Folks, don’t miss the Knights of Columbus picture, with explination From Bonnie Awalt Houle, at the very bottom of this message. Gary
Mel Kuhn’s (70) reply to the “Historical Society” Steak Fry last Saturday:
Howdy Gary,
The turnout for the Historical Society Steak Fry was overwhelming. We got caught with our pants down. I know I never imagined the people would come in so fast and all at one time. We kind of started out pretty confused and had trouble keeping everything straight and some steaks went out to the wrong people and cooked the wrong way. We finally got a list going and almost got organized by the time it was done. A lot of our steaks hadn’t gotten thawed all the way and that was creating quite a problem for those well done folks. I ended up recooking several which I have to apologize for and for some of the people that had to wait so long. We ended up having to raid my freezer at home for more steaks when we ran out and still didn’t have enough. We went through a 101 steaks and a couple dozen burgers and some hotdogs. This all happened in an hour and a half. None of the workers[7 of us] and several of the band members never got a steak. I know I ended up with a cold wiener at about 9:30. Lots of the people there I did not know and they were there because of this site and we have to thank you for that. I got to visit with Ele for a while so that was a good thing. She informed me that she is having a 60th. Birthday party for Richard next Saturday and invited us to attend. Someone told me of people there from the old Dunseith days and the only name that I can remember is Nancy Hosmer but there were several others. Maybe Dick can pass along some names. Well, I hope everyone’s food was OK and no one got sick. I didn’t get to listen to much of the music but what I did hear was great. We’ll have to try it again next year and see if we can to a little better job. I forgot to mention that the banter between myself and Chicken[Henry LaRocque] is just something we do, we weren’t really arguing. It was great seeing so many people and I hope to see you all again.
Mel Kuhn[70]
From Vickie Metcalfe (70):
Thank You. Gary for #210 this am was awaiting me. So great to hear that even as a high school student you were helping “Cupid” with the Rude/Fauske romance. Years later, as the world turned you and Bernadette continued to do so with your young friends this past summer.
Reply to yesterday’s message from Judy Allery Azure (65):
Hi Gary,
I must inform you that my brother, Hubert Allery, is a DHS graduate but the year should read 1962 not 1952. This was a good laugh when I informed him of the year you had above his picture.
Thanks again for all the hard work you do.
Oh, by the way the picture of the two little boys with Debbie Dubois’ name are actually from Belcourt. Debbie’s maiden name is Allery, her parents were relatives of my family. Her mother is Rosemarie Allery of Belcourt, ND.
Judy Allery Azure
Judy, That was a typo. I do know that Hubert graduated in 1962. I should have caught that one before it went out. Sorry for the mistake. Gary
Three replies from Dick Johnson (68):
Two replies From Vickie Metcalfe (70):
Gary and Friends,
Rod Hiatt wanted me to elaborate on events at the sporting goods store
in Bottineau. I can do that. It was in the early 80′s that Henson’s had
a sporting goods store in the old Stone Hotel. Gary
Mortenson worked there with Don Bunce, as I recall. One day a man named
Dodgion and his wife, Florence were in the store. He was handling a ..22
Magnum when it discharged and took her life. She was the daughter of
John and Helen Gunville and this was a very sad incident for all the
family and for all those who knew them. I do remember that after this
happened, Don Bunce really lost interest in the business and before long
closed his store and moved, I believe to Minot, but I’m not sure of
that. Florence was in the DHS class of 1967 and was well liked. Her
brother, Mark, had worked for me here on the farm for a while just
before this happened, so I felt connected to this tragedy. If I have any
details wrong, I apologize, but this is how I remember it. Feel free to
correct anything I write at any time, as we need these articles to be
as close to the facts as is at all possible. Thanks Gary.
Dick
Gary, A side note.. In one fwd. Rod Hiatt mentioned a shooting at a sporting good store…….Gary, I wonder if the young mother who lost her life was Florence Gunville, daughter of John and Helen. I believe, John and Helen raised Florences’ young son on the former Kavali farm after they purchased it from Leonard and Dot. Another tragic blow to an old Dunseith family. Sometimes all that gets folks through the tragedys are good friends , strong family and enduring Faith.Vickie Metcalfe
Gary,
That is the Garden Lanes sign on the picture. The cars appear to be mid
60s. I’m sure someone will recognize the bride and groom, but I don’t
right now! Thanks.
Dick
Gary, I’m sure Dick has corrected the notion that Carroll Carlson ever lived in the Dunseith Nursing Home..NO NEVER…….Carroll, after leaving the Carlson farm moved to the Hazel Hiatt farm stead (just south of Kick McKay’s) on Willow Creek just n. of Dunseith. Carroll was mentally capable. Dick Johnson assisted Carroll get medical attention when so needed. Don Aird, Carroll’s nephew was in contact frequently with Carroll via telephone and came to spend time with him at least once a year. Vickie
Gary,
Short note–Vickie Metcalfe is right, Carroll Carlson never was a day in any nursing
home! He took care of his own business right up to the last day! He was
also sharp as a tack! He came home after driving uptown for Senior Meals
and died while walking across his kitchen, exactly the way he would have
chosen, I’m sure!
Dick
Reply from Jeff Skjelver(Dave Shelver’s son):
Gary’s Reply: Jeff, Mr. Hepper has been discussed several times in the past year with pictures. Does Tom remember much of Dunseith? I had Mr. Hepper for World History. Gary
Oh sure he does. He used to pal around with John Morgan’s (61) son, Mike, when they were kids. Tom speaks fondly of his days in Dunseith, especially negotiating the aisles of Shelver Drug. He moved with his family to Rugby when he was about 7 years old. That would have been around 1973.
Tribute to Scott Nadeau from Dave Slyter (70):
Tribute to Scott Nadeau
Born on earth 2/10/73
Born to heaven 8/28/08
I was so sorry to see the passing of a good friend to me and to just about everyone, Scott Nadeau. I remember Scott from when I worked at the DunseithHigh School back in the early 90’s. He was a very polite, smart and down to earth young man. His smile would shine like the bright sun and his mannerism was unbelievable. He would spend a lot of time after school just hanging around and every once in a while he would come and visit while I was doing my daily routine work and ask if he could help. I never turned down any kind of help. When he got a little older he got very interested in sports card and I told him he should go and see my sister Brenda and her husband Paul as they owned the trophy shop in Rugby. They were instant friends of each other. They too will tell you that Scott was the most pleasant person to be around. We will certainly miss him.
Scott fought a long hard battle with his cancer and even when I remember when he got it, his positive attitude brought him a very long way thru the years when he was fighting this horrible disease.
Today I will say a special prayer for Scott as he goes home to his final resting place. I know he will be welcomed with open arms and be a friend to everyone, just like he was here on earth. God Bless you Scott and we will be seeing you later when we all go home to that special place you are now, Heaven.
Dave Slyter (70)
Obituary from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
SCOTT NADEAU
Feb. 10, 1973-Aug. 29, 2008
DUNSEITH Scott Nadeau, 35, Dunseith, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, in a Belcourt hospital.
He was born Feb. 10, 1973, to Roberta Nadeau in Belcourt.
Survivors: mother, Dunseith; brothers, Jamie Nadeau and Roy Poitra, both Dunseith; sisters, Melissa Beston, Donna Beston, Angel Beston and Stephanie Beston, all Dunseith.
Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith.
Burial: St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith.
Prayer service: Today, 8 p.m., in the church.
Wake: Today, 4 p.m., in the church.
(Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)
From Vickie Metcalfe (70):
Gary, I understand a cousin mentioning her relationship to Carroll Carlson. Attached is a letter I sent to his nephew, Don Aird the son of Clarissa (Carlson) Aird, which you may share if you wish. (Although, I’m still a computer novice, when I first began writing remembrances, I started saving all kinds of stuff on the computer and have some letters and Carroll’s 1937—- history. )Carroll also said one time he was somehow related to the Martinson’s out of Landa ND………Carroll was very close and fond of his sister Clarissa’s children. Don and Christina Aird .
Carroll also chose and counted Dick Johnson among his
friends many friends.
I do have Mrs. Carlson’s recipe for Cardomom Cookies!
Gary, I am getting e- mails infrequently. Missed a quite a few, But
I was happy to get #209. Because I always delight in sharing my
fond remembrances of the folks of “Snuce Box Junction Road” . As
ever. Vickie
Attached Letter:
May 14, 2004
Dear Family of Carroll,
Just a couple weeks ago on May 1, 2004. Little Prairie Cemetery had the annual spring clean up. Carroll was there with his rake. Imagine that at …89 years old recovering from cataract surgery and heart complications.
I knew Carroll, all my life growing up 1/2 mile east. There was a big generation gap. He’d tell people, “This is Vickie, I’ve known her all her life.
I remembered Mrs. Carlson as a kid, and her wonderful Cardamom Sugar cookies. . And I remember Carroll’s brother, Leonard.
Whenever Leonard came back to visit Carroll, he (Leonard) would walk through the fields and visit my folks, sometimes pulling up a milk stool at the barn,or walking into the unlocked house and have coffee. Carroll, in contrast, was more than quiet. He was one person that people would often miss or overlook in a group. He was reserved.
As a kid, I always wondered. “What the connection was with the Metcalfe’s?” For many years, Carroll would come and get a bucket of drinking water every week at our farm, never stopping at the house. Or driving down the road on his tractor pulling some piece of machinery. He was very quiet. Except with, Dad when he was around, who would engage him in conversation. Dad had said that his brother, my Uncle Archie and Carroll had traveled to Montana as young men. My dad had the highest regard for him and would say about him, “Carroll is a true American hero.” And, Dad also said, “If it’s not any of your business when you ask him about something, Carroll will tell you. “It’s none of your business.” Carroll also moved stealthily. My dad said, “Carroll had a hunting prowess, you wouldn’t even know he was around when he was hunting in the woods.”
We, Metcalfe kids respected the “generation gap”. So as a kid, I assumed Carroll wanted to be left alone. As an adult, I found out differently. In one conversation with my mom about 4 years ago, Audrey Smith(another neighbor) told mom that Carroll told her, “Vickie always says hello when you see her.” So, I took that as affirmation that it would be o.k. to approach him.
Three years ago, Mick (Gary) Morris came to Dunseith on his own quest. In the early 90′s, his mother told him that his birth father was Archie Metcalfe of Dunseith ND. In late July 2001, Mick contacted our family. For me, and Mick Morris there was, some kind of immediate emotional bond. I remembered and loved my Uncle Archie Metcalfe in my childlike memories. A gregarious, fun loving , favourite doting Uncle who loved kids. I shared what I remembered with Mick.
And I knew, what dad had said about Carroll and Archie in Montana. I also remembered what Dad had said about Carroll and “minding one’s business” but I took a first big risk with Carroll.
I told Mick, not to expect anything. But, I wished for him to meet two people who had known my Uncle Archie (on their level), as men. Carroll and Art Seim. We drove my blazer to Carroll’s in north Dunseith. I got out and cautiously approached Carroll, I told him I had a visitor from Chinook, MT. I told him that Mick was from Chinook, MT who believed he was Archie’s son. Then, I asked if he’d be willing to talk to Mick. Carroll moved with alacrity and said most definitely that he would. I asked where he’d like to visit? Carroll said Dale’s. ( I’ve since learned that Carroll does not frequent that business). Carroll crawled into my blazer took one look at Mick and laughed, that little unique laugh that he had, said. “Yep, You’re a Metcalfe.” Carroll could not stop talking with Mick. Betty (Mick’s wife) and I just sat quietly and smiled at the two of them. I asked Carroll, if he thought it would be appropriate for me to take Mick to meet Art Seim. He said yes.
Carroll and Art Seim were kind enough to visit with Mick, and share what they knew. ie. Carroll and Archie Metcalfe, as friends rode the rails to Chinook, MT together in 1937 and worked on the Miller Ranch.
Carroll, the quiet, non-pretentious,elusive person, and I began to visit frequently. I think our friendship was cemented when Carroll and I had an adventure to Chinook, MT. I was so grateful, that he was open and kind to Mick. When I asked if he’d like to go to Chinook he responded affirmatively. I was to drive, but he insisted on paying for the gas and eats…. At service stations, Carroll would jump out and start filling the car with gas. He would not nap on the road. He said he had to stay awake to keep an eye on my driving. But, as we drove I realized his eyes were darting everywhere, taking in every speck of scenery, making comments. He pointed out road signs, towns visited, and also to a sign toward Canada where he had cousins at one time. He even tolerated my dogs!
We visited Fort Peck Dam, Mick and Betty in Chinook, the Miller ranch, Nez Pierce National Battlefield, Cleveland MT, and the Bears Paw.
While in Chinook, Betty and Mick opened their beautiful home to Carroll and myself. In the mornings, Mick would drive Carroll to the cafe for breakfast. And, one day took him to visit to see an old friend, a veteran, Carroll served with. This was difficult for Carroll since they were both hard of hearing and talking at the same time!
Mick introduced Carroll to the grandson of one of the Miller brothers, Carroll had worked for. Mick and Carroll also went to the bar in the afternoons to visit the locals. Ha, so much for me being….. “one of the boys”. :>)
They finally, :>) did let me and the dogs go along on the road trip. Which is much better to me than the thought of golfing. We spent an entire day in Mick’s truck 4-wheeling throughout the Bears Paw. At one point, Carroll was hanging on to the handles while Mick drove almost vertically down a mountain. Carroll laughed his little laugh and told Mick he’d never been on top one of the Bears Paw, in all the years he worked for the Miller brothers.
Me, and the dogs sat quietly in the back seat. (I felt like a little kid… excited about being allowed to go along with adults on a grand adventure.) We stopped at different ranches, found a sheep shed Carroll remembered. (After a fire in the early ’90s many building were destroyed in Blaine County.) Carroll delighted Mick and I with stories. We ate lunch in Cleveland, MT where Carroll recalled stories about himself, and Archie, and the ranch hands at the Saturday night dances. We ate hamburgers and drank a beer at that little Cleveland bar. Before we ate dinner, Carroll locked himself in the mens’ bathroom when the door knob came off the door. I giggled, quiet Mick smiled, Carroll took the ribbing good naturedly. Although, he did get the last laugh, when the same thing happened to me, the handle came off the womens’ room door. We had brought the dogs in and kept a close eye on them after the proprietor told us she had killed a rattler inside the place the week before. I was trying to get out of the bathroom, taking slow deep breaths all the while imagining snakes. More stories and reminiscing.
Carroll shared the story of his first plane flight with Archie over the Bear’s Paw and Chinook, of hard work, moving sheep, haying and moving horses to the reservation wintering grounds and of the fun, site seeing with Archie. Mick and I shared our delight at Carroll’s enthusiasm and delight.
Carroll was always a gentleman. As a Metcalfe, I am big, I towered over Carroll and I am quite capable of taking care of myself. But he’d open doors, insisted on gassing up the car, and try to beat me to a ticket.
Carroll was also person of tact. One evening, Carroll and I were to take my car and meet our hosts for dinner at a swanky place in Havre. Carroll said to me when we we alone, “What does Mick do?” (He was very impressed with Mick, and Mick’s home).
One disappointment, ( I regret this)of Carroll’s that he had on that trip. I did not find out until later was, he did not see not an old acquaintance, Monica (Druniak) Conrad. The Druniak family were among the first people Archie and Carroll met in Chinook, of course after Kelso Graham. He didn’t ask me about why Mick did not take him to see her until we were miles away from Chinook.
Carroll really loved those Bear’s Paw. When driving over the Mouse River, the Turtle Mountains came in sight I asked him if he’d was happy to get back in view of the Turtle Mountains. He regretfully replied, “I like the Bear’s Paw Mountains.”
I asked Carroll if I could write down the stories he told me on the trip. (Of course, he was shy about it.) “Huh,Why would you want to do that?” he responded”. I told him because I love stories, and you have a story to tell, one I want to remember. He, then started bringing me stuff and telling me more stories. I believe he was pleased to collaborate.
That Christmas, Carroll suggested that I send his story to Monica. That was how he introduced me to Monica (Druniak) Conrad via the US mail and telephone.
Carroll really wanted me to know his story, and his friends, and understand to not forget the lessons of W.W.II. An example, He’d bring me newspaper articles. And , last summer 2003, he called me up asking me to stop in and meet his niece in Camano Island when I was in Washington. I was a bit embarrassed to do that. Now I wish I had. (another regret)
At least once a month Carroll and I met for 11:30 dinner, the Saturday lunch special, at the Bottineau Bowling Alley. Carroll and his friends shared so many interesting stories of life experiences,opinions of current events, news, and common interests. I thoroughly enjoyed the knowledge, uplifting humor and teasing among Carroll and his Saturday dinner friends.
As I came to appreciate Carroll more and more as a person, I realized he was of the same caliber, kind of man that my dad and so many folks of that generation were ie. Patriotic, strong work ethic, honest, fair, trustworthy, positive, well read, and knowledgeable. Carroll could discuss many issues , ideas, and politics as well as regional history. Maybe, that’s another…why?.. I liked hanging out with him.
The only time I saw Carroll really angry and swear (not quiet) was a discussion about the possibility of war. He had a very strong opinion, in opposition to it. Something like , “we don’t belong over there in that damn place.” We were eating lunch at the Bowling Alley, Angus and I were surprised at (normally quiet) Carroll’s outburst. Angus and I looked around, everyone was looking. Then, we shrugged it off. Heck, Carroll earned the right to any opinion he wished to express. Another time when I was writing his remembrances he said “war is not glorious, it’s hell!”
One characteristic Carroll really exemplified, modeled, and valued was, “His Word.” When Carroll gave someone his word, it was mightier than a written contract or gold. It meant something! Others, who he entered agreements with him sometimes weren’t as forthright, broke contracts or let him down. But Carroll never, ever wavered on where he stood. I’d say , “Why Carroll? When the those folks don’t keep their end of the bargain? ” He’d say,simply, “I keep my word.”
Carroll talked fondly of his family. He liked to share what they were doing and talk about a painting, article, book, picture, or gift that was sent to him. He spoke affectionately of his siblings. He never mentioned the word,…. love. But, I could just see a glow, when he was talking about one them, that he loved them. On that May 1, 2004 cemetery clean up day, he spent some time standing in silence at the Carlson family plot.
I consider myself privileged to have known him.
Sincerely,
Vickie Metcalfe
Follow up message from Vickie:
Gary, Someday, would you like me to mail you a hard copy of ” Carroll’s Traveling Years”? I had the most wonderful ,great time writing/collaborating with Carroll. Once finished, he shared with many of his friends at Dunseith Senior Citizens. He also sent copies to family members ie. his sister Ursulla in Virginia……..Ursulla’s husband, Donn a few years ago wrote and published a book about his life of…. “arms dealing” , he was originally from Overly. Ursulla painted, continued with her love of horses and they were both very interested in national affairs. Upon Carroll’s death one of Ursullas paintings is on display at the Dunseith Senior Citizens. Carroll’s niece, Christine lives on Camano Island WA, her husband is a commericial fisherman. Don Aird retired from the Food and Drug Administration lives in St. Louis. They frequently sent Carroll books on WWII, and “The Greatest Generation”, which he’d in turn would share. Don and Christine have Aird relatives in St. John they continue to correspond with. I’m sure Dick would know this too.
I think Carroll kind of adopted Dick and Brenda. He loved them. And , They were wonderful to him! And as you probably have realized by now, Carroll enriched many, many lives. We, continue to validate his. Vickie
Bev Morinville’s (72)reply to the mens picture posted yesterday:
Ithink that man on the far right is Warren Johnson I will ask Linda also someone said they thought that was rich campbell if it is K OF C that wouldn’t be Rich, this one is still a mystery .. I still think it is the K of C’s but maybe that is rich’s twin lol Hey rich how about it is that you or not ?
GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
Reply Mona Dionne Johnson (48):
When the first pic was sent, it was enlarged and did not include the
whole bunch apparently, so when I said it was a Casavant sencond from
right in the middle row , it now becomes 4th from right in the middle row.
Mona Dionne Johnson (48)
Reply from Linda Johnson Juntunen(72):
Aunt Mona, I think so far so good. Warren Johnson on the middle row far right.
The floor looks like the basement of the St LouisChurch so I think some KC thing also.
Also Gary, my Dad, Joseph Warren Johnson passed away in 1992 and is buried in the St. LouisCemetery. My Uncle Robert (Bob) Johnson is out in Frederick, Maryland. These were two of the names on your 40’s list
LindaJ.Juntunen
COO
Microlap Technologies, Inc.
ph 701.477.3193.ext 18
Reply from Don Martel (Former DHS Principal):
Gary, again thanks for keeping this going. In regards to the picture, third from the right, front row is Terry Scott (deceased) from Rolette, and second from the right, second row is my father, Albert Martel (deceased) from Rolette. I would guess this was a Knights of Columbus event.
Don
Reply From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):
Hi Gary,
Concerning the KC Picture: Joe Morinville was the first person from Dunseith to join the Knights of Columbus. He had to go to Rugby because Dunseith didn’t have enough people to have their own council. The picture was taken before 1958 in Rugby.
Keith Houle, Darryl Fugere, Raymond Cote, joined in 1958. When they joined Emile Cote, Al Houle and several others were already members. Lloyd Awalt didn’t join until 1959. Joe Morinville was the driving force behind the success of the Knights of Columbus in Dunseith, he worked very hard and convinced many young men of the importance of the good works they could accomplish.
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Thank you Bonnie for the explanation of this photo. I know many of you folks have probably been trying to identify those in this picture or been waiting for someone to come up with the identities. With what Bonnie just said, Many of these folks are probably not from Dunseith. Thanks to all of you that replied identifying those that you knew. I thought it was strange when Dick Johnson (68) did not know many of these folks and now we know why. Gary
Knights of Columbus picture taken in Rugby.
