Birthday card shower for Kenrose Medlang who will be 90 on Thanksgiving day.

Folks, If you haven’t already done so, please send Kenrose a birthday card. She will be 90 on Thursday. We need to make her day. Even if your card gets there a day or so late, that will be fine. I sent her a letter with several pictures last week that I know will not arrive until after her birthday. Gary

Kenrose Medlang

RR #1 Box 128

Dunseith, ND 58329-9451

(701) 263-4232

Rispa’s, Lund’s, Crawford

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ

Gary, I had to jump in here when you mentioned those who lived by Long
Lake and we knew well such as Johnny Crawford and Leonard Lund. Ole
and Grace Rispa were our nearest neighbors and I was often sent with a
message to Rispa’s and had quite a time talking to Mrs. Rispa. One
time Albert (who did a lot of mechanic work for us)got a Model T and
stopped at our house. He asked if we wanted to ride and of course , we
did. We thought we were practically flying but with no top it just felt
like it, ha!!!! We were probably going about 20 mph. Rispa’s had , I
think 3 or 4 beautiful Percheron dapple gray horses they used for
farming and they were a sight to see and so powerful pulling the
machinery!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

I actually recieved this message about a week ago from Keith:

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
Alice and I and some neighbor friends just got back from a week in Myrtle Beach, SC. We had a great time and attended some really entertaining shows. Myrtle Beach is a fun vacation destination. Unfortunately, like many other vacation locations in the US, Myrtle Beach has become very commercialized. So for us older generation, its best to go there in the off season. We’ve actually been there three previous times to include once in the summer, and learned from that trip that the off season was best (less people, less traffic, more space on the beach, etc.). In any case, we had a wonderful time and beautiful weather for the first four days with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-seventies. Then the remnants of hurricane Ida moved in and we got a lot of wind and rain and high surf — though Ida got a lot meaner as she moved further north into NC and the Virginia Beach,VA area. I would think Aggie Casavant also got hit with some of the remnants of Ida over where she lives near Charlotte, NC (though she lives in SC).

Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

This is a picture of the DHS basketball team in March of ’67. It’s
from the Dist. 14 tournament in Belcourt. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Bernadette’s Brother Jose.

Folks, I mentioned about 10 days ago or so that Bernadette’s brother had another stroke. He and his wife and also their oldest boy and his family live on the big Island of Mindanao. On Saturday August 7th a team of nurses along with Jose’s wife brought him over to our place. It was a 12 hour ferry boat ride. Jose and his wife are currently in one of our apartments that we gave to their son who is living in Mindanao. They are living in our compound, but not with us directly in our house. This last stroke pretty much did Jose in. He is pretty much in a vegetative state with a tube running through his nose and down his throat for feeding. We have hired two RN’s and two helpers to watch and care for him around the clock. We know the end is very near. I have let it be known that if I am ever in that state that I want all life supports removed. The doctors have said he will never recover and will always be in a vegetative state. The Filipino’s have strong belief’s that big miracles can happen. Bernadette is well aware of reality, but Jose’s family I think is having false hopes. Gary

Christmas 2008
Bernadette’s Brother Jose. He had his first stroke 4 years ago.

Ackworth Alumni reunion in the 80’s or 90’s

Lori Hiatt in the foreground. Not sure who the little girl is.

In the Back: Norman Hiatt talking to Willis Bowers and Russell Fauske.

Gary Stokes with the red cap

July 29, 2001
Elaine Stokes (Mom) on her 80th Birthday

Erling Landsverk’s book “My Dakota Years”

Folks, Dick and Brenda Johnson sent me a copy of Erling’s book. Last night my plans were to read a chapter or two, but before I knew it, I had read the whole book. Erling, being 21 years younger than you, I can still relate to a lot of what you talk about in your book. Your stories brought back a lot of my childhood memories too, but they were not quite to the severity of your times. I remember the no electricity days, the wood stoves, the one room schools, the dirt roods, etc. I remember a lot of the folks you talk about in your book too. To name a few, the Halvorson’s, the Hagen’s, the Johnson’s, the Lund’s, the Rispa’s, the Crawford’s and more. I got a letter a while back from Charles Hagen. He is living in VA. His wife passed away a few years ago. He recently remarried. Ole Rispa was 100 years old in 1982. He was in the 1982 Dunseith Centennial parade. I remember his wife speaking only Norwegian. Orvin Hagen, their Neighbor, could speak Norwegian, so he could talk to her. Albert, their son, lived with them too. How well I remember Johnny Crawford making his rounds around the hills selling garden seeds and other miscellaneous items. In my day Johnny Crawford lived next door to Leonard Lund on the west side of Long Lake. Johnny Crawford’s sister Eva was married to George Hiatt. They had 12 children. Many of their grandchildren are on our distribution list. Albert (deceased) was the oldest and lived a very short distance north of Herman/Charles Hagen’s in my day. One of their daughters, Leola Lagerquist, currently lives about a half mile north of the home place. Nick Lund lived to be 104 years old. His wife was a sister to my dads adopted mother.

I’ll never forget the year that the ND game and fish department killed off a lot of the fish in Long Lake. I don’t remember the reason for them doing that, but the dead fish all floated to the top of the water. We and a whole bunch of other folks used to go over to Leonard Lund’s recreational area on the west side of Long Lake on Sunday after afternoons. The women would visit, the men would play horse shoe and we kids would go swimming and also do a little fishing off of the dock. Johnny Crawford, who lived next door to Leonard, was a very conservative type of a guy and could never let anything go to waste. He always had a large garden space between his house and Leonard’s. This particular year he gathered up all the dead fish he could gather from the lake and lined them up sideways, not end to end, on his garden rows for fertilizer. Needless to say things smelled kind of ripe for awhile in that neighborhood. Gary

Zorn Family:

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

I remember Bill Zorn as this very large, blond gentle man. He was head of the Sunday School at the Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Myron was in our class of 65 although he did not graduate with us. When we were in the 6th or 7th grade, Pam (Fassett) and I would ride our bikes to their farm south of town. Pam had a crush on Dennis at the time and I was quite infatuated with Myron. I still have a ring that he gave to me. I don’t know if any of them remember this, but it sticks out in my mind. I am truly sorry for the loss of Myron’s son, but know that strong faith in God helps get us through. Prayers and best wishes to all the family in this hard time. Susan

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/09:

Message from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND.

Marian Berube’s obituary Provided by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Folks, With a little research I discovered that Marian’s father, Wilfred Cote from Bottineau was a brother to Alfred Cote from Dunseith. With that relationship, Marian was related to lots and lots of the Dunseith folks. Marian’s husband, Andre, was a brother to Mrs. Art (Eve) Seim, who is Margaret Seim Lawston’s (54) Mother. Gary

I recieved these next four postings after putting some of today’s blog together before going to bed last night. Gary

Reply from Margaret Seim Lawston (54): Citrus Heights, CA

Hi Gary, In reply to your inquiry, Marian Berube was my aunt married
to Andre Berube, brother to Fortune, Edward, Lawrence, Phillip and
Louis. She was a Cote girl from Willow City. Thanks for all the
blogs. I enjoy! Margaret Seim Lawston

Reply from Rachael Berube Franchuk (62): Bend, OR

Hi Gary, In response to Marian’s death. She was married to Andre Berube, brother to my Father Lawrence Berube, to Fortune and to Eva Sime, sister. There were in total 14 children in the Berube family of Arthur and Victorine who lived in Rolla during my childhood. Marion was also a neice of my Grandfather, Alfred Cote, Dunseith, and a first cousin to my Mother Fern Cote Berube.

Aunt Marian was a delightful lady! I remember her smile and laughter and that yummy glorified rice!

Rachael Berube Franchuk

Reply from Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN

Hi Gary and All,

Your assumptions were correct in that Eva Seim was a sister to Lawrence
and Fortune Berube. Their brother, Andre, married Marian Cote. She is
my mother’s (Fern Cote Berube Lagasse) first cousin. Her parents were
Flora and Wilfred Cote (my grandpa Alfred Cote’s brother). Marian and
my mother married brothers – Lawrence (my father) and Andre Berube.
They had five children: Stephen, Diane, Art, Rich, and Duane. Andre
died in 1994. I had posted a picture some time ago of Andre along with
my Uncle Urbain Cote (mom’s brother). This family history can
certainly become confusing after a while. With all you have going on
Gary, I’m amazed at how you keep everything straight! Sadly, I have no
uncles left and very few aunts. I guess that’s what happens when we
ourselves become seniors. The funeral services for Aunt Marian are on
Tuesday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church in Wolf Point, Montana. I don’t have a complete obituary yet.

Happy Thanksgiving wishes to everyone. For all those who are suffering
from illness and loss of loved ones, may you find comfort and healing in
the days ahead.

Thanks Gary for all you are doing for all of us and best wishes to you
and your family. Perhaps you can tell us how you will be celebrating
Thanksgiving on your side of the world.

Angela Berube Malget

Angela, with your reminder, I remembered that picture. I have posted it below. Gary

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Marian Lorraine Cote Berube

Visitation: will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday November 23, 2009 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT.

A Mass of Christian Burial: will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24 at Immaculate Catholic Church in Wolf Point
Interment: to follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.

Marian Lorraine Cote Berube, age 85, of Sidney, MT formerly of Wolf Point, MT passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Angel Avenue, Sidney Extended Care. Marian was born on August 8, 1924 in Bottineau, N.D. to Wilfred and Flora Cote. She was the 3^rd oldest of four boys and six girls. Marian married Andre Berube on April 29, 1946 and to this union four sons and one daughter were born. He passed away in 1994.

Marian enjoyed fishing, boating and camping, sewing, quilting and baking. She enjoyed the activities of her grandchildren; going to their basketball and baseball games. She was a member of the St. Catherine’s group of the Altar Society. Marian will be remembered by her family for always being there for them.

Marian is survived by all five granddaughter Christina (Rod) Gehring of her children, son Stephen (Rita) Berube of Glendive,MT and family: grandson Craig (Gretchen) Berube, Kyle and Ryan Berube all of Laurel, MT and Derek and Scott Berube of Billings, MT; daughter Diane (James) Maki of Maple Grove, MN; son Arthur (Shirley) Berube of Cedar Park, TX and family: granddaughter Grace (Wayne) Donovan and Isabella Donovan all of TX, granddaughter Andrea (Jeff) Crause and Madyson and Braden Crause all in the western US; and grandson Curtis Berube of Cedar Park, TX; sonRichard (Debbie) Berube and family: granddaughter Christina (Rod) Gehring and Shaelee, Tryegon, Kilyn Gehring all of KS and grandson Darren Gehring of TX; and son Duane (Nikki) Berube and granddaughter Lexi Berube of Sidney, MT; sisters and brothers: Florence McCann of Moorhead, MN, Rose Ann (Maurice) Knoepfle of Portland, OR, Yvonne (Gordon) Boucher of Rolette, ND, Gerald (Bernice) Cote of Seattle, WA and Emede (Olive) of Williston, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andre; two brothers, Ralph and Clarence Cote and one sister, Luella Vorhees.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday November 23, 2009 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24 at Immaculate Catholic Church in Wolf Point with Fr. Anselm Odwith interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Marian to a charity of ones choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at csmc@nemont.net or www.stevensonandsons.com . Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Picture previoulsy posted with message 87 on 4/29/08:

By Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN

Back row: Ydola Pigeon, Dorothy Strietzel Fassett , Betty Watshke, Urbain Cote.
Middle row: Howard Landsverk, Bernice Olson Johnson,
Bob Molgard, Shirley Sunderland
Front row: Patty McAtee, Andre Berube

Bev Morinville Azure Update:

From Vernena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

Gary,
I just received word on Bev’s condition. Clarence called the school this
morning and said Bev has been diagnosed with SCC-squamous cell carcinoma.
This is a terminal cancer. He said the doctor’s plan is to do 18
radiation treatments (4 have been done) to try to shrink the tumor to
release the pain. They will do chemo after the completion of radiation
treatments.

Clarence will be calling us once a day with updates.

Verena

Bev Morinville Azure:

From Dianne Rober’t Johnson (76): Rolla, ND.

Dear Bev,

I am so sorry to hear the bad news. God, you & our family have endured alot in the past few years. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family. Stay strong, and know that lots of people love you. Sending you a big hug & kiss.

Dianne (Rober’t) Johnson (76)

A small thank you:

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69) : Dunseith, ND

For the past two days I have been reeling in shock about what is going on with Bev Azure. Today, while reading your blog, Vickie gave me a good reason to feel better again by asking for the birthday card shower for KenRose. What an upper that is for me. Thank you Vickie and Gary for making my day so much better.

Bev, you hang in there and remember if the burden is too much, just give it to Him and He will carry you through. God bless you and all your family. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.

ele

Harlan Salmonson not well: Dunseith/Bottineau

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Regarding my sister-in-law Debbie Metcalfe’s dad, HARLAN SALMONSON, currently a patient in very serious condition at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND.

Recently,Harlan had surgery on his shoulders to remove an infection.

Harlan is a diabetic. Two years ago had a pacemaker put in, and also has other major health issues.

I stopped at the bank this morning and spoke with Debbie.

Yesterday the drs. diagnosed the staph infection as MERSA .

Harlan was put into an isolation room and is getting better care since the move.

Debbie and her sister Carrie are awaiting more information from the medical staff on the route to take.

Reply from David Schimetz (79):Bismarck, ND.

Gary

I was in the class of 79 but I took a “social promotion” into the military in Feb. 79 so I did not graduate from Dunseith. I was classmates with Rob Olsen, Rick Kuhn, Bob Moe, Monica Counts, Larkie Neameyer. Daily distribution to this email address may unfortunately not be appropriate so I must decline. My other private emailkdschimetz@.com I rarely look at it, as I’m pretty busy 24/7. I’m kind of like my Mom I can’t sit still work, work, work. In my limited free time I restore old vehicles for which my latest is attached above…1950 3100 Chev. I better get to work it is MAD house Monday. Have a great day.

2nd reply from David Schimetz

Gary,

I do not work at the Capitol. I am the Facility manager for the North Dakota Association of Counties. As far as what I do Electrical, Plumbing , Carpentry, all HVAC systems including Trane Tracer Summit control systems, Winpak security door systems, Security Camera systems along with Art Bakke from the state security whom is a Is Enterprise Security Analyst for Information Technology for the state of North Dakota, Video conferencing/Audio conferencing control systems sometimes phone systems, cad 5 cabling, Siamese cabling. I manage a fleet of vehicles, generator back up system, UPS back up units, vendors, contractors, establish contracts I struggle through engineer blueprints ect. ect. The list goes on and on as my limited brain starts to cook just thinking about it

J

I keep very busy and I do the best I can at saving money as everybody else here does trying to save money for all the counties in N Dak. I guess I like the old vehicles because I feel comfortable working on them and plus they were unique. When I was a kid Terry Wenstad had a blue 50 chev. Pickup, I think Chip Tooke had one too, my brother Bryan had a 49 Ford trk, I think Ted Nerpel had a 55 chev trk? Tom Krause had a 1955 international pickup painted house paint Black with a 327 v8 w automatic transmission that Ted Nerpel installed and Ted even made home made headers for it. These old trucks just bring back good memories of some young crazy talented people.There are a lot of people from the Turtle Mountains that are very skilled at about everything they touch and they can build or fix about anything it was pretty fun growing up with these guys as you never new what they were going to build/blow up, fabricate, design and did I mention wreck. So this is one of the reasons why I built the 1950 3100 ½ Chevrolet pickup it is a salute to the boys whom I learned so much from. The other reason was to teach my son body and metal, mechanical restoration as he is a teenager. He has been helping me on Hotrods and Harleys since he was old enough to hold a wrench. Thank god he is more like his mother he is a great kid whom is very caring and helpful. I better go I have to go to a OSHA seminar this afternoon..o joy!

North Dakota Association of Counties

Facility Manager-David Schimetz

1661 E Capitol

Bismarck, N.Dakota 58501

Toni, Thanks for the note, that cancer is insidious. I was an orderly at Trinity 1967-69 but can only pray for Bev, now. It is very nice that the family can be there. Lee Stickland

Alan & Phyllis Campbell:

Bev Morinville Azure:

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

Bev Morinville Azure – not well

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

Gary,

Just wanted you to know what is going on with my sister Bev. After weeks of thinking that she had a ruptured disc in her back, other things started to happen. Lumps formed on her jaw, neck, and side. Last Tuesday they admitted her to Trinity Hospital in Minot. At this point, the prognosis is grave and seems inevitable. The are doing all they can to keep the pain at a minimum. I have been here at the hospital with her family and am grateful that I have had some time with her.

Bev is a warm, compassionate person who has always been willing to help others, evidenced by her many friends. It is devastating to see her so afflicted. Her children are wonderful, and obviously, taking this very hard.

It is so important to embrace each moment of the present with thanksgiving.

Toni

Toni, I am so sad to hear of Bev’s condition. Yes, reviewing her Caringbridge site, it is quite evident that she has a lot of friends and is well liked. We hope and pray that Bev will snap out of this. Bev is one of a kind, loved by all. Gary

Bev Morinville Azure’s CaringBridge websitehttp://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

Jim Kofoid:

Reply from Joan Richard: Dunseith, ND.

Congratulations to Jim Kofoid and his prestigious award. I’m sure
everyone applauds all of your involvement. Keep up the good work!
Joan Richard, Dunseith Teacher

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot ND.

Hi Gary,

Thank you for including Bev Morinville Azure’s Caring Bridge website.

Thank you for your kind words, Gary. Now that the “caramel pressure” is off, I hope to get back to a somewhat “normal” life, including scanning the Dunseith news on a regular basis and, after Christmas, getting back to the “courthouse” pictures. I do a little “pirating” this time of the year.

Neola

From Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Gary,
I think with the numbers adding up (for the reunion) that we should go ahead and book the
Bingo Barn. I will call George and set it up.

Also wanted to fill you all in on Pete.

Went for his check up last week in Fargo. The PSA has gone down some so
are going to continue on the Casadex until it no longer works for him.
After that, he will have to start chemo. The cat scan showed lesions or
tumors next to his kidney and the doctor feels that is where the cancer is
trying to come back. So will keep you posted. Prayer is powerful!

Verena

Folks, as many of you know, Pete has been battling with prostrate cancer for a number of years now. He’s been able to beat it thus far and we feel confident he will beat this last bout too. Pete, you are in our prayers.

Verena, I will publish an updated list of those planning on attending the “Dunseith Alumni Reunion” with tomorrows blog. Neola just sent me a scanned copy of the announcement that was published in the Bottineau paper. For some reason the Date got dropped when it was published. The date is May 22nd. I think the Bingo barn will be a great facility to have this reunion. Gary

Reply to Larry Hackman (66):

From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

Gary,

I’m really happy that the stick pin incident was useful later on in Larry’s life and wish that I could take credit for it, but I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything. That’s my story and I’m “sticking” to it.

Kenny

Former Dunseith resident, Gerald Martin, Williston, Passed away:

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND.

A family friend named Gerald Martin passed away about two weeks ago. The Henry Martin lived along old Hiway 5 near Butte St. Paul. Gerald’s mother, Josephine Martin, baby sat me the summer of 1950 when mom attended summer school at Minot. She was working on her standard degree. During the 1948-49 Mom had taught at the Butte School where the Martins attended. (John Allard, Omar Richard and Peter & Joe Boguslawski children attended there at that time also) Of course, only the older children were in school at that time-Betty Allard Heinz, Marie , Donald, and Martin Boguslawski, Janet & Helen Boguslawski, then Gerald and Janie Martin, Teresa Allard, Doward and Maxine Richard ). Mom and dad enjoyed the people of that rural school community. When she needed a babysiter she picked Josephine. She was such a wonderful kind lady. Then later in 1952 when my brother Clark was born I stayed there a few days. When we went to get mom and Clark home from the hospital, dad picked up Charlotte Bogus and Josephine and me and drove to Bottineau. I remember the first time I saw Clark. Josephine said , “Look at your little baby brother!” I can remember it so well. When they flipped the blanket back, I was so excited. Then later during the summer of 1955 when I was f ive and Clark was two, Gerald was hired to babysit us and help dad while mom taught the Wetherault School.

Gerald wife, Loni, is a cousin to children of Arland and Ron Monson, Mildred Sather, Stella Kamrud and others from the Bottineau area. LeaRae

Gary,

You can also note that Gerald Martin’s sister Janie married John Andreoff. I believe John’s sister married a Falde and was the mother of Dean Falde who was one of the 37 first graders taught by my mother, Mildred Parrill, during the 1955-56 school year. I don’t believe we know where Dean is now. They moved from Dunseith shortly after first grade.

I wonder if anyone else on the blog remembers the Martins, Andreoffs, or Faldes. Falde’s lived on the Fagan place which is also on Old Highway 5. The house was on the South side of the rode and right close to Dale’s gravel pit. If anyone would share some memories I would like to forward them on to his wife and daughters. Thanks, LeaRae

Gary,

I connected up with Neola today gave the longer version of Gerald’s obituary to her at the craft sale at the Botno Armory today. She will scan it in for me along with the picture. We had a very nice visit and I introduced her to my mother. I also asked Neola to scan in the picture of her mother. I thought people would enjoy seeing that.

Neola’s brother Jim Kofoid is getting the Friend of Education award from the Bottineau Education Association this coming Tuesday. There was an ad in the Courant stating it was Wednesday, but for some reason it has been moved back a day. It is open to the public. Like Neola, her brother Jim does so many good deeds for so many. This reception is open to the public at Middle School Library at 4PM. LeaRae

The following scans are from Neola.

LeaRae, I just happen to have a picture of Neola with her mother that I have posted below. Gary

Neola with her mother, Emma Brudwick Kofoid. I know many of you know the Brudwick Families from the Hills. They are all from the same family. Emma is currently a resident at Good Sam in Bottineau. Her health is pretty good. Neola visits her often and often times includes her visiting folks and attending community activities in the area.

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): joannanderling@charter.net Portage, WI

Hi Gary and All the Great Dunseith Alumni folks

I heard Bonnie Awalt Houle Christmas message this morning and I simply had to thank her for her eloquent way of describing everyone’s attachment to the members of the Alumni, and to all the wonderful people within the area as well. Thank you Bonnie. If I may, I would like to add a Merry Christmas greeting of my own. I feel very fortunate to have lived with and known so many great people such as the Awalt family. Naturally Gary, you and your wife Bernadette are also included in this wish even though you don’t have to shovel snow this Christmas. Have a super New year everyone Erling Landsverk

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): colettehosmer@gmail.com Santa Fe, NM

Thanks, Dick, for the information about the green and red boat trailer. We spent many summer vacations at North Thomas while using that trailer as a table/buffet. Mom served “thousands” of fried perch from it. She also converted wooden orange and apple crates from the store to use as camp cupboards. All five of us used to sleep in a heavy canvas tent — Mom and Dad on one side of the pole and we three girls on the other — in big cotton & canvas sleeping bags … remember those? Another wooden orange crate used to separate us and also held a coleman lantern. We bought big blocks of lake ice kept in sawdust from a Ukranian man on the way to the lake for our cooler — 25 cents.

The days of camping pre- Gortex. I think the red Jeep was a ’54 — am I right, Dick?

I read this blog in China — I fly home tomorrow after six weeks here.

Colette, It’s great hearing from you. Having not heard from you in a while, I kind of figured you were out of country. I’m assuming you have another art project that you are working with over in China? Gary

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

Reply to Mongeon Family

I certainly wanted to recognize Adrian Mongeon before his passing. I knew that he was a real war hero, but like most of that generation, they did not want to talk about it anyway. His dad, Pete, was a pretty amazing guy. I think Margaret Seim could vouch for that.

To Gary Stokes

What ever happened to Paul Peterson from your neck of the woods? He used to herd cattle for Johnny Myer.

I think the Fassett girls are still sitting on some good family history. Just once I saw how your dad could enjoy a good party. It was a wedding. With that deep voice and those plumb pitiful songs. By the way, “All Around The Water Tank” is one of my favorites. How about a copy of one of his tapes?

Thanks for keeping the BLOG going everybody. Gary Metcalfe

Gary M, First off I second your comment thanking everyone for keeping this Blog going. It’s everyone’s input that has kept this going nearly two years now. There has been a lot of Dunseith history reveled in the past two years and we’ve got it all saved.

You asked me about Paul Pederson. I’m assuming Paul is Sam’s son. The Pederson’s lived 3/4 mile west of us. They moved from there when I was 4 or 5 years old. I do not remember any of the Pederson family. I heard lots of talk of them though. Dad farmed their land for several years and then Norman Hiatt purchased the land. I’m not sure if Jim, Marlys, Vickie & Lorie still have that quarter or not. Sam and his father are both buried in Ackworth. There is no history of the Pederson family that I can find anywhere. I’m hoping some of our Ackworth readers, a little senior to me, can fill us in on what they remember of the Sam Pederson family. How many children were in that family? I never heard much mentioned about Sam’s wife. I’m wondering if she pasted on early in life? She is not buried in Ackworth. Gary

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

I’ve been waiting for someone to send a video like Pete and Verena’s. I really enjoy watching them. Last year/year before, I received several of them, including one from Eileen.

I was surprised to learn when I clicked on the arrow, the video actually played–I was hoping it would, but wouldn’t have bet money on it. 

Neola

Smiea Haimour (67)

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Hi Gary,

I have the answer for Claudette regarding George Albert’s wife. Apparently they married. Her name was Fatima (Heymour) Albert. George died 23 August 1978 in British Columbia, Canada, and is buried at the Riverside Cemetary, Dunseith, Rolette County, North Dakota where his 1st wife, Agnes (Warren) Albert is buried. Agnes died, 9 October 1960. I found Fatima’s Social Security information.

Social Security Death Index

Name: Fatima Albert SSN: 502-86-0514 Last Residence: 953 (U.S. Consulate) Born: 20 Jan 1911 Died: 11 Jan 2007 State (Year) SSN issued: North Dakota (1974)

Apparently Fatima had a daughter, Smiea Heymour with her 1st husband, who I do not know his name. Fatima & Smiea Heymour were both born in Syria. This is all I know about them.

Eileen

Smiea Haimour (67)

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

Gary,

I think Claudette is asking about Smiea Haimour (67). The last I
heard she was married and living in Alberta, Canada. Don’t know anything
about her life after high school. She was George Albert’s stepdaughter,
daughter of his second wife. I think she came from Lebanon or Syria and
went to school with us for a couple years. She once told us she was 22
years old when we were about 16. George Albert’s first wife died in a
car wreck. She was related to Ellers. I thinks she was Ivy Eller’s
grandmother, if I remember correctly. Don’t quote me on this one though,
I might be all wrong.

Dick

Dick and Eileen, Thank you both for the information you provided about Smiea. LeaRae Parrill actually located Smiea when we were putting the class of 67 together. She provided her contact info to me at that time. I just called Smiea. She does not have email yet. She has her computer still in the box. She said she is going to unpack her computer and get on line. She still has the 67 class list that I sent her via snail mail. She remembers everyone well. Claudette, she remembers you very well and was asking for your phone number of which I don’t have. She then asked for your email address. She said she was going to send a message to you via her daughter. I have pasted her address and phone number below. She’d love to hear from any of you. Gary.

Pictures from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Here’s some pictures I thought some of your viewers might find interesting. Willliam Pritchard’s homestead was on the west side of Boundary Lake. I think Bernard and Betty Kavli wound up with that place and now I think Lars Sivertson or his son owns it. Notice the sod roof on the building. If the picture doesn’t copy real good and anybody wants one – let me know I’ll mail one out to anybody.

Ida Thompson (to become William Pritchard’s wife) home-

steaded on the east side of Boundary by the Canadian Border and after they married they apparently chose to keep her homestead as their home place.

Oh, and add Karen Larson to your Blog list. She sent these pictures for me. One of these days I’ll send a few pictures to see if anybody can identify the people for me. Thanks.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Mary K

Mary, Karen Larson, Wesley Schneider’s Step daughter, does wonderful work and provides a great services to the Bottineau community with her store. She is the owner of the Spectrum Store located on main street. She has scanned stuff for me several times with my visits back to the area. It’s always a pleasure visiting her and her friendly staff.

Karen, It is a pleasure adding you to our daily distribution. Vickie Metcalfe keeps us posted with Wesley and your mother. Gary

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a

thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier

that is currently serving in Iraq. You can’t pick out who gets it, but

it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to

know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it’s a wonderful way to say thank you.

Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others

to do. We can never say enough thank you’s.

Erling Landsverk’s book, “My Dakota Years”

Folks, I talked to Sharon Landsverk Beckman (63) today and she told me she has requested another order of Erling Landsverk’s book, “My Dakota Years”. Sharon is a Checker at Jerry’s Jack & Jill in Bottineau. She has had a lot of requests for Erling’s book. I’m not sure if copies are available at the log house or not? Gary

Message posted on the Dunseith Alumni WEB site:http://garystokes.net/default.aspx

From David Schimetz: Mandan, ND.

From: David Todd Schimetz
Phone: E-mail:
Message:
I’ve been reading mesages that were posted for hours now. I really enjoyed everyones messages. It really brought back alot of good memories. I do get back to Dunseith a few times a year but I’m usually caught up in family things as I’m sure happens to us all. I was home recently to visit mom and do some minor repairs when I decided to take a trip to Belcourt,Rolla,St. John with my wife and son Jake and daughter Tessa and My nephew Danny Schimetz (Reids youngest son) As I was in St. John I Tried to use my Direction literacy and go west on 43 “about?” 4 miles before turning south on god knows what road. After about 15 minutes I realized I was obviously directionally illerate!! I had no clue where the hell I was and I was getting close to dark “lovely”. I decided to “go towards the light” as this will surley get me back to HWY 3. I continued on my adventure for 30 minutes and I did find a paved road. I thought this has to be “Jack Rabbit” where I spent alot of time on especially coming and going from “Uncle Bens” aquiring some tickled pink, purple passions or my favorite mellow nights mixed with some Harvey wall banger mixed by “Uncle Ben” in conjuntion with ALOT of rope along with numerous Dunsith heathens( whom you all know whom you were) yet again puking their guts out at the peace gardens at overlook like it was a right of summer passage(or maybe that was just me, it seemed like I always puked during those joy us times! As I traveled on west on this family adventure I realized the years have been less kind to my memory then previously percieved as I came to the HWY 3 intersection. I was at least 3 miles north of jack rabbit on a road I never new existed &qu

Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND.

Gary

That Kenny Nerpel finally let the cat out of the bag after 45 years. It was him that almost pierced my ear lobe. I always wondered who threw that paper airplane. I did have a hard time getting that stick pin out my ear lobe. You remember in basic, during bayonet training the instructors told us how hard it was going to be to get the bayonet out of a body if we would ever to have occasion to stick someone. They said the best way to get someone off your bayonet was to shoot the person off and the next best way was to stomp them off. They pointed out that if you had bullets it was actually best to shoot the person before he got stuck on your bayonet. War is hell. Bayonet use was only reccomended as a last resort. Remembering how tough it was to get that stick pin out made it easy to understand what them military instructors were talking about. So, Kenny some good did come out of the paper plane debauchery. Him making the statement about being engrossed in his studies. I can only think of only a couple of things that Kenny was ever engrossed in and I know neither one had anything to do with school work.

However, eating balute or drinking raw eggs for ED. Don,t they have pills for that?

By the way Kenny our bootlegger had no moniker. Vince Kalk was known as the Big Iron, but I never knew the reason why? Maybe there was another incident at the outdoor picture show?

Larry

Former Hosmer Store owners
Lawrence & Eva Struck

Previously posted with message 192 on August 15, 2008

From Stan & Joan Wurgler Salmonson (both class of 61): Dunseith, ND

Subject: Artist Janet Haagenson Sedlacek ’61’

Janet Haagenson Sedlacek, DHS Class of ’61’ who lives in Great Falls, Mt. was a featured artist at the Prairie Artists’ Show & Sale at the Christian Center of Lake Metigoshe on Aug. 9-10. She has exhibited her works at numerous shows in Great Falls and the area. She is famous for her painting of the Rendahl Church of rural Dunseith. The beauty of her watercolors can also be seen in her flowers, scenery of the Turtle Mountains, Montana and Alaska. Janet is a sister of Cheryl Haagenson and the late Mickey Grenier. Janet does not have e-mail but can be contacted at 224 Riverview Dr, Great Falls, Mt. 59404.

PS: In a previous picture of the 40th Anniversary of Wayne & Rosemary Smith–Wayne is also from the Class of ’61. Congratulations Janet, Wayne & Rosemary. Class of 61, let’s hear it from you!!

Florence Pladson Sime (62) update – (701) 228-2310

From her daughter Becky Sime Coles (83): Spokane, WA.

Gary,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I visited with mom today and she wanted to send her thanks to everyone. She had so many flowers, plants and cards that I think she was a bit overwhelmed but grateful. She is coming along quite well though still has a ways to go. I was lucky enough to be able to witness he first steps today! She was able to walk to the door of her room and back. Tomorrow we will hope for two trips! Thanks again for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

Becky

Folks, Florence is in the Bottineau Good Samaritan home. Her phone number is (701) 228-2310. Feel free to call her. I know she’d love to hear from you guys. I called her several days ago and had a nice chat with her. Gary.

Congratulations to Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith (40th anniversary)

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

I haven’t seen either of you in ages! Congratulations! Rosemary and I were in a number of classes together at Mayville. You have not changed at all!

Allen Richard

Beautiful “Thought for Today”

From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Thought for Today:” An Act of Kindness Can Never Be Done Too Soon, Cuz You Never Know How Soon It Will Be Too Late”…

Ms. Aggie

Another good Larry Hackman Story

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND.

Gary

Its been a while since I have written. I hope this finds you and your family well. We have had a few in the family sick with the the flu. They have all recovered. I thought maybe I would try and write something up that would cheer people up. It has been a rough fall for deaths. I love falls but the space between fall and winter always seems to fill pages in the newspaper with obituaries. May God be with all our loved ones that have passed on, and comfort their families and friends that have lost loved ones, and comfort and cure them that are ill or hurting.

Gary,Your place really looks nice.

Larry H.

Larry’s story:

THE OUTDOOR PICTURE SHOW

Do you remember when it was harder to say no to your bootlegger then it was to your girl friend.Hard to believe that there was such a time!This is such a story, a little exagerated to provide some humor, but it happened just this way, back in the day of the outdoor picture show in Rugby, ND.Its hard to believe that the owner ever shut it down.Some say he did, because he got religon, and the movies were showing to much sex, violence, and bad language. We all are in trouble arn’t we?If he thought them movies were getting that way back in the sixties, what would he think now?I don’t know!But as we get older, we all know we are getting a little closer to our maker.There is now a church on the old movie site on the south side of Rugby.Maybe there is a reason for that?

I understand that someone bought and movedthe screen and movie equipment up to a site near Rolla, ND.I hope them folks up there enjoyed the outdoor movies as much as we did.I’m sure there is a few Dunseith folks, who have attended movies over there and have their own stories to tell.

The story

There was going to be a dusk to dawn showing of movies at the outdoor theater in Rugby.Excitement was running high all day, as plans were being made.The car was washed and vacuumed, everyonewould be bathed, dressed to catch a grils eye,and ready to go by 9:00 am.Arrangements were made to meet the bootlegger and to obtain the refreshments for the trip.Everything was going according to plan. The three of us had met our bootlegger, who was also our friend,and he had went into the bar and was buying our refreshments.As you probably noticed,I’m trying not to say beer here as I understand that their may some reading this that detest the word or be offended.Thats right, we all are from Dunseith or the proximity.Who am I kidding?Our bootlegger came out of the bar with the beer, and jumped into the car, and announced that he had decided to go to the movies with us.You could of heard a pin drop.A near 30 year old man going to the movies with us, a bunch of teen agers.Who would have thought?Nothing to do, but make the best out of a bad situation and buy more beer, and after all, we would have our supplier with us.I guess we would be just watching the movies and running back and forth to the restroom.Damn beer.

We made it into the movies.Sometimes they searched your car for more people who were trying to get in free by laying down on the floor, or hideing in the trunk.I guess that old guy rideing shotgun (on the passenger side up front) was doing some good after all.

We were all watching the movies and maybe getting a little bored.Usually the first one was a fairly new movie and probably the best one of the night and then the next three went downhill from there.I think it was about the middle of the third movie of the night, when this big fellow seemed to get interested in the movie that was playing, right in front of our car, blocking our view of the screen.Now, I don’t remember who threw the beer can and told him to get the hell out of the way.But, I knew from the size of this fellow, that this might not be a good thing.Hell, this guy was big, He looked like he could have escaped from a NFL training camp for Viking, centers.No, I think he was even bigger,He was probably more likely from a Green Bay Packer camp? He was big.He had shoulders that went from here to there, long arms,no neck and a small head.

Does anyone remember that lyceum at the old city hall, when some artist was up on stage showing everyone how to draw pictures.He did a drawing of Mr. Jerstad and he said he had a football players build, because he had no neck?

Like I said, this guy of very little brain, looked like a Bruiser and he came up to the window of the car and saw there was four of us.He said we were in trouble, and that he was coming back.We all looked at each other with that look, “What the hell are we going to do now”?

This guy looked like he was bad.When he turned and walked away from us his arms were so long, I swear his knuckles were draging on the ground behind him.Now I said he was bad, but he was no way as bad as them fellowsyou heard of walking the streets of Mandan, ND. in the sixties, after midnite on Saturday nights.Them guys were bad!I heard tell that some were so bad that they had moss growing on their backs!Thats Bad!Thats damn bad!

Anyway, Dick, the son-of-John, I know you are getting ahead of me with this story?No, I did not ask the guy his nationality.This is not a joke. It seems every time I send Dick a joke about, Ole and Lena, or Lutafisk.He sends one back to me about sauerkraut or tubed meats (sausage).This just makes me hungry.There is nothing better in a slow cooker then a couple of pounds of sausage, (country or German) and a bag or tin of sauerkraut, or a half of a sliced pork loin with a bag or tin of sauerkraut. Let it cook all day. Then enjoy.I can’t imagine anyone trying to mix Lutafisk or balute with sauerkraut, but its been noted before that a few from that class of 65 will eat any damn thing?

This guy that said he was coming back.I think he wof these people that use to live in this part of Pierce County.Some say that when civilization started moving into this area, this group was forced to move out.According to the history of Pierce County, between pages 65 and 66 this group split into two parts.Half moved up to Northern Canada and the other half moved to the Southern Appilachians where they were accepted as kin.Apparently this guy was a straggler and was infatuated with the Creature From The Black Lagoon.Anyway, He said he was coming back.We, continued watching the movie, had another beer or two, and wondered what hell he was coming back as?

It wasn’t long before our car was surrounded with about eight guys,none looking any sharper then the other, and all had about the same build as that first guy, I described.Apparently that history of Pierce County was wrong.They didn’t all move to Northern Canada, but we all know that, that portion of the group that moved South, did move South don’t we? I think Bill verified that in a prvious corespondence.Them eight fellows were all kind of just leaning against our car, like they were tired.

Well anyway, we all knew that we were definitely in a precarious situation.That big dude came up to the front,as a troglodyte.Someone once said there was a encampment passenger side window.Our bootlegger rolled open the window.This Troglodyte at the window, slobbered that he wanted us to get out or they would pull us out.Sounds like they wanted a game of pump-pump-pull-away.Our bootlegger who was as calm as a cucumber, motioned to the fellow to look down at his lap.The fellow looked down and his eyes got bigger then they were, and he shouted, “He has a gun”.Them fellows disappeared so fast, that a person didn,t even know that they were there.I leanedup and looked over the front seat and their in our friends hand was a pistol.I don’t think he had a concealed carry permit.I don’t think we knew what a concealed carry permit was at that time in our lives. So after typing this story and thinking about it,Its probably not a good idea to say no to your bootlegger, if he wants to go along to the outdoor picture show.

Remember to laugh,

Because when you laugh the whole world laughs with you.

Some say that the more you laugh the longer you live and by laughing, you will be helping others live longer also, as they will be laughing with you.

Think about that?

Larry

Bottineau Wal-Mart & Geraldine (Gee) from Cebu, Philippines.

Folks,

As many of you know, Jared Steele who works for Terry Moe (72) at “T’S” Yamaha in Bottineau is married to a Filipina gal from right here in Cebu, Philippines. Her name is Geraldine (Gee). Gee was a cashier in one of the larger department stores in one of the malls here. One evening when we were paying for our stuff and Gee was checking us out, she asked if we had an available son, like so many folks ask. I told her I knew an available guy and asked for her email address. I passed her email address onto Jared and the romance blossomed into a wedding that was held here in Cebu in July 2008. Gee got her Visa and was able to go back to Bottineau this last May.

My brother Darrel (Bud) told me several months ago that he had seen Gee working as a cashier at the Bottineau Wal-Mart. I was recently told that Gee is working days at the Bottineau Wal-Mart. When you guys are in the Bottineau Wal-Mart and you see Gee, tell her “Sir Gary” says hello. Gee is a really nice friendly polite gal. Jared is the same. They make a great couple. Gee stayed with us for nearly nine months while her paper work was being processed. Jared was back and forth during that time too.

Can you believe the Department store Gee was a cashier in, here in the Mall, requires their cashiers to have a college degree. Gee has a Bachelors degree in teaching. I can tell you one thing, her wages are a little higher at Wal-Mart than they were here. She was making less than $6.00 per day here gross. She had withholdings taken out of that and she also had to pay for her uniform.

Before going to Bottineau in May, I know that Gee seldom saw temperatures below 80F. I’m willing to bet that the coldest she had ever seen was about 75F. Jared told me Gee is adjusting well to Bottineau and the weather.

Gee was a bit nervous in these two top pictures of her with Bernadette and me. These pictures were taken early on after we first met Gee. We were evaluating her to give a report back to Jared and of coarse she knew that. Can you emagine how nervous that would make a person? Anyway we gave Jared a great report.

Gary