11/12/2010

Posted on by
Dunseith Alumni Website
 
Folks, With yesterday’s message I had several requests for the link to our Alumni Website. Gary
 
 
 
 
 

Effie & Art Espe Memories

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

Gary,

 

You’re welcome. Effie and Art Espe were wonderful, kind, “salt of the earth” neighbors and Little Prairie Lutheran’s to the north.

 

In the winter months, Sunday’s church service was held in homes where many of the folks of Little Prairie, including the Espe’s gathered for fellowship. Coffee and the hotdish main course was provided by the host couple. The other ladies brought the deserts, koolaide, and condiments.

I know friends and cousins who still have and use recipe’s from those Little Prairie Ladies Aide women of those days long past .

A still and pleasant time of long ago when neighbors visited, dropping in, or “going visiting” arriving in the homes and oft times “rubbering on the crank telephones.

My parents thought alot of “Effa and Jessa”, as my father fondly called the House sisters, Effie Espe and Jessie Millang, whose brother, Dick was married to my dad’s niece, my cousin, Bertha (Metcalfe).

I recall, Mom & Dad and our family “visiting” many a Friday or Saturday night, at the Art and Effie Espes’ or Doug and Marlene Strikers. The easy conversation and light humour flowed. Always, “The Norweigian coffee pot on and a little lunch” before we journeyed home with the feelings of contentment.

Throughout my childhood, I always knew, there was a connection with Mavis (Espe) Johnson. Also, through common “visiting” family news, Mavis husband, Wesley Johnson, was the brother to Bernice (Johnson) Metcalfe aka, Mrs. Billy Metcalfe.ie. My cousin, Billy.

During my years teaching in Montana, I heard concerns, from teacher friends from Libby about “terrible” illnesses many people living in that area suffered, the result of asbestos mines. And I hoped Effie’s family was out of harms way.

I offer my humble sympathies to the Espe family in their loss. Fondly, Vickie

 
 
 
Mavis Espe Johnson’s obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Note: Mavis was Monte (68) and Merlin (59) Espe’s sister.
 

 

 
 

Mavis E. Johnson, 74, died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 with her husband and two daughters at her side at Libby Care Center.

She was born Nov. 10, 1935 at Dunseith, N.D., the daughter of Arthur and Effie (House) Espe.

She loved cooking for her family, working at the 4B’s Restaurant and being outside with her flowers. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons, Clifford, Doug and Russell, and a grandson, Tanner.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Wesley Johnson of Libby; six children, Pam and husband Smitty, Kevin and wife Dalene, Kim, Tammy and husband Mitch, Katie and husband James, and Coral; 22 grandchildren, Katina, Shelley, Jimmy, O. J., Shea, Nikki, Dannielle, Chad, Brandon, Josh, Stormy, Dalton, Brad, Cory, Doug, Austin, Kody, Brandi, Levi, Brody, Jason, Keeli; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services were Monday, Nov. 1 at the Assembly of God Church in Libby Montana.

 
 
 
Military Veterans and DOD Civilians
Message from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

 

While we take time to honor our military veterans I just want to put in a word of thanks to all of those Department of Defense civilians who support our military. Their service is not just limited to the United States, but also extends to our military locations all across the globe including combat zones. While in most cases their sacrifices are not as great as those serving in the military, they do, in a number of situations, make great sacrifices and in some cases, the ultimate one. As a DOD retiree I am very proud of my service to the military and I am grateful to my country for allowing me to serve those who serve.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 

 
Gary and Friends,

The draft lottery wasn’t quite as simple as I made it sound. The plan was to go through the number 200 with the draft in 1969. As I said, my number was 187. During the first week of December ’69, I received my orders to be in Fargo for induction on January 6, 1970. It kind of set me back and I quit going to class at the Forestry and basically just goofed off and partied. Then during the week between Christmas and New Years, a short news announcement came on the TV one evening where a rep from the Selective Service said, “Because of more birth dates with low numbers and unexpected enlistments, the number will not be 200, but 185. If your number is 185 you ARE drafted. If your number is 186 you are NOT drafted.” My number was 187! I immediately called the Rolette County Draft Board chairman, Velma Raasaka in Rolla and asked her what this meant for me? She said, “You don’t go.” I asked what I should do with my orders? She said to throw them away. I didn’t do that! It was early February and I got another letter from Selective Service that contained my new draft status–I think it was 1H which meant you had been available and not chosen and were no longer in the draft. The next thing I had to do was to go and explain to my teachers why I hadn’t been going to class. For the most part, they were understanding and let me catch up. I did maybe call in a few favors too! I’ll never tell. Oh well. I remember my dad telling me what his draft card designation was–AWC. I asked him what that meant? He said, “After women and children.” Not a time to be funny! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I’ll bet you still have your draft notice too? I’m kicking my self in the butt for not keeping mine.
 
On another subject, with Mr. Lykins reply today. I’m reminded of a little card that I carried around in my billfold for nearly forty years that I received from him. It stated that I could type 52 words per minute following the completion of his typing class. This was on the old Pica Manual typewriters too. Cleaning things out for preparation to come to the PI, that little card got misplaced. Over the course of a life time and with the computer age, that was one of the most beneficial classes I ever took. Mr Lykins was a great teacher too. He was firm and insistent with our repetition practices that we use the right fingers for the right keys. He’d walk up and down the Aisle way making sure we were doing just that too.
 
Dan Danielson, if memory serves me correctly, you were one of the fastest typist in our day. I think your speed was double mine. You were a class ahead of me. Your typing skills were well known throughout the school. Gary