spring Ahead” by setting your clocks ahead one hour for day light savings time. Gary

Request from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Hi Everyone, I am asking for a favor as you all know my sister Debbie had a stroke and she is coming along well but has a long road ahead of her. She gets very down in the dumps and I was thinking maybe it would lift her spirits if people on here would send her a card to show that we are still thinking of her. I get alot of e mails and calls asking about her.This is her address. Debbie Marmon…..1911 North Merriam….Miles City Mt…..59301 I will say thank you ahead of time I know so many of u wil send one and I know it will really help her . Thanks

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

ND message from Paul Grossman (70): Hazen, ND

Paul GO-(70) Gary : Every know and then we all get alittle down and for me its been this long Nodak winter. Its the old saying Love it or leave it . North Dakota is a great place to live and work, and the e-mail I am sending you really sums it up.

I really enjoy reading all the Dunseith e-mails but I feel I should contribute when I can. My time as a little Dragon was all to short and I never got to be a big Dragon but I enjoyed every minute. This e-mail really brings home the fact that North Dakota and her people are One of a Kind. One may leave the land of NoDak , but their heart will always be here. The author of this e-mail could not have written it better- from the heart. Keep up the great work,-keeping us up, the winter gets alittle shorter after each posting. Paul -70

FINALLY SOMEONE IS SHOWING RESPECT!

Letter to the editor: People of N.D. showing the way for the rest in the U.S.

Eric Anderson

The Jamestown Sun – 02/07/2009

The other day I ran across a news article on the Internet about North Dakota ‘s $1 billion state budget surplus. Sitting in my home state of Michigan , I wondered, “What are North Dakotans doing that we aren’t?” Of course, there are many practical answers to that question, including your energy and agricultural revenues. But I settled on a more emotional answer — and the answer lies with the people of North Dakota themselves.

Thirty-eight years ago, I was a young airman stationed at Minot Air Force Base. In the 14 months that I was assigned there, I grew to know and love the people of North Dakota . In a time when those in the military were not shown appreciation in other parts of America , North Dakotans took a different stance — they treated us with respect and appreciation. I’ve always remembered that, and to this day I have a warm place in my heart for the people of North Dakota .

But it goes deeper than that. In my time at Minot , I grew to understand how proud and how hard working the people of North Dakota are. Perhaps it’s the love of the land, the harshness of the winters or the spirit than binds people of the Plains together. Whatever it is, you North Dakotans are a breed apart. I’m just glad I had a chance to live there so many years ago and become acquainted with the people.

Yes, all of us in America face grave challenges in the days ahead. I understand that despite your budget surplus, North Dakotans face the same uncertainties as the rest of the country. Education, job growth, health care and infrastructure needs are concerns for all of us. Yet, I believe that if the rest of the nation had the same resolve, spirit and work ethic of North Dakotans , we would not fear the future, but embrace its possibilities.

May the people of North Dakota continue to show the way for the rest of the United States Perhaps, someday soon, we’ll take notice and follow your lead.

Eric Anderson

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Dick Johnson Bill Grimme and others about the ND video. Like most of you I had some mixed emotions about it– It is funny — and Michael Moore grew up not far from where I live in MI. I enjoy his off the wall outlook. But I think that the people he interviewed were refugees for Jay Leno’s “Jay walking” segment– also known as “morons R us.”

It all brings to mind the time when my old friend Jim Fuegle was ND director of tourism. He had highway bill boards that said “North Dakota–42 below keeps the riff-raffia out.” and “Welcome to North Dakota. Stay here- Custer was healthy when he left.” and the other one I remember went something like: “Announcing that North Dakota’s mountain removal project is complete.”

Actually it always amazes me when I think of how many people would never survive where we grew up. I think I’m getting soft. I actually wore gloves and zipped my jacket 9 times on my way to work this year. But as of today this has been one of the five “most difficult” winters on record. We actually had 18 below once!

It is 32 above this morning. I’m going to charge my motorcycle battery. I try to only ride when it is above freezing. My reflexes are not as good as they used to be. Hitting ice is more of a religious experience than it was back in the day.

Allen

Reply From Sybil Johnson: ????, WY (Sybil, I don’t have your address)

The false assumption of North Dakota, is sad, but is normal. I remember an incident back in the 70s, getting a flight for my father from Chicago to Minot. The person I was talking too, ask if we were still fighting the Indians up there? I said no, we are up with the times.
People from the larger states, just dont take the time to learn anything about the states around them. Sybil Johnson

Reply to Picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Gary I am not sure I think Oscar Hagen (maybe )he is married to my first cousin Emmy. But I am not sure whoever he is is sure is a good lookin guy, maybe one of your readers will know.

Bev, I think you may be right with this being Oscar Hagen (44). Your picture of him and the one in the Dunseith book look very similar. Oscar is married to Emmeline Hanson, so I’m sure she is related to your mother, but not sure how. You mother was a Hanson, sister to Bert who married my dad’s sister Olga. Oscar does have email and is on our distribution list, but he may have missed this one. He lives in La Crosse, WI. All these years I did not realize that one of the Hagen’s was married to a Hanson. If we don’t get a reply from Oscar in the next day or so, I will call him. I will include our cousin, Audrey Hanson, with today’s blog. I’m most certain that Audrey will be able to fill in all the blanks and she may recognize this as being Oscar too. Oscar would be Roberta Hagen Striker’s (75) uncle too. Gary

Oscar Hagen? and Joe Morinville

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Wow. Bev, thanks for the photo of my Dad. It’s a magical thing to see a 60 year old image of a family member for the first time. You kids look just the way I remember you …… all those years growing up with only a clothesline between us.

Thanks,

Colette

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): nrsnice@min.midco.net Minot, ND

Bev,
I loved the photos! It brought back so many memories…you will have
to tell me how you uploaded them….

Gary,

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): hozndaz7@yahoo.com Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Bev Morinville contributes so much about our town. The picture of my uncle Bob Hosmer looks as though it might have been reproduced in reverse. That looks like the Stone Church, and the house looks like the Watkins house just to the south of the church. Maybe some of the old timers might give me a clue on this. Bill Hosmer

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Thanks Bev for the pictures of the Morinville bunch! Your folks look the
way I remember them so well. Joe was always ready with a joke so you
better be sure you were ready for the comeback before you opened your
mouth! I was looking at the picture of Bob Hosmer and trying to figure
out where it was taken. This photo was probably made from a slide and as
often happens, it is reversed. The mirror on the ’41 Chevy is on the
passengers side, as is the steering wheel. Bob’s shirt is buttoned
opposite of normal also. If you flip the picture, you will see the Stone
Church and Spaeth’s house are where they belong. It was taken in the
driveway between Bob’s house and Morinville’s. In college I took a
course in photography and one of the enlargements I made from a
negative, was of ‘Pappy’ Fassett sitting at his kitchen table. When I
was looking at my handywork, I noticed the cannister on the counter
behind him had the word ‘sugar’ spelled backward! Start over! I’ll flip
the picture of Bob and it will be easier to see where it was taken.
Thanks Bev and Gary!

Not Reversed:
Picture of Bob Hosmer