01/19/2011

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Gary

Our Grandson Tyler’s 13th birthday

Folks,

Today, February 18th, is our grandson, Tyler’s 13th birthday. Tyler was nearly 6 years old when we came the PI. He spent a good portion of the first 6 years of his life with us. He was with me when we dropped Bernadette off at the airport to come over here. She came 6 months ahead of me. Tyler cried all the way back home. He was so heart broken. For those 6 months, he spent half time with me. I’d take him up to Bernadette’s half sisters house before I went to work. He was and continues to be a very special boy in our eyes.

Gary

Bernadette & Tyler

Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62):

Memories from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary
Just a quick note – Almost everyday there’s items on the blog that bring
up lots of memories. Yesterday one I drew off was Marlys Zorn’s comments
on Sharon. How right she is. Zorn’s lived abnout 3 miles south of us
during the yrs they lived in the Dunseith area. Sharon would ride
horseback up to our place or I think sometime we’d meet in-between
places. She had a nice little black horse and we’d meet and trade
horses. Her little black had a bad habiat of going into a nice gallop
and them hop sideways. Left me sitting on the ground quite a few times.
When I thought I had mastered the hop – she started making two hops –
got me anyway. Anyway Marlys said it all.
More later.
MaryK

Reply from Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND

Wonderful stories Gary – I really enjoyed them. It was just like I was
there. I remeber wonderful Homemaker Christmas parties at you home.

Marlys Hiatt

Marlys, The “Kelvin Homemakers Club” was one of the main social clubs of the area in our day. They had many parties inclusive of family members. More often than not, a lot of the parties that I remember were at Mary Ann (Clarence) Hagen’s. They rotated their monthly meetings among the homes of the members. I remember being at Dorothy (Floyd) Lamb’s for a few of those parties too. Yes, mom had a few of their parties at our house too. They are still an active club today. Gary

Demery Family Photo posted with message 1065:

Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Gary, I deleted Sat. e-mail lto soon, the picture, is of Demerys who
live in Belcourt. The lady standing on the left is Doris (Demery)
McCloud, she worked at Turtle Mountain Community School.

Ginger

Thanks Ginger, Judy Allery Poitra (65): identified the Demery family too, posted with message 1065. Gary

Marlene Plante Henderson, Rolla, Passed away

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

Hi,

I just read today’s obituaries. I was/am stunned to read Marlene Plante Henderson passed away. Marlene was married to Alfred/Fritz Henderson, whom I’ve know since I was in high school. He brought Marlene to my parents’ home before they were married so Marlene/I could meet each other. We lost touch over the years, but about ten years/maybe more, we got in touch again, and since then Fritz/Marlene/I have exchanged many forwards/some personal emails. I’m just shocked at the news.

Gary, I’m sure you remember/know Marlene is in your newsletter list.

I’m going to visit Mom about three, so I should finish getting ready.

Neola

Neola,

I got this message from Marlene’s Daughter Karrie several days ago. She sent the message using her mother, Marlene’s email address. I read it in a hurry thinking it was Marlene’s mother that had passed away. It wasn’t until now when you sent her obituary that I realized it was Marlene that had passed away. Yes I am shocked. Marlene frequently contributed to our daily blog. We exchanged a number of personal email messages too. I never met her in person, but she seem like a very nice lady indeed. I know this has to be shock to her family. Our condolences are with them with her passing.

Gary

From Karrie Henderson: Rolla, ND

Some of you may already know that Mom passed away on Saturday. For those of you not aware, I am so sorry to inform you in this way.

The visitation will be held at Elicks Funeral Home in Rolla Wednesday night from 6-7pm.

The funeral will be Thursday at the Catholic Church in Rolla at 11AM.

If you need to reach us the phone number is 701-477-3366.

She is so missed,

He daughter Karrie

Horse Story

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

Hi Gary,

My cousin Linda had a photo of J.Dees Joy. I thought your readers might like to put a photo to my story. Isn’t she gorgeous? In my story, she’s the one who bit me, but now I think it was a different horse. This horse came later, and when I was in high school I used to watch her run, that blonde mane and tail flying. She was the prettiest horse Jake ever had.

Now I guess I don’t remember the name of the horse that bit me when I was a kid. Maybe I could figure it out once I have a look at the photo album that Linda keeps. But the story still works. Poetic license?

Trish Wild

The Equine Nomad

Begin forwarded message:

From: “Linda Gardner” Date: January 18, 2011 2:35:55 AM PST
To: “Trish Clayburgh” Subject: J Dee’s Joy

Hi Trish – Read your contribution to Gary’s blog this AM and thought you might enjoy seeing the attached. BTW, I have Jake and Agnes’ album from all of the races. Hez had taken it after Agnes died and Dottie passed it on to me after Hez’s death. I don’t know of anyone that may want it when my turn comes to pass it on?

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01/18/2011

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Gary

Folks, There is a cold front moving thru our area here in Cebu with some heavy rains. At 3:30 PM it is currently 77 F. The normal high is in the upper 80’s/90. The natives are freezing. One of our helpers has on a heavy sweater. Gary

Dance Hall – Lost fiddle

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Vickie’s story of Wes Schneider leaving his fiddle at the dance hall brings a few old memories. I believe the former CCC barracks from the Peace Garden, that she mentioned, was moved to a point about a half mile south of Kelvin, just south of the curve around Lyde Lake on old Highway 3. It sat on the west side of the road and was used for dances. It was called Peterson Hall and many dances were held there. If my memory serves me right, I believe it was Glen Johnson who bought the hall about 10 years later (mid 50s) and moved it to Dunseith and made it into a nice home. It is the house now owned and occupied by Dave Fugere. Folks, if my memory is wrong on this, please correct me. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Ed Milligan, Henry Sunderland & Don Hosmer photo

Reply Larry Liere (55): Mesa AZ & Devils Lake, ND

Hi Gary & Happy New Year!

About the picture below. The Army guy in uniform is LTC Woody Gagnon who was the G-3 for the North Dakota Army National Guard for many years. Woody is

still alive and lives in Bismarck,ND. When you get a few more names on this picture I will phone Woody and see if he remembers the event. The picture was taken

some time in 1957 or later because there is a 1957 car in the picture. The guy on the left holding his hat could be Carl Leier. His son is in Mesa for the winter so I

will check for sure.

We have been in Mesa, for over a week and the difference in the temp. is 70 degrees –2 in

Devils Lake and +72 in Mesa to day.

LARRY

Larry,

I’ll bet with your traveling you got behind with a few of these blogs. We have all but the 3 folks identified. Please do get in touch with Woody. He may know who the guy is standing to his right in the picture too. My suspicions were right with Woody being a National Guard guy. Thank you so much for this reply with this info.

Gary

Ed Milligan, Henry Sunderland & Don Hosmer photo

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Hi Gary,

My mom, Leona (Richard) Hosmer just called me with some information about the Ed Milligan, Henry Sunderland and Don Hosmer photo. Don Hosmer was President

of the Commercial Club at the time. She said that the four men, Simeon, Ed, Henry and Don went to the Peace Gardens to welcome these two gentlemen who were

visiting from Africa.

Thanks,

Colette

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

Frank Gottbreht

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I thought I remembered seeing Frank Gottbreht’s name on some land not far from my place so I looked it up in the Dunseith History book. The old Atlas of Holmes Twp. on page 200 shows that Frank Gottbreht owned 160 acres in section 15, in about 1910. This place is about a mile and a quarter north of my farmstead and is currently owned by Jeff DeMers. At that same time, Mary Gottbreht owned 160 acres in section 2. This land is now owned by Abrahamsons. Sharron and Vickie, you both would make good ‘gum shoes’. Thanks Gary!

Dick

A beautiful Horse Story

Message and Story from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO

Hi Gary,

I wrote a personal note to Gary Fulsebakke about his great horse stories posted on #1064. I have ended up with a long posting today, so you may choose to “use it on a slow day”, as Larry Hackman says. I suppose you can guess which stories on the blog are my favorites! I just love the “yarns” of the early farm life and some of the crazy things that happened while living that rough, physical life.

Of course most especially, I love the stories of working horses!

It was a good life of hard work, reward, and many great examples of “you reap what you sow”. Working farm kids in those days were not often obese were they! In fact I remember a lot of pretty good “bods” on those high school farmboys who hauled bales all day long – before the days of big bales and fork lifts, air conditioned cabs, mutant strains, poison sprays, GMO’s, organic grown and all that jazz.

Too bad we didn’t take photos and make a calendar like they do these days. If we had one now, we could sell it for a bunch of money on ebay. It could be called “The Dakota Farmboy Calendar”. Those guys built up some serious biceps, triceps, and abs while those adolescent hormones were raging.

Gals reading this blog are probably having some fond memories right about now. We noticed how good those guys looked slinging those bales, and would even lend a hand to be right out there with you once in a while. I think the farmer knew he got more hay hauled when the gals went along – c’mon you know you were showing off.

We sure weren’t doing it for the money! But the cold beer at the end of the days work tasted pretty good, and personally I liked the smell of the hay and the good exercise. I loved bouncing around on the hay wagon, riding the bale stack as it got higher, and higher. It was a pretty romantic afternoon activity. I had eyes mostly for horses, but at 16 I woke up and smelled the coffee, so to speak. That was an excellent summer as I recall…..

I bet a bunch of guys reading this blog remember well hauling bale after bale. You got 5 cents a bale, delivered, if you were lucky. But most got the workout for free because they were family of a farmer who put up his own cattle and horse feed. The bigger the herd, the more feed had to be put up for those long Dakota winters.

Feel sorry for the kids that grew up on a big farm and worked their tails off?

I don’t, because I bet they grew up to be responsible, helpful citizens with strong bodies and minds and a capable approach to problems of a mechanical, biological, or medical nature. In short, they learned a lot about the nature and developed a lot of what is known as “common sense”.

Unless they were in an abusive situation, as many of our friends were.

We knew firsthand about abuse, from our friends. We heard the dark secrets of alcohol and child abuse and it was all around us, just as it is today. Those kids still learned, and became adults learning additional lessons of survival along the way.

Not always good coping strategies, nonetheless, they helped those kids survive. I don’t think they grew up so happy and many of our peers probably struggle with thoughts of home to this day. Help is available these days to work those things out. It wasn’t back then. Do yourself and your family a big favor.

Get help if you’re still bothered by memories of childhood trauma.

Check out one of the many helpful books to read on the topic for starters. I think it helps to know you weren’t the only one, and that it was not your fault. Sexual abuse and spousal abuse was quite common in our community, and some pretty terrifying stuff went down then, and still does. You all know what I’m talking about. It is time that people opened the door to discuss these issues, remove the cloak of shame, and save these kids.

Just today there was a news article about a 16 year old boy that was sent to jail for stabbing his 57 year old sexual abuser many many times after he killed him. It had gone on for years and he finally snapped. The report said he was being held in jail “until an appropriate treatment facility was located.” Hopefully, he’ll recover with the proper counseling and therapy. I think we all applaud him for taking a stand.

His quote on Oprah? “Everyone who experiences abuse should come out and get help before it’s too late”.

If something like that happened or is happening to you, or in your family, know that help is only a computer click away……write to me if you need some resources and I’ll see what I can find – in confidence of course. I saw a lot of terrible things working in the ER, but the worst were the cases of sexual abuse of children. Often associated with meth use.

LET US FIND A WAY TO END THIS TRAVESTY!

Overall however, most of us have some pretty fond memories even though we grew up in the day when it was ok to spank your kids. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” was the motto of the day. Even teachers got to whack you up side the head, or worse! In my family, both my parents had been school teachers and we learned to behave and have manners before we went to school.

But we were also taught to be independent thinkers, which gave us plenty of trouble until we learned when to keep our opinions to ourselves. I knew the slogan “children are meant to be seen but not heard” – I just didn’t believe in it!

I guess I still have a hard time keeping my mouth shut when it comes to righting a wrong. Who will join me in saying “we will not tolerate it anymore!”

Kids today might envy this life, but it’s a bygone era for the most part. Us North Dakotans know that old time values are still in place somewhere. Especially wherever a good North Dakotan is planted.

But I digress. Now for the story.

I too have a horse story from my high school days I would like to share with your readers:

“If You’re Going to Be Dumb, You Better Be Tough.”

As many of you know, my Uncle Jake bred a lot of standardbred horses, known as pacers on his farm/ranch NW of Bottineau. He did a lot of racing in Canada and for a short while in the 60’s he had a horse named “Nipper Boy” that won some pretty big purses. He even sent the big dark pacer to California to compete, but alas didn’t do so well so far from home. A few of the Dunseith folk might remember seeing Jake race at the Bottineau Fair, but mostly he raced in Winnipeg, Brandon, and other Canadian towns. They were more “into” it on the Canadian side. I’m sure Mr. Evans (Jeff’s and Stephanie’s dad) checked them through customs a time or two. Mostly he crossed at the Souris Port though, where he was close enough to home to not have to worry about crossing the border much…..He knew the guards by first and last name. My uncle Jake was the first to show me the love of my life –THE HORSE.

What you may not know is that although he had no children of his own with Agnes, his wife, he was always helping out kids who were interested in horses, including me. My first horse bite was from his prize horse, the beautiful Jady’s Joy. She was a gorgeaus chestnut color with a white mane and tail. I was about 8 years old I think, just tall enough to reach up and put my arms around her arching neck as she held her head outside the stall looking for grain. I think I surprised her, but she stood there as I hung from her neck until she suddenly bit me on the shoulder. I got the message and let go. It was just a little nip, a warning. Afterward I looked into her deep dark eyes as she stood there looking at me, rubbing my shoulder blade, near tears. We had a little communion there in my Uncle’s stable under his huge barn. I began my lifelong love affair right there, staring into those apologetic eyes. It was as if she were saying “I’m sorry, but nobody ever did that before and I had no idea how to get you off me without hurting you bad.”

I learned to respect these magnificant beings who could kick you to a pile of breaking bones and a puddle of blood in an instant, but almost never do. I vowed to learn their language and have spent the rest of my life in the study of “HORSE”. I’m still learning volumes every day I’m with them.

Uncle Jake once gave me a beautiful black Welsh Cob to train, so that his niece Darcy, could ride it. She was a bit younger and not so horse crazy as me I guess, so one day in the summer of my 14th year, he delivered this half wild, prancing black colt to the Metcalfe corral close to the Dunseith Port of Entry. You know the place? Just south of the Peace Gardens entry. In fact, it was the old corral where they had unloaded livestock for inspection crossing the Canadian Border. Does anyone know if that corral still stands? It would be on the corner of the intersection of the highway to the Port and the approach to the Metcalfe place just to the south.

The corral was a short walk from my home at the Port, and I could go several times a day to work with the horses. I had boarded my palomino filly, Shawnee, there for awhile, and we put the Black in with her. It was a dream come true for me. The Black was a beauty.

The Black colt learned quickly who was in charge as soon as he set foot inside the pen. Shawnee made this evident by a series of feigned “punches” with her pointed right foot. Then she swung around and gave him her business end – narrowly missing a plant to his shoulder. He moved away and put his head down in submission. He clacked and chattered his teeth in the “I suck I suck” signal that baby horses make to dominant horses, and she forgave him almost instantly and came back to nuzzle his neck and breathe her breath into his nostril.

I think she was glad he was a fast learner. They were the same age and became inseparable friends from that moment forward. Even though she had to put him in his place the way a good mare does, she was as hungry for company as he was, and happy to have him close to her, once he admitted her dominance. That’s the way the herd works…it’s a pecking order thing. Once established, never had to be worked out again.

Horses have a lot of good lessons to offer us mere mortals.

Anyhow, to continue…

It was great fun having a second horse so I didn’t have to ride alone, but I always ended up riding “the wild one” by myself. I started working him in the corral (these days they call it a round pen), and gradually got a saddle on. He never did buck, but he sure had a lot of spirit, and eventually would rear up when I asked him for it. This was a bad habit he had that I encouraged until he did it only on command, and luckily, never to the point of rolling backwards on top of me.

I spent a few weeks riding, riding, riding that gorgeous, affectionate creature with a satin shiny coat. He had a white star and a snip on his face, and he was a quick learner. He wanted nothing but to please me. I fed him a lot of carrots and apples as rewards. Some people would say he was spoiled. I say he was loved.

Finally, I was ready to take somebody with me and get down the road a piece, to see how he would do a little further away from home. I at least had enough horse sense to know that I shouldn’t take off into the woods on a green broke 2 year old colt without someone along to pick up the pieces! I talked my brother Larry into riding along, although he hadn’t ridden much before that, and I doubt if he’s ever ridden since….

He mounted my well trained parade horse, Shawnee. I rode the Black. We set off down my favorite route at the time – to the south end of the Peace Garden fence along the highway running to the Port. It wasn’t long before we turned right and headed down the fence line, heading west. At first, we took it easy, and the Black, although he liked to rear up occasionally with the right cues, was under good control that day. He walked next to Shawnee, and trotted next to Shawnee, and even cantered next to her without a problem. He would halt on command, and stood when asked. He was just learning to back up, but he preferred to rear.

I was feeling pretty good about our progress and my brother and I planned to take a long ride. It was a sunny day in high summer – late July. The grass was green and knee high. We took our lunch and drinks in the saddle bags, and rode all the way past the end of the Peace Garden fence, into “No Mans Land” as it was called back then.

You know that timber and brush free swath of land that runs down the entire Canadian Border? Back in our day it was a favorite route for snowmobilers because they could go like crazy without any fence lines for miles. There was no one out there but us on this fateful day. I imagine nowadays it’s probably heavily patrolled by “Homeland Security”, but in those days, you could ride forever without seeing a soul it seemed.

Well Larry and I rode along quite a ways, until we decided to stop for a bit of a rest. We got off the horses and let them graze. Larry to stretch his legs (and probably rest his butt!) We ate and drank and chatted for a while, and I bragged about how well behaved the Black was after our few weeks together. He really had improved a lot! I was very proud of my work, and totally in love with the horse, who I was convinced was as fast as the wind, although I hadn’t really “opened him up” yet.

So Larry said, “Well, do you want to race then?”

I replied “Well ok, but take it easy….”

The words hadn’t finished crossing my lips before he had jumped into the saddle and took off at a gallop on Shawnee. The Black colt of course was immediately upset that he was being left alone by his first love and started to dance around on the end of my reins as Larry got further and further away. It was all I could do to get the reins over his head. I put a foot in the stirrup, jumping up and down on the right leg to keep up with his movements, but before I could get the other leg over the saddle he reared up high and took off like a shot!

I was still trying to get my right leg over when Shawnee disappeared around a bend.. Straight ahead was forest and brush and low hanging limbs. The Black plunged straight into this mess not realizing that Shawnee had made the s turn to the right and left. He was practically snorting fire as I got myself into the saddle (but not the stirrups) and started fending off branches that were about to knock me out of my seat. One of the limbs was as big as a leg and I hit it with my thumb trying to protect my head, bending the nail completely backwards, ripping it from the nailbed.

It sounds painful, and eventually it was. But at first my adrenaline was rushing and I didn’t hardly feel it – all I wanted to do was stop the mad gallop through the thick brush and save my life! I finally got control of his head with the flying reins (all of this took maybe 2 minutes), and stopped him. We sat there, catching our breath. I think he was as scared as I was. I turned and got him back on the trail, making him go slow at first, but eventually I had to let him run to catch up. In that straightaway trying to catch Shawnee, he was like Secretariat! I eventually caught up to Larry who was still at a gallop, and held up my bleeding thumb to get him to slow down! By the time I caught up, the blood was running down my arm to my elbow, the thumbnail dangling by a piece of skin. He was totally grossed out, which as I recall was a comfort to me. I wished he had listened to me, but he wanted to win the race. Badly.

We rode the 5 or 6 miles home at a slighly slower pace, put the horses away, and then he drove me to the Botno Hospital (where I would later work for a short time both as a Nurse assistant and then as a nurse). I remember flying down the highway to Dunseith through “the rez” at over a hundred miles an hour, thinking “he’s going to kill us or somebody else over my thumb”, but enjoying the speed at the same time. I didn’t try to slow him down, even though I wasn’t bleeding anymore. It was starting to hurt after all.

No wonder I ended up a risk taker! Look out world – here we come! The Doctor in the little Botno ER was not able to get the spray anesthetic to work, and I endured the removal of my thumbnail without anything to numb the area. Ouch. Not the best bedside manner either as I recall. I also remember him yelling at the nurse and me thinking he was way out of line. The nurse however, was very kind to me.

My thumbnail eventually grew back over a few months, but was a long lasting, painful injury that taught me these two childhood lessons:

Pride comes before a fall, and

If you’re going to be dumb, you better be tough.

Thanks Gary!

Trish (Larson) Wild ’73

The Equine Nomad

trishwild.blogspot.com

Also – I’m posting a fair amount on facebook these days. Any of you are welcome to “friend” me on there.

P.S. A copy of this story can also be found on my blog.. If you enjoyed it, how about you stop by and check out the rest of my blog? I’m still doing dumb things, so I believe it is entertaining in a funniest home video kind of way at times. I share my mistakes and lessons learned so that others can learn from my failures as well as my successes. If you have an interest and stop by the blog, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know you were there. The more visitors to my site, the more likely I can win a corporate sponsorship for my 10,000 mile ride which started 1/11/11 at 11:11 am.

Thanks for reading and thanks for commenting!

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01/17/2011

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Gary

Peace Garden/Horse stories

Folks, I received a very nice, well written message with a story of memories from her childhood days and of coarse her love for horses, from Trish Larson wild. In this story she speaks of the Metcalfe Farm just south of the Peace Garden. I believe this would be the Jim Metcalfe Farm where Pattie currently lives. I will be posting this tomorrow. Gary

Ed Milligan & Henry Sunderland Photo:

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary, some have thought it might be me in the picture. Was not there for that event, and that guy is better looking than I ever was. Thanks for what you do and how you do it. Bill Hosmer

Thanks Bill.

Folks, Don Hosmer has been identified in this photo. He and Jess do not have email and I think they may be in Nevada for the winter months. If there was a way Don could see this picture, I’m sure he could shed some light on it.

The military officer looks like an Army guy with the rank of LTC. To me he looks like he may be National Guard. If he is National Guard, with the LTC rank, I think he would have been in a higher head quarters above the Bottineau branch. I’m not sure where that would have been, but I know many of you folks do. Gary

Simeon Grenier, Ed Milligan, ??, Military man, Henry Sunderland, ??, ??, Don Hosmer

Ed Milligan & Henry Sunderland Photo:

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Joe Johnson– Frankly I never even noticed the ‘Bird! I was only going by the thought that Ed’s hair was darker in the picture than it was when I took classes from him in 65-67. But that could have been just the lighting back in the day. I think one of Ed’s last ‘Birds was actually one of the 4 door models with “suicide rear doors.

Allen

Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Oh my gosh now I really feel like a show off. Believe me I am not any big deal, but I do thank you for your kind words. What a surprise to see the nice comment from my little sister. ok, I promise to not write again for months. sharon gerdes

Sharon, We love hearing from you. You are an inspiration to so many of us. We most certainly look forward to your contributions. Gary

Wesley Schnieder visit – Music:

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

The boys and I went across the street this afternoon to see how Wes is healing. The Schneder’s were listening a vinyl record playing, Eddie Arnold. Such a smooth mellow relaxing voice.

When Wes was a child he learned to play the accordion, as well as the violin, by ear. Both were instruments the family had in their home. His sisters, who were all proficient piano players often accompanied the Schnieder brothers.

But it was in the “Big White School House, Wes, got his first break, ahem, “gig” playing solo for each elementary class room. Mr. Schneider his bus driver, told the teacher that, “Wesley, a 5th grader, could play the accordion.” And so, it came to be every Friday, Wes took his instrument to school. The students would make a request. The most unusual came from little Edna Tooke who raised her hand and said, “Play Wes, play, “Sweet Home Sweet!”

Of course, the school room rang with the laughter of children, but Wes cheerfully complied with “Home Sweet Home.”

Wes embarked on playing other events as well. The last time he played his violin,was at a dance. The barracks at the Peace Garden were moved to a make a dance hall. And Wes got into playing at a dance.

After the dance, he left his fiddle behind. The next weekend came,he went to play his fiddle. It was not where he’d left it, some how it had disappeared! Wes said, “He rather liked that fiddle too, it didn’t screech like his big brother’s which he’d learned to play on.”

Later. Vickie

Unidentified photo posted by Neola yesterday – The Demery Family

Identifications from Judy Allery Azure (65): Wahpeton, ND

Gary,

The picture is of John and Mae (Davis) Demery family of Belcourt, ND

From left to right its Doris, Mae, John and Paula

second row is Ricky, John and Tim

Information provied by Keith LeBeau

Judy

Thanks Judy, By the way, I still have that Ten dollar bill in my drawer that you sent me for the 2007 Christmas class of 65 gift exchange that was orchestrated by Bill Grimme. Gary

The Demery Family:

Top L to R: Doris, Mae, John & Paula

Bottom L to R: Ricky, John & Tim

Schimetz Sled Team:

Picture posted by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Speaking of hay rides, here is the sled Louis would take the kids for rides on in the winter. He had nice harness sets for a pair of blacks, draft horses. I took the picture, of Dad Reid and Bryan Schimetz getting ready for a trip to Town

Gottbreht history (Turtle Mountains):

Postings from Sharren Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

Hello again Vickie Metcalfe and Gary,

If you find the Frank story too long, too personal, I can certainly post other brief messages about these pictures. The one of Carpennter School is much larger but I would have to reduce the size with a different photo copier than what I have. The date for the School photo is 1909. Home photo is about the same time. I have hopes that someone, perhaps an Abrahamson might know of the place. Annie’s photo is perhaps 1902, year of her marriage to Frank.

Thanks, Sharron

Frank Gottbreht Story:

Frank Gottbreht was the 3^rd of 5 children born to John Sebastian Gottbreht and Frances Eckers. Frank birth place was Marysville, MO where the family lived briefly before moving across the state line into Braddyville, IO. There was a subscription school there and all the children received some elementary schooling, but I do not believe Frank could read or write. The extensive investments and property there were sold for venture capitol 1882/83 to be used in Dakota Territory. Frank was to go along with his parents and labor to establish their new farm in Jewell County, KA 1886.

Although Frank and Annie had their own farm, it seemed to Annie that Frank’s father would pressure and interfere in their day to day life. Although promised that she would continue in her Methodist faith, they tried to persuade her to convert. This made Annie deeply unhappy. It was only the discovery that she was pregnant that dissuaded her from divorce. I doubt Frank could or did fully explain his plan [father’s plan] to pioneer in Dakota. Ultimately, her years there in Holmes Twp proved beyond endurance. A week or so after Annie ran Frank off their place, neighbors notified his brother at The Mill that the livestock would perish and to come sort things out. Wm sent George! I cannot think that George went alone, so let‘s say that Fred and John went along. Annie had barricaded the home and held them off with a shotgun. No way would she deal with a Gottbreht! Ultimately, Wm sent Alzear [surname escapes me just now] as peacemaker; he had a meat market in Mylo by 1950, but perhaps worked for Wm at this time. Alzear described Wm’s offer: if Annie would leave, then Wm would pay her the cash value of the homestead; plus Alzear would escort her and the children back to Kansas and buy her a home of equal value in Kansas. The crisis passed. This totaled $1800 – 1913.

Why relate these events? I think it speaks to the character of Wm, and to justice and mercy. I think it might be said that they did not fully appreciate the bleak existence of Annie with a partner who was incapable of achieving a better life for her and their four children. After viewing the picture posted by Vickie, I cannot but think that the crimes committed in the NW corner of Rolette County in 1906 and 1907 influenced her behavior and choice.

And as Hank mentioned, Frank sure could milk cows! He could and did work from dawn till dark at whatever task his brother William directed. In 1982, both Charles Watkins and Arla Gottbreht recalled Frank’s amazing woodpiles: careful lengths in huge concentric piles. Frank was among the town labor force that cleared acres and acres of scrub that would become today’s’ Peace Garden. William makes careful note in the mammoth Mill ledger of his brother’s honorable work/product ratio. Today, the Abrahamson family owns the Frank homestead in section 15. Sonny Ruff, Frank’s grandson, tells me the 1904 house where John Sebastian and Frances Gottbreht are pictured, was that of Frank and Annie about 1910. Their chairs look like the work of their Lockhart neighbors just to the west in Holmes Twp.

Vickie Metcalfe’s Reply to Sharron:

Sharon,

Wow! This story sent chills up and down my spine.

I find your label of “the woman of sorrow” is so correct in my estimation. When I recall hearing the story that Bertha walked the floor night and day, her son was born. Then, she died. Pioneer life was hard on women.

I asked my cousin Larry, one time,long after both our dad’s were gone. Was there more to the story about Lilly’s death?” He in a hushed voice replied,”Telling me, His dad said, as a child he was told, it was something so bad they were told to not talk about it.” I can’t ask Larry. i could ask Eleanor, who is a year younger than my dad, living in a nursing home in Rugby.

Annie Gottbreht left the area in what year?

The wedding photo shows a more robust beautiful woman.

That photo I sent on the blog she looks thin and worn and fragile..

I know the man in the photo is my granddad. I’ve seen his wedding photo about 1889 he had a full head of hair. The lady to the right doesn’t look like his first wife Bertha. Looking at the photo it looked like the house he and Rose built after the first house burned in about 1916.

Boy oh boy. Too bad it isn’t summer or my car would be whipping down the road to Rolla looking at the school records. I made copies up through 1914 when I was there in August. I was trying to establish a time line for Lilly. It said she attended school for about 10 days. But the year was not listed it had a jumble of many years together. I’d take a look at the Carpenter school records and the land tax records to find out where the Gottbrehts lived.

Now the Office of School Supt sounds soon to be closing, the only day they are open is TH.

Bottineau county’s office was closed, this fall the supt retired to part time.

Last summer for 3 days I hauted the county supt. and treasurers office. Perhapsin my next life I’ll return as a researcher, I like the mystery of it and putting together pieces.

So, you’d like me to go get a good copy of the photo?

Tomorrow, I’m on my was to Towner for a school in service, perhaps over the next weekend.

Later. Vickie

Follow up reply from Vickie:

I’m sorry Sharon, I seem to be reading these commuications backwards.

Looks to me you are right about years. I know Grandpa is the man. And you are pretty sure of Anne Gottbreht. Well now the mystery is unfolding.

Lilly died August 1907. She and Uncle Bill were attending school I did find their school records.

Emil Hugh b . July 15, 1908.

Their mother Bertha died in 1908,

The remaining 4 children left after their mothers funeral with relatives.

I think Lilly and her mother were both buried at lake Schutte Cemetery then the graves were moved.

Uncle Lucky born in July 1911

( Uncle Bill came back from the Red River Valley, Auntie Christina’s ,he said Lucky was crawling on the floor)

Annie returned to Kansas in 1913.

Jim born on January 1914

Archie born on December 1915

Emil, 1920

Leona 1921,

Cliff, 1923,

Lloyd,

Henry,

Jean 1929

Well, I need to put this away for tonight. tomorrow we Bottineau teachers, ride a bus to Towner for inservice. Like a kid I need to be sure I have my clothes out. Thanks for unraveling this mystery photo. Vickie

Annie Case Gottbreht

John Sebastian and Frances Gottbreht

Carpernter School 1910

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01/16/2011

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Gary

Happy Birthday Doreen Larson Moran (Bottineau HS ’61): Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND

bjdmoran@povn.com

Ruth Peterson/Norma Manning

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I’m finally getting a personal email sent to you to post.

First, thanks to everyone who provided information about Corner Service/Corner Garage. Apparently Dad used the two names interchangeably, as we have stationary/ads from the newspaper/gifts Dad gave away at Christmas, key chains, thermometers/etc., where one or the other name was used. About the time I thought I knew which name was correct, I’d find something with the other name on it. It doesn’t really make any difference which was the legal name.

Also, thanks for the comments about Dad/changing a tire/etc.

I always enjoy hearing things about Dad. To me, he seemed to be a “character”. I think some of it rubbed off on me! LOL!!

This next part is in reply to Norma Larshus Manning (If I don’t add Larshus, I don’t know who I’m talking about! LOL.).

Norma, thanks so much for the correction. I do know your dad was Norman (I assume you are named after him.), but my dad talked about Victor so much, that’s the name that “sticks” in my head. I don’t think I ever met your dad. I know I met your grandfather/grandmother at least once. When our family (Mom, Dad, my grandfather–Mom’s dad, Andrew Brudwick and I)took a trip to Oregon/Washington state in 1960, we stopped at the camp your grandparents were managing–a short distance west of Post Falls, Idaho. My dad enjoyed stopping to visit people he knew whenever we took a trip, which was rather fun. Also, my grandfather knew your grandparents, and was very happy to see them again. We didn’t see campers; I can’t remember if there were none there at the time, or if they were taking part in activities. I think your grandmother cooked for the campers–what a job! The camp was so peaceful/pretty/beautiful located in the woods. We were at the camp between breakfast/dinner. Naturally, we were offered coffee.

Your grandparents were VERY nice/friendly/happy to see us/etc. It was a fun visit–probably about an hour, or so.

I hope to see you at Good Sam one of these days, Norma. I see your mom quite often when I visit Mom–also Alice Kuhn.

Neola

Norma’s mother Ruth Larshus Peterson. Ruth is also a first cousin to Art Rude.

Note: I don’t have Neola’s corrected Peterson spelling of this photo.

As a teacher, Ruth had a lot of you as students in various schools she taught in.

Gary

Gary Johnson/Karen Sanden – Picture

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

Being we’re hearing from Vern Sanden, I thought you might be interested in this picture. The queen is Vern’s sister, Karen. The king is Joe/Beatrice Dailly Johnson’s son (Page 516 in Bottineau Centennial Book). As you know, Beatrice is from Dunseith/area. Gary is married to Marsha Woods (Sam’s daughter) from Bottineau. Gary/Karen are members of the Bottineau High School Class of 1962; they are holding their 50 year class reunion this coming summer. Marsha graduated in 1963.

Neola

Yes, Gary Johnson’s mother Beatrice Dailly, graduated with the DHS class of 1938. Beatrice is living in the Oak manor apartments in Bottineau. I used to see her at the Senior center with my folks when they were living. Beatrice is a nice friendly gal too. Gary

01/16/2011

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Gary

Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Thanks so much Gary, it was a great day, grandkids love birthdays so they are fun. And you know, being old is pretty good too. Sharon Gerdes

Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62):

Reply from sister Marlys Zorn Bryan (69): Fairbury, Nebraska

Gary,

Thank you for remembering Sharon’s birthday. All of you probably remember Sharon because of the way that she played the organ in church so beautifully, or you know her for her physical beauty, or how smart she was and is. But, being her younger sister, I’ve known her all my life. On her birthday, I’d like to honor her by adding yet more great information that others may not know about her: I’d like to say that I have never known a kinder or more generous woman than Sharon. A small example: even when she was fighting for her life during her battle with cancer, she was making brownies to take to the radiology department when she’d go for x-rays, and making cookies for the family down the block. I can’t think of a second in her life when she wasn’t doing something for someone else. She never ceases to amaze me because I have never seen a selfish second in her—ever!!!

Happy birthday, Sharon!!

Marlys

Marlys, With the postings we have received from Sharon and with the frequent one on one email messages Sharon and I have exchanged, These are the same impressions that I have developed of her too. A wonderful, wonderful person indeed. Gary

Simeon Grenier:

Reply from Joe Johnson (77): Lindstrom, MN

Gary, good memory, yes Simeon is my Grandfather. Neola thanks for submitting the photo, it brought back many great memories of my brother Jeff and I playing “crazy” rummy and pinochle with Simeon at his home. We took care of his yard under his close direction and of course he paid us for our work. Then when the yard was done we almost always played some cards and Simeon attempted to win some of that money back from us playing cards. Jeff and I always played together, feeding each other points, to beat Simeon and most of the time, at least in pinochle, we did. So we might have a little extra money after pinochle but we usually played at least one game of “crazy” rummy too. Playing rummy Simeon usually got some of his money back and sometimes even a bit of our yard work money, as he was a real good “crazy” rummy player. He told us we played pinochle just like our Dad and of course we learned the game from Mom and Dad, playing many games, single and double deck, on winter days at home.

Just off the bat, I thought the t-bird was a ’61 or ’62, but Allen mentioned he thought the photo was taken in the 50’s. So, since I was so sure about the year of the car, tonight I did some research on the car from the photo that I mentioned yesterday and it is definitely a ’63 bird, so now I think the photo was taken in ’63 or ’64.

Joe

Joe,

Ed Milligan drove T-birds. That was probably his car.

I see your Granddad Simeon was about 89 with his death in 1978

Gary

Ed Milligan & Henry Sunderland phote

Reply frm Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary, The two gentlemen in the photo wearing kilts look Samoan. They are definately from one of the Southwest Pacific Island groups.

Bob

Hank Salmonson (38) – Gottbreht memories:

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

Thank You, Sharron for another piece of the story of the 1923 photo.

I ate lunch at the local bowling alley café in Bottineau today with my friend Hank.

I told him about putting a photo on Gary’s blog of Mrs. Eric Gotttbeht, her two children with my Grandad and aunts. I told him of Sharon’s response. Hmm, the name was ” Mrs. Frank Erik Gottbreht.”

He recalled many years ago the Gottbreht family lived on the N. side of School Section Lake. We discussed how my Granddad’s first wife, Bertha, was of German decent. Often people seek out others with common interests. It is quite possible my Uncle Bill had identified the people in the photo for mom.

When Hank went attended DHS he worked at the Dairy for his room and board. He recalled although he was quite old, Frank Gottbreht was good at milking cows. Also at the time, Mr. G. lived with family members at the Dairy Farm.

Those were days before automation. Days when morning and night all the milking was done by hand! He’d heard, perhaps Mrs. G. left some time before going back east to her family, not caring for the hard life on a farm in the hills of North Dakota.

Later, Vickie

Horse hay ride story:

From Gary Fulsebakke (71): Devils Lake, ND

Hi Gary,”

Reading Larry Hackman’s story about the midnight hayrides, I am reminded of my own adventures on our farm west of the Peace Garden.

From the 50’s until the mid 60’s we used horses often to haul hay and wood. Using “live horsepower” would from time to time, create some interesting situations. On one occasion we were moving hay from a field north of our house to a feedlot. My dad would pitch the hay onto the rack and it was my job to tramp and pack the hay down. We finally finished for the day and my father informed me that he was going to cut a hole in the ice for the cattle and that he wanted me to take the team and rack down to the yard and begin to take the harnesses off the horses. Now I was only 11 or 12 at the time and had very limited experience handling a team of horses. Nevertheless, after reviewing some of the fundamental instructions

for driving a team of horses, he left me with the reins in my hand and headed for the lake. My mind raced forward to the steep winding hill that ran by the side of our house, but I pushed any thoughts of impending doom from my mind, took a deep breath, clicked my tongue a few times and slapped the reins on the horses rumps. The horses immediately sensed that a rookie was at the reins, but seemed to give me the benefit of the doubt. The sleigh lurched forward and the horses settled into a comfortable trot. Things went well for the first hundred yards or so. but as we began descending the dreaded hill, the inertia of the sleigh and the pressure from the yokes sent the horses into a wild gallop. I pulled on the reins with all my might, but it had no effect. After passing by the house, we careened sharply to the right, following a path that led to the West lake where my dad was cutting the hole in the ice. As we approached the lake, the horses veered off the path to the left, (which I believe was intentional), and headed for an area of tree stumps, some of which were over two feet high. As soon as we hit that minefield of stumps the hayrack began to disintegrate beneath my feet. Dancing frantically to find something solid to stand on, it was all I could do to keep from falling through the rack and serious injury. My dad, who saw what was happening, ran up to meet the horses, grabbed their bridles, and finally got them to stop. Now my dad had been a champion boxer in the Navy, and at that point, he began to give the two horses a beat down, punching them in the mouth ala Alex Carras in “Blazing Saddles”.(ouch!). The horses seemed to learn their lesson because they never did anything like that again, even with me driving!

Another time, we were hauling hay from our “big field” east of the farm. It was a beautiful day, several degrees above freezing, with no wind, bright sun and a beautiful cobalt blue sky. In no time we had shed our outer garments, fully embracing this rare winter thaw. As the day wore into late afternoon, it became considerably colder, dropping below freezing. My father threw the last forkful of hay on the oversized load and we pointed the horses towards home. I scrambled up to my favorite perch at the very top of the stack. I felt like I was on the top of the world! But as we approached the long, steep, winding hill on the road that led to our farm, I always got butterflies. While it was true that we had made that trip dozens of times without incident, the potential for disaster was always there. The ditches on either side of the road were steep and very deep. But, I thought to myself, my dad is at the reins, the horses have always been dependable, and so I settled into my nest of hay and tried to enjoy the ride. As we neared the curve near the bottom of the hill, the large load and slick road caused the horses to go into a slightly faster trot. As we hit the curve, I felt the load shift to the left. I rolled as quickly as I could to the right only to find myself cascading down an avalanche of snow and hay. I ended up in the bottom of the ditch, a fall of about 30 feet, but fortunately, the hay and snow provided a thrilling ride down! My dad called down to see if I was alright. I was. We then proceeded to put all that hay back on the rack. A great memory! Gary Fulsebakke

Unidentified family:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Folks, Do any of you know this family? Gary

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01/15/2011

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Gary

Happy Birthday Sharon Zorn Gerdes (DHS ’62): Windsor, CO

Reply to Vern Sanden’s posting yesterday

From Bill Grimme (’65): Birmingham, AL.

Gary,

After seeing Vern Sanden’s post in yesterday’s blog, I couldn’t resist relating a little story. First, some background. When I first met Vern Sanden, I remembered him right away. I guess I must have attended the basketball game when Vern did the hot dog shooting because I remembered him as a basketball star from Bottineau. It wasn’t until yesterday’s blog when Vern cleared it up, that I realized that basketball wasn’t his thing. He had great shooting form, I guess, because he impressed me that day. Lucky I had forgotten the score!

Anyway, one winter night, Vern, Dwight Lang, and I (maybe there was another guy-can’t remember). But, I do remember the cat. For some reason, we were transporting a cat from Grand Forks to Bottineau. We stopped a café in Leeds, or somewhere around there for a bite to eat and some coffee. We probably needed it. So this cat was a Burmese, I think. Vern will have to fill in some of the story. Vern passed this little cat off as a baby panther to the locals in the café and, for a little while, we were local celebrities, with us having a baby panther, and all. Vern told everyone a lot of stories about the history of the magnificent animal and, at least in my memory, he held the customers’ interest very well. We were having quite a laugh, back in the car and on the road again when Vern realized that he had forgotten his doeskin gloves back at the café. That did take a little bit of the fun out of the evening.

Vern got his degree in math with a little help on a final exam over the telephone from John Frykman’s brother. Must have been a hard final, because Vern was on that payphone for an hour, getting an answer, dropping in more quarters, getting another answer, etc. but his true love was music. If you ever have a question about any singer since probably 1930 to present, call Vern.

We had a lot of fun times and, even though we don’t get together often, I consider Vern as one of my oldest and best friends.

Bill

Model T Ad

Comments from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

In the world of old cars, things are changing. Twenty years ago
Model T cars were in great demand and the prices climbed every year.
Now they are going the other way. Some of the old car guys say it’s
because anyone that really knew what a Model T was has either gotten one
or has died. The younger generations are looking for what they see as
old cars as GTOs, Camaros, Road Runners, and Mustangs. These cars now
bring prices that are many times what they sold for new. If you watch
the car shows, it’s really evident how the trend has changed. When a
young person looks at a Model T, you can see the humor they get by
watching their faces. They grin like it’s some kind of a car just for
cartoon type (chitty chitty bang bang) movies. It’s interesting how
they walk by the oldest cars and never even stop to look as they head
for the muscle cars on display. Those guys who are my age are the very
youngest that are in the least interested in Model T and Model A cars
unless they are built into a hot rod with a wild paint job. There are
exceptions but generally this is the case. So it goes. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Laurie Marchus has been identified as the gal in the yesterday’s unidentified photo.

Thanks to Rod Hiatt and Neola’s follow through to Laurie’s mother, Mona Marchus, yesterday’s photo has been identified.

Larry and Mona Marchus are the ones that bought our farm too. Mona is also a past mayor of Bottineau. Larry and Mona are such friendly folks. They always make us feel so welcome when we visit our old farmstead.

Gary

Laurie Marchus – (Bottineau HS ’83)

Friday night out in Cebu

01/15/2011

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Gary

Happy Birthday to Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62) down there in Colorado:

Sharon, I believe to today, January 15th, is your birthday. Enjoy, have fun and be merry. This is your day. If my math is right, you should be one year younger than Dwight Lang and he’s just a young buck.

Gary

Down Memory Lane

From Vickie Hiatt Lafontaine (73): Grafton, ND

Happy New Year to all, Its a beautiful day here in grafton n.d. temps +7 and the snow has been falling so peacefully all day no wind just huge flakes like a christmas card.I dont read the blog every day due to using my work computor and I work 2 16 hr shifts and an 8 hr so not here everyday. I have been reading over a few blogs and the one entry that made me just sit peacefully and remember the 3 Hiatt men that were so important in my life, was when I read that Dwight Lang played taps @ uncle Harrys funeral wow . I never knew him I was born 9-30-55 and he died 10-10-55. I only know this so well because over my years growing up I heard the story many times, of his standing by my crib saying I’ll have that little shit laughing before long. He sounds like he was an awsome man, loved by many.

Oh Gary you told the story about the minot state fair in july when Lorie was born 7-27-63. Boy do I remember that It was terible I didnt get to go only Marlys and Jim I was to little imagine that. I had to stay with grandma Margie and not only did I have to stay home but mom and dad left me too. I will forgive them though they did bring me a babie sister who has grown up to be one of my best friends. I just spent the day sitting on the swing crying and feeling sorry for myself. Grandpa came and got me and we went to the barn and just hung out. Grandma thought I was to big a girl to be carrying on like that. Go Figure. Thank-you for the trip down memorie lane. Gods blessing to you all

Vickie Hiatt Lafontaine

Reply from Travis Metcalfe (76): Mesa, AZ

Happy New Year Gary,

Please add me to your email list….Deb was forwarding them to me but she got a new phone and reads them on it then erases them…

The morning coffee stories reminded me of a story a friend of mine tells about the group of “Old Farmers” that met every morning in the small town in Minn. where he grew up…

One of the regulars bought a new pickup and changed brands from what he usually drove. He started bragging about his new truck so the rest of the group decided to take turns getting to coffee a little later that the rest of them and adding a gallon of gas to his new truck every day. He was really excited about what fantastic mileage he was getting and should have changed brands years ago. Of course they did this until he took it in for the first oil change-then they quit adding the gas. He was so mad at the service department for “doing something to his truck” that the other guys didn’t dare tell him what they did for months.

Every time I think of that story I picture the guys at Dale’s and wonder how many jokes have been pulled over the years and realize that it is a real shared experience of growing up in a tight knit community (notice that I did not say small town-The first house we bought was in a large city but it was in a neighborhood that was really like a small town-We were there 25 years).

THX, TRAVIS

Travis, I have updated my records with our email address. Gary

Message from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

Gary,
First I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! And regarding the terrible violence in Tucson, AZ. Everyone in arizona and I’m sure world wide are so devastated by this senseless act. We have lived here for 25 1/2 years and feel almost like natives, although North Dakota will always be home. We live in a suburb of Phoenix which is about 125 miles north of Tucson. We especially are so saddened by the death of Christina Green( the little girl) and of course the other victims.
Jean

Metcalfe Picture posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70)

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

Hello Gary,

Best wishes to you, yours and all bloggers 2011.

Stunned by the picture posted by Vickie. So grateful. This gives me an excellent opening for a few paragraphs about Frank E Gottbreht, former neighbor of the Metcalfe family, his wife, Annie Case Gottbreht and their four children: Jennie and Logan might be the children in the picture. Must check about my dates.

Thank you Vickie and Gary. Sharron

Replies to the Ed Milligan Picture posted by Neola yesterday:

First off, I agree with Dick Johnson that the guy standing between Ed Milligan and the military man is Bill Hosmer. I’m only comparing pictures, but this side profile of Bill sure resembles the guy in the picture.

Bill, we have not heard from you yet. I’ll bet you are behind reading the daily messages. Is this you? What is the occasion and who are the three unidentified folks?

Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary,

I think the picture at the Peace Garden has these folks L-R:

Simon Grenier
Ed Milligan
Bill Hosmer ?

Henry Sunderland
Military Individual
Older man–wearing kilt
Younger man–wearing kilt
Don Hosmer

The reason I think it may be Bill Hosmer with the sunglasses on is that he is beside a member of the military and his brother Don is there.

Dick

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Bottineau, ND

My great uncle, Simeon Grenier is on the left end, next to Milligan. I
believe on the opposite end is Don Hosmer.
Mona Dionne Johnson

Reply from Larry Nagel (Teacher): Shields, ND

Gary,

In regards to the picture–front on left side–Simon Grenier of Dunseith. I stayed at his house for a few years while I was teaching at Dunseith.

Larry Nagel

Reply from Joe Johnson (77): Lindstom, MN

Gary,

Referring to the photo that Neola sent. The location seems to be the Peace Garden, west of the Cairn, near the flagpoles just as you enter the park. They may be standing in Canada if I got my bearings correct. Seems this photo may have been taken around 1962 as the car on the right, you see only the driver’s side fender, may be a ’61 or ’62 T-bird, not sure though, maybe someone who is more of a “car guy” can verify that. Also, the gentleman on the very left with the hat in his right hand, in front of Ed Milligan, is Simeon Grenier.

Joe

Joe, Isn’t Simeon Grenier your Grandfather? Gary

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Neola The picture L to R Simon Grenier, Ed Milligan , ? ?, Henry Sunderland, I think they are from Canada and Don Hosmer. Hope this helps. Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Allen Richard (65):

The man on the left holding his hat is Simeon Grenier, Orville Grenier’s father. The man on the right looks like Don Hosmer. I’d guess the picture was taken in the mid to late 50’s

Allen

Reply frm Eve Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA

Hi Gary,

Gentleman on the far left is Simon Grenier

Evie

Bill Hosmer

Simeon Grenier, Ed Milligan, Bill Hosmer, Military man, Henry Sunderland, ??, ??, Don Hosmer

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01/14/2011

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Gary

February 2012 Dunseith Caribbean Cruise update:

Gary, Bill and Phyllis.

As of today there are 6 cabins currently booked in your NCL February 2012 group cruise. They are:

Gary Stokes, Bill Grimme, Bill’s sister Gwen, Margaret Leonard, Mel & Bev Hamnes and Bev’s daughter Deborah.

All cabins have the lower cruise price and all were sent an email advising this.

I’m sure that many others will be booking their cabins in the months to follow.

(yes Gary you are correct if anyone cancels before 11.18.11 NCL will refund their cruise deposit).

Thank you and best regards,

Gina

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.Cruise.com

Thank you Gina for this update and the hefty price reduction for our cabin that I received with a personal message from you.

Folks, Please call Gina to make your reservation. I believe NCL is offering some great deals if you book this month. Gina has all the details and will give you the best package deal they have to offer at the time of your booking.

Our Alaska cruise was a blast. This one will be equally as fun and enjoyable. We had 64 folks on the Alaska cruise. We are expecting a much larger group for this Caribbean cruise.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in Caribbean on this cruise.

Gary

Reply from Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

Just wanted to let you know I received this twice.

I can’t believe the snow in these pictures-Totally amazing.

Hope everything is going great and I want to wish everyone a happy and healthly New Year.

I agree with Dwight that was a tragic crime in Tucson and I feel for all the families Involved and especially for the family and friend’s of Christina Green. Being a mother I can’t imagine the pain they must be in at this time.

Marie Staub (Iverson) 60

Thank you Marie, I just checked and the first group of folks I send this daily message to got it twice. I just forwarded it to them.

Folks, If you get these daily messages twice, I have probably screwed up having sent it to your list twice. If this should happen, please let me know. I have you folks on 7 distribution list. I am limited to 99 folks with each list. Gary

Henry Sunderland/Ed Milligan Picture:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Everyone,

I THINK this might have been taken somewhere in the Peace Garden years ago, but I’m not sure. I think the dedication was in 1934/35.

The only person I can name is Ed Milligan. Other men are familiar to me, but I can’t put a name on them. It’s not a big deal–just thought some of you mkgnt like to see the picture.

Neola

Neola, I recognize Henry Sunderland with the suit.

Do any of you recognize any of the other folks in this picture? Was this taken at the Peace Garden? What was the occasion. Gary

Wesley Schneider Celebrated his 90th and fractured his wrist.

Message from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,
Our friend celebrated his 90th birthday recently with various comins and goins of friends and family, so me and the boys stayed away.

Then, we got word. one week ago this past Tuesday Wes tripped and fractured his right wrist while guiding Ovidia over a step. He is getting along fine, but is often frustrated that he can’t chop the kindling wood to build his fire, or wash dishes. If he had his druthers he’d take off the splint and throw away. But is advised to keep it in place and Ovidia watches him carefully.

Tonight the boys who consider Wes their very own “God Father of treats” were delighted to stop in to see him and Ovidia their very “God Mother who buys special treats” for visiting dogs.

I told Wes I will call him “Lefty” for now and gave him the stern teacher lecture about giving his wrist time to heal. And, a special note to the nephews. We still are fixin to write a “Jail Bird Tale”

Until later. Vickie

Charlie Carbonneau’s Picture

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Bottineau Bunch/Others,

I’m sure many of you remember Charlie Carbonneau. His sister, Ann, is married to David O’Connell, member of ND legislature.

As I’ve written on the picture, Charlie is married to Sharon/Shari Monson from Bottineau. Sharon’s siblings are Elaine, Dennis, Glen, and Marvin. Their younger sister, Donna Monson Seeman passed away a few years ago.

Charlie, Sharon, (Pat Corbin Miller and others) were in Wally’s 7th/8th grade class in Bottineau. I’m going to send Wally’s class’ picture and Mrs. Renick’s class’ picture when I return to Minot.

Neola

P.S. Hi, Shari/Charlie.

Charlie’s mother is Carol Watkins Carbonneau (46).

Many of you know and are related to Charlie.

Thank you Neola for sharing.

Gary

Joke of the day

From Brenda Hiatt Parker (73): Wilton, ND

And Dave Slyter(70): Fargo, ND

Brenda Parker (73) Dave Slyter (70)

A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud

> pounding on the door.

> The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken

> stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

> “Not a chance,” says the husband, “it is 3:00 in the morning!”

> He slams the door and returns to bed.

> “Who was that?” asked his wife..

> “Just some drunk guy asking for a push,” he answers.

> “Did you help him?” she asks.

> “No, I did not, it’s 3am in the morning and it’s bloody

> pouring rain out there!”

> “Well, you have a short memory,” says his wife. “Can’t you

> remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys

> helped us?

> I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of

> yourself!

> “God loves drunk people too you know.”

> The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the

> pounding rain.

> He calls out into the dark, “Hello, are you still there?”

> “Yes,” comes back the answer.

> “Do you still need a push?” calls out the husband.

> “Yes, please!” comes the reply from the dark.

> “Where are you?” asks the husband.

> “Over here on the swing,” replied the drunk..

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01/13/2011

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Gary

Tucson Massacre

Posting from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

Gary and friends,

I know all of you must of heard of the massacre here in Tucson. This occurred in a small shopping center less than a mile and one half from my condo. I frequently visit the Safeway and Walgreens stores in the center and I’m certain I have walked over the sidewalks at the scene of this crime many times. I don’t know if any of the killed or wounded had any Rolette and/or Bottineau county connections. But we have all offered our prayers and thoughts for some of our own. I would like to suggest that at this time, we put these individuals in our prayers and wish the survivors a speedy and full recovery.

While all deaths by murder are tragic, it was the little nine year old girl, Christina Green, who was gunned down that caused me the most torment and pain. Congresswoman, Gabriel Giffords, is not a normal type of politician or is she a Democrat lackey. She has been a servant to her people in Tucson and was always open to all. Unfortunately these activities lead to the Congress on your Corner event. Let’s wish that her recovery goes well and she becomes able to continue in the life she chose.

Dwight Lang

Address change

From Don Berg (71): Scottsdate, AZ

Gary,

Mary and I moved to Arizona 15 months ago. Our mailing address is 9383 E Bell Road, #619, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Hope all is well and 2011 is a great year for you and Bernadette.

Don

Thanks Don, I have updated my records. Gary

Metcalfe history with Photo

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

The attached photo Right to left; My grand dad, William Metcalfe I.

To his right, his daugher- in- law Mary Marjorie (DeMontigney) Metcalfe, the little girl is his daughter, Leona Rose (Metcalfe) Oswell.

The writing on the back of this photo says, Mrs.Eric Gottbreht and her children, I think the Gottbreht family were neighbors at Rabbit City Lake who left the area.

And, leave it to a Metcalfe to have horses or dogs. One dog appears to be a a border collie, a breed favored by many family members.

The attached photo was taken in 1923 summer/fall. Dad was born in July at the Metcalfe home place overlooking Rabbit City Lake. Someone gave this photo to my mom after Dad passed away. She tucked it into our family album.

“Young Bill” or William II and Mary (DeMontigney) Metcalfe were married in September 1923. Gertrude Anderson and John Awalt, lifelong friends were the attendants. Frank Poitra another lifelong R.C.friend played the music for their wedding dance.

In years gone by, some people would act confused about our big extended family and tease. But those who knew the whole story never found the family confusing. All of Bill and Mary’s children I have known, and loved as my 1st cousins.

To those still confused;

The best way I found to explain is Father (William I) and Son (William II)

married Mother (Veronica Rose nee Ledoux) and Daughter (Mary Marjorie DeMontigney).

Until Later. Vickie

1923

R to L: William Metcalfe I, Marjorie (DeMontigney) Metcalfe,

Leona Rose (Metcalfe) Oswell, ?, ? & ?

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

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01/12/2011

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Gary

February 2012 Dunseith Caribbean Cruise

Folks,

I forwarded LeaRae’s question below to Gina, our travel agent. I have posted Gina’s reply along with the cruise details for signing up below.

We are fast approaching February 2012. As you can see with Gina’s message, there are incentives for signing up early.

Gina, please correct me if I have the wrong day, but I believe until November 18th, our deposits are fully refundable.

We are looking forward to seeing a whole lot of you folks on the this cruise.

Gary

Caribbean Cruise question

From LeaRay Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

Dear Gary, I am just wondering if anyone is starting to check on the cruise plans. I have received a few emails from NCL and also a postcard offering upgrades for those who book by Jan 30. We are not necessarily ready to book, but with our cold and snow it sure is appealing to think about. I was trying to remember if we are going to the East or West Caribbean. Which message deals with the preliminary plans?Thanks for all you do. I always look forward to the daily emails. Happy New Year! It looked like you folks rung it in in style. LeaRae

Gina’s Reply

Hi Gary, LeaRae and all,

Thank you for your emails regarding your February 2012 cruise vacation and a very Happy New Year to each of you!.

Gary: The cruise line sent me an email last week regarding their current promotion for possible upgrades and/or lower pricing for the cabins that are currently booked with a paid deposit in your group. NCL said I can expect that information for all currently confirmed bookings by the end of this week. I will forward those details to you and other group leaders the minute I receive that from the NCL Groups department (along with your update of currently booked cabin names). Yes, there is one thing you may wish to include with the email your send out to your group this week: Important: All future bookings will be confirmed for your previously quoted group prices, unless there is a lower priced promotion “at the time” one selects their preferred cabin type and make their cruise deposit..

LeaRae: Yes, others in your group have indeed booked and/or checked pricing and cabin availability for their February 2012 cruise vacation. Please don’t forget to let me know LeaRae when you are ready to place a deposit on your cabin. I will make sure you are confirmed for the lowest available price, at that time. Are you planning on making your deposit by January 30^th? In the meantime, here are the ports of call that you have requested. Please be sure to click on “More Information”below for the additional details about your cruise.

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Sailing Date: 2/19/12

More Information… Ports of Call:Miami, Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Miami

Inside Cabin

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Contact Us For Rates!

Thanks and best regards,

Gina

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Gina’s message previously posted on July 24, 2010:

Gary, I am now in receipt of your Group confirmation. We have 100 cabins on hold for you, at this time.

A cabin deposit of $250 – per passenger is due by 7.19.2011with formal names and preferred cabin type.

Final payments are not due until: November 18^th 2011

Inside cabins begin at $708.75 – total per passenger (depends on deck).

Ocean view with a port hole window – $848.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

Ocean view with picture window – $918.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

Balcony cabins begin at – 1058.75 – “ “ “ “ “ “ “

*Mini Suite – is first come/ first serve and will be quoted at time of passenger deposit for a Mini Suite.

*(with a current price of $1288.75 – total per passenger)

7- Day NCL Western Caribbean Round-trip Miami

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Sailing Date: 2/19/12

Embarkation: Feb 19, 2012 – Disembarkation: Feb 26, 2012

Ports of call: Miami; Great Stirrup Cay; Ocho Rios; Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Miami

Please contact Gina Ford at either of the below phone numbers to confirm your cabin.

Thank you,

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

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01/11/2011

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Gary

Request from Don Berg (71): Edina, MN

Gary,

Can you please update my email address to dberg@hda-smc.com

Thanks.

Don Berg

Chief Financial Officer

Hybrid Design Associates, LLC

230 South Siesta Lane

Tempe, AZ 85281

Don,

I have updated all of my files with your new email address.

Question, I have you listed as currently living in Edina, MN. I noticed your work title has a Tempe, AZ address. Do you commute, of which I know you could very well be doing, from MN to AZ?

Gary

Reply from Betty Jane Schneider Lamb (54): Grand Forks, ND

We want to wish everyone good health, happiness, and God’s richest blessings for the New Year.

thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for our family. Our son, Matt, had major heart surgery November 1st in Rochester, Minnesota. After a couple setbacks, he is doing well and hopes to go back to work February 1st.

Bill can vouch for Larry Hackman’s story about his Uncle Gus hauling hay at night being true. Bill’s family lived halfway between Gus’s farm and his hayfield. Bill remembers him having a beautiful team of little horses that he drove in the winter on a cutter. Gus always had sleigh bells on his horses in the winter.

Thank you Gary for all the work that you do . Enjoyed seeing the pictures of your lovely home.

Betty Jane and Bill Lamb

Gus Hackman

Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND

Gary–I loved the story Larry wrote about Gus Hackman; but as I recall, Bill and Gus lived together and hauled hay together. We never knew why they hauled hay at midnight or so, but we all knew that they did. My Dad used to call on them and watched out for them. I had forgotten about felts (packs) and maybe even some newspaper in the boots somewhere. Larry should publish his stories. What about Larry’s Uncle Bill Hackman??
Geri Metcalfe Munro ’59

p.s. We are in Mesa, AZ for three months; nice weather, a little cooler—mid 60’s–lots of activities here.

Hay hauling memories

From Leland Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary,

My story about hauling hay was one Dad told me. He was headed home with a load. You will recall the curve and the hill just North of Carolle Carlson/Art Seim.

Well the hay did not have a sufficient center of gravity and the rack fell from the sled. Dad had to load that hay twice.
A similar thing occurred for me, trying to get out a ditch and up on the grade. Many bales took their own path/trip so I got more exercise.
I,too, enjoy the writings of each correspondent, See that this blog is numbered 1058, WOW!

Lee (Leland)(Stick)

(number 80 on football team after George Gottbreht graduated. Believe that John Morgan was number 70 ?) Lee

Email exchanges between Larry Hackman (66) & Dick Johnson (68):

Posted by Larry with Dick’s consent: Bismarck, ND

Larry,

I was in the Homesteader Restaurant on the west side of Minot once and there was a pickup out front with a frozen coyote standing in the box with it’s feet on the top of the end gate like it was going to jump out. I looked around and saw a couple younger guys that I figured the rig belonged to. When they came by, I said, “That rig with the coyote must be yours.” The guy said, “Yeah, according to those women over at the other table, I’m a sick bastard.” We both laughed and he left.

Dick

Dick

They didn’t happen to be from St. John?

Larry

Larry,

No, I thought they kind of reminded me of a couple of those younger Hackman brothers that ‘runned oft’ to the army back in the mid 60s. Oh boy, those were some characters! Coyotes weren’t safe around those guys. Those two guys could take a coyote with their bare hands—I saw it many times–with my very own eyes. It’s starting to sound like Mel wrote this!

Dick

Story from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

The story about David Abrahamson and his ‘stuffed’ skunk reminded me of deal we had on a trip to California back in the 60s. We were in an old west town called Sonora and it was geared for tourist trade. There were things to look at on main street and in the window of a barber shop there was a sign that read–‘We Have the Finger of Three Finger Jack–Come in and See’. I went in and asked the barber and he went in the back room and came out with a small white box with a lid on it. He held it in front of me and slowly removed the lid and sure enough there was a human finger laying in cotton. I got down to take a good look and the finger started to twitch and then stood up! The box had a hole in it and he had his own finger through the bottom of the box. I jumped back and he laughed his head off. I wonder how many kids he pulled that one on? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Posted by Neoal Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

From Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS

Hey Gary,

Here’s another joke for the blog. My friend sent it to me, and I think your readers will get a laugh. It gave me a chuckle, but I’m a trauma nurse…..

A pirate walked into a bar, and the bartender said, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while. What happened? You look terrible.”

“What do you mean?” said the pirate, “I feel fine.”

“What about the wooden leg? You didn’t have that before.”

“Well,” said the pirate, “We were in a battle, and I got hit with a cannon ball, but I’m fine now.”

The bartender replied, “Well, OK, but what about that hook? What happened to your hand?

The pirate explained, “We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword fight.

My hand was cut off and I got fitted with a hook but I’m fine, really.”

“What about that eye patch?”

“Oh,” said the pirate, “One day we were at sea, and a flock of birds flew over. I looked up, and one of them shit in my eye.”

“You’re kidding,” said the bartender. “You couldn’t lose an eye just from bird shit.”
the pirate said…

“It was my first day with the hook.”

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01/10/2011

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I enjoyed Larry’s story about his uncle Gus. I never knew why he hauled hay at night, although we all knew he did and watched out for him on Hwy 43 if it was a late night in the winter. Larry’s story reminded me of a time in the late 50’s when I went along with Bennie Johnson to get a load of hay from a stack down south of the Willow Lake school. He had a nice big gray team and a hay rack on the sleigh. He did the loading with a pitchfork as I was pretty small, probably 8-9 years old. When he was loaded we climbed back on the hay and headed up the Willow Lake road. About half way home he gave the team some slack rein and they started to trot a bit. I moved to the back of the load and then thought it might be fun to slide down the back and maybe hold on to the rack and slide behind on my feet. Bennie couldn’t see what I was up to behind the load so he had no idea what a dumb thing I was about to do. I did manage to get down and grab the spindles on the rack and slide along for quite a ways. The next thing I knew, the sleigh passed over a bare patch of gravel and my boots stuck and I landed on my face on the road. I got up and tried to run and catch up to the sleigh but the horses were going faster than my legs could run. I ran for a long way and finally Bennie reined the team back and I caught up and climbed back on the back of the rack. He never knew I fell off and I sure never told him what a dumb trick I pulled. The other thing I remember about that trip was that when he pulled up in front of his barn he said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa–each time looking down at me–and the team kept jerking the tugs–“Whoa, whoa”, finally Bennie said,”Whoa, you sons-a-b___hs!” They stopped and just leaned on one back leg. He didn’t want to use the term they were waiting to hear while I was along, but he had no choice. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Minnesota snow song

Posted by Leland Hagen (50): BRYAN, TX

Hi Gary,

This may be too large to include in your

daily email but ay least I hope you get

a kick out of it! Everyone on your list could relate to the content of this song.

Really a catchy little number.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RwHHFuf14&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Leland Hagen (50)

Leland, This is a link, so it’s not too large for posting. This is great! I love the old time country music too. Gary

Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Gary, your house is just beautiful- looks like living in paradise but the humidity and heat don’t do much for me. Was wondering- I have only seen the steel (?? ) roofs like that where they have a lot of snow. The snow just slides off. So why do they use them in the Philippines? Sharon Gerdes

Sharon, Steel roofs are the norm for this country. Because there is no snow, the roofing is placed directly over the framing. The Galvanized steel sheets are a lot lighter than other roofing materials too, thus eliminating the need for the heavier framing required for other materials. The building practices are much different here than what I was used to. I have injected a few American practices here and there though. These folks had never seen or heard of Joist hangers that are commonly used back in the states. They were amazed with how nice they worked when I had some made for several projects. When my American friends saw those joist hangers, they asked where I purchased them.

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
Did you really mean to say that you have an air conditioner in your “bed”????? Hmmmmm!! I guess nothing more needs to be said about that, huh? lol

From the photos, your place really looks beautiful. You and Bernadette can be justifiably proud of what you have.
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, 30 years ago maybe, but these days, the A/C in the room will suffice. Many of our EXPAT freinds in some of the developments here have much nicer and more beautiful homes than ours. Of coarse there are others that do not. There does not seem to be a lot of competition among the EXPAT folks here to outdo the others either. We have designed our home to accomodate our likes and needs.

I have pasted several pictures below of our lot that were taken in 2004 before we started developing. These are homes and not Chicken houses in these pictures. We purchased this lot (70′ X 210′) adjacent to our house after we had our house build. The new addition to our house is on this lot. There were 7 shanties on this lot when we bought it. It was a bit of a hassle getting these folks moved. We had to give them money so they could dismantle their shanties and rebuild them somewhere else. It was hard cutting down the beautiful 30 plus, very mature, tall coconut trees too, enabling us to build. Today, this lot with our house, is entirely enclosed with a combination of buildings and an 8′ high cement fence. We have our own little compound in the middle of an authentic Filipino neighborhood.

Gary

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

Loved Larry’s photos and Gary, your home is beeeaaaaauuuuuuutifulllll!

Love the colors.

Updated my blog for those of you who occasionally read it. I’m writing more often now about my adventures. I begin my 10,000 miles across America tour on 1/11/11 at 11:11.

I’m starting where I am, in the Sacramento area, and will be moving on to Yosemite and King’s Canyon as soon as I heal this &*^%$## sciatica. It’s getting better fast though. Good Chiropractors rock!!!

Anyhow, thought I’d give you a head’s up. I am keeping my horses on pasture for a few more days while I “Doctor” myself. Small world, the owner is a woman who was born in Rugby. I told her about Larry’s crazy “tailight” story, and she wants me to email it to her. Is that ok with you Larry?

Anyhow, I adore getting comments on my blog from my ND friends. North Dakotans are a special breed. Hope you all are staying warm this winter!

Trish

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01/09/2011

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Gary

Reply to Larry Hackman’s story

From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Bravo, Larry. I’m warm and wrapped in a quilted robe, cup of hot coffee cupped in both hands. Outside my glass-sliding door, the Sangre de Christo Mountains are draped in snow under a clear, blue sky — a perfect backdrop for your Uncle Gus story this cold, bright Saturday morning.

Thanks,

Colette

Reply to Larry Hackman’s story

From Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND

Howdy Gary,

It had been a while since we’ve had one of Larry Hackman’s good old stories. It brought back good old memories–well maybe good. My memoriy was of the spinning button on the string. I too was told to stay away from the little sisters hair. Well I think it must have slipped or something. The next think I remember was that snapping noise–much like the snapping of the reins on the horses rumps–only it wasn’t the horses rumps,and the old man wasn’t wearing his belt. I think I was more careful the next time I was allowed to play with buttons and string.

Mel

Contruction in the Philippines

Folks,

The addition (22′ x 40′) to our house is pretty much complete. We are in the process of finishing the extended roof area from the work shop and the office and the cement area in front of the new addition. The door to the extreme right in the top picture is an outside bathroom that we included with the addition. That is a 25,000 BTU air conditioner over the door. It cools the living room (20′ x 22′) nicely. The other A/C unit, in our bed, is an 8,000 BTU unit that we brought with us from the states.

Often times I’ll take a shower before we go places in the late afternoon or evening. With the heat and the humidity it’s often times hard to get dried off when toweling down from the shower. Ones body is sticky making it difficult to dress too. With this new addition, I decided to put an air conditioner in our new bath room. It’s great! I’ll turn it on a half hour or so before taking my shower so it’s nice and cool. Problem solved.

Gary

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01/08/2011

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Gary

Ann Margaret

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

Ann Margaret…what a hero in my eyes! And to think Ms. Fonda is the one being honored…I don’t think so.

Thank you to everyone who has served, is serving and will serve in the future.

God Bless the USA
Just a quick note in case anyone is interested…Devin, our grandson, has returned from Afghanistan and is now headed back to Okinawa.

ele

Reply from Mel Kuhn (69): St. John, ND

Gary,

Here’s the JOKE OF THE YEAR! Two women were just sitting around—-minding their own business.

Mel

Gus Hackman story

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

Happy New Year to you and your family.

I hope this finds you and your family well.

This is a little long , so you may want to save it for a slow day.

That is fine with me.

Have a good day Gary, and thanks for all that you do.

Larry

The Slow Moving Vehicle Sign

This story takes us back up in the hills, (The Turtle Mountains’ of North Dakota) winter time, cold, wind blowing, freezing cold, snow, bone chilling cold.A typical North Dakota winter!Doesn’t this make all you folks who moved away home sick?We accepted the winters without question when we were young; in fact most of us looked forward to them, and found a way to enjoy them, and I think most of us thought at the time that this is normal, and that the rest of the world was pretty much in the same shape.Then we grew up, listened to relatives and friends, studied a little Geography and well you know the rest of the story.I remember going to Phoenix one winter and was telling this fellow, “the day I left North Dakota that it was 20 degrees below zero, and that was without the wind chill”.All He said was damn, “that’s colder then it is, inside my freezer”.I said, “Awe that’s nothing”.

This is a hay of a story taking place in the dead of winter; it begins with my Uncle Gus getting ready to go get a load of hay with a hayrack mounted on a sleigh with a team of horses.If anyone remembers and I suppose most do, that are still kicking, and that lived in the same area as Uncle Gus, that in order to escape the traffic on old Highway #43 he would go get that load of hay when all traffic had ceased, and that was after midnight, after the bars had closed and when he was fairly positive that everyone else was home and that there would be no cars on the road.He didn’t want anyone or anything scaring his horses.

Uncle Gus would start by getting ready about midnight.He would have to dress to stay warm because at night in the dead of winter in the hills of North Dakota, it is damn cold.Everything, is like it is frozen in time.It is still and strangely quiet.The moon light reflecting off the snow makes it almost daylight.Everything is in black and white.The only sound is the horses all harnessed up and hooked to the sleigh, blowing steam from their nostrils’, pawing at the ground with their huge hoofs, anxious to get started, because they knew what they were going to do, and wanted to get it over with.They knew because they had to make this trip at least once, sometimes twice a week all winter long.

Uncle Gus came out of the house all bundled up in a huge bundle of clothing.All you could see was his eyes under the bill of his cap.Yes, you had to dress warm, under layer upon layer of clothing.He would begin by getting preparing from his feet on up.He would sit down and take off his shoes beside the old wood burning cast iron heater that was located in the center of the room.It was burning so hot that it was giving off a orange glow.He rolled down the top of his cotton socks.Remember those white socks with the little blue streaks in them.He would then pull down the legs of his long johns* (union suit) from under his two pair of bib overalls and blue long-sleeved cotton shirt that he already had on.He would neatly fold the ankle cuffs of them long underwear around his ankles and then pull up his socks, over the folded underwear cuffs to hold them firmly in place.Slip a pair of long wool socks over the cotton socks that he would pull up to just below his knee.Then he would get up and go into the back room and come back out with this square shoe box.From the box he would take out a pair of knee high lace up felt boots that looked like they were new.The leather parts were as shinney as they could be.You could tell that Uncle Gus was very proud to have and to be able to wear a pair of boots like these.He treated them like they were special and commented that these boots were what kept his feet from freezing.He said, you couldn’t allow them to get wet, as he carefully laced them up.He pulled his 4 buckle rubber overshoes on over top of the felt boots.He then folded the legs of his bib overalls and tucked them inside the rubber overshoes before buckling them up.He then put on a wool lined sheepskin jacket, over his shirt and bib overalls.That he buttoned up from his waist up to his chin.Over the jacket he put on a floor length overcoat that was thick and looked like it weighed a ton.He buttoned the overcoat from top to bottom and then pulled the belt tight around his midsection, and buckled it securely. The last thing he did before going out the door was say goodbye and put on his wool lined cap, with ear laps that folded down from the top over his ears and his cheeks that he tied together securely under his chin.He slipped huge leather mittens with wool liners over his hands as he shut the door behind him.Gus always said gloves are no good in cold weather, but were better than nothing.Gus said the four fingers together in one mitten kept each other warm and if the thumb got cold, you could sneak the thumb over with the fingers, and they would all keep each other warm.You can’t do that with gloves.

Uncle Gus with a slam of the door was out to his team of horses that were waiting patiently for him.He had harnessed the team and had pulled the sleigh up into the yard in front of the house earlier in the evening, before getting dressed for the trip to the hayfield.Uncle Gus had explained that he would harness the horses and hook up the sleigh prior to putting on all his heavy winter clothing because you have to be able to move and sometimes move quickly and you have to do a lot of bending and stretching in order to get the horses properly harnessed.All the clothing would make it more difficult to move and would require a lot more of his energy.

Uncle Gus walked around the horses and checked the harnesses.Checking every connection and strap to make sure every strap was tightly buckled and every connection was secure. He talked to the horses as he moved about them to let them know who he was and to comfort them.The horses patiently waited as Gus rechecked the harness connections that were made to the sleigh with the hay rack.The last thing Uncle Gus checked was to make sure his hay fork and scoop shovel were secure on the floor of the hay rack as it would be a wasted trip to get to hayfield where he was heading, and not be able to get to the hay or not be able to load the hay into the rack.Uncle Gus had been doing this most all his life and he knew any mistakes or equipment malfunctions, when it was this cold, and in the middle of the night would be miserable and could be life threatening.

Uncle Gus crawled onto sleigh.The clothes made it difficult to move but once inside the hayrack he got to his feet, moved to the front of the rack, and untied the reins from the A frame. The A frame is a couple of poles mounted at the center, front of the rack and also at the rear of the rack, and are about twice as high from the floor, as the rest of the rack.They are called a, A-frame because they form the shape of an A.Sometimes these two standards don’t touch at the top and then they look more like an H.I think they still called the structure an A-frame though.Go figure!Anyway, Gus untied the reins and gave them a tug, to make sure they were free and not hung up somewhere.He then shouted Giddy-up and popped the reins so that they snapped the rear ends of the horses.They came alive with a jerk, and they were off, out of the yard, heading west, down highway #43, with two horses for head lights and three or four dogs following behind, for tail lights.The horses wanted to trot, but Uncle Gus kept them at a walk as he didn’t want them to get hot and start sweating in these cold temperatures.Uncle Gus turned his back to the cold breeze into his face, caused by their forward movement.The horses knew the road and where they were going.They had made this trip many times over the years.The only sound being heard was the muffled clip-clop of the horse’s feet in the snow on the road and the squeak of the sleigh runners as they cut through the fluffy snow to the frozen packed snow that covered the surface of the road.It seems that the colder it is, the louder the squeal made by the steel runners as they pass over the frozen snow beneath them.It makes you wander is it the steel runners protesting or the snow complaining, because it is being disturbed and packed into a solid mass below the runners?

Uncle Gus arrived at the hay field which is two miles west from his farm and so you know where it is located, it is northwest of the Highway #3 & #281 and highway #43 intersection, where you turn west to go to Lake Metigoshe, two miles south of International Peace Gardens, that sits on the U.S. and Canadian border, or about a mile north of the Kelvin Klinic, (Bar & Store).Yes, in the dead of winter it is a cold lonely place, with only the stars and moon as your friends.Gus navigated his team around the rolling hills and patches of trees in the hayfield in order to miss the areas where the snow had accumulated in banks.Gus did not want to shovel unless he had to and the horses seemed to know instinctively where the points of least resistance were as they made their way to the stack.At the hay stack Gus pulls the team of horses to a halt, climbs down from the rack with his scoop shovel in hand.Some snow had accumulated on the downwind side of the haystack where Gus wants to load from.Gus makes short work of removing this snow by removing the snow from beneath the accumulation and it falls down the side of the stack to the ground.Gus then shovels a path along the stack wide enough for the sleigh and rack.He leads the team of horses ahead to position the rack next to the stack.Gus climbs into the rack and removes his big overcoat and hangs it on the A frame located at the front and center of the rack.He then grabs his hay fork and starts digging into the stack and placing the hay in the rack and standing on it, he able to move from the rack to the stack, simply by stepping from the edge of the rack into the hole he created in the stack. Eventually by walking onto the hay he has placed into the rack, he gets into the stack and finishes loading by standing in the hole in the stack.He completes loading the rack from this position.Occasionally getting into the rack to pack the hay and distribute it to the corners of the rack.The load is finished off with a nice rounded top.Gus grabs his scoop shovel that he hung on the side of the rack and his fork and places them in a secure location on top the load of hay.He moves to the front of the rack just behind the A frame.He makes himself a nice little nest in the hay, puts on his overcoat, sits down in the nest he made for himself unties the reins from the A frame in the front of the rack,gives the reins a tug and then pops them on the horses rumps and shouts giddy-up.The horses leaped forward, anxious to get back to the farm.The sleigh moves easily on the trail that was made coming into the field.Uncle Gus is comfortable and warm in his snugly little nest in the hay.When he is safely out of the hayfield and back on #43 and headed east, he knows he is going to take a little nap.The horses with the dogs following behind will take him the rest of the way home.They have done this hundreds of times.

Uncle Gus all snuggled up in the hay and had just closed his eyes. The horses were moving along at a fast walk pulling the load of hay on the sleigh through the shimmering moon lit snow.The dogs were following behind at a trot.All of a sudden there arose such a clatter. Uncle Gus awoke to see what the hell was the matter, as he went flying from his cozy little nest, into the hay piled high in the center of the rack.Gus struggled to get his bearings and finally looked over the pile of hay.He first saw a red glow and it wasn’t Rudolph or any of his reindeer buddies.It was the glow of brake lights.Some damn fool out driving in the middle of the night had run smack dab into the back of the hayrack with his automobile, and was sitting was still sitting in his car braking hard.Gus’s next thought was about the horses, and he basically rolled off the hay, and over the side of the rack and let himself fall to the ground as he knew he had to get to that team before they figured out what happened and decided to start running.He didn’t need a runaway team.He grabbed their bridles and started talking to the horses to calm them down and to let them know that he was still in control.The horses had been knocked to their bellies.Rather than horses, for a little while they looked more like seals pulling that load of hay down the road.The horses had found their way back up on their feet and Gus got them calmed down and the reins secured to the rack.Uncle Gus then went to check things out in the back of the rack and with the car.The front of the car was pretty messed up.The driver was still sitting in his car, his foot still on the brake, and the brake lights shining brightly into the early morning sky. The dogs were gone.Uncle Gus opened the door and asked the driver if he was alright.The man just complained that he did not see the rack soon enough.He hit the brakes as soon as he could but the car would not stop and slide right into back of the rack, knocking out both headlights and wrinkling the hood.The man complained that there were no tail lights or reflectors on the rack. Apparently the dogs following behind were running with their tails down.Maybe, because of that cold northwest breeze that was blowing up their backside.Anyway the fellow and Uncle Gus decided to go on their way and that the fellow would contact the Highway Patrol in the morning.The fellow decided he could get home with just the park lights and without headlights.Uncle Gus said could see good and couldn’t understand why that fellow couldn’t.

The next day the Highway Patrolman arrived at Uncle Gus’s place to check out the hayrack.Gus explained to the officer that he could easily fix what was broken on the hayrack.The Officer explained that, that was not the problem.That the problem was that my Uncle was operating equipment on the roadway at night without lights.Uncle Gus explained why he hauls at night and that he has been doing this for years and had never had an accident before, and that he could see just fine.The Officer explained that if you operate equipment at night on public roadways that you must have headlights and tail lights and that the driving public expects to see lights.Gus argued that he could see just fine without lights, and had never had a problem before.The Highway Patrolman finally compromised with Uncle Gus saying that at a minimum he wanted him to install a slow moving vehicle sign on the back of the rack.That way he would be protecting himself and anyone approaching from the rear ought to be able to see that reflective sign and know that they are to slow down.Uncle Gus said he would pull over to side of the road if he saw someone coming from the front.

Uncle Gus got a sign and fastened it to the back of the hayrack.He said he wandered at the same time that if that fellow couldn’t see a hayrack with a full load of hay, how he was going to see this little, itty bitty sign.Another thought that passed through his head was that he should of asked that Patrolman, if he would have required him to put headlight on them horses; where was he suppose to stick the batteries?On second thought, he thought, that would not have been a good question to ask.That Patrolman might have told him exactly where to stick them batteries.Uncle Gus knew that if had to stick them there, that, that would get awfully uncomfortable for them horses.He loved his horses to much to do anything like the to them.He was satisfied with installing the orange reflective triangular shaped,“slowmoving vehicle sign”on the back of the rack.

*Long Johns (union suit) were common back in the day. They were one piece long underwear that covered the body from the neck down to the ankles and out to the wrists.They had a button front from neck to your waste with a flap covered opening in the front and back.A button was installed on the back to hold the back flap closed.I guess this solved the problem of showing someone a full moon when bending over.Now I was told by a fellow that this button did cause some irritation when sitting and that the ladies of the house soon discovered this and used it to the benefit of the family.If the husband started spending a little too much time at the kitchen table in the morning drinking coffee, and not going out to get his work done, then out would come the karo syrup can and the husband would find another button on the back of his long johns.Every household, back in the day, had a karo syrup tin filled with buttons.Before any article of clothing was thrown away, every part that could be reused, such as buttons was salvaged, and saved.The buttons were but into an emptied out karo syrup tin.No Tupperware back in them days to burp.Everything was saved and used over and over again until it was pretty much useless.Remember back in the day whenever the folks bought something at the grocery store it was usually wrapped in paper and then tied shut with a string (no plastic bags).Well guess what, everyone saved the paper, and the string.The paper was folded nicely and put into the bottom of the cupboard, and the string was added to the ball in the knife and fork drawer.Well when that karo syrup tin would be broughtout with all those buttons, it was time for some fun.While the girls were sorting through them and arranging them by color and size, we boys were looking for large overcoat type buttons. The larger the better.We would take that large button usually around an 1-1/4” in diameter, run a length of string (about 2 ft. long) through two of the four holes in the center of the button, and tie the ends of the string together.We would then hang the loops at the ends of the string over our thumbs.We would then move our hands in a circular motion to cause the button to twirl around and around until the string was all twisted up from your thumbs to the button on each side, which was located near the center.We would then pull the strings looped over our thumbs, by moving our arms apart.This caused the button to spin one way then; we would relax, moving our arms together and the button would rewind the string and then we would spread our arms again, stretching the string, causing the button to spin the other way.You could keep this going, until the string would fray and break.Mom would say to keep that whirring, spinning, contraption away from the girl’s hair.I often wondered if that was invitation or what?

Anyway, back to the long John story.Some of the husbands eventually ended up with a pretty impressive row of buttons on their back flap.The wives found that more work was getting done faster. They said some of their husbands were so anxious to get out of the house in the mornings, and to work that they would drink their coffee standing at the kitchen door.Maybe, that is why, my three Hackman uncles never married. What do you think?Maybe some of you that are still in contact with the older generation and will ask them if they remember this practice or maybe they were an active participant.

Let us know what you find out.

Remember to laugh today,

Larry

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01/07/2011

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Gary

Taps Reply

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

I had never heard the Taps played like that before and I had to share it with my sailor husbad and send it on to many others. That little girl has a gift. I have been to many funerals where Taps were played and that rendition was quite amazing. thanks for sharing.

Sharon Longie Dana (73)

David Abrahamson (72)

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

TAPS was awesome..so young to have so much talent..but that doesn’t surprise anyone who calls the Turtule Mts. home as there is talent all over this place that is untapped and seldom heard or seen.

Larry’s story today reminded me of another talent in this area…years ago when the Gathering Cafe was still open there was a garage/repair shop located in the same building..I think one of the Lagerquist boys was the operator/owner at the time…any way I had stopped to get gas and was inside paying for it when one of our local “comedians” stopped in also. He got to telling how he had a bunch of kittens for give away and how cute they were. Of course everyone, myself included, just had to see these super cute kittens so he went out to get them out of his truck. He came in carrying the box, normal as all get out, but when we opened the top of the box a darn skunk jumped up and scared the you know what out of us. Needless to say we have a taxidermist in our midst and he had cut a hole near the bottom of the box to put his hand in to ‘activate’ that skunk. I still laugh when I remember my reaction and that of the others in there that day. Thank you for the laughter and memory David Abrahamson!!!!

ele

David Abrahamson (72)

Reply from Patti Metcalfe Woods (67): Peace Garden Customs agent

Hi Gary,

I had to chuckle at the Coyote on the back of the taxidermists pickup.

It reminds me of the stuffed skunk David Abrahamson carried with him when he did refrigeration repairs.

He would set it down in the aisle of the store where he was working and chuckle at the reaction of the store customers.

The grin on David’s face was precious.

Thank you for all the work you do keeping up this blog.

Wishing you and Bernadette a special 2011!

Patti Woods

Patti, Bernadette and I so enjoyed our visit with you on our way back thru customs last May while your folks inspected our car. After having visited the Peace Garden, our number came up for a full blown inspection on our way back into the good ole USA. By the way, thanks for opening the big roll up door to let us out. While visiting with you inside, I think your folks had given up on us going back to our car.

Suggested Proposal

From Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO

Hey Gary. I have a proposal for the folks reading your blog. How about everyone tries to remember the funniest joke you have heard lately and submit it so we can all have a laugh?

Here’s mine:

Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Interupting cow.

Interupting cow wh…..

Mooooooo!

Cmon you guys. I know you’ve got at least one in you….

Trish Wild

The Equine Nomad

Harold Amundson family

Memories/picture from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

Hi Gary – and all…

I thought I would send this photo that I received recently from my cousin Lenette. It is some of my relatives that some of you out there may (or may not) recognize and/or remember. (Susan should be doing this – I’ll probably get it wrong!!!) Anyway, the man in the middle is Harold Amundson. I THINK he is 93. He is the youngest brother of Helen Nelson, Ernie Amundson, Dagny Haagenson and Alpha Gunderson. The lady on the left is his daughter Sharon (I don’t remember her married name, sorry). The lady to the right of him is his wife Mildred (Millie) – who, I believe is originally from Rolla – formerly Mildred Hudson. On the far right (this one I’m SURE of…) is Lenette Hoover-Brauer. Lenette is the daughter of Lenore (Watkins) Hoover, my mother’s sister. Lenette was visiting Spokanne, WA, so stopped in to see the relatives. Unfortunately, since this photo was taken, Uncle Harold has become gravely ill and is currently under hospice care at his daughter Sharon’s. It’s a difficult time for their family – please remember them in your prayers…..

Paula Fassett

Sharon Amundson, Harold Amundson, Mildred Amundson & Lenette Hoover-Brauer

Viet Nam 1966 – Ann Margaret

Posting from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68):

Thought this might be a good one for the blog!

In God We Trust

Ann Margaret….

Viet Nam1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam , other than that he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo, so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o’clock for the 7:30 p.m. signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GIs so far from home.

Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard’s turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, “I understand. I just wanted her to see it.”

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for ‘my gentlemen.”

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren’t too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he’d like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears. ”That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,” he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I’ll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say ‘Thank you’ to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you’d like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

01/06/2011

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Gary

Floyd Pritchard’s (59) Birthday: floyd

Reply from Florence Pladson Sime (62): Dunseith, ND

Hi, Pamela, that is a cute picture of Floyd. How old was he on this picture? I used to spend alot of time at Winifreds when he lived there. Wish him a happy birthday from me as I won’t be at the party. Florence Sime

Reply from John Tangen (Cousin to Pladson Siblings): Calistoga, CA.

Hi, Gary. A belated Happy New Year to you and to all the Stokes/Thompson cousins who read this blog. These days I think I know more Dunseith history than Bottineau! And Keith, some of those memories I share, too – that wonderfully warm woodstove; the threshing at your place, and at Dave Eurich’s, too – though I never worked up a sweat myself (too young). And the sledding hill – were you there the year the snow was so deep and soft we had to pull the tobaggon down the hill with a snowmobile – then pull the snowmobile up the hill with horses! And I recall my dad sliding down on a grain shovel!

Thanks Gary and Keith for sharing the “Taps” video. That was awesome!

John (Calistoga, California)

Taps reply

From Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND

Keith,

Hi Keith, classmate from Dunseith. Hope all has been well with you. That was a very nice post, the one of Melissa Venema from the Netherlands. We had a foreign exchange student with us for one year in 1999 from Holland and became familiar with Andre’ Rieu. We will have to forward this to our foreign exchange daughter who lives again in Holland. She will be very proud, as she should be of this fine orchestra and this young talent from her country.

Aime Casavant

Taps reply

From Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

This young lady, Melissa Venema and the orchestra, did a great job. Although I played taps at many burials, I had never heard the full rendition until today. Absolutely Beautiful!!!!! Thank you for sharing this, Keith.

Before video ended, I was transported right back to that crisp fall day some fifty plus years ago at Ackworth Cemetery. Somehow I found my eyes watering and a lump growing in my throat as I thought back about that day when my Great Uncle Harry’s casket was lowered to it’s final resting place.

Your now aged bugle boy,

Dwight

ONLY IN The Turtle Mountains

Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

*A lady was telling her neighbor that she saw a man driving a pick-up truck down Highway #43, and a dog was hanging onto the tailgate for dear life! *

*She said if the pick-up truck driver hadn’t been going so fast in the other direction, she would have tried to stop him. *

*A few weeks later, her neighbor saw this truck at the local Bass Pro Shop, “Mel’s Place*”

*The pick-up truck driver is a local taxidermist with a great sense of humor! *

*Taxidermists are a twisted lot anyway! *

*And it is not a dog in the 1st Place ; it is a Coyote. *

*Can you imagine how many people tried to stop this guy? *

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01/05/2011

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Gary

No Blog posted yesterday.

Folks, I got a little rushed and did not get a blog posted yesterday. Today is our bowling day, so I’m getting a short blog out before we leave.

Gary

Floyd Pritchard (59) Celebrated his 70th Birthday

Posted by Pamela Pritchard Smith: Bottineau, ND

Afternoon Gary! Hey, my dad is turning 70 here in a couple of weeks. We are going to have a birthday party for him at the Birchwood to celebrate.

We have a general public announcement going into the Bottineau Courant (below) along with the attached photo. I thought it would be a nice thing to also put into your blog. This picture is just too funny not to share! I would love to hear any stories that come back about memories of my Dad. If you receive any, can you please forward them and I will make sure my sisters and Dad see them.

Thanks so much Gary and let me know if you need anything! Hope to see you there at the Birchwood too!

You are invited to join in on the celebration of Floyd Pritchard’s 70th Birthday!!

Birchwood Steakhouse and Lounge

Saturday, January 15th, 8:00PM – 1:00AM

Taps

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
A friend sent this to me. I’m forwarding it to you and you can decide if you want to include it in your blog. All I can say is WOW!
Keith Pladson (66)

Dwight Lang, This should bring back some memories for you. Gary

You might have seen or heard this before but it is worth

another listen….

The conductor of the orchestra is Andre Rieu fromHolland. The young lady, her trumpet and her rendition of TAPS makes your hair stand on end.

Many of you may never have heard taps played in its entirety, for all of the men & women that have died for you to have the freedom you have inAmerica. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss and I guarantee you’ll never forget.

Amazingly beautiful .. Melissa Venema, age 13, is the trumpet soloist.

Here is Taps played in its entirety. The Original version of Taps was calledLast Post, and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps. Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereby the original was played on a bugle.

watch on the attachment or at this site.

http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa-venema.htm

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01/03/2011

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Gary

Happy Birthday Sheryl Stokes Wingate – 1-3-1980:

Folks, Today, January 3rd is our daughter Sheryl’s birthday. She is 31 years old. Sheryl lives in Bremerton Washington with her daughter (our Granddaughter) Neveah. Gary

Reply to Mel Kuhn (70)

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I was just reading Mel Kuhn’s posting for the third time just to try to understand his position. He mentioned how well Larry Hackman (and some other guy I don’t recognize) can tell stories. I just started to understand why so many of the morning coffee guys leave there ear flappers down over their ears in the morning at our breakfast table. I always thought it was because they were still cold. Now after reading Mel’s entry, I have a clearer picture as to why they do that. Mel was certainly short changing himself when he mentioned he may never be able to compete in story telling. Oh yeah, and Mel, I think way to much of you to ever tell you to your face what we all say about you once you leave. Maybe from now on Ol’ Mel will be the last guy to leave, just to protect his image. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Willard Lasher’s connection to the Ackworth community

Folks, Willard Lasher’s mother, Melvina, was a Thompson from the Ackworth community. She was a sister to Ida (William) Pritchard, Ulysses Thompson and that family. Willard was a first cousin to Robert Pritchard, Corbin Pritchard, Winifred Pritchard Eurich, Ella (Eldon) Pladson, Esther (Edmar) Tangan and others from the Ackworth community. Gary

Obituary

Willard Lasher
(January 28, 1915 – November 29, 2010)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book | Send Flowers|

WILLARD LASHER

Funeral services for Willard Lasher, age 95 of Bottineau, were held on Monday at 3:00 pm at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Officiating at the service was the Reverend James Judson. Avonne Gessner was the organist and the congregation sang selected hymns. Casket bearers were Howard Beyer, Norman Steinke, Kevin Schroeder, Jeff Beyer, Keith Pritchard, Greg Beyer, Dwight Olson and Lloyd Johnson. Military Honors were presented by the Bottineau VFW and American Legion posts and the North Dakota National Guard. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau

Willard Wendell Lasher, a son of Bennie Emil and Melvina (Thompson) Lasher, was born on January 26, 1915 at Edmonds, ND. He was reared near McClusky, ND where he worked on the family farm. He later moved to Bottineau. He worked for CCC’s near Watford City, ND building roads in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. He entered the US Coast Guard on July 31, 1942 and he served in the Pacific Theatre until his honorable discharge on November 24, 1945. Upon returning to the states, he worked near Seattle installing telephone lines. On October 27, 1946, he married Ruby Neubauer at Bottineau. They lived on a farm near Makoti before moving to the Neubauer farm near Bottineau. He farmed there until 1962 when they moved into Bottineau. Willard worked for several service stations in Bottineau and later managed the Bottineau Discount station. He later became a full time rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Willard was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau. He was also a member of the VFW in Bottineau and the Rural Letter Carriers’ Association.

Willard passed away on Monday, November, 29, 2010 at a Bottineau hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby of Bottineau, two daughters, Connie Kay (Lasher) Kahn of Rio Rancho, NM and Sandra Faye (Lasher) Thompson of Bottineau; 6 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Lillian Beyer of Bottineau and Beulah Hoaglund of St. Paul, MN and several nieces and nephews.

Previously posted with message 867 on 7/26/10

Many of Willard’s family members are in this picture.

Mary Eurich Knutson, you had a hard copy made of this picture and had planned on visiting Willard and a few others for their comments and identifications. What were you able to find out? Thanks,Gary

Ackworth Ladies Aid. Picture taken in 1924

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01/02/2011

Posted on January 2, 2011 by Gary

Happy New Year

From Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

Hi Blog

Just thought I would wish everyone a Happy and prosperous New Year., from the Fleming Clan.

Love Esther

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Boonton, NJ

Gary and Bernadette, Happy New Year to you all! We have been so very blessed in 2010 and I’m sure God has great plans for all of us in 2011 and beyond. You and Bernadette are a great blessings to all of us alumni from Dunseith, ND. I hope all appreciate all the time and effort it takes to do this blog. All our best, Lynn and Greg Otto and family

Lynn, Doing this Blog gives me something meaningful to wake up to each morning. It also keeps me connected to the good ole USA and the wonderful folks from Dunseith and the surrounding areas. It takes time, but I’m retired, so I can choose to use my time any way I choose. You know when I worked I enjoyed my job. When one retires you have to find ways to fill the social void that comes along with being retired. It took about a year for me to feel comfortable being retired without the pressures of my job hanging over head. Now, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard seldom comes to mind. I learned the skills of the trade with what I’m doing with this Blog from my working years at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Gary

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

Happy New Year Everyone! Gary your photo cracked me up – I loved the plate of dessert leading to the New Year resolution that we all make at this time of year. Very funny.

I am in California now, and write this from my North Dakota girlfriend’s house in Sacramento. We are so glad we are not dealing with your weather in NODAK, but thanks for the humorous stories that get shared so readily in that climate. We cooked and ate and drank champagne and laughed about old stories we were in together. Yup, I love my North Dakota friends!

Sending you all best wishes for a New Year full of whatever you ask for. As they say, be careful what you ask for….

Thanks Gary!

Trish Wild

The Equine Nomad

John Awalt Memories

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

There are a couple memories I have of John Awalt, Sr. that might stir some memories from his family. John was always doing something with wood, whether it was carpentry or creative woodworking. I built the cabinets for our house and wanted a nice valence for the area above the sink, between the cupboard cabinets. I drew a pattern and headed down to see John. I showed him my design and he said it was good and he would have no problem making me one. A few days later he called me and said to come and get it. Of course I had to have coffee and cookies with he a Gertrude before I left. When we were finished, I took out my billfold and asked what I owed him for such a nice piece of woodwork? He said, “You don’t owe me anything. It’s my part of your new house on our old place.” He wouldn’t take a dime.

When he was retiring, Dad bought his temporary workshop that sat west of Dale’s truck stop and we moved it to the farm for a shop building. John kind of went with the project and helped me put in the overhead door and other jobs. It was working with him that I learned a lot of things about carpentry. Between John and Bill Peterson, I could find out nearly anything I needed to know when I was building or remodeling. For those who don’t know, Bill is John’s nephew. While working on Dad’s shop, I also heard many of the cliches John used and I bet his kids remember. It was the first time I heard anybody say, “I cut it off twice and it’s still too short.” John also had his own little saying. Most people say, “Holy Moses”–not John–he turned that around to, “Moldy Hoses”. There were a couple ‘others’ that I will just keep in MY memory. Once he asked me to bring down a load of old barnyard manure for his garden. I had some that had been piled for many years and I had used it on my own garden and it really worked well, so I loaded a big load and took it to John. He wasn’t home when I got there so I just shoveled it off and spread it around evenly on his garden. He came home just when I finished and when he looked at it he got a strange look on his face. He said, “I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but that’s going to be way to rich and my spuds will be all scabby.” I felt kind of bad, but I told him I didn’t think so because it worked well on my own garden. Later that summer I was sitting at the counter at Dale’s and John came in and wrapped his arm around my neck and said, “I just went out to the garden and dug some of my spuds and they are the biggest and best that I’ve ever grown in that garden. You really know your s__t!” I guess that was a compliment! Thanks Gary!

Dick

This is kind of a nice “Happy New Year” picture with the gals head gear that I thought I throw in with today’s blog.

Evelyn and Alex Todd are the couple in the picture with us. They recently moved here from San Diego. Alex is retired from the Marine Corps and Law enforcement (Sheriffs department). Evelyn is retired from the “Navy Federal Credit Union”.

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01/01/2011

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Gary

From Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

I would like to wish everyone a healthy & happy new year!! Connie (Zorn) Landsverk

From Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA

Have a Safe and Healthy Happy New Year Everyone, and my condolences go out to all who have lost a loved one this year.

Rhonda Hiatt

ND Snow storm:

Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

I just got off the phone with one of my friends in Eastern North Dakota.

He said that since early this morning, the snow is nearly waist

high and is still falling. The temperature is dropping below zero and

the north wind is increasing. His wife has done nothing but look through

the kitchen window. He says that if it gets much worse, he may have to let

her in.

From Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND

Gary,

Stories–I’m part of a morning coffee group of 10-12 guys. We gather every morning at the little cafe in St. John that used to be Mel’s Diner. One day one of our younger members [early 50’s] asked me what happened to all those old guys that used to sit around in the mornings having coffee and telling stories when I used to own the place. I looked around at the faces and said–uh we are those old guys now. We sit around telling old stories and new stories that if good enough will become old stories. We tell jokes and we prank on one another and if one of our group is missing for a couple days we wonder where he is. We wonder if he is sick or what is wrong–or worse yet did one of us in our story telling or pranking do something to offend them and they may not come back. We tell stories of those old fellows that used to be the coffee group that was ahead of us that we have now graduated into. Sometimes the stories are embellished upon to improve the content shall we say, and sometimes they need no embellishment to make them a good story. As the guys get up and leave we discuss how full of crap he was today and then I wonder what they say about me when I leave the table. I know that I wonder that if those younger fellows sitting having their breakfast off in a corner are talking about all of us old farts. I wonder what they will talk about and do when it’s their turn to be part of the group. Will the stories about us have to be jazzed up or will they be good enough to make it on their own. Will the story tellers like Dick Johnson and Larry Hackman be able to be replaced by someone as good or will they be another story of their own. I myself know that I could never replace them. Mostly for the simple fact that I can’t stretch the truth or spread the bull nearly as thick with a staight face to fit in with the likes of them.

Well this is enough for me for this year. If I try to say any more I’ll probably have to start telling stories and I wouldn’t want to be accused of doing things like that.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and may all your stories for this coming year all be good ones.

Mel Kuhn

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,

Thank you to Bonnie Awalt Houle. I found your input, Bonnie, on your son’s interview of your Dad most interesting and entertaining. For me, it brought back memories of when I was young from about 7 or 8 until I started high school. We heated with wood, and for many years it was my job to chop the wood and bring in the daily supply. I also remember us using a thrashing machine for several years which involved cutting the grain with a binder hitched to a team of horses and putting the bundles of grain up in shocks to dry. We also did a lot of other things on the farm with horses. Of course, we also had a tractor for plowing, seeding, etc. We also did a lot of sledding on one big hill in particular and found many other ways to entertain ourselves throughout the years. Thanks again for refreshing my own memories.

And to you Gary, congrats on your 200 plus. I’m not bowling this year (the first time I’ve not league bowled in many years) as I hurt my throwing shoulder last spring and it still isn’t properly/completely healed.
Keith Pladson (66)

Happy New Year from the Philippines

Folks,

We had a wonderful New Years eve celebration in the Ball Room at the Marko Polo hotel here in Cebu with friends. There were 21 of us with two tables. There were 500 guests in the Ball Room. The buffet was set up at 7:00 PM, followed with music, dancing and fellowship until Midnight. At Midnight we all were escorted to the roof top for a huge fireworks display.

The Marco Polo is a 5 star hotel and they most certainly served a 5 star buffet meal with unlimited drinks and beverages the whole evening. Below are several pictures taken last night.

Gary

I toped off my meal with a few desserts. Now it’s time to go on a diet

Before After

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12/31/2010

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Gary

John Awalt

Reply from Allen Richard (66): Midland, MI

To Bonnie Awalt Houle.

It brought back something more like memories of memories passed down. Too bad we are not as skilled in passing on our legacies in story telling like our Native American friends! So much is lost. We should all try to bring back the “between the lines” things that never made it into Prairie’s Past and Mountain Memories. We all should try to compile stories from the past. Age wise your dad was about half way between Dad and Grand Dad. Grand Dad was a well known “house party fiddler” and Dad started farming with horses and bought his first tractor at the age of 15.

Your dad and Fred Nicholson did a lot of remodeling on Dad’s home in the late 60’s early 70’s. There were more than a few “story breaks.” I wish i had paid more attention.

Allen

John Awalt

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

A special thank you to Bonnie for sharing the story about her dad. I sure do enjoy hearing these stories from people I have known. There were good times in those hard times. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, I had a streak of luck last week bowling. I must have had a good lane where the pins feel easily. My previous high game was 182. Gary

Bowling Group One (guys)

Gary Stokes took the high Game of 208 and in the process had both a new personal best High Game and a new personal best High series of 485

Name

High Game

High Series

Average

Last 9 Games

Games

Gary S

208

485

136

149

54

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12/30/2010

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Gary

Reply from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):Newburg, ND

Thanks Gary,

Can you believe, it has been about 50 years since the Mountaineers began. Seems like yesterday. Thanks again!

Martha

Martha, It’s been 50 or more years. 50 years ago I was 13 and you 10. I was in the 7th or 8th grade when the Mountaineers was organized. We learned so much and did so many interesting fun things in that club. For years our club rented a Fugere/Hill bus to attend the Minot fair. John Hill was normally the driver. I remember when Lori Hiatt was born in about 1962. Jim calculated that we were in Rugby on our way back from the Minot State fair when she was born. Gary

From David Slyter (70): Sabin, Mn

The “BEST” to all family and friends in the ” NEW YEAR”.

Dave Slyter (70)

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Garry M. Counts

(Died December 23, 2010)

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Garry M. Counts, age 72 of Dunseith, died Thursday at a Belcourt hospital. Funeral will be held on Wednesday December 29, 2010 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Wake will begin on Tuesday at 4:00 pm with a prayer service at 8:00 pm at the church.

Garry Morris Counts was born February 13, 1938, in Belcourt, ND, to Patricia (McCloud) and Walter Counts; he was the oldest of 10 children. Garry attended school in Souris and in Dunseith. He was married to Theresa R Peltier on April 1, 1957, and they celebrated 53 years together earlier this year. They were the proud parents of 8 children. He served in the Armed Forces from 1956 – 1959, being stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. Garry attended vocational school in Fort Worth, TX, and college at Dakota College in Bottineau (formerly NDSU-Bottineau Branch). He worked in the oil fields in Western ND; a bus driver for the Turtle Mountain Headstart and the after-school bus at the Dunseith Public School; coordinator of the Local Sheep Co-op; owned Dunseith Pool Hall; was a District IV Councilman for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians; G & T’s Rec & Café for a time; an aide at San Haven for a few years; was employed in Security at the Mini-Casino for a time in Belcourt. His happiest employment endeavor was buying and selling cars through his business Double R Cars.

Some of his favorite things to do were: spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and to travel. He always encouraged his family to read, leading by example, as he always had a book close at hand. In this respect, his dreams for his children included achieving success in higher education. He enjoyed spending time at the casino playing cards and slot machines, and visiting with everyone. He also had a story for every occasion. He would take time everyday to write in his journal – which he had started after his retirement and has kept from February 28, 2001, through December 16, 2010 – he said if he didn’t write it down, he might forget. He often said one of the best gifts he has ever received was his conversion to Catholicism last year.

Garry passed away at the Quentin N Burdick Healthcare Facility in Belcourt, ND, on Thursday, December 23, 2010, after a long illness.

Garry is survived by his wife, Theresa, and his children: Garry W (Lucinda) of Dunseith, ND; Doreen (David) Rodriguez of Waterford, MI; Monica (Gene) Nadeau of Dunseith, ND; Allison (Blaine) DeCoteau of Dunseith, ND; Francine Counts of Grand Forks, ND; Gerald (Melissa) of Devils Lake, ND; Loren (Olivia) of Hastings, MN; and Donovan (Denette) of Hastings, MN; 22+ grandchildren; and 15+ great-grandchildren; brothers: Roger (MaryRose) and Richard (Renee), both of Dunseith, ND; sisters: Linda (Louis) Martinez of Bismarck, ND, and Leona Counts of Devils Lake, ND; numerous nephews and nieces; along with many foster children and step-grandchildren.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Diana L’Esperance; brothers, Roland; Warren (Buzzy); Dennis (Duff); and Sidney; grandsons, Justin Nadeau, William Counts, and Kennedy DeCoteau.

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

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

John Awalt Sr. Interview

Posted by Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN.

Dear Gary, family and Dunseith Alumni,

Over the Holidays my Granddaughter came over to interview me for a school project. The questions she asked brought back the memory of my son interviewing my Dad, John Awalt about similar topics. Thought maybe it would jog memories from other families.(The following is the letter written by my Father John Awalt)

a) Where were you born, and when? John Charles Awalt was born on January 19, 1904 in Holmes Township, Rolette County North Dakota. My parents were William David and Mary Agnes Awalt. My parents came to North Dakota on an immigrant train from Iowa and filed on a quarter of land in the Turtle Mountains North East of Dunseith. The land was on the North Shore of a very nice spring feed lake called Horse Shoe Lake. The land was all thickly timbered, in fact it was so thickly timbered that you had to look straight up to see out. Each tree was hand cut so we had lumber to build our home and barn. We stumped out the trees so we could farm the land. The timber was also used for fire wood. There were fish in the lake, sharptail grouse in the meadow’s, ruffled grouse and deer in the woods. All provided a good source of food for the family.

b) What was school like for you? I walked two miles to school. It was just a one room school house with 8 grades and one teacher. One year we had 37 students in our school. We went to school from April until about Thanksgiving. When weather got bad school was closed. The year I was in 5th grade our school was closed to I went to another school where the kids were all from Norwegian families. The children all spoke Norwegian during recess and before that summer was over I could talk Norwegian along with the best of them. As I have grown older I’ve forgotten most of it.

c) What chores were you expected to do? My chores were to see that the cows were brought in to be milked, I was to feed the calves. I also needed to chop wood and keep the wood box filled.

d) What did you do for fun? In the summer the neighborhood kids gathered at the lake and went swimming every evening. In winter we gathered in the same place and went ice skating. We cleared the snow by hand unless it got to deep and then my Dad would bring down his sharp shod team and use a blade to clear the snow off the ice. There was a steep hill between our house and the lake where we went coasting in the winter time. We used ski’s, sleighs, most anything you could slide on, even my Mother’s dishpan, we wore the bottom right out of it. One summer we took Dads buggy to coast in, we tied ropes on the axel to steer it, but for some reason it got away from us, we hit a bunch of willows turned it over and did a pretty good job of wrecking the buggy altogether. That was pretty had to explain to my Dad.

e) What kinds of machinery did you use for farming? Our farm work was all done by horse. There were no tractors and very few cars. Every family had a driving team. Some were pretty classy! I had a saddle pony I was pretty proud of, if I whistled he would come or answer. One night when I was at a girl friends place her brother went out the window and took my pony from the hitching rack where I had tied him. He hid the pony out behind the barn and thought he was playing a good joke on Me. When I got ready to go home I came out of the house and no horse, so I whistled and soon knew just where the horse was because he answered me.

The grain was cut with a horse drawn binder, shocked by hand, then threshed with a steam powered machine. It usually took about 12 teams and bundle wagons to haul the bundles to the machine, 3 wagons to haul the grain to the granary. In all about 18 men. The men were fed in a Cook Car that went along with the threshing rig. The young men always tried to get a job hauling bundles, as it was a means of making money also some what of a picnic, although hard work.

Haying was also done with horse drawn mowers and rakes. Then the hay was hauled with wagon and hayrack and stacked by hand into mounds.

The fields were plowed with 5 horses and gang plow, each outfit could plow about 5 acres per day. The size of the farm determined the number of outfits you had to have. One would hitch 4 horses to a harrow and walk behind to drive, also 4 horses on a ten foot drill. 20 acres per day.

(It was a slow way to serve the Lord.)

f) How did you clear the snow after a storm? As for clearing the snow, we didn’t. We shoveled a path to the barn, to the wood pile, and the little house out back. We made roads in the snow when it came in the fall and the sun moved it in the spring. Those roads were sure good for sleigh ride parties in the long winter evenings. Also all the grain had to be hauled to market in winter. It was 12 miles to town.

g) How did you refrigerate your food? We had only natures refrigeration, so we waited till cold weather to butcher. The beef would keep all winter, the pork would be cured and smoked. Stripes of beef were salted and smoked for jerky. Venison and pork were mixed and ground together for sausage, called country sausage.

h) How did you get your washing done without electricity? Washing clothes was done with soap and water. Mostly with a wash tub and a wash board and lots of elbow grease. The soap came in bars that you sliced off the amount you wanted then softened it in hot water, or you rubbed in into the clothes on the wash board. Later Sears Roebuck came out with a washing machine that consisted of a wooden tub on four legs like chair legs it had an agitator that worked by pushing a lever back and forth. Later Maytag came out with a gas powered washer. We had the perfect clothes drier, it was the sun. When the sun was out the clothes dried fast and were whitened at the same time. There were no wash and wear clothes. Everything had to be ironed.

I) What was dating like for you? Dating–Why Ask Me?

It must have been somewhat different then modern dates. We had house parties, school activities, church and swimming and ice skating parties. There were baseball games, not organized teams but some pretty good players that made for some great games. All of this took place in a radius of 10 or 15 miles from our home. We used horses for traveling. One advantage of going by horse was on the way home you would just tie the lines on the dash board and the horse would go home. This freed up your hands for the girl you were with, two hands are always better then one and you didn’t have to watch the road either. There were several of us from our neck of the woods that would gather together in the Bob Sleigh and go to town for the townhall dances. We would take two teams, one team would be tied half way, the other team would pull us into town and halfway back and then we’d switch teams again, that way it wouldn’t be to hard on any one team. Sometimes we’d be going 16 or 18 miles, that doesn’t sound very far in today’s mode of travel but back then it was a long haul for a team.

ASK YOURSELF SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS AND SEE WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE FROM MY DAD’S TIME TO OUR TEENAGE TIME AND NOW TO THE TIME OF TODAY’S CHILDREN.

I hope this stirs up some good memories for everyone.

Bonnie Houle (56)

Ward & Alcide Lajimodiere

Message/Picture posted by Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

A couple days before Christmas I happened to meet Debbie Poitra Rondeau in Wal-Mart in Bottineau. She told me she would see if she could find the picture her mom, Betty Counts Poitra, had given her of Alcide Lajimodiere. Today she found it and sent it to me. As an added bonus, the picture happens to also have Ward Anthony in it. Alcide stayed with the Anthonys on their place which is about a mile and a half south of our place. I visited there a few times and they came to our place once in a while. Ward was a character and Alcide wasn’t far behind. With the two together, there was never a dull moment. One time when we lived in a trailer house near the shore of Horseshoe Lake, about 5 AM one morning I heard a vehicle drive in. I jumped out of bed to see who was driving in at that time of the day? I looked out the window and Ward and Alcide were just getting out of the car down by the shore. It was summer and I had the windows open so I could hear what they were saying. Ward pointed south across the lake and said loudly, “Right there is where I said and I’m right!” Alcide mumbled something and they got back in the old Plymouth and drove back out of the yard. My guess is that they were up all night arguing about where their place was from our place and Ward had to drive up and show Alcide. Between Anthonys and our place is the lake and about a half mile of brush. It was miles around by road– up past Smiths and through several gates. Ward must have really had to prove his point! Thanks to Debbie and thanks Gary!

Dick

L to R:Ward & Alcide Lajimodiere

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12/29/2010

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Gary

Reply from Martha Lamb Schepp (68): Newburg, ND

Hi Gary,

Happy Holidays! I’m enjoying every blog. I brought home my lap top from school. Kinda scary, because I can send e-mails on this computer. Somewhere on one of the blogs you posted Orvin’s address at Bethany homes in Fargo. Would you please e-mail this to me? Thanks Gary

Martha Lamb Schepp (68)

Martha, Orvin’s address and Phone number are

Orvin Hagen

201 S. University Dr. #630

Fargo, ND 58103

701-478-3947

Your mother, my mother, Mary Ann Hagen, Orvin and others were the Mountaineers 4-H club leaders for many years. We were a very large club. We must have been one of the largest of all times. I have forgotten the numbers, but 60 plus comes to mind. I mentioned those four leaders, because they were the ones that organized and started our club. I learned so many good things from being in that club too.

Our mothers were also very active Kelvin Home Makers members. I remember seeing you often at their monthly meetings and social gatherings too.

Martha, It is great hearing from you.

Gary

Reply from Wesley Schneider’s Sister-in-law

Florence Hiatt Dahl (49): Anchorage, AK

Wesley Schneider was working at the creamery in Bottineau and he told the ladies that worked in the office that his birthday was such and such day. So they did the nice and proper thing and had a big celebration with the birthday cake etc. And then when the actual day of his birthday, Ovidia brought a beautiful home made birthday cake in to the office– much to every one’s surprise—————Wesley’s comment, “I like birthdays” Hope I remember this correctly..

12/28/2010

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Gary

John Belgarde

Reply from Warren Anderson (65): Rolette, ND

Hi, Gary—yes John B. is my mothers younger brother. There were to older brothers that served in WW-2, Issac and Charles. Issac was Army and Charles was an airforce pilot. Both heros.

There was a story in life magizine back in 1950 about a large battle in Korea where John was pictured. I don’t know if it was the battle of Kunu-ri or not. I read it when I was about 10 years old as one of my aunts had it. If I remember right they charged a hill and only a few walked off the hill, Uncle John was one of them but he had been wounded. Maybe an elder in the blog remembers that story.

A couple of years ago John also had a two page story of his war expierences in the Turtle Mtn Star—out of Rolla.

I do not think John has E-mail. His Phone # is (701)263-4851. His mailing address is PO Box 667, Dunseith, ND 58329———John and his wife live on a horse ranch three and one-half miles straight north of Dunseith.

Warren ’65

Warren, If John has Email, can you get it for us? That is if it’s OK with him. Thanks, Gary

Wesley Schneider celebrates his 90th Birthday.

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

Gary and friends,
Thor and Me and the dog named Bue went for our walk this morning. It
was +13 no wind. The ice build up under their paws, was bothersome.
But a day so bright and clear, made pure pleasure walking the 2 miles
through the snow.

On the way back home we stopped for treats at Wes and Ovidia’s. who
were listening to a local musician, Jerry Olsen country gospel cd.
Ovidia met the dogs with 1 treat. Then, Buie enjoyed Wes smooth
petting, while I took birthday photos.

Ovidia told me she had forgotten to light their breakfast candle. I
had no idea in all the time I’ve know them, that she lights a candle
every morning during the fall and winter months at their breakfast
table. “Simple gifts” of candlelight and music are enjoyed every
day during the cold weather.

Wes’ children sent him a beautiful bouquet which we admired while
consuming a choice of various Norweigian treats. I only once did
catch Wes sneaking the boys a bit of fatigman (ms).

I left their cozy home as they were watching sparrows gathering at
the bird feeder and the temperature climbing well in to the +20s.
Ah, Simple gifts.
Vickie

From Karen Larson

Wesley Schneider’s 90th birthday December 27th, 2010 Vickie took these
this morning. Karen

Folks, Ovidia is Karen’s mother. Karen is the owner of the Spectrum store in Bottineau. Several of you have used her wonderful services to provide pictures for this Blog. Thank you Karen.

Wesley, you are looking great! You have not change one iota from when I frequently saw you in my child hood days working at the creamery and also at a lot of the Hiatt/Fauske family gatherings. You look as though you are good for another 90 years.

Gary

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12/27/2010

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Gary

Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND

Yes, Albert Hiatt was Mom’s oldest brother. It was really foggy when I took the picture on my way over to Mom’s Christmas day. I thought it looked so pretty with all the snow on the evergreens that surround the building!

And yes, the land belongs to the Lagerquist’s now.

Evon, I remember well when Albert planted those evergreens, in the Ackworth school picture, back in the late 50’s. I think he sold a few for Christmas trees too?

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

A very good friend of mine, D.E.’Bud’ Anderson of Rolla, served in the US Army in both WWII and in Korea. He attained the rank of Master Sargent and was involved with leading many men from all walks of life. One time he told me that some of the best soldiers he had were local men of Native American heritage. He said these soldiers were inherently both cautious and capable in nearly any situation. He said it seemed they always were paying close attention to the terrain and to every movement everywhere around them. Bud told me he thought they were much more apt to survive because of this natural instinct. I thought Bud’s insight was interesting and coming from him, I also knew it was true. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Salute to John Belgarde

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

I salute the record of heroic action performed by John Belgarde. He represents the best of our war fighters and I am proud to know he is from our community and wish I had known of his courage and combat performance so I could shake his hand and thank him for his heroic service. Bill Hosmer

Web Link

An American Fighting Man by Merry Helm, John Belgarde in History

Reply from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

Hi Warren and Gary,

If anybody wants to order this book, the link above will hook you up to get the job done thru Lulu)*)*)*) something. Tried Amazon with no luck. Take care and I’m looking forward to reading my copy.

Dwight Lang 61

Follow up reply from Dwight

Sorry guys, that’s what I get for reading the blogs backwards. Read 1044 – got interested and went on a search for the book. Later, I read 1043 and it was there. Being I’m so much older than you boys, I need an allowance for brain f- -ts every now and then. OK?

Dwight

Garry Counts

Feb. 13, 1938-Dec. 23, 2010

December 26, 2010

DUNSEITH Garry Morris Counts, 72, Dunseith, died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, in a Belcourt hospital.

He was born Feb. 13, 1938, to Patricia and Walter Counts in Belcourt. He married Theresa R. Peltier April 1, 1957.

Survivors: wife; sons, Garry W., Dunseith, Gerald, Devils Lake, Loren and Donovan, both Hastings, Minn.; daughters, Doreen Rodriguez, Waterford, Mich., Monica Nadeau and Allison DeCoteau, both Dunseith, Francine Counts, Grand Forks; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many foster children and stepgrandchildren; brothers, Roger and Richard, both Dunseith; sisters, Linda Martinez, Bismarck, and Leona Counts, Devils Lake.

Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Dunseith.

Burial: St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith.

Wake and prayer service: Wake Tuesday, 4 p.m., prayer service Tuesday, 8 p.m., both in the church.

(Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

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12/26/2010

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Gary

Rolette county War Hero’s

Message from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary,

During WW II, My father, watched through binoculars from the USS Hamilin, as American marines placed the flag at Iwo Jima. It was my Dad who first told me about Ira Hayes, a man he never met but as an American serviceman, understood his struggle returning to civilian life.

This past summer while researching family genealogy I got side tracked into the County Veterans Office.

I asked the Veterans officer to look into his big book, which lists WW II Veterans, for our family friend, Alcide Lajimodiere. We did find the minimum amount of information. The Veterans officer said,there are many many,men of American Indian heritage from Rolette County,who served our country.

Yesterday, reading the Minot Daily on line, I just happened to run across that article about J.Belgarde.

The same author also wrote, “The Man Called Chief” the Woody Keeble story,another ND veteran who was Sioux, finally awarded the medal of honor, posthumously. I first became aware of Mr. Keeble’s story while listening to North Dakota Public Radio. That story kept me glued to my car radio while sitting in my driveway,(the only place I can get “Prairie Public Radio).

Now, I’m hopeful Prairie Public will do something similar on this author and the story of J.Belgarde.

It is also my hope as citizens, we continue to respect our serviceman. We may never know their personal stories but they were/ are among the best of us.

Thank you Gary for being one of the best in continuing to serve whether on this blog or in your little community in Cebu.

Vickie

John Belgarde, Korean War Hero, is Warren Anderson’s (65) uncle

Message from Warren Anderson (65): Rolette, ND

Merry Christmas and joyful holidays Gary and Bernadette. And to all the listening family of the great Dunseith Blog. The time for gratitude, yes we have it for the spiritual gifts and for this blog, Thank You–Gary!

I had a tear full expierence last night here in Bismarck that I would like to share. My wife and I are in Bismarck over xmas as we have a new granddaughter with Cora’s sons family. We went to xmas eve mass at St.Marys Catholic Church. Anyway, the carol “Silent Night” was song in half German and it was so powerful as it touched me. Just knowing how powerful the song was in its history. In WW-1 and WW-2 many battles stopped on the German Front and both sides sang Silent Night to each other. Then my own Xmas in Viet Nam where we also sang Silent Night about three times. But my thoughts then were, will I ever have another chistmas with my parents and siblings. It is amasing the fear of that night, for 41 years had stayed hiding.

My years of helping veterns never ends.— that includes myself. My uncle John Belgardes Book about his War in Korea–hope you all get a chance to read it. I joked with my wife that I already knew half the book as Uncle John and spoke to each other about our Wars–course arguing who had it the worst expierence. No douht in my heart he did. Merry Christmas everyone

Warren !65

Warren, I’m assuming John Belgarde is a brother to your mother. This article does not mention where John is living today. Does he have email? He is to be commended. John is an unsung hero. Why has it taken this long for him to be recognized? Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Ackworth Schoolhouse Building/ Taken 12/25/2010

Picture from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND

Thank you Evon for sharing this picture.

Many of our readers attended Ackworth including our parents. In 1981 the school was moved from it’s original location to the sight of the former Ackworth post office. Albert Hiatt owned this land then. I’m thinking your family now owns this property? Albert was your mothers brother.

Things are white up in the hills. It looks as though it may have been snowing when you took this picture yesterday too.

Gary

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12/25/2010

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Gary

Condolences to the Brennan family

From Kelly Woods (89): Massena, NY

Sad Sad news of Supan Brennan’s death. She was a wonderful mother and beautiful person both inside and out. She will be missed and remember for all times. Condolences to Bob and the entire Brennan Family.

Kelly Woods

Message from Alan Poitra (71): Bloomington, MN

Happy Holidays Gary! and thank you for the gift of organizing the Dunseith Blog!

My condolences to all the families who lost loved one this past couple of weeks and this past year.

Across the many miles

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Gary and friends,

Thanks for your gift of friendship.

Wishes;To all, “a new year full of hope, wonder, and joy!”

And to those who are filled with the pain of loss, grief and sorrow, “Much peace upon your heart.”

as ever, Vickie M

From Eileen & Mike Brudwick: Goodyear, AZ

Merry Christmas to you & your family Gary, and to everyone else!! Also wishing everyone a very Happy New Year, 2011!!!

Eileen & Mike Brudwick

Early Awalt history

From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary, Reply to Dick about the Awalt’s. You are right I am the oldest. I never was in the house. Your granddad bought it min 24. My dad thought he was going to get the farm when him and mom got married but grandpa Awalt sold it and went back to Missouri, so dad & mom went along. Dad worked for Budweiser and did some carpenter work with an uncle. In 1929 when all the banks went broke mom & dad came back to north Dakota. Myself & Eleanor was both born in MO. We lived in Lude Peterson’s place that winter. In the spring we moved to Dunseith. Dad worked for Mr. Gottbreht at the dairy. In 1930 dad bought the dray from Ike Berg. We lived in Tom Cassidy house till dad built the house down by the depot in 1941. I kind of forgot about that building setting in Myron’s pasture. Wasn’t thinking that for north. Right at the corner where you turned to go to Bott. I don’t know when they tore it down. If the stories were right they used to sell grocery and buy cream at one time. That was before we came back . Marshall knows more about the old farm than I do .. Lloyd

Stone Church Date correction

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I have to apologize for an incorrect date on the building of the Stone Church. Lloyd is correct with the later date. The Masons decided to take over the completion of the building which was started in 1911 and was left unfinished for several years. I looked it up in the Dunseith History book and the 1918-1919 dates are much closer to correct. I should have looked it up first. Thanks Lloyd and Gary!

Dick

John P. Belgarde Book – Article from Minot Daily newspaper

Posted by Tim Martinson (69): Anchorage, AK

and Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Belgarde recalls war

Dunseith man gives account as a young soldier in Korean War

December 24, 2010 – By ELOISE OGDEN Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com

DUNSEITH When John P. Belgarde went to Korea to serve in the Korean War he was quite certain he wouldn’t make it home alive, so he came up with three rules to live by:

1. I will do the best I can for as long as I can.

2. I will not surrender.

3. I will let nobody surrender me.

“An American Fighting Man” is the Korean War account of John P. Belgarde of Dunseith. The book is in his words. Merry Helm, a freelance researcher and writer in Fargo and native of Anamoose, edited and published the book.

“The book is about the burdens of having to teach himself how to lead troops and also how to preserve his and their souls because he soon recognized ‘the mind is a very fragile thing.’ ” said Helm.

After Col. Ralph M. Hockley, a Korean War combat veteran, read the book, Helm said he wrote:

“Few books are as much a study on how a kid becomes a man at age 19. Few books, including Army manuals, describe as well how to become a leader of soldiers, and few books are as much a description of the American kid who goes off to defend his country against all odds as John Belgarde’s ‘An American Fighting Man.'”

Helm said she had been working on a much larger book called “Prairie Boys at War” about Korean War military heroes from the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Montana, and needed to talk to someone from North Dakota who had gone through one of the most catastrophic battles of the war at Kunu-ri. A man from the 2nd Infantry Division contacted Belgarde about talking to her, she said.

When she called Belgarde, he talked to her about that battle as well as his entire nine months over there, she said.

“The story was so compelling, I decided he needed a book of his own. Casualties were so high during his tour that he kept getting bumped up in rank from a private all the way to master sergeant leading his own platoon very unusual,” she said.

Helm’s other works include “The Man Called Chief,” the story of Master Sgt. Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Keeble. Keeble was the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor that a president can bestow. The medal was presented posthumously in 2008. Keeble was a World War I and Korean War veteran.

Like “The Man Called Chief,” Helm said the book about Belgarde, “An American Fighting Man,” is carried in independent bookstores.

Hi Gary,

I could not find another site that the book “An American Fighting
Man” is for sale at unless it is for sale in Dunseith?

Take Care, Tim

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/an-american-fighting-man/13509064

Christmas in the Philippines

These are a few pictures that were taken yesterday (Christmas Eve)

These three boys father, Noel, was buried on Thursday, the day before this picture was taken.Noel was only 31 years old.

These gifts (Robots) were given to them by their adopted Dunseith Alumni sponsor. Their sponsor had sent money for Christmas gifts prior to their dad’s passing. We thought it best to follow thru with the gifts rather than using the money for funeral expenses. I know for a fact that these are the first store bought toys these boys have ever had. They live in a make shift hut with a dirt floor behind the building across the road from our garage. The oldest boy’s birthday was yesterday too. He was 10. The other two are ages 5 & 6.

These kids are cousins to Noel’s boys pictured above. Bernadette always gives them a little something at Christmas too. Their father and Noel were brothers. They live in a small house across the street from our Garage. The oldest girl in this picture is about 13 years old. For lack of funds and also to help work, she has dropped out of school. She is a very bright gal too.

Bernadette’s nieces little girl. She was born in July. Her father is from India.

Bernadette’s Great nieces, nephews and our helpers children waiting outside for their Christmas gifts.

These same kids lined up inside to get their gifts. There are 20 kids in all, but only 12 in this photo. The other 8 are two years old and younger.

The children’s gifts

Gaga and Tata (sisters) our helpers, making the bed in our new bedroom

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12/24/2010

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Gary

Merry Christmas

I’d like to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas. We have now completed year three with this Blog. Today we are starting year four. What a remarkable bonding of the Dunseith Alumni to keep this going. We are making history too of the history of yester years. The genealogy buffs of years to come will have a hay day with what we are doing.

It’s now Christmas eve here in Cebu, Philippines. Bernadette has all the gifts lined up in the dining room that she will be giving out later today. This evening the folks in our area/compound will be gathering just outside our gate in Bernadette’s sisters yard. They will have music and games until midnight. At midnight Bernadette will be serving a big dinner to all at our place.

Gary

Reply from Ceile Carbonneau Marchand (50): Clearwater, FL

The article on the Peace Garden was great and I hope I can return to the area again and see it.. It is beautiful here in Sunny Florida but it is hard not to be with the .family at this time.

I want to wish all of you a Very Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. I have been gone from the area for a long time but I enjoy the communication with our past.

Cecile (Carbonneau) Marchand Class of 1950

Condolences to the Bob Brennan family

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

We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Supan’s death. She was such a nice person and I enjoyed visiting with her a lot.

I so enjoyed visiting with her and especially when she talked of her early life In Thailand. Our sympathy goes out to Bob and the family . Lola and Jay

Condolences to the Bob Brennan family

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

My sympathy to the Brennans too. The good always die too young. Our prayers are with you all.

Allen

Augie & DJ Johnson – Father & son resemblance

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Yes Neola, DJ does resemble his father, Augie; to a certain extent. But, Augie has a wider face. Merry Christmas to all, from Wyoming..
Sybil Johnson

From Florence Pladson Sime (62): Dunseith, ND

Here’s wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. May god bless you all with a good year ahead. Florence

Reply to Banche Wicks Schley (42):

From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Blanche I was going thru the book and found out when the stone church was built. 1918 & 1919 just about completed in 1919. The Lutheran church was moved from Rolette to Dunseith in 1940. My dad and Earl Fassett dug the basement with horses. At that time the church sat across the street from where we lived. The big building on the north end of town I can’t place which one unless you are thinking it to be the city hall that burned down in 1931 new years eve. Maybe come up with more later. Merry Christmas to every one. Lloyd Awalt

Reply to Blanch Wicks Schley’s questions

From Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

In answer Blanch Wicks Schley’s questions. The store where Mr. Kotschevar displayed his doll house would have been Billy Wright’s Grocery if it were before 1947. Then it was Olson’s Grocery, and later, Joe Morinville’s Grocery.

The Dunseith Lutheran Church was moved to Dunseith in 1940–that was the year I remember on the cornerstone.

The ‘Stone Church’ was built in 1911 and 1912—it was finished by the Masons. It is currently being used by the Church of God.

I remember the big building that sat in Myron Evan’s pasture at the south end of the old ‘dump ground road’. There were people living in the building when I was a kid. I don’t remember what happened to this place but it’s long gone. Can’t help you on the Satrang building.

Dick

Awalt Homestead:

Question/comments from Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

There are a couple questions I have about the Awalt homestead. I think Lloyd is the oldest in the family and I was wondering if he remembers going to see his grandparents when they lived in the log house that was here in the yard? It’s the one that was pictured in the blog a couple days ago. If I remember correctly, the Conn family lived for a few years in the house before they moved to California in 1938. Lloyd would have been quite young when his grandparents lived here. I think my Grandpa Hans Johnson bought the place from William Awalt in about 1924-25. The Conns were also related to us. My Grandma Cynthia Johnson had a sister, Stella, who married one of the Conn boys, Howard Conn. It may have been how they met when Conns lived in the Awalt house and my grandparents lived just across the road. Mr. Conn, the dad, used to sell popcorn beside the show hall in Dunseith. Thus, he had the nickname, ‘Popcorn Conn’. I think the family was quite poor and knowing my grandpa, he probably let them live in the house to help out. Something that I remember about the house that is not evident on the picture is that on the north side of the house there was an addition that had two very small rooms, probably bedrooms. As a kid, I was amazed that anyone could even get into the rooms as they were no bigger than 6′ x 8′ and the ceiling was only maybe 5′ at the outside. They were probably bedrooms for kids but with them being on the north side and built out of only boards, they must have been cold in the winter. The east side of the house had a log addition (evident in the picture)that was rather unique. The east door opened into a landing and there was what today is called a ‘split foyer’. There were about 4 steps that went up to the main floor and about the same number that went to the dugout cellar. I remember Dad telling me that he thought it was quite a modern concept for a log house to be built this way clear back then. This part of the house was still there when I was young and I explored the house lots of times. The main room that is just through the door in the picture was the living room and this is where the horse fell through around 1950 or so. That room had log walls that were painted a very light shade of blue. It still looked pretty good in the 50s. Anyway, I was wondering what Lloyd remembers about the place? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Obituaries & death notices posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Supan Brennan

Died December 20, 2010

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Supan Brennan, age 61 of Dunseith, died Monday at a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Monday at 3:00 pm at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm and again on Monday from 9:00 pm until noon at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery at Dunseith.

Supan Brennan, a daughter of Sing and Doll Ponsopa, was born on December 27, 1948 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 1973, she met Bob Brennan in Bangkok, Thailand while he was serving in the US Army. They were married on September 17, 1973. She moved with Bob to Dunseith in 1974. Her first job was at the Dunseith Nursing Home where she met many friends. She later worked at San Haven near Dunseith were she met many more good friends. For the past 16 years, Supan had a dog kennel and raised many small dogs that adored her. This was a job she truly loved.

She was a member of the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith, where on January 7, 2010, she and Robert renewed their wedding vows and Supan was baptized. She was also very active in the St. Michael Altar Society. She was very proud of her heritage and of her home town of Chiang Mai, Thailand. She adored her family and loved spending time with them.

She is survived by her husband, Robert of Dunseith; 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 Madison Larson, Brennan and Jaxon Kubas and Kaden, Gracyn and Rylee Brennan; and 2 sister, Pon and Vee Pa of Thailand.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.

Supan will be deeply missed by all from her family to friends to her little furry friends, especially Juanita, her little yorkie that laid by her side at the end of her journey here on Earth.

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

Amanda (Berg) Schultz

(February 17, 1922 – December 20, 2010)

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Amanda Schultz, age 88, of Jamestown, ND and formerly of Valley City, ND and Donnybrook, ND died Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 at Eventide Nursing Home in Jamestown, ND. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 PM Monday, December 27, 2010 at the Lerud-Schuldt Funeral Home in Valley City with Rev. Dan Bader officiating. Burial will be at Kenmare, ND later in the spring.

Amanda Schultz was born Feb. 17, 1922 in Homen Township of Bottineau County, ND. She was raised there and also attended school in Homen Township. She later graduated from Bottineau High School and then attended the Bottineau State School of Forestry. She then worked in Bottineau at a coop store for 4 years. She married Clarence Schultz on June 15, 1944. The couple farmed at Little Prairie, north and west of Dunseith, ND and in 1949 moved into Dunseith where they operated a grocery store and later a garage. In 1953 they moved to Minot and in 1954 they moved to Donnybrook, ND where they owned and operated a grocery store and locker plant. They retired in 1989. Mr. Schultz died on Dec. 11, 1999 and she then moved to Valley City, ND. In May of 2008 she became a resident of Hi Acres Nursing Home in Jamestown, ND. Amanda was active in community affairs and was a member of the Methodist Church in Donnybrook,ND. Survivors include 2 daughters: Connie (Merlin) Trapp, Marion, ND and Terri (Dan) Bourdeau, Camano Island, WA; 4 grandchildren: Ryan Knecht, Stephanie (Robb) Lee, Joshua Bourdeau, and Cameron Bourdeau, and 4 great grandchildren: Jordan Lee, Brandan Lee, Alyssa Lee, and Dylan Knecht. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers, and a sister.

http://www.lerudschuldt.com/index.cfm

Neola’s comments: Amanda’s parents were Albert/Clara Johnson Berg (P. 189 in Centennial Book). They lived along Highway 43 (Peace Garden Road) in the Turtle Mts. northeast of Bottineau, ND. Amanda’s sister was Arla (Mrs. Anthony Marteliano); her brothers were Martin (married to Alice Brudwick Berg–my aunt). Martin/Alice have one daughter, Carol; Alvin who was killed in a car accident many years ago. Alvin’s wife was Lillian Torgerson Berg. Lillian later married Reinard Schultz. Alvin/Lillian’s children are Gary, Diane, Sharon and Guy.

Clarence/Amanda and Albert/Emma Christianson Halvorson owned the garage (Corner Service/Corner Garage) my dad bought in Dunseith in 1952 (?). Dad sold the garage to Alvin Moe in 1960.

Clinton Parisien
(Died December 20, 2010)

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CLINTON PARISIEN

Clinton Parisien, age 32 of Dunseith, died Monday in his home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. A wake will be held on Monday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the Church.

Clinton Michael Parisien, a son of Randy Davis and MaDonna Parisien, was born on March 13, 1978 at Rolette.

He is survived by his mother, Madonna Parisien of Dunseith; father, Randy Davis (DHS class of 1977) of Dunseith, grandparents, Joyce (Buddy) Dumont of Dunseith; his companion, Carolina Deschamp of Dunseith; sons, Joseph Parisien, Jared Parisien and Javon Parisien all at home; brothers, Austin (Andrea) Duncan of Grand Forks and Nathan Parisien of Belcourt; sisters Sharise Parisien and Kandea Parisien both of Belcourt; foster sisters, Tracie Delorme and Nichole Parisien both of Dunseith.

Gary M. Counts
(Died December 23, 2010)

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Gary M. Counts, age 72 of Dunseith, died Thursday at a Belcourt hospital. (Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Christmas Soldier’s poem

From Mike and Sandra Zeiler (62): Vandal: Elk River, MN

A Soldier and Santa

T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,

HE LIVED ALL ALONE,

IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,

MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,

WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,

AND TO SEE JUST WHO,

IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,

A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,

NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,

NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,

JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,

ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,

OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,

AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,

A SOBER THOUGHT,

CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,

IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,

I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,

ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,

SILENT, ALONE,

CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,

IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,

THE ROOM IN DISORDER,

NOT HOW I PICTURED,

A TRUE AMERICAN SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO,
OF WHOM I’D JUST READ?

CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,

THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED THE FAMILIES,

THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,

OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,

WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,

THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,

AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,

A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,

EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,

BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,

LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN’T HELP WONDER,

HOW MANY LAY ALONE,

ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,

IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,

A TEAR TO MY EYE,

I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,

AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,

AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,

“SANTA DON’T CRY,

THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,

I DON’T ASK FOR MORE,

MY LIFE IS MY GOD,

MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS..”

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,

I COULDN’T CONTROL IT,

I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,

SO SILENT AND STILL,

AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,

FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL.

I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,

ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,

THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR,

SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,

WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,

WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA,

IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.”

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,

AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.”

This poem was written by a Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

12/23/2010

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Gary

Condolences to the Bob Brennan family

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

We are so very sorry to hear of Supan’s passing…our hearts go out to Bob, Sonny, Sheila, Shelby and Shannon at this terrible time. She was such a wonderful person, so strong and capable. I always admired her courage to leave her family in Thailand to come here to live. She will be missed by many.

ele

Reply to Mrs. Conroy’s 1954 class picture posted with Auggie Johnson

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I think I’ve mentioned Auggie/Sybil Johnson’s son, D. J., was in my class in Minot many years ago. I can definitely see the resemblance between D. J. and Auggie.

Neola

Deerheart Lodge

Reply from Banche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND

Just read about Deerheart Lodge. The mention of the house tar Mr. that had built reminded me of an incident that it was displayed (by them) in Dunseth. It was so amazing to me to see lights in this tiny doll house. There was a store next to the telephone office on the east side of the street and as I remember this where he showing these items.

Can anyone tell me when the “stone church” was built. Is it still used as a church? It must have been built as a Masonic place –but in the ’30’s it served as a community church. When was the Lutheran church moved in to Dunseith? Also, another question: there was a building

where the Satrang family lived….it had not been built as a residence ( this would have faced the highway going to Belcourt Then there was a building on the north side of town

that was also a large structure. I In the ’30’s Dunseith had a baseball team and this where they lived for the summer.

I am sure that if I would contact the bank and get a copy of the history of Dunseith…these questions are answered.

Merry Christmas to you and your family ….this includes all the people that cintribute to your daily column, May 2011 be a blesed year for all.

Blanche Wicks Schley

Snow in Germany

Greetings from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Hello from snowy Germany and the Bayischer Wald located in the heart of Bavaria, You talk about snow. I have been here for 13 days and it has snowed all but one day, Last year it took me 5 days to get here because of the storms, This year I left earlier and I missed the disasters at the airports over the past several days that you probably read about or saw on TV. It is beautiful here and there is nothing like Christmas in Bavaria. Merry Christmas to all and a very happy New Year. Bob Lykins

Bob, Enjoy your time in Germany with your son and family. Gary

Nathan Richard (2000) Fort Greeley, AK

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

A lot of Dunseith grads have backgrounds in military service. Nathan began in the National Guard at UND and later in Army ROTC. Shortly after graduation and marriage, he was assigned to Homeland Security and is stationed at Fort Greely just outside Delta Junction, Alaska.

Kristina Richard December 18 at 3:28am Reply • Report

This is Nathan’s evaluation for this year. We are pretty proud of him!

1LT Richard’s duty performance was integral to the success of my Fire Direction Center crew. During this rating period Nathan was the only dual certified operator as Sensors and Battle Analyst in the Battalion. His Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE) scores were higher than the primary crew Battle Analyst. 1LT Richard’s technical and tactical expertise gave him an advantage at the time to execute tasks in relation to the Battalion’s strategic mission. He is, without a doubt, a mission-oriented professional; dedicated to the mission and equipped for success. Nathan was responsible for the timely and accurate submission of strategic and operational reports along with crew training products IAW Brigade Annexes and the Battalion training management SOP. Keep a close eye on his career. Ready for positions of increased responsibility based on his untapped potential. 1LT Richard is an outstanding officer and demonstrated he was the right choice as an executive officer for the battalion fire direction center on numerous occasions. He quickly acquired the skills of becoming an executive officer and enabled his fellow crew members to exceed the highest standards of training performance in the U.S. Army. Additionally, he has dual certified as a sensor operator and a battle analyst for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Fire Direction Crews in a very challenging certification process. He has continued additional duties for his crew as well, assisting the crew APFT program through equipment donation and by personal example, maintaining his edge as a front-line leader and proficient warrior. Promote when eligible.

12/22/2010

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Gary

Supan (Bob 70) Brennan passed away

From Mark Schmitz (70): Rolette, ND

Dear Gary and friends:

I am so sorry to announce the passing of Supan Brennan. Supan is the wife of Robert Brennan. Robert (Bob) Brennan was in the class of 70. Circumstances unknown as of yet. Apparently she fell outside her home, reasons unknown. She was able to crawl into her home. Bob and Mike Brennan found her when they had returned home from a horse sale in Minot. She was taken to the Bottineau Hospital where she expired. Supan was a lovely lady, always present with the Catholic Ladies Auxiliary making and serving her special dishes. I know as this tragedy unfolds many hearts will be touched and broken with those who loved and respected this lovely lady from Thailand. The cause of death is at this time unknown.

PS

Gary

Bob and Supan had no internet services, Their home address is 2325 97th. St. Ne. Dunseith N.D. 58329.

Their phone # 1-701-244-5911. I will collect, print, and deliver any condolence’s sent to me, for the Brennan Family,

How sad, I remember Bobby well. He rode our bus. Our condolences are with him and his family. Gary

1964 Concert photos

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

What great photos, Dick! I’ll have to dig out my old albums and see if I have any of those. The city hall doesn’t look near a HUGE as it appeared way back then! I loved Trish’ remembrances of band. We did have some very musically talented kids in that little high school. I don’t remember Cheryl in the music camp production, but I’ve played for her so many times over the years and have seen her “wow” people many times over. I always said when I played for Cheryl I never had to worry about how loud the piano got. No matter how loud I played, she could out sing the noise! Cheryl and I have chuckled in recent years over how many hours we spent at the piano – me playing and her singing – and not even practicing for anything – that’s just what we enjoyed doing!!!

One summer at the Bottineau Fair there was a band playing at the grandstand – their lead singer would go to different people in the crowd and hold his mic up for them to sing. Most people would giggle, or get all embarassed and not sing much. About the time he wandered down in front of Cheryl, they were playing “New York, New York” – imagine his surprise when he waved his mic in front of Cheryl and she took it, stood and finished the entire song … AND brought on applause that was greater than what he’d been getting!!! It was a great moment!!

Paula Fassett-Pfuhl

Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Officer

Customs and Border Protection

Minneapolis, MN

Deerhart Lodge

Message/Pictures from Don Boardman (60): Bottineau, ND

I have a couple of the pieces that Henry Kotschevar made up at Deerhart Lodge. They lived just a half mile west of our farm, a mile and a half north and then a little way west. It was just south of the Schneider Farm where Wes and all of his siblings were raised. They would let us pick juneberries from the patch along the road into their Lodge. I can remember going up there many times and going through the Lodge with them with Marion explaining the doll house that he had made with the carved shingles and the taxidermy animals that she had done. They were really handy and they did a lot of fine work. He used to go around to the sloughs and find diamond willow and make all kinds of lamp stands, candlestick holders, canes and other things. He also used the native poplar to make things. If I remember right the Lodge was made out of the native trees. They were fine people and proud of the things they could do with mounting animals and carving things. The only time he would get angry was when he played whist. He was very good at counting cards and very soon after you were playing a hand he knew just about what everyone had in their hand. If you didn’t play it right he got mad at his partner.

Just a few memories of “the good ole days”.

Don Boardman

Mrs. Conroy’s 4 grade class Picture

Reply from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND

Morning Gary
We made it through another big snow. I don’t know how much we really
received but it must be close to the 9″ predicted. State plows had
already cleaned 43 by the time I left for work.
I wonder if the little girls name on that class picture was Marta
Graham seems I remember that name but I do not remember the girl. I
have more pictures ready to send but Karen is so busy I didn’t have the
heart to ask her to send them. I’ll wait till after Christmas when
things slow down a bit.
Mary

3rd row front to back: Kenny Handeland, Lowell K., Dwight Lang, Lynda Williams

2nd row front to back: Nicole Bedard, August Johnson, Nikkey Bedard, Patty Spaeth, Johnny Morgan

1st row Front to back: Cecile Gouin, Joan L., Gearld Anderson, Duane T., Marta G.,

George Gottbreht, Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Conroy

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