10/11/2009 | Dunseith Alumni

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone:

I will try to do a quick resume of how things are progressing.Mrs Janice Myhre, (Harry Larsons daughter) called me this week and we had a very informative chat, and it only made me more certain about the great character of this man; She told me that he loved teaching and taught after they left the Dunseith area, but in the late forties or the early fifties, he gave up teaching in order to earn an income that would not only support his growing family but also to pay for his daughter and sons education. You see he wanted them to have the opportunity he had and they both,(Janice and George) became teachers . Both are retired now. Harry Larson never gave up his love for teaching and helping others. he loved his grandchildren and helped them along the way. In his new job after they moved to Montana, he went to work for the Farmers Union and became a liason between the customers and the executive offices in st. Paul. It also gave him an opportunity to hold seminars to teach farmers about new products and how to use them. This of course fit in with his background. He continued in his job with the Farmers Union untill his retirement, then he retired in Washington state out near the Yakima Valley. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 75. He is sorely missed by his family and friends as well as myself. I did promise Mrs. Myhre a copy about my experience with him when I complete it. I will be talking to her soon again. Thank you all again for all the help

Erling Landsverk

Erling, Next time you talk with Janice can you ask her if she is related to the Myhre’s in Rolette? In my childhood days I knew Carl Myhre pretty well. He along with his uncles, Alex & Stanley Gilje purchased Harry Hiatt’s farm in the mid 50’s after Harry died. Harry’s place was about 2 miles north of us. They used to park their jeep in our yard and would leave their car in our yard taking the jeep with their trips to Harry’s place. I know many of you out there remember the big hunting parties every year up at Harry’s after the Gilje’s/Myhre’s purchased his place. When we were kids Carl/Alex/Stanley used to give us kids candy bars and treats with each of their visits. That was so very special to us. Things were tight in those days and treats of this nature were seldom had. They were such caring loving folks. Stanley always recognized dad’s pickup and when meeting him he would always pull over to the side of the road flagging him down just to shoot the breeze. In 1991, the year my folks celebrated their golden Anniversary, Dad and I were headed to our farm up in the hills from Bottineau in his pickup. About 3 miles north of the golf coarse we met Stanley with a relative of his that was a retired minister. Stanley pulled over to the side of the road and flagged us down. He just wanted to visit. Dad said I’ll turn around and you follow us back to town to our place for a cup of coffee and that is exactly what we did. That was the last time I saw Stanley. He was killed in an Auto accident in November of 1991. Carl Myhre is still living in Rolette. When I talked to him a year or so ago he said he is pretty much retired but still has an office in the bank and comes and goes at his choosing. Gary

Question from Larry Liere (55): Dunseith, ND.

Gary

Would the Helgeson’s or anyone remember the Haynes (sp?) family? They lived in Dunseith during the 40’s. The dad was a Border Patrol/Customs Agent and they lived by us across the street from the Catholic Church. The only first name I can remember in the family is Kim Haynes and she would be about my age 72 maybe a little older. I think they also had two boys. One older and one younger then me.

LARRY J. LIERE (55)

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

Bottineau weather was quite windy, cold,& snowy I was hoping for an Indian Summer as I acclimated myself to prepare for winter. Where are my boots and mittens?

Yesterday afternoon, I stopped by Lorraine (H) Millang’s , and found her surrounded by her loving family. Her daughter, Penny, son, Jaime, grandchildren, sisters, brother, sister- in -laws, and daughter-in -law and niece gathered around the kitchen, the visiting grand dogs were snug in the garage, and more grandchildren in the yard playfully welcoming the wind and snow. Later I phoning my cousin’s Larry and Lise’, Larry reaffirmed, “That’s what our folks do back home”.

Actually, Gary if this was March we’d all be saying, “Wow its’s a warm +31!” As ever Vickie……Where is that windshield scraper? And what ever happened to my longjohns? ……………….

From Vickie

Gary and friends,
Some area people go to the area casino to socialize.
………….I go to WalMart.

Some people avoid Wal-Mart, particularly during the first of the month.

………… My favorite time to go to Wal-Mart is the first of the month. I enjoy running into former students and area folks. It’s gotten to be a like going on a mystery trip. And, I glow when it’s serendipitous trip! If so, I smile for days.

Today was not the first of the month, but as I was exiting, Carole (the plant lady) called me back in and told me wonderful news.

In Utah, a little baby, only one week old was fortunate to be adopted just this week by Darlene and Smiley!

The Wal-Mart plant lady is Smiley’s sister. Smiley aka Corbin Bergstrom married Darlene Thiefault in March 1972. Darlene, my classmate from Dunseith is the daughter of Raymond and Frances (Delorme) Thiefault.

Smiley (Corbin) and Darlene met while we were all students at NDSU-Bottineau. A group of friends watched the budding, blossoming romance as Smiley, from western ND, and proud Vietnam vet wooed our Darlene. What a match it was and is.

Last year, it was exciting news when a seven year old little girl was very blessed. Darlene and Corbin Bergstrom became 1st time parents. Now Shya’s little brother has become part of the Bergstrom family!

Blessings upon Darlene, Corbin, Shya, and Baby Bergstrom!

Thanks Gary. (Yes, Now I’m Smilin) Vickie

From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Early winter has hit Wyoming. It is now 14 above at 9:50 pm. We havent had much of a summer, so I’m not surprised. There is already about 3 inches on the ground and its suppose to last thru tomorrow nite. Keep up with the blogs; for I surely enjoy them. I cant give first hand information about Dunseith and everyone there, for it has been many years since I have been up there. But, I sure enjoy what the rest of you put forth in these daily blogs. Sybil Johnson