02/19/2011

Posted on by
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Brenda Johnson
 
I believe this is a milestone Birthday too. So how and where are you going to celebrate? Wherever you decide to go or whatever you decide to do, just enjoy and have fun. Tomorrow is a non work day too.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reply to Florence Hiatt Dahl (50)
From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): Prescott, AZ
 
Reply to Florence Hiatt Dahl. I remember you well! We had folks from Anchorage on the trip! We have been very impressed with all our trips with Grand Circle Travel and would also recommend that company to everyone. (They also have Overseas Adventure Travel, which has more vigorous trips) Cheers, Lois
 
 
Reply to Connie Fauske Monte (62):
From Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 

Hello to Connie Fauske

Heartwarming to say the least, what a tribute to New Orleans a horse with that much WILL to survive is so fitting for a city that had to have that same true grit. Then came the Saints and Brad Pitt to me the Big Easy is the most unique city in America with a lot of history. If we lost New Orleans we would not only lose a great city we would lose a complete culture.

According to what you said in your earlier letter, I think you live on the very spot where we lost lost Buddy, our cockateil, temporarily. That was in the hills above Santa Barbara, the old Rancho Oso Thousand Trails Preserve. That Seattle based campground membership afforded our kids a great life. Over the gate it said, “We Are Family”.

Our first horse worthy of mention was old Dewey. Little Martin Evans had ridden him to Hilltop School before we returned from Seattle. Martin had trained him to count. Well, as horse people know, young horses lose their teeth around 2 or 3 years old. Grandpa Martin asked my dad to go down to the meadow and knock him in the head as he was not going to make the winter in the deep snow. Dad hauled him home on a stone boat sled and pulled him up and down daily with a wire stretcher for a month or two. Now the readers may not believe what I saw with me own eyes, Dewey would stick out his tail in the morning and Dad would help him up……Dewey turned out to be part of the family and did more than his share of work.. He hauled us kids seven miles a day to school, doubled as a saddle and a harness horse. We found a real match for him, his half brother Jim. Then Dad found a horse that made him feel a little John Wayne, I think. An Arabian gelding that retired on the farm. There weren’t a lot of good horsemen and good horses were very scarce in that part of the country at that time.

 

Connie, did I detect a trace of modesty as you submitted your letter. That horse story should be sent around the world. You came by that modesty honestly…both of your parents were.

 

 

 

 

Augie Johnson has cancer

Message from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

 

Dick–

 

I was talking to Augie last week and during our conversation, he told me that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I have no idea when he was diagnosed or anymore about it. We usually dont talk, but I called him, mostly about the kids. I have no idea why he chose to tell me, but he did.

 

I just wanted you to know. Take care. Sybil Johnson

 

 

 

 

Message with a story

Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

 

Hello Gary;

I see your wintering pretty good. We had a few days this week that got up into the forties,

in fact one day got up into the fifties. As you well know, That is skinny dipping weather here in the Dakotas.

Well, you know, we were out soaking up the sun in our flannel shirts without the coats.

It was beautiful. I wish it would hang around a while longer. A little sunshine now and then does a body good.

That’s what the old timers use to say, anyway. I suppose where you are, you wonder about a statement like that?

Well Gary I thought I would send you another story for the blog. This one is a little late.

I wanted to get it out for New Years Day or at least near to that time frame. It didn’t work out, so I thought I would wait until next year.

Then a couple days went by and there was no Gary or barely any Gary. I was getting worried.

I thought I better send in another story. This one is ready. Ready or not, enjoy.

 

At this time, I also would like to express my appreciation, and thank everyone for all their great comments on my last story and previous stories.

I really appreciate your comments, they make my ego soar.

Again, Thank You all.

I also want to thank everyone else for all their great contributions to this blog.

I enjoy reading them and looking at the pictures.

Please continue to send your stories, comments, and pictures in to Gary, and also if anyone wishes to forward any story of mine,

for the enjoyment of another person , please feel free to do so. Thanks to you all.

and thank You Gary for your time and your expertise, for putting this all together and for keeping it going.

Again, Thank you to all,

Enjoy the story,

Larry

Another great Larry Hackman Story:
 

New Years Eve

It was New Years Eve.I was hanging around the house.Not much going on.Watching TV, listening to the hype, waiting for the ball to drop, and knowing all the time that I wasn’t excited enough about it to stay awake for the big event.It was the early sixties; I was a sophomore or a junior in high school.We had been on Christmas break for little over a week already.The weather was cold and miserable and not much had happened. Had played a lot of cards, put together puzzles, and played monopoly for entertainment.I was bored.

Then it occurred to me, that there was a New Years Eve Dance down at the City Hall.I went and got all dressed up, combed my hair and walked downtown to the City Hall.Remember when, people decided to go some place, where there were other people, people actually use to put on clean dress clothes, the older people wore suits and nice dresses and combed their hair.We actually tried to make our mother proud; that they had went through the trouble of having us.

 

I arrived at the City Hall, the music was playing, and I was getting excited.I ran up the stairs and had just grabbed the handle of one of the two swinging doors to enter the hall, when this fellow yelled through the window of the ticket room, “Larry, you have to pay here, before you can go in.”I turned around and walked back to the window and asked this fellow, who I knew well, you mean I have to pay to get into a free New Years Eve Dance.He laughed, and said the dance was put on by the Jaycees to make money.Well, I explained to him that I had no money and that a New Years Eve Dance should be free.He said, “Sorry”.Well I said, I guess I’ll be heading back home.He said, “Just a minute,” and passed through the window this quart, seven-up bottle in a brown paper bag. He said go ahead and take a drink. Man, it was good stuff.It warmed you up, slowly, from the pit of your stomach out to every part of your body.It made you feel good, real good, right away. It was a common drink at the time; people would buy a quart of seven-up or squirt, pour out or drink about a quarter of the bottle, then pour in a ½ pint or mickey of Everclear.It was good stuff, and definitely made me feel better, and it definitely was going to keep me warm for my long, lonely walk back home.I handed the bottle back through the window, said thank you, and started to zip up my coat.When the guy stuck the bottle back through the ticket window and said, “Here, have another drink, its cold out there.”He knew I had about a four block walk and it was very cold and dark out, and that I wasn’t too anxious to go back home and finish out the night watching TV anyway, and I was getting less anxious, every time he passed that bottle back to me.In fact I was starting to think that this wasn’t too bad and was thinking of spending the rest of the night right here beside the ticket window.Who cared what that New Years ball was going to do anyway?Finally, Guess what?That stuff must have been getting to that guy in the ticket window too, He says to me, I’ll tell you what.I’ll let you into the dance free;”if you promise me that you will dance with them older ladies standing just inside the door in the back of the hall”.

I have always had trouble understanding? A hall must be like a church when you are outside looking at the entrance to the structure.It’s the front.When you are inside it’s the back.Go figure.

 

I took another pull on that bottle, and I says sure, I can do that, no problem.I was getting pretty agreeable to almost anything at this point.I went into the hall, looked over at them ladies, and then looked back at the ticket room door.That fellow was standing there grinning, like a cat that had just swallowed the canary.He was right, all those ladies looked to be at least 40 or close to it.Now I would consider them to be still young.Funny, how your perspective changes after you get a little past 50.In fact there was no one in that whole hall that was my age or even close to it.It did cross my mind, “Where the hell are all the kids”?I suppose they all were at home, watching TV, waiting for that damn ball to drop.I didn’t care, I was fired up, and ready to do some dancing.I walked over and asked the first lady I came up to, “If she would like to dance”?She agreed, and I was off dancing the night away. I danced every dance until the band quit playing for the evening.The guy in the ticket booth had a smile from ear to ear.He must have had more than one bottle in that little room.Why, I even seen him dance a couple.I was happy, and did occasionally stop by the ticket booth on band breaks, to get reenergized.The ladies appeared to be happy too, to have this young fellow dancing with them.The husbands also, appeared to be happy.I suppose the ladies were happy to have this young handsome fellow giving them all this attention and the fellows were happy that I was keeping them ladies occupied and out of their hair, and I suppose they figured that I was too young to cause them any worry. Those husbands appeared to be sticking pretty close to that ticket booth, anyway. Apparently it worked out well for everyone concerned, because I had a great time.In fact, I hardly remember the walk home.In fact, I think I ran home.

The next morning was bummer though.In fact, I don’t think there was a morning that morning.In fact I remember waking up once or twice and looking at the clock and not being able to figure out why it was daylight in the middle of the night.I didn’t dwell on it to long though because I remember it made my head hurt.I suppose it put too much pressure on the few remaining living brain cells, I had left.How many brain cells got killed by alcohol that night?I think I’m still trying to recover.Did I get out of bed that day?Yes, I did.I think got out in time to go back to bed.

Remember to, eat some beef, drink some milk, and to laugh today.

Larry

 
 
 
Kayleen Rae Norquay passed away
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Gary,
 
If, after reading someone’s obituary in your newsletter, someone would like to have me send the obituary directly to them, they can send an email to me, telling me which obituary they would like to receive, and I will TRY to get it sent to them.
Also, if any of your readers would like to receive the obituaries at the time I send them to you, they can contact me. I’ll create a list that includes the names/email addresses. I’ll send emails to this list, BCC, which means the names/addresses of the people who are in the list.
 
I am finally feeling quite well again! When I have time, I’m going to “fill you in” on how this happened. :)
 
Neola
 
Kayleen Rae Norquay
(October 9, 1986 – February 11, 2011)

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KAYLEEN RAE NORQUAY

Mass of the Christian burial for Kayleen R.(Buttons) Norquay, age 25 of Dunseith, was held on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael the Archangel Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the spring at St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. Officiating at the service was the Reverend Father Paul Grala. Special music was provided by Troy DeCoteau. Casket bearers were Devon Davis, Jamie Nadeau, Ramsey Morin, Kyle Norquay, Thomas Poitra and Lenny Schroeder.

Kayleen Rae Norquay, a daughter of Sylvester Peltier and Veronica Norquay, was born on October 9, 1986 at Rolette. She was reared in the Dunseith area by Peter St. Claire and the late Mary St. Claire, and she attended the Dunseith Day School. Kayleen loved to be with her family. She loved to read and later listen to stories. In 2001 Kayleen entered the Dunseith nursing home where she has resided since.

She loved to listen to her radio and playing with her nephew Devon. Kayleen loved it most when her dad and Roberta would visit her at the nursing home. Kayleen will be missed very much.

Kayleen passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011 in a Minot hospital.

She is survived by her father Peter St Claire of Dunseith; natural parents Veronica St. Claire and Sylvester Peltier both of Dunseith; sisters, Rozialia Norquay, Kyle Norquay, Karla Norquay, Felishia St. Claire, Jessica St.Claire, and Mirandia St. Claire all of Dunseith; brothers, David (Trina) St. Claire, Michael Beston, Khyl Norquay, Ramsey Morin, Bradley Belgarde, Donna ( James) Gunville, Velma Vivier, Larry Vivier, Gary Vivier, Lisa Peltier, Sylvester Baker, and Tyrone Peltier all of Dunseith; step-sisters, Arlene (Tony) Azure of Dunseith, Rosie (Tom) McCarthy of New Town; step brothers, Darrell L’Esperance and Dan L’Esperance both of Dunseith; extended family Roberta Nadeau of Dunseith.

Kayleen was preceded in death by her mother, Mary St. Claire and a niece, Elaina Machipiness.

 
 
All rights reserved

02/18/2011

Posted on by
Reply to Lois Lilleby Fielding’s trip to Egypt and Israel

From Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
 
Gary–Lois’s trip to Egypt and Israel with Grand Circle Tour Group sounded great. When my husband passed away in 94, our youngest son saiid–Mom don’t hoard your money–you like to travel–so trevel. Grand Circle was the first adventure—took their trip on a cruise ship down the Great Rivers of Europe. Went down the Mein, Rhine, 130 miles of man made canal and then down the Danube river. fabulous. Highly reccomend Grand Circle.
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Reply to this picture from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62):

That is sure my brother Eugene in the front row. He always wore those dark rimmed glasses. But that was the trend then, and is coming back again now. He lives near Dallas Texas, is CPA, has two grown daughters, sings extremely well in church groups, and is a pretty good kid. Sharon.
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
  

02/17/2011

Posted on by
No Blog yesterday:
 
Folks I got rushed and did not get a blog out yesterday. Our very close and dear friends, Michael and Barbara Kenny, are celebrating their 40th Wedding anniversary this Sunday. Their son and his family from England and their daughter and her children from Australia are here too. Also, several of their other friends from England and Ireland are here too, for this celebration. I just got a text message from Michael letting me know he is on his way over to our house with a couple from Ireland. We also got involved making all the contacts for a Beach resort gift that we are giving Michael and Barbara too. We have to pick that up this evening, following that we are invited to a birthday dinner for another close friend. We kind of got tied up with all this yesterday and I did not get a blog out. We had nearly 30 folks (couples) contribute to a 3 night 4 day stay at a beautiful beach resort for Michael and Barbara. We could not believe the participation we got with this one. We are picking up the gift certificate this evening of which will be presented to them on Sunday at their anniversary.
 
 
 
 
Len and Lois Lilleby Fielding just returned from Egypt and Israel
Message from Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): Prescott, AZ
 
Hi Gary: We were computer scammed last December and lost all our e-mail contacts. Then we were gone for the holidays and were in Israel and Egypt during January. Our new e-mail address is
Israel and Egypt are amazing countries, of course. We visited many of the famous Biblical and archeological sites and cannot believe how the ancient people accomplished what they built. There is a new library in Alexandria, Egypt that has no actual books–everythiing is computerized. www.bibalex.org It was peaceful in Jerusalem and most of Israel. Grand Circle Tours avoids areas of danger, I think. We were on a riverboat on the Nile for about a week while in Egypt

In Egypt all was peaceful until about the 25th when we began to see many armed military and police everywhere–near Luxor then. We were scheduled to leave for home when the demonstrations began in earnest and we smelled tear gas and heard some gun shots near our hotel. Our buses managed to get to the airport okay.

The peole in both countries were very kind and friendly. We saw a lot of poverty in Egypt. Lets hope for peace in both countries. Gary, please put us back on the blog!! Best wishes to all, Lois and Len

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

Mark Schimetz’ story about the railroad officials from the south not knowing what a snow plow was for actually reminded me of an old story. Lloyd Awalt mentioned the winter of ’48-’49 when unbelievable amounts of snow fell. The highways were blocked for a very long time and travel came to a stand still. One story I heard was that when the Army and the National Guard came into the area to open the roads, one of the Caterpillar operators was from the deep south. Of course those of us from the north know how snow looks to be in layers when we are moving it. This southerner said that the snow on top was easy to move but the 3 and 4 year old stuff under it was kind of hard to push.

Erling Nelson used to tell us what he told his Army buddies when they asked him how long the winters are in ND. He told them we have nine months of winter and three months of ‘tough sleddin’.

Glen William’s joke about North Dakotans getting good milage on alcohol, open the door. A rancher from ND went to the National Cattleman’s Convention in Kansas City. He went to the social and noticed how the ranchers were all standing in groups talking and enjoying some drinks so he got a beer and went over to join a group. A Texan with a big hat said, “I can get in my pickup in the morning and drive east until 10 and stop for coffee and then on south and stop for lunch. I can then turn west and drive until afternoon coffee break and then back north and get home just at dark—and never get off my own land! The guy from ND said, “You know, I had a pickup like that once too,” Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
Dick Johnson’s reply to Gary’s question about this years ND winter:
 
Gary,

It hasn’t been too cold this winter. We did have a few 20-30 below nights etc. but with this much snow it insulated the lakes. Guys say there is also a lot of water on top of the ice and there is a layer of ice over that again. The creeks are all running and have been open all winter. First time in my life that I have seen this. The temps are supposed to drop this weekend but not get real cold. The first of the week we are back to 20 so that’s pretty good for February.

Dick

 
  

02/15/2011

Posted on by
Interesting findings for ND folks
Posted by Glen Williams (52): Missoula, MT
 

A recent study conducted by NDSU found that the average North Dakotan
walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study by the American Medical Association found that North
Dakotans drink on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.

This means, on average, North Dakotans get about 41 miles to the
gallon. Kind of makes you proud to be a North Dakotan!

 
 
 
 
Dale Pritchard (63) & Bob Lykins Crossed paths in Japan:
Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

 

Got a call from Dale Pritchard the other day. We compared notes on where and the dates we were stationed oversseas. He and I crossed paths on occassion as he was stationed at Yokota AB, Japan the same time I was a teacher there and he did TDYs into Rhein Main AB at the same time I was working out of the District Office for the schools located there. We had a nice chat and I hope we can continue with a personal visit in the future. Your blog is doing amazing things.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 

Obituaries

 

Brennan Robert

 

(Died February 2, 2011)

Guest Book| Sign Guest Book| Send Flowers

 
 
 

 

  
 
 

 

 

  

 
     

 

  

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

  

 

Robert “Bob” Brennan, age 59 of Dunseith, died Wednesday at his home. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Wake service will be on Monday starting at 4:00 pm with a scriptual prayer service at 8:00 pm at the Church.

 

Robert Dean Brennan, a son of Ray and Janet (Pilloud) Brennan, was born on September 4, 1951 at Rolla. He was reared at Dunseith and later graduated fromDunseithHigh School. In 1971, he entered the US Army and was stationed atBangkok,Thailand. It was there that he met his heart and soul, Supan Ponsupa, and they were married on September 17, 1973. They then moved back to Dunseith. Bob worked for Hiatt Farms and later worked at the San Haven State Hospital at Dunseith and later TMC in Dunseith. For the past 16 years, he helped Supan with her doggie business until Supan’s passing on December 20, 2010.

 

He was a member of the St. Michael theArchangelCatholic Church in Dunseith, where on January 7, 2010 he and Supan renewed their wedding vows.

 

Bob loved his family and had a passion for his horses. With the faith that Bob had in our Lord, we will all someday ride high again.

 

Bob passes away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at his home.

 

He is survived by his twin daughters, Sheila (Troy) Kubas and Shelby (Kal) Larson all of Minot; sons, Sonny (Holli) Brennan of Bismarck and Shannon (Kristie) Brennan of Minot; grandchildren, Lauren and Madisen Larson, Brennan and Jaxon Kubas and Kaden, Gracyn and Rylee Brennan; brother, Mike Brennan of Dunseith; sister, Velma Millang of Rolette, Patty Groff of Bellingham, WA, Mildred Riemer of Colorado, Dorothy Vandal of Cando, Shirley Brennan of Minot; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Brennan and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Faye Lindquist and brother, Dennis Brennan.

 

Cowboy Bob will be deeply missed by his wonderful friends and family.

 

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

 
 
 
  
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02/14/2011

Posted on by
Happy Valentines day to all.
 
Bernadette said she wants to go to TGI Friday’s, so that is where we will be going for dinner this evening.
 
 
 
 
Art Rude (71) featured in the Bismarck Tribune
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Art, This is amazing. Your dog did well and you too!
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Kayleen Rae Norquay
(October 9, 1986 – February 11, 2011)

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KAYKEEN RAE NORQUAY

Kayleen R. Norquay, age 24 of Dunseith died Friday in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael the Archangel Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the spring at St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will be held on Tuesday beginning at 5:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M.

Kayleen Rae Norquay a daughter of Sylvester Peltier and Veronica Norquay, was born on October 9, 1986 at Rolette.

She is survived by her father Peter St Claire of Dunseith; brother, natural parents Veronica St. Claire and Sylvester Peltier both of Dunseith; sisters, Rozalia Norquay, Kyle Norquay, Karla Norquay, Felishia St. Claire, Jessica St.Claire, and Mirandia St. Claire all of Dunseith; brothers, David (Trina) St. Claire, Michael Beston, Khyl Norquay, Bradley Belgarde, Larry Vivier, Gary Vivier, Sylvester Baker, and Tyrone Peltier all of Dunseith; step-sisters, Arlene (tony) Azure of Dunseith, Rosie (Tom) McCarthy of New Town; step brothers, Darrell L’Esperance and Dan L’Esperance both of Dunseith; extended family Roberta Nadeau of Dunseith.

 
15 year old by sings Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
This kid is absolutely amazing. Brenda Hoffman (68) sent this to me a while back too. Gary
A 15 yr old boy with an unusual voice…discovered singing on a Seattle street. Vince Mira ,15, is a somewhat shy kid who looks uncomfortable during a TV interview, but when he steps up to the microphone to sing Johnny Cash ‘s classic “Ring of Fire,” the result is downright spooky.
He performs this song on the Good Morning America show.


http://www.katu.com/home/video/11944831.html?video=pop&t=a


 
  

02/13/2011

Posted on by
Friends Visiting us from Bremerton, WA.
 
Last night at 10:30 PM, while working on my computer, I kept hearing these voices saying I.O. (hello). These voices kept getting louder and louder the closer they got to our house. We are quite a distance off of the beating path too, with no house number, etc. I thought I better go out and see who these folks were. When I went out this lady says “Hello Gary, do you remember me from Bremerton?”. I said I sure do. She was with her cousin who lives about 15 miles from here. She said , Larry her husband, was up on the road in the car. These folks were good friends of Bernadette’s dad back in Bremerton. It had been so long since we had seen them that they had forgotten our last name. They only remembered our first names and the general area where we lived. They just started asking folks where we lived and were directed to our general area. When they got in the area, this younger kid, whom I did not know, accompanied them to our house. Needless to say, Larry was very shocked when I walked back with them to their car up on the road. He thought they were just looking for a needle in the haystack, but that is the way you find folks in this country. They visited for several hours last night. When they got ready to leave, the power steering was not working on her cousins car, so I took them back to the Marco Polo hotel where they are staying.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Jay Vanorny (66): Dunseith, ND
Dennis Haakenson: Bottineau, ND
Posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Dennis Haakenson’s mother, Mabel, was a Kofoid, first cousin to Neola’s dad, Johnny, and my dad, Bob.
 
Gary
 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary,

These are some old photos I found and I thought I would share them.
The two car photos are the 1955 Chevy Gerald and I had in high
school. We bought the car from Dennis and Myron Zorn. I still dream
of that car from time to time and wish I had it today. The second
photo is of the first house that Brenda and I lived in while we were
students at UND (student housing). The people photo is the Casavant
Family about 10 years ago. The bus would fill up when we got on. The
only one missing is Paul.

Aime

 

 

Aime, Can you send me another picture with a little higher resolution of you family?

 

 

Thanks, Gary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highway thru Japanese building.

 

Posted by Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith: Bottineau, ND

 

 

Gary:
I recieved this from my Idaho uncle. Since Dale & Bob were blogging about the terrible traffic situation in Japan, Wayne & I thought this would be an interesting bit of information.
 
Rosemary & Wayne Smith

 

 

 

 
 
  

02/12/2011

Posted on by
Folks,
 
Today’s Blog is rather short. We have a Fiesta with about 60 Local and 30 EXPAT (Foreign) folks that We/Bernadette is serving dinner to at noon.
 
 
 
Ida Pritchard
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
 

Hi Gary,

 

Ida Pritchard is the lady who lived “kitty corner” from our family in the north end of Bottineau, right (in the 40’s)? It was Ida, Corbin, and, I think, Floyd was the grandson/nephew who lived with them at that time. NICE PEOPLE!!

 

Neola

 

 

 

 

Rail Road Snow plows

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

 

Hi Gary and friends, I have to comment on the Train Video, It’s a Snow plow with two Engines and the Plow Engine, cleaning the tracks for Freight and Passenger Trains. It brought to mind, when the Frisco Railroad, merged with Burlington Northern Railroad. The funny thing was that Frisco Hatchet Officials came to Grand Forks ND. To Cut what they thought was dead weight. I happened to be at the Round House that Morning, as my Office was Located there as well. The Officials, came in asking for a foreman. They caught me in my Office. The Officials had been looking at that rusty looking Snow Plow. They wanted me and my crew to cut it up for scarp: Now remember that these Officials come from the deep South, and Had no Idea what this Snow Plow was. They got more than a little ticked, when I refused to comply with their request. They Threatened me with insubordination for not complying, It didn’t bother me any, My Boss was in Superior Wisconsin. I called the Road Master and had him come out to the shop. Meanwhile I decided to inform them of the Use’s of the plow train. You don’t need that dam plow one said. I couldn’t help laughing at the dam fools. I went back to my office gathered the crew and got ready to go to work, When Jack Hein arrived, the Road Master, We went together to get the point of need to these idiots. Jack took them down town to his office to show some Photos of snow covering Passenger and Freight Trains stalled on the tracks unable to plow through the 6 to 8 foot or more snow on the tracks.
 
The Railroad really started down hill with this merger. the Frisco Railroad had about 2000 miles of track and the Burlington Northern had over 25000 Miles of track. Some how during the merger Frisco Officials’ were given num-
erous high office placements, though it only took us about a year or so to straighten them out. LOL Those were the days
 
 
 
 
Dunseith Alumni Web Site activity: http://garystokes.net/default.aspx
 
Folks,
 
I thought I’d share this months daily activity of our Web site with you. Yesterday we had 111 folks visit our Web Site and they viewed 120 pages. As time passes the average number of folks visiting our Web site increases. My daily email distribution is about 650.
 



Visitors per day for February, 2011
  
 
Date
 visitors Visits 2/1/2011 73 81 2/2/2011 55 64 2/3/2011 80 85 2/4/2011 72 86 2/5/2011 66 79 2/6/2011 56 70 2/7/2011 54 66 2/8/2011 73 83 2/9/2011 57 65 2/10/2011 111 120
 
 
  

02/11/2011

Posted on by
Reply to several personal messages between Gary Stokes and Bob.
From Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA
 

Hi Gary,

I did not know Pastor Grudt, Pastors Duane and Ronning I did know. I knew Pastor Duane better than Pastor Ronning, however. I ran a DVBS program at Little Prairie Church one summer. Both Margaret and Patty Metcalf were part of my class. Also, Medlangs, Dana Henriksen, and others I can’t remember. But that was one exciting summer. It must have been in 1957 or 1958. Margaret was 10 years old then.

 

Glad you’re enjoying the Philippines. We have close Japanese friends who live there, but I think they’re further south. They work with Wycliffe Bible Translators and have been translating the Bible in one of the Indonesian languages (they can no longer get visas to live and work in Indonesia as missionaries).

 

Have a good weekend soon coming. Weather in Puget Sound is blue sky clear and in the mid 40’s and low 50’s just my kind of winter.

 

Bob

Follow up reply from Bob
 
Thanks, Gary. I’m slow to contribute to the blogs. My experience with horses is very limited, but it’s fun to read up on all the fun people were having in those earlier days. Bob

 

 

 

Request from Rosemary (Wayne 61) Smith: Bottineau, ND

 

Will you add Mary (Prouty) Knudson to your mailing list. Her email is

 

She is married to Keith Knudson from Botno. His mother is Beverly Handeland from Dunseith.

 

Thanks

 

Rosemary Smith

Rosemary, It is our pleasure to add Mary and Keith to our distribution list. Gary
 
 
 
School Bus Reply
From Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND
 
I think David Fugere is quite accurate – when it is -40 degrees,
school is two hours late in ND. It was his (dad, grandfather?) and
Johny Hill who owned the Dunseith School Buses. I got a chuckle out
of that one. Thinking of riding those sort of cold buses to school. :)

Aime Casavant

Aime, I remember riding those buses well myself. We had two of the greatest bus drivers ever, Mike Vandal and Stan Salmonson. Mike’s father-in-law, Arnold Zeiler, was a fill in driver too. Those three are the only ones I ever remember diving our bus the 4 years that I rode it. We always watched for them to go north to pick up the Fauske’s so we could be out at the road on their way back. This was all after we had done the morning chores of milking the cows, separating the milk, feeding the calves, slopping the pigs, etc. Dad always feed the cows and cleaned the barn, so we didn’t have to have to do that before going to school. Dad would wheel the manure a hundred or so feet out the back door of the barn. In the spring, he would hire Elwood Fauske, with the County D-8, cat to push that manure pile back into the woods to the north. Gary

 

 

 

 

Reply to Mary Eurich Knutson’s Log school picture #6.

From Mary Anderson Millang (67): Dunseith, ND

 

I have dad’s original copy and it’s in the Centennial Book. The school is the original Witherhalt school. The picture is dated 1910
 
Mary Anderson Millang Class of “67
 
 
 
Pictures
Reply from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Morning Gary,

Boy was I surprised to see Mary M. had identified the picture of the
school kids. Don’t know why, it’s what I wanted.

Now I wonder where that school was.

Just to comment on some of the others. #1 Pete Schneider Jr and Dave
Eurich Sr (1925 or 26). I had gone visiting one evening and they
brought out pictures to look at. I was just surprised. I really never
expected to ever see a picture of Pete. Schneiders were our neighbors on
the praire. I don’t know of ever not knowing them. Pete drove school
bus for years. He even took us to school with horses and sleigh. I can’t
remember what they called the sleigh’s with the built over top. I
remember the front window and the cut out for the lines. It had a wood
heater sitting in the middle of the floor. It wasn’t bolted down and on
one particular trip we hit a hard snow drift and the sleigh felt like it
wrenched when the front runners went ove the drift and Pete hollered for
Stanley to grab the stove. We made it without tipping the stove over.
Again I remember getting pretty cold. I never could take the cold very
well.

 

#2 Grandma – Ida Thompson Pritchard. I’ve only seen two pictures of her.
Her wedding picture and this one. I know she was camera shy and would
disappear when someone showed up with a camera.

#3 Irvin Pritchard – writing on the back says Wm Pritchard’s youngest
brother. I believe he’s making a ski.

The picture of the family – I have no clue but maybe somebody will have
the same picture and be able to identify it yet.

 

Thanks Mary and Thanks
Gary.
Mary
Mary, I remember well, your Grandma Ida living in Bottineau. The Dunseith book says she lived her entire life on the farm. Corbin and all of the Pritchard’s had moved off of the Pritchard place that bordered the Canadian line by the time I was born. I know Lloyd Awalt remembers that place well though. I remember visiting and being at your Grandma Ida’s many times when she lived in Bottineau. I was only about 11 years old when she passed. Gary
 
 
Picture #1 – 1925 or 1926
Pete Schneider Jr and Dave Eurich Sr

 

 

Picture #2

Ida Thompson (William) Pritchard

 

 

Picture #3

Irvin Pritchard
 
 
Picture #4
Unidentified family
 

 
 
 
Arla Hall & Neola Kofoid Garbe
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
 
 
 
Rail Road snow removal at Donnybrook, ND
Posted by Maryls Hiatt (71): marlys.hiatt@sendit.nodak.edu Dunseith, ND
And Bob Lykins (Teacher): bbplykins@aol.com Hutto, TX
 
 

RR CROSSING in North Dakota:

You can see the train, but you can’t see the track!

This was taken at a crossing near Donnybrook, North Dakota,

about 40 miles northwest of Minot on US 52.

Almost makes you want to see it in real life….

 
 
 
  

02/10/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Dunseith, ND
 

Hi Gary, 15 below this morning. Dick is always doing things with cars & tractors looks up and see his dad looking at him wondering what now. Kids will do that Dick I remember my dad was going to get the cows for me so he got on my pony star when I came out of the barn and seen him going I don’t know why but I whistled and she piled him in no time flat I laugh but when I seen the look on his face he never said nothing but if looks could kill I would of been a dead duck. I never done it again. Lloyd
 
 
Reply to Mary Eurich Knutson’s picture #6.
From Mary Anderson Millang (67): Dunseith, ND
 

Picture 6 from the schoolhouse these are the listed people.
Left to Right
Clarance Salmonson, Elmer Bruhjell, Bennie Anderson, Joe Brasseur, Albert Bruhjell, Pete Bruhjell,
2 girls in back Thelma Bruhjell, Hazel Right
Front girls
Margaret Salmonson, Olga Anderson Knox, Beatrice Right, Grace Right, Leah Brasseur, Caroline Anderson
Teacher Bennie Johnson
 
Here’s a horse story
The teacher asked Ollie to make up a sentence using the words “defeat”, “defense” and “detail”.
Ollie scratched his head for a minute, then said. “De feet of de horse went over de fence before de tail.”
 
Mary Anderson Millang Class of “67
Mary, This is wonderful. What school would this be and how in the world were you able to identify all these folks? Clarence Salmonson was born in 1904. He looks to be about 6 years old in this picture, so my guess is that this picture was taken in about 1910. That is 101 years ago. I have cropped this photo for enlargement below. Thank you Mary. Gary
 

 

 

 
L To R: Clarance Salmonson, Elmer Bruhjell, Bennie Anderson, Joe Brasseur,
Albert Bruhjell, Pete Bruhjell

 

 

2 girls in back Thelma Bruhjell, Hazel Right
Front girls: Margaret Salmonson, Olga Anderson Knox, Beatrice Right, Grace Right,
Leah Brasseur, Caroline Anderson
Teacher: Bennie Johnson

 

 

 
 
 
 
Cold is a Relative Thing
Posted by David Fugere: Dunseith, ND
and Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
 
Gary , thought there was a little truth in this

Thanks, David Fugere

David, I do not have your graduating year in my records? Thanks, Gary

Cold is a relative thing
 
 
 
65°
 
Arizonans turn on the heat.
 
People in North Dakota plant gardens.
 
 
 
60°
 
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
 
People in North Dakota sunbathe.
 
 
 
50°
 
Italian & English cars won’t start.
 
People in North Dakota drive with the windows down.
 
 
 
40°
 
Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
 
People in North Dakota throw on a flannel shirt.
 
 
 
35°
 
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
 
People in North Dakota have the last cookout before it gets cold.
 
 
 
20°
 
People in Miami all die.
 
North Dakotans close the windows.
 
 
 
0°
 
Californians fly away to Mexico.
 
People in North Dakota get out their winter coats.
 
 
 
–10° below zero:
 
Hollywood disintegrates.
 
The Girl Scouts in North Dakota are selling cookies door to door.
 
 
 
–20° below zero:
 
Washington DC runs out of hot air. (Ya think? Nah.).
 
People in North Dakota let the dogs sleep indoors.
 
 
 
–30° below zero:
 
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
 
North Dakotans get upset because they can’t start the snowmobile.
 
 
 
-40° below zero:
 
ALL atomic motion stops.
 
People in North Dakota start saying…”Cold enough for ya?”
 
 
 
-50° below zero:
 
Hell freezes over.
 
North Dakota public schools will open 2 hours late.
 
 
  

02/09/2011

Posted on by
Memory of Johnny Hiatt
Reply from Diane Wenstad Wiebe (69): Portage La Prairie, Canada
 

Hi Garry, I bet you are enjoying the warm weather! This maybe most of our thoughts; all of us that live in the “Great White, Snowy areas”!

 

Thanks for the good job of keeping the blog alive and everyone else that is sharing the Memories.

 

Another horse story……..

I was talking with my daughter, Angela, one day. Angela and her husband have a small farm with horses and a few cattle. Angela was talking with the neighbour about the states and that her mother was from Dunseith. The neighbour stated he knew where that was as he remembered that his dad bought some horses from there. He had mentioned the name, Johnny Hiatt. How interesting and small the world is! So there is some other American blood in this country too.

My kids were quite young when my parents passed on but I tried to tell her where Johnny’s place was as we came down the San Hill (as we called it) into Dunseith.

Take care and keep up the great job!

Diane (Wenstad) Wiebe

 

 

 

 

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Kathy Nerpel for the well written story about her horse experiences. Very interesting story! I bet there are quiet readers out there who also are thinking about their own stories from the old days. WRITE them and SEND them!! We all enjoy everyone’s input.

When Kathy wrote that the sky was getting dark and they were still out riding, I remembered another one. At the time I wasn’t riding a horse, I was on a WD 9 International tractor, disking a field a mile from home. It was a hot summer day and I was probably 13 or 14 and wasn’t paying attention to the sky in the west, just beyond the treeline at the edge of the field. You get into kind of a trance from the monotony of making round after round and not seeming to accomplish much with the small equipment we had back then. I noticed that I went from being hot beyond belief to getting chilly with just a T shirt on. Of course my usual pastime was singing to myself and dreaming about—whatever. I finally noticed that I was actually getting cold and snapped out of my trance to suddenly notice that the sky was getting black just over my head and the wall of rain and hail was just about on top of me. I remember my first reaction was near panic. There were no cabs on tractors and I was about to get wet. I jumped off the tractor and pulled the pin on the disk and headed the old tractor out onto the road and put it in high gear and hoped to make it home before—too late–the big hail stones started bouncing off the hood in front of me and soon they were hitting me on the head and they hurt. The old tractor had a fast ‘road gear’ and it went about 20 miles an hour so I was cruising. The rain started coming down in buckets and it was COLD. I was already soaked when I came through the gate into the yard and water was running down my face making it hard to see. The road was getting wet and kind of slick and water was already getting into puddles. That’s when I decided I better slow the tractor down as I was going too fast. I sat down and pushed the clutch and the brake at the same time as I was turning the old beast into the spot where we parked. Just then I hit a hole and it bounced me out of the seat and of course the pedals pushed me back which let the tractor take off again wide open. I dropped into the seat and pushed the pedals again but it was too late. Sitting right in front of me was my dad’s pride and joy, his ‘new’ 600 Case diesel tractor that he just bought to replace the old WD 9. The old tractor slid into the front end of the new one and completely spun it around and steam and water shot out of the old tractor I was on, when the fan went through the radiator. In shock, I shut the old 9 off and looked up at the house to see if Dad heard the wreck. He was standing in the doorway with both hands on the frame. He just looked at me and dropped his head in disbelief. You know I seem to remember that the rain and hail just didn’t seem that bad after all when I saw the look on his face. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Mary Eurich Knutson’s picture #5
Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (68): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary, In answer to the Mary Eurich Knutson pictures- the Joel is probably my brother. He and Dorothy are close to the same age. Actually I believe Joel, born in February is older than Dorothy who was born in August of the same year. We lived a half mile up the road and were back and forth alot. The folks played many games of whist. Please tell me which message those pictures were posted as I completely overlooked that picture. Thanks, LeaRae
 
It is another bitterly cold day in North Dakota. Wind chill watches were issued for most of the state until noon today. However, most of us hardy folks do not vary our routine.
 
 
 
Reply from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary
yep. The little girl is Dorothy and Norman is correct the little Joel is
Joel Parrill. Boy that is a nice horse Lloyd had.
I thought of incident on the school bus one time when I saw that
picture. You know how kids like to brag and like to think what they
have are the best. Will Jimmy Wheeler had a nice little quarter horse he
loved and Clarence Pladson also had a horse he thought a lot of and
they were getting into a pretty heated discussion about what each of
their horses could do. Finally Jimmy says, ” Is your horse a quarter
horse.” Clarence hollers, “H___ no he’s all horse.”
I remember Clarence Pladson well and Jimmy Wheeler too. We lost Clarence when he died in Pederson Lake a mile west of our place up in the hills in 1972. That was such a tragedy for his family and the community. Clarence was nearly 25 when he left us.
 
 
Wrong picture with yesterday’s posting:
Folks, Yesterday’s posting of Picture No. 5 of Mary’s pictures got replaced with another one. Sorry for the confusion. This is the correct one. Gary
 
Mary Eurich Knutson’s Picture #5
Dorothy Eurich, Joel Parrill & Norman Eurich

 
 
 
ND Weather
Reply from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 

Friend of mine from Fargo just sent me this. She lives in California (80 degrees). She’s delicate.

 

I loved the horse story from Kathy. I have one it reminds me of with me and JoAnn Hill (evans), but we got in trouble so I’ll let her tell it…

Trish Wild (Larson 73)

The Equine Nomad
 

Wind.

Snow.

Ice.

Blizzard conditions.

2,000 miles.

30 states.

100 million people.

Worst storm in 50 years.

State of emergency.

Natural disaster.

 

In North Dakota we just call it Wednesday.

 
 
Several Replies to Dick Johnson
From Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): Bellevue, WA
 
Hello Dick,

The photo labeled picture 5 at the end of today’s post is from my Mom, Hannah Higgins Loeb’s collection.

The people I know are:

Looking at the photo, starting on the left:
Frank Higgins – my grandfather.
Hannah Higgins, age 6 (my mother) is in front of Frank.
Next to Frank is Alida Olson Higgins, my grandmother.
Infront of Alida is an unknown teen age girl.
In front of her is Patty Higgins, @ age 3, my aunt and my mother’s younger sister.
Then there are an unknown man and woman in front of her.

I think the photo is from 1927, as there is a date on other photos we have where Hannah appears to be the same age.

I originally thought that the 3 people were my grandmother, Alida’s sister, husband, and daughter. Possibly Mable Olson Haugen, her husband and daughter, Fyrnn. However, my mother’s cousin, Ardis Haalund (daugter of Myrtle Olson Knudson from Trail County area of ND, did not recognize these people as any of the Olson family.
The photo appears to be taken on a farm. My grandfather, Frank Higgins had 3 farms that he homesteaded in North Dakota. The Higgins family lived in Dunseith where Frank had a hardware store. He rented the farms. Following his death in 1937 (?), one was inherited by Frank’s son, Francis Higgins (from his first marriage to Sarah – a Gottbreht – who died shortly after the birth of Francis. She had tuberculosis.) The other two farms passed to Alida. Alida had farmer tenants for as long as she owned them. Eventually, at least one of the renters, the Fugere’s, bought a farm from my Gramma Alida Higgins. These 2 farms may have been combined, but I am not sure.

Thanks for looking at the photo and any ideas would be appreciated.
Karen
Dick,

 

I think the man is Jim Washta for sure, and probably his wife, Leah. I remember my Gramma Higgins visited Mrs Prokosch ( Mrs Washta’s second marriage) in Minneapolis when she visited us during the 4 years we lived in Minneapolis when my dad was in his residency at the U of Minnesota. It looks like the couples were friends. I know Mrs Procasch had a huge cemetery monument of “The Pieta” erected at the Riverside Cemetery south of town where Jim Washta is buried.

 

I will forward later a picture of the 8 sisters if I have trouble deciding which one is to Franks right.

 

 

The woman is most likely one of Alida’s sisters. Maybe Donald Aird (on this mailing list), also a cousin of my mothers, or Ann Sather Latimer (daughter of Selma Olson Sather – one of Alida’s youngest sister – she lives in Minot) will recognize the first woman in the photo as one of the 8 Olson girls!

 

Look forward to identifying the 3 people in the other photo with the Higgins family. The woman seems familiar to me, but I don’t know who they are.

 

Thanks for your help!!

 

Right: Frank Higgins with his Daughter Hannah, age 6, standing in front of him
Next: Alida, Unknown girl in front of Alida & Patty, age 3, standing in Front
Left: Jim & Leah Washta.
 
 
  

02/08/2011

Posted on by
Beautiful Horse Story
From Kathy Nerpel (64), Posted by Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

Gary,

 

Here’s another horse story from my sister Kathy. I did edit it for spelling, grammar, and profanity.

 

Kenny

Kenny, this is such a well written interesting story that Kathy has provided.

 

Thank you Kathy. It is great hearing from you. Gary

 

 

Gather around Buck-a-Roos, here is another horse story.

 

 

 

My brother, Ken and I are the first to admit we didn’t inherit equestrian skills.What we lack in skill, we make up for with stubbornness and at times stupidity.Who with even a lick of sense would get on a horse after getting bucked off more than once?I never met a horse that couldn’t buck me off.Put me on an old crippled horse and that horse would decide to play rodeo.A horse with only two speeds, “slow and slower” would take off and win the Triple Crown.I loved horses, they hated me.

 

 

 

No doubt you have heard the term “horse laugh.”Well, all our horses had a sense of humor.I know they laughed at Ken and me as we tried to become bronc riders.We would put a saddle on a horse and they gave us the ol’ hee-haw, snickered to themselves and said, “Here comes the old ‘ejection seat’.”Ken isn’t the only one that had the privilege of being airborne and seeing the wonders of the horizon above the treetops.

 

 

 

Once when Dad was on Lightning, as usual Lightning was high stepping and acting up.Dad told Mom to put me on Ginger and lead her around next to Lightning to calm him down.Yeah right!Ginger was another knot head horse with a sense of humor.I loved that horse but she hated me.The plan was for me to hang onto Ginger’s mane.Ginger took one look at Lightning and decided to act silly too.She started sidestepping, snorting and threw her head back and hit me smack in the nose – broke my nose and blackened my eyes. Thus ended the lesson for the day.

 

 

 

Another incident with a horse and my nose.Ken and I were playing hockey with sticks and a frozen hunk of manure, commonly called horse turds.(Hey, this was before video games – we made our own entertainment!)Ken wound up, gave a mighty swing, hit that horse turd so hard – wham!Hit my nose with a frozen horse turd.You might say I’m acquainted with both ends of a horse.

 

 

 

The end of the trail almost happened one fall day in 1962.It was a tradition to have one more ride before school started.I would either ride with my cousins Carol Sue Nerpel or Nancy Bedard.This day I didn’t know we were going to go for a ride; therefore, I wasn’t dressed for horseback.I was wearing a summer blouse, pedal pushers (now called Capri pants) and sandals.Nancy said we were just going for a “short ride” so I’d be okay.Phyllis McKay and her wonderful horse Viking and John Awalt on a pony met us at the barn.Nancy and I rode double on her wonderful horse Stormy.We packed some hotdogs and buns and took off headed north.What a beautiful, hot, sunny fall day.Miles went by.Did I mention I was riding with Nancy behind the saddle?Not very comfortable.More miles went by and we were in the “foot hills.”It was getting HOT.More miles go by.We are in brush with thorns and BUGS, BIG BITING BUGS.Finally John had enough and headed back to town.We went on, and on, and on some more.Viking decided to run on a gravel path.Phyllis was an excellent horse person, but Viking wanted to run.He did run. Don’t know what happened but Viking was down.He must have stumbled and fell head first and there went Phyllis, airborne – crash landing for both girl and horse.Phyllis was skinned up, bleeding, crying and worried about her horse – what a girl!Did I mention the hot dogs went flying too?Never did find them.More miles go by – HOT, BUGS, THORNS, THIRSTY, HUNGRY.Wow, guess what?We are at Mineral Springs.Swamp water never tasted so good.Dried up, squished hot dog buns – delicious.Cool dip in mineral swamp water – wonderful.Life doesn’t get much better than that.If any of you have ever ridden a horse around Mineral Springs, you know this isn’t your pleasant prairie terrain.There are hills that would challenge a mountain goat.We had heard stories of bogs and quicksand around Mineral Springs,but never thought much about those “stories.”I now had blisters on my butt and chafed legs to add to my sunburn, thorn scratches, and bug bites.Yes, I’m still behind the saddle.Nancy said for me to put my feet in the stirrups to ease the pain on my legs.Not smart, but felt better.

 

 

 

It was getting late and the wind was starting to blow.As we crest yet another hill, we notice the sky to the north and west getting very black.We better try to get home fast!Who said they knew a short cut???Finally, we do find some open area next to a pasture but there is a fence we need to cross.The ground is wet but we didn’t think much about it.Phyllis got off Viking and was able to pull up a fence post and lay down the fence so we could ride the horses across.Now the wind is really strong and the sky is very black, lightning, thunder, and sprinkles of rain.The horses are acting up, dancing around, laying their ears back, and snorting.Something is really wrong.We thought it was the storm causing the horses to act strange.Phyllis got on Viking.He got part way to the wet ground, stops, and backs up.Phyllis turns him around, gives him a kick, and he jumps across.Now it is Nancy, me and Stormy’s turn.He jumps but not all the way across the mud.He hits in the middle of the wet ground and sinks.Nancy threw herself off and got free.Stormy is now terrified and lunging.Nancy is screaming that he broke his leg.Before all hell broke loose, I was able to get one foot out of the stirrups.One was still in the stirrup and I was under Stormy, stuck in the mud.I said, “Hey girls, forget the dang horse, give me a hand and get me out of this #^&@!# bog.”Phyllis came back and the girls calm Stormy and lead him out.Whatever Stormy sunk into was scary.We were lucky Stormy was able to get out and I was only bruised and covered with mud.We fixed the fence and started home.When Stormy and Viking knew we were headed home, they gave a very fast ride.It started to rain and hail so I got part of the mud washed off.When we got to the barn Nancy’s dad was waiting for us.That is the only time I’ve ever seen Lucien upset.Nancy told him what had happened.Lucien chewed on his cigar for awhile, raised one eyebrow, and said the horses were smarter than us.He didn’t say anymore.Maybe by the looks of us he thought that was punishment enough.

 

 

 

I was visiting with my cousin Carol Sue and I made the comment now that we are experiencing old age I wish we would have had more fun when we were younger.Her reply, “I don’t think we could have lived through more fun.”Happy trails everyone.

 

Kathy

 

 

 

 

Hannah Alida Higgins Loeb’s (39) eulogy and Pictures

 

Posted by Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): Bellevue, WA

 

 

Hi Gary,


When my mom passed away this past October 9th, I put together a slide show from photos we had of her and family in old albums. It was very therapeutic to look at all the old pictures and make the slide show. Apple has great programs that are very user friendly even for those of us who are not very “techie”!
 
Several of the photos had people in them that I could not identify. I sure wish I had looked at the photos and asked Mom about them while she was alive. I sent copies to Susan but she did not identify the people. I also sent them to a couple of Mom’s cousins, but they were not able to identify the people as “family”. I thought they might have been my grandmother, Alida Olson Higgin’s sisters and families.
 
The first photo is of my grandfather Frank Higgins with one arm around Alida (on Frank’s left) and another lady on his right. Then another couple is on their left. I was hoping to identify the couple and the woman with Alida and Frank. The photo is from the 1920’s, I think. Frank passed away in 1937, I believe.
 
The second photo is from the left: Frank Higgins, Hannah Higgins in front, Alida, Patricia Higgins, then unknown teenage girl, unknown man and unknown woman. I thought these 3 were Alida’s sister, Mable and her husband and daughter, but Mom’s cousin Ardis did not recognize them. This photo is from 1927. My mom was 6 years old.
 
Thanks to anyone who might have an idea of the identity of people in the pictures.
 
Also attached is the obit we wrote for Mother for her funeral mass. Our plan is to return Mom’s ashes to North Dakota this summer when we are visiting for a family wedding in northern Minnesota. My Dad is buried in St. Cloud, Minnesota. I am trying to figure out about moving him to ND as well, as that is where “they began our family”. Not sure how this will all work out!
 
It is great to see all the old pictures and read the stories from so many of our Dunseith folks. You are providing a wonderful service for all of us with North Dakota ties!
 
Karen Loeb Mhyre

 

 

Follow up reply from Karen,

 

Hi Gary,

Karen Loeb Mhyre


I have had trouble with internet but it is now working. Here is a copy of what we wrote for Mom’s funeral mass.


Also, I looked at the photos again and I am surprised that the woman with Frank and Alida is not one of her sisters, as she looks a lot like Alida. Hope some of our Dunseith readers can identify the folks in the photos. Thanks,

 




Hannah Alida Higgins Loeb

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Saturday, October 9, 2010, at age 89. The daughter of Frank and Alida Higgins, Hannah was born in Bottineau, North Dakota on March 23, 1921. A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Fargo, ND, class of 1939, she went on to St. John’s School of Nursing where she earned her RN and went to work for the Army Air Core in the Grand Forks during WWII. In 1947, she married Dr. George Lorenz Loeb and together they worked at San Haven, a tuberculosis sanatorium – Hannah acting as anesthesia nurse for George as they performed surgery on TB patients. Eventually, Dr. Loeb introduced sulfa drugs to their patients, which worked to cure them, and enabled the state to close the sanatorium to TB patients in 1958.

Together, they had five children; Karen Christa Loeb Mhyre (James) of Bellevue, WA, Robert Frances Loeb of Colorado, Marianne Helen Loeb of Bothell, WA, Thomas Frederick Loeb (Brigitte) Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and Jane Connelly Loeb of Bothell, WA. Hannah was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1975.

In 1958, the family moved to Minneapolis where Dr Loeb retrained at the University of Minnesota in the specialty of radiology. The family lived in Seattle, WA for several years following Dr Loeb’s residency, and then settled in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he practiced at the St Cloud Hospital Radiology department until his death. Hannah remained active in the Woman’s Medical Auxiliary, co-chairing the blood-mobile drive annually for many years. An active supporter and participant in the arts community throughout her life, Hannah was also a member of the Catholic Daughter’s of America, the St. Stephen’s Mission Society, the Wildlife Federation, PETA, Sierra Club, and the National Democratic Party.

In 1998, at age 77, she moved to Bothell, WA where she lived with her daughters, Jane and Mari. She traveled extensively with her third daughter, Karen, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Australia (for son Thomas’s wedding), and even back to Dunseith, ND for a reunion of Dunseith schools where she was was honored as one of the “oldest” former students attending the reunion, a member of the class of 1939. She rode in the parade celebrating all the classes of the Dunseith school. She rode atop a 100 year old carriage drawn by 2 beautiful horses. She loved waving to the crowd and tossing candy to the Dunseith children watching the parade. This continued to be one of her favorite memories about her visit to the reunion.

An avid reader, political aficionado, scrabble player and supporter of human and animal rights, she will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her five children, seven grandchildren, four great – grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass was celebrated in her name at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Bothell, WA on October 16th, 2010.

 

 

 

This is my grandfather Frank Higgins,Hannah (Mom @ age 6, Alida, unknown girl, Patty (@ age 3) & unknown man & woman.
Karen
 
Right: Frank Higgins with his Daughter Hannah, age 6, standing in front of him
Next: Alida, Unknown girl in front of Alida & Patty, age 3, standing in Front
Left: Unknown Man & Woman.

 

 

Mabel, Frank, Alida Higgins, & unknown couple ? Date

 

 
 
 
Reply to Mary Eurich Knutson’s Pictures
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

I think the little girl in picture 5 is one of the Eurich girls. My guess is Mary, but at that age they could look a lot alike. It could also be some of the Pritchard kids, who are cousins of the Eurichs. Same genetics, same features. The other pictures are a bit older than me yet, but I’m catching up. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, Picture 5 is labeled “Dorothy & Joel & Norman”. Dorothy and Norman Eurich we know are Mary’s siblings. Mary, who is Joel?
Picture 5
Dorothy & Joel & Norman

 
 
  

02/07/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to the Bobby Brennan family:
From Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA
 

Hi Gary,
 
I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the Bobby Brennan family.
 
 
To Tim Martinson, I really enjoyed the link to your daughter’s wedding. What a great idea.
 
Rhonda Hiatt “75”
 
 
 
 
Email address change
From Donna Dubois Thomas (72): Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary,
 
I have a new e-mail address. Would you add me as I am not getting current alerts.
 
Thanks,
Donna DuBois-Thomas (Class of ’72)
 
 
 
 
Tim Martinson’s daughter’s wedding
Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT
 
Reply to Tim Martinson: Congratulations on your daughters wedding and thanks for sharing it with all of us. It was absolutley beautiful, you can make anything happen with wonderful family and friends. Wish them all the best !!
 
Sharon Longie Dana (73)
 
 
 
 
Tim Martinson’s daughter’s wedding
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bismarck, ND
 
Hi Gary,
 
I just visited the Anchorage wedding site Tim Martinson provided. What fun! Please tell your readers if they haven’t visited the site, they should. This was an amazing wedding. It was interesting how relatives/neighbors/so many people came together to ensure this was a memorable wedding. Be sure to watch the video–to the end (past the fireworks).
 
Neola
Question for Tim Martinson: How did you end up in Alaska? Was it Job related or just an adventure?
 
This is the link again, for Tim’s daughter’s wedding, for those of you that missed it
 

 
Reply from from Sharon Peterson Harmsen (63): Bismarck, ND
 
HI Gary,
 
I continue to enjoy my daily dose of Dunseith news. Isn’t it really amazing how many wonderful stories have come out since you started publishing the daily blog……… I continue to be surprised at the ability of so many people to dig way back in the recesses of their mind and come up with these fascinating stories that I’d long ago forgotten. Makes my day.
 
Anyway, my husband and I just got back from Arizona and while down there were able to access our ND email address. However, in doing so, somehow emails # 1080, 1081, 1082 and 1083 were lost or somehow deleted. Can I ask that you forward those to me at your convenience. I like to share them with my mom, Joy Peterson, as she looks forward to reading them also.
 
MUCH snow in ND right now and wind is blowing it around today again.
 
Thanks for your help. Keep up the effort.
 
Sharon Peterson Harmsen
Bismarck, ND
 
 
 
 
Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
 

Its sure nice to hear from Meryle Hoopman. I babysat her when she was a baby, and liked her entire family very much. Just had to comment on the Kick McKay horse. Patsy would ride this magnificent palomino over to my house. He was huge, and just beautiful, named Viking. I recall trying to ride him a time or two, must have been suicidal to even try. He was a lot more horse than I could handle. Patsy did well with him however. Wondered if that was the horse Kick took to the mountains to ride. Sharon Zorn Gerdes.

 

 

 

 

Lots of snow in Bottineau

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70):

 

Yes Gary,
Snow, snow every where! Here in Bottineau there are many streets
quite narrow. The city crews are busy every day hauling snow away,
one street at a time. So many more to go.

Yesterday afternoon,I heard the thundering sound of snow rumbling
down my metal north roof. The boys quit frightened barked and danced
in circles while Sven squawked in fright! We were all relieved when
it was over, the roof hadn’t caved in!

When I went to the back door I found my car parked in the driveway,
buried in the heavy, wet snow that slid off the garage. Every farm
girl keeps a grain shovel. (Used more than silver) And, as I “grain”
shoveled, tunneling my car out, I found it wiser for my back to take
tiny scoops. The hood of my car was indented from the heavy, wet
snow, but, “Plucks” popped right back into shape as the snow was
scooped away.

I am so glad it was my car that was buried not me or the boys. Any
of us would have been flattened from the sheer force and weight! I
looked across the street where their son -in -law was moving snow
away at Wes and Ovidia’s, and Mr. Mortenson shoveling off the
addition to his house. Everyone inthe neighborhood took advantage of
the +30s to work.

Other neighbors called to ask if I was alright, I just responded,
Yep! Now, I don’t have to crawl up on the rooftop to move snow!
Later, at Buie’s insistence, we called upon the Schnieder’s. Wes
continues his slow recovery from a fractured wrist. Wes, who for all
the ski-ing ,riding horse, and hard physical work he has done in his
life finds it hard to slow down when there is snow to be moved and
kindling to be chopped.

A “bob cat” just came and moved the snow tunnel off my driveway.
Blessed with good health, I shan’t complain. Yep, I’m wintering well.
Vickie

 

 

 

Gary Stokes’ Confirmation Picture 50 years ago. My how we have changed.

 

Folks, After about a year searching and asking my former Confirmation class members if they still had their copies of our Confirmation picture, Betty Hanson Tratebas found her copy. She asked Neola to scan a copy and send it to me. I think we were confirmed in 1961. There is lots of Norwegian blood in this photo. I know many of you know some of the folks in this photo. Joanne Smith Fuchs was with us the first year too, until they moved to a farm west of Dunseith.

 

Pastor Richard Grudt lives in the Seattle area

Jerry Larson lives in Dickinson. He is a retired County Agent.

Howard Olson, Brother to Dwight in Bottineau, lives in Minot.

Kenny Pederson lives in Michigan, ND with a 2nd place, his homestead, west of Lake Metigoshe.

Dick Roland lives in Crosby, ND

Betty Hanson Tratebas lives in Bottineau and works at Good Sam.

Rochelle Lovaason I have not made contact with yet.
 
 
 
 
From Alan Poitra (76): sporttrac_6@msn.com Bloomington, MN
 
Hi Gary, I thought time for another joke…enjoy!

Childbirth

at 65

 

With all the new technology regarding fertility
recently, a 65-year-old friend of mine was able to give birth.

When she was discharged from the hospital and went

home, I went to visit.

‘May I see the new baby?’ I asked

‘Not yet,’ She said ‘I’ll make coffee and we can visit for a while first.’

Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, ‘May I see the new baby now?’

‘No, not yet,’ She said.

After another few minutes had elapsed,I asked again, ‘May I see the baby now?’

‘No, not yet,’ replied my friend.

Growing very impatient, I asked, ‘Well, when can I see the baby?’

‘WHEN HE CRIES!’ she told me.

‘WHEN HE CRIES?’ I demanded. ‘Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?’

‘BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, O.K.?!!!!

 

 


Later,
Mr. Poitra

  

02/06/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to the Bobby Brennan Family from the Hoopman family:
Message from Meryle Vinje Hoopman (74): Prescott, WI
 
I am sorry to hear about Bobby Brennan, my whole family sends their condolences to the Brennan family. I understand the pain and sorrow you are going through and our prayers are with you. The Hoopman family
 
 
 
 
Web Link to Tim Martinson’s daughters unique wedding
From Tim Martinson (69): Anchorage, AK
 

Hi Gary,


My youngest was married recently and I have attached a link to the article about it. I thought you may get a kick out of it. I sure had a good time .

 

Take Care,

 

Tim


Folks, Enjoy this very special occasion in such a unique setting.
Tim, This is so special and very different. Thank you for sharing.
 
 
 
 
A who Question with a horse west of Lake Metigoshe:
Question from Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind
 

I don’t have a horse story per se, but when I was young I had so much fun when Kick McKay took us horse back riding. Later on in life, I loved riding through the Turtle Mountains on a horse with Terry – ?? – I can’t remember his last name – his family lived just west of Lake Metigoshe. What beautiful country to ride through – Kay Hosmer (‘77)

Folks, I’ll bet you guys can figure out who this guy Terry is. If he is close to Kay’s age, I’m assuming he’s be about 50.
 
 
 
Connie Fauske is visiting Jerome (58) and Donna LaCroix (64) Allard in FL.
Message from Connie Fauske Monte (62): Santa Barbara, CA
 
“We are currently in Cape Coral, FL. Just got here on Thursday, it is so humid, not at all like the west coast. Donna and Jerome Allard say we will get used to it. The past couple days have been humid in the morning but the breezes come in and blow the humidity out. We will be here for 6 weeks to 2 months or until it is more pleasant in Kentucky.”
Connie, Donna is right. You will get used to the humidity. You and Bob enjoy your time with Donna and Jerome while you are there.
 

 

 

 

SKI-Joring and Wes Schnieder

Posted by Vicking Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

Gary and friends,

SKI-JORING and Wes

 

Upon my inquiry about ski-joring. Wes did. Wes called any time he put on a pair of skis as skiing. Most of his skis were homemade. Upon further visiting, I learned; Wes cross country skied without ski poles. He with his brother Warren, frequently down hill skied without ski poles, often making jumps coming down off the foot hills around the Scheinder farm. Wes also skied behind horses and behind his brother Warren’s motor cycle. SKI-JORING.


According to Wes, ski-joring behind a horse was hard exercise. Ski-joring behind his laughing brother, Warren, driving the motorcycle hitting the gravel edges, proved to be the bigger challenge. One day, as Warren sped along faster and faster and faster, Wes decided it would probably be safer to swing over the gravel ridge beyond the ditch into the field where there were heavy snow banks. He just made it over the gravel ridge and ditch, but, the front of the skis embedded into the tangled clover growing under the snow. Wes let go of the rope and found himself head first in the cold wet snow. Crawling out he walked the rest of the way home.


Another time, in the hills by Ackworth, Wes was ski-ing by Norman Hiatts, where he stopped to visit. They discussed the deer in a field by a haystack. Over the course of the conversation, Wes said to Norman, “Would you like me to rope a deer for you?” Norman doubted Wes could ever rope deer. Off went Wes ski-ing with a rope in hand. He roped a deer (I’m not telling you Wes’s secret of how, as it is different than roping cattle) Wes came back on skis, leading a roped deer back to the Hiatt door. Norman came out and said in surprise, “Wes wait here until I get my camera and take a picture!” He went back in the house to get the camera. With the rope slack, the deer gave a mighty leap and away he went into the woods with the rope, leaving Wes behind. Perhaps the deer was camera shy?


We in this corner of Bottineau are wintering well. Vickie

Vickie, I talked to my brother Bud today in Bottineau. He said you guys have quite a bit of snow this winter. More than you have had for a number of years. He said some of the streets are quite narrow with the high snow build up from being plowed. Gary

 

 

 

More Crystal Cafe memories

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

Just a couple more short Crystal Cafe stories. I remember in the 50s and 60s how the kids hung out at the Crystal on Saturday nights while their folks shopped at the stores and socialized. The thing I will always remember is the definite difference in the choices of music that the kids from the country had from the town kids. Just inside the door of the Crystal and to the right sat the jukebox. Saturday nights it was seldom not going full bore. I remember the town kids liked the rock and roll doo-wop songs but if one of the country kids, especially the ones from the hills, went over to the nickelodeon you were going to hear Kitty Wells or Sonny James or better yet, Johnny Horton doing ‘North to Alaska’. It kind of became a Saturday night battle of the bands, so to speak. A lot of nickels went down the slot on Saturdays.

One funny story Mom came home and told us was when she went over to the Crystal from the bank for her noon lunch one day. Helen Watkins Nelson came over from Hosmers and sat with her. She said Helen got up and went into the little restroom toward the back of the cafe and when she came back to the booth she was carrying the roll of toilet paper. Mom said she pointed to it and Helen shook her head and headed back to the restroom and came back with her purse. She said, “I knew I was carrying something when I went in there.” They both had a good laugh. Helen was a sweetheart! Thanks Gary!

 
 
 
 
Frozen Fingers Festival
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Everyone,

 

It’s time for the Frozen Fingers Festival again. :)

 

Local groups are “Highway 43” and “Just Us”.

 

“Highway 3”: Dick and Brenda Johnson (rural Dunseith–near Highway 43, or as I call it, “The Peace Garden Road”) and Ron Hett, former owner of Roba’s in Bottineau.

 

“Just Us”: David Mettler, Tina Bullinger, Don Boardman

If you are as old as I am (or older), you probably remember Oscar/Sanna Wekseth Vikan. David is their grandson. Dave’s mother, Evelyn, is Oscar/Sanna’s daughter. I’ve mentioned several times that my dad worked for Oscar in the early 40’s. Oscar sold the shop to Arnold Haugerud.

Tina Pladson Bullinger is married to John Bullinger, son of Marvin/Marjorie Johnson Bullinger. John is the younger brother of “The Twins”: Garry and Larry

The third member of the trio is Don Boardman. I remember the Boardman name as, when we drove to Dunseith, we drove past “The Boardman Place”. We knew we were almost to Dunseith then. Don/his wife, Irene, live in Bottineau.

 

I hope to see some of you at Frozen Fingers. From 1:00 p.m. until closing, I’ll be at the registration desk. Please say “hi” and tell me who you are (Gary’s readers). :)

 

Neola

 

 

Mystery photo solved
Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

Dick got it right. It’s me on my pony Star. Dick the date is wrong we moved in the spring of 41 so picture taken in 41. They were still working on the house as you can see the mess in the yard I never thought of you getting it, but you recognizing the area had to have a good idea.

 

Lloyd.

Lloyd Awalt on his horse Star – 1941
 
 
 
Mystery Pictures:
From Mary Eruich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Folks,
 
How many of these folks can you guys identify in these 6 pictures? I think I know several already.
 
Gary
 
 
Picture 1.

 

 

 

 

Picture 2.

 

 

 
 
Picture 3.

 

 

 

 

 
Picture 4.

 

 

 

 

Picture 5.

 

 

 
Picture 6.

 

 

 
 
  

02/05/2011

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

Died February 2, 2011
 

Robert “Bob” Brennan, age 59 of Dunseith, died Wednesday at his home. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Wake service will be on Monday starting at 4:00 pm with a scriptual prayer service at 8:00 pm at the Church. (Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

 
 
Condolences to Bobby Brennans family
Reply to Peggy Wurgler’s pictures
From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
 

Hi all…..

 

 

 

I share in Marlys’ sadness over the news of Bobby Brennan’s death. He was a friend and a classmate. He always had a big hello AND a story to tell. My thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family…..

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing those photos, Peggy! I don’t remember the one with the bubble – guess that’s just one of my many hidden talents…… The one of you and Art is SO cute – it looks like a photo from an ‘old’ calendar (sorry for the old reference!!!)……

 

Paula Fassett

 

 

 

 

 
Gracie (Art) Rude
Horse Story
John and Hazel Hiatt
From Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND
 

I haven’t written in a while, so I thought I would ramble on a couple of different subjects.

My son, Jason, does snow removal in the Bismarck area and he went and cleaned a driveway and corral for a lady, He calls me and tells what he done and went on about how nice and totally awesome this lady was. As we talked and he kept on about this great lady, he asked me if I knew her, as it was Gracie Rude(Art’s wife)

Of course I said yes and told him that she was a very good customer of mine when I had the Western Store. Small world and one never knows who you might run into.

 

I could tell hundreds of horse stories, some from personnel experience and many from stories I had heard from Dad and Granddad

When we lived in Dunseith, north end of town, Myron Evans had a hay field right across the street to the north. Well my Dad had been out on the road buying horses and he came home with a black and white 13 hand pony that he had bought for me. I am guessing that I was around 10, but anyway there was no way that my Mother was going to let me get on this new horse without her first trying him out. So Mom bailed on Spraky(already named him) kicked him in the ribs and she headed out across the field like she had come out of the starting gates and the Kentucky Derby. of course back then the woman wore dresses and Moms blew up over her face and she couldn’t see, she was hollering, Joyce Evans was standing on their steps hollering at my Dad to stop that *%$&&%^* horse, well old Sparky circled around the haystack at the north east end of the field and headed back to the trailer on a dead run. He came sliding to a stop my Mom got off and never again did she decide to make sure a new horse was safe for her little boy Roddy again.

 

Last of all, Vickie made the comment that Granddad and Hazel were like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, well being a grandson I feel that its ok for me to say, that my Granddad was a very knowledgeable man in the horse business and well respected with anything to do with livestock, but he would have never been wearing a white hat like Roy and the rest of the good guys, Anyone that dealt with Granddad better had made sure that their pencil was sharp or they were going to come out on the bottom end of the deal. And for Hazel, us kids thought the world of her and she treated us just great, but I think I could probably see more Calamity Jane in her than I ever could see Dale Evans.

 

 

Reply to Peggy Wurgler’s pictures

From Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND

 

Great pictures Peggy – I was also a classmate of yours and remember the
7th and 8th grade well, especially those socks all the girls wore. In
2001 I returned to DHS as the school social worker. There are quite a few
alumni working here now.

Marlys Hiatt

 
 
Crystal Cafe memories
From Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59): Tukwila, WA
 

Goodmorning I too worked at the crystal , I started out washing early on then onto
waiting tables until I went away to school. I remember Father Woolf very well my mother

Madeline LaRocque she also worked her way up to cooking for years she worked there. I remember Saturday nights the Canadians would come down to go to the bars as the women could’nt go into the bars in Canada, so we were really busy.

 

 

 

Reply to the mystery photo posted yesterday

From Dick Johnson (68):

 

Gary and Friends,

I couldn’t really put 2 and 2 together on the horse and rider until I recognized the back of the store buildings behind him. It’s Hosmers and across to the right is the top of the Dakota Hotel. That means it was taken on the south side of John Awalt’s new house on the east side of town so my guess is Lloyd or Marshall Awalt. One question though. Lloyd said his dad built the house in ’41 so are you sure the picture was in ’38? Now if the guy BROUGHT the picture in to Karen at the Spectrum, it’s got to be Lloyd. Texaco hat, sleeves rolled up, pants rolled up, it’s Lloyd! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

 

 
 
 
   
All rights reserved

02/04/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to Bobby Brennan’s Family
From Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND
 
I am so sad and sorry to hear that Bobby Brennan passed away. He
graduated a year ahead of me in high school and was always one of my
favorite people. I still have a very funny memory that to this day I can
clearly see in my mind that symbolizes all the fun we had. I wish I could
share it but it would be hard to put into words. I have forgotten a lot
of the story but the picture will always make me smile. The next laughs
Bobby and I will share will be on the other side.

Today my thoughts and prayers are with Bobby’s family and friends,
especially his children and grandchildren.

Marlys Hiatt

 
 

 

Condolences to Bob Brennan’s Family

From Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

First I would like to send my condolences to the extended Brennan family on the loss of Bob Brennan. It sure has been a rough time for the family with the loss of Supan and now Bob. I know the entire community supports the family at this sad time.

Those who said the picture was taken in the Crystal were right. I think the lady at the till is Bertha Vanorny, Jay’s grandmother. She was a fixture in the Crystal for years. I remember how she and Bertha Myer and Father Wolfe used to play cards at one of the center tables. They would sometimes move the game to the rear room if the place was busy. Dick Bercier from Rugby also was a frequent player. He was the highway patrolman. Even as a kid, I kind of wondered how the Priest and the Highway Patrolman dared to sit in plain view and play cards for cash?? Only in old Dunseith. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Lee Stickland (64) had a heart Attack on New Years day.
From Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, Nd
 
Leland Stickland, Yes this is appropriate to publish. Why did you wait so long to tell us. Heart Attacks are serious, not Passé. We are so hoping all is OK now. Please keep us posted. Gary
Gary and Bernadette,

Great today, melting, 30s. Travel advisory for tonight as roads will be
“slippy”.

We have had a lot of snow. In fact; we got 7 inches the past week end. City does not have enough $$$ or equipment to keep up.

Today’s paper showed that $87 million will be provided to city on need of the state to help fund exceptional need for snow removal.

Thanks for being so faithful in YOUR maintenance of the BLOG.

Gary, the following is only for publication if YOU think it appropriate I hesitate to mention it, heart attacks are nearly passe’ these days. I had a heart attack on New Year’s day. Well, really I had it on the 30th while sitting in a chair and petting a cat. It felt terrible, I figured it was gastrointestinal reflux.
Pain went away in 20 ” and I went about my business. Next morn it was -24 degree wind chill and when I walked out into it, two mules kicked me and I than knew that I needed help. I have a great friend, an ER Dr whom I have known since we were kids. He is Sheldon Swenson, born and raised in Rocklake. ND.
Sheldon lives about 6 blocks from me and was here soon. Enzymes were quite elevated, indicating muscle damage in the heart. So.. 90 mph ride to Bismarck. ( I once drove the ambulance or cared for the passenger in the back). The cardiologist said degree of cardio-damage was <5%.
All relevant staff for angiogram knew I was coming to St A’s, all info including the EKGs had been sent electronically so all was ready. I was able to watch the whole procedure on TV and converse with the DR and the staff re what I was able to see.
4 days in the hosp and conflicts so I feel great, at least like a M$.
SWAY IT GOES WHEN THE WIND BLOWS LEE

 
 
 
Mystery horse rider
From Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary – the gentleman on the horse brought this in. I am allowed to tell
you that the horses name is Star, It was taken in 1938. Personally I
don’t think he looks a lot different now ( the gentleman – not the
horse.) : ) Karen Larson
Karen, I don’t have any idea who this may be. He looks to be about 12 years old, so he would have been born in about 1926, give or take a year or two each way. This looks like the out skirts of Dunseith too?

Folks, Any idea who may this mystery guy may be?

 
 
 
Art Rude’s Song Title correction
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Hi to both of you.
 
I was so excited when I sent the email about Art’s song, I sent the wrong title. :( It should be, I think, “Forty Below Keeps the Riff-Raff Out”. As soon as I read your newsletter, Gary, I realized my error. Sorry about the error. That one word changes the meaning entirely!
 
Neola
 
 
 
Floyd Pritchard (59) Memories
From sister (cousin) Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
Hi Gary
Just thought I’d tell a little story on Floyd Pritchard. When we were
very young he always wanted to work at “getting toughened up” and we
girls were supposed to help him. He’d loosen his shirt so it hung over
the top of his jeans and then tighten his gut and have up punch him in
the belly as hard as we could. Every so often he’d forget to tell us he
had a big buckle on his belt and when we hit we’d punch that buckle. It
didn’t feel good. He’d think that was so funny and laugh and laugh. Then
he’d wait quite awhile again till he figured we’d forgotten about the
buckle and pull the same thing over again. Just one of the incidents
that comes back when I read all the stories on the blog. Take care.
Mary
 
 
 
Crystal Cafe Memories
Reply from Yvonne Casavant Marchand (#3 of the 16 Casavant children): Bismarck, ND

Gary, Yes I,m sure that is Bertha Meyers in the picture
I have many good memories of the Crystal Cafe, thats where I met my late husband Francis Marchand .
My sister Lorette Aamodt [Casavant] and I both worked there ,Rosie and Dan as our boss.
Being farm girls it was a learning experience.
I will never forget waiting on Joe Morrinville he ordered a raw hamburger I thought he had to mean rare so that what I brought him , He looked at me and said ,I said raw (needless to say from then on it was raw)
Thanks to Bertha M Rosie M, Stella S ,Mary G ,and Charolette B for teaching me how important it was being to work on time,
was young and foolish then I,m always on time now
Yvonne Marchand
Yvonne, It is wonderful hearing from you! I know that many of your siblings are living in the Bismarck area too. Gary
 

Crystal Cafe Memories

Reply from Susan Brew Roussin (59) Rolla, ND
 

We have good memories of the Crystal Cafe. Our grandmother, Kathryn (Kate) Demo cooked there for quiet a while, she also cooked at the bowling alley cafe at times. Besides helping raise Lorna (Brew) Abbey and me (when Mom was sick) Grandma also worked at San Haven for years as a nurse’s aide. She also sold Avon. Glad to be part of the alum of DHS. Take care. Enjoy life. Seen a memo at Senior Meals yesterday that said “Life is too short to fold your underwear” How true….
 
 

Crystal Cafe Memories

Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
 
Gary, I also have to say that photo is the Crystal cafe. I worked for Rosie and loved it until they found out I was under the legal age to work there. Then they made me quit. But I never forgot the nights when there was a dance in town. After the dance the Crystal would be standing room only, extremely crowded, and man did we sell hamburgers. I think they made excellent hamburgers and malts. And I don’t recall who made the pies, but they sold a lot of pie and coffee as well. I loved the Jukebox and Rosie let us take nickels from the cafe to keep the music going. Good times! Sharon Gerdes.
 
 
 
Crystal Cafe Memories
Reply from Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Paula wants to hear a bunch of Crystal stories. Here are a couple. One time Dad and I were sitting at the counter and a guy came through the front door. The old heavy wood and glass door was at least 3 feet wide, or more, and this guy had to turn slightly to get through the door. Up until that time (around ’60) he was the most obese man I had ever seen. He was well dressed in western attire and was wearing a western belt with a big silver buckle with what appeared to be a large ruby on it. As he walked toward us I whispered to Dad, “Where could you find a belt that big?” He walked past us and Dad tapped me and pointed at the guy’s back. There was another identical buckle in the back! He was wearing two belts, end to end. First and last time I ever saw that! I don’t have a clue who he was or where he came from but I remember the belt.

Dwight mentioned staying with Jim McCoy upstairs at the Crystal. One thing I remember was that Jim McCoy used to open the window upstairs over the sidewalk and then squirt water from a squirt gun on drunks that came out of the bar next door. They would stand out there on the sidewalk and look all over the place trying to figure out what it was and where it came from. I was pretty young and was sitting in a car on a Saturday night and laughing hysterically at the poor drunks and their antics. I saw what Jim was doing so I knew what was coming, but they didn’t! OK, someone else has to know a Crystal story or two.Thanks Gary!

Dick
 
 
Experiences living in Japan
Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Reply to Dale Pritchard. Oh-my-gosh, Dale, I lived at Tachikawa from August, 1974 until July, 1979. I taught at Yokota High School SY 74-75 and then was promoted into the DoDDS-Pacific Office as the Pacific Curriculum Specialist for Social Studies. My office was in the Tachikawa AB old Headquarters Building. This means our paths no doubt crossed a number of times during your 2nd tour. We lived in American Village near Tachi AB at first and then I bought a “lot house” on base. Lot houses were an interesting concept at that time. They were built by private contractors and managed by base housing. One would purchase the house and then receive housing allowance for the utilities and 10% of the purchase price of the house. I paid $475.00 for a 3 bedroom, kitchen/dining room, living room, one bathroom with an enclosed addition on the back. Unlike living in base quarters we could do anything with the house. If one made improvements/repairs you saved the receipts for the materials, turned them in to the Base Housing Office and whatever you spent was added on to the value of the house. I didn’t live there for very long. When I was promoted into the school’s central office my GS grade was equal to a Lt. Col. which qualified me for base housing which was far better than what we had. The American Village house, which was on private land and managed by a rental company, would not pass the most lenient housing code in an American ghetto. When the wind blew the curtains stood straight out. The house was heated with a kerosene space heater that was fed along a line leading from a 55 gallon drum propped outside. We bolted fans to the ceiling to push warm air down a hallway to the back rooms. In the winter the kids ate their breakfast on the stove oven door while my wife kept the oven running. The houses were traditionally old Japanese and the baths were very Japanese. We had to heat the bathrooms with space heaters before bathing. The lot houses were a step up but not by much. In addition, if the base closed and you were in a lot house, you were responsible for destroying that house and returning the property to it’s “original state.” Since Tachi AB was slated to close soon, I got out of that house as soon as I could selling it to an AF doctor for $450.00. Moving into base housing was a like moving to Beverly Hills. Unfortunately our teachers, on many bases, such as in Korea and Japan, are still required to live off base. In a number of places like Germany, that’s not so bad but in others it can be a trial. Still many prefer living off base to escape the military hassle. Me, I liked my creature comforts and the convience of living on base. It’s too bad, Dale, that we did not meet there. I would have been able to continue your education by introducing you to some of the aspects of Japanese life that most foreigners did not have a chance to see and then some. You were right about the trip to Atsugi. It was much longer than a couple of hours from Yokota and it didn’t matter what day of the week. Travel was something else. I remember the kids who lived at Tachi AB leaving school at Yokota AB on their bikes the same time I did in my car and they would beat me home most days by 10-15 minutes. The distance between the two bases was only about 3 miles. Ah, the old days.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 
Old Pictures
From Peggy Wurgler Axtman (71): Kent, WA
 

Gary,
 
 

Looking back through my photo albums recently, I pulled a couple pictures of my classmates taken on my last day of school in Dunseith. We were 7th graders and the year was 1966, I would guess.

Unfortunately, one of the images is double-exposed and the other one is only half-exposed. I may have to blame my camera and not my camera skills that day! Pictured is Paula Fassett, Stephanie Evans & Cheryl Haagenson. And, also Reid Schmitz is on the next one but Stephanie has disappeared. Paula wins for blowing the biggest bubble!!

 
Also, attaching an old snapshot of Art Rude, Jr. and me sharing what must have been a milkshake or root beer float at the Texaco station one evening. We were 5 or 6 years old at the time. HA!
 
I enjoyed looking at these and thought it would be fun to share them with my classmates and everyone else.
 
Thank you, Gary.
 
from
Peggy (Wurgler) Axtman
Kent, WA
 
Peggy Wurgler & Art Rude

 

 

 

Paula Fassett, Stephanie Evans & Cheryl Haagenson

 

 

 

Cheryl Haagenson, Paula Fassett & Reid Schmitz

 
  

02/03/2011

Posted on by
Bob Brennan (71) Passed away this morning – Feb. 2, 2011
 
Message from Diane Millang Volk (77): Sherwood, ND

With a very sad heart I have to report the passing of my uncle Bob Brennan this morning.

Diane, We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember Bobbie well from my childhood days. He used to ride our bus along with you kids. He was such a nice guy. Our condolences are with you and your family and especially with your mother Velma. Gary

 

 

 

Mark LaCroix Picture posted yesterday

Reply from Mark (73) and Arlene LaCroix: Bottineau, ND

 

You are correct. Mark LaCroix is the son of Jerry LaCroix (73). Mark
is a Junior at Bottineau High School

 

 

 

Mark LaCroix Picture posted yesterday
Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

 

Yes, Mark is Jerry LaCroix’s son.

 

 

 

 

Art Rude’s song “Forty Degrees Keeps the Riff-Raff Out” featured on TV

Posting by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Hi,

 

I just turned to channel 13/3 (CBS). They were running a crawl at the top of the screen, showing which schools were starting late and also showing the scores from last night’s ball games. There was music in the background that I started listening to. It didn’t take long for me to realize it was your “Forty Degrees Keeps the Riff-Raff Out”, Art. At the end of the song, they showed the title and your name on the screen. Neat!!!! I love it!!

 

Neola
 
 
 
 
 
Replies to Dick Johnson’s Picture posted yesterday and again today:
 

 

From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

 

Hi All…

 

Dick, I would say that photo of your Grandpa was taken in the Crystal Café! I remember those ceilings. I have a guess at who the lady behind the counter is, but I’m keeping it to myself, since the photo is blurry and my eyesight is poor!!! I’m hoping we get to read lots of stories, now, of people who ate, visited and worked there!

 

I know my Aunt Lenore did when she was a teenie-bopper. She told me a story once about how she saved the tips she made at the Crystal for a pair of earring she’d spotted at K.C.Seim’s store. They had light purple stones in them, and she wanted them to wear to a dance, I believe – and I don’t remember what the cost was, but she saved her hard earned tips. She saved for a LONG time and finally bought those earrings. Several years ago she still had (has) those earrings and decided to take them to a jeweler in Minot to have them converted to wear for her pierced ears. The jeweler took a look at them and told her they weren’t just colored glass – they were genuine stones of some sort – of course, I don’t remember – amethyst, maybe? Must have been some treasure that came over from the “old country”. Well, that turned out to be more of a KC Seim Store story…….but it started at the Crystal……….

Paula Fassett

 
 
From Leland Hagen (50): Bryan, TX
 
This had to be taken in the Crystal Cafe!
I think everybody can remember the metal panels on the walls and ceiling.
I was unable to recognize the lady in the background .
 
Leland Hagen (50) Bryan,Tx
 
 
 
From Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND
The picture puzzle ? The Crystal Cafe! What a grand name – the Crystal Cafe
Look at that great ceiling!
 
 
 
From Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ
 
Hey gang,
That’s most definitely the Crystal Cafe. Spent many, many hours there as well several overnights with Jim McCoy. It’s the stamped metal ceiling, I remember well.
 
 
From Marge Wilcox Longie Langan (56): Vancouver, WA
 
gary,
that picture dick johnson is referring to was taken in the crystal cafe.
 
margewilcox-langan
 
 
 
From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Gary,
 
To Dick’s picture of his grand dad, I believe that is the crystal cafe that’s what the decoration in the cafe was the lady in the back hard to recognize.
 
Lloyd
 
 
 
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): lrvano Dunseith, ND
 

HI Guys- I asked Jay and he said it could be his Grandmother “Mrs V” or Bertha Myer- I am thinking the hair looks more like Bertha V- Bertha Myer’s had a reddish color as I remember- thanks for all the good stories!-Lola

 

 

From Ron Peltier (70): Dunseith, ND

I do believe the picture is of the old Dunseith Pool Hall and the lady in the background would be Mrs. Sy Kadry. I used to hang around the pool hall after football and basketball practice years ago. And in the early 80’s my uncle, Harry Peltier owned and operated the pool hall for a few years.
 
Ron Peltier
Class of 1970
 
Posted yesterday
 
Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

I have a question to ask of the readers. The attached picture was taken in a well known business on Main street in Dunseith. I bet most of the readers will be able to identify where it was taken. It’s a picture of Grandpa Henry Olson, but the background really brings back a lot of memories. I bet several of you know the lady at the till behind my grandpa too. Let’s have everyone write tomorrow with their thoughts on the picture. Thanks Gary!

Dick


 
 
All rights reserved

02/02/2011

Posted on by
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and friends,
 
I enjoyed the photo from Peggy, about Hazel and John Hiatt, who were probably the very first couple of real cowboy life ie. ( cowboy and cowgirl) I ever saw as a child. They always dressed the part and lived the hard cowboy life of hauling cattle and managing horses and ranching. They were a unique couple, kind of their own version of Dale Evans and Roy Rodgers.
 
I too, enjoyed Warren’s horse story. I could picture in my minds eye as he “Warren the Kid” and his brother, “the Anderson boys” rode the hills West of Highway #3. I’m glad other kids used their vivid imaginations to play cops and robbers too! My cousin, Janice (Metcalfe) Poitra and I called it cowboys and outlaws. Warren your reference to fathers was right on the mark. “How we needed our dads when bad events happened.”
 
I found Woody Gagnon’s life long dedication to service of his fellow man inspiring. My dad was one of the folks who enjoyed the benefits of attendance and fellowship at Camp Grassick.
 
And Bill and Dick,thanks again for the humor. I love it when I can start my days laughing.
 
Hope y’all are wintering well. Vic
 
 
 
 
Horse Story
From Richard Langer: Belcourt, ND
 

Hi Gary: after reading all the horse stories on the blog lately. I thought the following would be nice, even though it is not really my personal experience:

“I went horseback riding today, it was a near death experience. I got on the horse and fell. I got on the horse again and fell off. I got on again and my foot got caught in the stirrup, just as I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the Wal-Mart Manager came over and unplugged it.” I am enjoying reading the daily blogs. Richard Langer

Richard, We too, enjoy having you and Rita among us. Gary
 
 
 
 
Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Return message for Bob Lykins,

My first tour in Japan was at Tachikawa (66-68) and my second was at
Yokota (75-78). I didn’t have a car during the first tour and don’t
think I would have considered driving anyway. I made that 25 mile drive
to Atsugi a couple times myself during my second tour. You said it was
“about” two hours. My best time was 2-3/4 hours. Between railroad
crossings, pedestrian crossings, slow moving busses and the sheer volume
of vehicle traffic, it was a white-knuckle drive. I imagine that, by
now, the same thing could be said of almost any big American city.

Dale

 
 
 
 
Birmingham Visitors
Posting by Bill Grimme (65): wgrim Birmingham, AL
 
Gary,

I had the great pleasure of having two fine people visit me in my fair city today. They really fit in with the local scene, as you can see.

Bill

John and Margaret, You guys look great! I’ll bet you’ve been cruising too?
 
John (65) and Margaret Bedard

 

 

 

 

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

I have a question to ask of the readers. The attached picture was taken in a well known business on Main street in Dunseith. I bet most of the readers will be able to identify where it was taken. It’s a picture of Grandpa Henry Olson, but the background really brings back a lot of memories. I bet several of you know the lady at the till behind my grandpa too. Let’s have everyone write tomorrow with their thoughts on the picture. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 


 
 
 
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND
 

Gary,

 

Here’s a good picture of Mark LaCroix/came from the Courant.

 

Neola

Folks, Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Mark’s father is Jerry LaCroix (73).
 
Thank you Neola for sharing. Gary
  

02/01/2011

Posted on by
Bill Grimme’s Mule ran out of gas:
Posting from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
 
 
Gary,Dick’s story about the mule and the turpentine reminded me of another story. A fellow was driving down the road when he saw a farmer in the field kneeling next to a horse lying on the ground. The fellow stopped and walked over to the farmer and, as he approached, he saw the farmer pouring liquid down the horse’s throat, about a gallon’s worth. The fellow asked the farmer, “What did you give to that sick horse?” and the farmer said, “Gasoline.” The fellow says, “Are you crazy? That will kill him.” Just then, the horse jumped to it’s feet, kicking and bucking, took off running, jumped three fences, and began running at a gallop around the field. The fellow says to the farmer, “That’s just amazing. The gasoline really worked.” About that time, the horse stopped suddenly and fell over on it’s side. The fellow says, “I knew it was too good to be true, the horse is dead!” The farmer says, “Nope, just out of gas, again.”.

Bill

 
 
 
Reply to Happy Birthday message:
From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
 
Hi Evie,

 
I always told you that you had a mind like a steel trap (or if I didn’t, I meant to). January 30th it is! And, as families go, I often felt like the ninth Gottbreht kid.
Thanks so much for the note.
I think of you often,
Colette
 
 
 
Horse story
From Warren Anderson (65): Rolette, ND
 
Hi, Gary and all readers:
 
We need another horse story. This one took place in 1957, I was 11yrs old and my older brother, Lawrence was 13. Now it was not the first time dad sent us out with the team to haul a load of hay, and it was not the 1st time we played staghcoach and robbers. However we always done it with the hay rack empty. The hay road in the winter was a 2 & 1/2 mile round trip and it took us across two different lakes, through tall trees and pasture. We always had my brothers old 2520-winchester with us on this route and I would always sight in at big trees or fence post and go “bang” another robber lay dead. back to the day, we pitched on a good load of hay and started back and once off the field I yelled to Lawrence that the robbers were gaining on us we had to go faster. The horses were already at a fast trot because they knew it was home bound. ( I am now thinking i must have been cold so i needed a good robber game to warm myself up). Lawrence hollared and the horses shot into a canter. Now, for 200 yards was a nice level sleigh trail but the end of that route was down a steep bank onto the first lake. Dad had always warned us that the team had to walk down that bank or something would go wrong. We faithfully listened and did just that whether I was driving the team or Lawrence. Now, in my dream world of shooting robbers I hear my brother screaming ‘wow’ “stop” and other choce words. I turned forword and noticed we were damn close to the bank of the lake. Only then did real fear set in, (we had TV for a couple years already and i knew how fightening a staghcoach rollover was, people died.) I was dashing for a rear jump off the rack when i thought i heard Lawrence’s “death song”. I looked back and he was flying through the air like he was shot out of a cannon. The pin through the evener and sleigh had came out just starting down the bank and of course my brother had the reins wraped around his hands and he got pulled off, might quikly too. I stayed on the rack full of hay, the sleigh stearing pole dug in the ground and snow which stopped everthing pretty qiuck. Lawrence looked up at me and said,”i could have been killed.” I just said, “I know.” All my thoughts were on the team running full speed across the lake, it seemed i never took my eyes off them. Across the lake and over another hill and then all i saw was snow flying. I hollered at Lawrence that something happed right over the hill with the horses, but he never saw anything, I was still up on the load and alot higher that him so i was the only one that saw the snow cloud. I did beat my brother racing across the lake that day and even over the hill. There I could not beleive what was right in front of me. Our team were a team of blacks, dasiy was the much smaller mare and diamond was the bigger gelding—he was called diamond because he had a white star on his forehead. It appeared, dasiy fell and even must have rolled end over end and diamond had just kept running and dragging her until he had to stop or fall too. She was all white exept her big sorryful looking eyes and her two snorting nostrals and she could not move as she was so tangled with the driving lines and the rest of the harness. I told Lawrence, “we have to get dad” He says “you go– this is all your fault” Now, What a guilt trip on a 11 yr. old? I ran home in record time and found dad in the barn. I screamed at dad, that we had a runaway with the horses and he had to come quickly. By that time I was crying and he said, “why are you crying? did Lawrence get hurt? I quickly told him, no, but I thought dasiy was hurt. He quickly briddled one of our riding horses and we road double at a fast speed to the crash seen. I think every one of the harness straps were broke on dasiy and if they were not dad had to cut them to get her up. Luckly for all of us that day, the team nor my brother or I were hurt. Dad rested dasiy for about a week then she got back into her repaired harness. The sleigh or rack was not hurt. My brother and i learned a few more cuss words that day from good old dad. How we needed our dads when bad events happened. It seemed i quit the stagecoach and robbers game the rest of my winters on the farm. We never did tell dad the truth about that day but i feel he knew we were playing some kind of a game. Warren-65


 
John and Hazel Hiatt Horses
Reply/Pictures from Peggy Wurgler Axtman (71): Kent, WA
 

Gary

Because there seems to be a “horse” theme to the blog lately, I thought I would share more pictures with you and all readers of the horses belonging to John Hiatt. Please see three attached. I have good memories of John & Hazel and the times they brought their horses down to the Texaco station and even the times I got to visit their ranch north of Dunseith. I’ve probably ridden a horse only a couple of times since those days! Thanks for doing this.

Peggy (Wurgler) Axtman
Class of ‘71
Peggy, Thank you so much for this reply and sharing these pictures. It was great that you were able to visit our Alaska cruise group in Seattle, when we were loading buses for the cruise at the hotel in July 2009. We so very much enjoyed seeing you. You most certainly are still the very pretty girl we see in these pictures. Gary
 
Dave and Peggy Wurgler

Peggy Wurgler

 

Peggy Wurgler

 

 

 

 
Replies to Dale Pritchard’s Japan comments:
From Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX
Gary,

 

 

 

We had to have a yearly auto inspection when I lived in Japan. When I first got there the test was done by the Japanese at a testing station. Later, it was shifted to on-base. They checked a number of things including emissions. The emissions test was as you described except they checked to make sure you had a catalytic converter. The whole process from beginning to end took 10-15 minutes. The longest period of time was waiting in line to be checked. The Germany inspection was a lot tougher (I thought) as they really went over the exhaust system, brakes, and lights.

 

 

 

Bob
 
 
Follow up reply from Bob Lykins:
Too bad Dale didn’t have a connection with the Yukuza. Those guys really liked Americans right down to copying the mannerisums and dress of our 1920’s Chicago gangsters. I used to go to one of their hang-outs in Tachikawa for a beer. I never had a bit of trouble. My friendly bar-keep always had a solution to getting around the local regulations. But Dale was spot on when it came to travel. The Japanese always bragged that one was never more than a 5 minute walk from public transportation anywhere in Japan. I believe they were right as we traveled everywhere by train & bus. Except driving from Tachikawa Air Base to Atsugi Naval Air Station to shop in their BX. The 25 mile drive usually took about 2 hours but, hay, the Navy BX had such neat stuff that the Army PX and the Air Force BX didn’t have.

 

 

 

Bob

 

 

 

 
 
John Hill Family Identities
From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
 

Hi… I don’t see than anyone took the challenge of naming my cousins, the Hills, so I will……

 

 

 

What a great family!

 

Paula Fassett

 

 

Back row: Brenda, Murl, Johnny, Tim

Front Row: Joanne, Bruce, Lynn, Diane, Greg

 

 

 


 
 
Woody Gagnon Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND
 
 
Simeon Grenier, Ed Milligan, ??, LTC Woody Gagnon, Henry Sunderland, Visitor, Visitor, Don Hosmer
 
Bismarck Tribune
 
Woody Gagnon dies at 96

George “Woody” Gagnon, 96, Bismarck, died January 30, 2011, at the Baptist Home“ My hobby is people and I get to meet all kinds,” he told the Associated Press in 1979. The retired colonel of the North Dakota National Guard and former justice of the peace recently penned an autobiography. He read excerpts from his book “The Woody I Know” in July 2010 at the Bismarck Public Library.

His impact in groundbreaking decisions for the state spans a wide area — energy, disasters with the National Guard, counsel to lawmakers, and right-hand man to Link in personnel, scheduling and administrative matters.

 

“We will all miss Woody,” said former Gov. William Guy. “He was one of those people well-versed in everything from the National Guard to all of the offices of the governor.” “He was a good, valuable adviser — so practiced and knowledgeable about state government,” Guy said. “It almost is impossible to replace somebody like Woody. He was a good adviser up to his death.”

 

Gagnon’s legacy seems to be defined with a rare mix of genuine interest in people, knowledge of government issues, leadership, and strong communication skills. “He had a manner about him that brought people together just by the force of his energy,” said former Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan Monday. “He had very good people skills. He accomplished a lot for the governor,”

 

Dorgan said Gagnon was full of life, energy and fun and “lived a long, full productive life and I really enjoyed him.”

 

He described him as “almost a perfect reflection of Gov. Arthur Link. Their approach was very human-oriented. He played a big role in the state during the Link administration.” Gagnon never had a cross word and always believed in the best of people, Dorgan said.

 

Eighteen-year state legislative leader S.F. “Buckshot” Hoffner said Gagnon was someone he could always bounce ideas off and find a reliable opinion on state issues. Hoffner most remembers Gagnon for his comment, “After an election is over, we work for the state of North Dakota.” Hoffner describes Gagnon as a role model on many levels. “He was very effective in getting his message across,” Hoffner said. “He was the type who got people’s attention.”

 

In 1985, former Gov. George Sinner appointed Gagnon to the North Dakota Centennial Committee to help organize the state’s 100th birthday celebration. Gagnon was named the first Northwest Bank of Bismarck Gold Award Winner in the early 1980s for his unselfish and tireless devotion to those with disabilities.

 

He was actively involved with the local Easter Seals and served as director of the Easter Seal Certification Board for 20 years. Gagnon was very active with youth, visiting elderly shut-ins, was an original supporter of Camp Grassick, and helped the blind and those with disabilities.

 

In 1975, Gagnon was honored for his work as chairman of the North Dakota Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation Services.

 

 

 

In 1974, Link assigned Gagnon to head state energy programs amid what the governor termed “a man-made energy crisis.”

 

In 1973, he was honored with a meritous award for his work with the North Dakota Army National Guard. He retired from the National Guard in 1974 with the rank of colonel.

 

 

 

In 1970, he was honored by the Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped and for his service to the handicapped by the National Easter Seal Society.

 

 

 

Gagnon served in the Army in World War II, the Korean War and Berlin Crisis. The Page native graduated from North Dakota State University before being drafted in 1942.

 

 

 

In 1965, he was appointed a general member of the National Americanism Council of the American Legion.

 

He served as Barnes County and Valley City Justice of the Peace from 1952 through 1960.
(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com)
 
 
 
Posting by Virgil Rude (Retired Col NDNG): Minot, ND
 
Woody Gagnon
 
 
Hi Gary,

 

I just got an e-mail message from Mr. Don Baglien that Woody Gagnon passed Jan. 30 and will be buried on Thursday.

 

 

 

Virgil

 

From Parkway Funeral Home: 

George “Woody” Gagnon, 96, Bismarck, died January 30, 2011, at the Baptist Home. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, February 3, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 North 6th Street, Bismarck, with Rev. Ray Baker officiating. 

Burial will be in the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan, at a later date. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Tuesday, February 1 and from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday, February 2, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. 

Woody was born June 30, 1914, in Page, ND, the son of George A. and Nina (Pray) Gagnon. He attended elementary school in Page and graduated from Fargo High School and North Dakota State University. Woody served in Europe during WWII. While home on leave, he married Renee Patterson on September 20, 1944, in Fargo. Family and marriage were very important to him. Woody and Renee lived in Valley City after the war, where he owned a restaurant, sold insurance and was active in the National Guard. 

In 1961, Woody moved to Bismarck, serving on the National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Staff at Fraine Barracks. After retiring from the National Guard, Woody joined Governor Link as Director of Administration and Chief of Staff until 1980.
Woody brightened the world with his sense of humor and commanding presence. His interest in people was genuine. He supported many service, community, charitable, and veterans organizations throughout his life and he made it very clear, he was always proud to be from North Dakota. 

The family would like to thank the Baptist Home in Bismarck for the exemplary care provided to Woody for the last five years. 

Woody is survived by two sons, George W. (Michelle) Gagnon, Jr., CA, and Ed Gagnon, Bismarck; two grandchildren, Von and Nina; and many friends, relatives, nieces and nephews. 

Memorials may be given to the Elks Camp Grassick, the Easter Seals, or the North Dakota Association for the Blind.

 
 
Woody Gagnon’ passing
Reply from Larry Liere (54): Mesa, AZ & Devils Lake, ND
 
Gary
 
Sorry to say Woody won’t be able to help with the picture ID. He was a great guy as you can see by the OBIT. His friend down here in Mesa said he
saw Woody at Christmas time and that he was doing very well at that time so I guess things can change fast when you are 96 years old. I guess I can
not think of any other old Guardsmen that can help with the picture ID. Talking about things changing fast at 96 a Devils Lake classmate died yesterday
here in Mesa and she was in her early 70’s so I guess we can go fast at any age.
 
LARRY
 
 
 
  

01/31/2011

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Colette Hosmer
From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
 
Thinking of Colette today….I am almost positive her birthday is Jan. 30….but I also think Janet’s birthday is in January. Happy Birthday to you both, I have such great memories of the Hosmer family. Bob, Lee, Colette and Nancy, they were all life changers for me, it is because of that family that I met my husband and have been married for almost 44 years. I never hear the song

“what a difference you made in my life”, that I don’t think of this family. Of course they are in my “book” =)

Blessings to you all – Evie
 
 
 
 
Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 

Hi Gary and Everyone

 

When I read Connie’s donkey story told so very well in Grimme’s book of philosophical tales, I had to say I agree with her. I would add one more rule to the self examination philosophy, if I may.

 

Never judge anyone untill you have walked a mile in their shoes.

 

As I have often said before, folks in North Dakota take a person at face value, and are not judgemental. However if you cross them unfairly, it is a strong possibility that a cold shoulder would be offered.

 

By the way, I know its belated but I want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Erling Landsverk

 

 

 

 

Don Johnson – Horse Picture

Posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

This is a picture of my dad, Don Johnson, clowning around sitting on ‘Apache’, a horse that belonged to his little cousin, Loretta Strietzel. She is sitting on the pony in another photo and appears to be about 4-5 years old so the picture would be in 1944-45. It was taken at the farm of Dad’s uncle, Otto Strietzel, in the very NE corner of Holmes Twp. near Dion Lake. I only sent this picture to try to compete with Vickie’s picture of her dad sitting on his nice horse. I’m sure you can tell at a glance that my dad was quiet the horseman too! Well maybe not.

Hey Marshall, thanks for posting the picture of your dad and the logs from the old Awalt homestead house. That is a neat piece of very local history. Folks, Marshall emailed me the picture and said that the light blue paint is still visible on the inside of the logs. How about that?? Thanks Vickie, Marshall, and Gary!

One more short joke. Two neighbors met on the road in their buggies. The one was a grumpy old man of few words. The other stopped and asked him, “Didn’t you have a mule that came down with pneumonia?” The old grump said, “Yep.” The other guy asked, “What did you do for him?” He answered, “I fed him a gallon of turpentine—giddyup.” The guy went home and fed his mule a gallon of turpentine and the mule died! A few days later he met the old grump again and asked him, “Didn’t you tell me you fed your mule a gallon of turpentine?” The grump said, “Yep.” The other guy said, “Well, I went home and fed my mule a gallon of turpentine and it killed him!” The grump said, “Yep, killed mine too—giddyup.”

Dick

 

  

01/30/2011

Posted on by
Dorothy Pritchard
Reply from Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND
 
Hi to anyone who knows Dorothy Pritchard. Our Garden Club from Bottineau helped the Long-Term care patients celebrate January birthdays January 11,2011. We served cake, ice cream, visited with the patients & there was a special musical program. Dorothy said to me they are having this birthday party for me & it,s not even my birthday yet. She looks wonderful for 98.Happy belated birthday!! Connie (Zorn) Landsverk
 
 
 
My horse Story – Actually a donkey story
From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
 

An old man, a boy, & a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey & the old man walked. As they went along they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking and the boy was riding. The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.Then, later, they passed some people who remarked, ‘What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.’So they then decided they’d both walk! Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey. Now they passed some people who shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey. The boy and man figured they were probably right, so they decide to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and he fell into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story?

If you try to please everyone, you might as well…

Kiss your ass goodbye!

Have A Nice Day And Be Careful With Your Donkey

 

 

Wes Schneider horse story

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

 

Gary, Florence Dahl and friends,
Today behind the boys, I just said the words ” Wes and Ovidia?” Then, hung on to their leashes as they ran away across the icy street. My thought, “Yipes” and hanging on , I slid to the back steps. The flock of birds feeding in the feeder startled , flew away as the dogs skidded to a stop and waited for Ovidia.

“My feet are like “Oh My darlin Clementine’s”. “All I need to find are some fine, slippery dancing shoes, then I’d be a skijorer.” Skjoring by it’s definition, is an exhilarating sport where you are towed on skis behind a galloping horse. Well,it’s enough exhilaration for me just running behind two galloping dogs wearing regular winter boots with grips!
 
Ovida and Wes who had been bird watching greeted me and we settled in for a visit, around a “picking” tray of treats and hot cocoa. I had brought copies of the blog to read to Wes.
 
I said, “Shall I read this one from Florence Dahl about her horse named Sparkey?” I didn’t need to read any more. Wes carried it away, clearly recalling her story,saying “That horse. Sparky was fast!” “He took her for a long hard ride, her leg caught in the stirrup her hanging upside down, over a mile, on a full gallop.” “Florence was very badly hurt, it was a tough time and she was hospitalized for a long time.”
 
I asked him if he’d ever ridden Sparky. He said, “No, I never did, I rode my own horse.” And then told tales about riding horses with Howard Hiatt, about skiing and roping deer. And I didn’t doubt him, I thought I bet Wes could really skijor!
 
Later, Wes told about a runaway he had. His father drove the Dunseith school bus. In the winter a sleigh and a team, in the summer a buggy. One fine spring morning, Wes was volunteered to “drive” the children to and from school. The one horse buggy was pulled by a horse named”Shorty”. Shorty, a clever, tricky Indian pony was a fast,quick moving bay.”
 
All went well in the morning, as eight children were picked up and piled into the buggy. Because there was no room left on the seat, Warren sat on the floor in front directly behind Shorty. Wes sitting behind him handling the reins drove them safely to the big white school house.
 
On the ride home, again the only place left to sit for Warren was on the floor board directly behind the horse’s tail. Along they went on a pleasant ride, until, Warren reached out and pulled Shortys tail.
 
As the horse spooked, kicked and kicked and kicked, Wes lost the grip on one rein then the other. The buggy took off down high way #5. One by one, children started jumping off. The Boguslowski’s, Marion Smith, then Warren. Wes trying his best to gain control finally was thrown off. The galloping horse and buggy continued west, leaving Wes in the dust.

Getting up Wes walked and walked, finally he saw Mr. Lamport working on the highway filling potholes. He’d caught Shorty and handed him over to Wes to drive home. Wes said his big brothers brought the car around to pick up children scattered along the way on Highway #5 turned around and delivered them all home.

All were well, nothing broken!

Later, Vickie

 

 
More Horse tails
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
 

Gary and all,

 

Dick, my apologies with my communication skills. Sometimes what I think I’ve said comes off wrong.

 

I’m sorry,but you were not the target of my response about cruelty regarding your stories about horses. I know what you meant.

 

We’ve both viewed or heard about angry folks who should not own any animal.

 

We, who enjoy animals and horses, all had our share of animals who needed a stronger, heavier hand to get their attention.

 

Sometimes, it came to be that the horse hurt someone, or was just plain mean,and down the road they went,like John Hiatt selling his daughter Florence’s horse.

 

I’ve called two of those kind of horses mine:

“Smokey” who was so handsome but an “Oh so very mean black”, had to have a heavy hand every day of my sophmore year of high school.” I learned to be wary leading him as he’d rear, buck, kick & strike with both hind feet and was head strong with a bit, be it fair weather or a foot of snow. (I have another story my brother likes about my dad ‘s ride on Smokey)

 

Smokey was smart, and often would get the idea to buck up, pin and smack the rider against a tree or granary the rider would finally get off. I think of him whenever I visit the chiropractor.

 

Then came a horse of a different colour.

As an adult I suffered a serious, debilitating injury,( not from a horse) sometime after,I purchased this “flea bit grey roan”. My request to the horse trader, ” I want an old horse for an “overweight, middle aged cripple”. I like the smell of horses, leather and the feeling of freedom on a good ride on the home farm.

 

The grey roan,the first summer, was trim,well rode out, had a smooth rocking chair gait initially sweet to a woman rider. Unfortunately I slipped and fell on ice, fracturing an ankle and was unable to work him as I was working a walker.

 

It came to be, a lazy winter for him at the ranch, spoiled, he hated to be away from his freedom with the other horses.

 

Any cowboy who tried ride, “Surefoot” found his m-o was gentle. But Immediately once in the saddle,buck up, sail the rider off the rear, then sit on him whilst he’s down__ and don’t get off. He nearly killed two experienced cowboy’s friends! I nearly made myself sick from remorse

 

Surefoot went down the road, with instructions. “He was not to be sold for riding purposes. My wish to the buyer, he’d go to a better purpose, like dog food.” The monies from this sale went to a good cause. A kid.

 

I still don’t know if those two horses were smarter__ or meaner than me. Later, Vickie
 
 
 
Email address change
For Ron Longie (65): Yakima WA
 
Gary,
I have changed my Email address to———- needed to let you know so I don’t miss any newsletters. I hope this note finds you two doing well and in the best of health.

Ron Longie

 
 
 
John Hill Family photo
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

Is this a Dunseith family? The wife and the son on the far right in the front row look familiar, but that’s it.

 

Thanks.

 

Neola

Neola,
 
The Hill family is very much a Dunseith family. I believe you had a very nice chat with Mrs. Murl Hill at one of the St. John gatherings several years ago. She was the former Murl Watkins, and is a sister to Carol (Emery) Watkins Carbonneau. Murl was married to John Hill. The Hill’s and Fugere’s owned the school buses in Dunseith for many decades. John & Murl Hill’s son Tim, is the gentleman who had the heart transplant. He is doing very well now. He lives in Minot. I think you sent him some caramels too? I think that is what I remember Murl telling me in an email message a while back. Tim is a very close friend of Dick Johnson’s. I think they were sponsors at each others weddings too.
 
I will for sure be posting this photo tomorrow.
 
Thanks Neola,
 
Gary
Gary,
 
So this is Murl Hill’s family–I’ll be darned! LOL!!
 
You are right; I met Murl at a St. John gathering. You are also right in that I sent caramels to Tim. I met Tim in person at Wally’s/my nephew’s wedding reception. Tim’s son was the best man at the wedding. :) Which one of the boys in the picture is Tim? Will you identify the other family members for me, too, please? I’ll send the picture/names to our nephew’s wife. She loves pictures.
 
Thanks for adding the info about Mrs. Hill. I appreciate knowing the connections between people–I’m slowly, but surely, connecting people. :)
 
When I couldn’t locate this family in the Bottineau Centennial Book, I thought they would most likely be in the Dunseith book. The thought had crossed my mind John Hill might be related to Tim Hill, but I sure never guessed this would be Murl Watkins Hill’s family. Love it!
 
Neola
Neola,
 
I will let the Dunseith folks identify the family members, because I do not know. These kids were a few years younger than me, so I didn’t know them that well in HS. I saw Murl several times of all places, at Wal-mart, when we were back last year. She was at the reunion too, I think, but there were so many people I don’t remember seeing her. Tim I think is the oldest boy.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
 
 
ND Winter Picture
From Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND
Gary,

Thanks for the photos of your tropical home. This is a photo of our
Arctic home in North Dakota, just in case you have forgotten what
winters are like here just as a reminder. Aime

 

 
 
 

Awalt Log house picture

From Marshall Awalt (51): Newport, NC
 

Gary,

 

Here is a picture of my Dad, John Awalt, with logs from his log cabin that was on Dick Johnson’s farm.

 

Marshall

  

01/29/2011

Posted on by
Belated 98th “Happy Birthday” wishes (January 25, 1913)
To Dorothy Pritchard – St. Andrew’s Residence, Bottineau, ND
 
Hello Dorothy,
 
Your birthday passed and it totally slipped my mind. I was thinking about you a week or so ago thinking your birthday was near too. Anyway, we are hoping you had a good birthday. I have posted the write-up that St. Andrew’s did for you last year too. For a little added enjoyment, I have included a picture looking south from our place to your place just over the hill in the picture. Good Memories.
 
Folks, Dorothy is on our distribution. St. Andrew’s prints all these daily messages out and gives them to her for her reading enjoyment. You can send Dorothy a belated Birthday message to the following email address
 
Subject Line: Attention Dorothy Pritchard
Email address activitynd@yahoo.com
 
Gary
 

 

 

 
 
Looking south from the Stokes farm & the Ackworth Cemetery. The Pritchard farm was just over the hill to the south on the east side of the road. Evon Lagerquist is currently living on the Pritchard place.
 
 
 
 
The 1940’s
From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
Brenda, This is so interesting. So I decided to share it with the group. Thanks, Gary
 

This is interesting to watch


Click on “The 1940s” It advances automatically.



 

Horses

Reply from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
 
I’m sure I was riding horses before I was walking…But the last time I really rode one, was when I was 14. Dad had bought this wonderful horse–Sparky. he loved me and I loved him……..he disliked men…was riding home from Ackworth school and was trotting along, when a rabbit flew accross the road–he reared and I went flying…Big problem , It was a mans saddle and my feet were in the leather above the sterrups. and there I hung going ninty miles an hour. Came to with Sparky’s nose in my face…The last time I ever saw him………………..Dad sold him before I even got out of the hospital Have thoughtf of him hundreds of times. wonder if he found someone that thought he was wonderful like I did.
Florence, Being a daughter of John Hiatt’s, we all assume that horses were a big part of your growing up years. Gary
 
John Hiatt with Peggy Wurgler on the horse
 

Horses & Mules too

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

I read Vickie’s story about horses and owners and hope she didn’t feel that I am prone to animal cruelty because of my comments about my horse that wouldn’t mind. I too have a great distaste for anyone who is cruel to any animal. There is a bond between man and animal that will grow when both know who is in charge. The key element was probably that my horse was just barely broke and wasn’t an old family farm horse with all the training behind her. When I was 10 I probably weighed 100 pounds and my horse weighed 900 pounds. It becomes obvious even to a horse that the advantage in size alone is a great deterrent to having to do what the rider wants. After the little discipline episode, things went well and she understood that I would decide where and how we went. We then both had a lot of good times and respected each other to the fullest. She learned that she shouldn’t bite me, scrape me off, or step on my feet while I put the bridle on—which she seemed to enjoy in our first couple years together. Sorry if my comments made it sound like I was cruel to my horses. I wasn’t.

On the lighter side—there is an old joke that came to mind when I read Vickie’s reply. An old farmer bought a mule from a neighbor and hooked it to his plow but it wouldn’t pull the plow and just stood there no matter what he tried. He walked back to he neighbor and asked what he should do. The neighbor said to just tell him to go. He said he tried that so maybe he should beat the mule. The former owner said that wasn’t necessary, just talk to him. He went home and talked and talked but the mule just stood there so he went back and told the other guy maybe he should come over and talk to him. The other guy went to the edge of the field and got a fence post and whacked the mule over the head. The new owner said, “I thought you said just talk to him.” The other guy said, “That’s right, but you need to get his attention first.” For the record—that is just a joke. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
  

01/28/2011

Posted on by
Reply to Ellen Myrick Graff (58) Posting yesterday:
From Lindy (Arlinda) Fauske Van Eynde (69): Yorkville, IL
 

Hi Gary,

I really appreciate all that you put into this blog, you have reached a lot of people and make their day, what a blessing this is to so many.

I was just wondering if you know when and where that 25’ of snow was? There was no date on the article from the Minot Paper.

I did see Bud at Dad’s birthday party but didn’t really get to visit with him, just so many people, what a fun day that was.

Hope all is well for you and all your family.

Take care,

Lindy Fauske Van Eynde

Lindy,

 

 

Speaking of your folks, Stubby and Elwood. Yesterday we received a very nice Christmas card from them.When you talk to them, please tell them thank you from us.

 

 

Gary and Bernadette

 

 

 

Reply to yesterday’s question

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

 

Gary,

 

Alan Potira’s birthday is Feb. 22md.

 

Sharon Longie Dana (73)

 

 
Horses
Reply from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
 

horses–everyone raised on a farm has at least one story of a horse…..we had two very passive horses that Don and I would climb on bareback- and woulf go for a ride. woderful–tell they got weary of us. And they knew just how low a branch they needed—to scrape us off–and then of course we would have to walk home.

 

 

 

 

Horse Story

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

 

Gary and friends. The horse stories are tremendous. The last time I was on a horse was about 70 years ago, and I have not missed it one iota. My folks were visiting the Fred Richard family farm. Jerrine, my aunt Lee’s sister was riding a young bronc bareback around the county road lines and doing it on a dead gallop. I thought, hell, if a girl can do that this guy ought to be able to do it even better. The folly began when we took a slow pace out of the farm yard onto the roadway, and things were looking good. Went south for about a quarter of a mile then turned around to head back, so far so good. As we got about 100 yards from the gate to the farm, that horse went into afterburner and I’m looking for survival at this uncontrolled dash home. What I did not expect was that critter took a sudden lurch to the east into the barnyard, and I continued on a northern heading and hit the dirt with a graceless and painful impact on my rear. Jerrine, Lee, my folks and Lee’s folks did not laugh at this city boy trying to be a cowboy, but I think they were snickering at this ego trip. Horses are just wonderful. It’s just that airplanes are more controllable. Bill Hosmer
 
 
 

 

Horse Story

From Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

Hey Dick,

Your Dad, Don, had the right idea but a little off on his approach. Need long reins and ride bareback, when the mare rears up, slide off, but hit the ground on your feet, step back and pull her the rest of the way over. A time of two with that treatment and somehow she learns it’s better to keep the front end down. This worked for me on Dusty, Amigo and Kit.

Take care,

Dwight

PS: Cold winter day in Tucson, 65 and sunny at 1 PM.

 

 

 

 

Cliff Metcalfe – Horses

Story/Pictures from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

Gary and friends,

Attached are 2 photos of my dad and his horse, winter of 1940 -1941, taken I believe before he and Bill Peterson embarked to find work in Seattle.

 

Dad lived for a time during his teenage years with the Seim family;

Art and Eva, John and Grandma Seim. Margaret, Marion and Edwin. While there he forged many fond memories of all the people who worked on this big working grain and cattle farm. The Seim family were life long “mentors” to my parents.

 

Art Seim was a master with horses. He always kept well mannered, great groomed horses. He grew up in the times when young boys comb and brush horses and maintain their rigs in tip top condition.____Just as fellows of today with their polished trucks, boats and automobiles and revved up, finely tuned engines.

 

There were times in my childhood, I’d find my self filling up with excitement! I hear the “jingle-jangle, well modulated sleigh bells ringing”! Art would drive his team to our farm, pulling a cutter. How those horses shone. The horses enjoyed their “bells” on. They fairly danced, enjoying themselves. Sometimes he’d braid their tails,__ far better than I could braid my hair.

 

Oh, boy then, what a sleigh ride!

 

In his later years, Art worked with Jake Gardiner, uncle of Trish.

 

I know Art held a belief that, “You can’t become smarter than the horse by beating them almost to death” when they’d fall down trying to pull a load. Art had a distaste for animal cruelty.

 

Art never retired his interest or love of horses, livestock or farming.

 

Yep, if he’d had a resume, one at the top of his many strengths would have been Master Horseman. He knew to get the best out of a horse, never with beatings or violence.

 

Art’s way was based on mutual respect.

 

Vickie

Cliff Metcalfe – 1941
 
 
 
Colonoscopies
Message/Story from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 
Hey Gary,

 

A friend of mine sent me this piece that is quite funny and all you soon to be 65ers should listen up and get your colonoscopies done! Really? It’s a great way to stave off colon cancer (which my mom died of at 62, so ya’ll have her record beat). I had one last year, and yes, it was like a rocket launch the night before….

 

But the reassurance after the completely pain free procedure was a great feeling.. I agree – I’ve never been so proud one of my internal organs!

 

Read on, and enjoy. Dave Barry is one hilarious journalist with the Miami Herald. When I was living in Grand Forks, ND, we all read it because our Grand Forks Herald carried it, and it was always worth a chuckle. So everyone was up in arms when he wrote disparaging (humorous) comments about North Dakota, and our fair city! We all laughed anyway, but the Mayor at the time got the brilliant idea to write to him in Miami and invite him to attend the dead of winter fishing contest in the less than delectable waters of the Red River. Citizens sent a deluge of emails backing up the offer, and they planned a big “pot luck” supper for him, with homes on the south side to bring hot dish and the homes on the north side bringing green jello. There may have been more assignments, but I can’t remember right now. He accepted the invitation and most of the town showed up to welcome him, holding xerox copied photos of his face on a popsicle stick in front of their faces. It was a hoot, and we actually ate all the food. Just like any church supper, and who wants to miss that? He of course has a grand sense of humor and took the -30+ temps in stride, of course writing a humorous piece about ND when he got home. It was good to have some belly laughs in the dead of winter that year. I suppose

I could google around and see if I can find the piece. I think your North Dakota readers will get a chuckle out of it. In the meantime, here’s the age appropriate humor below:

ABOUT THE WRITER
Dave Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist for the
Miami Herald.

Colonoscopy Journal:

 

I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon,

a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly

through Minneapolis.

Then Andy explained thecolonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring

and patient manner.

I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn’t really hear anything he said, because my brain

was shrieking, ‘HE’S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BEHIND!’
I left Andy’ s office with some written instructions, and a prescription
for a product called ‘MoviPrep,’ which comes in a box large enough to hold a

microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for now suffice it to say

that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America’s enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous.
Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In accordance

with my instructions, I didn’t eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth,

which is basically water, only with less flavor.

Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together

in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar

with the metric system, a liter is about 32 gallons). Then you have to drink the

whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes – and here I am

being kind – like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of
lemon.

The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense

of humor, state that after you drink it, ‘a loose, watery bowel movement may result.’
This is kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience

contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don’t want to be too graphic, here, but, have

you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience,

with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt.

You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate everything.

And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another

liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the

future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep.
The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous.
Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing
occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, ‘What if I spurt on

Andy?’ How do you apologize to a friend for something like that?

Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally
agreed with whatever the heck the forms said. Then they led me to a room full
of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and
took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by
sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even more
naked than when you are actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand.
Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying

down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep..

At first I was ticked off that I hadn’t thought of this, but then I pondered what

would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were
staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn

your house.

When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where

Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not see the 17,000-foot

tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously

nervous at this point.

Andy had me roll over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking

something up to the needle in my hand.
There was music playing in the room, and I realized that the song was

‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA. I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be

playing during this particular procedure, ‘Dancing Queen’ had to be the least appropriate.
‘You want me to turn it up?’ said Andy, from somewhere behind me.

‘Ha ha,’ I said. And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit
detail, exactly what it was like. I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment,

ABBA was yelling ‘Dancing Queen, feel the beat of the tambourine,’ and the next
moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood.

Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even

more excellent when Andy told me that It was all over, and that my colon had
passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder of an internal organ.

On the subject of Colonoscopies…
Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite
humorous…… A physician claimed that the following are actual comments
made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their
colonoscopies:

1. ‘Take it easy, Doc. You’re boldly going where no man has gone before!’
2. ‘Find Amelia Earhart yet?’
3. ‘Can you hear me NOW?’
4. ‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’
5. ‘You know, in Arkansas , we’re now legally married.’
6. ‘Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?’
7. ‘You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out…’
8. ‘Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!’
9. ‘If your hand doesn’t fit, you must quit!’
10. ‘Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.’
11. ‘You used to be an executive at Enron, didn’t you?’
12. ‘God, now I know why I am not gay.’


And the best one of all:
13. ‘Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?

 
 
  

01/27/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to Alice Hiatt’s family:
From Connie Landsverk: Bottineau, ND
Sending condolences to families of Alice Hiatt. I do know the sorrow & pain of losing a loved-one.You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Connie Landsverk
 
 
 
Yesterday’s Error
 
Folks I goofed again yesterday with the Month of Allen Richard’s Birthday. Allen’s Birthday is in January, not February. February isn’t even here yet. Not sure what I was thinking.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN
 
What did I miss my birthday??? I think you may have had a typo on Allen Richards bday…it is not February yet…did you mean to type January?

Later,
Mr. Poitra

Thanks Alan. Now when is your birthday? Gary

 
 
 
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Yep — turned 64 today–feel every day of it too. It is January by the way — so don’t push it lol. Just think — soon nearly al of the class of ’65 will turn 65. We will all be “official old farts!”

 

Allen

Allen,
 
I really goofed with this one.
 
You are so right, next year we 65 folks will be 65. What about that extra tax exemption that no longer exists?
 
Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Gary,

Your vehicle inspection process sounds much like the process in Japan in
the 70s. Folks with an “In” contact with the inspection people sailed
right through. The rest of us learned to be prepared for the worst and
be ready to wait all day for the outcome. They fixed problems right
there and it was usually a couple hundred dollars worth. A lot of
folks, after the first time, learned to pay someone to take care of it
for them. Just getting to the inspection station was rough. In normal
city driving, the average traffic speed was about 10 MPH. I remember we
went out for a drive one day, more or less got lost, was gone 3 hours,
and had traveled about 30 miles. After that, we used the trains to go
places.

Dale Pritchard

Dale, I did not realize Japan was this corrupt too. It’s the way of life here. Corruption is a huge contributing factor for all the poverty here with so many very large kickbacks going to politicians and others for community and government projects. Gary
 
 
 
Horse Story
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

It seems horse stories are selling pretty well right now so her’s a couple more. My Welsh mare was, as Vickie says, smarter than me. She figured out that a 10 year old couldn’t do much to her if she decided to have it her way. I used to be able to ride her for a ways and then if she wanted to go home she just turned around and went. I rode her to Smith’s several times and when she was nearly there she changed her mind and away we went. The only way I could stop her was to jump off when she balked and lead her. She would lead anywhere. One time I walked into Smith’s yard leading Beauty again and Wayne said, “What the heck are you leading that horse again for?” I said, “Because she won’t go. She just wants to run home.” Wayne said, “I can take that ____ out of her , but I might have to be a little mean to her.” I was hot and tired and said, “I don’t care if you kill her!” Wayne got a small stick from the woodpile and climbed on. He said, “OK Beauty, let’s go for a ride.” She balked and twisted and Wayne tapped her between the ears. All of a sudden her memory came back and she could neck rein and back up and go where she was told to. It only took Wayne a couple minutes a couple whacks and I had a good horse again! He gave me the stick and said, “She’s got you buffaloed and she knows it. Now you have to show her that you are the boss and she will be fine.” I rode her home and things went fine. I got so if she started any of her old tricks, I just held the stick out to the side where she could see it and that’s all it took! She was no dummy–I was. One time later she decided she didn’t want to back up. I was out in the yard trying to get her to do it but she would rare up instead so I was being careful and working with her. Dad saw what was going on and said, “Make her do it.” I said I was afraid she may go over backward on me so I was taking it cool. Dad was impatient and said , “Get off there, I’ll back her up.” He jumped on and pulled back the reins and she stood straight up and hopped backward. He slid out of the saddle and landed on his tailbone on a small rock and then crawled around the yard in pain. It wasn’t funny. He was hurting bad.

Another time even later, Axel Johnson’s family came to the farm to visit my grandparents. Darlene came down to the barn and wanted me to take her for a ride on my horse. We were about 14 at that time. I told her I never had tried two people on my horse so I better not. It wasn’t just that, I really didn’t feel like it that day. She went to the house and pretty soon Grandma came out and told me to give her a ride. I put the bridle on but no saddle and got on and pulled Darlene on behind me. As soon as we were both on, SHE kicked Beauty in the flanks and we took off like a shot. Grandma’s chickens were all in the shade on the north side of the old barn and when the horse went past the corner of the barn, they all squawked and flew and scared the horse and she made a 90 degree turn going wide open and dumped us on our heads. Darlene got up and went to the house bawling and Grandma came out and gave me heck for hurting her. Have you ever had a day like that? Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Dunseith Alumni Caribbean Cruise – Sailing date 2/19/2012
 
Folks, To date, we have 8 cabins booked with the following folks.
 
For Reservations please contact.
 

Gina S. Ford

 

Cruise At Will, Inc.

 

 

Cruise and Travel Planners

 

 

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

 

 

703-580-1190 (local)

 

 

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Cabin No.

Name

Notes
5544 Gary Stokes Bernadette Stokes  
  Bill Grimme Irina Protassevitch  
  Gwen Grimme Eltz George Eltz  
  Margaret Metcalfe Leonard    
  Beverly Handeland Hamnes Mel Hamnes  
  Deborah Knudson Busta   Deborah is Bev Hamnes’ Daughter
  David Shelver Linda Shelver  
  Jon McGregor Bonnie McGregor Bonnie & Linda Shelver are sisters
 
  

01/26/2011

Posted on by
Automobile emission test in the Philippines.
 
Folks,
 
Our car tabs are due for renewing. As an added benefit, the Kia dealership we purchased our car from does this for us. The only thing we have to do is take our car in for an emissions test. Yesterday, was the day. I picked up the guy from the Kia dealership to accompany me for this test. They have their inside contacts. When we got to the testing place, we waited about five minutes while they finished the testing of the car in front of us with the test tube stuck up the exhaust pipe. When it was our turn, they asked me to drive ahead to the testing area and to just leave the car running. When I got out they very quickly stuck the test tube up the exhaust pipe and quickly pulled it out. I then waited wondering when they were going to start the test. In about 5 minutes the Kia dealership guy that accompanied me to do this test came out of the emission office and said “you passed, lets go.” He had the paper in hand. I didn’t ask any questions. Had they done the real test I’m am very sure it would have passed. Our car, a Kia Diesel Sportage, is only 3 years old with 22,000 KM.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Yesterday’s Error Correction
 
Folks,
 
I errored yesterday big time with my posting of Dianne’s condolence message to the Hiatt family. I listed her as Dianne Tremblay and not Dianne Robert.
 
Dianne, I am so sorry for this error. I do know better. I have reposted correctly.
 
Gary
 
 
Condolences to the Alice Hiatt Family:
From Dianne Robert Johnson (76): Rolla, ND
 
Gary, please post this:

 
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Haitt, my condolences go out to her family(s). I worked with Lori for many years @ TMC, my heart goes out to her.
I do know the pain and sorrow of losing a Mother. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Dianne Johnson
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):
 
 
 
Allen,
 
Today, February 26th is your birthday. Happy Birthday to an ole class mate. With my birthday being in July, I will always be catching up to you though. That is what I remember doing in school too. It seems like yesterday we celebrated our 60th and that was 3 years ago.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Horse Story
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

When my son, Dave, was about 11 or 12 he also wanted a horse. I knew who would be taking care of it so I wasn’t real thrilled about getting one. He hounded me until I decided we would see if there was an old tame riding horse that he could have that wouldn’t cause us any more hospital visits with broken arms and the like. I was told of a mare for sale up by Lake Metigoshe that was older and a real good riding horse. I called the owner and we went to take a look. She hadn’t been ridden yet that spring and the owner was just putting the saddle on when we got there. Having been bucked off, scraped off in the brush, bitten, and stepped on many times, I was skeptical of the way she kept turning her head slightly and giving me the eye. Dave really wanted to jump on and go for a ride but I said maybe I better go for a short ride first, just to check her out. The owner told me to ride around behind his barn and there was a nice grass strip where I could ride her. She kept the old evil eye looking back at me as I went through the short trail to the open. Something told me there was a bit more to this old mare than I had heard. When I got to the grass I lightly kicked her sides and said, “Lets go.” She went alright. Right to bucking and spinning in circles—just like the old days. I rode it out and when she quit, I put the reins to her sides and said, “Now let’s go.” We tore down the grass strip at a wild gallop, but when we got to the end and I reined her back she went to bucking and spinning again like a rodeo horse. I was ready so just let her have her fit until she quit again and I put the reins to her and headed back wide open. I hadn’t noticed that my son had run along behind out to the field and witnessed the entire event. When I slid up to him, I said, “Well, what do you think?” He said, “Maybe we better look around.” We still laugh about that one. Good horse sense there kid. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
Horse Story
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary & friends,
My dad was the horseman. His adage to me was often, ” You
gotta be smarter than the horse”.

I grew up in the shadow of stories about his sister, my
namesake Leona, and her keen horsemanship. “Toby” ,who could ride
sideways, ride backwards and ride standing up without a saddle on a
dead gallop.”

So, of course, I tried all those ways of riding a horse. Be
it in the very beginning, on the horse named “Byrd”.

My cousins will all smile and chuckle. Many of them remember,
because they too grew up with “Byrd”. “Byrd” was a white percheron
mare. She was gentle and old and wise to the ways of kids.

Byrd could be rode bareback. Once,Washington cousins came to
visit, there were five girls various sizes, riding Byrd, all at the
same time. We put the only bridle she had, the one with the blinders
on the sides. Reins of baling twine, then helped each other up. Byrd
plodded patiently along, then surprised us all with a quick turn. Off
the front, we slid in slow motion. 1,2, 3—-4 onto the dirt!

The summer my brother was born, Byrd, my sister,Nancy and I
worked picking sticks and rocks off a bulldozing. All, summer long,
Byrd pulled the stone boat up and down, back and forth in the hot
sun. Dusty and dirty Nancy and I picked sticks. Patient Byrd, her
tail switching flies. When the field looked perfect, dad would
cultivate and pull more up. It was a full time summer job!

In the late summer afternoons, Byrd became my cow pony. I
would pull her toward the fence, crawl up the wires, climb on her
back, quickly, before she made a hasty turn. Off we’d go to the
south pasture to fetch the cows. And we never came home until all
were found.

Sometimes Byrd decided she’d had enuff! If she was close
to a slough she’d go lie down and roll. If she was close to the barn
she would not be detoured. She’d squeeze through the barn door! If a
person was lucky, the door was open more than a foot. Then,Duck.
Lie flat. Pull up the legs. And keep yelling Whoa!, Byrd, WHOA!

I learned to first harness and drive a horse with Byrd. She
was strong,and the two of us worked as a team cleaning the calf pens
in the barn. She had worked it out to swing the stone boat over the
pile and with just the right pitch of my fork the load would slide
off slick as a whistle.

I got great pleasure cleaning that barn with Byrd and
bringing in sweet, golden, straw into the pens. Uncle Emil once
commented, “You’re a good barn cleaner”. And, I knew then, it was my
true calling.Yep. No housework for me when I could be working in the
barn, singing off key at the top of my lungs.

Doing it all with a horse named Byrd who I found, I was
never smarter than she.

Vickie

  

01/25/2011

Posted on by
Condolences to the Alice Hiatt Family:
From Dianne Johnson Tremblay (79): Dunseith, ND
 

Gary, please post this:

 

I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Haitt, my condolences go out to her family(s). I worked with Lori for many years @ TMC, my heart goes out to her.

I do know the pain and sorrow of losing a Mother. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

Dianne Johnson

 

 

 

 

Mark LaCroix from Bottineau, Paulette LaCroix Chisholm’s Nephew Scores big.

From Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

 

My neice was driving her father and brother Mark in her car from their grandmother’s funeral in McGregor to the basketball game scheduled that evening n Minot. They were close to Berthold when Laura fell asleep and rolled the car twice into the median. All were wearing seat bealts and were alright. The police brought the three of them to the local gas station in Berthould and someone offered to give Mark a ride to the game. After attending his grandmother’s funeral and surviing a car accident, Mark somehow scored 25 points in the game and made the winning shot. The Minot Daily News did a little write up.
Paulette

Overcoming adversity

LaCroix tops off tough day with game-winner

January 23, 2011 – By CHRIS AARHUS, Staff Writer caarhus@minotdailynews.com
Save | Post a comment |

Prior to his game against No. 4-ranked Bishop Ryan on Saturday night, Mark LaCroix’s day was tough, to say the least.

The Bottineau High School junior already experienced a hard day before having to play No. 4-ranked Bishop Ryan in a boys basketball contest. He attended his grandmother’s funeral in the morning and came away from a car accident uninjured afterward.

On Saturday night, LaCroix was determined to make sure the day ended on a positive note.

With 2.8 seconds remaining, LaCroix took a perfect inbounds pass from Matt Bowers and layed it in to send the Braves to a thrilling 53-52 Class B basketball victory over the Lions at the Ryan gym.

“It was perfect the way coach drew it up,” said LaCroix, who finished with a game-high 25 points. “Without that perfect pass, the shot never goes up.”

LaCroix’s somewhat miserable day was forgotten, if only for a second, by a shot that improved the Braves’ record to 13-2 on the season. They’re receiving votes in the latest Class B poll.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” LaCroix said. “I don’t think we’ve beaten Ryan in (five) years – since the last time we went to state.”

Bottineau coach Nate Simpson said he figured Ryan would do everything it could to deny junior Justin McCloud the ball.

“We had Matt fake (the pass) to the corner and lob it into the middle to Mark,” Simpson said. “It was executed to perfection. That’s (Mark’s) spot – right around the basket.”

It was clearly a good call by Simpson, who knew exactly what Ryan coach Scott Medalen had in mind.

“We thought we should key on McCloud,” Medalen said. “He’s their catalyst. It was such a gamble. They ran a good play.”

Medalen said LaCroix’s presence in the game became increasingly frustrating.

“Their posts made plays,” Medalen said. “LaCroix scored at will. That’s your player of the game right there.”

Overshadowed by the game-winning shot was Bottineau’s defensive effort in the final quarter, holding the Lions to five points.

Ryan had a five-point lead with 2:15 to go, but LaCroix sank a short jumper and Bowers turned a stolen perimeter pass into an easy layup to draw the Braves within one at 52-51. Ryan’s Taylor Schwan missed a bonus free throw with 11.8 seconds remaining. and Bottineau (13-2) took it down to its own end where Ryan committed its sixth foul with 2.8 seconds remaining to set up LaCroix’s heroics.

Though Simpson said the win is a confidence-booster, he was quick to point a trap that many teams fall into.

“I hope this win doesn’t define our season,” Simpson said. “We’ve gained a lot of confidence, but it could be for nothing if we lose to Rugby on Tuesday.”

Ryan got out to a blazing start, leading 16-5 in the first quarter. However, Bottineau answered and even took a 27-23 lead in the second. However, Ryan took back the lead before halftime and led throughout the entire third quarter.

The Lions were led in scoring by Ben Magnuon’s 16 points. Taylor Schwan had 11 and Saari 10 for Ryan, which drops to 11-2 and hosts Surrey on Tuesday.

 
 
 
 
1977 – Lloyd Gardner, Formerly from the Rendahl area in the hills, lands first Legal Moose shot in ND.
Posted by Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA
 

Hi Gary – When I was going through the albums from my uncle Jake I found these articles about Lloyd’s (my brother) moose hunt in December, 1977. Just thought I would share if you want to post them. I’m trying to find the article about my grandfather shooting the last grizzly bear in the Turtle Mountains and will pass that along when I get my hands on it.

 

Again, thank you for all the memories and wonderful stories you share.
 
 

 

 

 

 
  

01/24/2011

Posted on by
Alice (Glen {Ike}) Hiatt Passed away.

ALICE HIATT, 76, St. John, died Saturday in a Rolla hospital. (Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

Glen (Ike) is a brother to Leola Lagerquist and Nettie Peterson.

I was surprised to see her death notice. Our condolence are with her family.

Gary

 
 
 
 
Hosed at the Pump
Interesting article posted by Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Gary,

When buying gas with a debit card, the information is sent
directly to your bank who makes the money available to pay the gas
station. They also hold back some more of your money for a “just in
case.” In the meantime, the gas station may not send their batch file
in for payment until the next day or later. While that is being
delayed, you may be out spending more with the debit card resulting in
insufficient funds with penalties applied to the account. This happened
to a friend of our but she caught it before getting out of hand.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/BetterBanking/HosedAtTheGasPumpByYourDebitCard.aspx

Dale Pritchard

 
  

01/23/2011

Posted on by
Replies to the Ed Milligan Peace Garden Photo:

 
From Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind.
 

Gary, Apparently my dad, Don Hosmer, remembers that he was president of the business association or chamber of commerce or whatever the correct title of it was at the time in Dunseith & he took these gentlemen up to the Peace Gardens. He recalls that they may have been from a Pacific island nation – Kay

 

 

From Virgil Rude (Col ND NG Retired): Minot, ND

 

Hi Gary,
The fellow is indeed LTC Gagnon. He worked full time at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. He spent most of his time in the operation section (S3) He has since passed away several years ago. Virgil

Thank you Virgil for this reply.
 
Would it be safe to say that the guy sanding in-between Ed Milligan and LTC Gagnon accompanied LTC Gagnon for this event or is he by chance a visitor too?
 
Gary

 

 

Simeon Grenier, Ed Milligan, ??, LTC Woody Gagnon, Henry Sunderland, Visitor, Visitor, Don Hosmer

 
 
 
Reply from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): Rolette, ND
 
Hey Gary,

Your grandson Tyler is such a nice looking boy; 13 is a fun age. Yesterday I subbed in Rolla and had a group of 7th graders. They were appropriately talkative and so eager to share. One young boy, Paul Kurtie, gave me a Lai when he found out I was going to Hawaii……I thought that was really sweet.

We must enjoy kids at every age; they grow up so fast, right?

Margaret

Margaret,
 
You mention going to Hawaii. When and for how long will you be visiting Hawaii?
 
Gary
 
 
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 

Hi Gary and all, just a note to let you know we are still kicking. We just came back from a week on the NCL Spirit, also did a cruise on NCL Pearl earlier. The Caribbean is beautiful and the NCL cruise is just better than ever.

 

After a long absence I was happy to see the blog loaded with horse stories. I can still see the look on Dale Gottbrecht’s face when Dad hooked ole Jim and Dewey on his four wheel drive International pickup and snaked him out of the Canadian Reserve backwards. I don’t think Dale had Betsy in gear yet.

 

My Dad found his saddle horse one day on the Reservation, I think his ole pal, Harold Kelley put him onto that half Arab gelding.. The Davis’s maybe Russel, had him on the race track. It took all of a year to take the race out of him, but he was surely worth it. Scotty could carry my dad over to the Johnson pasture to check his cows and be back pronto. Especially difficult when the border gumbo was wet and unforgiving. I guess you could say we depended on those horses, why not have good ones.

 

I picked up this pen to thank all the story tellers and especially Larry Hackman. Larry, after seeing New Haven, Mo. on the great Missouri River I wondered why such an event would happen that the Hackman’s would come to the end of the world. Most pioneers came from Canada or East Coast, not so much to lose. They surely did not come in the fall. lol Now it is clear to me that with your ability to write with the best of them, it would be a travesty for you not to write a grand book about the valor of an intrepid people transplanted to such foreign ways and means. I have the stories my dad told me about Gus and Bill, as well as some of my own. You question why the uncles never married, I have my ideas why Frank and Gus never married, but Bill assured me and Doug Striker one -20 degree winter night why he lost interest in the gals. It seems that his dad used the willow switch to get his point across about that business. Doug and I had stopped in our way home from St. John about midnight. Now Doug had a way of getting old Bill to talking. At about the time we thought Gus was going to stay in bed upstairs, the door opened and in walked Gus. When he saw who it was he went out and brought his rifle in out of the cold. I guess Gus was a midnight man alright. By the way, some of the rest of us went hunting at night in days long gone by! Thanks to all for the stories. Gary Metcalfe
 
 
 
 
Ol’ Lightening Horse Story
From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

Gary

 

One more horse story: Ol’ Lightening

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not real sure of my age at the time this incident took place. I do know that my family was living at the lake home at this time, so I would estimate that I was probably about fourteen. It would have been my freshman year in high school at the latest, as we moved into Dunseith for the remainder of my high school years. The lake home was located on the northwest side of Lyde Lake and was actually visible from highway 3 just south of Kelvin. In order to access the property you would turn south on the first turn after exiting highway 3 onto highway 43 north of Kelvin Store. Also living along this road were the Elmer Espe and Clifford Millang families. It was a gravel road for a short distance and then became one of the dirt roads that so many of us from the area are familiar with. The house was located to the east of this dirt road, down a steep hill on another dirt trail. Rumor has it that there had been some type of conflict between the landowners that would not allow for a cordial agreement to permit the construction of a gravel access to the home site, so we continued the, moving out for the winter and moving in for the summer, ritual until the situation was finally resolved by my father purchasing the adjoining property.

 

 

My father was a horse lover and the country home was an ideal place to keep a few horses. He purchased a quarter horse from Dennis Brennen and he thought that it would be a great idea if I would learn to ride this horse that he had named Lightening. Up to that point I had had very little interest in horses, and riding in particular. At that time there were a number of avid horsemen in the area and I always admired and envied them and the idea began to appeal to me. You could see them in the ditches on almost any excursion to Dunseith. The grace of these animals and the apparent ease that the riders had in handling them appealed to me. I started on the quest to become a horseman by practicing on these dirt trails. I would start up the trail from the house and turn south continuing on past the Dave Eurich farm and then onto the property owned by my Grandfather, Billy Metcalfe. On this particular day I noticed that Lightening, after reaching the turning point of the trek, was in a great hurry to get back home. The more I tried to get him to slow down the more he insisted on increasing his speed.On this instance I had chosen not to use a saddle, which in the end was the determining factor in my demise.The trail stretches about 3 miles between what was then Billy Metcalfe’s place and the lake house.By the time we reached the point about half way, Lightening was at a full gallop and I was having extreme difficulty remaining mounted.I had started sliding off the horse to the right side and we were no longer in unison.As he was going down I was going up and we were slapping together in a very painful manner.To make a long story short we continued in this mode until I was hanging on for dear life under Ol’ Lightning’s neck.I decided to push myself away from the horse and was successful in doing this; I’m sure looking much like a tumbler doing a forward roll.

 

After the rolling was complete and I had regained some composure I looked up and was surprised to see Lightening standing there looking at me with what I perceived to be an apologetic stare.So I grabbed the reins and being in a forgiving mood decided I would just remount and continue the ride home with no more thought given to the incident.Immediately after remounting, Lightening, apparently deciding that he much preferred to be without a rider, began to buck.It wasn’t long before I was learning what it was like to be thrown from the back of an angry horse.The horizon lowers somewhat slowly; you reach the peak and then begin the rapid descent towards the ground.As I’ve heard on many occasions, it’s not the fall that gets you but the rapid stop.I laid there for some time before finally looking up and to my amazement there was the horse again with the same look in his eyes.Thinking back it may have been more of a look of amusement this time, but nevertheless there he was and there was the challenge. Not wanting to be a quitter and losing my chance of ever being able to master this horse I accepted the challenge and remounted.Much to my dismay the same procedure commenced.I’m sure that many folks reading this, including cousin Lyle and cousin Lola have been down this particular trail.In the area where this occurred to the east it is thick with trees and they obscure the horizon, but on this day while at the maximum height of being thrown I swear I could see Lyde Lake and highway 3 before crashing onto the ground.

 

And again the horse returned.I’ve never been accused of possessing great intelligence and based upon my next decision I understand why.For the third time I chose to remount, not surprisingly with the same result.This time I had had enough and it finally dawned on me that this animal was just messing with me.When the horse returned again with what I’m now sure was a look of amusement, I clenched my fist and hit him square in the nose with all the force I could muster.This time he wheeled, galloped off, and did not return.

 

I walked home, entered the house and asked my mother if Ol’ Lightening had come home.She was quite upset and after asking me if I was alright, she informed me that the horse had come down the hill at full speed, galloped past the house, cleared the fence that separated the yard from the pasture and continued at full speed until he disappeared from sight.

 

I am happy to say that I gave up my desire to be a horseman at that time and have been horse free to this day.

 

 

kenny

 

 

 

Reply from Mark Schmitz (70): Rolette, ND

Reply to Dick Johnson. The last I saw that Green Tank was along side the North Wall of the stucco log side of the house. I am now not sure if it is there, out back by the remains of the porch of our old house in town, or if it was used for filling in the basement under the lean to the log part of the house. Too much snow to get there now, and too much hidden debris, wait until the spring and give me a call, to remind me of it. There were 3 fuel tanks out there. Have a good day!

 

 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Darlene Crum

Aug. 20, 1948-Jan. 17, 2011

January 22, 2011

DUNSEITHDarlene Ann Crum, 48, Langdon, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

She was born Aug. 20, 1948, to Melvin and Marlene Schroeder, in Belcourt. She married Ronald Crum on July 19, 1997, in Dunseith.

Survivors: husband; son, Billy, Belcourt; daughter, Jaylene Crum, Langdon, stepsons, Jonathan Crum, Amarillo, Texas, Larry Crum, Maxbass; five grandchildren; father, of Dunseith; brothers, Clarence, Rodney and Kevin, all Dunseith, Marlin, St. John, Chris, Belcourt; sister, Loretta Lafloe, Dunseith.

Funeral: Monday, 10 a.m., St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dunseith.

Burial: In the spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, rural Dunseith.

Wake and prayer service: Wake Sunday, 4 p.m., prayer service Sunday, 7 p.m., both in the church.

(Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

 
 
  

01/22/2011

Posted on by
Childhood memories living on the farm
From Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
 
hi Gary
So many articles bring up memories. Lloyd mentioned his Dad and Earl
Fassett digging the church basement with horses. Made me think of Dad
when he dug out a cellar under the house down home with the horses. I
was pretty small but I remember the chain snapped and swung back and
wrapped around his legs. He was laid up for quite awhile. I was too
small to remember the details.
I think our place was originally owned by Fred Gottbreht. I wondered
about it at the time Sharon Gottbreht sent in the pictures of that big
barn being moved. He (Gottbreht) apparently built the huge lean to on
the North and West sides later on. There was a curbed well in the west
lean but you couldn’t get enough water to water all the cattle in the
winter time so only the milk cows were water there and the young stock
were taken down to the spring across the road and water dipped by pail
for them. Usually dad would go with the young stock and do the dipping
and Floyd would pump water at the barn. If Dad didn’t dip then Floyd
would and sometimes I had to. I think it was the only job Idid that I
can honestly say I hated. Aside from freezing half to death walking
down there my gloves would get wet and my hands would be so cold and
hurt so bad when they started to warm up. And I was always afraid of
getting knocked into the curbing. When I had to dip they would hold the
cattle at the barn till I was almost to the spring. It would give me
time to get a few buckets of water into the tank. The cattle would come
at a run and be pushing and shoving to get at the water. If the tank
wasn’t froze down they’d move it decreasing the space between me and
the curbing. I couldn’t dip as fast as the men. They could keep a
little water in the tank and keep things a little more stable. On a
normal day we would water twice a day and during real cold spells we’d
hold off till close to noon and only water once a day. When it was
extremely cold the pump at the barn would freeze up and we’d carry
boiling water from the house to pour down down the pump to thaw it out
and get it all primed again. I bet lots of the older people remember
“priming the pump”. When the leather washer rings that helped create
the suction as the pump handle was pumped, bringing up water from the
bottom of the wee, dried out or wore out and shriveled up. The only way
to make them moist and workable again was to pour water down the well
shaft and at the same time pump like crazy until the pump caught the
prime and water started flowing again. Enough of that.
Mary K
 
 
 
 
Hazel Hiatt Memory:
From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.
 
Dick,
 
I remember Hazel Hiatt very well. She use to come over to Bernice’s all the time. I always got a kick out of her, rough, but nice.
 
Sybil Johnson
 
 
 
 
Reply from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 
Hi Gary!

 
I just have to say that I loved the horse story posted by Dick Johnson. I’d be curious to know how your training techniques evolved after that Dick! She must have been scared to death as well as you and your bystander! I have never been kicked in the head and hope I never am. My uncle Jake was kicked in the leg in his 70’s and it broke his femur. He was shoeing somebody else’s horse and didn’t see it coming.

I used a much more gradual approach than you did Dick, when I started my new colts, and was never bucked off in their training, but I did get thrown a few times later, as well as just plain fell off a few times, and recently. In fact, at the moment I have spent the last 2 weeks in an intensive rehab program to heal the sciatic pain I’ve had since getting bucked off my mare last April. Thankfully, it’s coming along nicely and I should be 100% by next week. No doubt it’s a risk every time you get in the saddle, but if you’re like me, you have no choice but to get up and get on again. Yes I’m crazy. Horse Crazy!

Brian Fauske was with me one of those times when I was trying to mellow out a mustang. We had trailered the horses up to the stunning beauty of the Rawah Wilderness for a nice little day ride. Zorro dumped me like a bag of dirt as I was trying to get on his off side. He had been beaten by a previous trainer with a two by four on that side and was very skittish when mounting. Eventually he got used to it and everything else many miles later, although I think the best laugh Brian and I ever had together was when that horse spooked and took off like a bat out of hell. I found myself completely on the other side of the valley, and could hear Brian laughing his head off a mile away. That photo you have posted so many times of me on the black horse was taken by Brian that day. After that photo was taken, we tried to cross the unmelted snow at the top of the Rawah Range and lost the trail. We wandered around those mountains all day long, and finally found our way back by a miracle and a good sense of direction. By the end of the day, the horse was doing much better, and proving himself to be a sturdy, brave and capable trail horse. Zorro was a beautiful black Mustang with Spanish Barb in his genes. The fellow who bought him from me for $500.00 was an older cowboy in his sixties, just getting back into horses. I never heard how it finally worked out for him, but I told him he could bring him back if he didn’t like him and I never heard from him again.
 
This story isn’t an old time story, but I share it anyway for the horse lovers out there. You can choose to post it or not or hold on to it for awhile, if you think people have had enough of horse stories for now. Thanks to everyone who’s been writing! It’s so fun to read the stories.

Trish Larson Wild ’73
 
 
 
 
Picture/message from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

I was looking at the picture of Louis Schimetz and his horses and something triggered an old memory of their farmstead. One time long ago I was there, probably delivering fuel for Lamoureux Oil Co., and I think they had one of the old horse drawn fuel delivery wagons on the north side of their house and were using it as a tank for heating fuel for the house. I see the buildings are all gone after the big fire a couple years ago and I wondered if the tank and wagon burned too? Mark, do you know where the old rig went? It would be fun to know. We have a similar rig at the museum and there is a bit of history with it. It was used in the Rolette 50th anniversary parade in 1955 and was driven by my uncle Cliff Johnson who was the Standard bulk agent in Rolette at the time. I will include a picture of the ’55 parade. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
North Dakota Ghost Story
From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
 

Hi Gary, Just got this story from a friend of mine in Rochester Minnesota…Hmmmmmmmmmmm?


North Dakota Ghost

This happened about a month ago just outside of Douglas, a little town in the back country of North Dakota . It sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale.

This out-of-state traveler was on the side of the road, hitchhiking on a real dark night in the middle of a snow storm. Time passed slowly and no cars went by. It was snowing so hard he could hardly see his hand in front of his face.

Suddenly he saw a car moving slowly, approaching and appearing ghost like in the snow. It slowly and silently crept toward him and stopped. Wanting a ride real bad the guy jumped in the car and closed the door; only then did he realize that there was nobody behind the wheel, and no sound of an engine .

Again the car crept slowly forward and the guy was terrified, too scared to think of jumping out and running. The guy saw that the car was approaching a sharp curve and, still too scared to jump out, he started to pray and began begging for his life; he was sure the ghost car would go off the road and into a nearby lake and he would drown!

But just before the curve, a shadowy figure appeared at the driver’s window and a hand reached in and turned the steering wheel, guiding the car safely around the bend. Then, just as silently, the hand disappeared through the window and the hitchhiker was alone again! Paralyzed with fear, the guy watched the hand reappear every time they reached a curve.

Finally the guy, scared to near death, had all he could take and jumped out of the car and ran and ran, into town, into Garrison. Wet and in shock, he went into a bar and voice quavering, ordered two shots of whiskey, then told everybody about his supernatural experience.

A silence enveloped and everybody got goose bumps when they realized the guy was telling the truth (and was not just some drunk).

About half an hour later two guys walked into the bar and one says to the other, ‘Look Ole, ders dat idiot that rode in our car when we wuz pushin it in the snow.’

Bob Stokes’ Biological sibblings- 1960
 
Folks,
 
I thought I’d share this photo that was recently sent to me of my Dad (Bob Stokes) with his biological brothers and sisters. Their Dad, Carl Petterson, died in 1960. These pictures were taken at that time when the family was all together.
 
With the death of their mother shortly after dad and Margaret were born, the younger children were adopted, sent to live with neighbors, and sent to live with relatives in Canada. In their adult years they became a very close family.
 
Dad and Margaret (twins) were separated. Dad was adopted by the Stokes’ and Margaret was sent to Canada to live with relatives. It wasn’t until they were in their later 30’s that they met for the first time. I wasn’t at the train depot in Minot when Margaret arrived, but dad was. I remember that time well. In later years they were all back and forth a lot.
 
Many of you knew several of dad’s siblings.
Nels & Pete lived in Everett, WA.
Emil & Hans lived in the Bottineau area
Elvina Skoog lived in Cando
Margaret, Dad’s twin sister lived in Moose Jaw SK, Canada
Anna Dahl lived in Bisbee – Arizona in the winters
Olga Hanson Haseldahl lived in Bottineau. She was an aunt to the Morinville siblings
Lilly Gunderson lived east of Bottineau and moved to Arizona in the late 60’s.
 
 
  

01/21/2011

Posted on by
Reply to the Ed Milligan Peace Garden Photo previously posted:
From Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind.
 

I recognize my dad in this picture, Don Hosmer, on the far right – Kay Hosmer (1977)

Kay, Please ask your dad what he remembers about this picture. Thanks, Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND
 
Bernadette and Gary,

Your grandchildren are beautiful. Thanks for the picture. I remember
first seeing Sheryl as a toddler at a big picnic you folks had at their
farm in the hills. I think the picnic was also to introduce Bernadette to
your childhood community. If I am remembering right there was a special
connection between Sheryl and your mom. Is Sheryl named after your mom or
was it something else?

I also really enjoyed Lyle Olson’s horse story. Thanks Lyle and Gary for
putting it on the blog.

Marlys

Marlys,
 
The connection between our daughter Sheryl and my mother is with Sheryl’s middle name being Elaine, named after Mom (Sheryl Elaine Stokes Wingate).
 
With our visits each summer, until my folks moved to Bottineau in 1984, mom normally had a big potluck gathering of friends and relatives at the farm. Then Bernadette took over having the gatherings of Relatives and friends, usually serving a special dinner, in the back yard of our folks house in Bottineau. Your parents and Margie attended several of those gatherings.
The time you are talking about I think was in July of 1980. Sheryl was 6 months old at the time and was getting around very well in her stroller. I remember her taking several tumbles down the inside steps of the folks house in that stroller.
 
Gary

 
 
Posted by Eileen Brudwick: Goodyear, Arizona

Harold E. Amundson (09/20/1921 – 01/10/2011)

| Visit Guest Book

 


AMUNDSON, Harold E..
(Age 89)

Of Spokane, passed away January 10, 2011, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 20, 1921 in Dunseith, North Dakota; the youngest of six siblings. A decorated WWII Veteran, retired from Kaiser Aluminum in 1983. He is survived by Mildred, his wife of 64 years; his daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Fred Buffaloe of Hayden, Idaho; son and daughter-in-law David and Maralou Amundson of League City, TX; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. He served his Jesus well and now rejoices in Heaven. He was loved and will be greatly missed by every one who knew him.
Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 6905 Country Homes Blvd, Spokane, WA on January 15th at 2 pm. Viewing will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, January 15th.

 
Posted Yesterday.
 

Harold Amundson Passed away:

Message from Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

 

Gary, Just wanted to let you know, in case you want to post it on the blog that Harold Amundson passed away last Mon morning. He was a brother to Helen Nelson, Dagny Haagenson, Ernie Amundson, Gudrun Wood and uncle to Murl Hill and Carol Carbonneau and my great uncle, plus many more in the Dunseith area. It is 4 degrees here right now and lots of new snow. Yucky!!
 
 
 
 
Horse Story
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Well, I might as well throw in one more horse story. Back in the summer of ’60 my folks got me as Welsh mare for my birthday. She was a green broke mare that they bought from Hazel Hiatt. Hazel named her Beauty. She had a colt the next spring and I named it Goldie because of the light color she was at birth. She darkened as she got older and was more of a sorrel. I just rode the mare and the colt ran along for the first couple years. Then I decided she should be broke to ride and I could do it. That was one of my learning experiences. Sharlotte Nordquist was staying here at the farm and we hatched a plan. I had seen a cowboy show on TV where a guy had put a horse blanket over the horses head to cover his eyes and then climbed on and the horse just stood still until he took the cover off the horses head. I had an old bridle and used a dog chain for reins. I didn’t want to try putting a saddle on her as I didn’t want to get my feet caught and get dragged. We got the bridle on her without too much drama and put a grain sack over her eyes. She just stood there, just like the one in the movie. I quietly climbed on and then reached up and took the sack off her head. That’s when we both had a new experience. She went nuts when she realized I was on her back. She did the old crow hop for a while and when that didn’t work she went into a bucking frenzy like I had never experienced before. Several attempts to throw me didn’t work so she broke into a wild gallop and headed for the far side of the pasture and into the timber. The closer we got to the woods I knew this was going to be an even worse scenario so I did another trick I had seen in the movies. I slid down her side and just before I got to the brush I pushed off and was going to roll on the ground. Well, she felt me on her side and jumped and kicked at the same time. She missed me with the kick but I bounced and as she was pulling her foot back ahead, she popped me on the forehead and knocked me cold. When I came to, Sharlotte was standing there bawling her eye’s out. I suppose she didn’t know how bad I was hurt–maybe dead. I never gave up and after a few more tries (not that day) I got the colt to let me ride and she became a pretty good riding pony. The first picture is me on the mare with the colt along side. The other is about four years later on the colt. Thanks Gary!

Dick


 
  

01/20/2011

Posted on by
Harold Amundson Passed away:
Message from Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD
 

Gary, Just wanted to let you know, in case you want to post it on the blog that Harold Amundson passed away last Mon morning. He was a brother to Helen Nelson, Dagny Haagenson, Ernie Amundson, Gudrun Wood and uncle to Murl Hill and Carol Carbonneau and my great uncle, plus many more in the Dunseith area. It is 4 degrees here right now and lots of new snow. Yucky!!

Susan, We are sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Where was he living at the time of his death? Gary
 
 
Reply from Mark Schmitz (70): mschimetz@msn.com Rolette, ND
 

Your Grandson has the same Warm that I have seen on his Grandpa, He is a special Kid. I bet you guys have a lot of fun together. My Great Nephew has that same inviting smile. Rachael Vandal first born son Faythan, I always look forward to our visits at Kathy (Schimetz) Wood. He goes over to his Grandmothers after school, as his school is just across the street. His Mother Rachael, or her friend Damon Picks him up to go home later in the day. Best Wishes.

Thank you Mark for the nice compliment. I mistakenly posted Feb 18th as Tyler’s birthday. His birthday was Jan 18th. We called him last night too, to wish him happy birthday. He said he was going to use both his Christmas and Birthday moneys that we sent him to purchase an Ipod. I’m sure his dad will kick in the addition money, if needed, to buy one. From birth, Tyler’s charm and charisma, inherited form his Filipina grandmother, have given him a special place in a lot of folks hearts. He’s a bright boy too with nearly a 4.0 GPA. His half sister, Nevaeh, is following right along in his foot steps. Their mother Sheryl is our daughter. Gary
 
 
 
Horse & Mule Story
Posted by Lyle Olson (65): West Fargo, ND
 

Gary:

 

With all the talk of horses lately, I thought I might add a few stories myself. Rather than work as a clerk in some stuffy law office while going to law school, I worked for the National Park Service during the summer months. I spent one summer at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND and three subsequent summers at Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO. In any event, my summer at Theodore Roosevelt National Park was spent spraying leafy spurge with Tordon pellets. My work partner was a middle-aged cowboy from that part of the country who had all sorts of experience riding horses and packing mules. My only experience riding horses was riding one of my grandfather’s work horses back to barn from the field. As an aside, my grandfather, Bill Metcalfe, actually farmed with horses until 1973.

 

We would typically spend Mondays and Tuesdays scouting for leafy spurge. These were all-day rides at a leisurely pace, but over some rather rough terrain in the Badlands. The next three days of the week, we would return to the patches of leafy splurge we had scouted and spray the same with Tordon pellets using a hand-held grass seeder. We would pack our mule – Bernie – with four 50-pound boxes of chemicals and head off for a day of spraying. Well, the very first day of using the mule, my co-worker gave me the reins for Bernie and Bernie was to follow behind. He failed to tell me, however, that I needed to make sure the rope to Bernie did not get under my horse’s tail. Well, of course that happened just after we left the corral and my horse bucked me off. Thankfully, I landed on my arse and not my head!! Unfortunately, I got bucked off right in front of a bus load of tourists with cameras flashing and laughter on each grinning face. I picked myself up and did the walk of shame back to my horse. My co-worker laughed until he almost pe’ed his pants.

 

Bernie seemed to be a trouble-making soul as he caused me to bucked off several times over that summer, always when tourists were around. I do not know if he got spooked by the tourists or he just waited for the right time to embarass me. He had a nasty habit of stopping dead in his tracks and even if I had the rope tied to the saddle horn, he would move to the side opposite the rope and I would end up getting pulled off my saddle. My co-worker cowboy took great pleasure in seeing me struggle with such a beast!

 

Upon arrival at the leafy spurge site, we would set about our work by filling large, hand-held grass seeders with chemical. We would then put on our snake chaps as we had to walk through tall grass riddled with snakes. Well, I have a deep fear of snakes and the clicking noise of the grass seeder dispensing the chemical sounded an awful lot like the noise a rattlesnake makes. So every day spreading the chemical was a long day for me. One day I stepped right on a snake! Of course, I thought it was a rattler and immediately threw off my grass seeder and ran the hell away from the snake. My cowboy co-worker, laughing so hard he could hardly talk, walked over to where the snake was and picked up a 6-foot bull snake! Well, I am a reasonably smart fellow so I got to thinking that perhaps I could spray the leafy spurge from horseback. Without telling my co-worker, I reloaded my sprayer and hopped up on my horse. I set off to the next patch of leafy spurge satisfied that I had this all figured out and I would never step on a snake again or have nightmares of doing so. I then put my plan into action. Tying my reins to saddle horn, I used one hand to steady the sprayer and the other hand to turn the sprayer’s handle. Well the Tordon pellets started to fly out of the sprayer and all was good, until, that is, the pellets started to hit the horse’s ears. This spooked my horse and off we went on a run – not a trot but a dead run-. Needless to say I again found myself on the ground, and the grass seeder only enhanced the pain experienced hitting the ground. I didn’t feel the pain at first as my immediate concern was that I landed in tall grass and a snake was about to strike me. Needless to say, I moved mighty quick away from that spot and only then did I feel the pain. My co-worker rode up next to me and asked that I stop clowning around as we had lots of work to do that day! He then chased my horse down and told me to go lie under a tree until I was ready to get back to work! A hard bunch, those Medora cowboys.

 

I have taken to a horse only once or twice since that summer. I remember Bernie the Mule with great fondness, however, and I thank him every now and then for one of the greatest summers of my life!

 

Lyle O.

The Great Class of 1975

 
 
 
Alice Kuhn Story

From Noela Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

Thanks to your readers for info about the Demery picture. I now have the address of one of the daughters, Doris McCloud, and will be mailing the picture to her. :)

 

Also, thanks to your readers for the info/names about the picture that was taken at the Peace Garden (Simeon Grenier and others). It’s interesting to learn the identities of the men in the picture, but it’s also interesting to hear the stories/other info your readers contribute about the different pictures you post for me. To me, what is important about these pictures, is it brings back memories for many people. I enjoy all the pictures/stories/memories you include in your newsletter. It doesn’t matter if I know/don’t know the people mentioned, they are interesting.

 

A little story about Mel’s mother, Alice Kuhn. One evening this past week, I ate supper with Mom at Good Samaritan. As I walked past Alice’s table (on my way to the lounge to buy a soda), Alice stopped me and whispered to me, “You are a real lady.” I wasn’t sure what she meant, so I asked her what she meant. She said it’s because I always wear dresses. I thought that was a very nice compliment. Alice is such a sweetie; she is always smiling and pleasant. She must bring great joy to the staff/other residents at Good Sam–she always brightens my day when I see her. Alice is always dressed nicely–pretty “tops” and usually wearing a necklace, probably earrings, too. Alice Kuhn is a special lady. Alice mentioned her sister’s (the sister who also lives at Good Sam) was the next day. How special they will be spending it together. :)

 

I hope this makes sense. Sometimes I’m lazy and don’t proofread what I write.

 

Neola
 
 
 
 
Trish Larson Wild and Linda Gardner’s uncle – Jason (Jake) Gardner
Posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

When I read yesterday’s newsletter, I noticed the name Jason Gardner on the Assiniboia info. I then sent this picture to Linda Gardner and Trish Larson Wild Clayburgh, asking if this is the Jason who is mentioned in the info. The picture I sent to them had different text [Jason/Jake & Agnes Norman Gardner with adopted daughter (Hjalmer)]. I asked them if they knew why I had written (Hjalmer) in the text. The following info came from them.

 

From Trish:
Hello Neola. Wow. You really moved me with this photo. To tears.
 
I have never seen this photo, but is one of my uncle Jason, his wife Agnes, and Darcy. They raised her as their own as seen here. Darcy’s father was Agnes’ brother’s child (Hjalmer Norman). Her mother I never knew.
 
Hjalmer was Darcy’s father’s name. He worked with Jake his whole life as far as I know. He seemed to be a very thoughtful man, quiet, strong, perhaps some might say, even brooding. But those are just my impressions from childhood. I never knew him as an adult, but I always admired his hand with horses.
 
My brother, Greg Larson, is an attorney in Bismark. He handled Jake’s estate for Agnes, and might be better able to tell you more, as could Linda Gardner, who is another niece of Jake’s.
 
Lou Anne Gardner is another one and she lives West of Belcourt. Her family lived next door to Jake for many years and shared the property line.
Trish Wild
The Equine Nomad
 
 
From Linda:
Her name is Darcy – Hjalmer Norman is Darcy’s father, Agnes’ brother. He stayed and worked on the farm with Jake & Agnes and helped work the horses.