Philippine & SE Asian Vacation tours:

The Philippine and SE Asian Vacation tours that Bernadette and I put together can be customize to your liking. Tour packages to countries and cities in SE Asia, from the Philippines, are very reasonably priced. With us living here, we feel this is an opportunity we can offer those of you wishing to visit this part of the world at a very reduced rate, customized to your liking. We are not collecting any commissions or fees from any one doing this. This is something we have chosen to do with absolutely no profits or kick backs. Please click on the Dunseith Alumni link below to see the latest updated info for these tour packages. We’d love your company too. Gary

http://garystokes.net/PhilippinesSEAsiaVacation2.aspx

Dan Morgan:

Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

Sorry to learn that Dan Morgan is not well. He and I began teaching in Dunseith at about the same time (1962) and I recall him being a rather quiet, thoughtful individual with a winning smile. He had a tendency to be a calming influence in any storm. I wish he and his family the very best.

Bob Lykins

Dan Morgan:

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

My prayers are with Dan Morgan and his family as they go through this challenging battle. I consider myself so fortunate to have had Dan for a teacher. He and Dennis Espe were two of the best teachers I had. They were such positive influences during our junior high years. My friends and I spent a lot of time in their little office correcting papers for them. I have evoked their names so many times over the years in my high school English classroom. I have often told the story of the day President Kennedy was assassinated. We were in the big assembly room when the announcement came over the intercom that the President had been shot. Somehow two or three of us girls asked Mr. Morgan and Mr. Espe if we could sit in their office and listen to the radio. We were all sitting in their listening when we heard that the President had died.

These two men were both master teachers and knew what it meant to use a “teachable moment.” They had high expectations for our achievement and treated us as whole human beings. I know that they were very influential in my decision to become a teacher myself.

Toni Morinville Gredesky

Randy Davis (Deceased)

Reply form Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN.

For Mark Schimetz,

Randy Davis is my first cousin. His mother was Theresa Lajimodiere Davis, my father Leo’s sister. Randy’s brother is Kenny Davis, his Belcourt gas station/off sale is called LaDot’s, after a nickname he acquired in high school.

Denise Lajimodiere

Reply from Larry Liere(55): Mesa, AZ & Devils Lake, ND

Thanks Janice I had the same question a week ago (blog 1-23-10). I had a gut feeling that some of my 2nd. grade class would be on the 1955 footbal team. I was worried that the class of 55 had a beer bust and they all became ineligible to play sports. I hope some boys from the class of 55 will reply to this and send in a picture of the 1955 team! Larry Liere

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (55): Auburn, WA

Gary, I think that football picture is from 1956, instead of 1955. Of the boys that were in the class of 1955,Barry Shelver, Gordon Neameyer, Wally Hiatt, Marlin Williams, Dennis Brennan somebody must have played football and surely Gary Woodford would have been team manager????? Janice Leonard Workman

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

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Mona for the info on the Dunseith Independent Team. Maybe
the name was just ‘Dunseith’ on the warm up jackets and the red color is
what confused me, knowing that Dunseith was always blue and white.
Thanks for the reply. I did watch Chuck Johnson play independent
basketball in the old city hall. They usually played on Sunday
afternoons, if I remember right. Les Greener was before my time but I
heard lots about him from Dad. The ‘Harlem Stars’ came to Dunseith once
too and played in the city hall. Some of the players were originally
with the Harlem Globe Trotters and then joined up with knock off teams.
Some of the craziest basketball games were the ones the Dunseith
Businessmen played against the Boissevain Businessmen. The Canadians had
never played basketball before and would run with the ball and
hopelessly try to dribble—we were rolling on the floor laughing. The
laughing changed places though when the Dunseith guys had to put on
skates and play hockey in Bossevain! Those guys could skate circles
around the Dunseith guys and the Canadian folks nearly died laughing!
Dad took me up to one game and I felt sorry for our guys!

The Randy Davis that passed away is not the son of Joyce Poitra Davis
Fandrick. This Randy is from Belcourt and is the brother to Ken Davis.
Mark Schimetz was trying to remember Kenny’s nickname—LaDot. He has
the c-store and lounge in Belcourt that is called ‘LaDots’.

Thanks to Mary Eurich Knutson for the remarkable pictures! I was
thinking about an earlier one that had Bergan, Pritchard, and very
young Bob Pritchard by a log building. Dale Pritchard said it could be a
cabin or smokehouse. My grandpa had a similar short log building with a
dirt covered roof and kept ice blocks from the lake, packed in sawdust
from his old mill. The building stayed cold enough to keep ice for the
ice box nearly until the next fall. I have his old ice saw and a couple
large sets of his ice tongs. Everything was hard work for the folks in
those days. Thanks again Mary, and Gary!

Dick

Dan Morin House fire:

From Vickie Metcalfe (68): Bottineau, ND.

Gary and Friends,

The following information came in an e-mail this morning provided by a source at Benchmark who works with Dan Morin.

“Dan Morin and his family lost their home in a fire Tuesday night. Dan and Punky and their granddaughter were living with his mother-in-law. They will be able to salvage very little from the remains of the home and have been provided temporary living quarters at the Casino and will soon be moving to a two bedroom home. Their most immediate need is clothing. The family is in need of all things for the home. Furnishings including beds, kitchen items – tableware, cooking utensils, etc.“

Dan works at Benchmark in Dunseith. His wife is “Punky” Parisien the daughter of Tootsie Delorme. Toosie, although past retirement age continues to work, I think with head start. Toosie’s mother was the first Mrs. Ralph Poitra, Toosie’s uncle was Alcide Lajimodiere. Punky is also the sister of my classmate, Carole Ann Parisien Lavallie (widow of Andrew Lavalle).

I am so relieved and thankful to hear this family did not suffer any burn injuries, despite the devastation of a home fire in the sub zero North Dakota weather this past week. Vickie Metcalfe

If anyone would like to contribute to this family please contact Dan’s supervisor

John Hardy

Logistics Supervisor
19 2nd ST SE

Dunseith, ND 58329

701 244 6878 (tel)

Great snow Pictures – Click on the link below:

From Ellen Graff Myrick (58): Grand Forks, ND.

These pictures show snow collected in southwestern N. Dakota. Even though it’s not about your realtives can you post on the email.

http://www.slopeelectric.coop/About_Us/Storm_Photos/index.html.

Reply to personal message in reference to picture below

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Just a couple of comments on your email, Gary. First, the photo in question has to have been taken in 1937, 38 or possibly early 39 as Mom looks to have been around 15 or so. Since she was born in 1923, that would give us a year of 1938 – which is why I said in my earlier response that is was probably 1938. Thus, there is no way it could be Frank Stokes in the photo. Second, I don’t recall Jim Cain being called Jimmy. And as far as tracking him down, that would lead you to his grave. Jim died a few years ago. He was married and he and his family lived in Western Tenn. Finally, I’m sure it was just a slip on your part, but in your first paragraph below, you say that Rebecca (Reba) was the daughter of “Frank” and Fanny. I assume you meant “William” and Fanny.

One further comment: I’m well aware of where Reba lived as we also later lived there. I believe that is where Mom and Dad lived when I was born and though I don’t have any memory of the place, both my Brother, Floyd and my Sister, Florence do. And yes, Mom always referred to her Aunt as Aunt “Reba.”
Keith

Keith, Rebecca (Reba) Stokes Rendahl was the daughter of William & Fanny Stokes. Yes, I remember well my folks referring to her as Reba too.

Folks, This is another one of the pictures that Mary Eruich Knutson sent. I held off a day posting this while we got the identities of the folks in the picture correctly identified. Between Mary, Keith Pladson, John Tangen and myself; I think we finely figured out the correct identities of those in the picture.

I remember well, as a kid, seeing Reba Stokes Rendahl’s old house sitting on the county line, on the south side of road, below the Rendahl hill on Highway #43 also known as the Peace Garden Road. Common Sence would tell us that is how the Rendahl hill got it’s name. I’m sure Rendahl church was named after this family too? Willaim Stokes, My great Grandfather, had 2 daughters, Reba Rendahl & Alice Thompson and one son Frank Stokes.

William Stokes was 91 years old when he died in 1946. He was in his mid 80’s in this picture.

Standing L to R: William Stokes, Esther Thompson Tangen, Ulysses Thompson,Rebecca Stokes Rendahl, Lillian Thompson Cain, Ella Thompson Pladson & Lester Cain
Sitting in Wheel chair: Alice Stokes Thompson holding Jimmy Cain

Bertha Kittleson’s passing

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (68): Bottineau, ND.

BERTHA KITTLESON, 86, Bottineau, died Thursday in a Minot nursing
home. Funeral Tuesday, 2 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Bottineau.
Prayer service Monday, 7 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau.
Visitation Monday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon,
in the funeral home.

Gary, This was posted in the Minot Daily today January 29, 2010.

Bertha is fondly remembered. As, a honest hard working classy
country lady, friend, excellent school cook, grandmother and great
grandmother to many, and former country school teacher in Rolette
and Bottineau County.
Vickie Metcalfe

Bertha’s Obit is now posted on Nero’s Web site too. I have pasted a copy below. Gary

Bertha Kittleson
(May 28, 1923 – January 28, 2010) 

Sign Guest Book | Send Private Condolences
Send Flowers

BERTHA IRENE KITTLESON Bertha Kittleson, age 86 of Bottineau, died Thursday at a Minot nursing home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. in the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery of rural Bottineau. Visitation will be Monday beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 and Tuesday 9:00 until noon in the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. A prayer service will be held on Monday at 7:00 P.M. in the Funeral Home.

Bertha Irene Kittleson, a daughter of Ivar and Regina (Haugen) Peterson, was born on May 28, 1923 in her home in the Turtle Mountains north of Bottineau. She was reared and educated near her home. She was confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church of rural Bottineau. Bertha attended Minot State and received her teaching degree. She then taught at the Happy Hill School in Homan Township for two years and then at the Strong School in Rolette County. On June 16, 1946 she was married to Milan Kittleson at Bottineau. She returned to Bottineau County and taught at Whittering #1 until 1950. Bertha remained home to raise her children and help on the farm until 1971 when she began working at the Bottineau Public school as a cook. She retired in 1977 and helped Milan on the farm. Milan passed away on June 20, 1999. In the fall of 2009 she moved to Minot where she has resided since.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Bertha was also a member of a quilting club and was a Mission Aide member.

Bertha is survived by 5 daughters, Ann (Harold) Roseneau of Willow City, Connie (Charles) Tollefson of Surrey, Judy (John) Slater of Minot, Marla (Carl) Lee of Bottineau, and Penny (Edwin) Krumweide of Sarles; 4 sons, Donny (Darlene) Kittleson, Ted ( Kathy), Kittleson, Jamie (Kandis) Kittleson all of Bottineau and Terry ( Marilyn) Kittleson of Minot; a daughter-in-law, Lori Kittleson of Bottineau; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren;

She was preceded indeath by her parents, two sons Dennis and Larry; brothers, Pete Peterson and Oscar Peterson; a sister, Dorothy Peterson.

Arrangements are with the Nero Funeral Home of Bottineau. Friends may sigh the online register at www.nerofuineralhome.net

From Wendy Strietzel, Dorothy Eurich Strietzel’s (75) Daughter: Minot, ND.

Gary,

I received this e-mail from a friend and thought you might like to share it with all of the North Dakotans you blog to every day.

Wendy

Reply from Jim Metcalfe: AZ.

Hi Gary, About the Dunseith independent baseball team from the early ’50’s. I was the catcher in 1953 and we were the Dunseith Gardners. Junior Melmar was the playing manager and we had great times and good parties afterward.

Jim Metcalfe, I attended Dunseith HS in 1949-50 but graduated from Rollan in ’52. (Gary’s brother)

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (55): Auburn, WA

Gary, I think that football picture is from 1956, instead of 1955. Of the boys that were in the class of 1955, Barry Shelver, Gordon Neameyer, Wally Hiatt, Marlin Williams, Dennis Brennan somebody must have played football and surely Gary Woodford would have been team manager????? Janice Leonard Workman 

Dan Morgan:

Reply Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND.

We are saddened to hear Dan Morgan is not well– he was one of the best teachers I ever had. He maintained great discipline and yet was very personable. He and his family are in our prayers!-Lola Metcalfe Vanorny

ps- Ole Bursinger was one of the finest persons I ever met-

Dan Morgan:

Reply from Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND.

Dunseith Ball teams:

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Lake Metigoshe, ND.

Dick: The Dunseith team at the time – late 40’s/early 50’s, just went
by “Dunseith Independents”, as most of the small towns around did. Some
of the larger cities, like Bismarck had names like the “Bismarck
Phanthoms” which we played and beat . Dunseith played the Harlem
Globetrotters, and some other colored teams, and they really drew the
crowds. One colored team they played in Dunseith and the team played
them again that same week-end in Willow City. They really drew the
crowds – of course Les Greener drew crowds to watch and also some pick
up teams back home from college on break, who “thought” they could best
him, but they just embarrassed themselves in the process. That in
itself was fun to watch. Paul McCloud and Chuck were fun to watch in
their ball handling, especially when the team thought that Devils Lake
deserved to be shown how to play ball short of fellows.
Seems one year they would only let VFW guys play in the tournament –
that left Darrel Fassett, Leo Murray, and Chuck sitting on the sidelines
and — left Dunseith with only 6-7 players, and Devils Lake wouldn’t
agree to give them more fouls, so they ended up playing with only four
guys and lost. The next year the rules were changed and all could
play. In the tournament, Dunseith was playing Devils Lake, and we were
ahead. Our team convinced the coach, Kenny Morgan to let Paul McCloud
and Chuck Johnson play alone against the Devils Lake team. At that
time, the rule during the last few minutes of the game was if you got
fouled, you took a foul shot and then took the ball out at half court.
Well these two ball handlers were passing it through their legs, past
their ears, etc. and would get fouled and go throught it all over
again. Pretty soon, the Devils Lake team got so mad they one by one
went and sat down on their bench, and the game pretty much ended. So
goes it, when you take advantage in sports rather than be sportsman
like in setting up the game — it may come back to taunt you. Those
independent games were fun to watch and many followed the team when
they went to Canada and to other towns.
Mona Dionne Johnson ’48

Message from DeAnn Gottbreht posted on her Carringbridge site:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Hello everyone from Rochester, Mn. I got done with my appointments for the day about an hour ago and am back at the hotel resting before we head out to supper. So far the appointments have all went really well. Yesterday we met with my medical oncologist and went over my cancer treatment plan for the future. What it looks like is surgery tomorrow, followed by a few weeks of recovery and then start a different type of chemo for a couple of weeks. Then break for a couple of weeks from the chemo, deliver the baby, recover from the birth for a few weeks and go back to chemo. We would do around 12 rounds of that chemo and then recover a little and start around 6 weeks of radiation treatments. Well that is about the jest of the plan so far. It is up for change.

Yesterday we also met with the OB here that will be monitoring throughout the surgery and weekend after. He was a very great doctor and very informative. He deals with about 3 pregnant patients a year that have cancer so he had a great deal of experience with it. It was all very reassuring. I also received a steroid shot yesterday and today to help speed up the development of the lungs of the baby just in case I could end up in labor from the surgery.

We met with my surgeon this morning and went over all that. I will be heading to the hospital about 6 tomorrow morning for some pre-op and then surgery around 9 or 10. Surgery will take 2 to 3 hours and then I will be in the hospital for 1 or 2 nights. They will be monitoring the baby throughout all of this and he will be the biggest deciding factor on how long I stay in the hospital.

We also met with a doctor in the genetics department today. There is a blood test they can send away to do that will show if I am a genetic carrier of breast cancer. If I am they can test my parents and find which side of they family it came from. Those of you in my extended family reading this can certainly e-mail on your thoughts of this testing. My e-mail is over on the right of this page. I have not done the test yet.The screening tests are only done at one lab in the country and it can be quite expensive if insurance won’t cover it. No matter what I hope all of you women out there are doing at the least self-breast exams. If you think something seems at all a little odd don’t wait. If I would have waited to do something and not got it checked I probably would have been very sick or dead before I made the age 40 mammogram requirements. Please take your health seriously!

What more can I say. Tonight will be a stressful night but I and ready for the next step and tomorrow I will take it. I appreciate all of your support and caring. It really means a lot. I feels so great to know I have so many people in my life who love and care about me. Take Care Everyone!

Love, DeAnn

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

Hi Everyone:

I always get a kick out of poems about North Dakota because people here in Texas don’t have a clue about how cold it actually gets and that people can still function in that type of weather. I kept a little poem on my desk for a long time (with a picure of a snowstorm in May 2008 when we were there). It says: It’s Winter in North Dakota and the gentle breezes blow

30 miles an hour at twenty-five below.

Oh how I love North Dakota when the snow’s up to your butt;

You take a breath of winter and your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful so I guess I’ll hang around.

I could never leave North Dakota ’cause I’m frozen to the ground!

Hi to Susan in Alvarado. We’re in the Hurst Euless Bedford area.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

P S. It’s also fun to bring back sample crops (wheat, canola, soy beans, sunflowers) to show these city-slickers. They were especially amazed at the canola.

Randy Davis Condolences:

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.

The Randy DAVIS in the obituary, was a good friend of mine, his older brother Ken ran the Redman Gas Station years ago in Belcourt, he know operates and possibly owns the bar and take out at Belcourt. Just cannot think of the name of it. Randy had a beautiful flathead Harley tricycle. We did a lot of riding, in years past. He would often be called up to sing as he had a wonderful voice, He sounded like the lead singer of Alabama, well, after a few drinks any. lol, we had a lot of fun, Randy will be sorely missed by many as he was a very likeable person and oved his music. My Condolences to his family.

Message & Pictures:

From Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Well we survived anaother winter storm in ND. We got about a foot or more of snow in the hills. I didn’t move from Friday till mid morning Tuesday. The county truck came through and opened roads and the blade came yesterday and winged open the roads really good. Sure can get the job done better and faster than 40 – 50 years ago. Maintainers are 10 times bigger and I don’t remember trucks way back when.

Made me remember a storm we had in about 1964 or 1965.It was a terrible blizzard and I was stranded at the San and Bud was stranded in Bottineau and the kids were at my folks. I don’t remember how long it lasted but as soon as highway 5 was open Bud came from Bottineau and picked me up and we went for the kids. Old number 5 was blocked but we could get as far as Chester Hill’s on the Willow Lake road where we called Dean Parrill and he came with snowmobile and picked us up and we went to Dad’s and got the kids and the cream can was full so we loaded that on the sled to take to the creamery for Dad. Bud and the kids road the sled hanging onto the cream can and we made it back to the car ok. We left the cream off with Minnie Alvin and went on home. Keith Pladson was staying with us that winter and when we got home the water was froze up at the barn The pump was in the cellar and the cellar had a dirt floor and he had been working between the barn and the cellar to get the water working. What a mess. Mud from the cellar door to the kitchen door. I can’t remember how long it took to get the water going again but they finally did.

Do you remember that Keith?

You can tell we’re getting old we enjoy spending more time in the past than looking to the future.

Pictures: I don’t know who the kids are by the hayrack. I doubt if anybody can tell me either. Notice the wheels on the hayrack and are those caps Canadian?

The people sitting on the rocks are identified as Stokes, Oscar Rendahl’s and daughter and Ulysses and wife. That’s not a real specific identification. I think theres some not accounted for. Wasn’t Ulysses killed over at old Kelvin or in the little praire area. He backed into the propeller of his airplane.

The picture with the 2 girls and the little guy are Eleanor Awalt and Marshall and the girl ??? Schwabe. Maybe Bonnie or Lloyd could fill in the gaps on that one.

The people on the stairs, again, are F. Stokes and Ulysses and I can’t find the picture and can’t remember who they are but I do think it was taken in Oregon.

The baby in the photo with the old phonograph is Esther Thompson Tangen. Must be almost 100 years old.

Just thought you’d enjoy. Thanks Mary K

Mary, These are some very precious photos to me. This is the first picture I ever remember seeing of my Grandfather, Frank Stokes. He died in 1932. Dad was 16 years old at the time. That’s a neat picture of your mother, Winifred. with all her brothers too. I’ll bet the Awalt siblings will figure out who the Schwade girl is too. I have heard of this Engalls family, in the picture below, being related to Laura Engalls Wilder too. I think this Engalls family is related to the Thompson’s, but I’m not sure how? Thank you Mary, Gary

Eleanor Awalt and Marshall and the girl ??? Schwabe

L to R: Frank Stokes, Ulysses Thompson, Keith Ingalls and either his wife or sister.

Somehow this family is tied in with Laura Ingalls Wilder but it carries off into another branch

William & Ida Thompson Pritchard’s children:

L to R: Robert, John, Lincoln, Corbin, Winifred and Norman

Esther Thompson Tangen

I don’t know who the kids are by the hayrack. I doubt if anybody can tell me either.

Notice the wheels on the hayrack and are those caps Canadian?

Randy Davis and the Davis Family:

Posted by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Dan Morgan former principle in hospice care: Edgeley, ND

From Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher): Detroit Lakes, MN.

Gary what a beautiful office to work from….continue to enjoy the news, esp like photo of Orvin Hagen…a dear man.
We heard that Dan Morgan former principal and instructor at DHS is on Hospice care, he and Judy read your blog. Ardys Bakken Horner

Alice Vandal Leonard’s reply to the football picture: Minot, ND

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

I sent the “football” picture to Alice Leonard. Here is her reply: Thanks, Neola: My brother-in-law is Duane Woodford, #3, also in the front with bro Lowell Leonard. Duane is married to my sister Grace and they live in Winston-Salem, NC. All is well here and we’re keeping warm. Alice

Iver Loe and Softball memories:

From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND.

Gary,

In post 694 Larry Liere asked about Iver Lo. He at one time owned the
Gambles Store in Dunseith. In the early 1940’s my Mom worked there. They
had a hardware department and I think they also sold furniture. She worked
there briefly before she traveled to Portland, Oregon to work as a welder
during the war. Later, I think the store was owned by the Anderson family.
The photo of Dunseith’s south main street cleared up some the fog for me
about the businesses there. I knew that there was a barber shop and a
restaurant on that end of town but I couldn’t remember much about them. How
could I forget Hank the Barber and the Gateway Café. Every two weeks,
whether it was needed or not, I stopped in at Hank’s for a haircut and if
I’m not mistaken Mrs. Hackman worked at the Gateway.

Larry Hackman’s softball memories also brought back some memories for me. I
played on a team in the late sixties that also traveled to Canada to play
some of the fast pitch teams there. I remember most of the players. The
infield was Bill Grimme at first base, Allen Houle at second, and Jim Berube
third. I was the weak link at shortstop. The catcher was Eddie McCloud and
the pitcher was the legendary Leonard McCloud. We made at least two trips
to Canada and although we had some pretty good hitters I don’t think we got
a hit in any of the games we played there. We were used to the slow pitch
stuff and some of the pitchers in fast pitch softball can throw the ball
underhanded as fast as baseball pitchers and they are about 30 ft closer.
Not too many of us managed to get the bats off of our shoulders.

The highlight of those years was the tournament in Rolla. The final game was
played under the lights and one year we advanced to the finals and played
the Dunseith J.C. team for the championship. The only player I remember for
sure that played on that team was John Morgan. I remember him because I
happened to overhear some trash talking between him and Jim Berube. He was
telling Jim that all they had to do to beat us was to hit the ball hard at
the shortstop. Jim made a halfhearted attempt to defend me, but that is
basically what happened. I don’t know if it was the playing under the
lights or if the trash talking had the intended effect. I was getting hard
shots hit at me all night and Jim couldn’t pick up enough of the ricochets
to bail me out. Social activities (banquets and such) for the team
generally took place at the country home of Garrett Myers, located somewhere
along the gravel pit road north of town. I think we were much more adept at
partying than we were at softball. Great memories!

Kenny

Ole Bursinger:

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Gary Metcalfe for the insight on Ole Bursinger’s life. He
was quite a guy. I can still hear him playing ‘Rubber Dolly’ on his
fiddle and singing ‘Little Footprints in the Snow’. You mentioned how he
liked Hank Williams. He also liked old Jimmy Rogers songs. Ole was
really lost after Glenice (Granny) passed away. He spent hours every day
just driving around in his pickup for no reason. It was sad to see. He
was pretty much one of a kind. Thanks to BOTH Garys !

Dick

Wrong Randy Davis:

Correction from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND.

Gary, I don’t think that this is the Randy Davis from our class of ’77 in Dunseith. Seems a little bit older than the rest of us and I don’t believe those were his parent’s names. I know his mom’s name is Joyce…..

Evon

Evon, I for sure didn’t do the math with this one. The Randy Davis from your class would be about 8 years younger. Thank you so much for this correction. Gary

School Memorabilia:

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

During all my school years, I had John Boguslawski for a constant
pal and cohort. We were at each others places nearly every day and he
and I were always doing mechanical things with cars and motorcycles.
John came along to the farm and worked with me when I needed help.
Another thing that we did was help his dad, Eddie Boguslawski, do things
at the school. We hauled out discarded junk and piled coal and other
jobs. One time we were told to clean out the storage area under the old
concrete bleachers in the old gym. To many of you, this was the area
under the temporary typing room that was built over the bleachers. In
the boxes we were hauling out, I found the old leather football helmets
we just saw in the picture of the ’55 football team. There was also a
box of basketball jerseys and trunks that Dad said were from the
independent basketball team that was from Dunseith in the late ’40s and
early ’50s. The jerseys were red and white and had a name on them. I
have tried to remember that team name for years, but can’t come up with
it. I was wondering if Mona Dionne Johnson or ANYONE else can remember
the name of this team? I think Virgil Vanorny and Chuck Johnson were
both on the team. The name wasn’t the ‘Dragons’ and that’s what puzzled
me when I opened the box. We hauled nearly everything up to the old dump
ground and gave it a toss. Also included in the haul were the band
uniforms we saw in the band picture from 1956. I kept one band cap, one
football helmet, and a box full of old papers and letters dated back to
the ’20s. Everything else got buried in the trash. This was in the mid
’60s and I still have all the stuff! There was also many feet of steam
pipes under the bleachers and they were wrapped with asbestos. The
system was changed so they told us to clean up the pipes and then take
them out. John and I cut the wrap off with linoleum knives and ripped
the covering off with our bare hands. It was so dusty from the asbestos
and dust that we could hardly see each other with the light on! They
always talk about Mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos! If that’s the
case—we didn’t even have a mask and would cough until we gagged, but
never quit until we were done. Wouldn’t OSHA and the EPA love this
deal?? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, You are right. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos. It’s an abdominal cancer that is virtually 100% fatal within a few months of detection. Asbestos was very prevalent in the insulation materials aboard the naval ships I worked on. Until 1970, there were few controls. Following my apprenticeship in the Pipe covering and insulation trade in 1974, I became an instructor in the Shipyard for asbestos controls. With my knowledge of the asbestos trade and controls, I was hired into the Production Scheduling department of the shipyard in 1978. I was a supervisor in the Scheduling department when I retired in December 2003. Prior to being inducted into the Service, from Feb 1967 to June 1968, I worked in the asbestos trade with few controls. When I returned to the Shipyard following my active duty service in 1971, there were many controls. I have minimal plural thickening of the lungs as a result of having been exposed to asbestos. I have never smoked, so my chances are 85% greater than those that smoked, for not having asbestos related problems. Gary

Allen Richard (65) birthday:

Reply from Nathan Richard (2000): Fort Greeley, AK

Gary,

In regards to my fathers birthday. Some may know about his illustrious ’74
Dodge charger. This summer we went home to North Dakota and met with dad in
Minneapolis. He drove the old car to see us as we spent a couple days in
town. I had the great opportunity to take a few pictures of all of us
together. The best part however, became a gift I gave him for his birthday
this year. All in all the picture turned out great in the form of a 24″ x
36″ print. I am attaching a small sampling.

Nathan A. Richard

Ulysses & Clara Stokes Thompson

Photo from Mary Eurich Knutson (62):

Folks, I received 7 old photo’s from Mary Eurich Knutson. Karen Larson at Spectrum scanned them for her and sent them to me with a note not to publish until Mary gets in touch with me. Since this one is labeled and I know the picture, I will post this one today and wait for Mary’s reply before posting the rest.

Clara Stokes Thompson was my great Aunt. Ulysses and Clara were the parents of Ella (Eldon) Pladson, Esther (Edmar) Tangen & Lillian Bergstrom. Lillian is living Wisconsin. Ella and Esther are deceased.

Mary Eurich’s grandmother, Ida Pritchard, was a sister to Ulysses Thompson.

Ulysses & Clara Stokes Thompson homesteaded about a mile or so north of the Ackworth Cemetery on the east side of the road. When you turn west into Fauske’s from the Willow Lake road, I believe the Ulysses Thompson homestead was to the east of that turn? If not, it was in that general area.

Mary, These are some great pictures. This is the first picture I have ever seen of Ulysses & Clara Thompson. Their names were mentioned many times in my growing up years too. If Lillian does not have a copy of this, I’m sure she’d love to have a one. I’m sure Keith Pladson or John Tangen can touch base with her on this and get a copy to her.

Thank you Mary. I’m excited to see the labeling on the rest of the photo’s you sent too. Gary.

From:

Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA

Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): Alvarado, TX

Hi Gary…….

I got this from Susan Malaterre Johnson, who lives in Texas. I though it would be great to share it with others that have experienced the great North Dakota weather…………

Ivy Robert

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING

65 ABOVE ZERO:

Floridians turn on the heat.

People in North Dakota plant gardens.

60 ABOVE ZERO:

Californians shiver uncontrollably.

People in North Dakota sunbathe.

50 ABOVE ZERO:

Italian & English cars won’t start.

People in North Dakota drive with the windows down.

40 ABOVE ZERO:

Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats.

People in North Dakota throw on a flannel shirt.

35 ABOVE ZERO:

New Yorklandlords finally turn up the heat.

People in North Dakota have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 ABOVE ZERO:

People in Miami all die.

North Dakotans close the windows.

ZERO:

Californians fly away to Mexico .

People in North Dakota start looking for their winter coats.

10 BELOW ZERO:

Hollywooddisintegrates.

The Girl Scouts in North Dakota are selling cookies door to door.

20 BELOW ZERO:

WashingtonDC runs out of hot air.

People in North Dakota let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 BELOW ZERO:

Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.

North Dakotans get upset because they can’t start the snowmobile.

40 BELOW ZERO:

ALL atomic motion stops.

People in North Dakota start saying”Cold enough fer ya?”

50 BELOW ZERO:

Hell freezes over.

North Dakota public schools will open 2 hours late.

Bobby Pigion (57):

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

Hi Gary,

Just wanted to tell you that I received a nice note from Bobby
Pigeon. He IS the one living in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s
always surprising when I realize that someone who never actually
shares a comment on your blog is still present — reading it every
day. That is somehow beyond amazing … I love knowing that all of
us are silently connected to one another every day.

Thanks,
Colette

PS. I also love it when you share something about your life in Cebu
in with us. We are all enriched when we are exposed to cultures
other than our own.

From Bob Pigeon(57): COLUMBIA, SC

Gary,

Kenneth Pigeon is in the 1955 football picture. I’m sorry if I confused things. Since I’ve already erased that e-mail, I would like to see it again with all of the names. I remembered the faces but could not remember the names.

Thank you for all that you do because you’ve helped bring back fond memories of the past.

Bob Pigeon

Bob, I have reposted the football picture with all the correct names near the bottom of this message. Thanks and it’s great hearing from you. Gary

Ted Brodek:

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard: Rolette, ND.

Ted Brodek was the photographer at our wedding back in 1954. He drove out to the Thorne church where we were married, and then drove to my parents farm where the reception was held, took lots of pictures and only charged us $10. Isn’t that unreal ? As I remember , he had been a patient at San Haven, and then was a photographer for the Dunseith news paper.

Reply to Allen Richard (65):

From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Hi Cousin,

Happy Birthday, Allen. You’ll always be younger than I am (though not by much!).

xox

Colette

Reply to Allen Richard (65):

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Good detective work there Allen. I had no idea that Curtis and
Kenneth Pigeon were twins. I knew they were brothers but not twins.
Thanks! Curtis called me a few years ago about old cars. I think he was
living in Utah or Nevada, or somewhere like that, at the time. We never
got together on a deal and then just a short while later I heard he had
died. Small world! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Joe Link and George Gottbreht Story:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

I have a story that Sharron Gottbreht Shen might find amusing. When
I was in the lower grades in the old white school, I witnessed my very
first fist fight. It happened one day when we were all out for recess.
Two older guys, probably early high school age, stripped down to their
white T shirts and mixed it up over by the basketball court. The
combatants were Joe Link and George Gottbreht. I have no idea what the
disagreement was about but they smacked each other a few times before
Mr. Conroy and Mr. Jerstad arrived and ended the confrontation. They
both had a few scuffs and one got a bloody nose, although I don’t
remember which. I wonder if George remembers what they were fighting
about? Growing up in old Dunseith, I might have seen a couple more
scraps if my memory serves me right! Saturday nights were usually good
for a round or two uptown! We used to cruise Main street and watch for
fights. The wildest fights were the women after they had been in the bar
for an hour or two. ‘Cat fights’ were nasty although there was
another name (politically incorrect) that these were referred to back
then! Thanks Gary!

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Thanks, Gary–I was doing my best to forget today–even blocked a move by my staff to take me to lunch–I have another meeting. Never fear–I planted a “bug” on one of them!

Only have one question–who the hell is the good lookin dark haired guy with Clinton?????? — Oh — sorry– I dug the picture out of a box in the basement. It was me in ’94 at a meeting at the White house. The woman in the background was my boss at National Farmers Union.

Randy Davis (77) Passed away:

Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

As you know, I include mailing addresses along with many obituaries, so people can send cards to the family. I found this address for Christy Davis.

Christy Davis

PO Box ??

13 Third St W

Dunseith, ND 58329

Randy Davis

PO Box 733

Belcourt, ND 58316

Neola

Ole Bersinger:

Memories from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Musings from Gary Metcalfe…..I am writing this story about a guy who got a lot out of his music. For the new people on the blog, we have already talked about Ole Bersinger. Ole had a better than average story to tell. So here goes, the first time I remember seeing Ole, he was backed up to the ice cream cooler at Kelvin Store along with his wife and a couple of kids. Ole was in new territory for him. This was in the hayday of Kelvin the five years that Mac Williams ran the store. Mac was buying cream, selling groceries and beer like crazy. I guarantee if oak trees were killed by too much urine, that old oak tree by the corner of the bar would be dead! Just about everybody east of the highway went to Rolla, including Ole. Ole was so far back in the woods they had to pump daylight back to him.

Now Ole was an orphan, a German kid, raised by Norweigans for which he seemed thankful. The first year he was married he told me they lived on carrots! When Ole went to Seattle in the 40’s, I am not sure it worked out for him like it did for most of the people who made that move. He told me he had gone to work out in a gym in Bremerton and that big black guy put welts from boxing, all over him. So he turned to the fiddle, lonesome for home, he learned to play.

So here he is back in North Dakota, he must have heard about Peterson’s Hall, south of Kelvin. He met old Max Peterson and his boys and Ole became a celebrity. Ole really thought he was Ole Hank Williams himself, he said when it came to Country Western, none of them compared to Hank. I’ll bet if Ole had not learned to play that fiddle, I would have missed out on three or four of the best working years of my life. He had an absolute love of life and we had a hoot. He had a high respect for our working partner, Robert Rivard. Ole called him “Rhubarb”.

Alan Campbell told me once we don’t all necessarily get to do what we like to do. Ole would have said, “I did!”

Because of the hard times Ole is in the same class as Alcide Lajimodiere….all heart…genuine.

Gary Metcalfe

Orvin Hagen: (701) 428-3125 Kindred, ND.

Folks, We got this lovely Christmas card from Orvin Yesterday. Orvin did not have our FPO address, so he mailed it to our local address. With the Christmas rush it took 5 1/2 weeks to arrive, but we got it. As you can see, at 88 years old, Orvin is still very much into flowers with all his flower gardens. I called Orvin this morning his time. It’s just like old times talking with Orvin. Orvin is very much involved with community affairs and the church. He doesn’t drive at night, but folks pick him up to take him to different events after dark. He attends lots of functions at the school. Orvin told me that when he was about 10 years old he lived with his grandparents for several years. They spoke only Norwegian, so of coarse he had to learn the language of which he has never forgotten.

Orvin would very much like to attend the Dunseith reunion in May, but he has no way of getting there. It’s too far for him to drive. Linda Gardner is picking him up for the Turtle Mountain Country School reunion in July. Orvin lives in Kindred, ND., near Fargo. Gary

Gottbreht Family picture label

From Sharron Gottbreh Shen (59): Everett, WA.

You Gary and the readers may smile when I tell you that the Gottbreht girls are all dressed in outfits sewed by Mom. The fabric was some weird green from drapes that Sister Rose reserved for her friend Alma. Very frugal partnership there! The boys had store bought awful western the girls suffered Sears Roebuck envy.  Mom had an old pedal Singer and did all parenting and seamstress work with such care.

L-R Dale Gottbreht with Ernie on foot stool; EJ and Sharron on floor; George on stairs; baby Marc on armrest; then Alma with shy Evie at her side. Don’t tell EJ, Evie, that I posted this picture!

Sharron

L-R Dale Gottbreht with Ernie on foot stool; EJ and Sharron on floor;
George on stairs; baby Marc on armrest; then Alma with shy Evie at her side

Football picture Identification:

From Bob Pigeon(57): COLUMBIA, SC

Gary,

Please resend the photo of the 1955 football team with a correction. Kenneth Pigeon was mistaken for Curtis Pigeon. Also, please thank Larry for sending it in.

Bob Pigeon

Back: Coach Ray Stark, Marvin Aamodt, James Robillard, Vince Kalk, David Lo,

Gerald Anderson, Larry Shirk and Coach Lincoln Jerstad.

Middle: Lowell Williams, DuWayne Lang, Dennis Espe, Don Conroy, Kenneth Pigeon, Bob Pigeon.

Front: Val Bott, Bob Lagerquist, Lowell Leonard, Curt Halvorson, Mick Kester, Duane Woodford.

Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):

Folks, Today, January 26th, is Allen Richard’s birthday. We won’t tell his age, but we all know he was born after 1946 and before 1948, the same as the majority of those of us from the class of 65. It’s so hard to believe that we have grandchildren and some great grandchildren too. These daily blogs make me feel so young.

Happy Birthday Allen. Enjoy. I’ll be catching up to you in July. That SS check is nice too. It all comes with age. Gary

Dorothy Pritchard celebrated her 97th Birthday: activitynd@yahoo.com

Folks, Dorothy Pritchard celebrated her 97th birthday yesterday, Jan. 25th. The picture below was taken last year.

Dorothy, I got rushed yesterday and forgot to make note of your Birthday. I am hoping you had an enjoyable birthday. Did Darald send a cake like he normally does for you birthday? Yes Dorothy, you have a few years behind you, but you are still going strong in spirit and mind. You may not move as quickly as you once did, but again, that comes with age. I hope I’m doing half as well you are when I reach your age. I intended to get there too. I sent you a card too, of which I know has not arrived yet. Gary

Folks, Dorothy gets all these daily messages. The hospital staff prints them all out for her. I have pasted her email address above. You can send her a message using the email address posted above. Just print “Attention Dorothy Pritchard” in the subject line and she will get your message.

Reply From Ruby Krause: Dunseith, ND.

Thank you for the birthday wishes. When I approached the entrance to my church–Peace Lutheran–I notiaced the entire congregation had assembled in the narthex. I thought maybe the heat was off, but when I opened the doors, they all burst onto a “happy Birthday” song! It seems Peggy Espe had seen the greeting on your blog, so she arranged the serenade. So you are responsible for two

School Cooks – Stella Schimetz:

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

Gary and Friends,

LeaRae told of the wonderful cooks at the school in Dunseith. We had
lunch for hundreds of kids that two or three cooks made on a couple four
burner stoves under the stairway. This is the most amazing part to me.
It seems nearly impossible. I think these older women were used to
preparing meals for large families and also must have known how to
‘time’ the preparation in order to get that much food out in that little
space. One thing I am personally grateful for was how Stella Schimetz
knew that our son, David, couldn’t eat some things because he would get
sick. On the days she was serving any of these items, she would make up
a plate of something that David could eat without a problem.This of
course was years later. She is a queen, as far as our family is
concerned. Dave always used to go and hug Stella whenever he saw her,
even years later. He grew out of his allergies to certain foods and now
can live on gut bomb hamburgers and whatever liquids available it seems!
We remain forever grateful to Stella for her wonderful extra help.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion:

Reply form Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Hi Gary – The $42 for the Country School Reunion includes registration, happy hour appetizers (cash bar) and a buffet dinner (supper). Let me know if anyone has other questions.

Brodek Family & Pictures:

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

The Brodek family became our neighbors just north across the street from former Link home about 1948. Ted and Tessie Brodek were married in Dunseith about 1943, Alice Tennancour Evans was a witness. Ted and Tessie may have met while he was a patient at San Haven. I think their oldest, Ronnie, was about the same age as Ernie born 1946; Yvonne, Vonnie or Sissy was born about ’49. This great couple actually trusted me to babysit their children! I was probably 10 going on 7! These dear people would try to wake me when they returned home, put my boots on for me and set me out the door. I would wake the next morning at home without a clue as to how I got there.

Ted did WITH THE DUNSEITH REPORTER – TMS for a few years, very polished job. Then on to Rugby for a short time before moving to Pontiac, MI. Ted died in ’70s. I gather that Tessie later remarried since her name change in Mom’s address book is Tessie Meade, 580 Grand, Cold Water, MI. We had no reply from Tessie after 2001 and I tried to find Ron without success. His last known residence was Mesa, AZ. I know Tessie and children returned to Dunseith a few times when Ron and Yvonne young adults. George may have more info.

Someone was always snapping pictures around our home but quality photographs were rare. Ted changed that with the addition of his classy work – we treasured his priceless work then and today. Tessie often tinted sepia or black and white portraits. Maybe Evie will scan her’s when she was about age 3. The scans attached are Ted’s work.

Sharron

1950

This has to be the Gottbreht family.That sure looks like Evie on the far right. I believe Ernie is the

little boy on the far left. Sharron, can we get you to correctly identify everyone. Thanks, Gary

Football Picture:

Rely from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

I checked with Margret (Pigeon) Fox on this–

The Pigeon brothers in the football picture are Bobby and Kenneth. Curtis and Kenneth were fraternal twins. Curtis didn’t play that much football. Curtis passed away a few years ago and Ken farms west of Thorne.

Curtis worked for Dad one summer.

Allen Richard

Back: Coach Ray Stark, Marvin Aamodt, James Robillard, Vince Kalk, David Lo,

Gerald Anderson, Larry Shirk and Coach Lincoln Jerstad.

Middle: Lowell Williams, DuWayne Lang, Dennis Espe, Don Conroy, Kenneth Pigeon, Bob Pigeon.

Front: Val Bott, Bob Lagerquist, Lowell Leonard, Curt Halvorson, Mick Kester, Duane Woodford.

Bobby Pigeon:

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

My sister, Jan (four years ahead of me in school) “went steady” with Bobby Pigeon for a few years. I possessed all the adoration of a younger sister and thought Bobby was the coolest guy imaginable. Dick is right, Bobby was “cool” twenty years before the Fonz. Anyone know where he is now?

Thanks, Colette

Colette, We have a Robert Pigeon, living in Columbia, SC on our distribution that graduated in 1957. Is this the same gentleman? Gary

Hot Lunch progam – Mrs. Knutson & Stella Schmitz:

Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND.

I believe the “Hot Lunch” Program was started in Dunseith the fall of 1955 with Mrs. Knutson as the first cook. This was my first grade year and we did have to bring our lunch for a couple of weeks in September before the program got rolling. As far as I know she didn’t have any helpers at first, but eventually Mabel Aamodt was hired to help especially with desserts. I remember the teachers helping dish up food. I remember the 100 pound bags of potatoes sitting in that little kitchen and I believe Mrs. Knutson peeled the potatoes and kept them in water overnight. For some reason I remember the scene of mom (Mildred Parrill) and I down in the kitchen and Mrs. Knutson sitting there peeling. Now that I think about it, I suppose she would go down and visit in Norwegian as that was mom’s first language.

This was also my mother’s first year of teaching in town and she had 37 of us in first grade. The second grade class had only a little over 20 students. I wonder how many ate hot lunch.

Mrs. Knutson moved back to Norway in 1966. All of her children still lived there. I don’t know if she cooked up to the time she left. She was a great cook and was replaced by an even greater cook Stella Schmitz. We Dunseith kids and teachers didn’t know how good we had it until we tasted hot lunch in other places. Example: You should have seen Deverde Nicklaus (who taught math in Bottineau after he taught in Dunseith)- he just shook his head in disbelief. He said the two best cooks were his wife (He had to say that!) and Stella.

By the way, the price was 20 cents a meal and remained at that price until at least 1975.

Basement Cafeteria – Reply to Ron Longie:

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):MIssoula MT.

I remember that basement cafeteria……its where I got chocolate milk for the first time. You took me to my first day of school there. You probably don’t remember that Ronnie. I do it was a big day for me, my older cousin took me to school.

Sharon Longie Dana (73)

Paper Route – Doc Stickland:

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

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to all the folks for commenting on the last few entries. It
really helps when those who know the details write in and fill in the
blanks. In Lee Stickland’s posting he made mention of he and his
brothers doing the paper route. I remember it well. Darrell, or ‘Doc’ as
we called him, had the job of delivering the Minot Daily News. One time
I mentioned that I wouldn’t mind having a paper route to make a few
bucks. Doc was quite the businessman. I guess he actually introduced me
to the world of subcontracting. He said that the route was actually in
his name but that the Minot Daily allowed him to have a substitute so he
would let me run the route and I could get the dollar a day payment for
delivering. That’s correct one (1) dollar a day. I did it for a long
time until one of our other buddies told me Doc got $1.50 a day! He was
getting $.50 for holding the contract, so to speak. That’s business!
Even for 12 year olds, it was a smart move. I bet Doc did well in his
future business ventures! The only real added benefit was that sometimes
the person who dropped off the papers at the post office miscounted and
had up to three extra papers. These were ours to sell for a dime each. I
figured out how and where to get the best price out of these extras. I
would go into the bars–Woodford’s, Corner Bar, or the Garden Tap and
ask the guys at the bar if they would like to buy a paper to help me
out? Lots of times they would say, “Sure kid” and throw me a quarter or
more. That was the gravy! Most times though they had the right number of
papers and we got no gravy! Live and learn! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Brodecks Family:

Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND.

Toni Morinville mentioned Brodecks. Yvonne Brodeck started first grade with me in 1955. I believe it was Mrs. Conroy who stopped into the room the first day and said to mom , “Oh, you have twins!” about Yvonne and I. Yvonne’s dad was the editor of the Dunseith Journal which would naturally include taking pictures for the paper. Brodecks moved to Rugby part way through that school year. I believe Mr. Brodeck went to work for Frank Hornstein at the Rugby paper. I wonder how long they stayed in Rugby and what has happened to them since. Were there other children in the Brodeck family? Were they in Dunseith very long? Who remembers?

Was that the end of the Dunseith Journal? My mother said that when she was in HS a fellow by the name of Ardis Bailey ran the paper. He married one of their favorite teachers, Miss Hannah Jevne after mom’s sophomore year. They moved to Hazen. This Bailey was not related to the other Baileys from Dunseith as far as mom knows.

Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

I think you’ve mentioned the Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion; here’s a clipping about it from today’s Minot Daily. I’m sending this to my Bottineau list/Kramer list/Brudwick list/other lists, too. As you know, many of my relatives (Brudwick’s/Kofoid’s/Haakenson’s/others) attended country schools in the Turtle Mts.

Neola

This is another great reuion that I’d dearly love to attend. Linda sent this to me earlier for posting too. Linda will be picking up Orvin Hagen on her way to this reunion too.

Linda, Can you tell us what all is included with the $42 registration fee? Thanks, Gary

Corner Bar Fire:

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

Gary and Friends,

Looking at the picture postcard of Main street stirs so many
memories it’s amazing. I remember the night the Corner Bar burned. Henry
LaCroix had owned and run the bar for many years. When it burned though,
I think Orlan Fuchs was the owner. He was the manager for sure, I do
know that. Dad got me up real early to go up to the Crystal Cafe for
breakfast so we could head up here to the farm to work. When we got up
on Main street we could see the commotion down by the bar so drove on
down a block to see what was up. The building was still standing but was
completely gutted by the fire. Orlan was inside looking around and
trying to see what was left. As we were standing just inside the front
door, I noticed a $20 bill on the floor. We looked further and found
more money scattered between the till and the front door. It was all
black from the smoke but was still recognizable as bills. They figured
that someone had entered through the plank covered opening in the
sidewalk on the north side of the building and then left through the
front door. The plank covered opening was there for unloading kegs and
other heavy things, according to Orlan. I never heard if it was ever
determined if the fire was a cover up for a burglary or not, but it sure
looked that way! I would have to take a wild guess as to when this was
because I really don’t remember the year. Probably mid to late 60s, but
that is just a guess. Maybe someone else has a date on this fire. Thanks
Gary!

Dick

Bottineau Lutheran church Class of 58 confirmation picture:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

I happened to see this picture and thought your readers might enjoy seeing it. Two of Abe Nelson’s daughters (EdnaMae and Vonnie) are in the picture, as is your cousin, Jean Hanson. I KNEW you wouldn’t recognize Jean if I didn’t mention her. Ha!

I should have been in this confirmation class, but I attended a few classes at the beginning of confirmation and then quit. I was confirmed with the Class of ’58.

Marlys Nelson was a cousin of EdnaMae/Vonnie. She was Lloyd Nelson’s sister. As you know, Lloyd owned a grocery store in Bottineau for many years. Marlys passed away many years ago.

Neola

Neola, Our readers know many of these folks. My first cousin and also the Morinville siblings first cousin, Jean Pladson, is pretty well know thru out the area. Yes, I would have recognized Jean in a heart beat in this photo. I’ll never forget the time that Jean visited our house shortly after she and Duane were married. Mom’s cousin and her husband from Niagara had stopped in for a visit on one of their Sunday drives when Jean came. When Jean was in the kitchen visiting with the ladies, Richard, Mom’s cousin’s husband, make the comment that Jean was one of the prettiest gals he had ever seen with her beautiful blond hair and blue eyes. I think her bubbly and friendly personality added a lot to the equation too. Jean was quite young when Duane swept her of her feet. Gary

Back row: EdnaMae Nelson, Loueen Brandvold, Jean Hanson, Vonnie Nelson,

Lynne Bergman, Marlys Nelson

Front row: Bob Vinje, Leonell Grimestad, Peter Lilligard, Dennis Monson, Pastor Estrem

Another old picture. 

Back row: Jean Pladson, Miss Vikan, Beverly Lemieux

Front row: Marlys Nelson, EdnaMae Nelson, Neola Kofoid, Margaret Wicken.

I seem to have made sure I had enough room! LOL!

Neola

Happy Birthday Ruby Krause:

Folks; Today, January 24th, is Ruby Krause’s birthday. Ruby is a former Dunseith School teacher & Librarian. She was hired into the Dunseith School system in 1971. She was the School Librarian in 1982 when the Dunseith centennial book was published. She was with the Dunseith Schools for a number of years. Ruby currently lives in Dunseith.

Ruby, We wish you a very happy birthday. This is your special day, so enjoy it to the fullest. Gary

Dunseith Main Street Picture:

Reply from Dave Wurgler (64): Rugby, ND.

Gary: To Dick Johnson about the post card of main street of Dunseith. When I first saw the picture and started to identify the cars I also thought that might have been dads 57 chev, as ole Hank Johnson was his barber, but if you look up the street in front of the Security State Bank you will notice which I think is a 60 chev-biscayne which could also be dads because he traded the 57 chev in 1960 for the coppertone 60 chev-biscayne and he also done all his personal and business banking at the bank. Kind of interesting. Take everyone and God Bless and a healthy and Happy New Year. Dave Wurgler (64).

Lajimodiere Family:
Reply from Denice Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN.

 Gary M.

Yes, my family is related to Julie Lajimodiere. We are descendant from her brother Joseph, his son Modeste, his son, Benjamin, my father Leo. Modeste and Louis Riel were first cousins. The Riel Rebellion split many familes in half, some for it and some were ‘royalists.’ Grandpa Ben refused to speak of Riel or the rebellion – were they royalists?? Our family originally fled to Pembina, Wallhalla, St. Joseph area after the rebellion to avoid prosecution. We are not sure where Joseph is buried. Some say with Riel, others say at St. Joseph church. I will go looking for him. Modeste brought us to Dunseith, and grandpa Ben to Belcourt. My father consideres Dunseith our family home, and we are mostly buried there. We have kept the original Lajimodiere spelling, as it is now Lagimodiere in Winnipeg – the priests at St. Boniface decided that the name will be spelled consistenly with a ‘g.’
I learned more about the Rebellion from my mother’s grandfathers and great uncles, the Plantes. Their grandfather, Francois Azure, fought with Riel at Batoche and I have recorded some wonderful oral stories from them about the battle, along with buffalo hunting stories and run ins with the Sioux. I have extensive files on our families geneology – I just have to sift through them to try and find Alcide’s mom. I’m now the ‘elder’ of the Belcourt Lajimodiere’s, sadly. I’m really a ‘baby elder,’ aye. But I know I need to keep our family’s story alive.

Denise Lajimodiere

School cook lady Identified:
Reply from Ron Longie (65): Yakima WA

 Gary,

The lady from Norway if I remember right was MRS Knudson, she was the cook when I used to eat in the “Old White School” basement.

Ron

School cook lady Identified:

Reply from Marge Landsverk Fish (57): Horicon, WI

I GARY,

I JUST READ YOUR LAST E-MAIL AND AM REPLYING TO SOME OF THE QUESTIONS.

THE LADY WHO MADE THE SCALLOPED POTATOES WAS CONNIE KNUDSON, SHE AND HER HUSBAND HED DID LIVE IN THE HOUSE JUST NORTH OF THE LUTHERN CHURCH. THEY LIVED IN THE BASEMENT A LONG TIME WHILE THEY FINISHED THE REST OF THE HOUSE.

THEY WERE FRIENDS OF MY FOLKS (MINNIE AND KNUTE LANDSVERK) I DON’T REMEMBER HER SCALLOPED POTATOES BUT I DO REMEMBER SHE MADE ALL KINDS OF NORWEGEN GOODIES. I DID’NT LIKE THE HEAD CHEESE BUT GOOD LEFSE’, ROSETTE’S”’ AND FATIMON.AND MUCH MORE.

THE ? PIDGEON IN THE PICTURE IS CURTIS.

I’M GLAD THAT THEY GOT THE CAR STRAIGHTENED OUT IN TIME TO MISS KNUTE LANDSVERK’S GARAGE

I THINK HE WOULD BE BEEN QUITE DISTURBED.

I’LL BET THE TRACKS WERE INTERESTING.

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO GARY.

MARGE(LANDSVERK) FISH

Ted Brodeck ?:

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

Gary,

A recent picture that was posted had the name Brodeck on it. I’m wondering if anyone remembers Ted Brodeck and his family. He was a photographer who lived in Dunseith for a while. I think when they left Dunseith they moved to Rugby. I don’t remember his wife’s name, but they had a daughter named Sissy, I believe. He and my Dad were friends. Ted was probably responsible for getting my Dad interested in photography. Just wondering if anyone can add more about them.

Toni Morinville Gredesky

Reply From Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND.

Football Photo ID:

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

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Karen Woodford Olson for supplying the names of the guys in
the football picture. I think the guy next to Bobby Pigeon is Curt
Pigeon. Bobby is the guy that reminds me of the ‘Fonz’ on Happy Days. I
guess it’s the other way around as Bobby was cool twenty years before
the TV show came around. The football helmets on the ground are the same
ones we hauled from the school to the dump ground and one of which I
still have. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Back: Coach Ray Stark, Marvin Aamodt, James Robillard, Vince Kalk, David Lo,

Gerald Anderson, Larry Shirk and Coach Lincoln Jerstad.

Middle: Lowell Williams, DuWayne Lang, Dennis Espe, Don Conroy, Curt Pigeon, Bob Pigeon.

Front: Val Bott, Bob Lagerquist, Lowell Leonard, Curt Halvorson, Mick Kester, Duane Woodford.

Snowplanes:

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

Gary,

This is in response to Floyd Dion’s posting from today about the Renault car bodied snowplane. It is from nearly two years ago but might be something interesting for the folks. Thanks Gary!

Dick

——– Original Message ——–

Gary and Friends

Reading Floyd’s and Tim’s comments about snowplanes really caught my
attention! Although they were abandoned from use in the late sixties,
some have survived. State laws prohibiting hunting from a moving vehicle
basically brought about their demise. The other factor was the invention
of the snowmobile which kind of took the place of the snowplane for snow
travel. I always liked these homemade machines and about 15 years ago I
found two of them that were for sale, so I made a deal and bought them.
I was invited to a snowplane rally in 1995 at Tolna, ND, where other
guys with this same interest were gathered. We had a cross country ride
for many miles and then a chili feed and refreshments on our return. It
was one of the most nostalgic and fun days I have had for many years. We
formed a group we called the Prairie Snowplaners and have had rallies,
annually, up until the last two years when there hasn’t been enough
snow. Since then I have bought several more snowplanes and parts. If any
one is interested, I have a couple VHS tapes from past rallies I would
share.
Floyd wrote about the Renault car body they used for one sled. John
Boguslawski and I asked Curt Halvorson what he was going to do with the
chassis, [ engine, transmission, and steering, etc. ], Curt gave it to
us! We came up to our farm and got a Model T frame off a discarded hay
rack and built a “dune buggy”. We actually scared ourselves once and
THEN built a rollcage. We painted it pastel yellow with house paint and
had quite a rig! Floyd, if I remember correctly, didn’t you break some
ribs or something while hunting in the Renault-bodied snowplane? I seem
to remember something about that, could be wrong! I have attached a
couple pictures taken of my snowplane taken at one of the rallies.
Thanks Gary!

Folks, Bernadette and I attended a nice wedding yesterday. The couple is from our bowling league. He is from Norway and of coarse she from here, Cebu, PI. This couple has been living together nearly two years now. They had a baby several months ago. There is a little age difference in this couple though. He is 59 and she just had her 22nd birthday. In spite of the age difference, they are a nice looking couple. Of coarse with him being Norwegian, they couldn’t be anything else but. Those Norwegian accents sure bring back some good memories of my dad’s relatives. The demeanors of the Norwegian’s that we have met here, so resembles that of the Norwegian’s I was raised around.

Another point of interest. Last week I posted the activity of our Website with a comment that the visits have been steadily increasing. Brenda Hoffman replied with a personal message that she feels there are folks following our messages that have just stumbled upon us browsing the Net. I never gave that any thought, but she may be right. It’s wonderful if there are. We’d like to hear from some of you folks that have found us with your browsing. Gary

Reply to Larry Shirk (58):

From Jim Robillard (58): WILLISTON, ND

Hi Larry good hearing from you. That is a great picture of our football team. The best dang team on both sides of Willow Creek.

I also enjoyed seeing the picture of Dunseith main street with all the old cars parked on the street. Its pretty near how I remember Dunseith.

A note to Gary Stokes; Gary I would like to thank you for this great service you provide for the Dunseith Alumni I read this Blog every day and enjoy The stories.

Snowplane reply:

From Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Dick was saying that the Pigeon’s had a Volkswaagen body for a snowplane, Harvey Halvorson had one with a French Renault coupe body , it had a door in the roof so we could shoot out of it, but it was too heavy too, Curt Halvorson and I built one for Harvey, and we had a lot of fun with it. I remember someone (don’t remember who) had a leaky gas tank and took it out to Jim Coleman’s to have it welded, they emtyed the tank and Jim put a hose in the gas tank and the other end on the car exhaust pipe and started the car and begin to weld the tank,ant it did not blow up.

Those snowplanes were a lot of fun

Floyd

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Larry Hackman

That is a good story about Egbert, Larry. That is what I called him too, his dad called him Donerd. I am sure most people thought I was being funny when I said that Ade was a man amongst men when he was young. That is what my dad called him, Ade. According to Ade, he was a ladies man to the highest degree, so I guess Donald had a real hard act to follow. You should read Ade’s history in the BIG BOOK.

I have given a lot of thought about what made those old pioneers stand taller than those who came later. I realize they were much more wise to the world having come from cities and towns out east and overseas.

I was thinking about Charles and Marvin Lindberg. I thought they lived near Rose Lake somewhere. Ethel Dubois is their sister. So I looked up their parents’ story, Pete Lindberg was a twin to Ben Lindberg. Cooney McKay’s father-in-law. I loved the way Ben handled the situation when a fellow came into their house party with a gun threatening to shoot everybody. Ben took him outside, straightened him out, then had him come back in for the evening festivities. With people like that they could get by with only one cop in the area those earlier years.

I got off the track. Pete was known as a singer and a man who could keep up to two binders shocking grain. The man that had enough crop to warrant two binders working was my great grandfather, Hans Svingen down at Overly. He was my Grandma Evans father. Hans had two brothers who were pastors and one of them performed the wedding for Ben Lindberg. There was also evidence that Ben met his wife at the home of Andrew Bergen up on the Canadian border.

I have a couple things I would like to find out about the Hillside area, one is who Alcide’s mother was???

Denise tells me that old Modeste Lajimodeir had 21 kids and three wives. I think the “e” on the end of his first name changed the meaning of it. I think he was the most prolific of the whole area. His quarter of land sat between Vance Bailey’s home place and Louis Bergan’s, give or take.

I guarantee Donald was a good worker. He worked for Cliff Gilles.

I am sure when Denise finds time to research that large addition to Rolette County it could prove interesting. I am pretty sure it was one of her relatives that was prominent in Manitoba politics. Most have heard of Louis Riel and Julie Lajimodeir was his mother. Louis was well educated and charismatic.

Gary Metcalfe

Message from DeAnn Gottbreht. DeAnn’s parents are Ernie Gottbreht and Brenda Hill.

Posted on her CarringBridge Website:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

We had a excellent turnout for my benefit up in Portal yesterday! I want to thank all of the great people who brought soup, sandwiches, dessert, and everyone who worked so hard putting it on. It was sure nice to have so much family there. Patrick parents came over along with Grandma, Mom and Bryant, My Dad and Cheryl, and Blake and Michelle. Lots of people came over from work along with some of the people that work up on the Canadian side and local friends as well. I am so thankful for all the people who donated money there and by mail. Thank You all for your generous support! Patrick and I sure appreciate it. Just saying thank you seems like hardly enough but it is the best I can do for now.

We are leaving for Mayo Tuesday morning. It is snowing steady right now with 4-5 inches by morning and a blizzard by Sunday so I pray that the weather man is right and that the storm will end by some time Monday. I will see my Oncologist, my Surgeon, Baby Doctor, and a few others on Wednesday and Thursday with surgery tentatively scheduled for Friday the 29th as long as all my appointments go well. And before you ask YES this is safe for the baby as long as I am monitored and my blood pressure and oxygen stay normal. I would not choose to do something I know would hurt my baby! Please keep us both in your prayers as we take this next step. It is pretty scary for me but necessary and I am comforted having it done in a place as excellent as the Mayo Clinic. Take care everyone. I will try to keep you updated on my progress.

Alex Pedie:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi,

I think you/someone asked who Alex Pedie is. He’s the husband of Dianne Pedie, who taught school in Dunseith.

Neola

Art Rude Sr. recovering.

From Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND

Gary,

Great job as always! I thought I should fill you in, and I know you will share it with the group. Dad (Art Rude Sr.) has had a real tough fall and winter. Late August he fell off his bike (age 86) and had to be taken to the hospital. I don’t think it was the fall. I understand in talking to him, and a couple of other people who saw him that day, he had been quite upset, and I think he had a mini stroke. The reason I say that is, although they gave him a series of tests, and said he didn’t qualify as a “stroke”, it sure seems as if he lost oxygen to the brain for a while, because Dad has never been so confused.

After a couple of days in the hospital, he went to the Dunseith Community Nursing home for 3 weeks. As he was doing much better, he was out living in his apartment, but we had to move him to a situation where he wouldn’t be alone. Anyway, December 18th I called as usual on the way to work, and Dad wasn’t there, he had been hauled away by ambulance shortly before I called. He was eventually hauled to Minot, where they opened him up to clean out a “hematoma” (I think that’s the appropriate term) around his defibrilator, and they said they cleaned out enough blood clot to make a softball. He had to have fallen
or taken quite a blow for that to happen. Dad has had a defibrilator for almost 20 years, and a pacemaker as well.

So now he is in the Dunseith home. He has lost a lot of his mobility (Dad always walked, and liked to walk with a very vigorous step, so it was difficult to see him walk like Tim Conway) although he is making improvements. I just talked to him on the phone, and Eldon Moors (our neighbor from the hills, who moved in since many of you have left. He bought the Lawrence Wenstad place on the county line.) had stopped in, and he kept saying how much he enjoyed the visit. So that’s the point Gary, I know there are many people still in Dunseith, and around Dunseith who remember Dad, so stop in and say hi, I’m sure he would appreciate it. You probably remember how he likes to visit, and catch up with people, so if you are in town with a few extra minutes . . .

I’ll enclose a picture we took at Christmas break, when more of the family could make it up to enjoy the hills, and see Dad. I spent most of the semester break up in the cabin, so I got to see Dad almost everyday, but he sleeps a lot now.

Thanks Gary.

Art Rude

Bismarck

PS. In the picture, from left to right, is my daughter Hannah, her fiance Brad Wickie, Dad, my wife Grace with grandson Gavin, and myself. I’d appreciate it if you refer to Dad as Art Sr. which is a title of respect. By the way Gary, I like being Art Rude, but hated being called “Junior” (I think that’s why Pete Mellmer left town). That’s one of the things I like about Bismarck, I don’t have to be junior any more, you would think at age 56 you could leave that childhood moniker behind.

Peace and Power, Art Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions, webpage address: www.artrude.com call and leave a message anytime at 800-XRT-RUDE

Art, Thank you so much for this update and info about your dad. I am glad to here that he is recovering well. Please keep us posted. This is a great photo of all of you. Gary

L To R: Hannah Rude, Brad Wickie, Art Rude Sr., Grace Rude W/Gavin & Art Rude.

Mel Kuhn (70):

Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

Just a few items that I have rolling around inside the old cranium that I thought I would put out there. Maybe someone has a answer or two.

I wish I would have known about old Mel having problems? I would have went up and hooked him up to a trickle charger. We could have probably saved him some gas money. Glad to here you are is doing fine Mel. Hang in there old buddy, there is life to be lived.

Larry

Folks, I neglected to include Larry’s Attachment when I posted his message several days ago. I hate it when that happens. Larry, I apologize. I have pasted your attachment below. Gary

Rambling Rumblings

Does anyone have pictures to post of the swimming area at the east end of Lake Shutte that show the sand beach, dock, and diving board that was built and used during the 50s? Remember how we use to go catch mud-puppies with our bare hands, in the northeast corner of the lake.We would carry the mud-puppies back to the beach and throw them at the girls to make them run and scream? The good old days.

Anyone remember the cook that use to make them scaloped potatoes that were served to us about once a week ( or maybe it was once every two weeks – it was often) in the lunch rooms in the basement of the old wood two story school house in Dunseith?If I remember correctly; when she retired, her and her husband sold their home in Dunseith and moved back to Norway.Jim Enno, who had a auto body repair shop on the south edge of town, bought their home?I remember them scaloped potatoes and would like a copy of the recipe if anyone has it and could post that.Remember when you came down the stairs into the basement, you had your lunch ticket punched, then you had to make a sharp right or left turn, went around either corner, picked up your tray and selected your butter, or peanut butter sandwich; (take as many as you want) from the plastic baskets with the towel over the top of the sandwichs.Next stop was the window to the kitchen where they handed you your plate or brown bowl of scaloped potatoes.You had to develope a taste for them scaloped potatoes.I guess I did cuz I would like to taste them again.Anyone have the recipe?

Did Kenny Nerpel move to Rugby?

A while back I wrote about some of the happenings that happened to some of the old people in our lives.I tried to make them entertaining and funny.I thought we should laugh at some of these situations now, because as we all know, we will be encountering some of these type happenings.So, be prepared to laugh when it happens to you, cuz it an’t gonna do much good to cry!The reason I brought this up again I thought a few would write about some of the happenings in their lives.Which a few have! Thank You.

There were a couple of particular stories I knew of, that happened to a mother-in-law and brother-in-law of a (65er) class member, that I was sure would write and give us the scoop.So Joe, “Joe is kind of a generic name so I don’t think anyone is going to figure out who I’m talking about. Joe this lady told me she was up-town in Rugby doing some shopping.She was driving home from shopping, thinking about her garden.Her and her husband always grow a beautiful, productive garden.Joe, I’m sure you have eaten a lot of vegetables from that garden?Your mother-in-law says she is coming down the street from up-town, hits the button for the garage door to open.She pulls into the driveway, the garage door is almost all the way open, and then she don’t remember anything until she opens her eyes.There she is sitting in her car, in the back yard looking at her beautiful garden.She said, she remembers driving along thinking about her garden before she entered the garage, but she never intended to drive directly through the back wall of her garage to get there.She does not remember going through the wall.Funny?You be the judge.

Joe, It always seemed to me that if something happened in high school that was funny, it usually involved a member of your family, and I don’t think it had anything to do with the amount of you guys roaming the halls.It always seemed that your family was happy and always ready to have some fun.This story is about your brother-in-law Joey.I know there are a million stories about Joey.I’m just going to tell just one.you can tell the other stories if you want too.According to Joey’s mother, Joey parked his antique auto on the street.Now you have to think about this.What some people consider to be an antique, other people consider to be an eye-sore or junk.The decision is purely in the eye of the beholder.Now this car is sitting there, and hadn’t been moved for months.Someone finally made up a sign and placed it on the antique car.The sign said one word, (FREE).A couple boys came along from Devils Lake and saw this sign.They thought they struck gold (a free old corvette).They went up to the door, rang the door bell, and asked Joey’s mom if it was OK for them to take the car.She said, you can’t take that car, it’s an antique, and belongs to my son Joey.They explained about the free sign on the car.She told them, that it is worth a lot of money and was not free.Poor boys!

A few days later somone had moved the vehicle and parked it in the alley behind the house, the sign had been removed.Joe I hope you don’t end up sleeping on the couch because of this story?

I and my wife were over visiting my brother Henry (65er) and was telling him and his wife about the above story.We were sitting in his living room.His wife jumps up and points across the street at an antique auto.Apparently the conversation had struck a nerve?She didn’t actually call it a antique.She was basiclly telling my brother to make up a sign and put it on that car.Henry being a calm guy said, why don’t we just call the police dept. and see what they do firstHe said, they made the call, explained that the car had been sitting there forever, and the next day it was towed.So simple!Personally I preferred the sign method.

The old building, located behind the building that was used as, Richards Variety Store, or Berg’s Electric and TV repair, or Sutton’s Used Auto Parts Store, or Morinvilles Grocery Store, which was located across the street from the Crystal Cafe? Does anyone remember what it was used for originally?I remember Orvile Sutton using it as a auto repair shop, and I think it was torn down after that.Itlooked like it could of been someones house at one time?

Bill (65er) do you remember the guy who kept rabbits in the building or garages located just at the north end of the Commercial Hotel.I know when we first moved to town we had a lot of pet rabbits that we brought with us from the farm.We didn’t bring them all but just what we had cages for. The rest we just released on the farm.Anyway this gentleman came over and offered to buy them rabbits. Us kids knowing about all that candy in them stores up-town, immediately sold the rabbits to him.Then when we ran out of money convinced Dad to take us back up to the farm to recapture the rest.It took a couple of trips but I think we got most of them.Did that fellow keep and sell rabbits for pets or for food or both?I remember he had a lot of rabbits.

My sympathy to all thoughs that have lost loved!

I hope and pray that you are doing well!

Remember; Laugh and the whole world laughs with you!

Larry

Football Photo ID’s:

From Karen Woodford Olson (59): Marana, Az & Bemidji, Mn

The folks in the football picture are as follows:

Back row Coach Ray Stark, Marvin Aamodt, James Robillard, Vince Kalk, David Lo, Gerald Anderson, Larry Shirk and Coach Lincoln Jerstad. Middle row Lowell Williams, DuWayne Lang, Dennis Espe, Don Conroy, Ray? Pigeon, Bob Pigeon. Front row Val Bott, Bob Lagerquist, Lowell Leonard, Curt Halvorson, Mick Kester, Duane Woodford.

Hope my memory is correct. Thank you for all of your work. Karen Woodford Olson

Back: Coach Ray Stark, Marvin Aamodt, James Robillard, Vince Kalk, David Lo, Gerald Anderson, Larry Shirk and Coach Lincoln Jerstad.
Middle: Lowell Williams, DuWayne Lang, Dennis Espe, Don Conroy, Ray? Pigeon, Bob Pigeon.
Front: Val Bott, Bob Lagerquist, Lowell Leonard, Curt Halvorson, Mick Kester, Duane Woodford.

Main Street Photo:

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

Gary,

With the posting of Bernard Morin/ Rod Armentrout’s postcard of Dunseith’s Main street, there are a couple things shown that I never in my life expected to see again. First, the car on the right is the old Nash belonging to Hank Johnson, the barber. It’s the one Marvin Kalk bought for $25. that I told about in blog message 156. The next car is a ’57 Chevy. John Wurgler had one like it and so did Zike Boguslawski. The car in front of the Althea theater is Leonard Cote’s ’59 Merc four door hard top. Eddie Bogus bought the Merc from Leonard and big John Bogus and I made a few wild trips to Rugby and Bottineau in that sled! The old Merc had a monster engine and really flew. It also had a fuel pump on top of the front part of the engine and if it got hot it ‘vapor locked’ and the car died. We had an old rag wrapped around the fuel pump and when it started having it’s fits, we would open the hood and poor cold water (or beer–what a waste) on the rag and away we went! My guess of the year the picture was taken is around 1963-64. I think Marvin bought Hank’s Nash in about ’64-’65. Hank still owned it when the picture was taken, obviously, as it’s still sitting in front of the barber shop. Thanks Bernard, Rod, and Gary!

Dick

——– Original Message posted with message 156 ——–

Gary and Friends, There was a barber in Dunseith by the name of Hank Johnson. We called him ‘Hank the Barber’, and he had a shop two doors south of the Althea theater. This is not the Hank Johnson from Willow Lake, but another guy. Anyway, for years he drove an old 1950 Nash four door car that resembled an inverted bathtub! It was dark green and ugly, real ugly. In those days Nash thought it was cool to be able to lay the front seat down and make the car into a bed, maybe for camping, who knows! Hank decided to sell his old Nash and buy a newer car so Marvin Kalk went down and bought it for $25, if I remember right. It didn’t like to start real well but he seemed to get it going most of the time, one way or another! One night a bunch of us were cruising town in Marvin’s Nash and we noticed he had a stick holding the rear of the driver’s seat up! Someone asked what it was for and Marvin said the latch was broken so the seat fell back to the bed position. He dropped us off by Fortune Berube’s house and we were standing by the car talking to Marvin, who was still in his car. Bill Berube had tied a rope to the stick that was holding the seat up and had secretly dropped it out the rear window. We asked Marvin if he could make the old Nash burn rubber? He revved it up and dropped the clutch and sure enough it squealed the tires and took off to the east! Billy gave the rope a pull and poor Marvin fell over backward in the seat and lost his grip on the steering wheel! The car veered to the left and jumped the curb, heading for Knute Landsverk’s garage! Marvin sat back up just in time to turn the wheel and miss the garage, but instead of hitting the brakes he just kept going and drove clear across the vacant lot south of Landsverk’s and then bounced back over that curb and drove off like nothing happened! We went from being scared to laughing hysterically in just a few seconds! I remember thinking, if he would have hit that garage we would have all been in BIG trouble! But we pulled off another one! Thanks Gary! Dick

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): thepladsons@hotmail.com Stafford, VA

Gary,
I found this interesting.

But, first a little background. My neighbor, Dave Humphrey, four houses down the street, asked me a few years ago if I would be interested in helping to collect food for the needy. Since I was retired and had the time, I said yes. So now every Tuesday, he and I (and in the summertime two other retired neighbors also) collect food from several grocery markets. (This consists of things that are reaching there shelf life or the containers are damaged, etc., and that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage – cereals, canned goods, breads, pies, milk, eggs, meats, etc.) The operation was set up several years ago by a guy who had made quite a bit of money in life and wanted to give back so he rented a warehouse and bought a truck and got a local pastor to run the warehouse. It’s called Warehouse Ministries. So on Tuesdays, we drive down from where we live to Fredericksburg, VA to get the big truck and then go from store to store to collect before returning to the warehouse to off load. This also gives us a lot of time to just talk about anything and everything of interest.

Anyway, this past Tuesday I was driving and Dave pulled something out of a folder he had brought with him. He then asked me if I wanted to hear something funny and he started reading what he’d pulled out of his folder: “Dear Sirs: We’re writing this letter to you today because we want to help you get your money out of your Model T. It’s still as good a car…”

Does that ring a bell? Remember your 681 posting?

Dave is originally from the Boston, Mass. area and knows nothing about Bottineau or Maxbass, ND. But through the wonders of the information highway, e.g. the internet, he had somehow gotten a copy of that same post card you posted. Do we live in a small world or what?

Thanks Gary for what you do.
Keith (66)

Keith, This is so interesting. This card, pasted below, has to be on the internet somewhere. I first received it from Sharron Gottbreht Shen that I posted with message 387, I then received it from Bill Hosmer posted with message 404. Then several weeks ago Allen Richard sent it to me again that I posted with message 681.

This card is for sure making it’s rounds all thru the whole country. Last week, out of the blue, a friend of mine originally from Bremerton, WA sent this card out to 50 plus folks that he sends forwards to everyday. I am on his list. He has no idea that I am from ND, Let alone Dunseith/Bottineau. Do any of you know who actually has this card?

This story even gets better with this friend of mines daily forwards. Last week one of his forwards was of the deer feeding on the Snow mobile trail near Lake Metigoshe. I remembered seeing that same picture in the Bottineau paper last year. My friend sent it as a joke with the message folks couldn’t ride their snow mobiles because of the deer. This guy had no clue where this picture was taken. I did a ‘reply all’ to that picture too, explaining the picture and where it was taken. The next day I got a message from Jerry Olson, originally from Souris, letting me know he recognized that photo too. My reply to that picture had been forwarded him. He could not believe his eyes. Jerry is currently living in Bremerton, WA. His sister is Nadine Little, also known as the “Cake Lady” in Bottineau. His family owned the John Deere dealership in Bottineau. Gary

Reply to Mel Kuhn:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Ol’ Mel Kuhn didn’t listen to me well enough when he was buying
parts. I told him all my engines are equipped with two shafts. The first
one is in the engine and the second one is in the warranty! Mel always
asks,” What’s new?” I always tell him that nothing is new—-everything
is used or rebuilt around here. Besides that, you can’t get many
Cadillac parts to fit an old worn out Stud–ebaker! How about that, Mel
Kuhn?!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picgeon boys & snowplane stories:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

As long as the snowplane reminiscing is fresh, there are a couple
more memories I could throw in. I was out at Pigeon’s farm one time and
looked at one of the snowplanes they were working on. Gary had rigged an
old double barrel shotgun under the dash and pointing forward through a
hole in the nose. He had sawed off the stock to a pistol grip and then
soldered two rods to the barrels. On top of these rods he had welded
circles so that when you lined up the circles, through the windshield
and had a fox or coyote in both circles, you pulled the trigger! I
remember how he couldn’t stop giggling while I was checking it out. He
was quite the inventor!

Another snowplane they built was made with a Volkswagen Bug body. It
turned out to be way too heavy and got stuck every time they hit deep
snow. That one went in the junk, I think. They also chased fox and
coyotes with cars when there was no snow. They took a pretty nice 1950
Lincoln four door and cut the top off so they could stand up and shoot.
Russell told me he was driving once and Gary stood up in the back seat
to shoot at a fox just when Russell hit a washout in the tall grass. The
car made a wild bounce and threw Gary up in the air. When he came back
down he was laying on the trunk lid with just his heels holding him from
falling off! They were both laughing when they were telling me about it.
I’m sure stories could be written about the episodes of the Pigeon boys!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

1955 DHS Football picture:

From Larry Shirk (58): Naperville, IL

Gary: Read your blog daily and came across this picture of the 1955
Dunseith football team. The folks might enjoy naming the players.

Larry Shirk, Class of 58

Larry, I will repost when we have all those in this picture identified. This is a great picture! Thanks, Gary

Dunseith Main Street Picture:

From Bernard Morin (76):Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary, I was visiting with Rod and Marlene Armentrout recently and came across this post card that Marlene had in a photo album. It has no date and hasn’t been used. Just thought it might be something you could put in the blog. Also could you add Marc Pigeon to the May reunion, he is a “75” graduate. At the current time he doesn’t have Internet access.

 Thanks. Bernard

Eldon Hiatt & John Kofoid Picture:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

I happened to see this clipping when I was looking for something else. I may/may not have sent it before.

Neola

Neola, This is a great picture. Eldon Hiatt is the son of Walter & Julia Hiatt. He was also a brother to Freddie and Wallace. Eldon was living in Renton, WA. I’m not sure of his fate at the moment? I’m sure his many nieces and nephew’s on our distribution can fill us in with more info about Eldon. Gary

Dennis Haakenson’s Haflinger Horses:

From Vivian Clark: Bottineau, ND.

Folks,

I received these pictures from Vivian (Mrs. Dave – deceased) Clark. These pictures are from Scott Wager, the editor of the Bottineau Courant. Scott ran a great article about Dennis (Hawkeye) Haakenson and his Haflinger horses in the January 5th edition of the Courant.

Dennis and Sharon Haakenson live in the hills a few miles north of the golf course on the Lake Road. Dennis built the covered cutter that the horses are hitched to. He’s got all the comforts inside his cutter with a wood stove and all.

Dennis’ mother was Mabel (Arnie) Kofoid Haakenson. Being a Kofoid, she was a cousin to my dad and also Neola’s Dad, Johnny. The highlight of our family reunions is going to Dennis and Sharon’s for a wagon ride thru the back woods with Dennis and his Haflinger team.

Sharon is cousin to Sandy (Rick) Gottbreth too.

Gary

Reply to Mel Kuhn:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Ol’ Mel Kuhn didn’t listen to me well enough when he was buying
parts. I told him all my engines are equipped with two shafts. The first
one is in the engine and the second one is in the warranty! Mel always
asks,” What’s new?” I always tell him that nothing is new—-everything
is used or rebuilt around here. Besides that, you can’t get many
Cadillac parts to fit an old worn out Stud–ebaker! How about that, Mel
Kuhn?!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picgeon boys & snowplane stories:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

As long as the snowplane reminiscing is fresh, there are a couple
more memories I could throw in. I was out at Pigeon’s farm one time and
looked at one of the snowplanes they were working on. Gary had rigged an
old double barrel shotgun under the dash and pointing forward through a
hole in the nose. He had sawed off the stock to a pistol grip and then
soldered two rods to the barrels. On top of these rods he had welded
circles so that when you lined up the circles, through the windshield
and had a fox or coyote in both circles, you pulled the trigger! I
remember how he couldn’t stop giggling while I was checking it out. He
was quite the inventor!

Another snowplane they built was made with a Volkswagen Bug body. It
turned out to be way too heavy and got stuck every time they hit deep
snow. That one went in the junk, I think. They also chased fox and
coyotes with cars when there was no snow. They took a pretty nice 1950
Lincoln four door and cut the top off so they could stand up and shoot.
Russell told me he was driving once and Gary stood up in the back seat
to shoot at a fox just when Russell hit a washout in the tall grass. The
car made a wild bounce and threw Gary up in the air. When he came back
down he was laying on the trunk lid with just his heels holding him from
falling off! They were both laughing when they were telling me about it.
I’m sure stories could be written about the episodes of the Pigeon boys!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

1955 DHS Football picture:

From Larry Shirk (58): Naperville, IL

Gary: Read your blog daily and came across this picture of the 1955
Dunseith football team. The folks might enjoy naming the players.

Larry Shirk, Class of 58

Larry, I will repost when we have all those in this picture identified. This is a great picture! Thanks, Gary

Dunseith Main Street Picture:

From Bernard Morin (76):Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary, I was visiting with Rod and Marlene Armentrout recently and came across this post card that Marlene had in a photo album. It has no date and hasn’t been used. Just thought it might be something you could put in the blog. Also could you add Marc Pigeon to the May reunion, he is a “75” graduate. At the current time he doesn’t have Internet access.

 Thanks. Bernard

Eldon Hiatt & John Kofoid Picture:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

I happened to see this clipping when I was looking for something else. I may/may not have sent it before.

Neola

Neola, This is a great picture. Eldon Hiatt is the son of Walter & Julia Hiatt. He was also a brother to Freddie and Wallace. Eldon was living in Renton, WA. I’m not sure of his fate at the moment? I’m sure his many nieces and nephew’s on our distribution can fill us in with more info about Eldon. Gary

Dennis Haakenson’s Haflinger Horses:

From Vivian Clark: Bottineau, ND.

Folks,

I received these pictures from Vivian (Mrs. Dave – deceased) Clark. These pictures are from Scott Wager, the editor of the Bottineau Courant. Scott ran a great article about Dennis (Hawkeye) Haakenson and his Haflinger horses in the January 5th edition of the Courant.

Dennis and Sharon Haakenson live in the hills a few miles north of the golf course on the Lake Road. Dennis built the covered cutter that the horses are hitched to. He’s got all the comforts inside his cutter with a wood stove and all.

Dennis’ mother was Mabel (Arnie) Kofoid Haakenson. Being a Kofoid, she was a cousin to my dad and also Neola’s Dad, Johnny. The highlight of our family reunions is going to Dennis and Sharon’s for a wagon ride thru the back woods with Dennis and his Haflinger team.

Sharon is cousin to Sandy (Rick) Gottbreth too.

Gary