Reply from Bill Hosmer (’48): ftrpilothoz@gmail.com Tucson, AZ

Gary, Thank you for the unbelievable and consistent posting

of the things that us Dunseith area people live on, because of

the terrific lives we led with the terrific people who lived with us.

Over the years I was in the service and lately in my retirement

years, the memories of the people who gave me support, were

frustrated with my mistakes as a trouble maker once in awhile,

and encouraged me to do what I wanted to do. There were so

many who encouraged me, corrected me, and gave me the

friendship that I lived on.  Whenever I go back to the Hills and Prairie

there are recollections which grab me by the shirt, when I drive from

town into the hills, and back south to the prairie, to Rolette, where I

was born and remember so many good friends who gave me the

encouragement to do what I finally did.

I am going to be 86 years old next month, and that is something

I never believed would happen, for many reasons, but here it is, almost.

Ever since you started this marvelous way to talk to one another,

I’ve been trying to let you know how important a gift you gave all of us. Thank you,Gary.

On another note, I had the pleasure of meeting your bride a few

years ago. I know she has some challenges that give you and us

concern. Please hug her for me and tell her she is an example of

courage and strength that inspires the rest of us  Dunseith friends

of yours and hers.  God Bless, Bill Hosmer

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Blog (511) posted on July 5, 2009

Posted on July 5, 2009

Dick & Brenda Johnson (the Dakota Drifters) Playing at the Norsk Hostfest in Minot
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Just a quick note to let the readers know that our group,  the Dakota Drifters,  will be playing again this year at the Norsk Hostfest in Minot.  We will be on the stage in Reykjavik Hall all four days, Sept

28 through October 1, with performances at 8:30 AM and 2:45 PM each day.  Our new CD will be on sale there too.  We have a great time and hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd again this year.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

Anna Salmonson Lagerquist and Edith Salmonson Pederson
Reply from Evon Lagerquist (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Yes Gary. The ladies were related to the Salmonson families in the area. Dad (Johnny Lagerquist) was cousin to Clarence, Cliff Salmonson as well as Alice Hiatt…

Gary’s Reply

I never realized that your dad and Sam Pederson’s mothers were Salmonson’s, let alone related to the local Salmonson families. I am sure a host of others never realized this either. Thank you so much for this info. I have always known that Alice (Albert) Salmonson Hiatt was a sister to Hank, Cliff and Clarence. Hank and Albert Hiatt used to shear our sheep. They were brother-in-laws.

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Blog (510) posted on July 4, 2009

Reply from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA

Hi Gary,
Reading Aggie Casavant’s story about one 4th of July adventure, it reminded me of one I had with my sister Bonnie. We lived behind Robert’s gas station, but I’m not sure how old I was, maybe 7 or 8. Orphula Robert had a wrecker service & would haul cars, some wrecked & some not, and park them to the south of the station. He said we could play in a certain few, and showed us which ones. We would pretend that we had our own cars and play driving them around. Well one 4 of July, when we got our allowance, we bought some firecrackers & sparklers. It was raining for a few days prior to the 4th, and the weather report said it would be raining for a few days after as well. We just could wait so we got into the front seat of one of the cars and decided to light off the our firecrackers. We would light them and throw them on the floor in the back seat or the floor of the front seat passenger side. We had the window closed cause it was raining. We did this for, I’d say an hour or so and were having a great time, but next thing I know, I seen Mom out of the corner of my eye, pounding on the window next to me. I know she was saying something but we could not hear a thing she was saying. We didn’t have to hear, we knew why she was mad as a wet hen! It took a few days to be able to hear again as well as being able to sit down! I guess we were lucky we didn’t loose our hearing permanently. All I know is that Mom would not let us have fireworks, firecrackers to be more specific, again for a few years after that.

I hope everyone has a safe & great 4 of July!

Regaurds….
Ivy Eller Robert

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

What a great story by Aggie. Thank God for guardian angels! I can just see them running after all of you stomping out little fires! This will just spark floods of memories of behavior that was fun, or seemed like a good idea at the time, but was really dumb and dangerous. LIke when I was a freshman (old enough to know better) and lit candles under my crepe paper pom poms in my bedroom. Whoosh! And they were lit too. I grabbed a Reader’s Digest magazine and beat it out but there were whisps of burned crepe paper all over the room and floating in the air. It took flinging WATER to get the air cleared of all the charred crepe paper. Mom was at the commisary, (Dad was in Viet Nam) my 3 sisters were out playing so I closed my door and started trying to clean up. The girls banged on the door wanting to know what was going on and I told them I wanted to surprise Mom with my clean room and to stay out! They didn’t want to get roped into cleaning so they did. When Mom got back I showed her my nice clean room and of course she zeroed in on the slightly scorched wall first. Wanted to know what happened……I looked at her for a minute and knowing honesty was really the best policy, and needing to remind her of it “just in case” I said “well, I was going to make up a story Mom, but thought I had just better tell you the truth” so I proceeded to tell her what happened (the short version) and of course she was glad I wasn’t hurt, thankful the house didn’t burn down, and felt good that I chose to tell the truth and not lie. Whew! Dodged a bullet there!

I can’t wait to hear more of the stories I know will be coming!

Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71

Correction from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Dir. Gary, I don’t mean to be annoying, as you are doing a splendid job with this daily letter, However, the way it was written will confuse those that do not know the difference.

But!!!! Patty and George’s kids are Grand Children of Dale and Alma (Boucher) Gottbreht. Not George and Alma!

Your Post says that they are grandchildren of George and Alma. This should read (Dale and Alma)

As written this implies that George and Alma to be man and wife and or of the same grandparental status.

Dale and Alma (Boucher) Gottbreht) are the grand parents of George Jr. and Patty’s Kids. Dale and Alma being Georges parents.

George Sr. and wife Evelyn are the Great grand parents to George and Patty’s kids and Grandparents of George Gottbreht and his siblings.

Mark, Thank you so much for catching this mistake. This is one of those mistakes that I read right over when I proof read this prior to sending. I knew that Dale and Alma were husband & wife and parents of George. I also had Patty listed as being in the class of 66, so I have corrected that too. When I typed this I was thinking Dale and typed George. Again, thanks for catching this and bringing it to my attention. Gary

Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht (65) with her three sons Rick, Jeff & Bob.

Patty, I’m not sure of the identities of your boys. I’d say you are pretty well protected with these guys. Your boys are grandchildren of
Dale and Alma Gottbreht too, with George being their father.

Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Folks there are some Dunseith connections and folks in this photo.

Marlys Zorn (69) Fairbury, Nebraska

Vickie Metcalfe (70) Bottineau

Lynette Geiszler, Bottineau, wife of Brian Johnson (69) and Daughter-in-Law of Mona Johnson (48):

The following previously posted pictures were provided by Doreen Bailey: Tempe, AZ

Johnnie Lagerquist and Sam Pederson were first cousins
Reply from Evon Lagerquist (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Gary,
I think Grandma Lagerquist & Grandma Pederson were sisters. They were Salmonson’s before marriage…

Evon

Gary’s Reply

Checking the 1982 Dunseith Centennial book “Prairie Past and Mountain Memories” I don’t see any Pederson family History. Kind of sad.  In years to come their existence of ever having lived in the Ackworth community will vanish as those of us that remember them depart this earth. I am one of the youngest that remember them and I will be 70 next year.

Were Anna Salmonson Lagerquist and Edith Salmonson Pederson related to the Ackworth Salmonson families?

Evon, I see a nice write-up of the history of you Grandparents, John and Anna (Salmonson) Lagerquist. They were married in Sweden in 1883. John was born in 1858. Your dad, Johnny, was born in 1901.  Evon, I think you were born in 1959? Your Grandpa was more than a century older than you, 101 years older.  

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Blog (509) posted on July 2, 2009

Posted on July 3, 2009

Reply to the Casavant siblings from Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND

Gary:

To Aggie Casavant and all her siblings: Every time I read something from you Aggie, I think of your mom. We called her “momma” just like you kids did. She was a wonderful humble lady, “salt of the earth”, which reminds me of Stella Schimetz of the exact same character as your momma.

Diane Fugere

Reply from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74)Bismarck, ND

Gary, Sometimes I do not get pics also but what I do is right click on the x in the box then I click on view pic & then it comes up so if your readers try that maybe it will work. Kathy

Kathy, Thank you so much for this info. Now it would be interesting to know why these pictures sometimes don’t show on the screen but are there when doing what you do to view them. This is interesting. Does anyone have the answer? Gary

Reply from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

Gary,
In response to the question re:pictures not showing up, this has happened many times to me also. I kept meaning to let you know but never got around to it. Also on the cheerleader picture it had be the school year of 1965-66 as Joann and Corliss graduated with me in 66.
Jean Nicholas Miller(66)

Reply from Eileen (Mike) Brudwick: Fargo, ND

Hi Gary,

In regard to some of the pictures not always showing in an e-mail. Mine doesn’t either, and I am sure it’s the mail server I have. Sometimes if I go to the next e-mail, and then go back to your e-mail, the pictures that didn’t show before are there. Another thing is, before a person begins to scroll down to read it, make sure it is fully loading the e-mail before you do anything. At least that is how mine works better.

A special thanks to Erling Landsverk for his kind words. I agree, we who were born in North Dakota, do tend to help each other all we can. We’re just a different breed of cats, so to speak! HA!! <big smile>

My brother-in-law told me last night that when he was in Vietnam they sprayed this Agent Orange to kill the foliage because it was so heavy in areas, and so they could see the enemy better.

Great bunch of people you have on your list, Gary. I enjoy reading the newsletter every day!

Eileen Brudwick

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70)Rolette, ND

Karen Hermes Photo didn’t come through for me.

Also Old George Gottbreht and Evelyn his wife, would have been the great grandparents of Patti and George’s Boys.

It was Dale and Alma that would be the Grandparents.

Mark, That is one mistake I read right over before sending. I know blame well that Dale was their grandfather. Thank you so much for the correction. I have pastedKaren Hermes picture below that was included with her obituary. It was one of those pictures that was hidden until you clicked on the “Click here to down load Pictures” at the top of the message.

Folks, when pictures don’t go through, please zap me a message and I will send you a solo copy of the ones that you didn’t get. That is for sure not a problem. Gary

Our condolences to the John Allard family & Don Henes with their loss of Karen:

The John and Olivine Allard Family L to R:
Back: Larry, Kenny, Clayton,
Center: Mary, Olivine, John, Karen
Front: Betty, Duane, Carol

First Cousins – Class of 65 – 7-12-07
Patty Boguslawski & Carol Allard

Update on the Dunseith Reunion in Watertown SD.

Posted by Jerry (54) & Kathy Williams: Watertown, SD

We have most everything ready to go for the reunion here in Watertown with just a few rooms open at the Drake Motor Inn but will not be able to hold them past the 7th of July. If time allows we will be able to take in the Goss Opera House that is being restored here in Watertown also. Right now there is a King Tut display in the building that is very interesting. The following people have responded to me that they are going to be at the reunion and most have paid up front for the registration. Thank you very much.

Clark & Audrey Crum

Clayton & Arliss Lider

Betty Jane & Bill (Schneider) Lamb

Gary & Mary Lou Morgan

Rodney & Marlene Armentrout

Gary & Pat Woodford

Janice (Lenonard) Workman

Bonnie & Keith (Awalt) Houle

Dennis & Peggy Espe

Dick Morgan

Jerry & Kathy Williams

At this time the following did not know if they could make are not. Barry Shelver(work) and Elaine (Schneider) Hockett (husbands health).

I would also like to make up a display, and or a booklet of photos. So if you would be so kind as to send me or E-Mail me a graduation photo and a resent photo with a short write up of yourself ( where you live, what you have done in the past, what you are doing now ect.) So if you could send or E-Mail me a few pictures so that I could use to accomplish this I would be very appreciative. Even if you are not going attend the reunion please send your photos and write up anyway.

Thanks Again

Jerry & Kathy

From Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND

Gary:This is a copy of what I sent to Bob Hosmer, Bonnie Houle, Janice Workman, and Arlene Daily.You may use any part of this that you think would be of interest to your readers.LARRY

WHAT I REMEMBER ABOUT DUNSEITH, ND

64 YEARS LATER

Even though I have been back to Dunseith a few times since 1945 I have never visited with anyone about my childhood in Dunseith.At age 72 there may be a few things I don’t know for sure any more.I will try to mark things I am not sure of with an * and if any of you remember things different then I do feel free to let me know.

About kindergarten age I remember playing tag and hide & seek with kids.The names I can remember are Bob Hosmer, Bonnie Await, Janice Leonard Elain Watkins, Barry Shelver, Arlene & Ann Lamoureaux. I also remember a Connley Grimme I think he was a little older then me.Is Bill Grimme his little Brother?When we got old enough to ride bike our games moved to different parts of town and the park.The war was on so we didn’t have many toys except toys made of wood which were not much fun.Outside in the summer was the most fun.Barry was my best friend back then but we both played with Bob a lot.The girls would play tag, hide and seek with us or go on bike rides.* I think there was another park outside of town on the North West side we would ride to some times.I would guess it was a mile or two out of town.I was so happy I got to play the triangle in the school rhythm band.I was really worried I would get stuck playing the sticks.Barry, Bob and I would make the rounds getting treats. Candy at Bob’s dad’s store, pop at Barry’s dad’s drug store, and ice cream where my dad worked for the Turtle Mountain Creamery.Barry’s dad had a garage behind the Drug store with an upstairs that was a lot of fun to play in.One time we found some fun little bottles to play with and Barry said Bob and I could each have one.I took my bottle home and my mother found my little sister with it in her mouth.Guess what, it was an emptyArsenic bottle.Barry and Bob’s mothers were called but Glenn Barry’s dad said there was nothing to worry about because he always washed them good before storing them.Sad to say we didn’t get to play in the garage anymore.We got corn cob pipes to use in blowing bubbles with soap and water.We tried smoking rag weed in the corn cob pipes one Fall when the weeds got dry.(rag weed was also called pig weed)It wasn’t good so we didn’t try that again.Once or twice a month my Dad would deliver ice cream and milk up to the San Haven and some of my friends would get to ride along.There was a small lake below the San Haven we would go swimming in. * I think it was called Lake Schuty (sp?).I remember a murder up in the hills where a man killed a women.* I think his name was Chase (sp?)They had him in the Dunseith jail and there was a big mob outside.Our mothers came and got us away from there in a hurry.I remember bringing money to school to buy stamps which would buy War Bonds when you had enough stamps.We lived across the street from the Catholic Church and going from the South to the North the first house was Campbell’s a banker, then our house, then Haines(sp?) a Boarder Patrol Officer, then Ray Murry who had the Turtle Mountain Creamery.

Some things my folks have told me about living in Dunseith,My dad and Glenn Shelver refereed a lot of Basketball games together. My Dad was the butter maker and ice cream maker for the creamery.During the War.The little creamery in Dunseith had a contract with the Army and shipped a boxcar load of butter every week to the Army.My Mother was a school teacher in a one room country school East of Dunseith. (* I think it was about 6 to 8 miles East)

I have received E-mails back from three of my classmates in 1^st & 2^nd. grade and I hope to hear from more of you.

Thanks,

LARRY LIERE (55)Left Dunseith midterm of 3^rd. Grade 1945

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Gary, The old white school on the Post Card Picture #501 . If you go to the West &

North corner of the school and go one block North the frist house on the block next

North is the one we lived in. It was owned by Tom Cassadie, the next house North was Henry Hagen. The nest house North on the corner was Ernest Horsman’s . The long

white Bldg. on that black was the Commercial Hotel owned by Grassman, later by

Grimmies. I started school there in 1932. #503 The inlarged ones I can pick out a lot of homes where people that I knew lived. Mrs Ben Marsa was teaching Grade school.

Charle Watkins house by the Stone Church. When we frist came back to Dunseith we lived in the house where Bill Fassett lived by the creek.

Lloyd,

Story from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Hi Gary & Everyone in Dunseith Blog Land

With the 4th of July right around the corner I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you all,a story that took place at the “Big House on the Prairie. When us kids were quite young like ages ranging from 7, 9,10,11,12, our brother Rene was working for our neighbor Freddie Neamyer,so often times on special occasions he would stop buy and visit and bring us younger kids little gifts and surprises. As I mentioned in one of my other stories we were not the richest kids on the block,so when Rene came home one night around the 4th of July he brought us some fireworks.Some were bottle rockets, some were sparklers,and a couple bigger ones…And boy oh boy were we excited…It was like waiting for Christmas Eve to open our gifts.Rene told us not to mess with them til he came home on the 4th and he we would shoot them off together.Well in the days leading up to the 4th we were listening to the weather every nite to be sure it wasn’t raining on the 4th…Well lo and behold,the morning of the4th of July it was raining.Here were these 5 little heads (Jimmy,Bobby,Eddie,Aggie,&Maryann) standing at the window watching the rain come down,thinking…I KNOW THIS IS NOT HAPPENING….Our Dad was sitting there in his chair like always reading the paper and smoking his pipe,So Bobby(Daddys pet as we would always call him) went over and asked,”Daddy,do you think it will quit raining by tonite so we can shoot fireworks? Our Dad looked over his reading glasses,half way smiling,and said ,Nah No,it’s gonna rain all day and all night…Bobby looked at him for awhile and said,”But we want to shoot off our fiereworks tonite Daddy.(Like he was going to manipulate our Dad to shut off the rain) I really believe to this day Bobby really thought he could…LOL. Daddy just kinda smiled and said,Nah you got all summer to shoot off fire works…. At that point us other kids heard about enough,and we all looked at each other like…Oh No,that ain’t gonna happen..this is the 4th of July,and come rain or high waters,those fire works are going off tonite!!! So as it worked out ,sure enough as it was getting dark it was still raining,so our Mom&Dad decided to go visit our Uncle Aime and Aunt Germaine Barbot,about 7 miles away.Our Mom and Dad wern’t a mile down the road,and us kids had the fireworks out of the box trying to figure out how we were going to shoot them off with it still raining outside.All at once Eddie said,” Hey lets go upstairs and open the door that goes out to the roof and stand in the doorway and shoot them outside,and we all were jumping up and down,yelling”Yah yah thats a good idea lets go.(Well first off you have to understand,we had no electricity to the up stairs) so were all running like crazy up the stairs,tripping over each other, in the dark . with visions of rockets red glare,and getting all patriotic…So when we got the door opened,we saw it stopped raining.So just as we were going to start back downstairs to go outside and shoot them off, Eddie said,”Hey lets not go downstairs lets go out on the roof and shoot them off,So Bobby started out on the roof first to set up this rocket on the peak of the roof. Well it was wooden shingles slick as oil and he slipped and fell grabbing onto the metal trim that went down the middle of the roof. Just then it started raining,so we pulled Bobby back in and went back to plan “A”.We had our pop bottles and were taking turns shooting them out the door.While waiting our turn,Jimmy,Maryann and I lit the sparklers and were running up and down the hallway,hollering and yelling and laughing.By that time Bobby and Eddie discovered that the rain would put out the bottle rockets as soon as they hit the outside,so they started shooting the bottle rockets down the hallway,So we all got our own pop bottle and started shooting them where ever we could find a space to shoot them. Some hit the walls,some hit the windows,some were being shot off straight into the ceiling,but they all went…When we got done with them,we started lighting packs of firecrackers all at one time… All at once we seen this flash of lights on the wall,we looked out the window and it was our Mom&Dad. (our uncle and aunt weren’t home so they came home early)We went tearing down the steps and slammed the upstairs door trying to look all calm and normal. When they walked in the house my Mom had this look on her face,as the smell of sulphur hit her… It was like her lips were moving, but we couldn’t hear her real well cuz they were ringing from all the fire crackers.We could kinda hear her saying,”What did you kids do??? I said, Bobby and Eddie lit a pack of fire crackers,but we’ll shoot ours off another nite…(Like none of the rest of us did anything wrong) Bobby and Eddie were looking at me kinda blinking,like they were shell shocked. Our Mom and Dad didn’t check to see if the rest of the fireworks were still there….But the next morning when our Mom went upstairs to gather our clothes to do laundry she got the full impact of what we did.I swear to God ,she must of thought she walked into a war zone,with burn marks all over the walls and ceiling with burned up fireworks all over the floor….Like the song goes”Let Freedom Ring,Let the Whole World Sing,Let the Whole World Know That That Day Was the Day of Reckoning……..

Hope You All Have A Happy Safe 4th of July! Aggie

Aggie, You guys were luck they weren’t calling the fire department. I’ll bet that upstairs was a sight for sore eyes when you guys were finished lighting off all your fireworks. Gary

Sam Pederson’s wife Edith and Jenny Handeland were sisters
Reply from Bev Handeland Hamnes (’48): Bottineau, ND

Yes , mother was a Sister to Sam Pederson’s wife Edith and they lived in Spokane , Wash.

Sam Pederson and Johnnie Lagerquist were cousins
Reply from Evon Lagerquiest (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Gary, Melvin Pederson’s dad, Sam, was a cousin to my dad…FYI…

Evon

Gary’s Reply:
Evon, This I didn’t know that your dad and Sam Pederson were cousins. Was it on your dad’s mother’s side or his dad’s side of the family. If it was on the Lagerquist side, the Woodfords would be related too. I know Gary Metcalfe knows the connections too.

Sam Pederson and his family lived one mile west of us in the Ackworth community. As a young child I remember them being there. I remember visiting them numerous times too. I am guessing I was about 5 years old when they moved out of state. I remember Sam visiting a few times after that too. You know the Peterson Lake that we used to go swimming in as a child was named after them too, but on the maps the name is spelled with a “T” and not a “D”. Norman Hiatt bought the Pederson Farm. One quarter Section as I recall.  

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

Gary,

I think of you and Bernadette often. You both are good people.

I know how much Bernadette helped during our reunions.  I appreciate her very much, she is someone to be proud of.

I wish you both the best in all what you are going through at this time.

May God bless you and your Bernadette.

Ginger

Gary’s reply:

Thanks for the nice compliments Ginger.

Bernadette’s condition has improved remarkably. She can stand and walk and her speech is better. She slept well last night too.

Joke of the day
Posted by Don Malaterre (72):  Sioux Falls, SD

Two Nebraska football players were walking in the woods. One of them said, “Look, a dead bird. “The other looked up in the sky and said, “Where?”

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Blog (509) posted on July 2, 2009

Posted on July 2, 2009

Bernadette Stokes

Folks,

Bernadette had a really bad spell or seizure. She hasn’t been well the past several weeks. This past week was the worst by far. She was to the point of being totally bed ridden and not really being with reality. At times she remembered nothing. Most of the time her short term memory was pretty short too. Yesterday while I was playing pool she had a really bad attack. The gals got scared and called the Ambulance and took her to the hospital. Her BP was 175/49. Extremely high in the high and extremely low on the low. Very strange. In a few hours her BP returned to normal 110/70. She was in the Emergency Room for 6 hours. They attributed her condition to her sickness of which there is nothing they can do for. We brought her back home. This morning she was able to stand and walk with assistance. Her speech is very much improved and she isn’t nearly as confused. What a remarkable comeback.

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

I am thinking of you and Bernadette.  Close family and friends are invaluable in these difficult times and you are blessed with an abundance of both.   Take care,  Colette

Class of 1965 Home Economics teacher
Question from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I would like to ask our 7th or 8th grade Home Economics teacher probably ’61, ’62 or ’60, ’61 school years.

She taught us in those grades and years. Someone mentioned her not to long ago.  Well anyway I remember we made a large fish I am sure it was for a parent night. It was shaped into a fish, mixed with a mayonnaise.  I don’t know if she made her own. It was a wonderful flavor,  I was wondering if she still has the recipe I would appreciate it,  if she does. I am probably reaching to out of the way.

Thank you Gary

Ginger

Melvin Pederson Obituary (Jenny Handeland’s Nephew???)
Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):  Spokane, WA

Gary.  So sorry for the suffering and sadness for you and your family.  You are a strong person from very strong stock.  Life is not easy.  Peace to and be with you through these rough times.

I just took time to look at the Spokane Obit section.  I hope you can open and read this one on Mr Pederson.  The born Ackworth ND alerted me.  His son and daughter in law had come to one of the American Legion/VFW breakfasts in Priest River ID.  I still have the history you sent to me.  I expect one of these times they will be back in Priest River for the breakfasts. (As will Bob and I be back there too.  We are in ND until Mid Oct.) At that time I will give him the history.

Gary’s comment

 Thanks so much Doreen for your concerns. I guess you could say I come from strong stock. Didn’t we all from that part of the country.

 About Melvin Pederson. As I remember from hour blog discussions a few years back, I think Gary Metcalf mentioned that Melvin’s father, Sam, was a brother to Jenny Handeland. I can’t readily find that posting though. So Bev Handeland Hamnes and Melvin Pederson were first cousins.

 The Pederson farm was located a mile west of our farm in the Ackworth community. They moved from there in the early 50’s so I don’t remember much about them.

PEDERSON, Melvin F.

Born at home in Ackworth, ND on February 19th, 1926 to Sam and Edith (Hurst) Pederson. Melvin passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on September 13th, 2016 at Hospice House North in Spokane, WA., at the age of 90. Growing up on a farm in North Dakota, he joined the Navy at 18 years old and got in on the last of World War II aboard the Destroyer, the USS Kendrick. After being Honorably Discharged in May 1946, he moved to Spokane where he made his home for the rest of his life. He worked in construction and owned a service station for a few years until November 1949, when he hired on at Kaiser Aluminum, Trentwood, and worked there until his retirement in February 1987. Melvin married Katherine (LeClare) Orchard on February 16, 1963 and they raised four children on a 15 acre quarter horse ranch north of Spokane. Katherine passed away in 1993. He was preceded in death by four of his siblings. He leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Mary Pederson, daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bernard Jones, daughter Judy Pederson, son Russell Pederson; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Peterson; and six grandchildren: Mitch and Nathan Pederson, Hayley Blank, Macie Jones, Noah and Kyan Pederson. Melvin is also survived by one brother, Lowell Pederson and close friend, Kathy Estes. Melvin’s favorite hobbies were dancing and horseback riding. He participated in the Gentlemen on Horseback ride for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Back Country Horsemen and completed the entire route of the Chief Joseph ride which entailed a distance of one hundred miles a week each year for 13 years. He participated in other rides spanning Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Arkansas. He also rode for two years with the High Country Horsemen in Wyoming. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23rd from 5-7PM at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division. The Rosary will follow at 7PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paschal’s Catholic Church, 2523 N Park Rd, on Saturday, September 24th at 12:00 noon, followed by a Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall St, at 1:45 PM. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Hospice House North for their love and support. Online condolences may be expressed at hennesseyfuneralhomes.com

DHS State championships

Posting from Terry Marion (’75):  Dunseith, ND

Gary, Here is a little history for Dunseith High School (see picture), I am not sure if there were any other state championships that DHS teams had during our schools history in the sports of Football, Basketball and Baseball?  Maybe someone out there might know the answer to this question.  I and (Jeff (Evans) noticed that there might have been some players names that might have been left off of this trophy if so who were they?  The other question I have, were there any other state championships in the other towns in Rolette County.  I am aware of a 2nd, 3rd and 5th in the  state Basketball tourney for Dunseith boys teams but maybe only one state Championship in baseball for Dunseith.  Thanks, Terry L. Marion

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Blog (508) posted on July 1, 2009

Posted on July 1, 2009

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

Hey Gary,
I hope Bernadette is doing better today.
Prayers are still being said for her.
God Bless all of you who are involved in the care of Bernadette as well as Bernadette.
love and prayers
Ginger

Gary’s reply,
Thanks Ginger. Bernadette is much better today. She still needs assistance to walk, but at least she can walk. She is also able to talk today too, so she is better, but still not good.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Elwood ‘Al’ Landsverk passed away

Elwood Norman “Al” Landsverk, 81, Minot died on Monday, September 12, 2016 in his home.

Elwood was born on February 9, 1935 in Bottineau County near Dunseith, ND to Nels and Gertie (Rispa) Landsverk. He was raised on a farm near Willow Lake in the Turtle Mountains near Dunseith and educated at rural schools in that area. As a young adult he was employed as a farm laborer and construction laborer. Al enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and served for twenty-three years as a Fire Control and Quality Control Inspector. He received his honorable discharge as a Master Sergeant in 1976 at Minot Air Force Base.

Al married Linda Lowe on May 9, 1970 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he was employed at Overhead Door Co., Lowe’s Printing and as the Manager of Copies Quick. He retired in 2004. He and Linda had moved to Fargo about a month ago to be closer to family.

Al was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served as Financial Secretary and as a member of the Vestry. An active member of the Minot Masonic Lodge, he was a member of the Blue Lodge, York Rite, Kem Temple of the Shrine and Merrymen. He was a 33^rd Degree Mason and Mason of the Year at both the local and state level and was a member of the Sons of Norway – Minot and Red Cross of Constantine. Also, he was a charter member of the Minot Soccer Association where he coached and played a major role in establishing the Minot Soccer Complex.

Al’s loving family includes his wife of 46 years: Linda; sons: Robert ( Jessica) Landsverk of Fargo and James (Megan) Landsverk of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren:  Angela, Jacob, Gracyn, Moira and Stout; siblings: Sharon Beckman, Barbara (Larry) Lawrence, David Landsverk and Leland Landsverk all of Bottineau; in-laws: Aggie Landsverk of California, LeAnn Landsverk of Minot, Connie Landsverk of Bottineau, Mary Smith of Boissevain MB and Tom (Cheryl) Lowe of Minot and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Elizabeth Landsverk; siblings:  Arlen, Darrel, Evelyn, Roger, Kenneth, Bruce, and Virgil and in-laws: Artie Pladson, Janell Landsverk and David Smith.

Celebration of the Life of Elwood “Al” Landsverk:  Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the All Saints Episcopal Church – Minot.

Prayer Service:  Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.

Interment with Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens – Minot.

Visitation:  Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.

Memorials are preferred to All Saints Episcopal Church or the Shriners Childrens Hospital.

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Blog (507) posted on June 30, 2009

Posted on June 30, 2009

Bernadette is not doing well.
The following are progressive Facebook postings that I posted from Last night until now.

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

Hi, Gary,

It is good to see Bernadette and you going out together, take advantage of all you can,  let her know all you want her to ever know,  every day,  tell her how much you love her. Remember once they are gone you can’t and wish you had. Just little things you don’t really think are so important right now will be.

A person’s spouse is so important, in all ways possible, so don’t take any part of them lightly.

They love us  enough to marry us and vise a versa, I am sure you know what I am talking about,  so I will stop here.

Take care and love Bernadette with all you have, hold her as much as you can,  give her those kisses you will miss.

A friend

Ginger

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Blog (506) posted on June 29, 2009

Posted on June 29, 2009

Cebu City, Philippines
Bernadette and I attending an event at the local mall this past Friday.
Saturday and Sunday Bernadette wasn’t doing so well. She is much better today.

Lunch today with the kids at the local Mall.
Being around us they have mastered their English skills quite well.

Reply to the last blog
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

Another very interesting newsletter.  Naturally, I particularly enjoyed the pictures of/information about Salem Church and your grandfather (my great uncle), Carl Petterson.

Along with so many others, I thoroughly enjoy your newsletters.  Thanks!

Neola

Joke of the day.

Grandpa, what Is couple sex?

Make sure that you understand the question first….

All you Grandpas and Grandmas, this was too funny not to forward.

We are all reaching that stage where we need to keep the wax out of our ears and keep the hearing aids tuned up.

An 8-year-old girl went to her grandfather, who was working in the yard and asked him,”Grandpa, what is a couple sex?

The grandfather was surprised that she would ask such a question, but decided that if she’s old enough to know to ask the question then she’s old enough to get a straight answer.

Steeling himself to leave nothing out, he proceeded to tell her all about human reproduction and the joys and responsibilities that go along with it.

When he finished explaining, the little girl was looking at him with her mouth hanging open, eyes wide in amazement. Seeing the look on her face the grandfather asked her, “Why did you ask this question, honey?

The little girl replied, “Well, Grandma says to tell you that dinner will be ready in just a couple secs.

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Blog (505) posted on June 28, 2009

Posted on June 28, 2009

Moved from Turtle Mountains to WI.
Message from Rebecca Lemke Rude (’74):  North Central WI.

Hello Gary ,

I hope your summer has been a pleasant one . Oh yes you are more than likely still enjoying summer time there in the Philippines . Howard and I moved further south too . We moved to Wisconsin this past spring , lol – North central Wi . We’re loving it even though the climate isn’t a great improvement , it is a little better ,and we’re within driving distance of Lake Superior (our little mini ocean) . Wonderful place if you like the outdoors and we do .We Hillbillies fit right in around here . haha . So here is our new email address for now bekkajaz@   many thanks for your perseverance and work in keeping all us Dunseith and hills folks connected through your daily blogs .

Rebecca (Lemke) Rude

Gary’s comment

Rebecca,

You and Howard did move a bit further south, but more east than south. Glad to hear you enjoy the area.

I remember well you and Roberta riding our bus when you lived by the Day School. Our bus made that loop off of Highway 3 around the day school. I remember picking up Peter Gillis too who also lived on that loop. Thanks for this message and email update.

Gary

Four Old Mill and a Bud.docx Story
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

With the recent passing of Mohamed Ali it brings to mind a little episode that happened in the summer of 1972. So I decided to do a little cut and paste from the transcript of my latest book titled “Four Old Mill and a Bud”. The non-fiction book chronicles different episodes of growing up in Dunseith, 50 years ago.

The summer of 72

I had just graduated from high school and was looking to raise a little extra cash for college. As it happens my brother George had inspirations of following our father’s footsteps and becoming a boxer, maybe even trying out for golden gloves. First thing he needed was a trainer. Times being what they were, I decided to take the job. So I set him up on a vigorous workout program. Running, pushups, running, situps and a little more running. After supervising that for a while I decided to get him some sparring partners, so I recruited some of our friends. That didn’t work out to well. In fact I remember Curt Hagel taking one punch and quitting on the spot. Reid Schmitz lasted only one round and quit. So I decided to take a shot at it. I figured I’d be a natural, with our dad being a two time golden glove champion, turned professional, a prizefighter, if you will. My strategy was simple, keep away from his big right hand. Besides I was faster than him. My plan was working pretty well. He couldn’t catch me. Jab, jab, back pedal and back pedal some more. I was actually holding my own. In fact after the first round I was ahead in points. Hell I was kicking his ass. His lip was bleeding and I could tell he was getting frustrated.

Round two started, he walked up to me and BOOM. He caught me with a left hook, I went down and the lights went out. When I finally got up I had two black eyes, one where he hit me and one where I hit the deck. I never put those gloves on again.

Now the time came that he needed a manager. Times being what they were, I decided to take the job. I made a few calls and I got him a fight. As luck would have it, it happened that my friend Bob Brennen was also training and looking for a bout. I called Bob and we went over some fine print and we set a date. Now we needed a promoter. Times being what they were, I decided to take the job. First we needed a venue. I made a few calls and as luck would have it, it happened the Honsey family garage was available. I would collect the gate and they would take the concessions.  I promoted the fight as “Buffalo Bob” verses “The Chippewa Kid”. Now I needed a couple of chumps for the under card. So I made a few calls. As luck would have it Curt Burg and Lyle Olson were feuding, so I made them a deal to get in the ring, settle their differences, and make some cash on the side. They jumped at the opportunity.

Now we needed a boxing referee. Times being what they were, I decided to take the job. For the full monte appearance we needed some card girls, you know the ones who walk around the ring between rounds holding up cards with the numbers on it. After several interviews for promotional reasons, I decided to go with some local girls, Dianna Honsey, Ellen Hagen and Dawn Gregory. Everything was in place.  The joint was packed to the gills. There was not room for one more person. It was so full there were kids actually sitting up in the rafters. We were about to rake in a small fortune. The pre-fight was on. Curt came out with fire in his eyes. It was clear Lyle was overmatched. I think Curt wanted to make a statement. He pounded Lyle pretty good. I had to call the fight midway through the first round. Poor Lyle, he wanted to put in a good show but only got a couple of lumps on the side of his head to show for himself.

The main event was on. Bob came out with a fury. He was taking the fight to George. It was clear he had better training and had the passion to go with it. Did George take Bob too lightly? Everyone was on their feet. What a fight! Both fighters stood toe to toe and exchanged blow for blow. What did I get myself into now? I didn’t have the experience needed. Luckily I had ingenuity and technique. Basically I bluffed my way through it all. Round one ended. The boys went to their corners, respectively. I wanted to remain neutral so I went over to supervise the girls. We didn’t want them to get their cards mixed up you know. Round two was on and it started right where round one left off. The punches came fast and furious. I was getting settled in my new profession and had it all under control. The place was going wild. Round two ended and the fight was still progressing at an amazing pace. Round three started and Bob was starting to show some fatigue. Bob put up a hell of a fight, but George was out muscling him. The fight was over. George was declared the winner. But everyone agreed it was just a great fight.

I gave the boys their cut and the fans gave them a standing ovation. I went on to college and became an accountant. Bob went on to become a boxing trainer. George went on and spent 20 years in the Marines and did some boxing there. Bob died a few years back. I miss Bob.

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Blog (504) posted on June 27, 2009

Posted on June 27, 2009

Reply to yesterday’s message from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

Jean, with the picture labeling, I believe this is your mother,

Aggie Nicholas, with Agnes Berg.

l

Reply from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA

Hi Gary,

When Dick Johnson mentioned a car show at the Peace Gardens with Jack & Bud Anderson, it brought back a memory for me. When Russell Robert & I were first married and we lived in Rolla. We were the janitor & maintenance people for the Rolette County Court house so we lived in the Janitors house that was located in the behind the court house over to the side. ‘Our House’, the Court House, & the Sheriff’s office formed a triangle and in the middle was the parking lot. While living there Russell had the ‘side’ job of checking out all the new firearms that came into the Rolla Hardware, before they were sold to anyone. Bud Anderson owned the store and his brother Jack worked there, as well as their Dad. Since we were very big admirers of Bud’s classic car collection & he know us pretty well, every once in a while on Sunday’s, he would let us take one of his cars out to ride around town in. ‘To clean out the carburetor’, he would say! About that same time, we had found a 1957 Three Door Biquiscane Chevy that didn’t run. It was the “sister” to the Nomad that most everyone is familiar with. OJ Robert, Russell’s Dad, helped us put a different motor in it. WOW, was that fun to drive. Great memories of those cars and getting to drive & ride in them. I don’t think I ever knew exactly how many cars Bud owned! Bud and Jack were wonderful guys. Jack seemed to be more “full of the devil” than Bud, but they were great!

Thanks again for all that you do for all of us Dunseithers. (I don’t think that’s a word, OH well)

Ivy Robert

Ivy, If Dunseithers wasn’t a word, it is now! I just added it to my spell check dictionary. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

The old white school was the only building up until about 1935, when
the brick classroom, gym, and bathrooms were added. The third addition
was in about 1955-56 and was the new high school. The large room that
was used for the assembly was designed that way, not as a gym. When the
1935 gym became too small for functions, ball games were held in the
City Hall. It was built in 1937 and was used until 1963 when the new gym
was built. As discussed before, the City Hall burned in August, 1968.
There was a brick schoolhouse along Willow Creek, about straight west of
the new high school, that was used before the end of the 1800s. I don’t
know exactly where it was located but people used to find red bricks
scattered in that area. Does anyone know what happened to the red brick
school—demolished, burned, abandoned?? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I believe this is the same old school in this 1939 Aerial photo of Dunseith. This picture was probably taken prior to 1939 though. The post card this picture was taken from is post marked 1939. Gary

Pictures previously post with message 96 on 5-7-08

Pictures from Cyrstal Fassett Andersen (70):

Here is a picture of the 1953 baseball team that my Uncle Darrel Fassett played on. They drove some fancy cars!! Crystal Fassett Andersen

Picture:
Standing: Don Fassett, Duane Fugere, Guy Knox, Roger Johnson & Virgil Vanory
Seated: Bob Leonard, Jim Footit, Darold Grenier, Lloyd Awalt, Gary Morgan & Darrel Fassett & John Leonard batboy

Here’s another picture of one of my sister Susan’s birthday parties.It is taken in our front yard in Dunseith,across from the creek. It was in August but no year. Crystal Fassett Andersen

Picture:

Back: Pam Fassett, Tobby Dailly, Karen Loeb, Carol Jasper, Susan Fassett, Bill Grimme, Marlene Richard. Evie Gottbreht,
Judy Jo Johnson & Mark Anderson..
Front: Debbie, Randi & Donnie Mongeon

Folks, going through some old pictures I ran across this one taken inside of Salem church in July 2007. Arliss Rude Hagen and her husband Leonard totally restored Salem church, both inside and out, several years ago. They donated a lot of hours of labor and the results are fantastic. All the furnishings are restored original. Salem is open to the public. I believe Glen Rude unlocks the doors daily in the summer. If for some reason it is locked, Glen lives just a very short distance to the east on the south side of the road from the church. He will gladly unlock the doors if they are locked. Salem church is located on Highway 43 about 5 or 6 miles east of Lake Metigoshe. I spent many hours sitting in the Pews of Salem in my growing up days. When visiting the church, take note of the Sunday school attendance roster posted on the wall. My name with a few others of you out there is on that roster.

Gary Stokes inside Salem Chruch – July 2007

Folks, I ran across this picture too. This is my dad’s biological father, Carl Petterson. For those of you that knew my dad, you can sure see the similarities of him in this picture of his father. Of the 6 boys, dad is the one that most resembled their father. Dad was always very close to his biological family. His father, Carl, lived about 5 miles NE of Bottineau in the Foot hills. Three of his sisters married the only 3 Kofoid brothers in the area. I always knew I was related to all the Kofoid’s, but I always had problems figuring out which Kofoid family everyone belonged to. This picture was taken 6 months before Carl’s death in December 1960. He was 82 years old. Gary

Carl Petterson – Bob Stokes’ biological father.

Face Book posting
Nice picture of Gary Metcalfe (57) with his daughter Leah

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Blog (503) posted on June 26, 2009

Posted on June 26, 2009

Reunion question from Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA

Gary,

As always, I appreciate the effort you put in to coordinating all this correspondence. Don’t know how you keep it all straight.

Just a question about which Best Western Hotel in Seattle we are meeting at for the dinner and gathering on July 24th. There are about four of them not far from Seattle Center and about another four in the Seattle area. You may have already mentioned that in an earlier mailing, but can’t find it in my Dunseith folder at the moment.

Thanks for everything,

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

Bob, We are having our reunion at the Best Western Executive Inn located on Taylor Ave. I have posted a picture with the space needle in the back ground. As you can see, the Best Western Executive Inn is very close to the Space Needle. I have also listed our (Bill & mine) point of contact at the Best Western. Feel free to call Jan for any direct questions you may have. She is a super friendly lady with ND roots. Gary

Jan Peterson-Gross

Director of Catering

Best Western Executive Inn

200 Taylor Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 674-6614

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

First, I can’t take the credit for announcing the Bottineau
Quasi-centennial parade–it was very well done by Les Halvorson and
Dwane Getzlaff. Diane saw me setting up the sound system for the south
stage for the ‘music on main’ so it’s easily understood why she thought
it was me. I doubt that I could do it even half as well as Les and Dwane!

Allen—the show and shine car show is Sunday, August 2 at the Peace
Garden. This is our 30th annual show and is being held in conjunction
with an art show in the lodge. I understand Colette Hosmer will be one
of the exhibitors. Our group, ‘Highway 43’ has also been asked to play
music in the other room of the lodge during the shows. There is no
entrance fee for the car show and no judging as it was in the old days,
just come and park and leave when you want. Lots less work for those of
us setting it up! Hope you can make it. Yes, I’m afraid ‘Swearin’ Jack
Smith left us a couple years ago. The show hasn’t been the same without
Jack and Bud Anderson from Rolla. They were the core we built around!
Thanks Gary!

Dick, Les Halvorson does a mighty fine job of announcing. In conjunction with teaching in the Newberg area and being an auctioneer with his auctioneering business, he has been a radio announcer for years with the Bottineau radio station too. Les is married to Myra Henning from the class of 72. Her parents were previous owners of the Gamble store in Dunseith. Les was also a teacher at Dunseith high school in the 70’s. Les and Myra have lived directly across the street from my brother Darrel (Bud) and Debby on Vera street in Bottineau for years. Their daughter, her name has slipped my mind at the moment, replaced Pat (Mrs. John) Frykman when she retired several years ago as the head librarian at the city/county library in Bottineau. Les & Myra, we’d love to have a picture of you guys too.

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Folks, I was rushed yesterday and failed to see the attached picture that Dick included with this message, so I am reposting with picture. If you folks send me a message with an attachment and I fail to post, please let me know. I will never ever not post an attachment without letting the sender know. To be honest, that has seldom happened, but I’d never do that just the same. The same is true for messages that you send that you don’t see posted. I will, without fail, get back to the sender if I decide not to post. If you don’t see a message posted and I have not gotten back to you, that means that I have not gotten the message or I have missed it. These are my self imposed rules that I will never deviate from. Gary

Gary and Friends,

The last week of August, 1968 five of us guys decided to take a trip
to the Black Hills in South Dakota. We borrowed my dad’s pickup, a
topper from Manvil Sebelius, a tent from Harvey Halvorson ( I think ?)
and took off ! The crew included Rich Campbell, Greg Grimme, John Bogus,
Tim Hill, and me. We drove through to the Black Hills and got to a
campground in the middle of the night, much to the dismay of those who
were already there trying to sleep. It was raining so it took some
gasoline to start our campfire! A Canadian came over and asked if we
were alright? We couldn’t get the stakes in the ground on one side of
the tent but found out why the next morning—that side was sitting on
the road! We did have a great time together and went to most of the
sites of interest around the Black Hills. We hit the dog races in Rapid
City and some low life dive in Ft. Pierre where we were lucky to have
survived. It was our last bash together before we all went our separate
ways to college and beyond. I wouldn’t trade the memories of that trip
together for anything! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Those in the pictures: John Bogus with the multi colored shirt, Rich
Campbell with the block of wood, Greg Grimme with the hat on, and Tim
Hill with the ‘ I think we made it ‘ look!

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): moniesue@yahoo.com Forsyth, MO

Hello all, Neither of the two pictures we have seen on the blog did justice to Mr. Jerstad. He was old school, Navy, boxer, very clean cut and had a hard time with the aroma some of the farm boys brought to school in the morning, but I think he tried to reserve good hygiene to himself. A cool guy with a neat wife.

Mr. Conroy was the guy who said, “get to work or do you want to be a $10 a day ditch digger all of your life!” He also commanded a lot of respect.

The blog has enhanced memories of days gone by. I feel so privileged to have known old settlers, the world’s greatest generation and also generations thereafter. Too bad that we have almost lost the romance of the 30’s and 40’s. Dunseith had the diversity that not many communities had in the area. For instance, I can only remember one Native American who sat in front of the Red Owl on Saturdays, her name was Long Shanks. Minerva Standing Chief and Daisy One Side may have been there as well. The foot hills were burned every spring and the Sundance always had an aura about it.

Johnny Hill was the right age to be entertained by the Saturday night battles, so he had a better handle on what really happened, after all when you are only 8 years old it is hard to really see what is going on. But, some of the best entertainment Dunseith had to offer was toward the end of the 40’s. What with four bars in full swing. \

It was good to see that Betsy Thiefoe got away and made a good life for herself in California. And Janice Striker, by the way her Uncle Elmer Striker was in the west when we got there in ’39. Also his older brother Bill. My dad talked about William Striker having a real estate office in Seattle and was a poet of sorts. That’s when Seattle had only three digit phone numbers. It is going to be great to revisit some of the houses we lived in, especially the big house on Spruce and Yessler Way, where many ND people stopped and some rented rooms. I remember my dad leaving for Juneau to run a plastering job and came back with lots of stories. We will be going to Juneau next month on the cruise. Thanks. Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Sybil Johnson:great_grandma2007@live.com Cheyenne, WY

How I remember those hamburgers at Dale’s. They were large enough to feed a family and they were so good. Alot of the people
mentioned in various emails, I dont know personally, but I do remember when “PA” or Bernice talk about them. Happy July 4th, everyone. Sybil Johnson(great_grandma2007@live.com)

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): mschimetz@msn.com Rolette, ND

From 1958, I remember the old School House, there was a gym in the basement as well as a boiler room that doubled as a locker room, and said boiler room attached to the south and the east addition from the Old School house basement. I expect my interest in mechanical devises along with friends John and Danny Boguslawski got me the tour of this area. The Gym was also used as a music room , the teacher was Don Darling ? From the Old School house there was a hallway to the newer south wing, and in that area was the men’s bathroom and the trophies and photos of previous years, Which was always a stall in my getting back to the classroom. At that early age these guys were like superheroes to me. Then down the short railed steps heading south right past the principles office, Quickly as the door was always open and back to classroom. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think the kitchen was in the west side of the old school house, but I don’t exactly remember how we got there.

I had the 3rd and 4th grades in the Old School House, First and Second were in the East addition newly added.

Mark, you have jarred my memory. What you described is right on with what I remember about that old school and the south addition. Up until now my memory was a bit fuzzy, but you have revived all that. I was having a hard time recalling the physical layout of the old school until you mentioned that hall way between the old school and the new addition. I had totally forgotten about that cold hall way. That was the missing link. That hallway was mighty cold on -40F days. Yes the principles office was at the bottom of the steps, in the south addition, on the left (East) side of the hallway. The class rooms were located, down the hallway, to the left just past the Principles office. The new gym, used for a study hall, was to the right. I spent my first year of HS in these buildings before the new High School was built. I’m not sure what year the south addition was built. It was there when I started HS in 1961. As a freshman, I remember always being seated in the area to the left (north) side of the gym for our study halls. I think they had us grouped by classes starting with the freshman to the left and the seniors to the extreme right next to the south windows. I remember Connie Fauske, a senior at the time, being in one of my study halls, sitting next to the windows. I remember well, Phyllis McKay sitting across the aisle and several desks up from me in that study hall. I remember her turning around to chat with me, when Mr. Grossman wasn’t looking. For me, being a country boy fresh out of country school and new to the city school, being noticed and talked to by Phyllis was a highlight.

DHS Sophomore Class of 1945 (Class of 47)

First row; Eleanor Awalt, Lola Striker, Patty Mc Atee, Laverne Schick, Shirley Wentland, Doris Schneider, Darraine Habberstad, Jennine Watkins

Second row: Donna Aitchison, Alice Goodsell, Janice Striker, Delores Hiatt, Luella Halvorson, Mildred Brennan, Jean Metcalfe, Velma Brennan, Lorraine Christianson, Gloria Plante, Minnie Knox

Third row: Leo Murray, Leonard Stickland, Raymond Haagenson, Harvey Halvorson, Darrell Fassett, Dee Nelson, Wayne Molgard, Allison Fiske, Darald Dion, Llyle McDermott, Miss V. Marie Nesting, Advisor

Previously posted with message (89) 5-1-08

Message/picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends

The attached picture was taken in 1959, at what I believe was Grandma
Anderson’s birthday party. She was the mother of Gertrude Awalt and
Charlie and Walter Anderson, and spent the last part of her life living
in a small house in Awalt’s backyard. I used to walk over to her house
and she would give me cookies and milk. If I remember right, she had a
wood cookstove that she baked in and cooked on. This picture shows a
group of neighbor ladies with her in front and center. It has been a
very long time but I am quite sure this is Grandma Anderson, if not
please correct me, or if I have anyone else wrong please feel free to
send the right name. I am doing this from memory as there are no names
on the picture. Thanks again Gary!

The ladies L_R:
Standing—Irene Teal, Dorothy Egbert, Rose Kalk, Thelma Johnson, Joyce
Evans, Marie Allard, Marie Thompson, Lela Cota {nearly hidden},Joy
Nordquist, Arla Millang, Bernice Johnson, Agnes Berg, and Aggie Nicholas.
Seated— Beatrice Olson, Grandma Anderson, and Myrtle Olson.

Veterans Wellness Conference
Posted by Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

My son Todd is Rolette County VSO (Veterans Service Officer) and has put together I believe the first Veterans Rolette County Wellness Conference.

This is open to all veterans,  and active duty military.

This poster will explain all information needed for this conference.

He hopes to see and assist a lot of Veterans.

Ginger Poitra class of ’65

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Blog (502) posted on June 25, 2009

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06/25/2009

Posted on June 25, 2009

Fauske Picture
Posted by Randy Kelly (’69):  St. Paul, MN

Hi Gary,

Thought I would send this picture that Glenda Fauske, Russell’s wife, took at the nursing home in Bottineau when I visited ND this past weekend.

Pictured is Glenda and Russell’s oldest son Tyrell and his wife Amanda with their little three week old son, Corbin, along with Brian, Beth and Arlinda Fauske, I am between the two of them and seated is Elwood and Eleanor.  Tyrell brought his fiddle and entertained a number of residents who enjoyed it very much.  I brought my guitar and played a few songs also. Ellwood was having a good day and Eleanor is so sharp and alert.  I was so impressed that Eleanor could recall names, places and events so well.  She provided all of us with a lot of information and insight. I had a wonderful few days with the Fauske clan who are so warm and generous.  It was great to see all of them and to roam around “the Hills”, drive around Dunseith and visit the cemetery where so many of my relatives are buried.  ND, because of all the rain they have had, is green, verdant and lush.  Very pretty

Randy Kelly

Gary’s comments

Thanks Randy for sharing this picture. Stubby and Elwood are really looking good too. I am sure they were glad to see you too. They are of the next generation up from us. I am pushing 70 so their generation is thinning. They Have been good family friends since before I was born. They are like family to me. Dad and Stubby were raised together too in the same Ackworth neighborhood. The family ties go back pushing a hundred years now. That is unbelievable. Dad would have been 101 yesterday. Stubby and Elwood will be celebrating their 74^th wedding anniversary very soon too. They sure don’t look that old in this picture.

Folks, Randy Kelly’s mother was Elwood’s sister. Also Lydia LaCroix sister too. That is where Randy fits in the picture. Randy is a past mayor of Saint Paul, MN. He was also on Presidents George W Bushes personal staff. As you can imagine, he was a hard guy to get in touch with in those days when I was putting all the lists together, but he did reply.

Thanks again Randy.  

Fauske picture
yrell/Amanda/Corbin, Brian, Beth, Randy Kelly, Arlinda (Lindy). In front Elwood and Eleanore

Kathy McGhan: Bob & Elaine Stokes’ former next door neighbor.
Posted by Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND & Mesa, AZ

Gary:  We were on a bus tour this week and had a stop at the International Peace Garden.  Kathy McGhan

was our Tour Guide there and she told us she lived in Bottineau so I asked her if she knew you and about your

BLOG.  She said she knew about the BLOG but has not had enough time to use it.  She also said she

lived next-door to your Dad which I thought was another small world event that happens in North Dakota

a lot because of our small state.  I have not been on the BLOG much this Summer because we have been

so busy but I do read it almost every day.  Sorry to say I have not seen many postings from my age group so

I hope there will be more postings this Winter & Fall.  Keep up the good work of keeping up posted.

Thanks, LARRY

Gary’s Comment

Larry, it is a small world. Kathy lived next door to my folks for many years. She was a good neighbor. My dad loved to chat and visit with her. He shared all his stories and news with Kathy. She knew every detail of his life. Rob and Kathy are wonderful nice folks. It has been years since I have seen Kathy. I think the last time I saw her was at my dad’s funeral in August 2000.

Kathy McGhan

Reply to 6/23/2009 blog reposed last Wednesday
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I remember as a young girl watching those fireworks I try to explain them to my children,  I always have such a time trying to explain how they could have made them look so, so beautiful. The way that they would go off with such timing , non stop until the end! The waterfall was stupendous ! And the flag, there are no words.

Thank you for being involved with the fireworks and putting on this most spectacular show!  We all loved it.

Ginger Poitra class of ’65

Thanks Gary/ I love the picture of you and Bill Grimme at graduation also.

Gary’s comment
Yes Ginger, that picture of Bill Grimme and me at Graduation is priceless. You notice who is wearing the scarf too.

Myra Henning Halvorson (’72) Picture
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (501) posted on June 24, 2009

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06/24/2009

Posted on June 24, 2009