08/18/2009 | Dunseith Alumni

Folks, When we were back in the states I purchased a Magic Jack (Telephone module) at radio shack that attaches to any USB connection on my computer. It has a regular phone connection on the back side. Last night I took this thing out of the package and connected it to my computer. I was prompted for info needed to activate and acquire a phone number. That whole process took about 2 minutes. When I was finished I plugged a phone into the Jack on the back side and this thing actually worked with a good clear connection. The whole process seemed too easy to be true. It only cost 39.99 which included the first years service. Each year here after will only cost $19.99. With this phone I’ve got unlimited toll free calling to all 50 states and Canada. There were no Washington state numbers available, but there were a few ND towns and cities listed. Kindred, ND was one of them, so I chose to have a local Kindred number. That is where Orvin Hagen Lives. The number is (701) 428-8186. Now I’ve got two VOIP phones. I may get rid of the first one in time. Gary

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

Hi Gary,

I arrived in Dunseith yesterday for a week visit; was disappointed to learn that the Historical Society festivity at St. John happened the day before. Perhaps Dick might know if there are any post cards around of “old” St John. Mildred Gottbreht was married to H. Solomon who managed the Red and White Grocery circa 1935. He also operated a Tavern and variety store. Is the museum open daily?

Loved the short time together with everyone at Best Western. How come Gary Metcalfe looks so young? Thought he was a few years older than myself! Evie and I lodged just around the corner and visited with Francie Gottbreht Dutra into the “wee” hours. Thanks Bill and Gary.

Wish I were having coffee with Art and Eva Seim this week. Mom often brought a few of us along with her for visits – amazing kitchen is what Ernie recalls; all the glorious woodwork. During off days during grade school in Dunseith, Eva would sometimes pick me up and off to Russel we’d go. I think I was related to everyone at Russel. Sharron

Reply from Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA

Hi Gary and all,

Regarding Dicks inquiry about Imogene Westerman, Katrine and I took her as a foster daughter in 1964 during my last year at seminary at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, Mn. The arrangement did not work out well–trying to be a full time student and Katrine working as well as our parenting our own first child. In the end, the fostering was taken over by Carl and Myrtle Jacobson who also worked at the Indian Mission north of Dunseith and were parents to Vernes Jacobson Johnson who died January 1, 2007 and was a graduate of Dunseith High School in 1961. Any rate, Imogene was with the Jacobson’s who were living in Pelican Rapids, MN at the time. Where she went after she reached her majority age. I have no idea. Someone else may have that knowledge.

Glad that the cruise went so well, Katrine and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening together at the Best Western Executive Inn with so many from our home town.

Bob Hosmer

Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Regarding the whereabouts of Imogene Westerman, I don’t know, however I am going to write to Phylomena to get Berthas address as well. So I will share them when I have them. I heard that Bertha was blind, but not sure if that’s true. They were awesome girls so I am anxious to hear more about them, and what ever happened to the mission. Sharon Zorn Gerdes

Message/Article from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND.

Howdy Gary,

Glad you’re back at it, I was lost in the mornig without my Gary fix. I’m attaching a newspaper clipping from this weeks Turtle Mt. Star. It is my youngest son in the article. We’re just now getting ready to go to Bismarck to see him off. Maybe you’ll find the article interesting.

Mel