05/24/2011

Posted on by
Memories from the 40’s

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
 

Hi Gary and Everyone:

 

I have enjoyed the many stories and accounts of experiences others had growing up in the hills and Dunseith. For the most part, I am too old to recognize many of you, but in a majority of the stories, I can certainly remember the parents and grand parents of many of you younger Hill folks.Recently the stories about snowmobiles reminded me of an experience that really got my attention. During the winter of the mid 1930s, my Father and I stopped at Arnold Lillebeys station, and on the main street between Emil Hassen’s Store and Ike Bergs House was a big sled with a moter and an airplane propeller attached. on the front sled bunk were attached a large and heavy pair of skis. The motor of this machine was idling and I noticed a fellow striding towards it. He waved at Dad and I , moved the throttle lever down and shot down the road like he was shot out of a cannon. At that time there was no Dale’s out a ways, only lots of prarie. My Dad told me it was Oscar Wensted trying out his new invention.It must have been some kind of forerunner to the artic air sleds. Dick johnson’s reference to Johnny Crawford and to Leonard Lund brought back some great memories.. Johnny Crawford was indeed a garden seed sales person, but he brought along his mandolin which he kept in a flour bag I think. I remember him coming to our home and after choosing some seeds from his selection , Mother invited him to stay for supper. Johnny accepted and after supper he pulled out his mandolin and began to pick a few tunes. My Dad took out his violin and my uncle Al had a banjo, and of course soon the house was alive with all kinds of music. Johnny however, had the habit of making faces as he picked certain notes, and the faster they played the more faces he made. My Uncle faced Johnny and he could not contain himself and broke into laughter untill tears were streaming down his face. Johnny was unaware of why my uncle was laughing and only played faster and louder. fortunately Dad wasn’t paying attention and couldn’t figure out what all the levity was about. at any rate it all ended up well and Johnnyi trooped off into the winter night. I remember Leonard Lund wellas well as his brother obert and Engrum who attended Loon Lake School at the same time I did, There were two girls named Margaret, and Evelyn. I believe their mother was a sister to Mrs Aanun Torgeson. I would like to know if any of the Lunds are still around or the Torgesons as well. I can Remember Alma, Lewlyn and Alvin torgeson.

Finally, Do any of you remember playing Pin Stick? And Paulette Lacroix description of Anti I Over. As my sister Borg and I stood on what was left of the school porch. I thought of how many times we would throw a ball over the roof of the barn, someone would catch it on the other side, run around to the opposite side to tag one of the opposing team. this would continuue untill one side had all the players The reason for Anti I Over was that we did not have a ball bat. and sometimes we did not have a soft ball either. School funding was strictly limited to a few text books and some work books if we were lucky.I still remember the globe on the table and the many maps above the blackboard. The maps were on rolls and could be pulled down one at a time for geography class. I truly believe we had a better grip on the location of countries than some of our students do now.

 

Thanks for listening to an old codger remembering the good old days?

Thank you Gary for the magnificent job you do. What a way to bring folks back together..

 

Erling Landsverk

Erling, We all enjoy your memories so very much. It is always a pleasure getting messages from you.
 
For you new folks recently added to our distribution. Erling is totally blind. Despite his handicap he is a man of many talents. With audio he independently reads/listens to and replies to all of his email correspondence. Erling has written books and records music. He is an amazing guy and an inspiration to us all.
 
Erling, How well I remember playing “Anti I Over”. We threw many balls over the roof of the Ackworth school. Gary
 
 
 
Posted by Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
 
Devin Millang with his Grandmother Susie Knox Millang (60)
 
 
 

 

Happy’s Lake Metigoshe tour boat

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

Neola’s story about Happy’s landing was right on. The tour boat
he had held quite a few people and was made of wood. In the mid 1990’s,
Metigoshe lost a lot of water and the shoreline went way out into the
lake. I had to add another 32′ extension and a couple 8′ pieces of
plywood to my 32′ dock just to get the boat and pontoon into water where
they wouldn’t turn up mud. The reason I brought this up is that during
this low water period, Happy’s old tour boat showed up where it had sunk
years before. Someone from the Courant came up and put the picture of
the ‘shipwreck’ in the paper where I saw it. Basically only the wooden
ribs and a bit of the bottom remain. The name of the boat was the
‘Neptune’. I noticed in Neola’s picture that the water was way out
then, too, exposing lots of shoreline. Usually there is water up to the
rocks on the high water line. Thanks Neola and Gary!

Dick

The low water at Lake Metigoshe brought out a joke that floated around.
The Game and Fish was contemplating a rule that no one could use a boat
motor larger than 10 HP because anything bigger would create too much dust.

 

 

 

Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Folks,

 

Loren Johnson is the son of Lester and Marion. The Johnson’s lived several miles west of us. The Johnson siblings attended Dunseith for a few years. They used to ride our bus. Lester would bring them over to our house to catch the bus. Loren is the oldest and he is about 4 years younger than me. I’m guessing he was with the class of 69. He transferred to Bottineau though. Loren is the founder of the Johnson’s sports shop in Bottineau. Sylvia is a sister to Loren’s dad Lester.

 

Gary

 

Sylvia Johnson Gronnevberg and Loren Johnson

 

 

 

Admiral Rickover – Father of the Nuclear Navy.

 

Folks,

 

My good friend and former co-worker, Ken Spurling, posted this today on facebook. Many of you former Navy folks have probably heard of Admiral Rickover. With our yard being one of the lead Nuclear yards of the US Navy, Admiral Rickover frequently visited. He was very unpredictable with what ship or yard facility he would choose to visit and take a tour of. His visits always made newspaper front page headlines. His unpredictable behavior always had our senior yard managers on pins and needles. With one of his visits there was a community event in his honor in Silverdale. This was a well publicized meeting so the demonstrators were many. On his way to Silverdale, from Bremerton, he had his driver stop his car where the folks were demonstrating. He confronted the demonstrators and asked the lead demonstrator to be his guest at the community event and offered to give him a ride. This guy hopped in Rickover’s car and was seated at his side during the whole event and dinner. He was a class act and one that few dared cross.

 

Gary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posting of the day

from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

 

Gary, I believe the Dunseith folks (especially the women) will appreciate the following:

 
Oil Change instructions for Women:

1. Pull up to GM Dealership when the mileage reaches 3,000 miles since the last oil change.

2. Drink a cup of coffee.

3. 15 minutes later, scan debit card and leave, driving a properly maintained vehicle.

Money spent:

Oil Change:$24.00

Coffee: Complementary

TOTAL: $24.00


Oil Change instructions for Men:

1. Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree; use your debit card for $50.00.

2. Stop by Beer Store and buy a case of beer, (debit $24), drive home.

3. Open a beer and drink it.

4. Jack truck up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.

5. Find jack stands under kid’s pedal car.

6. In frustration, open another beer and drink it.

7. Place drain pan under engine.

8. Look for 9/16 box end wrench.

9. Give up and use crescent wrench.

10. Unscrew drain plug.

11. Drop drain plug in pan of
hot oil: splash hot oil on you in process. Cuss.

12. Crawl out from under truck to wipe hot oil off of face and arms.. Throw kitty litter on spilled oil.

13. Have another beer while watching oil drain.

14. Spend 30 minutes looking for oil filter wrench.

15. Give up; crawl under truck and hammer a screwdriver through oil filter and twist off..

16. Crawl out from under truck with dripping oil filter splashing oil everywhere from holes. Cleverly hide old oil filter among trash in trash can to avoid environmental penalties. Drink a beer.

17. Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to gasket surface.

18. Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.

19. Remember drain plug from step 11.

20. Hurry to find drain plug in drain
pan.

21. Drink beer.

22. Discover that first quart of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw kitty litter on oil spill.

23. Get drain plug back in with only a minor spill. Drink beer.

24. Crawl under truck getting kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes with oily rag used to clean drain plug. Slip with stupid crescent wrench tightening drain plug and bang knuckles on frame removing any excess skin between knuckles and frame.

25. Begin cussing fit.

26. Throw stupid crescent wrench.

27. Cuss for additional 5 minutes because wrench hit truck and left dent.

28. Beer.

29. Clean up hands and bandage as required to stop blood flow.

30. Beer.

31. Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.

32.
Beer.

33. Lower truck from jack stands.

34. Move truck back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled during any missed steps.

35. Beer.

36. Test drive truck.

37. Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the influence.

38. truck gets impounded.

39. Call loving wife, make bail.

40. 12 hours later, get truck from impound yard.

Money spent:

Parts: $50.00

DUI: $2,500.00

Impound fee: $75.00

Bail: $1,500.00

05/23/2011

Posted on by
Gas prices are falling.
 
I’m not sure how much gas prices have fallen in the recent past back in the states if any at all? This week the price of gas and diesel, converted from Liters to gallons here in Cebu, Philippines has dropped about 50 cents per gallon. Diesel is currently about $4.00/Gal and mid grade gas is about $5.00/Gal. Our car is diesel. Gary
 
 
 
Condolences to the Zeiler Family
From Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind.
 

To the family of Mrs. Zeiler, About a year ago I enjoyed time with this lovely lady at the nursing home in Rugby while I visited my maternal grandmother, Ila Selzler. Mrs. Zeiler was truly a dignified and elegant lady. From: Kay Hosmer (1977)

 

 

 

Condolences to the Zeiler Family
From Connie Fauske Monte: Santa Barbara, CA

 

My condolences go out to Lyle and Sharon and Sandra and Mike and their families. We truly enjoyed your parents so much. When they would come over to Portal with Ken and Lorena, it was always such a great time. They both had such a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed.
 
 
Condolences to the Zeiler and LaRocque Families
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

My sincere condolences to the Zeiler family on the passing of Lorna
and to the LaRocque family on the loss of their brother, Ronnie, who was
a member of our class of 1968 at DHS. I have a lot of memories of both
of these good people.

 
Snowmobile stories from Dick:

Don Lamoureux told a great story about his dad’s old snowmobile!
In the early days, we had to work on the machines about as much as we
rode them. They were basically experimental for the first several
years. Dad bought a new 1968 Polaris Mustang from Curt Sande’s Sport
Shop in Rolla. Within the first season of riding he/we went through 11
belts and 3 tracks—all covered by warranty—but what a repair job. I
got to know the bolts well. The muffler was in front of the belt and
got the belt too hot so the rubber came off. We put dual exhaust that
exited on both sides and no more problem with the belt. Then Polaris
got the Goodyear company to make tracks and no more track problems
either. I’ll always remember the top speed of the sled was 52 MPH. It
didn’t matter if a skinny kid or two heavy people were on board—52
MPH. It was similar to the early days of automobiles in that nearly
every company in existence started to make snowmobiles. Then, just like
the car companies, they were bought out by each other until only a few
remained. A few I remember were Alouette, Motoski, Grand Prix, Fox
Trac, Snow Pony, Raider, Coleman Skiroule, Sno Jet, Rupp, Yamaha,
Kawasaki, Rolo Flex, Mercury, AMF Ski Daddler, Brutanza Brute, John
Deere, Scorpion, Johnson Skee Horse, Evinrude, and of course Polaris,
Bombardier, and Arctic Cat. I’m sure I missed some of the early sled
manufacturers but these come to mind. Some had unique ideas for
different parts that were incorporated into the successors sleds. While
I was in Industrial Technology at UND in ’70-’72, a fellow classmate of
mine designed an independent front suspension on an older black hood
Scorpion for a project in metal fabrication. One day two engineers from
Mercury were in the shop asking him questions and taking pictures of his
design. It was within a month of graduation so I never heard how he
turned out financially or otherwise.

One more snowmobile story. One day just a couple years ago I was
driving home from Rolla and came across a couple guys who had a
snowmobile and were stalled along the road. I knew them so I stopped to
see if they needed help. I was absolutely amazed when I saw what kind
of sled they had. It was a 1969 Johnson Skee Horse that looked new in
every way. I asked what was wrong and right away the owner started in
on how he wished he never would have bought the thing and wished he had
his money back. He said he got it in Rugby at a garage sale from an
older guy who said he had hardly ever ridden it. I asked him what he
paid and he said $150. I took out my billfold and handed him the $150
and said, ” Load it up and I’ll give you a ride home.” He looked at me
like I had to be nuts but soon he grabbed the money and they loaded it
in the back of my pickup and jumped in! This sled has the original
plexiglas windshield without a scratch and the seat is as pliable as the
day it was made. It had been in the guys garage with a cover on it for
40 years. Even the original wear rods were painted into the skis from
the factory. It is as nice a sled as the day if left the factory. I’m
lucky the clutch stuck or these two guys would have ridden the stuffing
out of it and it would have been sitting in the weeds like the rest.
Right place at the right time. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

 

 

Herman Martinson Bakery Picture

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

 

To Tim Martinson,
 
The picture of your Dad brought back lots of memories for me too….my Grandpa would always get me a lemon filled birthday cake and it was the best…have never had another one as good as that……..and he is the reason i love date filled cookies….they were awesome……….He was a sweet man, I spent hours playing with Tara when we were young and just lived down the alley from you guys. Lots of great memories.
 
Sharon Longie Dana(73)
 

 

 

 

Happy’s at Lake Metigoshe

Reply/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

 
Hi Gary,
 
Here’s a picture of Happy’s in the OLD days. I might have scanned/saved this picture from a postcard. I have quite a few old postcards–might have been Uncle Walter/Viola Larson Kofoid’ postcards.
 
Neola
 
Back again. Gary, I don’t know if you remember Happy had a large “boat” which he used to give tours around Lake Metigoshe. In this picture, you can see three people sitting under a canopy. If you look carefully, you can see the “boat”, too. I’m guessing the fellow standing on the dock is Happy. I can’t remember what Happy charged for a tour. I saw the tour boat sitting at the dock many times. As you know, Dad was a fisherman from the word go. :) Our family spent MANY Sundays at Lake Metigoshe and later, Long Lake–not only “at” Lake Metigoshe, but ON the lake. Much of the time was spent “trolling”, but Dad usually made sure we also “anchored” and fished for perch. Lots of fantastic memories of days at Lake Metigoshe, including the roller skating rink and the beach south of it. When I was young (10 years old and older), a school bus took anyone who wanted to attend swimming lessons at Lake Metigoshe to the lake. We met at the Memorial Hall at one o’clock (think it was one o’clock). The round trip cost 10 cents. When we arrived at the lake, the boys changed into their swim trunks (most likely were wearing them and just removed their clothes) in the bus. We girls had to head for the brush and do our changing there. That’s when/where I learned how to swim. Brother Jim and I usually went every Tuesday/Thursday when the bus went. I don’t remember how many years we did this. I absolutely LOVED doing this–I think probably more than Jim did. I enjoyed spending time in/on/near water for MANY years–still enjoy being NEAR it, not IN it these days. :)
 
Neola

 
 
 
 
Ice House
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends

In reply to Doreen Larson Moran, I don’t remember the ice house at
Metigoshe Store but do remember the one my grandfather had here at the
farm. It sat in the dense brush north of the house where it was shaded
from the summer sun. It was made of poplar logs and was only about 4
feet tall with a small door to get in to where the ice was stored in
sawdust. They had an old ice box in the house that I vaguely remember
as a very young kid. They hauled it out and put in a propane powered
fridge before electricity came in. The old wooden ice box sat in the
junk for years and finally fell apart. The chrome hinges are the only
remaining parts left now and I put them away just for memories. I do
have the ice tongs Grandpa and Axel used to pull the blocks of ice out
of the lake and also the ice saw they used to cut through the two foot
thick ice to make square blocks of ice. I’m sure it was brutal heavy
work, but that’s how most of their days were spent, doing things by hand
that should have been done with equipment that hadn’t been invented
yet. This type of work made them strong beyond belief but also wore out
their backs before they were old enough to enjoy easier times. Grandpa
Hans would walk sort of bent over from the pain and stiffness in his
back. It still didn’t stop him from putting in a hard days work
though. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picture of ice tongs attached

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charlton Heston – Ten Commandments
Reply from Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA
 

Seeing the cairn with the Ten Commandments makes me wonder : How many on this Blog were at the Peace Gardens the day Charlton Heston gave the speech/dedication of the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets at the Masonic building? It was probably 1955 or thereabouts. We were there – I tried to take a picture but of course it is quite small. I was too bashful to get up close. Or maybe it was too polite to cross in front of so many people? Doreen Larson Moran BHS ’61

Doreen, With your reply, I have captured all the Charlton Heston postings I could find and have reposted them below with today’s blog. We have a number of new readers since all these were posted, so it’s time for a rerun.
 
Folks, please add any comments that you may have. Gary
 
 
 
Posted with Message 9 on 2/10/2008
Message from Paulette Lacroix (68):

Marie,

Our family fondly remembers the Iversons. I am sorry to hear that Archie passed. Greg and Archie caught a lot frogs and snakes at the creek. We kids got together after supper on summer nights to play hide and seek and to throw a ball over our garage. I don’t know what the game was, but we’d call ”anti I over” (sp?) and ”pigs tails.” When you left town you kindly gave me your scrapbook of movie stars that I treasured for years. I for one would love to hear you go on and on.

P. LaCroix

PS Thanks Rod and all for sharing your memories of Hazel Hiatt. She left quite an impression on me with her unpretentious determination. Does anyone remember anything about the man who spoke with a pipe in his throat? (I can remember faces, but am a complete dolt with names) Also, I remember going to the “airport” outside Dunseith when Charlton Heston came to give a speech at the Peace Garden. Does anyone else remember this or am I dreaming? Please, keep writing…everyone.

 

 
Posted with message 10 on 2/11/2008
Gary Morgan”s (54) reply to Paulette LaCroix (68) – Don Hiatt (53):
Hi Gary & All,
In answer to Paulette…. Charlton Heston spoke at the Peace Garden at the dedication of the ten comandments tablet in the summer of 1956. Albert Ladieux (sp?) spoke with a pipe to his larnyx. He was a 1st class carpenter who worked on many of the homes that were built in Dunseith in the 50s & 60s.
Also, of general info….Don Hiatt would have been in the class of 53 but he quit school and joined the Air Force after his junior year (1952). I suspect that one of the incentives was that he had turned 19 and thus wasn’t elgible to participate in any sports.

Gary Morgan
Class of 54

 
 

Posted with message 11 on 2/12/2008

From Evie Gottbreht (65): Hello Friends,

The last email made me think about the day that Charlton Heston came to town…..he landed in a small plane in the Berube pasture…..remember it had a wind flag and that was where little planes would land…..

 

 

Several of the Gottbreht kids went to see Mr. Heston arrive, he picked up my sister Lori and gave her a kiss….Phyllis McKay and myself were way too busy playing in the lagoon for that Hollywood “stuff”. Were we really 9 years old playing at the lagoon? What were our parents thinking……all that freedom. We were probably smoking cigarettes.

 

 

He stayed at Dales in #9, our family called that the Charleston Heston Suite…..I doubt today you could get an actor to land in a pasture in North Dakota to dedicate anything! 

Evie Gottbreht

 
 
Posted with message 584 on 10/5/2009
Reply from Larry Liere (55):Devils Lake, ND.

 

Hi Gary

 

A little more history about the 10 commandments monument. I was at the event and I think the dedication of the monument was about 1956 because the Devils Lake Band which was the Governor’s Band for North Dakota was invited to play for the dedication. Bob Leonard is correct Charleton Heston was asked to come because he was the star of the Ten Commandments movie. It was a very big event with people coming from all over to see Mr Heston. Dignitaries from the state were there and Mr Heston gave a very nice talk. It may have been one of the bigger events ever held at the Peace Gardens.

 

LARRY

 

Posted with message 585 on 10/6/2009

Reply from Rita Anderson (Former Gamble store owner): Fargo, ND

 

Henry Sunderland was responsible for getting Heston to the Peace Garden. Heston flew from Minot to Dunseith, and Edger Anderson picked him up. Heston changed clothes at the Gamble store then he and Sunderland drove him to the Peace Garden. Upon their return, they had coffee at the cafe next door, then Edger drove him back to his plane to return to Minot. I don’t remember of any band being there. This was in 1957.

 

Posted with message 588 on 10/7/2009

Reply/Picture from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

 

 

Rita Anderson

No doubt EJ is right, it was she holding Lori and not myself. I remember Lori as a toddler that day, propted on my shoulder so Charleton Heston could appreciate his youngest local fan! Indeed he chucked her chin and said hello sweetie. EJ swooned so who was holding Lori? Mr. Heston was one fine fellow and I think he felt right at home in the Garden State. He may have wanted fall on his knees after bouncing around on that doubtful airfield west of Hwy 3 and more than thankful for a ride with Sunderlund to Minot the next day. Does anyone remember the one engine plane canopy that would not slide? Mr. Heston finally leaned into the task opening the back seam of his jacket and got out of that there plane quick. I may be telling on Edgar, but I am certain that Heston spent the rest of the afternoon at Dale’s Motel. Dad hustled between Rm 9 and his office with some VO and ice and all present had refreshments; young George too met Heston at that time. Someone must have done some emergency repair work on the jacket Rita Anderson mentioned and the store would have been just the place to don it before his run to the hills.

The dedication of the Ten Commandment Monolith was the first major event I attended at the gardens. A photo appeared in TIME or LOOK or some such magazine the next week and Ray Lake was certain that he saw Jean Lake and myself in the crowd??? According to the history timeline, the monument was a gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of SD, ND and MB in 1956. Lori was born in Nov of that year so the dedication was probably July 1957. I remember the fine band performance mentioned by Larry and am glad to hear Devils Lake had the honor; Rolla’s band represented ND at the International Peace Garden dedication 14 July 1932. Since the International Music Camp was established in 1956, a selection by both Canadians and Americans might also have performed.

Vivian Bakken Osen formerly of Emerado, was a good friend and frequent visitor to our home; this great picture of young Evie, Mom and Divvy was taken by her sister Alpha Bakken in June 1960. Sharron

 

 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 
 
  

05/22/2011

Posted on by
Sandra/Mike and Lyle/Sharon, We are so saddened to hear of your mothers passing. We know that you guys made special efforts to spend a lot of time with her and your Dad too before his passing. I remember your dad driving our bus a time or two filling in for Mike. Both your parents will be dearly missed. Our condolences are with you.
 
From our place up in the hills, your farm was a land mark that we could clearly see from our house 4 miles NE of us. You guys lived a mile west of highway 43 on the SW corner of the Peace Garden. Gary
Peace Garden
Arnold and Lorna Zeiler
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Donna LaCroix Allard (64)
 
 
Donna,
 
Today (5/28) for you, yesterday form me is your birthday. We wish you a very happy birthday.
 
Enjoy,
 
Gary
 
 
 
Lisa Williams Mastvelton (82) – Bottineau
Request from Aimee Lagerquist (97): Boulder, MT
 
Hi Gary,

Can you please add my aunt Lisa Mastvelton to your email list. Her email is She graduated from Dunseith in 1982. She is one of the twins- my mom’s younger sister.

Thanks!
Aimee Lagerquist

Folks, Aimee’s parents are Ray (70) and Lori Williams Lagerquist (75).
Lisa, it is my pleasure to add you to our distribution list. Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

 

Here is hoping that Bernadette did not suffer too much for very long. Loved the story about the Medicine Man. It sorta reminded me about the story Mrs. Cote, my landlady the first year I was there, told about the “Hot Hand” who I believe lived in Rolla. He could cure certain ailments simply by running his hands over the affected area of the body.. She swore you could feel the heat radiating off his hands as he passed them over you. He was so well regarded that some local high school basketball coaches took their ball players to the “Hot Hand” for such things as sprains and sore throats. I don’t think Gene Hepper nor Bob Jury ever had that kind of faith.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 
Harvey Hobbs Memories
From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 
HI GARY HARVEY HOBBS AND I GREW UP TOGETHER IN DUNSEITH. WE EVEN STARTED SMOKING TOGETHER. HIDING IN SHAWB’S LUMBER YARD. HARVEY’S AUNT (MARIE HOBBS BAILEY) IS ALSO MY AUNT . I REMEMBER WHEN THEY MOVED TO THE LAKE AND HAD THE STORE HAD A LITTLE FARM FOR AWHILE THEN MOVED TO PICK CITY AND STARTED A FISHING STORE. WE HAD A LOT OF FUN TOGETHER IN ARE YOUNG DAYS. LLOYD
 
 
 
Harvey Hobbs, Metigoshe, Metigoshe Ministries/churches
Memories from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 
Recorded history does not seem important to some of us, until you have a need to know. It can fill a void in your life. A generation of a very few younger than myself, is writing about Harvey Hobbs in an entirely different setting than I knew him, Metigoshe Store with a different owner than I knew.
I knew Harvey in Dunseith as the guy who reminded me of Roy Rogers. He liked to hunt, fish and was a great mentor to Bruce Poepple etc.
So at this time if you heard about Otto Slemmen, you could look up history that would tell you about Otto’s life, owner of Metigoshe Store 40’s and 50’s, instrumental in the development of Metigoshe Ministries, but you may never know about the man, the great stablizer that held the church and camp together, unless you talked to someone like Ledolph or Lloyd Larshus. This is about giving credit where credit is due .Tom Brokaw may have seemed pretty average, but he really did it when he talked about he greatest generation, Otto was one of them.
Happy Thomas who rented boats and fishing supplies, right below Otto’s store, added a lot of flavor. Remember Metigoshe was quite a journey for us in those days, 43 was a gravel road. My dad made a comment that time that he had found a place that they must have had to pump daylight into it. That was Lyle Peck’s old place. That area was quite primitive at that time, no county line road etc. Today that place is not remote at all.
I am not sure where that old Dunseith Fire Bell is at now as it may have been moved from the Metigoshe Camp that was across the bay that is currently a resort. My dad had quite a story about that old bell.
By the way Doreen, your dad Ledolph had a good measure of principle.
lAll I know about George Metcalfe is that he ran an oil business in Bottineau at a time when I was probably out of the area. He was no relative to our family. Interesting to know some more of the story. Gary Metcalfe
Gary,
You bring back some old memories for me. I see Lloyd and Orlene Larshus with most of our trips back to the area. They are living in the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau. Lloyd and Art Rude are first cousins. I remember Otto Slemmen too. You are right on with all that you say about all the folks you mentioned.
How well I remember highway 43 before it was paved. Man for the dust and the mud. It wasn’t paved until about 1970.
 
 
Snowmobile memories
Reply from Don Lamoureux (75): Bethel, MN
 

The picture of Dick”s vintage snowmobile looks a lot like one my Dad (Jay) bought in the late 60’s, early 70’s, I thought his was an old Polaris. He had already had newer Scorpions. It also wasn’t running very well, wasn’t starting well, wouldn’t stay running, wouldn’t stay in gear (might have told this story earlier, mind going). I remember Mom having a few unfavorable comments about the purchase, so of course Dad had to prove it was a good deal. Much swearing later, got it running, but once moving he couldn’t stop it. Then it stalled and couldn’t be re-started. Mom now amused. Dad got it going and decided to run it up to the garage. Made it all the way up there, got it aimed at the brand new fiberglass garage doors, and drove it up. Now it wouldn’t stop and the skis went through the door. then stalled, so the door couldn’t be opened. More profanity laced attempts to start it, finally did. It actually had reverse. Now it backs all the way back across the lot, and stalls again. Garage door open, more profanity laced encouragement to start -he runs it into the garage, of course now it won’t stop, and runs up to the parts cleaning tub at the back of the garage (filled with gas or diesel, don’t remember), now that it’s stuck up there, it won’t shut off. I remember liberal use of a hammer as the preferred ignition cut off. I don’t think that machine made it back to the house.

 

Don Lamoureux (75)

 

 

 

Herman Martinson – Bakery Picture

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

 

Tim, the picture of your dad Herman, is just how I remembered him. I remember going to Herman’s Bakery, for a jelly filled Bismarck, we would pile in, take up most of the standing room and it was fine with him. The good old days. Of course When Marvin Kalk was working there the bull sht. got even deeper.
 
 
 
Herman Martinson – Bakery Picture
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
TO Tim Martinson— Your dad was probably the most loved man in the history of Dunseith–Just saying—-
 
Allen
 
 
 
Reply to Joke posted yesterday
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Clarice Hackman — I’m a good shot–but I need more than 4 bullets — maybe 4 or 5 thousand—–

 

Allen Richard

 

 

Reply to 50s car Quiz
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

In reply to Allen Richard— I did well on the 50s car quiz THIS
time. It was sent to me before and I looked at the ’58 Buick Roadmaster
and hit Oldsmobile instead—I knew better, but checked the wrong box
anyway. This time I was more careful and got them all correct. I
know—- the second time around doesn’t count! You did well to get
96%. I bet the younger generation won’t break the 20% bracket. If
shown the new cars, I wouldn’t do 20% myself as to me they all look the
same. There was a car in the quiz that I think is misnamed. It says
that it is a ’57 Ford Fairlane convertible and I think it’s a Canadian
Ford or whatever they called the Ford. The grille is different than US
production cars. Their Mercury cars were called Meteors so the Ford type
car had another name. The Canadian Ford trucks were called Mercurys—-
so as to not confuse us?! I remember how the Canadians had older cars,
when they came through Dunseith in the ’50s and ’60s, but they were in
immaculate condition. There were Packards and Studebakers that just
shined even though they were 20 years old or more. The only way to spot
a Canadian car now is by the license plate. I think they have more new
cars than we do now. I got an email once that said if women had their
way, there wouldn’t be all the models and kinds. There would only be
red cars and blue cars. I guess it would simplify things. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
Bottineau County Fair grounds Steam Engine with Edmar Tangen
Picture from Jerry Olson: Bremerton, WA – Formerly from Souris, ND
 

Gary,

I found a couple of pictures in my dad’s stuff I want to pass along.

One is on St. Augustine beach in 1952 and it speaks for its self.

The other is from 1954. Anyone that went to this event knows exactly what it is and where it sat. I believe the operator was Edmar Tangen.

Have a great weekend

Jerry O

Jerry, How well everyone from the whole area remembers that Steam Engine and Edmar Tangen firing it up every fair season. That steam engine was a permanent fixture in the SW corner of the Bottineau fair grounds for years.
 
John Tangen, this is your dad. Your mother was Esther Thompson Tangen, a first cousin to my dad and a sister to Ella (Eldon) Pladson.
 
Great Memories.
 
Thank you Jerry,
 
Gary
 
Bottineau Fair grounds Steam Engine
Edmar Tangen
 
 
St. Augustine beach in 1952
 

05/21/2011

Posted on by
Posted by Tim Martinson (69): Anchorage, AK
 

Routine Periodic Fasting Is Good for Your Health, and Your Heart, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (May 20, 2011) — Fasting has long been associated with religious rituals, diets, and political protests. Now new evidence from cardiac researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute demonstrates that routine periodic fasting is also good for your health, and your heart.

Note: Please see the complete article attached. I have only included the articles caption above.
 
Tim, with all the postings a while back with fasting, this is an interesting article. As you well know I was on a juice fast for 12 days about a month ago. It is interesting to note that with our physical exams several weeks ago my total cholesterol count, from last year, went down from 172 to 100. This goes along with what is mentioned in the article.
 
Tim, We were beginning to wonder about you. We miss those wonderful stories.
 
 
Herman Martinson
 
 
 
Reply to the 50’s car test posted yesterday
From Allen Richard (50): Midland, MI
 

I got 96% of the car questions right. I’m ashamed of myself — Can’t wait to see how DickJohnson and Dave Wurgler do—-

 

 

 

 

Johnny Crawford’s Snowmobile

Story from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

In one of the last few days, Jerry Olson mentioned going to Lake
Metigoshe in the 60s and seeing homemade snowmobiles that mainly were
driven by Canadians and were even made by using feeder chains from
combines for tracks. In the mid 70s I bought an old Model T Ford from
Johnnie Crawford who lived on the northwest corner of Long Lake. While
I was there getting the old car, I noticed he had a tarp covering
something right next to his old log house. I asked him what was under
the tarp and he said it was his snowmobile. He proudly took the cover
off and there sat the oldest snowmobile I had ever seen. It had a
steering wheel on the front and single cylinder 8 HP Kohler engine on
the rear. It was a 1959 Polaris ‘Autoboggan’. I asked him if he wanted
to sell it and the answer was no. I then asked him if he would trade
for another snowmobile of newer vintage? He thought for a while and
then said he might if it had electric start. I found a Massey Ferguson
sled with a single cylinder engine and electric start and tuned it up
real good and took it over to Johnnie’s and he tried it out and said it
was a trade. I still have the old sled and another one that wasn’t in
very good shape that can be used for parts. When I got home with the
thing, I just had to see if I could get it going as Johnnie hadn’t had
it going for a long time. I got it to run and headed out for a short
trial run across the yard. My dad was watching from near the shop as I
rode away and as the thing started to slow down and I couldn’t find the
reason, he started to laugh so I turned around and the entire track was
laid out like a train track behind me. Two rusty links of chain (much
like that of a combine feeder chain, had broken and just let the track
roll out behind. I loaded the track on the machine and parked it in an
old granary and now it’s in my quonset waiting for restoration some
day. The pictures are of the snowmobile and the track which resembles a
feeder chain with canvas between the treads—-very primitive to say the
least. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, How well so many of us remember Johnny Crawford. He used to go
door to door thoughout the hills selling garden seeds, etc. As long as I knew
him, he lived in his little cabin on the west side of Long Lake next door
to Leonard Lund.
 

 

 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Clarice Hackman (67): Fargo, ND
 

This makes a lot of sense…

 

 

 

 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
  

05/20/2011

Posted on by
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Jerry Pladson


(February 17, 1954 – May 14, 2011)

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Jerry Pladson, age 57 of Fargo formerly Dunseith, died on Saturday, May 14, 2011 near Mapleton, ND. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 21, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. in the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau. Burial will be at Rendahl Cemetery of rural Dunseith. Visitation will be Friday beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Jerry Pladson, a son of Eldon and Ella Pladson, was born in Bottineau on February 17, 1954. Jerry attended school in Beaver Dam, Loon Lake #1 and Dunseith. He later felt a great accomplishment in finishing his GED in Fargo.

Jerry worked as a farm laborer, custodian at the Westhope Nursing Home, a welder in Michigan, ND, on the oil rigs in Williston and again as a welder in Grafton. On June 29, 1979 he was married to Cindy Berg at Bisbee, ND. They had two children, Melissa and Brent. This marriage later ended. On April 20, 2007 he married Susan Shannon at Grafton. He retired because of ill health.

Jerry took great pride in raising Brent and Melissa and later enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. Jerry’s enjoyed playing pinochle, fishing, listening to music and collecting coins.

He is survived by his wife Susan Pladson, children Brent (Lisa) Pladson of Mandan, and Melissa (Jesse) Hanson, of Mapleton; stepson Justin (Kali) Shannon of Wahpeton; step-daughters Terry Price of Grand Forks and Kim Hanson of Hoople, ND; grandchildren, Bryston, Silas, Alex, Kassandra, Nikka, Peyton, Adriana and Jamari; brothers and sisters, Florence Simes, Dunseith; Floyd (Pat) Pladson, Bottineau; Keith (Alice) Pladson, Virginia; Fern (Roger) Beaver, Devils Lake; Victor Pladson, Dunseith; Daniel (Robin) Pladson, Belfield; Tina (John) Bullinger, Bottineau; and Linda (Billy) Ash, Idaho;

He was preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Ella Pladson and two brothers, Clarence and David Pladson.

http://www.nerofuneralhome.net/index.cfm

 
Dunseith Alumni Reunion – May 2010
Jerry/Susan Pladson & Keith/Alice Pladson
 
 
 
Condolences to the Pladson Family
From Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND
 

Siblings, families of Jerry Pladson,

Please accept my condolences I am so sorry for the loss of your loved-one Jerry!!! Peace, prayers & blessings Connie (Zorn) Landsverk

 

 

 

 

School year book request

From Diane Berg Rheault (79): Morehead, MN

 

I need to get my hands on a Dunseith High School 1977 yearbook for a friend who’s yearbook got damaged in a flood. Do you know who I could contact about this? Diane (Berg) Rheault ’79

 

 

 

Reply from Susan Brew Roussin (59): Rolla, ND

 

Wishing Bernadette a speedy recovery from her hospital stays. I will keep both of you in my prayers. Thanks for all the info on the Dunseith area folks.
 
 
 
Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

My Prayers are with Bernadette and you Gary, None of these surgery’s are pleasant. My Kid Brother Bryan had it done twice. but the MS added more troubles, slowly dragging him down. Good luck and God Bless.

Thank you Susan, Mark and the rest of you that I replied with personal messages to about your concerns for Bernadette. She had her Kidney sound blasted yesterday. The whole procedure went very well. The stone size was about 3/4″. That is pretty big. They positioned her lying down with x-ray and sound blasting machines attached. They blasted her with 4,000 sound blasts. The procedure took just over an hour. The process pulverized the stone into many small particles that she will pass with her urine. I was able to watch the whole process. They had her semi sedated. She was well relaxed and did not feel much of the process. She has a large black and blue spot on her back side from the sound blasts. Last night she was in a lot of pain, but she finely went to sleep and she is still sleeping yet this morning. We’ll see what this day brings when she wakes up. Hopefully all is well.

 

 

 
Metigoshe Store, etc – Note: Please see the Metcalfe question
Replies from Carolyn Larson Cobb: (BHS 60)
 
Gary, I have no problem with you posting my reply. I believe the name was George Metcalfe, but I could be mistaken. John and Hannah had a farm right next to us in the Turtle Mts. They have a grandson that just recently bought our farm land. His mother was a Nordgard. I used to see Jean Pladson frequently when we lived back in the TM. Always smiling and giving a hug. All these connections are amazing. Harriet Petterson had a sister in my graduating class. She is Darlene Thiel {husband from Kramer}. Carolyn

Carolyn’s Reply
Gary, I think this Jerry Olson must be younger than Me, I don’t recognize the name. Is he related to Jean Pladson? Reading about the store at Metigoshe, I worked there when I was a Sophmore is High School. The folks that owned it than were the Metcalfe’s. I remember they had a young son that had special needs. I’m sure the same lunch counter that Doreen worked at was there. The fishermen always came in for lunch, and some of them had been “tipping a few” and were pretty funny. Happy Thomas would always stop in to make the day. Carolyn
Carolyn, I will always remember you as the beautiful older sister of Jerry. I remember your parents, Clarence and Evelyn Roland Larson well. You guys lived about a half mile south of Highway 43 just over the hill east of Lake Metigoshe. Alfred Rude’s and the Hahn’s lived a little farther east. You told me where you are currently living, but I forgot.
 
Folks, I have replied to Carolyn with personal more in-depth replies to her messages. Harriet Petterson Haugerud (deceased) and Darlene Petterson Thiel are my first cousins. Their older sister, Alice Petterson Hahn (Deceased), was married to Gordon Hahn that Carolyn mentions in her message below. Their dad Hans was my dad’s brother.
 
Which Metcalfe owned the Metigoshe Store? I never knew this. Gary
 

Carolyn’s follow up Reply
Gary, I hope all goes well with your wife. I’ve heard that Kidney stones are very painful. Curtis Hahn was a brother to Gordon. Curtis was in my class at Hilton # 3. In fact it was just the 2 of us. Carolyn
 
 
 
Reply from Trish Larson Wild (73): Fort Collins, CO.
 

Hi Gary from the PCT!

 

We have been on the trail a week now and all is well. We’ve had some good and some bad weather and some great experiences. Met some wonderful folks and all the horses are doing well. The first week was a lot of adjusting for the new horse, Clover, an Egyptian/Spanish Arab. He’s now doing great and seems happy to be out of his stall at the LA Equestrian Center. He’s in love with my mare, Maggie.

 

I’m trying to keep my blog and facebook updated with stories and photos for anyone who is interested.

 

Hope the kidney stones and upcoming surgeries go well. Sorry to hear your wife is suffering.

 

Take care and hello to all my nodak friends. Thanks for making it easy to stay in touch!

Trish Wild

The Equine Nomad
Trish, I know your mother was a Gardner from the Turtle Mountains and your dad is Harvey Larson who is retired from the Customs/Border Patrol. With all the Turtle Mountain Larson’s being mentioned lately and for me having known them all my life and just finding out that they are all the same family, my question to you is are you also related? I know that question is on a lot of folks minds too. Gary
 
 
 
 
 
Henry Dietrich – San Haven Tuberculosis Story
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary

The whole San Haven Tuberculosis Story I sent last week apparently

did not make it through to you.

I’m trying again.

Larry

Larry, I just checked and I did cut off your story with the previous posting of which I did not catch. I am so sorry about that. This is a good Story too. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

 

Henry Dietrich

The recent stories of the San Haven (The North Dakota State Tuberculosis Sanitorium, 1909-1987) that was located a mile north of Dunseith ND. reminded me and my brother Henry Hackman (class of 65) of a family story concerning the family of our Great Uncle, John Henry Dietrich (1890-1970).John always called Henry married Myrtle Albertson (1883-1957) in 1930, the ex-wife of Frank Graybill of the Dion Lake area of the Turtle Mountains.Myrtle had nine children from the previous marriage to Frank Graybill.Two of the younger girls Blanch (Graybill) Merrick, 1905-1937, and Doris (Graybill) Feldner, 1911-1936, worked at the San Haven, and lived on the Dietrich farm, 10 miles north of Dunseith.They both contracted tuberculosis and died and were buried at Riverside Cemetery south of Dunseith.Henry and Myrtle raised their children, Georgia Merrick and Buster (Ray) Graybill.Blanch’s and Doris’s younger sister Thelma who was 13 at the time also contracted the disease, probably from her older sisters, died in 1937 and is also buried at Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith, North Dakota.

Henry tried everything to save his stepdaughter, Thelma (1924-1937).He took her to doctor after doctor and tried everything they had to offer to save her.He even went to see an Indian Medicine Man who lived near Belcourt, ND.Henry had, had a previous encounter with this man and knew that he could cure certain ailments.

Henry always smoked a pipe, one with a stem that curved down about three inches from his mouth and held the pipe bowl, directly out from his chin.I suppose the idea was to keep the smoke away from your eyes.The down side of this type of pipe was that heat travels up, and the hot stem and the smoke eventually caused a sore to develop on his lip.The sore on his lip would not go away.He went to doctor after doctor and they would give him different salves and ointments to try but, nothing worked.Henry had heard of this Indian Medicine Man that lived over by Belcourt, ND.Henry’s lip was not getting better, and he was sure it was cancer.He decided to go over to Belcourt and see this Medicine Man and to see what and if the man could do anything for him.Henry went to the house and was invited in and too sit down at the table.He told the Medicine Man his problem and showed him the sore.The Medicine Man left the house and did not return for a couple of hours.Henry sat at the table patiently waiting.The woman of the house was busy making something on the wood stove.Finally she set the pot of stew on the table, and also setting a plate in front of Henry, invited him to eat.He said it smelled delicious and took the ladle to place some stew into his plate.She watched him as he placed the stew into his plate and invited him to dig deep into the kettle.She said, “Dig deep, nice fat puppy on bottom”.Henry said the stew was good but he didn’t eat as much as he would have liked too.The Medicine Man eventually returned to the house with a paste he had made from plants and leaves and ????, that he said he had gathered from the woods.Henry used the paste on the sore on his lip and the sore healed. Henry was impressed with this man and always said that if he had been smart enough at the time, he and this Medicine Man, both could of became rich.Henry was sure, that he had cancer on his lip, and that this Medicine Man had cured it with a paste, that he had made up from materials, he had gathered from the Turtle Mountains, of North Dakota.

So, when the doctors and medicines they prescribed did not do any good to help Thelma.Henry became desperate.He once again drove to Belcourt to see the Indian Medicine Man.The Indian Medicine man told him that she must eat of the heart and liver of a dog.Henry returned home and told his wife Myrtle what the Medicine Man had said, and what he had to do.Henry had a large farm dog at the time that he loved, but nothing can overcome the love, a father has for his daughter.Henry and Myrtle made the liver and the heart of the dog as suggested by the Medicine Man and fed it to their daughter, Thelma.Thelma died from tuberculosis in the year of 1937.

In 1960 Henry Hackman (class of 65) while staying up in the Hills with Henry Dietrich saw this hide hanging on the wall inside the garage.Henry H. asked Henry Dietrich about the hide.Henry Dietrich told Henry the story about his daughter and how he had to kill the farm dog.That he also loved the dog, and so he skinned the dog and tanned the hide to keep as a reminder of the love that they and the dog all had for each other and what they had to go through to try and save Thelma.The name on her grave marker at Riverside cemetery is Thelma Dietrich.

Henry Dietrich’s lip cancer never did return.Henry Also changed the type of pipe he smoked.He smoked from a pipe that had a silver vented stem and a filter.The vented stem allowed the smoke to cool as it traveled the length of the stem and the filter prevented particles from the tobacco from entering his mouth.The pipe also had a straight stem that held the bowl directly out in front of his mouth.This type of pipe, due to the weight of the pipe and bowl, made the smoker hold the pipe in ones hand rather than just hold it in ones mouth, as your jaw would soon get tired.The pipe with the stem that curved down you could leave in your mouth longer, due to the redistributing of the weight, which left your hands free to do other things.Probably why Henry had started smoking this type pipe in the first place and in turn caused the sore on his lip.

For your information:

The Tuberculosis virus is being used to save lives. Recently a friend of ours was diagnosed with bladder cancer.They removed the cancer from her bladder, and now doctors are injecting, Tuberculosis Virus into the bladder to prevent cancer from recurring.Isn’t that amazing?

Comment:

Henry Dietrich could really cook.He made the best chicken and dumplings, I ever ate.I remember when we would all sit down to eat and started to load up our plates.He would say, “Dig deep, nice fat puppy on bottom”. Then we would all chuckle as we enjoyed the chicken and dumplings.

Larry

 
 
 
50’s Chevrolet car test
Posted by Cheri Metcalfe Evans (74): Dunseith, ND
 

Gary-thought I would forward this link to you. Since you have a lot of car enthusiasts reading the blog, I thought they might genjoy it. Jim and David both took the test. Jim did much better than David!
Cheri Evans (74)
Cheri, I am not much of car buff, but this one I knew. I got them all right. Every car model back in those days had a different design each year that most folks back then knew. It was just common knowledge and something we just knew. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Shocks picture posted several days ago

From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.

Under the picture of Shocks. Unless the binder was being held in place with chalks, this should be a picture of shocks ready for the threshing machine. I know you guys are probably too young and did not ever see any shocks around the fields. at least I think I have this correct. Good luck to Bernadette. May her surgeries and healing times go quickly. Doreen

Doreen, We have many many folks among our readers from the High school classes of the 40’s and 50’s. They will remember those old threshing machine days well as will many of us from the 60’s classes too. Martin Rude did a lot of our threshing. His display of 20 to 40 or more old threshing machines is still on display across the road from his Son’s Kenny’s place east of Long Lake. It’s well worth the trip to see. Gary
 
 
 
San Haven Chuckle – Fargo-Moorhead Band
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
You have been sent this article from Vickie Metcalfe
An article about a band that may interest Dunseith alumni, from Fargo Forum.

San Haven Chuckle serious about its music
Robert Morast – 05/19/2011

 
The San Haven Chuckle is no joke. This is a point worth making because it’s easy to forget the Fargo-Moorhead band’s not a comic group. Like when talking to the band members who riff like comedians on every topic in the conversation, or when you hear the band’s stage names like “The Thickness” or “Eddie”; or watching YouTube videos of the Chuckle playing gigs dressed as characters from the “Super Mario Bros.” videogame. Then there’s the name itself, which suggests laughing. Factor in the band’s routine of joking with the crowd between songs and you can see why the San Haven Chuckle can be misunderstood. “At many of the clubs we play, people will come up to us and say, ‘That’s a great act, a comedy rock show,’ ” says Eddie, the band’s vocalist. It’s a bit ironic because the Chuckle, which is playing the final FM’s Finest concert this Saturday at The Monkey Bar, plays moody, almost introspective rock music with four-part harmonies that’s, often, anything but humorous. “We take the music serious. But this is our opportunity to be kids,” Eddie says. “I don’t want to be one of those rock bands that takes itself too seriously.” That’s part of the reason why, earlier this spring, when FM’s Finest asked local music fans to vote for the bands that should be part of the concert series co-presented by The Forum and Jade Presents, the Chuckle didn’t even know it received the most votes. In fact, the members of the Chuckle say they weren’t aware of the voting process until they were contacted to schedule a date for FM’s Finest. “It did come as some surprise, but at the same time … our fans are great fans,” Eddie says. “They’re loyal. We have people who come out just to do the worm.” Another joke? Or does the band actually attract people who show up just to do that wriggly dance move? It’s hard to tell as the members seem to joke about everything from their criminal records (supposedly the reason they moved here from Jamestown) to why they’re in a band (they’re able to get drunk on the job). One thing that isn’t a joke is the band’s name, which is a reference to a tuberculosis ward in Dunseith, N.D. As Bud, the band’s guitarist, tells the story, people in the TB ward would bring levity to their situation by calling their coughs San Haven chuckles. Kind of dark, but kind of funny. Kind of like the San Haven Chuckle
 

05/18/2011

Posted on by
No Blog tomorrow.
 
Folks,
 
Bernadette is scheduled to have a kidney stone sound blasted tomorrow morning, so I will not be posting a blog tomorrow. With our recent annual physicals and ultra sounds they discovered that Bernadette has a large kidney stone. Rather than to wait for it to pass on it’s own with all the pain involved they will be shattering it tomorrow. This is an out patient process that takes about an hour. With recovery time she will probably be in the hospital a few hours.
 
Two weeks following this procedure tomorrow, she will be scheduled to have her gall bladder removed and three hernia’s repaired. With ultra sounds they discovered she has a gallstone and also 3 hernia’s in her stomach area.
 
I managed to squeeze by another year with no major health problems. I am antispiating the same in 36 years when I reach the 100 year mark.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Ele Dietrich Slyter (DHS 69)
 
Today, May 18th, is your birthday. Enjoy.
 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Ronald laRocque

(March 30, 1949 – May 14, 2011)

Sign Guest Book | Send Flowers
 

RONALD LAROCQUE (DHS Class of 68)

Ronald LaRocque, age 62 of Center, ND formerly Dunseith, died Saturday in his home. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 2:00 P.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the church

 

http://www.nerofuneralhome.net/index.cfm

 
 
 
 
Olson John Deere parts and Impement Business (Bottineau & Souris)
History/pictures from Jerry Olson: Bremerton, WA
 
 
Jerry,
 
Yesterday I forgot to include your attachment (email only) with all the nice pictures and history of the Olson John Deere Implement Business. You have written a nice article inclusive of many nice pictures.
 
Gary
 
 
 

Reply to Jerry Olson – Attachment Attached

From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.
 

You write a very interesting “history” of the John Deere parts and implement business = firstSouristhen Bottineau. Since I worked as Preventive Maintenance Technician with the US Army Corps of Engineers for 20 years I would have to record parts issues/maintenance on equipment etc at Albeni Falls Dam. At that time they also ran equipment to maintain several campgrounds in the area. And knowing the some of the people he refers to even makes this more interesting .

 

Another job I had for about 6 months while I was waiting to get on with the goveernent was at Atlas Mine and Mill inSpokane. A Hungarian immigrant had a huge used equipment business. A lot of it was for mining operations inCanadaandSouth America. I had to convince him I knew something about equipment coming from a farm home. Also in our travels I had seen a lot of the highway construction projects setting up the

Interstate Highway

system signed into law by Pres Eisenhower. I kept his books in such a manner that the accountant assured me if I ever wanted a job inSpokanehe would hire me on the spot. (Thanks to OA Parks and my college accounting etc at the Forestry).

 

 

I hope you are going to publish your paper. It makes for interesting history of the area with the change of equipment through the years. Also the way you learned how to fix things. How our parents made us do it ourselves. In my case cooking, canning, sewing. I can see your “book” being read in at least 3 counties there on the Canadian Border of ND but also far and wide as those of us who left that area for various reasons. Most were to find better weather and better job opportunities. In my case, I was a military wife and went were my husband was sent. No, I didn’t go overseas since he was hardly ever on Clark AFB proper and I knew I could not handle the heat. I discovered that with just a fewe days inSoutheast Missouriin the middle of summer and even April and Oct weren’t so good either. Bob was sent to Fairchild AFB(nearSpokane) in 1968 and then spent the next 17 of his 30 + years stationed there at the global headquarters of the US Air Force Survival Training Hdq (SERE Complex)

 
 
 
Pictures from Jerry Olson: Bremerton, WA
 
Ingwall Olson, Mac MacCluske, John Dunerland & Vern Nordgard
 
 
John and Hannah Dunderland
 
 
Shalks ready for Threshing
 
 
  

05/17/2011

Posted on by
Ronnie LaRocque (68), Center, ND, Passed away.
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND
 
>Gary,

I have sad news this morning, my cousin Ronnie LaRocque passed on to his
maker on Saturday May 14, 2011, during the am. He went in his sleep.

He was a traveler, so just before, he went to Albequerque with his whole
family. they drove. He was very determined to travel. He is now with his
maker up there on his last journey from earth. I will miss him very much
although I hadn’t had the opportunity to see much of him, since he lived
away from here. Just knowing he was out there somewhere was fine. Ronnie
was a good guy, he really was.

Ginger
Ginger, We are sad to hear of your cousin Ronnie’s passing. He sure had a good attitude and coped well with his cancer. Our condolences are with all of Ronnie’s family with his passing. I saw his death notice posted in the Minot Daily. They have Nero’s list as the Funeral home. I will post his Obituary when it is available on Nero’s site. Gary

 
 
 
Metighoshe Store area memories
From Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Bottineau, ND
 
I remember the skating rink by the store and remember skating on it. I
also remember the ice house on the hill, and also the spigot on the hill
that we could get water from.
Mona Johnson ’48
 
 
 
 
Skating Rink by the Metigoshe Store
Memories from Paula Fassett (71):
 

Dick (and all):

I well remember the outdoor skating rink by the Metigoshe store! We had a much easier trip to the store and/or skating rink, however, since my Aunt Lenore (Watkins) Hoover’s cabin is just down the road from that store. We used to love to go stay at the lake w/Aunt Lenore and our cousins, Marise and Lenette. I always enjoyed when Lenore would need some little grocery item at the store and send us girls to get it – we would usually get to buy a popsicle also. I never actually roller skated at that rink, but we would walk up there on a Saturday evening and watch the roller skaters (AKA: boys) from the sidelines. There was Pepsi machine there that, if you worked it right, would shoot out a free can of pop every now and again.

There was a beach at that landing just south of the shore, also. My Dad had slide-photos of him and us girls on the dock at that beach. I think that may have been before the state park/beach existed on the north lake. We used to see Neil Arnzten at that beach also – teaching his kids to swim……there were lots of little Arntzen kids.

Paula Fassett

 
 
 
Hobb’s family

From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.
 

Gary – If my memory is correct Harvey Hobb’s mother was Viola as was his sister. Arvilla’s sister’s name is Violet. She had four daughters. One of them Karen is married to Scott Grorud from Bismarck. They now live in Spokane WA. He served in a military career as a survival school (SERE) instructor – some of those years were stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA. I had remembered the four cute little girls who would come to Lake Metigoshe to visit their aunt, Arvilla and Grandmother Martha Wulff or was it Wolf originally from Ashley there at Lake Metigoshe Store in the summers of 1961 and 1962. Then sometime in the seventies Scott G wanted us to meet his wife from ND What a surprise when we figured out our, “It’s a small world after all”. I am and always have been one of those people who will ask someone where they are from or where they grew up. Those of you who knew my father, Ledolph Larson will realize that indeed, “I am my father’s daughter”. Doreen Larson Moran
 
 
 
 
Jerry Olson’s reply to Doreen Larson Moran’s message below.
Jerry Olson: Bremerton, WA
Note: Doreen, Jerry included me with his reply to you. I think your message to him will be of interest to a lot of our readers, so I have included it as well. I am very careful with my postings, but I think I am safe with this one. Gary

Doreen,

I think the first winter camp I went on was in 1963 and at least three more times after that. I always pitched my little canvas pup-tent in the snow and buried it with snow. Once it went to 30 below, but I was warm in my sleeping bag. I remember the frost on the inside of the tent and how damp my clothes were. The hard part was getting out of bag and getting dressed for breakfast. I remember the instructors but not their names They taught us survival but, more so, meeting a challenge head on and not running away from it. It was cold and dark in that little tent. All of us survived – some had frostbite but nobody died.

I grew up knowing Grace & Kenneth Joraanstad. He was the bank manager and they were involved with Trinity Lutheran in every way. I was at their home many times and knew all of their children.

I got a snowmobile in 1966 and drove it like a complete idiot until 1968 when I totaled it in a wreck down by the creek on Allan Olson’s land east of Souris. I probably did see Bobby’s snowmobile – may even been part of the incentive for me to get one. I had a sweet maroone 18hp Scorpion.

I believe you may have made me a number of hamburgers at the store. It was good hike but worth the trip from the BSA camp. I remember one weekend, I was at the camp and a bunch of us changed into ‘civies’ and walked all the way around the lake to the dance hall on the westside. The Roadrunners were playing (not the same group that became popular in the ’90s). I met Byron Nelson, the bass guitar player, a couple of years later when I was at NDSU. He taught me a lot about playing the bass guitar. PS: We got back to camp about 4:00am and caught a couple hours of sleep before we had to get up. We also used to sneak up to Canada and get fireworks & MacIntosh toffee

When I get the urge, I write my stories. I have attached the Partsman 1. You may recognize some of the people.

Which Larson family are you from? Evelyn Olson was a Larson, wasn’t she?

Have a great day

Jerry O

From: “Doreen Moran”bjdmoran@povn.com

Just curious – did you go on the winter Scout campout at your Lodge Dec
1964? My husband taught at that one. I even did the campout in the snow
but many chose to stay in the Lodge. Of course, it was an extremely cold
night – normal , correct? He was SSgt Bobby J Moran. Since you lived in
Souris you probably saw his snowmobile around town as we would spend time at
Grace and Kenny Joraanstads. We dated from 1961 to Sep 63; then we got
married and lived in Minot until Mar 1966 when we got a new mobile home and
lived on base. So we would often make a stop in Souris on our weekend trips
back and forth. That 85 miles became the first step in just getting in the
car and hitting the road.

Actually, the survival training needed to be at the Lake with no sign of
civilization. Nothing real training aids, correct? You sound like you
did very well on your Scouting test. I used to enjoy working at the Lake
Metigoshe Store on the Thursday night when the Order of the Arrow guys would
get to come in for hamburgers. That was probably the only night we were
open so late.

I loved your grandparents – John and Hannah. Your Aunt Helen was in my
shorthand class at the Forestry 1962/63.

I see you wound up in Bremerton. I do love WA state but I think we will be
forced out of the tax hungry state. We have a nice old place here in the
mountains of NE WA on the WA/ID/Canadian border but the slower pace of ND
suits us just fine. Now that I don’t have to get out the door every single
morning to go to work, I don’t mind the cold and snow. Modern homes and
heating systems are wonderful!!! I am sure you remember those old houses in
the hills and probably some on the prairie too. Is the oil well activity on
any of your land or family land? Loren and Evy Olson are my aunt and
uncle.

Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61)

 

 
 
May 2010
Angela Berube, Art Rude, Connie Halvorson

 

 

2009 Dunseith Alumni Alaska Cruise – Class of 65 memebers

Gary Stokes, Bill grimme, Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht & Phyllis McKay

 

 

2009 Dunseith Alumni Alaska Cruise

Cheryl Haagenson, Florence Pladson Sime, Becky Sime & Phyllis McKay
 
 
 
2007 Reunion
John Bedard taking the first bite of his Balute (boiled egg with an un-hatched chick)
 
 
 
Cebu, Philippines
Party at the Stokes house – Sorry guys, these gals are all taken
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 
 
Ole, the Norwegian painter

Ole, while not a brilliant scholar, was a gifted portrait artist. His fame
grew…

Soon, people from all over the country were coming to Minnesota to have
portraits done .

One day, a stretch limo pulled up to his house. Inside was a beautiful
woman, and she asked Ole if he would paint her in the nude.

This was the first time anyone had made this request of Ole. The woman said
money was no object; she was willing to pay $50,000.

Not wanting to get into trouble with his wife, Ole asked the woman to wait
while he went in the house and conferred with Lena , his missus.

In a few minutes, he returned…. and said to the lady, “Ya, shoor, you
betcha. I’ll paint ya in da nude, but I’ll haff ta leave my socks on so I’ll
have a place to wipe my brushes.”

 

05/16/2011

Posted on by
Jerry Pladson, Son of Eldon/Ella Pladson, Passed away.
Message from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Gary,
In behalf of my siblings and I this is to let you know our brother Jerry Lee Pladson has passed on. Funeral services will be held in Bottineau on Saturday, May 21st. Don’t have all details at this time, but will try to provide later.
Keith Pladson
To Keith and all of you Pladson siblings, I am so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. I remember Jerry well. You guys lived 1/8 of a mile down the hill from the Ackworth Cemetery from our place. Our condolences are with you with his passing. Please keep us posted with his funeral details. I do not have Jerry in any of my files, so I don’t know where he was living. Gary
 
 
 
Metigoshe Store
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,

The picture of the old Metigoshe Store really brings back a lot of
good memories for me. My folks used to take the boat across the lake to
the landing just south of the store and then we would walk up to the
store for supplies. I would usually get one of my favorite chocolate
sundaes while they shopped. Dad and Mom knew Harvey and Arvilla Hobbs
from Dunseith so they had to visit a bit every time we went there. They
had everything you might need for a weekend at the lake. I remember Dad
getting us a new ski rope with a red plastic float on it so you could
always find the end in the water. It was a new invention in the 50s.
Sometimes the wind would be strong and we would have to pound the waves
all the way from the south end of Lake Metigoshe to the store. The
aluminum boat wasn’t anywhere near as heavy as boats today are so by the
time we made the couple miles north, your teeth were about rattling. It
was well worth the trip though to get that prized chocolate sundae.
Thanks to Doreen Larson Moran for sending the picture and to Gary for
posting it—made my day! One other question. How many of you can
remember the outdoor roller skating rink just west of the store? There
were even outdoor lights so the skating could go on at night. The area
is now sort of a picnic area. Time marches on. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply to Dick’s message:
From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.
 
Ahhhh – but how many of you remember the ice house on the hill? Or cutting
the big blocks of ice off the Lake and packing those chunks of ice in
layers of sawdust?
 
 
 
Jerry Olson Originally from Souris
 
Folks,
 
I need to make an introduction with a story leading into the posting of Jerry Olson’s reply below.
 
Jerry Olson is originally from Souris. He graduated with the Souris class of 68. His sister, Nadine Little, is known as the cake lady in the Bottineau and surrounding areas. Their mother was Mae Dunderland, daughter of John and Hannah Hagen Dunderland from the Metigoshe area. Jerry and Nadine’s uncle owned the Olson John Deere implement dealership in Bottineau.
 
Jerry and I have never met in person. Jerry has lived in Bremerton, WA for years, however we never met or even knew each other with all the years that we lived there at the same time.
 
A friend of mine from AZ sends out 6 jokes everyday to a list of about 70 folks. One day several years ago he posted this picture of the deer feeding on the Metigoshe snow-mobile trail as a joke implying that the snow-mobiler’s could not use the trail because of the deer. This had been forwarded to him as a joke. He had no idea where this picture was taken or if it was even a real live picture for that matter. I recognized the picture from having seen it in the Bottineau paper. I did a ‘reply all’ to that joke telling the story and history of that picture. One of the guys I replied this message too, forwarded it to Jerry Olson. Several days later I got a message from Jerry, with an introduction with who he was, letting me know he too recognized that picture. This is how Jerry and I learned to know each other.
 
Jerry was quite involved with the Metigoshe Lutheran church in his younger days, so I am sure many of you know Jerry.
 
Gary
 
Note: I have pasted that picture below.

 
 

Metigoshe Store

Reply from Jerry Olson: Bremerton, WA
 
Gary,

Thanks for sending this. Brought back a lot of great memories. Just west of the store, they built a roller skating ‘rink’. I spent a lot of time there. The snow picture changed when snowmobiles became popular. I think the store stayed open year around after that in the late ’60s. Lake Metigoshe was one of the ‘proving grounds’ for Skidoo, Larson, Scorpion, Polaris and Arctic Cat not to mention a lot of home-made units mostly from Canada. I remember one that used a feeder chain from a 55 John Deere combine for its track. They put on quite a show racing on the ice.

She mentioned Ross Lake. It, indeed, would be a great place to teach survival training. Between the mosquitoes and the leeches, you really didn’t want to be near that lake. They should have done ther training on Lake McDonald next to the BS Camp, that was where the BSA had the canoes & rowboats. I went to BS camp 7 years starting in 1961 and always hated stepping into the water.

I did my overnight ‘Ordeal’ for the Order of the Arrow on the shore of Ross Lake. That is where they take you out to the middle of nowhere, tell you to take fifty paces, lay down and go to sleep – they will be back to get me in the mornng. Now its 85 degrees and I have a sleeping bag made for winter camping (5.5 LB dacron fill). The choice was to sweat to death or be eaten alive by mosquitoes. I could tell I was near a freshl cut field of hay. I got up, grabbed by bag and started walking. After about twenty steps, I ran into a bale of hay. Having no flashight or matches (they made sure of that) I was running blind. I managed to find six bales and made myself a nice little hut. My mther had sewed aflannel liner into my sleeping bag (for winter camping) which I pulled out and used to cover the ends of my hut. I layed on top of the bag & slept like a baby.

Have a great day

Jerry O

 

 

 

 

Dear feeding on the Snowmobile trail near Lake Metigoshe

 

 

This picture with the caption at the top was floating around the nation as a joke. I received it in January 2010. Gary

Snowmobile trail closed due to TRAFFIC JAM !!

 

05/15/2011

Posted on by
Lake Metigoshe Store – Hobb’s
Messages/Picture from Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.
 
Hi Gary – This postcard of the Lake Metigoshe Store was taken spring of 1962. (That right front tire/wheel is on Bob’s 1960 Chrysler Convertible. You probably remember that beautiful white with the blue top beauty.). This postcard was in some of the packets that were handed out at the 125th Celebration of Bottineau History.
 
I always get asked how in the world Bob and I met. Well – I was working at the lunch counter here. He was with the US Air Force and had his survival school (now SERE) training camp near Ross Lake on Boy Scout lands. He had met Harvey and Arvilla in 1960 when he first arrived in North Dakota. He loved North Dakota, Lake Metigoshe, the Turtle Mountains and the people. He would spend all his spare time enjoying this part of our great country. Also the Store made a good rendezvous point when personnel would have to come or go to Minot AFB.
 
So, in 1961 when I was working full time, he would be in for milk shakes, hamburgers, pie, tea or whatever. I was a good waitress and short order cook. Now I still AM 50 years later. I went to Concordia College in Moorhead in the fall and we corresponded back and forth. Then I was back to the Store for the summer of 1962. I went to the School of Forestry that fall and we got married Sept 1963. He was stationed at Minot AFB for 3 more years then was sent to PACAF and Clark AFB for the PJSS – Jungle Survival School. Air crew members of that era will understand the impact of this. In Jan 1968 we went to Fairchild AFB, WA near Spokane. He was stationed there- until 1984 when he retired with over thirty years in the US Air Force. His job required him to be gone a lot but our daughter and son and I had a good stable life and lifestyle.
 
Bob always says that the best years of his military career were the years he spent in North Dakota. This is why we spend so much time between WA and ND. Of course, there is no argument from me.
 
This picture is a good addition to the winter scene. (Also pasted below, Gary)
 
Did you know that Arvilla Hobbs lives in Pick City? Their son has the “Store” there that has fishing tackle, quick stop foods, etc etc etc. I believe it is a Conoco. The fishing reports for the area usually come from Steve Hobbs. Several years back during the drought years there was quite a battle with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the water level issues. About 15 years ago I stopped in and Harvey and Arvilla were behind the counter – just like in the “olden days”. The other son spent a career in the Army – maybe even Green Beret. The one in Pick City also has the bakery/store across the street that his wife runs. Arvilla is retired but she is always willing to help the “kids” out. I hope to have time to go by Pick City again this year. When I am at Hazelton I just go straight north on Highway 83 and then pick up Highway 14 and usually do the cutoff at Towner to Willow City at Highway 60 for a bit before I hit Highway 5. Going Highway 83 all the way through Bismarck and Minot seems to add about 100 more miles.
 
Doreen
 
 
 
 
 
August 1968
Fort Lewis Basic Training – C-5-2 – Graduation
 
Folks,
 
This is our Basic Training graduation picture. Kenny Nerpel sent this copy to me. My copy has gotten misplaced over the years.
 
Kenny Nerpel, Larry Lawrence (Barbara Landsverk) and I are in this picture.
 
I see there are 50 of us with one cadre, so that means we all graduated. I know we used to line up in 4 ranks, 12 to a squad. I don’t remember where the extra two stood though. As I remember, Kenny and I were in the 3rd squad. Kenny was to my immediate right. We all had our permanent positions in formations.
 
Most all of these guys in the 4th platoon are from ND. A big percentage of these guys had just graduated from college and had gotten their draft notice. That thought used to run though my mind when the Senior Drill Sergeant would tell us we were the biggest bunch of idiots he had ever trained. We knew he told that to all his trainees though.
 
 
Gary Stokes – 2nd in from the right on the top row
Kenny Nerpel – Third in from the right, third row down from the top.
Larry Lawrence – Forth row down from the top on the right end just below Kenny
 
  

05/14/2011

Posted on by
Dunseith Alumni Caribbean Cruise – February 2012

Hotel and Transportion details in Miami

 

Hotel: Hyatt Summerfield Suites in Miami

 

 

Folks,

 

 

Gina, our travel agent, has arranged for us to stay at the HyattSummerfield Suitesin Miami. She has blocked off 45 one Bedroom Suites and 5 two bedroom Suites. The Hyatt has free shuttle service from the Airport.

 

Rates plus 13% tax

One Bedroom Suites at $159.00 (king)

 

Two Bedroom Suites at $209.00 (king bed in each bedroom)

 

The living room has a sectional pullout Sofa bed in all Suites.

 

**5th and 6th persons in 2-Bedroom suites are $10.00 additional per person.

 

For reservations please call the Hyatt at (800) 517-3966 or log on to their website www.hyattsummerfieldsuitesmiami.comand enter into the Corporate/Group box G-CAWi.When booking tell them you are with the Cruise At Will Dunseith group.

 

 

Payment is due at time of booking. Refunds are available for cancellations no later than January 12, 2012.

 

 

Gina has made arrangements with the Hyatt for our group room rates to be exactly the same rate for up to 3 days prior and 3 days after our cruise.

 

Transportation from the hotel to the ship and to the airport upon return

 

Ground transportation is available for $24 round trip – per passenger (includes: your hotel to your ship and your ship back to the Miami airport).

 

Names and the payment for your Ground transportation will need to be provided to Cruise At Will prior to November 18, 2011

If you wish to confirm your ground transportation, please send a note with your name(s) and a check payable to Cruise At Will to:

Cruise At Will

15847 Bobolink Dr

.

 

WoodbridgeVA22191

 

 

 

 
 
Reply from Babara Kalk Lopez (65): Inver Grove Heights, MN
 
 
Gary,

Yes, I remember the play, but not too much about it. Just being nervous and standing in the back waiting for our time to go on. It was short and sweet.

I remember doing a little skit about my brother Julian and sister Lorraine. When there was a bowl of flour and my face was pushed in it and I said “Mom look what Julian did”. We must have been told to remember something funny about our siblings, in this case Julian. I also remember Mr. Grossman being a wonderful teacher. He had a mishap with a young man at school.

Al and I watch our 4 month old granddaughter, Rosalinda, her sister Catalina (5), and her older brother Darius (11) after school.

All of us who are blessed with grandchildren know how special they are and what a treat to watch them. We will not be doing daycare when school is out this summer. Our daughter Anita, who is a teacher at a Catholic school will fill in. And if its God’s plan for us, Al and I and my health is good we will probably do so in the fall.

This summer I want to visit Lorraine in Sioux Falls, Marlene at Flandreau, Vince, Natalie and Janet in Fargo.

I hope to visit alll of my siblings, Rod, Julian and Louella.

Cancer is a strange disease. You have your good day and not so good day. But I can’t complain. I have been very blessed and alot to be thankful for.

As I said, we watch some of our grandchildren during the day. We get to 12:10 mass or 5:15 almost daily.

Our grandchildren are all in close proximity and are very active in different sports. We hardly have a free night and love it that way.

Thanks again Gary for all you do to keep the communications going.

God Bless

Barbara Kalk Lopez

 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:Minot & Bottineau, ND

John Aitchison
(DHS 46)
(Died May 12, 2011)

Sign Guest Book | Send Flowers

John Aitchison, age 83 of Bottineau, died Thursday at a Bottineau nursing home. His funeral will be held on Monday at 10:00 A.M. in the Metigoshe Christian Center at Lake Metigoshe. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Salem Cemetery near Bottineau.

John Aitchison, a son of George and Lula (Howery) Aitchison, was born on August 18, 1927, at Antler, ND. He was reared in Dunseith and later graduated from Dunseith High School. On October 27, 1949, he married Thelma Nickelson at Dunseith. They moved to Minot and John worked as a delivery man for Bridgeman Creamery. He also worked part-time at Frank’s Service Station in Minot for a time. He retired from the creamery in 1991. Thelma passed away on January 7, 2000. Later that year, John moved to Lake Metigoshe. In October of 2010, he moved into Manorcare in Minot and on April 1, 2011 he moved into the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center.

John was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Minot where he was active in the Men’s Club. He later was a member of the Lake Metigoshe Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Sisk of Westhope and son, Ken Aitchison and his wife, Marlene of Sheyenne, WY; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and one sister; Donna Richard of Havre, MT.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

 

 

Email address change

For Art Hagen (72): Bottineau, ND

 

 

Gary would you change my email

 
 
 
Salem church & Audrey’s diary
Reply from Audrey Hanson Aitchison: Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Gary,

I enjoyed seeing all the people at Salem Church. I found out Mom, Olga (Hanson) Haseldahjl had been there but I don’t see her in the crowd. I have kept a diary since I was 14 years old and wrote in it every night. My girls wanted the record of it so I have typed it all to them and sent them paper copies and also online copies of nearly 2,000 pages of my life and also their lives. I wish I would have found out more about my Mom and Dad before they passed away and I didn’t want that to happen to them. I looked in my diary on August 22,1992 and found out Mom said she’d been to the country church. Keep up the good work!
Audrey, I have always known you have a Diary. I didn’t realize it was so big and that you have it all typed out. Is this something you have posted on line? How well I know your typing skills too. I remember all the typing my mother asked you to do for so many of our 4-H projects.
 
 
Henry Dietrich – Another very interesting story
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary

I hope this note finds you and your family well.

We are still waiting for spring here.

I hope we didn’t already have it and didn’t notice it.

We are still doing great here in the Dakota’s compared to some other areas of the country.

So what, if we had a little snow this morning and more is expected tomorrow?

It melts!

Went and watched the grandson play baseball last evenings.

People and us were wearing parkas and covered up with blankets.

It’s a great life, we are lucky, we are still living it.

Hope you enjoy the attachment. (pasted below)

Larry

Henry Dietrich

The recent stories of the San Haven reminded me and my brother Henry Hackman (class of 65) of a family story concerning the family of our great uncle, Henry Dietrich.Henry married Myrtle Albertson in 1930, the ex-wife of Frank Graybill of the Dion Lake area of the Turtle Mountains.Myrtle had nine children from the previous marriage to Frank Graybill.Two of the younger girls Blanch (Graybill) Merrick, 1905-1937, and Doris (Graybill) Feldner, 1911-1936, worked at the San Haven, and lived on the Dietrich farm, 10 miles north of Dunseith.They both contracted tuberculosis and died and were buried at Riverside Cemetery south of Dunseith.Henry and Myrtle raised their children Georgia Merrick and Buster Graybill.Blanch’s and Doris’s younger sister Thelma who was 13 at the time also contracted the disease, probably from her older sisters, died in 1937 and is also buried at Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith, North Dakota.

Henry tried everything to save his stepdaughter, Thelma.He took her to doctor after doctor and tried everything they had to offer to save her.He even went to see an Indian Medicine Man who lived near Belcourt, ND.Henry had, had a previous encounter with this man and knew that he could cure certain ailments.

Henry always smoked a pipe, one with a stem that curved down about three inches from his mouth and held the pipe bowl, directly out from his chin.I suppose the idea was to keep the smoke away from your eyes.The down side of this type of pipe was that heat travels up, and the hot stem and the smoke eventually caused a sore to develop on his lip.The sore on his lip would not go away.He went to doctor after doctor and they would give him different salves and ointments to try but, nothing worked.Henry had heard of this Indian Medicine Man that lived over by Belcourt, ND.Henry’s lip was not getting better, and he was sure it was cancer.He decided to go over to Belcourt and see this Medicine Man and to see what and if the man could do anything for him.Henry went to the house and was invited in and too sit down at the table.He told the Medicine Man his problem and showed him the sore.The Medicine Man left the house and did not return for a couple of hours.Henry sat at the table patiently waiting.The woman of the house was busy making something on the wood stove.Finally she set the pot of stew on the table, and also setting a plate in front of Henry, invited him to eat.He said it smelled delicious and took the ladle to place some stew into his plate.She watched him as he placed the stew into his plate and invited him to dig deep into the kettle.She said, “Dig deep, nice fat puppy on bottom”.Henry said the stew was good but he didn’t eat as much as he would have liked too.The Medicine Man eventually returned to the house with a paste he had made from plants and leaves and ????, that he said he had gathered from the woods.Henry used the paste on the sore on his lip and the sore healed.Henry was impressed with this man and always said that if he had been smart enough at the time, he and this Medicine Man, both could of became rich.Henry was sure, that he had cancer on his lip, and that this Medicine Man had cured it with a paste, that he had made up from materials, he had gathered from the Turtle Mountains, of North Dakota.

So, when the doctors and medicines they prescribed did not do any good to help Thelma.Henry became desperate.He once again drove to Belcourt to see the Indian Medicine Man.The Indian Medicine man told him that she must eat of the heart and liver of a dog.Henry returned home and told his wife Myrtle what the Medicine Man had said, and what he had to do.Henry had a large farm dog at the time that he loved, but nothing can overcome the love, a father has for his daughter.Henry and Myrtle made the liver and the heart of the dog as suggested by the Medicine Man and fed it to their daughter, Thelma.Thelma died from tuberculosis in the year of 1937.

In 1960 Henry Hackman (class of 65) while staying up in the Hills with Henry Dietrich saw this hide hanging on the wall inside the garage.Henry H. asked Henry Dietrich about the hide.Henry Dietrich told Henry the story about his daughter and how he had to kill the farm dog.That he also loved the dog, and so he skinned the dog and tanned the hide to keep as a reminder of the love that they and the dog all had for each other and what they had to go through to try and save Thelma.The name on her grave marker at Riverside cemetery is Thelma Dietrich.

 
 
Reply from Glenore Larson Grose (BHS 63):Bottineau, ND
Folks, I forwarded Message 537 with a message to Glenore with the Larson Photo below. I have posted her reply.
Glenore is the Daughter of Ledolph and Edna Larson and a sister to Doreen Moran. Glenore and her husband Richard are currently living on their home place several miles south of Lake Metigoshe on the Lake Road. I know many of you remember and know the Ledolph Larson family.
Great reading.
 
Need to correct the ID on the Larson brothers with their mother: It is Martin LARS, HANS PEDER, Adrian.

An interesting note is that Richard (my husband) is related to the Hosmer’s 6 generations back – so it was interesting to learn of the Larson/Hosmer connection through Norman’s marriage. It’s hard to keep all the connections in mind! Glenore
 
Previously posted with message 537 on 8/25/09
Message/Pictures from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
 
Hi Gary
In reply to Audrey Hanson Aitchison, I am enclosing a photo of Kjersten and her sons (in the back row Martin, Hans Peter, Lars and Adrien. Kjersten is in front with her daughter Petrina) This was taken on Kjersten’s 90th birthday. The other picture is of Martin Larson and his sons. My grandpa Mensvil is on the far left. I’ll have to call Dad to get the names of the other boys. And to Bev and Jean…I’m still working on peaches I brought back from North Dakota last week so between catching up with grandchildren and fixing peach preserves, I haven’t had a chance to put together the other Larson information I promised. But I will get it to you soon.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
 

Back: Martin, Lars, Hans Peder, Lars and Adrien Larson

Front: Kjersten with her daughter Petrina

 

 

Reply to Picture previoiusly posted with message 543 on 8/31/09

From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & USK WA.

 

Gary – my grandfather Leo C Larson is #4 on the far right side. He is probably standing between two of his sisters Odel Larson Tjon and Hilma Larson Tang – possibly one is Clara Larson Forestein but not sure. Arthur L Larson is probably one of the younger ones. Nels Larson oldest daughter was Clara Larson Johnson- she is probably in the picture and more of Nels’ off spring. Jerry ‘s sister Carolyn might be able to identify her aunts and uncles. I don’t know when Adrian and his family left and went West. Arthur A was the youngest of that line and is most likely in this picture. Wish I had time to “ponder” and see if I can come up with any other names etc.

 

Doreen

 

Follow up reply from Doreen

Thanks for the pictures. I do not remember seeing the one with all of Kjersten’s grandchildren. The date of this photo would be 1910, most likely. When I said she came to America with 6 sons and a daughter, I was remiss in not saying – Petrina. She married a Hanson. another descendent is Carol Hanson Nelson lives in Bottineau. They lived for some time north of the Martin/Mensvil farm about 3 or 4 miles. Diane, we met at a spaghetti feed fundraiser in Bottineau a couple years back. I had a delightful conversation with your Dad, Norman. I had understood you had lots of family history. Glenore has “inherited” the boxes of photos etc that Dad and Mom had at the farm
 
Thanks for keeping some more of our history out of the box and into the “system”. Doreen Larson Moran Usk WA (only 60 miles south of Canadian Border on the WA/ID border).
 
 
Kjersten Adriensen age 90 with grandkids
 
 
Reply to above picture
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
 
Thanks for reposting these pictures. I love these. Martin Larson is the first one on the left behind Kjersten. I think Mensvil is the young man in the second photo 2 rows directly behind Kjersten (8th from the right) I will look for the photo I have of Mensvil and his brothers when Mensvil was about 16. It’s a pretty neat photo too.
Cheryl

 

Follow up reply from Cheryl
Thanks to Doreen Larson Moran for the information about the Larson family. My youngest son and I were just working on the Larson family tree the other day. I love hearing the stories and will print this information to keep along with all the other information I have. My grandpa, Mensvil Norman Larson, is the son of Martin, grandson of Kjersten. He married Alma Marie Anderson and they had 3 boys, Mensvil Norman Larson, Jr, (my dad), Richard Larson who married my mom’s sister Jerrine Richard and lives in Seattle, and Delbert Larson who lives in Arizona. His farmstead is across the road from the Christian Center. My dad and his brothers have it now. Mensvil was buried at Nordland in 1970.

My condolences to the Atchison family. We have a connection with them as well since my Aunt Donna Richard (married to my mom’s late brother Gerald) is Johnny’s sister, and the Hansons are cousins of my Dad. Beverly Morinville Azure was my lifelong friend and we never realized we were cousins until well into our adulthood.

Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71

05/13/2011

Posted on by
John Aitchison (46) Passed away this morning:
Message from Audrey Hanson Aitchison: Bottineau, ND
 
Gary,

 

I just received word that John Aitchison, 83, passed away this morning. He has been in Minot in the hospital and then to Manor Care since October 2010. He was transferred to the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau a month ago. He had the flu for about a week but last night his fever spiked and he passed away at 8:30 this morning. The funeral will most likely be at the Christian Center since he was a member there. I will let you know when I find out more. Thanks.

Our condolences are with you Audrey with John’s passing. We know that he was a very close and dear friend to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please keep us informed with his funeral arrangements etc.
 
Folks, Audrey is my first cousin with her mother Olga and my Dad being siblings. Audrey’s father, Bert Hanson, was also a sister to Francis Morinville. With that realationship, she is also a cousin to the Morinville children.
 
Gary
 
 
San Haven Pictures
Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 
Nice Pictures of San have Dick! San Haven was a beautiful location, trees, flower gardens, the view of lake Shutte, and the formable brick building towering out of the trees, while activities of the grounds keeps and farmers constantly groomed the area. It was the light house on the hill that when observed miles away, from the South on Hwy 3, spoke of being home. The Greatest Tragedy senselessly destroying jobs and a beautiful location and Institution senselessly abandoned.
 
 
 

Turtle mountain Larson family History

From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & WA.
Thank you Doreen for this valuable history lesson. You have really provided a whole lot of the Turtle Mountain/Metigoshe Larson history in one short summary. I can assure you this will be of interest to many of our readers, some of whom I think may be related. Where does Mensvil Larson fit into the Larson family? I know the Hanson’s are in that relationship too. Frances Hanson Morninville lived in Dunseith and My Aunt Olga Petterson Hanson was Married to Bert. I didn’t realize that you are the same Larson family as Albert and Clarence.
 
Folks, Doreen is the daughter of Ledolph and Edna Larson. She graduated from Bottineau HS in 1961. The Larson family lived several miles south of the Metigoshe saw mill on the Lake Road. Ledolph’s sister is Eunice (Dan) Larson Lavaas. Eunice and Dan were teachers in Dunseith. Dan’s father was the Lutheran pastor in Dunseith.
 
Doreen, I know you have a summer home in Hazelton, ND and that you also live in WA. I forgot what City.
 
Gary

Gary,

 

I am sure that Glen is the great historian as also Ralph and Luella. Correct spelling is Ledolph (Grandma saw it in a book or something). With so many Larson’s they didn’t want a “common” name. Ledolph, LaVerne, Gordon Tang, Eris Mae Larson Johnson were all cousins The Larsons were many. In the 1880’s Kjersten Adrianson (Larson) came to The Turtle Mountains as a widow in her early sixties with six sons and a daughter. Four of the sons -Adrian, Hans Peder, Martin and Lars brought their wives and set up their homesteads. Arthur A Larson was the youngest of Adrian’s 13 children. The rest of Adrian’s went out west and you probably were neighbors. Some took the name of Skutvek (from their home in Norway) Kenny Pederson owns that homestead place now.

 

Hans Peder also had many children. His young son Nels was born in Norway some of his sons were Albert, Clarence, Oliver. Some of Albert’s family might be in that Salem picture. Martin’s farm was the one on the corner across from the Metigoshe Christian Center. Lars was in Homen Township south of the Peace Garden Road about 2 miles. My grandfather Leo was the eldest of his sons and Arthur L the youngest son. Their sister Odel Larson Tang was O Gordon’s mother.

 

Kjersten filed her own homestead claim and I noted that in 1890 at age 70 she was in her own home on the hill above the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center. She kept five acres and split the other 155 acres with Martin and Hans Peder. She lived in that “cabin” until 1915 when she died just before she turned 95 years old. Her descendents are spread far and wide. But just think about it. Living on the Canadian Border of North Dakota day in and day out for 25 years in a new country. She was content because she was so much further south than where they had lived in Norway above the Arctic Circle. Her husband disappeared on one of his fishing trips (assumed). According to one source his eldest son Adrian had a fishing boat with 8 to 12 crewmen. They would go fishing off the Loften Islands. (Glenore might have some corrections or additions to this).

 

Adrian was a charter member of Manger Church and is buried in Manger Cemetery. Hans Peder, Martin, Lars were charter members of Nordland and along with their mother are buried in Nordland’s Cemetery. There are a few Larson’s in the VInge Cemetery – Hemming who had no children but Hemming Lake is named after him.

 

My mother was at Trinity Medical Center in Minot and had just undergone surgery to remove a tumor/portion of her pancreas. She did survive that surgery and lived until 2008 at 93 1/2 years old.

 

Not sure if you were looking for all that history but I find it interesting. Thanks for what your are doing to preserve out history from the “Hills”. Doreen Larson Moran
 
 
 
More Salem Church Identities
From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS 61): Hazelton, ND & WA.
 

Salem Church 100 Parish years in 1992. Hi Gary – in the second row next to the aisle is LaVerne Larson (son of Arthur L and Minnie Skarpol Larson). And it was Arthur A Larson (not H). His daughter Iris Mae Larson Johnson. To be correct it is Rev O. Gordon Tang – missionary to Japan for many many years.

 

Doreen Larson Moran (’61)
 
 
4th Pew Women: Ruth Larshus Peterson & Ina Johnson Jensen
3rd Pew Women: Sylvia Johnson Gronneberg & Luella Boardman Bjornseth
2nd Pew Women: lady in the yellow jaacket is Iris Mae Larson (daughter of Arthur A. Larson) and Donna Brandvold
1st Pew Women: Mrs LaVern Larson from Cooperstown
 
Standing in the door is Arnie Kittleson, maybe DeElla Bjornseth & Glen Rude
7th Pew Men: Last pew by the wall the guy in the center is Dave Brunkow
6th Pew men: Bob Stokes with the dark glasses by the wall and at the end of that row John Christenson
5th Pew men: Oliver Pederson (beard) & then Edward Monson
4th Pew men: Ralph Bjornseth in the white shirt & red jacket and Pete Peterson next to him
3rd Pew men: Lars Sivertson, Phillip Bloomquist, Ledolf Larson (red coat) & Marsh Drege
2nd Pew men: Clem Torgerson, Milford Gronneberg, & LaVerne Larson (son of Arthur L and Minnie Skarpol Larson).
1st Pew men: Gordon Tang
Standing if front Viola Bjornseth Rude
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe
  

05/12/2011

Posted on by
From Rob Olson (79): Grand Forks, ND

 
Gary –
Christina and I moved to Walla Walla WA about 2 years ago.
 
 
 
North Dakota oil boom
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Gary,

Read Bill Grimme’s input with interest. Here in Virginia we are one of those states with real budget issues – though not as bad as some other states.

Anyway, I thought I would mention that on Comcast Cable’s “Green” Channel they had a reality series called “Boomtown.” It ran for about 7 or 8 weeks and was about the new oil being found (and drilled for) in North Dakota. The show was centered around Parshall, ND and focused on both the good and the bad of all the drilling and how some who own the mineral rights were becoming overnight millionaires, while those who did not own the mineral rights were often given a pretty raw deal with the drilling companies just putting their rigs up anywhere on the land. A very interesting series. I don’t know it they will have a new season coming on again or whether it was just that original 7 or 8 weeks that was already on. This was back a few months ago in the Jan – Feb time frame.
Keith Pladson (66)

 
 
 
Salem church photo reply
From Ralph & Luella Boardman Bjornseth (49) and Glen Rude: Bottineau, ND
 

Well Gary, I had Ralph & Glen both looking at the picture. Here is what we came up with. This was at the open house during the all church 100th celebration in August 1992. The one standing in front of the row of men is Viola Rude. She was reading some of the history. The man sitting in the next row by himself is Gordon Tang. Next row is Clem Torgerson, Milford Gronneberg, & we didn’t know the next guy. Next row we think is Lars Sivertson & Phillip Bloomquist . Next row Ralph in the white shirt & red jacket and Pete Peterson next to him. Next row behind Ralph looks like Oliver Pederson & then Dick Foster. Next row by the wall we think is Bob Stokes and at the end of that row John Christenson. Standing in the door is Arnie Kittleson, maybe DeElla Bjornseth & Glen Rude.

On the Womens side going from front to back

 

First pew Glen thought the lady in the blue jacket is probably one of Ledolf Larson’s sisters. Next pew the lady in the yellow jaacket is Iris Mae Larson (daughter of Arthur H. Larson). Next pew is Sylvia Johnson Gronneberg & Luella Boardman Bjornseth. Next pew is Ruth Larshus Peterson & Ina Johnson Jensen. That is all we could figure out. Glen was going to look at some of his pictures at home and see if he can figure out who some of the others might be.

 

 

Gary!

Glen just called back and we have a couple additions and changes. The pew with Clem Torgerson & Milford Gronneberg is probably Gerald Monson at the side. Next pew Lars Sivertson, Phillip Bloomquist, Ledolf Larson & Marsh Drege. Pew behind Ralph & Pete Petersoln is Oliver Pederson 7 then Edward Monson. Last pew by the wall the guy in the center is Dave Brunkow.

 

The lady in the Women’s pews front pew is Mrs LaVern Larson from Cooperstown. next row lady by Iris Mae Larson is Donna Brandvold

That is all we could identify. Maybe somebody else can come up with some others.

 

Luella

Luella, Ralph and Glen
 
You guys nearly nailed this one. Now that you have identified these folks, many of them I know and recognize. This most certainly is one for the achieves. Many of these folks are no longer with us.
 
I am including three of Ledolph Larson’s children; Spencer, Glenore Gross and Doreen Moran with today’s message. I am also including Kenny Pederson, Oliver’s son with this message. I am sure they can all be of some help with the identities of those in this picture.
 
I thought that looked like my dad with those dark glasses, but I wasn’t sure. Now I am very positive that is him.
 
Thank you guys for your efforts in identifying those in this picture.
 
Folks, If you recognize anyone not identified or if you think someone is misidentified please let us know. This picture will be stored away for years to come and we want the identities as correct as possible.
 
Thanks,
 
Gary
 
4th Pew Women: Ruth Larshus Peterson & Ina Johnson Jensen
3rd Pew Women: Sylvia Johnson Gronneberg & Luella Boardman Bjornseth
2nd Pew Women: lady in the yellow jaacket is Iris Mae Larson (daughter of Arthur H. Larson) and Donna Brandvold
1st Pew Women: Mrs LaVern Larson from Cooperstown
 
Standing in the door is Arnie Kittleson, maybe DeElla Bjornseth & Glen Rude
7th Pew Men: Last pew by the wall the guy in the center is Dave Brunkow
6th Pew men: Bob Stokes with the dark glasses by the wall and at the end of that row John Christenson
5th Pew men: Oliver Pederson (beard) & then Edward Monson
4th Pew men: Ralph Bjornseth in the white shirt & red jacket and Pete Peterson next to him
3rd Pew men: Lars Sivertson, Phillip Bloomquist, Ledolf Larson (red coat) & Marsh Drege
2nd Pew men: Clem Torgerson, Milford Gronneberg, & Gerald Monson
1st Pew men: Gordon Tang
Standing if front Viola Bjornseth Rude
 
 
 
 
San Haven
Pictures provided by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Tonight I found a few more very old pictures of San Haven in the
early days. These should bring back lots of memories from the folks who
either worked there or lived on the grounds. It was a majestic place
back then. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

 
 
 
Bernadette with a few of the folks that attended a Christmas party at our house last December
 
  

05/11/2011

Posted on by
1961:
Dunseith & Metigoshe Lutheran confirmation pictures
 
 
Folks,
 
I have some extra room today, so I thought I’d share these two pictures with you. The majority of us in these pictures are from the DHS and BHS 65 classes. Dunseith had a few 64 folks and Metigoshe had one 66 gal that was confirmed in 1961. Aren’t we a mature looking bunch of 14 year olds????? At least that is what we thought at the time.
 
Dunseith Picture:
Phyllis McKay has provided this picture. I believe Ronnie Medrud is the unidentified guy in the back row. I am pretty sure Sharon Eurich is the unidentified gal in the front row. Ronnie Medrud, Connie Halvorson and Sharon Eurich were with the class of 64. The rest were all 65 class mates of mine. Gary
 

 

 

Metigoshe Picture:

 

I looked hi and low for this picture for several years. Finely Betty Hanson Tratebas from Bottineau found her copy. Rochelle Lovaasen was with the BHS class of 66. The rest of the folks, other than for me, graduated with the BHS class of 65. I was saddened to here of Jerry Larson’s passing this past year. Howard Olson lives in Minot, Kenny Pederson lives in Michigan, ND, Dick Roland (Lois Christianson) lives in Crosby, ND, Betty Hanson Tratebas lives in Bottineau, Rochelle Lovaasen lives in Texas and Rev Grudt is living in the Seattle area. Gary

 

 

 

 
 
Fox News Article
Provided by Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

State & Local

North Dakota Oil Tax Revenue Breaks $100M Mark in March as Industry Booms

By Judson Berger

Published May 09, 2011

| FoxNews.com

NorthDakotaPetroleum Council

Shown here is a North Dakota oil rig.

 

North Dakota’s booming oil industry has yielded record tax revenue for the state, breaking the $100 million mark in March at a time when other states are struggling to stay afloat.

The state in just the last few years has become an oil-producing powerhouse and is looking to overtakeCaliforniain total production. Thanks to the activity, the North Dakota tax department reported that tax collections on oil production hit $101 million in March, marking a 24 percent increase from the prior month and a 66 percent increase from last summer.

Much of the recent increase is due to rising crude prices, which have shot up amid concerns over unrest in theMiddle East. But North Dakota’s oil production is also accelerating rapidly, and state officials expect the windfall to hold steady.

“We’ve seen a steady, steady month-by-month increase,” state Deputy Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger, told FoxNews.com.

The 350,000 barrels a day produced in March was actually about 2,000 barrels a day lower than in February. But Rauschenberger attributed the dip to the weather, and said that even if crude prices return to prior levels the state expects to take in $2 billion in oil-related tax revenue over the next two years. If prices stay high, he said that haul could reach $2.4 billion — money that goes into the schools, back to the counties and to other areas.

Amid a debate onCapitol Hillover whether the U.S. needs to do more to encourage domestic oil production, North Dakota is charging ahead with expansion. The state industry was helped in no small part by efforts over the past several years to tap into a massive oil field known as the Bakken Shale deposit, where virtually all future expansion is happening.

Production is expected to grow “substantially,” Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said. With 5,300 wells across the state and thousands more expected to come online, Ness projected that the state could reach up to 700,000 barrels a day by 2015.

North Dakota is the fourth-largest oil producing state in the U.S. behind California,Alaskaand Texas, and Ness said California is in their “target zone.”

He noted that the revenue has made things easier for state budgeters.

According to the North Dakota tax office, the latest two-year budget included $1 billion in savings, which is expected to go intotrustfundsin case of future shortfalls.

Rauschenberger acknowledged North Dakota has been “fortunate,” considering the fact that many other states are dealing with sagging revenue and employment in the wake of the recession.

While the U.S. nationally is clocking in with a 9 percent unemployment rate, unemployment in North Dakota was 3.6 percent in March — the lowest in the country.

The energy industry, along with the agriculture industry and other important North Dakota sectors, helps keep the jobless rate low, which in turn keeps people spending their incomes, which in turn feeds the state treasury along with taxes on oil production.

For calendar year 2010, more than 31 percent ofstatetaxrevenuecame from oil taxes.

“We’ve been lucky,” Rauschenberger said. “They’re all inter-linked.”



Read more:http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/09/north-dakota-oil-taxes-break-100m-mark-march-industry-booms/#ixzz1LuYogXTw

 
 
 
Today’s posting – Raccoon Tale
Posted by Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
 
 
 

05/10/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to the Morin Family
From Rob Olson (79): Grand Forks, ND
 
I just read of Claude’s passing. My condolences to the Richard Morin family-our neighbors for so many years.

Rob Olson

Rob, I don’t have an address for you in my files, but if memory serves me right, you are living in Grand Forks?
 
 
Salem Church Picture Reply
 

From: Norma Manning – Upham, ND
Phone: 701-76
E-mail:

Message:
In the pic of Salem Church the guy in the 4th pew in the tan jacket is Pete Peterson, my step dad.In the third pew on the other side, you can just see the top of her head, but I think that is Mom, Ruth Peterson.
Can’t make out any others.

Norma, Now that you have recognized him, for me that too is most certainly Pete Peterson. Pete and your mother were very active Metigoshe church members. I saw them often and I remember them well from my childhood days. Your mother was teaching school at different schools when I knew them, but I never had her for a teacher. Your mother is remembered well among our readers as being a wonderful teacher. Pete and Ruth were wonderful folks. I believe you mother is in the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau? Thank you so much for this reply. Folks, please let us know if you recognize any of the others in this picture. Gary
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
From Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA
 
Guy walks into a bar. Bartender says, “What’ll you have?”
Guy says, “I’ll have a Bin Laden.”
Bartender says, “That’s a new one. How do you make it?”
Guy says, “Two shots and a splash.” 

 

05/09/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO
 

When I was drafted there were two of us that reported to Fargo for induction. The lady said “one of you will be a Marine”! The other guy spoke up and said I always wanted to be a Marine. I could have kissed him!!

 

 

Don Aird 

Don, I was so glad I was standing in the back ranks when they said all the guys in the first rank were headed for the Marines. Gary

 
From the achieves:
 
 
 
 

DUNSEITH DRAGONS 1962-63 TEAM

Back Row: John Awalt, Terry Martinson, John Leonard, Jim Evans, Donald Egbert, Dennis Dubois,

Lyle Lamoureux, Bill Henry, Clifford Henry, Coach Eugene Hepper

Front Row: Dan Danielson, Jerry Gunville, Pete Gillis, Terry Espe & Warren Anderson

 
 
Back L to R: Francie Gottbreht, Patty Boguslawski & Connie Halvorson

 

Front L to R: Sharon Wheeler, Sharon Peterson & Karen Schnieder

 
 
 
Ackworth Cemetery
 
 

05/08/2011

Posted on by
Claude Morin’s Passing & Memories
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary,


Claude Morin, is the son of Richard and Madeline Morin (deceased). Also, he is a brother to Bernard.


Many years ago, while attending UND, I knew Claude’s sister, Donna (Morin) Kjorsvik.

Claude was a great kid. Years later, when I had a serious accident. Claude inquired about me and said, “I went to the church and lit a candle and prayed for you.” That was so touching and heartfelt. I wish his dad, Richard and his Morin family, PEACE and my condolences. Vickie


CLAUDE R. MORIN, 51, Dunseith, died Thursday in his home. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Claude R. Morin

 

(January 8, 1960 – May 5, 2011)

Claude R. Morin, age 51, of Dunseith, died on Thursday in his home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will be held on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 in the church.

 
 
 
Devin Millang
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary & friends,

Devin, an unassuming person, is a good listener, who takes a genuine interest in others around him.

In turn, he is respected by all who know him.

Know wonder his classmates at BHS, voted him homecoming king his senior year!


Yesterday afternoon, Devin was a guest speaker in the junior high.

I did not hear him, BUT, I heard about his speaking skills from other staff members.

This morning, they were all commenting what a fine job he did, commanding

the attention of his former underclassmen and former teachers through his sharing.


He is someone you all should know! Thanks. Vickie
 
 
 
 
Riding the Pacific Trail
Message from Trish Larson Wild (73): Fort Collins, CO

Hello Friends!


Some of you haven’t heard from me in awhile. Some of you are up to the minute up to date, but haven’t seen all of these photos.


For those of you who aren’t so up to date: This is for you:


I have been traveling with my horses since December. We have ridden in some glorious places from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Most especially California!


I have been here since January, and have enjoyed every minute. I have a goal to ride at least 200 miles in every state, but plan to travel in spring summer and Fall. I thought I would be heading to Oregon soon and I am.


However, I have decided to put my truck in storage do a pack trip from Mexico to Oregon (and beyond?) on the Pacific Crest Trail. My friend Chance and I are gearing up right this minute. Chance just bought Akheil yesterday, a beautiful white Spanish Egyptian Arab gelding who will join our herd (see photos).


Our good friends Paul and Donna will drive us to the trailhead on Monday, May 9th (Akheil’s 12th birthday). On Tuesday, we will take our first steps on the Pacific Trail and will be riding as far as we can – maybe all the 2700 mile way!


I am blogging as often as possible, so if you want to follow along on our adventures, check out my blog at trishwild.blogspot.com. I’d love to hear from any of you, and you’re welcome to join us anytime (bring apples carrots and horse feed please!).


We’ll be singing and pickin our way north, eating a healthy vegan menu, practicing Equine Yoga daily, and enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.


Hope your trails are happy too.


Trish Wild

The Equine Nomad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salem Church – August 1992

I am not sure where I got this picture from. It was taken inside Salem Church. I have no idea what the gathering is all about. As you can see, they are practicing the old tradition with Men on one side and Women on the other. The only person I can positively identify is Glen Rude standing in the door way with the blue jacket. The lady standing in the door way kind of looks like Viola Bjornseth Rude, Glen’s Aunt and Virgil’s mother. Can any of you identify any of the folks in this photo? It is strange that I do not know these folks, so they may be from out of the area. I do know that my name along with a few of the rest of you on this distribution is on the Sunday school attendance chart hanging on the back wall. That chart is now hanging on the west wall in the entrance way behind Glen in the picture.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
Posting of the day
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

If You Grew Up In Rural Minnesota & Nort Dakota:


You know how to polka, but never tried it sober.


You know what knee-high by the Fourth of July means.


You know it is traditional for the bride and groom to go bar hopping between the

reception and wedding dance.


You know the difference between “Green” and “Red” farm machinery, and would fight

with your friends on the playground over which was better!


You buy Christmas presents at Fleet Farm.


You spent more on beer & liquor than you did on food at your wedding.


You hear someone use the word “uff-da” and you don’t break into uncontrollable

laughter.


You or someone you know was a “Dairy Princess” at the county fair.


You know that “combine” is a noun.


You let your older siblings talk you into putting your tongue on a steel post in

the middle of winter.


You think Lutheran and Catholic are THE major religions.


You know that “creek” rhymes with “pick”.


Football schedules, hunting season and harvest are all taken into consideration before

wedding dates are set.


A Friday night date is getting a six-pack and taking your girlfriend shining for deer.


Saturday you go to your local bowling alley.


There was at least one, if not several, in your class who had to help milk cows in the morning.


You have driven your car on the lake.


You can make sense of “upnort” and “baatree”.


Every wedding dance you have ever been to has the hokey pokey and the chicken

dance.


Your definition of a small town is one that only has one bar.


The local gas station sells live bait.


At least twice a year some part of your home double as a meat processing plant.


You think that the start of deer season is a national holiday.

 

You see 5 self-propelled combines at the Dairy Queen and know it’s prom night.


You actually understand these jokes and will forward them to all your Minnesota

friends!!!!!

05/06/2011

Posted on by
Beatrice Richard
Obituary posted by Marlene Richard Parslow (65): River Falls, WI.
 
For those of you who would like to read my Mom’s obituary, it can be found on-line at either of these two sites:

www.hudsonstarobserver.com

www.riverfallsjournal.com

She was a wonderful mother and will be greatly missed.

Hugs, Marlene

 

Beatrice Richard, 88

Beatrice Richard
 

Beatrice “Bea” Catherine Richard, age 88, of River Falls, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Grace Health Care (formerly Kinnic Long Term Care).

She was born to Delbert and Mary Slyter on Nov. 25, 1922, in Bottineau, N.D. At the age of 12, Bea lost her mother in a tragic accident. Her father later married Emma Dolezal. Bea graduated from Bottineau High School and attended nursing school.

Bea married Ernest “Ernie” Richard on May 16, 1944. After many happy years of farming in Dunseith and Souris, they moved to Bottineau where she worked as a nursing assistant at St. Andrew’s Hospital. Bea and Ernie moved to River Falls, Wis., in the fall of 1969. She worked at River Falls Care Center until retirement. Being Ernie’s wife and the mother of their 10 children were her most valued roles.

Cross-stitching, reading, solving word search puzzles, dancing, and card-playing were activities she enjoyed, but her most cherished moments were spent with family and friends.

Bea was preceded in death by husband, Ernest; her parents, Delbert and Mary; stepmother, Emma; brothers, Ross Slyter, Jim Slyter, and Leo Dolezal; and sisters Betty (Slyter) Vanyo and Ethel (Dolezal) Vanyo.

She is survived by her sons, Lawrence (Jean) of Ono, Pa., Leroy (Lynn) of Horace, N.D., Lester (Deb) of Centuria, Wis., James (Deb) of Webster, Wis., Michael (Kathy) of Roscoe, Ill., and Bradley (Pamela) of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughters, Marlene (Jim) Parslow of Hudson, Wis., Dianne (Jim) Bowles of Ocala, Fla., Deborah Hartung of Hudson, and Peg Forester of River Falls; sister Marie Coates of Beaumont, Texas; and more than 70 grand and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be her sons.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 2, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls with Father Gerald Harris officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. on Monday at the church. Burial will be at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery.

Cashman-Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.hillfuneralservice.com.

Memorials will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

 

 

Sign the guestbook

 

 
July 2007 – Class of 65 Reunion
Marlene Richard & Evie Gottbreht
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Emma Brudwick Kofoid
Message/Picture posted by Neola Kofoid: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Everyone,
 
As you can see, this is my mom when she was young(er). Today, May 5, is her birthday; she is now 94 years old. :) Mom lives at Good Samaritan in Bottineau.
 
Neola
Neola, We wish your mother a very happy Birthday. When I visited her last year at Good Sam, she looked wonderful and was very alert. She had good recall of the present and the past. I have also included a picture of your mother with her sister, Alvina Christianson. Lots and lots of our readers, especially those of you from the Willow Lake & Rendahl areas, remember well, Clarence & Alvina Christianson and their daughter Lois. Lois, I think attended Willow Lake in the grades before going to Bottineau for High School. Lois was with the BHS class of 65. She is married to Richard (Dickie) Roland, also from the BHS class of 65. Dickie and I were confirmed together in Nordland church in 1961. Gary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

Arla Hall

Memories from Lorraine Richard Nelson (46): Mesa, AZ

 

Thank you for the wonderful pictues of Arla( Wilson) Hall, as I knew her.. Many years ago we rode horses together in the Turtle Mountains..Great memories again from from ND. Thank you for your “blog”.. Lorraine Richard Nelson

 

Arla Hall

 
 
 
 
 

Devin Millang, Grandson of Richard/Ele Dietrich Slyter & Edna (Susie) Knox Millang

Shaking hands with Mr. Ray Mabus

the secratary of the navy at FOB Marjah, Afghanistan

 

 

Devin Millang

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

Hello Gary and Friends,

This morning, I was just leaving the high school office when I looked down the hall to see a clean cut young man wearing an AMERICAN uniform. His back was toward me. This young man stood straight ,tall, and proud in the distance.


I got closer and there was ____ “Devin,” the grand- son of my upper classmates, Ele and Richard Slyter! A tearful moment of hugs!


If course, I choked up and became tearful, telling him I am happy he had returned stateside safely!


Devin graduated from Bottineau High School two years ago . It seems, with he has been doing a world “Tour of Duty. ” He has served in Afghanistan and in Okinawa, Japan.


I questioned Devin, “What do all the guys in the service think of the events this week in Pakistan? ” “Very maturely, strong, and with out hesitation, He said, “They were all very happy, but realize there are always crazy people out there ..”


We both recalled, when Devin was a sixth grader in Mr. Haugen’s classroom on 9-1-1. In horror and trepidation, that class of 11 -12 year olds watched the twin towers coming down and the pentagon


Later we heard… ____he who’s name won’t be repeated because he is now ____a nothing___

 

Thanks American service men!


On 9-1-1, after school that day, I remember the unsettled feeling, going to the grocery store. As I got out of my car, there was a man in the parking lot in my face, passing out papers “saying the world is coming to an end. “


I recalled, my angry feelings and thoughts ” My dad and a lot of veterans have put their very life in harms way to serve and protect the USA. Those patriots who served, never let us down and those serving now will continue to protect our country.”


Here it is now 2011, and one of those little, gangly farm kids , with cheeks of tan, from Mr. Haugens class is in service. He is currently home on leave.

I, am so humbled and honored to know Ele and Richard’s grandson, Devin. as a strong man.

With soldiers, like Devin all will be well.


Vickie

Vickie, another great posting. This one is a tear jerker. We are so proud of Devin and all the young men that are serving our country in those war torn countries. It’s hard to believe that Richard/Ele Slyter and Edna (Susie) Knox Millang have a grandson old enough to be in the service. Gary
 
Richard and Ele Dietrich Slyter with their Grandson Kevin Millang
 
 
Richard Slyter with his grandson Kevin Millang
 
 
About 1968
Richard Slyter Carrying the American Flag
 
 
 
Joke of the day
 

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cellular phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

 

MAN: “Hello.”

 

WOMAN: “Hi Honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?”

 

MAN: “Yes.”

 

WOMAN: “I’m at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It’s only $2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?”

 

MAN: ” Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.”

 

WOMAN: “I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked.”

 

MAN: “How much?”

 

WOMAN: “$98,000.”

 

MAN: “OK, but for $98,000 I want it with all the options.”

 

WOMAN: “Great! Oh, and one more thing. I was just talking to Janie and found out that the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They’re asking $1,850,000 for it.”

 

MAN: “Well, then go ahead and make an offer of $1,750,000. They’ll probably take it. If not, we can go the extra hundred thousand if it’s what you really want.”

 

WOMAN: “OK. I’ll see you later! I love you so much!”

 

MAN: “Bye! I love you, too.”

 

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths wide open.

 

He turns and asks, “Anyone know whose phone this is?”

 

05/05/2011

Posted on by
Reply to Allen Richard’s Universal Laws posted yesterday
From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
 
While working at the electronics plant in Dunseith I met a wonderful man named Kent Pearson. Mr. Pearson is a very intelligent, hard working and well traveled man..I don’t think he is from this area (Dunseith/The Hills) but may in some way be related, perhaps some of your readers would know. Anyway while reading the LAWS posted by Allen Richard today I thought of Mr. Pearson and remembered his Law…it’s is very simple and very to the point. As you know Murphy’s Law is that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”..well according to Pearson’s Law “Murphy was an optimist” !!! You just gotta love it…lol…I will always remember this man because of that statement and think of him fondly. Strange how people sometimes touch our lives for such a short period of time, but leave an imprint that lasts a life time.

ele
 
 
 
 

Reply to Allen Richard’s Universal Laws posted yesterday

From Dick Johnson (66): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Allen’s list of Universal Laws is very true. Once when Dad and I
were grain farming together we were in Bottineau and were looking to buy
crop spray chemical. Cenex had an experimental spray that they were
promoting called Dow 202. It was a blend of herbicides and was a ready
to go mixture. The company would only sell it to someone who would
allow their researchers to come out and check the crop during the
growing season to see how it worked. We signed a release form to allow
them to do that and went home and sprayed our crops. We have always
been plagued here in the Turtle Mountains with Canada thistle and
mustard. This new spray killed the thislle and the mustard in a matter
of hours. Within a week the weeds were turned brown and flat on the
ground. Later the researchers came out and I showed them the results.
They asked me what I thought and what I would recommend for any
changes. Man, we had fought thistle and other weeds for as long as I
can remember and this was a prayer come true. I told them not to change
anything, this is the best thing we had ever had. The next spring we
went back to Bottineau Cenex and asked for some Dow 202 and were told
that they didn’t make it anymore. My guess—it worked too good!

Dick

 
 
 
Dan McCoy’s Bar
Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary

 

One hot summer day in the late 1950’s I took the unenviable job of cutting down the 10 foot high pig weeds

that were growing behind Dan McCoy’s Bar. It just never occurred to me until these stories and pictures

showed up on your blog as to why they had grown so prolifically in this area,

until now?

 

Laugh and the world will laugh with you;

Larry
 
 
 
Reply to picture posted yesterday
From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 

HI GARY THE PICTURE DICK HAS PUT IN OF THE GAS STATION IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL. WHEN I CAME HOME FROM THE SERVICE IN 1946 I BOUGHT THAT STATION. HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. ALL YOU COULD DO WAS SELL GAS. YOU DIDN’T HAVE ANY ROOM TO CHANGE OIL OR FIX A FLAT. I THINK NOBODY HAD IT AFTER THAT. THE HOTEL TOOK IT DOWN LATER THE U.S. CUSTOMS WAS IN THE FIRST CABIN TILL THEY MOVED NORTH TO THE BORDER. LLOYD
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted byLarry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
 

A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.

His father said he’d make a deal: ‘You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.’

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said, ‘Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.

The boy said, ‘You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair…and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.’

His father replied, ‘Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?
 

05/04/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Barbara Kalk Lopez (65): Inver Grove Heights, MN
 

Gary,

A correction: I didn’t go to school until 5th and 6th grade. I needed speech training, because Dunseith didn’t have any speech therapist. So I was sent to Minot, 1st and 2nd grade. I stayed in 2 different foster homes. The 3rd gade in Fargo at an orphanage. In 4th grade I went with my sister Louella to an Indian boarding school in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

I also remember some time at Belocourt also with Louella but I don’t believe it was a full year.

Again, my favorite teacher was Miss Nordine.

Just thought I would let you know to the best of my recollection.

God bless you all.

Kathy Barbara Kalk Lopez (65)

Barbara, I didn’t attend Dunseith until HS. You and your sister Lorraine were both in our class when I started HS in the fall of 1961. Barbara, we remember you for being you and not pretending to be anyone other than you. Do you remember the school play we were in our freshman year, I think. It was a community play, directed by Mr. Grossman, that our class put on at city hall for the community. This was a mandatory play that we had to be in too. I wasn’t much for theater performance, like a lot of the rest of you. I don’t remember my characters name, but I remember my one of my lines well “Lezzy, Lezzy, my dream Girl“. You were Lezzy. As I remember our whole class was involved with this play. Class of 65, what are your recollections of this play? I remember City Hall being pretty filled for the evening of this play. Gary

 
 
 
New home
Message from Sybil Johnson: Chippewa Falls, WI
 
Gary,
We have to change my location. Im no longer in Cheyenne, Wyoming; but in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This is where some of my family are.
Have a great day, everyone.
sybil johnson
 
 
 
Wes Schnieder – Moses/Caroline DesJarlais
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Ron. & Gary,
What a world we live in to find that quick response!
Wes had never told me that story before.
Not alot of people around who recall stuff from all those years gone by.
Wes is 90. Sometimes, if i just sit and patiently listen, I get lucky and he will retell a story.
Then, I commit it to memory so I can share it on the blog.

He seems to like to have me come visit because he knows I will connect with him on Dunseith.
Yesterday, was the first I’ve ever heard of him asking me if I knew a Moses DesJarlais.
I thought but didn’t say,
“Hmm. If he worked for Mr. Schneider, the elder, he is probably gone.”
So,”I said to Wes, I don’t recall a Moses DesJarlais, is it ok for me to put this out on the blog?”
He readily said , “Yes.” He was kind of excited.

So thank-you again Ron.
Did your great aunt/Grandma Caroline also raise your dad’s siblings?
I will print out this response and deliver in the next couple days.
I know he will enjoy reading it, again and again.

I’m curious and hoping Wes will describe those baskets Mrs. Moses DesJarlais made from grass.

Tonight, when i went out around 5:30 with the dogs, Wes was chopping wood. I know I couldn’t wield an ax anymore!
He at 90 has alot more years under his belt than I do, still continues to do those things he has done for probably 80 + years.
Later, Vickie
 
 
 
Reply to Dick Johnson’s Photo posted yesterday:
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

The old Building, I was thinking it may have been Dan McCoy’s bar. My Dad, Louis and Fortune Berube rented the rooms above the bar. I remember Dad talking about having 15 white Shirts to keep pressed and ready as he was working as a Bartender. And the usual annoyances of sharing an apartment. It had something to do with Fortunes Socks. But I am sure Louis caused his share of annoyances for Fortune.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dan McCoy’s Bar – Picture posted yesterday
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,

Lloyd Awalt nailed another one! It is Dan McCoy’s Bar on the east
side of Main Street. The picture below shows the very south end of
Hosmer’s Dry Goods in the very left side of the picture. Bob Hosmer
built the Super Value in the vacant lot between the two buildings. When
the bar was torn down, Don Hosmer built the laundromat on that site. So
goes the succession of businesses. The other photo below shows the
small gas station in front of the Dakota Hotel and the cabins behind it.
The car on the right of this picture is a 1949 Ford so it has to be at
least ’49 or later. I think my grandparents, Henry and Myrtle Olson,
might have lived in the apartment upstairs over McCoy’s Bar or possibly
my own parents did. I can’t remember for sure and Mom said they moved
many times when they were first married so it could have been them.
Thanks Gary!

Dick


 

 

 
 
 
 
Posting of the day
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
 
 

UNIVERSAL LAWS
>
>1.Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease,
your nose will begin to itch and you’ll have to pee.

2.Law of Gravity–Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

>3.Law of Probability–The probability of being watched is directly
proportional to the stupidity of your act

>4.Law of Random Numbers– If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

>5.Law of the Alibi–If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire..

>6.Variation Law–If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works everytime).

>7.Law of theBath–When the body is fully immersed in water,
the telephone rings.

>8.Law of Close Encounters–The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with.

>9.Law of the Result–When you try to prove to someone that
a machine won’t work, it will.

>.12.The Coffee Law– As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffeeis cold.

>14.Law of Physical Surfaces–The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich
landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of
the carpet or rug.

>18.Wilson’s Law of Commercial
Marketing Strategy–As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.


>19.Doctors’ Law–If you don’t feel well, make an appointment
to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you’ll feel better. But don’t make
an appointment, and you’ll stay sick.

>——————————————————-

A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the
husband aside, and said, ‘I don’t like the looks of your wife at all.’
‘Me neither doc,’ said the husband.
‘But she’s a great cook and really good with the kids.’
>———————————-

An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been
living with for the last 40 years.
The Wizard says, ‘Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were
used to put the curse on you.’
The old man says without hesitation, ‘I now pronounce you man and wife.’
>———————————–

While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathing suits. It had been
at least ten years and twenty pounds since I had even considered buying a bathing
suit, so I sought my husband’s advice.
‘What do you think?’ I asked.. ‘Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?’
‘Better get a bikini,’ he replied ‘You’d never get it all in one.’ He’s still in intensive care.
>———————————–

And, my favorite
is:

The graveside
service just barely finished, when there was a massive clap of thunder, followed
by a tremendous bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder rumbling in
the distance.
The little
old man looked at the preacher and calmly said, ‘Well……she’s there.’

 
 

05/03/2011

Posted on by
Moses & Caroline Desjarlais
 
Reply to Wes Schneider
 
 
From Ron Peltier (70): Dunseith, ND
 

Gary:

 

In response to the question of Moses Desjarlais and his wife. Moses was my great-uncle, his wife was Caroline (Peltier) Desjarlais, she was a sister to my grandfather, Prudent Peltier, who died a few years before I was born which was 1952. Caroline raised my father, Joseph James Peltier, from birth and was the only grandmother I knew growing up. Because of certain beliefs back then, Caroline raised my father as her own, she never had children of her own. My real grandmother, Mary Ann (MacArthur) Peltier, who was a Assiniboin/Sioux from White Bear Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan, Canada, died in 1956.

 

Ron Peltier (1970)
 
 
 
 
San Haven
Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND
 

Response to Sharon Zorn Gerdes; I transfered to grafton the fall of 86 and many clients came to grafton. There were many ignorant people here mostly the professionals that had many negative things to say about san haven and the care our clients received. Well needless to say not only myself but several of the staff that transfered spent many hours correcting people.My biggest statment I made many times was; well take a look at our clients do you see any bedsores do you see any kind of abuse NO, now look at clients that are returning from group homes or the state hospital that are a total mess not only medically, mentally but physically. Im telling you I sat in more meetings with my face red and my voice raised until cause what I didnt get invited to two many meetings. Over the years many have died or are residing @ group homes and doing well or are still here @ the center in grafton. It is sad to say we have come a long way in providing services to people with DD and mental illness but I fear now we are going backwards again. Please all north dakota residents keep in mind the san haven days and now grafton center and please vote to keep the center open we have many clients that it would be so wrong for them to be in the community.. well thanks for listening as I once again get on my high horse. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine 73

 

 

 

 

Great day for the United States

From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

 

Great day for the United States and all of those who lost loved ones, on September 11th. Things will never be the same, but atleast we GOT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its been cold here in Wisconsin, since Ive been here and that has only been a month. Here in Wyoming, there was spring like weather all winter and I get to Wisconsin and
I feel like I’m in the middle of winter in April. Have a great day, everyone!

Sybil Johnson

 
 
 

Reply to old building/business with Picture

From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

HI GARY In reply to Dick of the picture. I’ve studied it and for the life of me I thought I knew every place on main street in Dunseith. Going buy the location could be on the east side of the street could be DAN MCCOY’S bar. The stairs I can’t remember if they lived up there for sure. I think they did. Looks to be about 1940 with those cars. Lloyd
 
 
 
 

Joke of the Day
 
From Mary (Anderson) Millang, Dunseith ND
Class of 67
 
A nun walked into the corner liquor store and asked the proprietor for a fifth of whisky.
“Sister, now how would it look for a respectable fellow like me to sell alcohol to a nun? was the reply.
The woman leaned over the counter and whispered conspiratorially, “It’s really for the Mother Superior’s constipation.”
The stor owner thought it over and decided to sell it to her since it was for medicinal purposes, but only on condition that she hide it in a paper bagand not tell anyone.
An hour later the store owner closed up and walked outside, only to immediately come across the nun on a park bench, roaring drunk.
“Sister.” he said angrily, ” you know I only sold you that whisky because it was to ease Mother Superior’s constipation.”
“It ish,” slurred the nun. ” When she sees me, she’ll s—.
 
 
Pictures from the Achieves:
 
Duane and Jean Hanson Pladson

 

 

 

 

2006

 

Lincoln Jerstad – Superintendent of Dunseith schools for many years.

 

 

 

 

July 2007

 

Bernadette Stokes and Orvin Hagen

 

 

 

 

 

July 2009 (Dunseith Seattle Reunion)

 

Leland (Lee) Stickland & Larry St. Clair

 

 

 

 

May 2010

 

Gary Stokes and Art Rude

 

 

 

 

05/02/2011

Posted on by
Osama Bin Laden is dead
Posted by
Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
Don’t know if you’ve heard yet, but Osama Bin Laden is dead. A US operation in Islamabad found him.
Keith
 

For those who are interested:

President Obama is expected to hold a news conference shortly (was supposed to be about 45 minutes–1 hour ago) to announce Bin Laden is dead. Many channels are now showing news concerning this event.

 

Neola


 
 
Wesley Schneider & Orvin Hagen Stories told by Wesley Schneider
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Twas May Day, and I sneaked across the street without the “furry boys” with gernaniums in hand, and knocked at the door of my neighbors.

Wes and Ovidia were just setting up to the kitchen table, for their afternoon coffee, and we enjoyed a little visit. They had received a c.d. from their daughter Karen, last week which Wes is enjoying very much. It was a Rita Baker Langer recording entitled, “RITA’S FAVORITES”. Ovidia was marveling at the rich clarity of Rita’s voice, her timing and self accompaniment. This c.d. has Wes enjoying singing along.

Rita’s music brought to my mind, Hazel Dickens, the West Virginia country blue-grass singer who passed away recently featured on National Public Radio last week. Music historians liken her music to music of the last century, rich, mellow and influential to other musicians.

Wes and Ovidia also were gifted 3 other c.d.s by the Langer’s.

Then, Wes recalled his friend Orvin Hagen visiting and the yodeling in their youth. And treating him again to a yodel last summer.

Wes once worked for the A. Houle’s at Lord’s Lake. During fall threshing both he and his friend Orvin brought teams. He and Orvin one night made a nice bed in the Houle haymow. They went to sleep. They were rudely awakened early in the morning when the pigeons came home to roost, the birds proceeded to wake Orvin and Wes with dropping___!. Wes said he wasn’t to pleased with this kind of “wake up call”, but his good friend Orvin laughed and laughed. Finally got Wes joining in the laughter!

Once long ago, at a Christmas program at a little rural church, everyone from miles around brought their teams and sleighs. Orvin brought his mother in a sleigh. Everyone put their teams in the barn. At the program, Wes played the mouth organ. When the program was over, all the fellows went to hitch up their sleighs. Orvin brought his nice black team out and hitched it to the sleigh. He went in to get his mother. When he came out___gone__. His team had already taken off for home without them. Orvin,wasn’t too pleased, it wasn’t a laughing matter. But in the spirit of Christmas, someone else took he and Mrs. Hagen home. No it wasn’t Santa.

As Wes and I were visiting, and he recalled Moses (Moise) DesJarlais who worked for his father (Peter I ) sharpening posts and fencing. He said Moise(Moses) would pitch a tent in the Schneider pasture when he came to fence. He said, Mrs. DesJarlais, a woman of husky build, would weave grass baskets for his mother, Mrs. Schneider. Wes said the baskets were perfect for his job of fetching eggs. Wes would like to know if anyone recalls the Moise (Moses) DesJarlais’.

Well, evening is pushing near, yesterday’s big snow is melting and it looks to be a beautiful spring night below the foot of the Turtles. Vickie

 
 
Memories of old building/business with Picture
Posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Today we had a late spring blizzard that dumped some snow and
brought cold temperatures to the hills—18 degrees this morning. By
mid day it was back up to around 40 and the next two days are going to
warm to 65. Good old ND. Freeze the bums out! I had an old picture of a
similar storm from back in the late 40s that I thought would be
appropriate to post after such a comparable storm. I remember hearing
about a snow storm from the old timers who said it was in the first week
of June and I think they said 1947, but I can’t remember the year for
sure. Mom took several pictures like the one I’m posting so it must have
been an unusual event, like late spring. The cars pictured are a ’40
Ford and a ’46-’47 Buick. The question I want to ask is if any of our
readers can ID the business shown in the picture. I barely remember this
business and the building was gone by the mid 50s. I do remember that
the front of the building was painted black in the last years it was
there. I will post a couple more pictures in the next few days and then
I KNOW some of the readers will remember for sure. I can say that if you
were born any later than the early 50s, you would not have ever seen
this building as another business was built and operating on this
location by the mid 50s. This time I won’t answer the question until
others have sent their thoughts. Thanks Gary!

Dick


 
 
 
Jokes of the day from my Irish friend
Two elderly gentlemenfrom a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: ‘Slim, I’m 83 years old now and I’m just full of aches and pains. I know you’re about my age. How do you feel?’
Slim says, ‘I feel just like a newborn baby.’
‘Really!? Like a newborn baby!?’
‘Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.’
 
An elderly couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, ‘Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly.’
The other man said, ‘What is the name of the restaurant?’
The first man thought and thought and finally said, ‘What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?
You know…. The one that’s red and has thorns.’
‘Do you mean a rose?’
‘Yes, that’s the one,’ replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, ‘Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?’
 

05/01/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to the Ernie Gottbreht family
From Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary, I am sorry that I have not responded sooner but I am working 9-10 hours a day, 7 days a week on a series of contracts with Pearson Educational Assessment Division and as a result, until July, I will not have a life of my own. I was extremely saddened to learn of Ernie’s passing. When I read the notice in your blog I pulled out an old photo album. In it are a number of photos of former students and there was Ernie with a a big black patch over his eye, wearing his letter jacket, and looking at one of the displays at the Business Fair we ran my last year in Dunseith. I have fond memories of Ernie. He was a good kid who was a hard worker and I am sure these traits carried over into his adult life. I want to extend my heart felt condolences to the family and wish them the very best and treasure those memories of Ernie.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 
Thank you from the Bobbie Wenstad (70) family
Posted by Pam Wenstad (78): Dunseith, ND
 
On behalf of the Wenstad family and Robert Day I would like to say Thank You to all those who sent condolenses for Bobbie. She was a true sister and a great friend. To Vicky Hiatt a special Thank You for a very thoughtful nite in Grafton for the menories and cards from people Bobbie worked with. It was so nice to read how the people thought of Bobbie. You where a special friend to Bobbie. Thank You all for your thoughts and prayers.
 
 
 
San Haven Pictures (Website)
Posted by Jeff Skjelver (Dave Shelver’s son): Rugby, ND
 
Hi Gary,

Check out this link, as it seems relevant to current discussions about San Haven:

http://ghostsofnorthdakota.com/2011/04/29/san-haven-sanatorium-in-the-1930s/

Your friend in peaceful endeavors,
Jeff Skjelver

Jeff, These are wonderful pictures. I wonder if any of our readers remember Nora Thingvold? Thanks for sharing. Gary
Copied from the sight above
Susan (Thingvold) Sande of Kalispell, Montana contributed the following photos of San Haven in the tuberculosis era. The photos were taken by her aunt, Nora Thingvold in the 1930′s. Susan’s comments on Nora: “Nora was a nurse all her life – at San Haven, in hospitals in Devils Lake , in Wisconsin , California & Texas . She served as an army nurse during WWII. She passed away in 1988
 
 
Message from Barbara Kalk Lopez (65): Inver Grove Heights, MN
 
 
 
 
Barbara, How wonderful to hear from you and to hear that all is stable with your cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You know it’s literally been decades since a whole lot of us have seen you too. The class of 65 remembers you well. Without doing some research, I believe you are one of the enduring 7 from the class of 65 that attended Dunseith from grade 1 thru HS. Anyway, it is great hearing from you. Gary
 
 
Joke of the day:
Posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

W. C. Fields once said that his wife got so fat that one day she
was standing on the corner waiting for a bus and the cops pulled up and
said, “OK, break it up.”

Dick

 
 
Folks, It’s 21 degrees and snowing on the eve of May day in Dunseith. Is this normal or what???
 
 
 
  

04/29/2011

Posted on by
Beatrice Slyter Richard passed away
Reply from Marlene Richard Parslow (65): River Falls, WI & Sunlakes, AZ
 
Hi Gary,

I will send you information about my Mother’s funeral arrangements in the next day or two. Mom was 88 years old. She was born November 25, 1922 and died on April 27, 2011. She married my father, Ernest Richard, on May 16, 1944. She and Dad had 10 children. They moved to River Falls, Wisconsin in 1969. We are meeting with the Funeral Home (Cashman-Hill in River Falls) this afternoon. Funeral will more than likely be on Monday.

Thanks for posting the news of our Mom’s passing.
Marlene(Richard)Parslow

 
Marlene, We are so saddened to hear of your mothers passing. I know she worked at St. Andrews hospital in Bottineau for many years too. A while back Neola posted a group picture of some of the hospital staff that included your mother. At the moment I can not find that photo.Our condolence are with you and your family with the passing of your mother. Gary
 
PS – Marlene, you are the oldest sibling and the only sibling of your family that attended Dunseith. You guys all graduated from Bottineau, but your roots are Dunseith. Please see the Richard family tree below.
 
 

Ernest Richard Family

Back: Jim, Lester, LeRoy, Ernie, Larry

Center: Beatrice

Front: Michael, Diane, Debbie, Peggy, Bradley, Marlene.

 

 

Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
To the Erling Berg Family. I am so sorry. My deepest sympathies.
 
In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to share a quick word with Delores just about every time I visited my folks in Rugby.
 
Death is so difficult. The only consolation can be how much people like Erling were loved and cared about by those of us who remain.
Brenda Hoffman class of 1968
 
 
 

Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 
Gary and Friends,

My condolences to the Berg family on the passing of Erling. He will
always be remembered for his friendly smile and quick wit. There are not
many people who were better at telling Norwegian jokes than Erling was.
His Norwegian heritage was very prominent in his character and was an
attribute in his ability to tell a good joke about Ole and Lena. He
brightened many days for me with his humor about our common ancestry.
Erling will be missed by many. Thanks Gary.

Dick

 
 
 
Erling Berg Memories
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

Apparently I hadn’t read your newsletter #1161 (or if I did read it, I didn’t read it very carefully.), as when Erling’s obituary came up on Nero’s site, it was news to me. It was after I read today’s newsletter and saw all the condolences, I realized I had missed something.

 

It’s no surprise Erling is well remembered. I remember my dad talking about Erling Berg for years. I also met Erling a time or two MANY years ago. I, too, thought he was a very nice/friendly/etc. man. In my mind, he was also a handsome fellow. :) I see Erling was app. 20 years old than I am, so when I met him, he was probably in his 30’s. It was before he/his family moved to Dunseith.

 

I just reread Erling/Delores’ write-up in the Centennial Book. I see (in 1984), Don was married to Mary Froseth. That surprises me. I think Mary was in the first grade when I taught in Kramer. Her sister, Christine, was in my fourth grade class. Mary’s brother, Stephen, was married to Susan Hagen. You probably already know this. Steve was in the 5th or 6th grade when I taught in Kramer. It’s hard to believe he and his brother, Greg, have passed away.

 

Neola

 

 

 

Turtle Mt. Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery

Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

 

I’d like to support Jesse Marion in promoting the Turtle Mt. Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery. Susan & I & Esther stopped in there last May when we were home for the reunion and there are some beautiful works of art in there. I can’t say I was amazed or surprised, because I know there are – and always have been – a great number of talented artists in the Turtle Mt. Area. I was, however, awe-struck at the wonderful variety and the beauty of the pieces.

 

 

So by all means, spread the word and when you’re in the area stop in – and take a few treasures home!

 

 

Paula Fassett

 
 
 
San Haven
Reply From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 

Allen Richard, you are right the san was a beautiful place. I’m like you, did any of them come and see the place. I worked there in 1938 & 39 in the kitchen. To work there you had to take a test to see if you could contact TB. If you could you could not go where the patients were. At this time they had there own farm cattle goats pigs. They raised all there own vegetables potatoes carrots every thing in the garden. Cut their hay – milked 40 cows twice a day. They had their own little store post office San Haven was a little town all by itself. When TB was cured they brought in the kids. I worked in the laundry from 1958 to 62 and I was in the rooms Sto pick up laundry. I don’t think some of them people knew what they were talking about… for they got good care. To bad it had to go like it did.
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Randy Flynn’s story of Cliff and Erling setting him up with the wife
joke brought to mind a one I heard long ago. A guy told his friend that
he hadn’t talked to his wife in over a month. When his friend asked
why, he said he hated to interrupt her.

Dick

 
 
Richard Family tree. First four Generations
 
 
 
  

04/28/2011

Posted on by
Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

Erling Berg (Erling/Delores Guttu, page 530–Bottineau County Centennial Book)

 


(Died April 26, 2011)

Sign Guest Book http://www.nerofuneralhome.net/index.cfm| Send Flowers

 

Erling Berg, age 89 of Rugby, died Tuesday at a Rugby nursing home. Funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:30 am at the First Lutheran Church in Rugby. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. (Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family
From Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND
 
Gary,

I wanted to write a note to say I am saddened by the death of Erling Berg, as he was a fine man, a friend, and I always loved that he had a ready joke for me. But, I can only stay sad for a few moments, as I have been one to keep in touch with the family, and his legacy is alive and well. I visited with Curt when I was in Colorado, by Grand Junction, Dianne used to visit quite often when I lived at the farm and before she moved, Keith stops up often when he comes to Rugby, and I often visit and have stayed with him in Fargo on several occasions. Ironically, the Berg I have seen the least is Don, my classmate. Erling will be remembered for many of the things you mentioned, but his children are a great legacy, and will remain outstanding members of their chosen communities.
I also have to say a word about the comparison between 1957, and 2010. A couple of people mentioned something to the effect, how is it that we have gone “downhill” so fast? I personally think the answer is obvious, lawsuits. Look down the list of comparisons, and every one will bring to mind legal cases, usually massive lawsuits. Almost all of the “new” behavior noted, is to avoid the danger of lawsuits.

Peace and Power,

Art

Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions,
webpage address: www.artrude.com
and Art Rude TV at: artrudetv on Utube!
 
 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Jay (66) & Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND
 

Our sincere sympathy to the Bergs– Jay worked with Erling all those years and he would stop in my office with a story or a joke usually every morning– He was a fun guy! – when Erling retired Jay took his place- until the closure of the San .

 

Delores and family you will be I my thoughts and prayers. Lola

 

 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas
 
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BERG FAMILY, ERLING AND DELORES WHERE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS OF MY MOM AND DAD, HE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON TO MANY AND WILL BE MISSED
 
 
 

Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

I’m very sad to hear of Erling Berg’s death. The Berg family was a part of my life growing up in Dunseith. Don is certainly correct in his statement that Erling made his mark in the Dunseith community! There are some people who’s face immediately appears in your mind when their name is mentioned – Erling Berg is one of those people…..it also brings a smile to my face. Erling always had a hello and a pat on the shoulder for us “kids”. He was the greatest story-teller – and never seemed to run out of stories and jokes. I remember going to church when it was Erling’s Sunday to usher. As he handed us a program, he’d get in a quick one-liner….quietly, of course.,..,,and we’d have to try to suppress the giggles as we walked in to church.

What a blessing to have had such a wonderful father and husband.

Dolores, Don, Curt, Diane & Keith – my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Paula Fassett

 
 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family
From David Slyter (70): Sabin, Mn
 
My deepest sympathy to Delores and her family. I too, use to work for Erling while I was the groundskeeper at San Haven for the last 8 years that it was open. He was a great boss and director. We also grew up next to the Bergs back in the early 60’s. Lots of fun memories. He lived a full spiritual and prosperous life. He will certainly be missed by many.

Dave Slyter (70)

 
 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
To the Berg family—My deepest sympathy! Your Dad, Erling (kilowatt) Berg, was Dunseith and San Haven icon. He was also a great friend who always made me laugh. There were a lot of times that I needed an injection of humor.
 
Allen
 
 
 

Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Randy Flynn (70): Portland, OR
 
Gary,

I would like to express my condolences to the Berg family. Erling was a grand person and there is little doubt he was one of the best story tellers ever to grace the streets of Dunseith. Erling could always put a smile on anyone’s face. Delores, Don, Curt, Keith, and Diane my thoughts are with you as you reflect upon Erling’s wonderful 89 years.

I am certain many people will have a story or two about how Erling made them laugh. I hope they share with all of your readers because I was just thinking about Erling’s Norwegian stories last week. One Christmas vacation I was in Dunseith and visited with Delores, Erling and Cliff Hagen at the AC Bar. Everyone had been doing a little last minute Christmas shopping. Remember when we shopped locally and every store took a check. When the stores closed about 5:30 or 6:00 many of us stopped at the bar for a drink before heading home for the evening. Erling and Delores invited me to their booth to visit about where I was living and working. After exchanging family events that occurred over the previous year, I listened to Erling and Cliff swap stories. When Delores excused herself to visit the powder room, Cliff said his wife had not talked to him in almost a month. Very quietly Cliff said, “Due to that fact I am thinking about getting a divorce.” Erling looked at my shocked face, murmured a bit, took a drink from his glass, and said, “Cliff you might want to rethink that decision. Women like that are hard to come by.” They had set me up with another of their stories; both had a good laugh. I hope you can all remember Erling Berg for the good times.

Randy Flynn
Portland, OR
 
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Bill Krause (74): Dickenson, ND

 
To The Entire Berg Family…My sincere condolences on the loss of your Husband,Dad and Grandfather, Erling…He was a good man…Bill Krause
 
Condolence to the Erling Berg Family

From Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN
 
My condolences to the Erling Berg family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Later,
Mr. Poitra

 
 
 
 
Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery Located in Dunseith
Message from JH Marion
 
Greetings,  

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter weekend.
Today I would like to send out a message concerning the Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery. The art gallery is home to so many beautiful, authentic Chippewa art pieces. Each artist has taken a considerable amount of time to create one of a kind art work. Many pieces tell a story and incorporates a part of the Chippewa Culture and Heritage.
We invite you to come and visit the art gallery, take time to embrace the beauty before you. The art work would make great gifts for yourself or family and friends.

As the summer wedding season approaches you can find that special and unique wedding gift.

We are also seeking your assistance in grant seeking and writing, promotion and marketing, every moment spent volunteering with the art gallery ensures the future of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery.
The art gallery is located on

North Main StreetDunseith,ND

, open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

The art gallery can be found on Face Book under Turtle Mountain Tribal Arts Association Art Gallery, with all of th eart work in the photo section. You will find a complete list of art items, artist, and prices. Please call 701-244-2540 to order an item or for any questions or you may have.

The TMTAA web page is

www.tmtribalarts.com, which is undergoing changes at this time.

Please pass this message onto all of your contacts, so they too will learn more about the art gallery.

Sincerely,

JHMarion

04/27/2011

Posted on by
Erling Berg Passed away today:
Message/Obituary from Don Berg (71): Scottsdale, AZ
 

Gary,

We lost my dad today, April 26. I have attached his obituary.

We are planning a visitation at 7:00 pm Friday, April 29 at the Nero funeral home in Bottineau. The funeral is tentatively planned for 10:30 am Saturday, April 30 at the First Lutheran Church, Rugby.

He had a long and wonderful life. We are thankful for that.

Don Berg

Don, We are so saddened to hear of the death of your father. My dad worked for your dad all 10 years of his San Haven career. Your dad was a well respected good leader. He most certainly made his mark in the Dunseith Community with his business, work and good deeds. He was a brilliant man with a whole lot of common sense too. Your dad’s brother Clarence was married to Mabel Berg. Mabel was a sister to Helga Berg Petterson. Helga was married to my dad’s brother Nels. They lived in Everett, WA. With today’s message I am including Nels & Helga’s four children, Peggy, Norman, Bernice & Marlys who all still reside in the Everett & surrounding areas. Our Condolence are with your mother, Delores, and your whole family with the loss of your dad. We can not forget Hilmar either. Gary

 

 

ERLING C. BERG

Erling Conrad Berg, 89, of Rugby passed away on April 26 in the long-term care facility at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND.He had been at Heart of America for the past two years.

Erling was born on the family farm in Starbuck Township, Bottineau County, ND, on April 2, 1922, to Carl and Inga Berg.He was raised there, with three brothers and one sister, attended Thrum’s rural school and graduated from Landa High School in 1940.

He attended Business College in Minot, ND, and then enlisted in the US Army Signal Corp during World War II.Following discharge from the service he returned to the family farm and then in 1947 was employed by Shei Electric in Bottineau, ND.

On May 30, 1953, Erling married Delores Guttu of Carbury, ND.They lived in Bottineau until moving to Dunseith, ND in 1954 where he opened Dunseith Electric, an electrical and TV business.He received his Master Electrician’s license in 1955.He operated his business until 1971 when he became Plant Services Director at San Haven State Hospital north of Dunseith.After his retirement in 1987, he and Delores moved to Sheyenne, ND, where they resided for 10 years before moving in 1997 to Rugby, ND, where they have since lived.

While living in Dunseith, Erling was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, a church he helped build, serving on the church council for many years.He was a member of the Dunseith American Legion for over 50 years.He attended First Lutheran Church in Sheyenne, ND, and in Rugby was a member of First Lutheran Church and a member of the Rugby Sons of Norway.

Erling enjoyed crossword puzzles, cribbage and sports, league bowling, golf and horseshoe.He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves.He enjoyed cooking, and his family especially enjoyed his bread stuffing and Norwegian meatballs.He was a great storyteller and could always think of one to tell.

Erling is survived by his wife Delores of Rugby; sons Don (Mary), Scottsdale, AZ; Curt (Kelly), Grand Junction, CO; Keith (fiancé Chery), Fargo, ND and daughter Diane (Jim) Rheault, Fargo, ND; five granddaughters – Dr. Kelly Berg & husband Douglas Bowles, Jessica and Jennifer Berg, all of Minneapolis, MN; Allison Berg of East Brunswick, NJ, and Jacqueline Rheault of Fargo, ND, and two grandsons – Christopher & William Berg of Grand Junction, CO; one brother, Hilmar Berg, Bottineau, ND; and two nieces, Cindy (Mike) Pesek of Grand Forks, ND, and Sue Berg of Lake Metigoshe.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers Olaf (Hazel), Clarence (Mabel) and sister Helen (Herman) Brandvold.

 
 
 
San Haven:
Reply From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
 

A special thank you to Allen Richard for his explanation regarding San Haven. I understand the futility of the situation, I just become so disgusted when ” history” or the ” Ghost of ND” will forever record incorrect information. Thank you Allen for your time and effort back then and for the explanation now. Sharon Gerdes

 

 

 

 

Reply to Message 1159

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

 

Gary,
Really liked your “quiz for the day.” I seem to remember that a teacher we had in one of our classes in high school gave us a similar test once. There were about 15 or 20 questions and each had a rational answer, but under the pressure of time, most of us got most of the answers wrong. One that I still remember was: “Take two apples from three apples and what do you have?” Most, including me, under the pressure of time, answered “one.” But that was wrong. If you take two apples from any number of apples you will have two apples – probably one in each hand, ha, ha.
Keith
 
 
 
 
Reply/Picture from Trish Larson Wild (73): Fort Collins, CO.
 

Hi Gary

 
Finally got the news today that we were NOT selected for the America’s Favorite Trail Horse Finals. The show will air in September by the way, if anyone wants to watch it.

I had a great time at the audition and have a whole new slew of friends as a result, with offers of lodging and riders to meet all over the US, so I am thankful for my experience.

I have already started to gear up for my next adventure, and have been making plans to ride the Pacific Crest Trail with a friend I met on the trail here in Pasadena. The trail runs from the Mexico border to Canada, but I’m not sure if we’ll ride the whole thing or just cherry pick the sweet spots. I will keep you posted! We’re planning to start the first week in May, but there’s a lot to arrange and plan so we’ll see how it goes…

Thanks to all who sent words of support and encouragement on the whole audition thing. I had a great time and met some really cool people, so I consider myself to be a winner. I know for sure that my horses are my favorite trail horses anyway!

Still having the time of my life and looking forward to new trails to ride.

Trish Wild, RN, PhD
The Equine Nomad
 
 
 
  

04/26/2011

Posted on by
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
North Dakota Roads Closed Due to Flooding
 
 
 
San Haven:
Reply from Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher): Detroit Lakes, MN.
 
Gary, we lived in Dunseith in the late 60’s and found San Haven staff to be like “wonderful mothers” in their care
of their patients, I think there were more problems in Grafton and that is what prompted the movement to
move them to smaller fascilities. I think there was some small town politics involved as building contractors
could make money buy building cottages around the state with the idea of bringing people closer to their
family homes for more frequent visits. Also times were changing in the 70’s about care and education of challenged children.
I never heard accusations about San Haven, in fact I knew a nurse in Minot who said that any person brought
from San Haven to the hospital there never ever had bed sores which is a very good indication of excellent
care.
San Haven was not a crowded facility….as some try to suggest, I think the writer was lumping problems about
care in Grafton and suggesting that the same thing was true in Dunseith, one wonders if he ever even visited the
area….I will get off my soap box now. Ardys (Bakken) Horner
 
 
 

San Haven:

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Sharon Gerdes

 

The San had very strong support from Bottineau, Rolette and Pierce County and sour rounding areas. The Tribal Council, county and city government and all the legislators worked together. if you can believe legislators working together these days–But it was very different back then!) Local newspapers worked hard to show the good things being done there and the Grand Forks Herald did at least one major two page article on The San. Likewise the Minot Daily News.

 

A number of legislative committees toured The San, and all the local legislators would attend as well. Everyone was always impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and dedication of the staff. And when the tours ended by a tour of the chapel and the view from the roof, Well to all of us who knew the panoramic view — it was a lot of fun to see the wide eyed, jaw dropped look on the faces of those who had not been there before. Did you know that on the many “severe clear” days you could see Rugby?

 

People from our area made many trips to Bismarck during those years. I recall driving back from Bismarck with Duane Fugere and a few others when the sky was overcast with the ash from Mt. St. Helen’s. The ash was so fine that it would go through the paper air filters and damage engines. Another time on short notice I Ioaded a rented airplane with local supporters and flew them down to a hearing.

 

Legislators from the north central part of the state banded together to get funding to build the laundry and food service building in the hope this would stop the ARC attack on the San, but it only slowed things down for a year or two and the ARC came at us from a different angle.

 

In the end the realities were:

 

The ARC had already won probably a half dozen cases against states with “institutions.” The ARC was on a roll and their funding seemed limitless.

 

The judge in the case was unsympathetic from day one. Federal District courts have more power than state legislatures, especially with “activist” judges.”

 

Renovating The San would have been extremely expensive because of the asbestos issue, and it wouldn’t have mattered because the “group home” concept was in vogue.

 

Communities and legislators from other parts of the state began vieing for group homes in their communities. It is not uncommon that a government that covers a diverse geographic and demographic setting to from voting blocks to benefit one segment at the expense of another. Call it “political cannibalization” if you want.

 

Anyway, it is hard to believe that most of this happened 30 years ago, and frankly, without digging through a few boxes of political memories I’d rather forget, this is about the best my few remaining brain cells can do!


 
 
 
Little Prairie Ladies Aid
Posted by Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO
 
You may have already posted this. I found it in a scrap book – the picture follows the names
Don,
Marshall Awalt posted this picture with message 560 on 9/17/2009, but classics like this certainly need re-runs here and there. So many of us can relate to many of the folks in this picture. One can not dispute the resemblance today of the Metcalfe girls to that of their mother Ella with her beautiful smile. I remember so well, so many of the ladies in this picture. Many of those in this picture have passed on. I think those living today are Joy Peterson, Velma Millang and Kenrose Medlang. Folks, please correct me if there are others.
Gary
 

Ladies of the Little Prairie Ladies Aid, before they merged with the Dunseith Lutheran church, picture taken by Ted Brodek for the the Dunseith Journal in 1954 at the Turtle Mt. Lodge, when the ladies served for the Minot and Brandon Colleges, and was captioned the” Fried Chicken Experts, story appears on page 318 of the Dunseith 1882-1982 History book.

 

1954 (57 years ago)

 

Back Row – Left to Right Hannah Kirkwold, Ella Metcalfe, Aria Millang, Joy Peterson, Jessie Millang, Kenrose Medlang, Bertha Myer, Agnes Salmonson, Pat Myer, Dorothy Millang, and Velma Millang.

Front Row – Christine Carlson, Anna Nickolson, Hilda Strong, Martha Handland, Clara Anderson, Francis Espe, and Ingrid Seim.

 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND

 

Obituaries

 

Wallace Sebelius
(Died April 22, 2011)



Sign Guest Book | Send Flowers

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

Wallace Sebelius, age 85 of Bottineau, died Friday at a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Wallace Sebelius, a son of Niles Peter and Lille (Olson) Sebelius, was born on October 20, 1925 at Overly, ND. On October 27, 1957, he married Freida Anderson at Bottineau. Freida passed away on October 2, 2009.

He is survived by on Brother, Manvil (Dorothy) Sebelius of Dunseith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Kathleen Sebelius, Arvid (Pete) Anderson and Glenn Swanson all of Bottineau; Kathleen (Robert) Tonda, Ellen Anderson and Thelma Terry all of Seattle, WA and Melvin (Donna) Anderson of Ceres, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.
 
 
Hotel Recommendations for our February 2012 Cruise
Reply from our travel agent, Gina Ford.
 

Hello Gary,

 

 

 

It will be my pleasure to contact the best Miami hotel options for your group. I will request their lowest available group pricing for you.

I do know the Miami area well and one needs to be careful as some of the lowest Miami hotel prices would be at undesirable properties.

I will make sure that I offer you only hotels that are equal to or better than the Ramada Inn at SeaTac that you had stayed at previously.

I completely agree with you Gary, in that you should consider (and deserve) the hotel options that offer you the best bang for the buck

 

 

 

I hope to complete my Miami hotel research by the end of this week for you. For now I’m thinking we should request maybe 50 rooms?

(we can always adjust that number at a later date, when the final payments are all posted to your NCL Pearl 2.19.2012 cruise).

 

 

 

Thank you and best regards,

Gina

 

 

 

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

 
 
Joke of the day
From my good Irish friend, Michael Kenny, Cebu, Philippines
 

A Texan walks into a pub in Ireland and raises his voice to the crowd of drinkers. He shouts, “I hear you Irish are a bunch of drinkin’ fools. I’ll give $500 American dollars to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of Guinness back to back.”
 
The room is quiet and no one takes of the Texan’s offer.
 
Paddy Murphy gets up and leaves the bar. Thirty minutes later, he shows back up and taps the Texan on the shoulder. “Is your bet still good?” asks Paddy.
 
The Texan answers, “Yes”, and he orders the barman to line up 10 pints of Guinness.
 
Immediately, Paddy downs all 10 pints of beer, drinking them all back to back. The other pub patrons cheer and the Texan sits down in amazement. The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and asks, “If ya don’t mind me askin’, where did you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?”
 
Paddy Murphy replies, “Oh…I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first.”


04/25/2011

Posted on by
Message from Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

HAPPY EASTER TO EACH AND EVERYONE . hOPE EVERYONE HAS A VERY NICE DINNER.

 

BYE ESTHER
 
 
 
San Haven
Comments/questions from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
 

Allen, I am wondering– did anyone stand up for San Haven- did anyone provide proof of the atrocities that they claimed went on there? Were any patients named and abuse proved? I was really upset by the responses that ” ghost of ND ” gave and claimed were all true. Also, was it true ( rumor has it) that ARC built several houses which were later used to house patients from the San? My mom was very attached to the patients on her floor as I am sure many employees were, and I personally saw how clean that facility was. Also ” hosing patients down in the gym for baths” is just plain ridiculous. Any more insight you can provide would give some peace of mind. Thanks much. Sharon Gerdes
 
 
 
 
Guns
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Joe Johnson’s comments brought something to mind. When I was going
to the School of Forestry in Bottineau, many of my friends had their
hunting rifles and even some handguns in their dorm rooms. I had a gun
in my off campus room too. I remember going out hunting rabbits south of
Bottineau and bringing the guns back into the dorm without any question
of whether or not we could. The college also sponsored the Rod and Gun
Club on campus. I guess we never thought anyone had any evil in mind.
It was as normal as going to lunch. I once brought an antique muzzle
loader rifle to speech class to give a demonstration speech on it’s
function. Today if someone did that they would probably be shot while
crossing campus! The difference is that we respected others rights and
they respected ours. To my knowledge, there was never an incident of
any kind just because students had guns in their rooms. Now our minds
are clouded by current thoughts of—‘He must be some kind of a
dangerous nut if he has a gun in his room.’ We’ve come a long ways,
baby! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
2012 Caribbean Cruise
 
Folks,
 
Our February 2012 Caribbean Cruise is fast approaching. We recently sent Gina, our travel agent, the following request for a suggested hotel.

As soon as we have a hotel in place, I will that info onto you folks.
Hello Gina,
 
It’s getting about time to make arrangements for a suggested hotel for our folks to check into on February 18th, the day before the cruise. I know you know the area well and can make a good recommendation for us. Ideally we need a hotel that can provide transportation from the Airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship. We are looking for a good economical middle of the road hotel. If we can get good rates with a 5 star, that will be great, but we can settle for less. Our folks were very pleased with the Ramada Inn at SeaTac for our Alaska Cruise. I think it was rated a 3 star. Something on that order would work just fine. As you can guess, we are looking for the best bang for the buck.
 
Thanks,
 
Gary
Please call Gina to make your cruise reservations. I have listed her contact info below.
 
I have included several group pictures from our Alaska Cruise. It was so much fun having so many of us with common roots together for a whole week. Family and friends fit right into the cameradery too. Such a precious time never to be forgotten. We will most certainly be getting these same group pictures on our Caribbean cruise.
 
Gary
 

Gina S. Ford

 

 

Cruise At Will, Inc.

 

 

Cruise and Travel Planners

 

 

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

 

 

703-580-1190 (local)

 

 

www.CruiseAtWill.com

 

 
 
2009 Dunseith Alaska Cruise
Group picture. A few folks were missing when this was taken.

 

 

 

2009 Dunseith Alaska Cruise

All of us in this photo attended Dunseith schools.

 

 
 
 
Quiz for the day
 
See if you can answer these correctly…

Are you the weakest link? Below are four (4) questions. You have to
answer them quickly. You can’t take your time, answer all of them
immediately.

OK? Let’s find out just how clever you really are.

Ready?

First Question:

You are participating in a race. You overtake the second

person. What position are you in?

Answer: If you answered that you are first,

then you are absolutely wrong!

If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are

second!

Try not to mess up in the next question. To answer the second

question, don’t take as much time as you took on the first

question.

Second Question:

If you overtake the last person, then you are…?

Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you

are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person?!

You’re not very good at this are you?

Third Question:

Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do

NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator.

Try it.

Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30..

add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10.

What is the total? Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually
4100.

Don’t believe it? Check your calculator!

Today is definitely not your day.

Maybe you will get the last question right?

Mary’s father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2 Nene,

3. Nini, 4. Nono.

What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Answer: Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary.

Read the Question again.

04/24/2011

Posted on by
San Haven
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Reply to Mona Johnson.

 

You are right about the beauty of the San and the quality of care patients received. Historically though, the San was doomed by a series of court cases around the country and ND. The ARC went on a crusade against institute that housed the severely multiply handicapped. They won all the cases including the one against ND. Judge Bruce Van Syckle presided over the trial as well as the implementation of regulations that the buildings could not be converted to handle. The judge was finding in favor of the ARC on every issue. These were the same issues on which the ARC had prevailed in several other states already. It was about that time that the state built the new kitchen and Laundry up there, hoping that would get the judge to back of. It only proved to be a temporary fix.

 

The main buildings at the San are much like many others of their age. They were very strong, and they contained many miles of pipe that was insulated with asbestos. No occupant could be found that could offset the cost of renovation.

 

Trust me — it was the longest battle I was ever involved in during my 14 years in the legislature.

 

Allen Richard
 
 
 
 
Reply to 1957-2010 comparison posted yesterday
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

I just have to comment on the 1957-2010 comparison. If it wasn’t so
true, it would be funny. I’m still trying to understand how we, as a
country, let things get this far from center? It’s human nature for
good people to try to make things better for all the members of society,
old and young alike. Each and every one of the comparisons is based on
how over zealous the effort became. It has even become kind of
‘fashionable’ to see how far we can push this under the cause of
political correctness. At what point does a society finally wake up and
see how this misdirection is actually the root cause of the problem? My
humble opinion. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 

 

Reply to 1957-2010 comparison posted yesterday

From Joe Johnson (77): Lindstrom, MN

Gary,

 

Really enjoyed the 1957 vs. 2010 school comparison list. I would say for NoDak that the 1957 could most likely be extended up through at least the mid to late 70’s. I remember my brother Jeff and I going waterfowl hunting before school, while we were in high school. The shotguns went to school with us and many times we would run the birds home at lunch, finish dressing them, pop them in the freezer and then back to school.

 

Greatest part of this was Mom would give us a note when we went hunting just in case we were chasing down a good flock out on the prairie and got to school late. Hunting during mid-week was just another incentive Mom and Dad used to get us to keep our grades up.

 

Joe

 

 
 
 
Reply to Bottineau County Flooding pictures
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary,
Ruth Gust, who is Ovidia Schneder’s daugher and Karen Larson’s sister
forwarded me those photos just before I dashed them off to you.
Ruth is also connected to Neola.

I was thinking you might be homesick for ND.
Now, I’m fairly certain you are very happy to be at home in Cebu.

Any way, I thought you would be interested to see Springtime 2011,
in North Dakota along the “MIGHTY MOUSE”,
______which is ROARING!

I just hope everyone continues to keep safe in their travels around
the state.

Later. Vickie

Yes Vickie, I am very happy right here in Cebu. All the snow accumulations this past winter that is now melting is sure causing major water problems around the whole state. As you mentioned in an earlier message, much of the snow is yet to melt in the hills. The melting of that snow may very well cause a few flooding problems throughout your local area too. I am so hoping all this water dissipates early enough enabling the farmers to get their crops in? Gary
 
 
 
Happy Easter to each and everyone of you.
 
Bernadette and I are invited to Michael and Barbara Kenny’s this evening for Easter Dinner. Michael and Barbara, pictured below with Bernadette, are originally from Ireland, but moved to England for all of their working careers. Barbara an RN and Michael Dentist. When asked where they are from, they will always answer Ireland. Four years ago they retired here to Cebu. They absolutely love it here, especially the people. When Michael is asked if he is married to a Filipina, with a smile on his face he says “No I brought mine with me”.
 
Gary
 
 
  

04/23/2011

Posted on by
Wrong Info in San Haven Article posted several days ago
Message from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Bottineau, ND
 
There are two statements in this article that are not TRUE ! There
never were 900 patients at one time at San Haven.
When I worked there in the early 50’s, the record was set at just over
350 patients. And the San was not shut down for the reason they
state. The State shut it down with the idea the residents would
benefit more from group homes? Patients at the time did not want to
leave so it couldn’t have been so bad, could it ?

Mona Johnson ’48

 
 
 
Bobbi Wenstad (70):
Thank you from Deb Wenstad Slyter (72): Dunseith, ND
 

I would like to say thank you to those who sent condolences on Bobbi’s passing. The kind words and thoughts are a testament to the person she was in life. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

 

Also I send my condolences to Erling Landsverk on Borg’s passing. It’s never easy to lose a love one.

 

Thanks

Deb Slyter

 

 

 

Memories of Bobbi Wenstad (70):

From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND

I have memories of growing up and hanging out with Deb wenstad because we were more the same age. When we were younger we would try to get Bobbi to hang out with us and her response which im sure was said with love was ” get out of here you snot nosed brats” I remember we loved to bug her. I remember her in school but of course she was upper class so needless to say we didnt hang out. She then came to work @ san haven and she still not to freindly kind of kept to self. I then moved to grafton and latter saw her name on the schedule and thought oh I rember her being to her self.. Well boy was I wrong we hooked up and because we had the turtle mt school days and most important she was Connie Medruds best friend and I was Wandas so we shared stories of that tragic night which was 39 yrs ago today. We became close friends almost on the spot.we latter moved out to the same residitional area and just grew closer and closer and through her made an awesome forever friend her husband Robert. She was an excellant nurse, told it like it was and if you didnt like it well in her words tough shit get over it. We played a progressive rummy and it was renamed by the people that played it with her as KBA rummy which meant kick Bobbis ass rummy. we all wanted to beat her and of how she loved to beat us. Yesterday at the center we had a celebrate Bobbis life for her many co-workers and clients. We had people write on an index card their memories they wanted to share. It was so awesome to watch people write and cry @ the same time. Many tears and stories were shared Bobbi and I went though a lot together and our friendship just grew and grew. I will miss her so I cant even put it in to words. When we all transfered from san haven they did not want us here they felt we were taking their jobs of course none of us cared. well so many came and now there is only 2 left Paul Krause and my self. Im always glad to see him it makes me feel like alittle bit of home is here.
 
 
 
Condolences to the Wenstad family:
From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT
 
My Condolences to the Wenstad Family,
 
I was good friends with Debbie and Donna in high school. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
 
Sharon Longie Dana (73)
 
 
 
Bottineau County flooding
Pictures posted by Vickie Metcalfe (68) and Neola Kofoid Garbe:
 

The attached pictures were taken on Monday, April 18 by Nathan Boll.

If you are on Facebook, you can see these pictures there, too. Type “Nathan Boll” in the search line; the pictures should come up.

Water water everywhere. Thank you Vickie and Neola for sharing these pictures. I am not sure who Nathan Boll is, but he has provided some spectacular pictures of all the flooding in Bottineau County. https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/airboll?sk=wall
 
 
Today’s posting from a former Army Reservist Dentist friend of mine now living in Arizona.
 
You should know that by today’s standards none of us was supposed to ever make it.

HIGH SCHOOL — 1957 vs. 2010

Scenario1:

Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck’s gun rack.
1957 – Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack’s shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2010 – School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 – Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2010 – Police called and SW A T team arrives — they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 – Jeffrey sent to the Principal’s office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2010 – Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for A DD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 – Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2010 – Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse, Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy’s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 – Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.

2010 – The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 – Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2010 – Pedro’s cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro’s English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.
1957 – Ants die.
2010 – ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents – and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny’s dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 – In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2010 – Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

This should hit every email inbox to show how stupid we have become!