Happy Belated Birthday Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN
Happy Birthday Susan Fassett Martin (’65): Spearfish SD
Russell Pigeon Internment
Posting from Bruce Pigeon (’61): Garrison, ND
Thanks Gary
I wanted to let you know, that the boys are requesting that no flowers be sent, instead of someone wants to a donation to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
The date of his final internment, we are not sure of, as have not been able to contact the Priest to schedule, hopefully that will be taken care of the first part of the week. Then I will pass that information on.
Bruce
Pigeon Family Memories
Posting from Aggie Casavant (’69): Fort Mill, SC
My thoughts go out to Bruce Pigeon with the loss of his brother Russell. Although there was a few years age difference between all of us I remember Russell, and the Pigeon Brothers (as we use to refer to them) well, and their sister Rochelle. I remember when we were neighbors growing up and they went to Russell School. I was like only in the first grade and they were like in 6-7-8 grade I remember them well.It’s funny the things a person remembers, but I remember at Russell School when the “BIG ROOM” (5th thru 8th grade) and “Little Room” (1st thru 4th grade) would get together and get around the piano and sing. One time with Mrs. Larsen was playing the piano we were singing this song about the school called “Russell Will Shine Tonite” When we started singing it, Russell started jumping around and dancing. Mrs. Larsen stopped
the piano and said, “you can stop dancing were singing about the school, not you!!! (which in retrospect was pretty harsh, but that was Mrs. Larsen….everyday in every way) Russell and the other boys started laughing and horsing around, and Mrs. Larsen made us go back to our rooms,I also remember Russell when he rode our bus when Russell School closed and we all started going to school in Dunseith, and when he got his first brand new car I think it was very pastel pinkish purple metalliac color and he came over to our place to show it to our brothers.I think it cost all of $4,000 LoL…..One other thing I remember about Russell is he didn’t like eating lunch at the school and he ate at the Crystal cafe every chance he got, but what I remember about Russell the most is he was just all around nice guy, from an
overall nice family. I’m so sorry for you loss Bruce. God Bless you, and hoping you find peace and enjoyment in the months and years ahead thru Russells boys, and great memories. Sincerely, Aggie Casavant’ ——————————————–
Cebu Expat dinner at the Radisson Blu, Cebu Philippines – Wed Aug 19, 2015
Alice Hafsahl, Everett, WA, Passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Gary and friends,
My Cousin Ardis kindly let me know of another passing in our family
Alice Hafsahl, was the second daughter of Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary Metcalfe.
For many years,
I enjoyed Sunday evenings of summer or lazy winter afternoons, spent at Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary’s. Whenever their “kids” came home was fun time to visit and hear the easy laughers .
Uncle Bill and Auntie Mary’s little white house nestled in the hills, would ring with laughter whenever we all came together. Driving up the long driveway to their home,a person would hear,story telling, banjo & guitar picking, singing and bursts of delighted laughter coming from the depths of the home, and the hearts ….belly laugher.
Aunt Mary wearing an apron, would greet and envelope each visitor at her door with big warm hug whenever a person came into her presence and again in parting, another warm loving hug goodbye.
Years later after her passing, to my delight, Uncle Bill began to hug!
I loved Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill well. And always felt well loved in return.
At the back door on a stand was a water bucket and dipper. They never had running water or plumbing. Aunt Mary cooked on a combination wood heat electric stove. Uncle Bill cut wood for heat.
Mouth watering smells flavored Mary’s kitchen where she provided most delicious meals and lunches. Some of her recipes were amazing. I wondered where in the world she learned to put flavors like apples and dill pickles together on that last Thanksgiving meal she prepared for our family.
Aunt Mary was brought into life and lived a rural simple farm life in the early part of the last century; she attended Fort Totten Catholic Boarding school when she was four; raised most of her family through the great depression;somewhere she learned to create awesome wonderous flavors out of simple ingredients.
Whense inside their home, every visit was a treat to the eyes; everywhere were old photographs which were changed often. It created many opportunities for us to open conversation and discuss who were in the photos; perhaps a story or two would be gleaned.
In the living room, my Dad and Uncle Bill shared snoose cans……… They favored Copenhagen. In my earliest memories Uncle Bill wore “arm garters” around his shirt sleeves. Those garters reminded me of “Gunsmoke.” When asked, Dad said Bill wore them because his shirt sleeves were too long.
As kid an unspoken lesson; men of the house, have a favorite chair. It was simple courtesy of the time, never sit in the home owners chair.
But for his little brother, my dad, Uncle Bill would give up his favorite chair, especially noticed when dad lost his sight.
Sitting quietly in the warm company of the wood stove, I would listen to family stories over and over told by Dad and Uncle Bill. Stories about people and times they recalled. They would both get quiet in thought then spit in the spittoon.
Some nights while there, Uncle Bill would frequent the entry way. Dad told me later,sometimes Uncle kept a little bottle behind the water bucket!
Stories to me, never lost flavor as I heard them again another time..
It took me some time as a child to listen and figure out who’s who in the branches of the Metcalfe family cousins;
Uncle Bill Metcalfe and Aunt Mary DeMontigny were married in September of 1923 a two months after their brother Cliff was born. As a kid, I felt the love Dad had for each of them and they for him. Stories told that my father was a sickly child after the death of his little tow headed brother, Lloyd.
When he was seven, Cliff was taught the alphabet at the knee of his brother Bill along with his niece, Eleanor Rose. Cliff and Eleanor started first grade at Hill Side School together. Much to his embarrassment she would run trying to catch up calling Uncle.. uncle…
William Bryant the son of William and Mary Marjorie the daughter of Rose, were each the eldest children, of my respective grandparents; So, they were each Dad’s half sibling. Some folks scratch their heads and snicker? I never let any ones silly ness about that bother. However, I was bothered years after my aunt and uncles passing away, When a drunk I was dancing with said the demeaning word…..squaw in reference to my aunt. My response,I walked off the floor. I choose to not tolerate that behaviour.
Chronologically; Eleanor Rose, Robert a.k.a Bob , Alice, Lloyd a.k.a Punch/Dutchie, Bertha, Billy, Jack a.k.a John, Lorraine, and Larry.
Some stories heard through the years
Mary decided go picking Juneberries; she was adamant to go picking because the fruit was a needed necessity…it was picking berries.,Cousin Alice was born at Butte St. Paul.
A few years later Jack was delivered into this world by his sister 11 year old Eleanor at their home.
About 10 years ago on a hot summer day was invited to Lorraine’s home on Scotch Annie Island for a gathering of the Bill and Mary Metcalfe family.
Like an impatient kid I could not wait. I drove up one day early. Lorraine greeted me and said Alice and Bernice were in the camper. She led me to the dining room . A man stood,with his back to me looking out at the lake. WHoly Buckets!. But from behind he could have been my Dad or Uncle Bill. My heart had nearly stilled. There was was my cousin Billy.
The next day I joined those cousins for fried chicken dinner. Swapping tales with Larry, Lise, Bernice, Alice, Lorraine and a laughter fun filled argument about a crazy made up family name, or was it a gaelic or Metis word ?
Billy started pickin his guitar.Sweet music filled the air along with occasional sounds of distant thunder.
Later, I drove Eleanor back to her Dunseith apartment when a summer thunderstorm hit
On my way home, I stopped at Good Sam to tuck my mom in. I went to her dark room stroking her cheek, She asked “How was your visit with Mary and Bill’s kids.” I told her about the day.…
Mom smiled saying, “Oh Vickie, You sound so much like your dad!
“huh Mom? She said, “Your dad would go over to see those kids and always come home happy!” …I said, Oh mom I am happy, I love being with my cousins. When we all get together we are “easy laughers”.
Thanks Gary,
May you each experience the joy of being among …easy laughers.
Vickie Metcalfe
August 17, 2015
Alice Hafsahl Obituary
Our beloved mother Alice Hafsahl entered Heaven peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2015, with her daughter Lynn Beck at her side. Alice was 88 years old. She was born June 18, 1927, in Dunseith, North Dakota. Alice spent the last seven years of her life at Cascade Valley Senior Living Memory Care in Arlington, Wash. where she was tenderly cared for by their wonderful staff. She was loved by so many. Alice always had a smile on her face, was an excellent listener and willing to help and provide comfort. She loved to be outside, especially in the sunshine, enjoyed gardening, fishing and RV traveling with her husband and close friends. Her children Gary and Lynn Beck were blessed to have such a dedicated and loving Mom. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold (Hal). In lieu of flowers, please bring stories to give to the family as keepsakes. Mom, you were my best friend and you will be so missed more than words can express. We love you and will keep you in our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life for Alice will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Sons of Norway Hall, located at 9910 270th Street NW, Stanwood, WA 98292.
Published in The Herald (Everett) on Aug. 14, 2015
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary.aspx?n=alice-l-hafsahl&pid=175502942#sthash.1CsAU4vD.dpuf
Class of 65 Dale’s Picture was Mislabled
Correction from Larry Hackman (’66): l Bismarck, ND
Gary
The photo is mislabeled. Henry is sitting beside Ron Longie with the baseball cap and beard. I tried straightening it out, so scroll down and take another look.
They use to think we were twins, until I proved I was smarter and better looking.
I graduated in 66, but they the class of 65 adopted me because they needed some class in their class? Glad you liked the story.
It did have some good subject material to work with.
Larry
Gary’s Comment
Larry, I also missed Phyllis McKay. I include the Labeling with the picture making it hard to correct.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Very much appreciated.
Correction pasted below.
Gary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
Joke of the Day
One day, Sven was walking down Main Street when he saw Ole driving a brand new pickup truck.
Ole saw Sven, and pulled over to him, grinning from ear to ear.
“Ole,” said Sven, “where’d yew get dat truck?”
“Lena gave it to me,” Ole replied.
“She gave it to yew?” Sven responded. “I knew she vas kinda sweet on yew, but a new truck?”
“Vell, Sven,” said Ole, “let me tell ya vat happened. Ve vere driving out dere on County Road 6, in da middle of nowheres, und Lena pulled off da road, put da truck in four-wheel drive, und headed into da voods. Den she parked da truck, yumped outta da cab, trew off all her clothes, und said, ‘Ole, take vatever yew vant!’ So, I took da truck!”
“Ole,” Sven replied, “yew are a smart man! Dose clothes woulda never fit yew!”
====================================
Blog (333) posted on January 9, 2009
01/09/2009
Posted on January 9, 2009
A big salute to Mrs. Flynn from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):
Hi Gary,Lynn and I very much enjoyed Minnie Flynn’s birthday party. I would like to give a compliment to Minnie Flynn as a teacher. I think Dean and I were very fortunate to have teachers who really cared for the individual all through our school years in Dunseith. When my brother set his goal to be a Veterinary, it appeared that there was much studying to be done before such a task could be accomplished. Mrs. Flynn was Dean’s teacher, I believe in about the 5th grade. Mrs. Flynn approached Dean to see if he would accept extra help during her break and his recess. He respectfully accepted her offer . He always felt she had a lot to do with giving him the extra boost to earn his Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Degree..
Thank you, with much respect Mrs. Flynn.
Martha Lamb Schepp
Randy, K & Jill Flynn, Please pass this message onto your mother? Thanks, Gary
Thanks to Jack/Minnie from Rob Olson (79):
Gary
I just had to write after I saw the Flynn family photo. I picked Randy, Jack and Minnie out right away. Don, Lyle and I lived right across the street from the Flynn’s. What a nice famly. In fact I credit-or blame Jack Flynn for introducing me to ice cream. If I was out in the yard when he came home he would invite me over and Minnie would get me a bowl, or two. (Like I needed it!). Jack was another person who would take me and whom ever wanted to go to away baseball games. We rode in his pickup-sometimes in the front seat and sometimes in the box. It didn’t matter to us we were going to a game. It was always an adventure. It did not even matter if I or any of the guys had any money which we usually didn’t Jack would take care of us buy us seeds and pop or whatever.
Some times-early in the morning Jack would come over to the trailer and knock on the door and ask Lyle if he wanted to go up to the farm and pick rock or haul bales. After a lot of begging Jack even took me. Jack told me that if the rock was to heavy for me to lift I was to let Lyle know and Lyle could pick it up and put it in the pile. Being no dummy eventually all the rocks got to be to heavy for me so Jack let me ride on the tractor/loader with him.
Minnie was the owner of the gift shop at the Peace Garden. One year she hired a gal by the name of Christina Hiatt- Jim Hiatt’s daughter. I was working for Orvin Hagen on the grounds ( I did that for 4 summers-great job!). Orvin’s crew spent most of our breaks at the gift shop and Christina and I met. We celebrated our 25th this past summer. Thanks Minnie!
Randy, as most of the older baseball fans know, was a stellar second baseman for the Dunseith Dragons. By looking at the size of his arms in the picture I think now Randy could make that throw from second to first without a problem–just kidding. I did not know Jill or Kay well but one thing is for sure those Flynn’s are good people and I owe a big thanks to them for treating me so nicely.
Happy belated birthday Minnie.
Rob Olson
Rob, What a surprise! I had no idea that you are married to Jim Hiatt’s daughter, son of Norman and Irene. What a pleasant shock to read that statement. As you well know, I know Jim and his sisters well. We were close neighbors our entire growing up years. I’m hoping Jim can make it up to Seattle for our ‘Seattle Dunseith Alumni Reunion’ this coming July. It’s been nearly 40 years since I’ve seen him. Speaking of Orvin, he was like family to us. I need to call him again one of these days too. He lives in Kindred ND. What a small world!
Randy, K & Jill, Can you pass this along to your folks too? Thanks Gary
From Rod Hiatt (69):
Gary, Not sure if you even want to put this on your blog, but sure were
a lot Dunseith people there.
Rod, I for sure want to post this. Thanks for sharing. Gary
Good morning Gary and the rest of the world.
Well I believe that we started 2009 out with probably one of the social
highlights of the year, not saying that there won’t be
more events to come.
Toad Knutson and Jenna Mastvelton wedding brought out almost every
Hillbilly from Souris to St. John and flat landers from
the Canadian border to S. Dak. and east and west to the neighboring states.
Now Jenna, is the daughter of Lisa (Williams) twin to Lois Soland and
sister to Lori Lagerquist, and another 3 sisters that I never knew
existed + some brothers I was also informed about. When these younger
ones moved to Dunseith the others were already on their own. I noticed
that they were all getting their picture taken, so maybe someone will
have a copy to post later. So now thats where a lot of the Dunseith
people came in, knowing or being related to the Williams family.
Ray and Lori Lagerquist and there 3 daughters and new son-in-law came
back from Montana and it sure was good to sit and talk with them. I
don’t think that I had seen Ray for 15 years or better and back in the
early 70′s Ray, Brian Fauske and myself were kind of a, well thats
another whole chapter that maybe we’ll just leave out for right now.
Toad, son of Roger and Julie(Bullinger) Knutson & grandson to Norris and
Arlene Knutson, well that brought out all the Hillbillies Toad is
involved in Demolition Derby racing, so that brought out the rest of the
people in at least the 2 counties.
The wedding was held up at the Metigoshe Chapel and the reception and
dance followed at the Armory in Bottineau. They had the place decorated
up really nice with the wedding party at the head table and parents and
grand parents up toward the front as well. They served a large group a
very good meal( a little disappointed that Rodney and Curt Lagerquist
didn’t furnish fresh Venison).
My son Jason and his wife Lisa were matron of honor and best man, so
they both gave a short speech or toast. Lisa’s was very nice and sweet,
what you would expect to hear from someone talking to their best
friends, and Jason’s, well lets just say that it sure got the crowd woke
up, as well as embarrass his mother. A nice slide show was presented and
then the MUSIC began.
It was -20 outside but it was heated up inside. I’m sure that with all
the anti freeze that was consumed that night, it wouldn’t have made much
difference if it were-40.
The dance floor was full with steps like the St. John Shuffle and the
Turtle Mountain Twirl. Not so sure I didn’t see the Williams Twins (
Lisa and Lois) doing some kind of Shottish or Highlander step as well.
It sure was great visiting with all the friends and family that you just
don’t see often enough. Seems like its either a wedding or funeral that
brings people together. I know that some of you might be thinking that
there isn’t much difference in the 2, but I’m not saying that, as my
wife reads all of Gary’s emails. I hope all that were there enjoyed the
evening as much as I did
From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):
Gary,
I am enjoying all of the information I receive in your e-mails! It’s almost like being “home” —-in Dunseith. A few people have commented about how many of the men who served in the military are rather silent about all that took place while on duty. I met a couple men where this was certainly the case.
Many years ago, I met a man called Gail Halvorsen. His sister introduced me to him one Sunday. I spoke to him for a short time; I can’t remember what we even talked about. Sometime later, his sister Marilyn, said he dropped candy to children in Germany when he was stationed there. She told me this about 25 years ago. It wasn’t until last week that I found out what that “dropping candy” was about. There was a 1 hour special on TV about the “Candy Bomber”. Gail Halvorsen was that candy bomber. He has been honored by the Republic of Germany in many ways. He received the highest medal awarded by them. He also carried the German team’s National Placard into the Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 2002 Winter Olympics. He became the commander of some airbase in Germany and also participated in its closing. He has been back to Germany many times and something was named after him (I missed what it was). They said the U. S. Military has modeled some of Halvorsen’s actions in Iraq, dropping toys, teddy bears, and soccer balls to Iraqi children. I wish I had known all of this at the time I met him–I imagine he could have told us many things !!
Another man we knew for about 30 years was Jess Bullock. Ron saw him frequently, Jess worked at the lumber yard where Ron bought lots of “stuff” We also saw him at church on Sundays. He left Merced about 15-20 years ago. One day after his departure, someone mentioned he had served in WW2. He had never said a word about that. They then told us he had been at Guadalcanal and that he was the 2nd most decorated soldier in the war–right behind Audie Murphy. Jess was the most gentle, soft spoken man I’ve ever met. They tell me he’s mentioned in “Guadalcanal Diary”–I’ve never checked that out—one of these days, I will.
There are so many stories to be told and so many men (and women) to be thanked for their service to our country. I had no idea so many men from the Dunseith area served in the military. We owe them a great deal!!!Thanks for doing what you’re doing, Gary. I’m learning more about Dunseith and its people from these e-mails.
Shirley Olson Warcup
From Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,With the interesting discussion on the men and women who served in WWII,
there is one young man who hasn’t been mentioned. Harold Flynn, the
brother of Jack Flynn, was among those who died at the hands of the
Japanese on the infamous Bataan Death March. He would be the uncle to
Randy, Jill, and K. Flynn and also uncle to Terry, Tim, and Tera
Martinson. I can’t find any mention of this in the Dunseith history
book, but I believe it’s correct. Maybe some of the family will confirm
or correct me. That was one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific war.
Carroll Carlson said that Gen. MacArthur told the men to fight to the
end until reinforcements could arrive, knowing none were being sent!
Those that did hold out to the end were nicknamed the ‘Battling Bastards
of Bataan’, by those who knew of their valiant, though hopeless, effort.
Thanks Gary!
Dick
From Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew):
Dick Johnson mentioned that you had to live in North Dakota to understand how folks help each other. When my Uncle Carroll died I had to come up from St Louis to make the funeral arrangements. It was mid May and there was a lot of new snow on the ground from a freak storm. I had to drive between the funeral home in Bottineau to Dunseith where Uncle Carroll’s funeral would take place then on to Rolla to stay with my Aunt Verlie Aird Clark. On the way back to Dunseith from Bottineau a van had gone off the road into the ditch. The Sheriff stopped the first 4 wheel drive vehicle that came by and had him pull the van out of the ditch. Then the sheriff let the traffic move on. There are very few places in the US where something like this would have happened.
From Sybil Johnson:
Dick, you are so right. Not even here in Wyoming, can one depend on help from a stranger. You really dont even dare
look for help; atleast that’s the way I feel. Being by myself, I dont trust alot of people that pass my apartment.
Wyoming is known for being one of the main routes for drugs and where I live here in Cheyenne, there have been
many homes around me that have been noted as drug outlets. The 10 years that I have been in my apt., I have
made very few friends and that is sad. I have more friends on the internet, than right here in Cheyenne. But, I
cant do anything about that and I wont dwell on it. Have a nice day everyone.
Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com.)
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Folks, Leonard & Eleanor have asked to put their messages on hold until they return to their summer home at Lake Metigoshe in the spring. I’m hoping they will see this posting? Gary
From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):
I spoke with Aunt Emily Birkland Boucher this week; she confirmed that bootcamp was in Louisiana but did not know exact location. She said that Herman did receive the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and several other ribbons. Uncle Herman seems weary of war and the more fierce combat as Axis lose ground and are pushed north. The attached picture was found with Herman’s letter. Uncle Ernie confirms that the picture was taken in Italy. I was told identity of the brother-in-arms, but did not write it down! Perhaps Ole or Bing Evans?Sharron
Herman Boucher’s letter from Italy in 1944:
Dear Sis & Bro Italy 7-11-44
Well my mail finally got up with me & I guess I owe you girls all letters. So I guess this will have to hold you for awhile. Anyway, I suppose these letters all go around, I hope.
Well I see you all got to see Ole [Evans]. So you should have got the low down on this outfit pretty well & on my racket. My racket is a good one, as long as you got to be in the Infantry. Ole doesn’t throw the bull, he isn’t that kind of guy. And there’s a rumor here now that he’s back in Naples, so I’ll be seeing him before long. I should be able to get lots of good news. I suppose you thought he had lots of stripes. Well I don’t think he’ll be wearing them very long when he gets back. He’ll be wearing a bar instead. That is if he wants to take it. They’ve been making quite a few officers out of these line Co. & Ole’s been a good soldier. So I guess he’s got it made & I sure hope he gets it.
Ick and Dary Ryan were down to see me this afternoon. The first time I see Dary. Well he didn’t get taller, still a runt and looks about 50 yr’s old & he sure can throw the bull. I got a couple of pts of rot gut & we got feeling pretty high. He’s got some tall stories to tell, pretty interesting. I just listen. They’ll make good stories to tell at the bar – should be able go get a lot of free drink out of them. His racket is about as good as you can get in the Inf. The only thing that bothers him most of the time is the noise of our own artillery guns & I think I could stand that pretty well. Somebody has got to get the breaks.
I think it was you or Yvette was hoping that my wound would keep me in the hospital for awhile. I told you it was just a scratch. I just went to the medic & got it patched up. I wasn’t going to go to the hospital at first, said it was too damn far to walk. So the Sgt took me down in the jeep. He said you might as well get the Purple Heart – some of these other boys are getting them for the GI’s or in plain English the s___s.
Well I wrote a letter to Hector & told him we were off the lines. That was right but we had too good a setup and I knew it wouldn’t last. We got a pretty good rumor that we’re going back Fri night. We’ll have been off 9 days. Well I don’t know what they would do if they didn’t have this Div over here. They keep us on all the time. We thought at first we were getting a Div relief, but it was just a regiment relief. I guess Cote’s outfit is coming back in our place. These new outfits they brought over here last winter & spring laid on their ass most of the summer & went up the line when we did this fall. And now their getting Div relief. I hope our boys get good & drunk and clean their ass before we go back up. Their a pretty cockeye outfit. It’ll do them good.
Well one thing I know, before we go up again we’ll be bringing ourselves some cough medicine along. The last pass we couldn’t even get wine. The Dagoes that we run across up there are no damn good. They won’t give you nothing. The only way we can get anything from them is to steal it. In the southern part of Italy they were glad so see us. They use to give us anything they had. We didn’t have to steal it at least.
Well I was suppose to go on a day pass tomorrow but now they called it off until the next day. They better be careful how many days they call it off or I’ll just be out of luck. We get five day passes every so often in a rest CA. but that comes about every 6 mo and the last one I had was about 3 months ago. So I don’t have to think about that for awhile.
It’s about my bedtime so I better sign off. Hoping this finds everybody in the best of health.
Love & Best Regards from your Bro Herman
Herman Boucher
Herman Boucher & Bing Evans?
Posted by Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette):
Carmen, this is beautiful. Gary
BLESSED NORTH DAKOTA
On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said: ‘Today, I am going to create a land called North Dakota.
It will be a land of outstanding Natural beauty; a land of beautiful lakes, each one full of fish. It Shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of Buffalo, tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk And moose, rich farmland and fair skinned people.’
God continued, ‘I Shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and They shall be known as a most friendly people, people who practice being Nice every day.’
But Lord,’ asked Gabriel, ‘don’t you think you are being too Generous to these North Dakota people?’
‘Not really,’ replied God ‘just wait and see the winters I am going to give them,’