11/20/2010

Posted on by
Death of Great Nephew
Reply from Esther Murray (65): Flint, MI

Hello Gary.

 

Just thought I would take a minute or two to thank everyone for all the prayers they gave to my family. Also to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Thanks again.

 

Esther

 

 

 

 

Hood Ornament question

Replyl from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

Bonnie Awalt Houle asked what pickup in the mid 50s had a hood ornament that lit when the vehicle was running. I don’t know of a company that actually had one from the factory, but it was a fad to buy an after market ornament and wire the light in it to come on with the key. The companies like J.C. Whitney and Warshawsky used to sell these and I remember lots of different types. There were chrome swans with raised yellow plastic wings that lit and I remember seeing a dog with green eyes that lit up. The guys I most remember with the hood ornaments were Archie and Donald Olson, cousins of Keith Pladson and Florence Sime. Their Ford pickups, no matter how new, always had the lighted swan hood ornament. Maybe some vehicle manufacturer put one on at the factory, but I’m not aware of one. I guess I was just wondering what Bonnie was doing in the park with a pickup running? I wonder if there is a bit more to her story? Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

 

 

Zelma Peltier elected to the Turtle Mountain Tribal Council.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Hi Gary,

 

I didn’t realize the story is continued on page A4, but it’s quite lengthy, so I’m not sending it. This article is in the November 15, 2010, Minot Daily if anyone is interested in reading the entire article.

 

Neola
 
 
 
 
 
  

11/19/2010

Posted on by
Guy and Lola (Millang) Knox celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary Tomorrow (Saturday)
Posted by Julie Knox Seier (82): Bottineau, ND
 

50th Anniversary Party/Open House for Guy and Lola Knox

 

Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 2:00pm

 

 

Senior Citizen Center in Bottineau

 

Lynx

Reply From Ron Peltier (70): Dunseith, ND

Gary:

I shot a Lynx cat the same year just north of Dunseith, just about 1/4 mile south of Roger’s Bar. There were two of the lynx cats, I shot the one and other one ran off into the woods.

Ron Peltier

 
 
Dunseith History Car question
From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
 

Dear Gary,

The group that reads and replies to this blog have automobile history down perfectly. I’d like to know what kind of a pick-up had a hood ornament that would light up when the pick-up was running? Wallace Hiatt had such a pick-up in 1954-55. One evening a bunch of us were in Wallace’s truck at the city park, with Gordon Neameyer and his truck parked next to us. Only two vehicles but lots and lots of teens having a great time. The pick-up with the best radio was Wallace’s, therefore his vehicle was running and his ornament was lite up. Mr. Hiatt was the town policeman and was driving along and saw the lighted ornament and we were all busted. Everyone believed we would never have been busted if it weren’t for the lighted (deer,or ram) ornament. Of course back then getting busted meant you were told to go home immediately, (believe it or not we all went directly home amazing isn’t it.) I will be very kind and not list all of the teens that were involved but I remember them all well. Dick Johnson you should be able to come up with the vehicle type and probably year also.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 56
 
 
 
Indelible Feelings
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and friends,
 
Folks reading this blog tend to identify with similar experiences of others reaching beyond their own generation. Back, back and further back again to faces and places which connect fond memories of each Dunseith school child of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s.

We discover, between and among us, although spanning many generations, the familiarity of faces and places are forever etched in time and imprinted into memories. I have found this in the face of my friend Wes, although coming from different generations, we have discovered many common experiences and knowledge of dear people while visiting.

Wesley tells of school noon hour during the thirties, eating his bucket lunch sandwich, possibly lard on homemade bread packed by his mother. I identify with Wes, as it is a common family story told by my own dad. And, I recall school clothes and chore clothes, maybe if, really lucky, Sunday clothes.

And in my father’s time of, maybe? Just one. Just one pair of hand me down pants. Of going to bed while mother did the washing, until clothes were dry.
After eating lunch, children were free for an hour. Many oft to visit the familiar sites of downtown, mainstreet Dunseith. Like indelible ink on our minds; Shelver Drug, Hassen’s, Hosmer’s, Lamoureux Garage, Red and White Store, Bedard’s Red Owl , the Bakery and others like Minnie’s cream station, the hardware; all within a few steps of the school.

We recollect,slipping into, KC’s and Marge’s calm, quiet general store while dust motes drifted lazily down a ribbon of warm, natural light coming through the store window. Various scents tingled and piqued noses as town “kids and country youth” wandered the few aisles, eyes adjusting into the shadowy corners. Often, Wes and other’s after, aligned cans and dry goods. This always meant a reward due with a generous handful of penny candy in a brown bag.

Oh listen! A teacher is ringing the hand bell. Time to get back to the big white school house!

Those storekeepers of yesteryear, knew the names of every most every adult who came into the store. They knew who their parents were and their individual character traits. Or flaws. Storekeepers took time to visit young as well as old. “Kids and youth” connected with the proprietors and given time, were identified by their own individual merits.

Wesley has told me during his childhood, K.C. and Margie Sine, storekeepers of the Red and White, in turn were frequent visitors to the Peter Schneider farm. Specifically, one Sunday afternoon visit brought a request to Mr. Schneider from KC. Warren and Wes complied with their fathers request and up the stairs they ran to fetch the boxing gloves.
The boys tied their gloves on and showed-off numerous moves, in their foot work and delivered well planned punches. Wes learned about the meaning of a feeling that day. His little brother, Warren learned a new boxing move! With a right hook he aimed for Wes chin. Wes delighted in dancing away and caught up in his foot work, dodged low.

ALAS! His suspender was caught and came out of its’ connection. With moving around, the bib-overalls quickly slipped down. Wes tried but the gloves made his nimble fingers unable to retrieve his pants. With more dancing around, Wes found himself restrained. Quickly assessing the situation, Wes “hopped like a jackrabbit up the stairs” as K.C. , his brother and father laughed heartily.
 
Wes said it was a long time before he could go back to the Red and White Store. A indelible etched memory! He never forgot the feeling of the red flush of embarrassment that heated his face whenever KC grinned at him when they discussed boxing moves. Because dear friends, those were the days’ when country boys of the thirties wore bib overalls…… no underwear. Thanks, Wes for an indelible story .
 
Vickie Metcalfe,
November 2010
 
 
 
Memorable Day
From Dick Johnson (70): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

I had a real bad day June 8, 1968. It started out with Dad and I going to the farm and loading a big bull, about 2000lbs, in the pickup stock rack. We were taking him to Davidson’s for butcher. When we got to Dunseith the bull decided he had enough riding and jumped over the rack on top of the cab and over the hood and away he went running around town. I chased him all morning and part of the afternoon and finally got him in the stockyard pasture east of the elevator. I followed him for a couple more hours and got a rope on him. He took off and jumped the three wire fence along old highway 5, but the loose end of the rope got wrapped around a stick and then snapped off that and went around my ankle and jerked my feet out from under me. I was being dragged toward the fence and got the rope off just as I got to the fence. He went into Lake Shutte and stood in the water. I waded in and got another rope on him and then we managed to get him into Rene Bedard’s corral and reloaded into the pickup. Dad had spent the day putting new boards on the rack and making some top bars so he couldn’t (shouldn’t) jump over the top again. As soon as we had him loaded, Dad took off for Bottineau as fast as he could. I was hot and muddy and soaked so I went home to clean up. He was only half way to Bottineau and he blew out a new back tire on the pickup. That wouldn’t have been so bad but the bang and the shaking scared the bull and he went nuts trying to get out again. Dad changed the tire and kept the bull in the rack by whacking his head with the tire iron. He made it to Davidson’s and dropped the bull off. When he got back to Dunseith, he went to the Standard station, then run by Bob Lemke, to get the new tire replaced. It had started raining so Bob told Dad to drive the pickup inside. Dad asked him if the stock rack would clear the garage door and Bob said it would–drive in. It didn’t and tore the door off the track and it fell on top of the stock rack. They got it off and replaced the tire and Dad came home for supper. He told me to take the stock rack back to Cliff Halvorson’s before something else happens. I went across Main street and dropped Dad off for a city council meeting and then turned south one block west of the old police station. When I got to Leo Lamoureux’s house, I looked both directions and nothing was coming so I started into the intersection. There are/were some evergreens on the south side of Leo’s house and from behind those trees came a car at a speed for the highway, not city streets. The guy was hurrying to get his son to a baseball game and was late. The police estimated his speed at around 45-50 MPH. He slammed into the drivers door on Dad’s big 3/4 ton International pickup and all hell broke loose! I remember seeing the car just a split second before impact and then BANG! The pickup cab buckled and the windshield shattered and the dash went up in a V in the middle. My head went through the side window and it actually felt soft for a second. Things also seemed like slow motion. The guy’s car went on the east side of Evelyn Gottbreht’s house and the pickup was propelled through her lilac bushes and toward the west on the north side of her house, ending up near the west end of the house. Dad’s big tool box was sitting on the floor and it slammed into the drivers door—with my left foot between the two. It nearly broke my leg and cut my ankle pretty deep. I had cuts all over my face and neck from the side window and was a bloody mess. Bob Whiteshield was the cop and I told him my dad was at a city council meeting so he took me over to the police station, still bleeding and limping on my sore ankle. I can still remember Dad jumping up when he saw me and saying, “NOW WHAT!” I just said, ‘Now, I had a wreck.” I wore glasses then and I found them the next day laying in the intersection smashed into tiny bits. They must have flown off my face, through the side window glass, and over the top of the car, to be laying in the intersection where they were. Many people drove by to look at the wreck and I suppose many of them ran over my glasses not knowing they were there. The other driver and his son were bruised up too but none of us went to the hospital. Later that night, Dad said, “Next year on June 8th, we’re all staying in bed.” Thanks Gary!

Dick

  

11/18/2010

Posted on by
George & Evelyn Gottbreht

Remembrance from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

Hi Gary, I recall another remembrance of Evelyn Gottbreht, and George, Told to me by Louis Schimetz, my Dad. It took place during the Prohibition years. George had bought a new car and decided to go to Canada and get some whiskey. He and My grandfather, decided to take Johns old car in case they got caught, leaving his new car at home. Evelyn must have been at work. So when George and John got back home they stopped at Georges house and stole a few of Evelyn’s Chickens, as they were going to have big poker bash at John Schimetz’s farm, (Where Terry Halvorson now lives). So the boys were having a blast, that is until Georges’ new car comes engine roaring and clattering into John Schimetz’ farm yard. All were wondering who was driving Georges new Car. They all knew that Evelyn didn’t drive? But before they knew what was going a shotgun blast shoots the ground in front of Georges new car, and one mad as hell Evelyn Gottbrehdt, rolled out and the expletive’s and buckshot aimed at George and the rest of the at Party goers, continued until they got out of range and She was out of Shells. Georges new car was never the same. Mad at losing all those chickens, Evelyn decided it was time to learn how to drive. She managed to get the car into Low gear and put the gas to the floor until she got to the party to take issue with George and who ever else involved in. Yes in deed she was quit a lady.
 
 
 
Mel Kuhn is a bachelor
Message from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND.
 
Howdy Gary,
 
I thought I better let Larry H. & Bill G. know that my wife is gone to Bismarck to a workshop for the week and I’m just starting into day three and I still have dishes left. The trouble is is that she may be gone for 2 weeks if she gets a call from our daughter in Bozeman, MT. She is due to have her first child on Monday. If she is gone for 2 weeks the dish situation is going to turn into a problem again. She told me that there is some paper plates and plastic silverware somewhere but I really wasn’t paying that much attention, I was just trying to get her car loaded so she could get going. I didn’t want her to be late you know. I don’t much care for paper plates so I thought that if she got the Montana call that she could just swing by here on the way and do up the dishes quick like. I thought there to be nothing wrong with this idea but I could tell by the look that she gave me that I guess not. So paper plates it is, as this time she didn’t leave the checkbook with me to buy new ones. I’ll be running borderline on kettles and frying pans but I did go to a rummage sale this summer where the proceeds were going to a good cause and I picked up a half dozen or pans of various sizes. It does get a little clumsy making a pack of Ramen Noodles in a 8 quart kettle, but what the heck it beats doing dishes. I was thinking of trying to join up with the Senior Citizen’s Club and maybe getting in on this meals on wheels delivery deal. What do you think guys?
 
Mel Kuhn
Mel, All I can say is, you have a very understanding wife. Don’t ever let go of her. Gary
 
 
 
The Meaning of the Folded Flag
From Don Martel (Teacher): Rosemount, MN
 
Just thought that if you have another slow day you could use this as a filler. Some of my students may remember some of this being on a test, or maybe they have lost their memory like I have.
Don

 
 

The Meaning of Folding the Flag.

 

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?



Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2ndfold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.


The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens
trusting in God, it is to Himwe turn in times of peace as well as in time of war forHis divine guidance.


The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen
Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’


The 6th fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that
they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation underGod, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.



The 8th fold is a tribute tothe one who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.



The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been
through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons
and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.



The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, theGod of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.



The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the
Christians eyes,God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding them of their nations motto,‘In God We Trust.’



After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the
appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is
referred to, the symbol of ‘ Liberty and Freedom.’




ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

 
 
 
Fred Kofoid kills large Lynx near Bottineau
Clipping posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
I happened to find this old clipping of Fred with the lynx he shot in 1972. Fred was the son of Otto/Emelia Petterson Kofoid. Fred/Wilma and family lived about a mile and a half east of “the fairground corner” in Bottineau. Fred’s brother, Henry Kofoid and family lived about half a mile farther east.
 
Neola
Folks, Fred Kofoid (Deceased) was a cousin to Neola’s dad and my dad. Fred’s wife, Wilma, lives at the Oak Manor apartments in Bottineau.
  

11/17/2010

Posted on by
Folks,
 
This is another rare day without any postings. Today is our bowling day, so I’m putting this a little earlier than normal too.
 
The construction on our house addition is coming along great. It should be nearly wrapped up in several weeks. The painters came onboard Monday. All the windows will be installed Friday followed with the doors. Then we can open up the doorway into the main house. We currently have 9 folks working with a total daily payroll of about $55.
 
Gary
 
 
 
 
Bottineau Legion Picture:
 
Folks, A while back we nearly nailed this photo identifying those in it. Can any of you identify or take a guess at who the three unidentified guys are? Thanks, Gary

 

 

Top Row: Tony Jundt, Bob Stokes, Carle Kirkeby, Alex Brusven

 
Row 5: Peter Wold, James Jacobson, Don Newberger, Harlan Renick (front of Alex Brusven)
 
Row 4: John Molberg, Loren Renick, Oscar Sletto (worked at Bottineau Creamery)?,______
 
Row 3: Albert Dravland, Carl Freeman, Walter Trengen, Harold Refling
 
Row 2: Herman Thuve, ______, Martin Vinje?, Clarence Helgeson, _____
 
Row 1: Leland Simek, Wally Gangle, Joe Houle, Lloyd Jelleberg, Leo Zorn, Freeman Thorleifson
 
 

  

11/16/2010

Posted on by
Uncle Harry Hiatt’s rememberance
From Connie Fauske Monte (62): Santa Barbara, CA
 
Gary: This email about Uncle Harry, brings back so many memories. I remember the day Uncle Harry died, vividly, Mother cried so hard. I don’t remember a lot about Uncle Harry, but do remember he was a very gentle person, I’m pretty sure all of the great nieces and nephews would say all of my Granddad’s brothers and he were all kind and gentle. Seeing my grandfather (John Hiatt) come to our house was a highlight of our young lives.
 
 
 
 
Reply from Kay Hildebrant: Murrieta, CA.
 
Gary, I live in Murrieta, California. It’s in Southern CA–in the “Valley of the Mist.” The fog comes in over the mountains from the Pacific during the night; when the sun comes up in the morning, the fog retreats back over the mountains. Temecunga is the Indian name for “Valley of the Mist.” Kay

 
 
 
Family
Reply from Aggie Cassavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
 
Hi Gary, In ref. to my bowling story, you asked if all is well between my sister and I. Most definately….One thing I have always been so thankful about my family for is that we are not a family who holds grudges. I”m not saying we have agreed on everything over the years…but never grudges. When I hear of families who fight over inheritence,and other crazy stuff, and don’t speak to each other for years is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. I can’t even imagine.I can’t think of anything in this world that would be worth the loss of the love and commuication of my family….Nothing… I was blessed with the best,and I thank God for each and every one of them…Amen…Aggie








All living 16 Casavant family siblings
 
Last
First
Address
City / State / ZIP
Phone
Email
 ClassYear
1 Casavant Boucher Bernadette   Dickinson, ND (701) 483-   Willow City
2 Casavant Paul   West Fargo, ND (701) 541-    
3 Casvant Marchand Yvonne   Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 214- yvonnemarchand44@yahoo  
4 Casavant Boucher Annette   Minot, ND (701) 871- No email address 60
5 Casavant Aamodt Lorette 5124th St SE Rugby, ND 58368 (701) 776- No email address 61
6 Casavant Joseph PO Box 31 Lester Prairie, MN 55354 (320) 395- joecasavant@hotmail.com 65
7 Casavant Rene 2400 93rd St SE Bismarck ND 58504 701) 391- kendracasavant@hotmail.comRene’s Neice Kendra email 65
8 Casavant Aime 1001 Ninth St SW Jamestown, ND 58401 (701) 952- aimecasavant@daktel.com 66
9 Casavant Gerald 804 6th Ave SE Jamestown, ND 58402 (701) 952-C 701-320- geraldcasavant@yahoo.com 66
10 Casavant-Boucher Mary Ann RR # 2 Rolette, ND 58366 (701) 246- jmbouch@utma.com 67
11 Casavant Aggie 382 Sweetgum Dr Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-389- aggiedee7@yahoo.com 69
12 Casavant Eddie 1112 Portland #303 Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 400- No email address 71
13 Casavant Robert 2400 93rd St SE Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 220- No email address 71
14 Casavant James 1526 Sixth Ave NE Jamestown, ND 58401 (701) 952- jimcasavant@yahoo.com 73
15 Casavant Ellingson Kathy 1223 Portland Dr Bismarck, ND 58504 (701) 223- C(701) 400- kathybsc@yahoo.com 74
16 Casavant Halvorson Carolee 403 W Avenue F Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 224- cjhalvo@yahoo.com 75
 
  

11/15/2010

Posted on by
“Field of Honor.”

Message/pictures from Kay Hidebrandt:

Gary, My community in California has recognized our veterans with a “Field of Honor.” 2,000 flags were flown at the Town Square Park for the week of Nov. 7 through 13th. Sponsors purchased flags for $35 (I bought one in memory of my husband, who served in Germany during WW11). There were ceremonies or concerts every day, and the annual parade on Thursday. There were also flags of the 27 versions of the Stars and Stripes. It was a beautiful sight, seeing all of the flags, and I thought I’d share it with you. Kay Hildebrandt

Thank you Kay for sharing.
 
Folks, Kay’s mother was a Thompson from the Ackworth community. Her mother was a cousin to Robert, Corbin & Winifred (Eurich) Pritchard; Ella Pladson & Esther Tangen.
 
PS – Kay, I do not have your city and state in my records.
 
 
 
 
 

Evelyn Gottbreht – pictures/reply

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
 
Hi Gary,

Grandma Evelyn was blessed in her long relationship with the Schmitze family. I love the fact that Mark and probably all the children of Louis and Stella watched for her and her day to day needs. When Evelyn first returned from Seattle, she lived in the house that looks like a Dutch barn just as Lloyd Awalt mentioned. When the Simmarods moved to Dunseith from Dickenson to be near there father at the San, Grams moved into the wee house west of the Link home formerly rented by the Ray Lake family. This same house became home to the Brodeks and Grams moved again. It was there that I would pin curl Evelyn’s hair every Saturday so she might frou-frou nice for Sunday Mass. If she did not start right in on local history and personalities, I would ask some leading question and the stories spilled forth. Mark probably remembers her residence near the school – she thought her wood cutters and other guardians were directed to her door by St. Michael the Archangel!

Yes, Grandma’s stepfather, Joseph Cartier Lafrance, was a “Rough Rider” a nickname used for the First US Volunteer Cavalry formed by T Roosevelt from western cowboys and NY athletes [TR was a NY National Gaurdsman]. They were an independent lot and quick to learn the elements of war. Roosevelt dressed them in khaki [a first] and equipped them with new Krag-Jorgensen rifles [smokeless powder]. The volunteers assembled in San Antonio, TX 15 May 1898, a May 28th they headed for Tampa Bay, FL. Here Roosevelt had to commandeer an empty coal train to get his 10,000 troopers the 9 miles to the bay and ship transport Yucatan. Because Jos. Lawrence was a bugler, I would think he stayed close to his commander. I know that he was later promoted to the company marching band. There is no doubt that the soldiers saw duty in more than one capacity. After the first engagement ashore, there were 8 dead and 34 wounded June 23. At San Juan River, the Rough Riders pushed regular army forward and themselves to the front of action at Kettle Hill June 30. Roosevelt pushed on to his moment of fame, the charge of San Juan Hill. Only a few Riders followed him and he returned in heavy fire and charged again with full company. The Rough Riders dug in and held there hill for 10+ days. The Spanish surrendered July 17.

Malaria and Yellow Fever hit the troops and Roosevelt was anxious to remove his men from Cuba. On August 7, 1998 they boarded the transport Miami and sailed to Montauk, NY where TR had created Camp Wikoff. All the troopers spent a 6 week Quarantine. The Rough Riders presented Roosevelt with the famous bronze sculpture, “The Bronco” and were mustered out. Mauntauk an the northeaster tip of Long Island is a favorite get-a-way for Ivan and Nora. They brought us there after Shen family cruise to NB, Canada 2008. I visited the Theodore Roosevelt/Rough Rider display at the lighthouse museum, but Camp Wikoff was undergoing refurbishment and closed to the public. Because of Evelyn and Joe Lafrance, all very moving . Some years after the Spanish American War, TR invited all members of the 1st Vol Cav to his ranch at Oyster Bay, Long Island. According to Evelyn, TR called forward Joe Lafrance by name. I do not know if TR and Joe met before or after the Sp Amer War, it is known that Joe was guide and saddle partner for TR when he visited his ranches near Medora and explored the Bad Lands. Joe Lafrance was a school mate of Grover Cleavland in MA.

Many notes from the TR Centennial Website used. Sharron

 
 
Joseph and Louise Lafrance 1923

 

 

 

 

Grandma Evelyn Gottbreht

 

Mr. Lykins Teaching

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

How well I remember Mr. Lykins teaching us ‘General Business’ in ’64. I remember how he hypothetically had us invest in the stock market and then watch the paper every day to see how our stocks were doing. He told us to invest in two companies to keep from losing everything if one collapsed. I invested in Coca Cola because it was stable and then took a shot at Polaroid because I had read about the new camera that they were coming out with called a ‘Land’ camera.A guy named Land was the actual inventor. It could produce instant pictures as you took them. I remember how the Polaroid stocks appreciated and then divided several times and if I would have actually invested real money, I would have made several thousand dollars in just a few months. One of the other guys went with stocks in Arctic Cat and he also would have done real well.

My typing instructor was Jim Olson. I was relegated to the back row where Big John Boguslawski and I fumbled away on the old black Royal manual typewriters. Gary’s score might have been 52 words but mine was 32 if I remember correctly. When we had typing speed tests, John and I would have a word or two done and we would hear Gwen Grimme’s electric typewriter go ‘ching’ when she hit the end of the first line! I remember how we would cuss under our breath, knowing how far we were dropping behind! Gwen was a wiz at typing and went on to teach at the college level. Several of the girls had real good error free typing speeds, but those of us in the back row were just hoping we would pass! Thanks Gary!

Dick, Even though this typing class more than likely brought your GPA down, I’ll bet you have never kicked yourself in the pants for ever having taken it. With the introduction of computers I saw so many senior managers struggling so hard, one fingering the keyboard. With the inception of computers, many of the senior managers lost their secretarial help. They were on their own typing all their memos and email correspondence. Our department in the Shipyard went from three secretaries from the 80’s back to none from the 90’s forward.
 
I’ll bet you type a lot faster than 32 words/minute now though. I had two errors with my 52 words/minute. Just for kicks I took one of those on line typing tests a while back. I had great speed with about 85 words, with a whole lot of errors. I know spell check will correct most of the errors, so I have become very careless. Not good.
 
Surprisingly that typing class came quite easily for me. I was surprised. Just for kicks, I took a quarter of typing at the Forestry. Shirley Beith was the teacher. She and her husband owned Bottineau Floral. After Jim, her husband, died she quit teaching and ran the floral shop full time. Shirley passed away several years ago too.
 
 
1970 draft lottery
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Bill Grimme for the link to the draft lottery. I clicked on 1970 and went to July 20, my birthday, and there was the old number I remember so well–187. Some things stick in the mind! I remember Dec. 1, 1969–the day of the drawing for the lottery. I was in class at the Forestry and ran to the student union to watch it on TV. When I got to the door, I met Bruce Keller coming out. I asked him if the lottery deal was on yet? He said, “Yeah, it’s on and I just won the damn thing!” I think his birth date was drawn at number 8, if I remember right. He was in! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I had already been drafted and was in Viet Nam when the first lotto for 1970 was drawn. Just for kicks I checked what my number would have been. That number (27) too has been stuck in my mind all these years. I’m one day behind you on the calendar, but 3 years ahead of you in years. I also remember my service number too – US55932153. Shortly after I was drafted, they started using our SSN for our service number. I still have many SSN numbers of my fellow soldiers listed on a whole lot of correspondence and orders in my 201 personnel file of which I have a copy of. The privacy acts came into place years later. Can you believe my 201 file is about 2″ thick. I’ll bet the 201 file number beings back memories for a whole lot of you prior service folks. Gary

RESULTS FROM 1970 LOTTERY DRAWING – Vietnam Era

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 305 086 108 032 330 249 093 111 225 359 019 129
2 159 144 029 271 298 228 350 045 161 125 034 328
3 251 297 267 083 040 301 115 261 049 244 348 157
4 215 210 275 081 276 020 279 145 232 202 266 165
5 101 214 293 269 364 028 188 054 082 024 310 056
6 224 347 139 253 155 110 327 114 006 087 076 010
7 306 091 122 147 035 085 050 168 008 234 051 012
8 199 181 213 312 321 366 013 048 184 283 097 105
9 194 338 317 219 197 335 277 106 263 342 080 043
10 325 216 323 218 065 206 284 021 071 220 282 041
11 329 150 136 014 037 134 248 324 158 237 046 039
12 221 068 300 346 133 272 015 142 242 072 066 314
13 318 152 259 124 295 069 042 307 175 138 126 163
14 238 004 354 231 178 356 331 198 001 294 127 026
15 017 089 169 273 130 180 322 102 113 171 131 320
16 121 212 166 148 055 274 120 044 207 254 107 096
17 235 189 033 260
112
 073 098 154 255 288 143 304
18 140 292 332 090 278 341 190 141 246 005 146 128
19 058 025 200 336 075 104 227 311 177 241 203 240
20 280 302 239 345 183 360 187 344 063 192 185 135
21 186 363 334 062 250 060 027 291 204 243 156 070
22 337 290 265 316 326 247 153 339 160 117 009 053
23 118 057 256 252 319 109 172 116 119 201 182 162
24 059 236 258 002 031 358 023 036 195 196 230 095
25 052 179 343 351 361 137 067 286 149 176 132 084
26 092 365 170 340 357 022 303 245 018 007 309 173
27 355 205 268 074 296 064 289 352 233 264 047 078
28 077 299 223 262 308 222 088 167 257 094 281 123
29 349 285 362 191 226 353 270 061 151 229 099 016
30 164 —- 217 208 103 209 287 333 315 038 174 003
31 211 —- 030 —- 313 —- 193 011 —- 079 —- 100
 

11/14/2010

Posted on by
Folks,
 
When I had yesterday’s blog ready to send we had a power failure. I thought I had everything saved, only to discover after I had sent it out that I did not. I went back and retrieved what I remembered got lost for today’s message. I’m hoping I did not miss any. As I’ve said before, If what you send me is not posted or if I have not replied to you, then I have not received it or it has gotten lost.
 
This morning when I got up my 22″ monitor was on the blink, so I’m adjusting to a much smaller one until I get the other one fixed.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

 

In reference to your’s and Mr. Danielson’s typing skills; somewhere, in the stack of boxes in my closet, I still have my grade books from my classes in Dunseith. I don’t know why I kept them. Maybe I thought they might be worth something some day. You know, like, “Send me 20 bucks or I’ll show your kids your high school grades.” If you wish I guess I could research your grades. Thanks for the nice words, Gary. It always makes an old teacher feel good to know what s/he tried to do was/is appreciated.

 

Bob

Bob, For my part you certainly don’t need to dig those records out. I’ll let the others speak for themselves. I think my 52 words per minute was about average. I have gotten so spoiled with the ease of correcting mistakes with the computer. It would take a lot of discipline to go back to the typewriters. Gary

 

Tribute to the American flag

Link provided by Tim Martinson (69): Anchorage, AK

 

 
Tim, It’s great hearing from you. We miss all those nice stories. Gary

 

 

 

Draft, Armed Forces, careers

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

It is so interesting to hear the stories of others of the community who either did or did not serve in our Armed Forces, and what circumstances took place that effected whether they did or did not serve. Over the course of my life I’ve often reflected back on the ironic situation in my own family. Of six brothers (actually seven, but one, David, died very young), only one ever served. The oldest two and two of my younger ones each had some kind of medical condition that disqualified them for the draft, and the draft was abolished before the very youngest was old enough. In my case I had had rheumatic fever when I was 15 and as a result had a permanent heart murmur. I also took penicillin shots every month thereafter to be protected against future infections. However, after high school, I decided (rather foolishly) that I no longer needed those shots and quite going to the doctor. In any case, when I was notified to go down for my draft physical, I was certain that with my medical history and heart condition (and especially because of the medical conditions that disqualified my two older brothers) I would absolutely not qualify. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong — I was classified 1A, and as I’ve mentioned previously in this blog, did serve two years in the US Army.

In hind sight, I am glad I served and I know I gained much more from the experience than it cost me. I’ve always believed that there are two ways to gain an education in your life; by taking formal classes and by the broadening aspects of travel and meeting new people. In the two years I spent in the Army, I met other troops from just about every state, and was exposed to many view points and ideas that in some cases were diametrically different than mine. Though these new ideas and view points did effect my perceptions of the Viet Nam war, they did not change my feelings of patriotism and, in deed, the pride I took in wearing the uniform.

After my discharge from the Army, I chose to stay in the Washington DC area and to work for the Federal Government as a civilian employee. I spent well over 30 years in a civilian capacity and all of it with Department of Defense organizations. I continued to meet new people wearing the various uniforms of the Military (Army, Navy, etc) and became close friends with many of them. I am a big supporter of a strong military (though not always the decisions by the civilians in charge on how/where/when to use them) and have nothing but respect for what they do for us as a nation.

So on this Veterans Day, I salute all former and current US Military members and thank all of you for what you did and are still doing today.

Thank you Gary,

Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, What a great letter? So well written. Gary

 

 

Selective Service Lottery History

Link provided by Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL.

 

Gary,

 

Here is a link to a short history of the draft lottery. Folks can look up their number, if they forgot it, by checking the appropriate results link on the page.

 

Bill

 

 
 
 
Teaching the National Anthem in School
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Everyone,

 

This is a great video. There are actually 5 verses to our Nation Anthem. I taught my students (third and fourth graders (in Minot) the first verse and the fourth verse. Naturally, they didn’t understand exactly what they were singing and what it meant–even thought we discussed. My hope was they learned it well enough so it would be familiar when they were older and could comprehend it. The marine in this video sings the four verse; he does a FANTASTIC job. ng

 

 
 
 
 
Evelyn Gottbreht picture
Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): sharron_shen@msn.com Everett, WA
 
The picture Mark refers to was printed in a TMS issue, perhaps about 1930.. Perhaps Evelyn let them use her original. I do not remember it at her home and know that numerous heirloom photos were lost in the Grand Forks flood at Arla Gottbreht Hendricksons many years ago now. My cousins in Sandpoint promised a copy of the item; still waiting. If I had the date, I’m sure the staff in Rolla would send a copy. One of those threads I’ve failed to reel in. Thanks Mark and Gary, Sharron
 
 
 
 
 
Bugle Boy Dwight Lang
Reply/picture from Dwight Lang (61):

 

Here’s your Bugle Boy. The photo is stamped Mar 62, but that was when it was developed. I think the picture was taken more likely in 60 or 61. I was in the Army in 62 and 63.

 

I played the taps as the caskets were lowered in many Military Funeral processions for several years with the legion’s men. I see from the brochure where Raymond Gillies’ funeral was in April of 56. I would have been a ripe old man, 12 years of age. I was honored beyond measure to be a part of and be in the presence of Dunseith’s best. I was always touched by the solemn occasion and the sound of rifle shots from the firing squad. I tried my best to perform accordingly and to the best of my abilities.

 

But there was one ceremony that I’m afraid your Bugle Boy struggled. It was at the Ackworth Cemetery and my great uncle, Harry Hiatt, had passed away. Uncle Harry was loved by all his great nieces and nephews. Of course my thoughts were on my Uncle Harry especially as his casket was lowered. It was time for me to play. The tears in my eyes were no problem, but the lump in my throat made breathing control difficult at best. A very choked up version of the taps emitted from the bugle. That was one day this Bugle Boy will never, ever forget. I’m sure my Uncle Harry has forgiven me for that sorry performance. I know the Legionnaires did. They understood.

 

 

 

 

 

Harmen Hiatt Family siblings picture

 

Dwight,

 

This is a picture of all of your great uncles and aunt on your mother, Charlotte Hiatt Lang’s, side of the family. John, standing back right, was your Granddad.

 

Folks, take note how much Norman Hiatt resembled his uncle Amos standing in the back left of this picture. Willie, seated in front, was Norman’s dad.

 

Many and I mean a whole lot of you readers are direct decedents of the folks pictured in this photo.

 

I remember well when Harry died. He lived in a log cabin several miles north of us very close to the Canadian border. Harry died at the age of 52 in October 1955. Jim Hiatt (67) was with Harry at his place when he died. Jim would have been 6 years old at the time. Elwood Fauske was doing some brushing close by in the area. Jim went out and flagged him down to tell him Harry had collapsed in the Pump house. You know, Elwood told me the story again this past spring when I saw him and I think this is what I remember him saying. Elwood said when they went back to the buildings, Harry was already gone. Harry used to drive by our place everyday in his pickup on his way to Margie and Willie’s.

 

After Harry’s death, Stanley & Alex Gilje along with their nephew, Carl Myhre from Rolette bought his farm. Stanley & Alex are both gone now, but Carl still owns the farm today. Carl is the banker in Rolette. When I called Carl a year or so ago he told me he is semi retired. He said he still has an office in the bank and comes and goes incognito.

 

Gary

 

 

The first four generations of the Harmon Hiatt family tree

 

 

 

 

 

  

11/13/2010

Posted on by
Nevaeh, Our Granddaughter is 6 years old today.

Folks,
 
Today (Yesterday for us), November 12th is Nevaeh (heaven spelled backwards), our granddaughter’s birthday. Nevaeh lives with her mother, our daughter Sheryl and her dad, Jason, in Bremerton, WA. Neveah is a little girl of many words and is always well aware of her surroundings. She took a special liking to Cheryl Haagenson when we were in Seattle for the Alaska Cruise last year. Nevaeh, like her mother, is a gifted child. I can honestly say this has been passed down from mother to daughter to granddaughter.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Sharron Gottbreht about Evelyn Gottbreht (59)
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

I use to split wood and help Evelyn clean up her yard and garden, I had many cups of tea with this remarkable woman, and the scenario that explained her life most, was an old Serpa or Black and white photo she had placed over a shelf in her living room. She had told me she was with a medical group, during Teddy Roosevelt’s time and charge on San Juan hill. The photo showed a covered wagon, harnessed by 4 black mules, the crew in front of the covered wagon which had a large Red Cross on the Canvas behind the group. She was a very proud woman and I heard many stories sitting at her kitchen table. This story I never forgot over the years. I often wondered what happened to that photo and others of Evelyn’s.
 
 
 
 
Message/Picture from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

Reid Schimetz (C. W. Moss) Kathy Schimetz ( Bonnie Parker) and Mark Schimetz, aka (Clyde Barrow) circa. 1957. Louis Schimetz had met and talked to with C. W. Moss, in a Minneapolis Theater, seems he unknowingly sat right next to him. In response to the Movie, C. W. kept saying, that isn’t how it happened. He kept denying parts of the film. Later over drinks, was the rest of the story.
 
 
Reid, Kathy & Mark Schimetz

 

 

 

Bottineau’s Craft and Bake Sale:

 

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

 

Hi Gary,
 
Will you include this flyer in today’s newsletter, please? Thanks.
 
Lloyd and Peggy Davidson Nelson will be Mr./Mrs. Santa. I understand the stage is really decorated; Mr./Mrs. Claus will be up there. Children can have their pictures taken and also choose a gift up on the stage.
 
Neola
 
 
  

11/12/2010

Posted on by
Dunseith Alumni Website
 
Folks, With yesterday’s message I had several requests for the link to our Alumni Website. Gary
 
 
 
 
 

Effie & Art Espe Memories

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 

Gary,

 

You’re welcome. Effie and Art Espe were wonderful, kind, “salt of the earth” neighbors and Little Prairie Lutheran’s to the north.

 

In the winter months, Sunday’s church service was held in homes where many of the folks of Little Prairie, including the Espe’s gathered for fellowship. Coffee and the hotdish main course was provided by the host couple. The other ladies brought the deserts, koolaide, and condiments.

I know friends and cousins who still have and use recipe’s from those Little Prairie Ladies Aide women of those days long past .

A still and pleasant time of long ago when neighbors visited, dropping in, or “going visiting” arriving in the homes and oft times “rubbering on the crank telephones.

My parents thought alot of “Effa and Jessa”, as my father fondly called the House sisters, Effie Espe and Jessie Millang, whose brother, Dick was married to my dad’s niece, my cousin, Bertha (Metcalfe).

I recall, Mom & Dad and our family “visiting” many a Friday or Saturday night, at the Art and Effie Espes’ or Doug and Marlene Strikers. The easy conversation and light humour flowed. Always, “The Norweigian coffee pot on and a little lunch” before we journeyed home with the feelings of contentment.

Throughout my childhood, I always knew, there was a connection with Mavis (Espe) Johnson. Also, through common “visiting” family news, Mavis husband, Wesley Johnson, was the brother to Bernice (Johnson) Metcalfe aka, Mrs. Billy Metcalfe.ie. My cousin, Billy.

During my years teaching in Montana, I heard concerns, from teacher friends from Libby about “terrible” illnesses many people living in that area suffered, the result of asbestos mines. And I hoped Effie’s family was out of harms way.

I offer my humble sympathies to the Espe family in their loss. Fondly, Vickie

 
 
 
Mavis Espe Johnson’s obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Note: Mavis was Monte (68) and Merlin (59) Espe’s sister.
 

 

 
 

Mavis E. Johnson, 74, died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 with her husband and two daughters at her side at Libby Care Center.

She was born Nov. 10, 1935 at Dunseith, N.D., the daughter of Arthur and Effie (House) Espe.

She loved cooking for her family, working at the 4B’s Restaurant and being outside with her flowers. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons, Clifford, Doug and Russell, and a grandson, Tanner.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Wesley Johnson of Libby; six children, Pam and husband Smitty, Kevin and wife Dalene, Kim, Tammy and husband Mitch, Katie and husband James, and Coral; 22 grandchildren, Katina, Shelley, Jimmy, O. J., Shea, Nikki, Dannielle, Chad, Brandon, Josh, Stormy, Dalton, Brad, Cory, Doug, Austin, Kody, Brandi, Levi, Brody, Jason, Keeli; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services were Monday, Nov. 1 at the Assembly of God Church in Libby Montana.

 
 
 
Military Veterans and DOD Civilians
Message from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

 

While we take time to honor our military veterans I just want to put in a word of thanks to all of those Department of Defense civilians who support our military. Their service is not just limited to the United States, but also extends to our military locations all across the globe including combat zones. While in most cases their sacrifices are not as great as those serving in the military, they do, in a number of situations, make great sacrifices and in some cases, the ultimate one. As a DOD retiree I am very proud of my service to the military and I am grateful to my country for allowing me to serve those who serve.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 

 
Gary and Friends,

The draft lottery wasn’t quite as simple as I made it sound. The plan was to go through the number 200 with the draft in 1969. As I said, my number was 187. During the first week of December ’69, I received my orders to be in Fargo for induction on January 6, 1970. It kind of set me back and I quit going to class at the Forestry and basically just goofed off and partied. Then during the week between Christmas and New Years, a short news announcement came on the TV one evening where a rep from the Selective Service said, “Because of more birth dates with low numbers and unexpected enlistments, the number will not be 200, but 185. If your number is 185 you ARE drafted. If your number is 186 you are NOT drafted.” My number was 187! I immediately called the Rolette County Draft Board chairman, Velma Raasaka in Rolla and asked her what this meant for me? She said, “You don’t go.” I asked what I should do with my orders? She said to throw them away. I didn’t do that! It was early February and I got another letter from Selective Service that contained my new draft status–I think it was 1H which meant you had been available and not chosen and were no longer in the draft. The next thing I had to do was to go and explain to my teachers why I hadn’t been going to class. For the most part, they were understanding and let me catch up. I did maybe call in a few favors too! I’ll never tell. Oh well. I remember my dad telling me what his draft card designation was–AWC. I asked him what that meant? He said, “After women and children.” Not a time to be funny! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I’ll bet you still have your draft notice too? I’m kicking my self in the butt for not keeping mine.
 
On another subject, with Mr. Lykins reply today. I’m reminded of a little card that I carried around in my billfold for nearly forty years that I received from him. It stated that I could type 52 words per minute following the completion of his typing class. This was on the old Pica Manual typewriters too. Cleaning things out for preparation to come to the PI, that little card got misplaced. Over the course of a life time and with the computer age, that was one of the most beneficial classes I ever took. Mr Lykins was a great teacher too. He was firm and insistent with our repetition practices that we use the right fingers for the right keys. He’d walk up and down the Aisle way making sure we were doing just that too.
 
Dan Danielson, if memory serves me correctly, you were one of the fastest typist in our day. I think your speed was double mine. You were a class ahead of me. Your typing skills were well known throughout the school. Gary
  

11/11/2010

Posted on by
Blog Number 1,000
Folks, today’s blog is number 1,000. I did not start numbering from the beginning. As I previously mentioned, when we reached a thousand, I’d advance the number to 1,000 and continue on from there with the numbering of these blogs. The first Dunseith Alumni Blog that I have listed in my files was posted on 12/20/2007. Next month we will be going into year four. I have not yet posted most of 2008’s blogs on our Website. I keep saying as time permits, I’ll get that done. From 2009 to the present, they are all posted. Gary
 
 
 
Evelyn Gottbreht Memories – Green Beret Movie
Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary good looking building I suppose you are the foreman. Evelyn Gottbreht, I new her real well. We lived next to them when they lived (in the big barn) that’s what we called it . It is now gone. She was a very nice lady. She wasn’t very big, 4 feet or a little better but she had a big heart. Do any one remember the movie the Green Beret. John Wayne played the leading roll. When we got married we lived in the apartment up stairs. We rented from Evelyn. Lloyd Awalt
 
 
 
 

Green Beret Song & the filming of the Green Beret Movie

Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

 

The Ballad of the Green Beret song still brings tears to my eyes. We were in Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1967 when Dad went to Viet Nam and they came to film The Green Beret movie. The general’s house across the street from us was used as the Viet Cong headquarters. It was a big white colonial house with columns, very pristine, but they had a “mud” party to make it look like it was in the jungle. There was a big benefit at our stadium for the families whose men were in Viet Nam and John Wayne, Aldo Rey, Timothy Hutton all were there. They filmed all over post and it’s fun to see and recognize those places when I see the movie. But it doesn’t take growing up on army posts to become fiercely loyal to this country and to our flag and what it stands for. That’s so obvious when you hear speeches made by people like Evie and have an opportunity to participate in Flag Day and other patriotic celebrations throughout the year while growing up.
On Veterans Day November 11, as a nation, we honor and thank all those that have served in the United States Armed Forces. I want to add my thanks and gratitude to all of you that have served.
God Bless America
Cheryl Larson Dakin

 

 

Green Berets song and the Green Berets

Reply from Mark Schmitz (70): Rolette, ND

 

It was a number one hit in Dunseith as well, SSG, Barry Sadler sang the Green Berets song. The first and only Green Beret I ever knew was Jackie Spath from Dunseith, he was home in his Green Beret Uniform Driving a Jaguar XKE, Blue I think. His parents lived across from where city hall is now.

 

 

 

Patriotism

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

Lately we have been talking about patriotism and the seeming lack of it in our younger generation. During the Vietnam War, I was at the draft age and wasn’t that convinced we were doing the right thing with the ‘limited’ engagement strategy. This says nothing about how much I appreciate the sacrifices made by our soldiers during their time there. They did what their country asked them to do and should be honored as heroes. I wasn’t drafted because my lottery number was 187 and they ended at 185, inclusive, in ’69. There was no question of whether or not I would have gone–if chosen, I was in. The feeling was quite different for me a few years later when the Iranians took our embassy employees hostage in Tehran. I was ready and willing to go without hesitation. I think every red blooded American felt the same. No one has a right to do something like this to any American anywhere. We are in it together. My father-in-law said the same thing about WW II. We didn’t really want to get involved with the war until the Japanese hit Pearl Harbor. He went with some buddies to Minot to enlist and had to stand in line on the sidewalk! When the good old USA is threatened, you’d be surprised how many patriots are out there in the general public. My own perspective is that there should never be a ‘limited’ engagement. Either don’t do it or DO it! My humble opinion. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, the draft lottery system came out in 1969 when I was in Viet Nam. I had already been drafted, but had I fallen into the lotto system, my number would have been 27. I’m not sure why, but those of us registered in Rolette County were somewhat older when we got our draft notices than those from other counties. I was nearly 21 when I got my letter from President Nixon. The first sentence read, “Congratulations, you have been selected”. I was working in the Shipyard in Bremerton, WA when I got my notice. I packed up my stuff the next day and drove back to ND. Bernice Stewart, a retired school teacher from Bottineau, let me store my belongings in one of the large closets of her house. Gary

 

 

 

Grandma Evelyn Gottbreht

Pictures/message from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

 

Hi Gary,

Grandma Evelyn Gottbreht left for Seattle, WA early 1942. She stopped to see the Dale Gottbreht family in Emerado and left Shirley, age 11, in the care of Arla. Shirley spent the next year and a half at St John’s Academy in Fargo, ND. Holidays and summer were spent with Arla in Grand Forks or friends in Dunseith. She dreaded going back to this school and became sick with grief for Evelyn. Grandpa George took care of this; he sent her by troop train from Rugby to Seattle. Some soldier gave her his seat and sat on his luggage. Shirley told me about 2002 that it was a happy wonderful trip. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in the Seattle area about five years later.

In Seattle, Evelyn applied for service with the Army Corp of Engineers and was rejected because of age and size. The Women’s Army Corp were happy to put her to work. Shirley said “It was all nuts and bolts, and she was gone a lot.” She did do WAC canteen service but also traveled to Alaska with tank shipments. Her small build was an advantage for tank inspection. She gloried in the one visit of Ernie Pyle to the harbor and bragged of meeting “Black Jack” Pershing on a rare visit.

The group picture is of Dale holding George, Alma hid by Shirley, EJ and Sharron.

Still searching for Grams song. Thanks Gary. Sharron


Back: Dale Gottbreht holding George, Alma

Middle: Grandma Evelyn Gottbreht & Shirley

Front: EJ and Sharron Gottbreht

 

 

 

 

 

Grandma Evelyn Gottbreht

 

 

 

 

 

Raymond Gillies Funeral program

 

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen

 

 

Hello Gary,

My Aunt Flore Vandal Casavant kept many memorial cards of former Dunseith, Thorne, Rolette and Willow City friends. Although familiar with the Gillies name, I cannot now recall Raymond. His funeral service was at St. Louis Churach and full Military Honors at St. Anthony Cemetery. Perhaps someone would share his story.

Sharron

 

Sharron, I see some familiar names on this program. I’ll bet someone knows some of the history of Raymond. I see Dwight Lang was the Bugler too.

 

 

Dwight, you were a pretty popular Bugler in those days.

 

 

I also see Eben Arends name listed too. I believe he was a brother to Irene (Norman) Hiatt. Jennings and Harem were also brothers to Irene (Norman) Hiatt. They were killed when their pickup went off the road into a creek in July 1955. As I remember, this happened on the Gardena Road south of Bottineau. Folks, please correct me if I’m wrong. I remember Harem well. He was married to Rosie. They lived on Bowers farm located on the east side of the Willow lake road one mile south of highway 43. Does anyone know what ever happened to Rosie? Is she still living? Gary

 

 

 

 
  

11/10/2010

Posted on by
Patriotic Song teachings:
Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56): Auburn, WA.
 

Hi GAary and all, I live in Auburn, Washington and we have the largest Veteran’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi. It lasted 2 hours and there were about 20 high school bands that took part. We heard many patriotic songs and marched/danced in place to all. One of the ladies that I was working with at one point said that she didn’t think her grandkids were taught any of the patriotic songs. She mused about it for a while and then said, “I guess I will have to teach them all those wonderful songs.” Our Wellness Team (from the Senior Center) sold hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. at the parade. We did quite well as it rained part of the time and was cold all of the time. Thanks Gary for the blog. Janice Leonard Workman, class of 1956

Janice, With a two hour parade, you do have a large one. We lived just across the pond (Puget Sound) from you, in Bremerton, for 37 years. Winter is coming. How well I remember those cold wet rains this time of the year. The summers are gorgeous though. Gary

 
 
 
Mayo Clinics – Prostrate Cancer
Reply from David Slyter (70): Sabin, Mn
 
Gary:

I have to totally agree with you about the Mayo Clinics and Hospitals down in Rochester Mn. I just got released from the Methodist Hospital and had many appointments in the Mayo Clinics. I had prostate cancer(diagnosed last April) and I decided to have a new surgery procedure called the robotics surgery. I would recommend it to anyone that needs any type of surgery. I went into surgery early morning of the 20th of October and was out on the 21st. Back to my home on that Friday the 22nd. And now I am back to work already(half days) on the 4th of Nov.

The staff of Drs. and nurses are incredible and they treat the patients with a lot of respect. I have been down there also with my esophagus treatments about two years ago and that is why I chose the robotic surgery cause they are so professional about doing things. I would recommend them to anybody.

Thanks Gary.
Dave Slyter (70)

Dave, We had no idea that you had prostrate surgery. I am so glad to hear that all went well with your quick recovery. Please keep us posted. Gary
 
 
 
 
 
“The Ballard of the Green Berets” song:
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.
 
Gary,
 
It appears Keith is correct about “The Ballad of the Green Berets” was released in 1966.
 
The following info came from this site: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=4405
Album: The Ballad Of The Green Berets Released: 1966
 
Neola
 
  

11/09/2010

Posted on by
Folks,
 
Several of you have asked and are confused with my email addresses. I use 7 email addresses to handle the volume of messages that I send. They are all good. I use Outlook express to manage my email. Outlook express gathers all my messages from all my email addresses and displays them all together on the same page. If for some reason I want to know which email message that was used for sending a message, I have to look in the properties of the message. I consider gws123456@hotmail.com my primary, only because it was the first email address I had. Overall I am most satisfied with my gmail address. It has given me the least amount of problems and is capable of handling the greatest volume of my messages.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Evelyn Gottbreht Memories
From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): Prescott, AZ
 
I remember Evelyn Gottbreth very well from my childhood. Shirley Gottbreth was my friend. Somehow I also remember how patriotic she was. I remember her as being lots of fun to us kids. Lois Lilleby Fielding , (51)
 
 
 
 
Buffalo Jump in the Turtle Mountains:
Question form Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN
 
Gary, I believe I had read on one of the posts of some knowledge of a buffalo jump in the Turtle Mountains. I would love to find out who knows, and where it is located!
Denise Lajimodiere
 
 
 
Matt Lamb is recovering from open heart surgery.
Message from his parents Bill & Betty Schnieder (54) Lamb: Grand Forks, ND.
 
Matt is home from the hospital. His surgery went well although he still is in alot of pain and will be a long recovery. Mayo Clinic only does about 170 of these heart procedures a year so it is not a common surgery. The Drs. spread his ribs, took out his heart, and cut off some of the muscle that was blocking the blood flow to his heart. Mayo is supposed to have the best surgeon in the world for this procedure. Matt has to go back in a few days for a follow up appointment.
The girls are busy with school and extra activities. We were to several volley ball tournaments when we first got here.
Everyone has been so kind with visits, bringing food over, and etc. We appreciate everybody’s prayers so much.
Betty and Bill
Betty & Bill, Mayo Clinic is one of the best. This was a very serious operation. It’s great to hear that all went well with Matt’s surgery. Please keep us posted. Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Dick Johnson (68)
From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

I’m pretty sure the song “The Ballad of the Green Berets came out in 1966. I remember it because it had become very popular right about the time of my graduation (I think it hit number one on both the rock and roll and country charts). This was pretty unique given that it was a very patriotic song at a time when the US Military was being reviled by much of the American public.
Keith Pladson(66)

 
 
 
Mrs. Conroy’s teaching:
Reply form Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Bonnie Awalt Houle remembered Mrs. Conroy teaching patriotic songs for the kids to sing at the Memorial Day program. One that we learned in her class was ‘The Grand Old Flag’. It’s funny, but I still remember nearly all the words from over 50 years ago, thanks to Mrs. Conroy. She really taught more than bookwork when I think about it. We learned honesty, patriotism, and discipline as well as the 3 R’s. I still have yet to meet a student who didn’t have great respect for Mrs. Florence Conroy. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
  

11/08/2010

Posted on by
Barbara Kalk (65)
Reply from Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI.
Gary, I am so happy to hear that Barbara Kalk is doing so well. Keep the prayer wheel going. They do help and they do work miracles always.
 
Love to all
Esther
 
 
 
 
Reply from Sharron Gottbreth Shen (59): Everett, WA.
 
How proud Evelyn Lise Gaudette Gottbreht, wife of George and my grandmother, would be to hear Bonnie’s request. I will scan “My Dear Old Flag” and post later today or Monday. Thanks Bonnie. Grams had a burning love of country.

Sharron

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

I too was impressed with Evie’s writing skills. The question of who wrote the song that Bonnie Awalt Houle asked about, is unknown to me but I do remember when Evie’s grandmother, Evelyn Gottbreht, sang the ‘Green Beret’ song at the Memorial Day program at the city hall. This is the song by Sgt. Barry Sadler that became a hit in the mid 60s. She asked my dad if one of the drummers from the school band could do the drum beat in the background and he assigned Bill Berube to the job. The drum part is not all the way through and Bill wasn’t sure where to start and stop. I still remember Evelyn, who was not short on words, saying ‘Stop’ and later, ‘Start’ when she wanted the drum part. She did a pretty good job on the song and it still has a place in my memory bank. It was around ’64-’65 if I remember right. Yes Bonnie, we had some great programs on Memorial Day in the old days. Thanks for remembering! Thanks Gary!

Dick


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

Jimmy Bercier

Aug. 24, 1964-Nov. 1, 2010

November 5, 2010

BELCOURT Michael James “Jimmy” Bercier, 46, Dunseith, died Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, near Rugby, of injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

He was born Aug. 24, 1964, to Joseph and Ernestine Bercier, in Belcourt. He enlisted in the Army and served from 1984 to 1987. He married Wanda Handeland on April 15, 2010, in Belcourt.

Survivors: wife; daughters, Amanda Crissler and Naomi Bercier, both Belcourt; son, Michael Jr., Belcourt; stepdaughters, Jessica Handeland and Jayne Handeland, both Dunseith; stepson, Josh Handeland, Dunseith; mother, of Bismarck; four grandchildren; brothers, Linus, Bradley and Benjamin, all Bismarck, George and Robert, both Belcourt; sisters, Barbara Baker and Rose LaFloe, both Bismarck, Deborah Bercier and Beverly Sturm, both Minot.

Funeral: Monday, 10 a.m., St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt.

Burial: St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt.

Rosary service: Sunday, 8 p.m., in the church.

Visitation: Sunday, 6 p.m., in the church.

(Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

  

11/07/2010

Posted on by
Barbara (Kathy) Kalk Lopez (65) cancer update:
From Al Lopez: Inver Grove Heights, MN
 
Gary,

Barbara (Kathy Lopez) Kalk, ’65 received good news

yesterday from her Oncologists. After surgery, a bout

of pneumonia/with abscess, Chemo/Radiation and

two units of blood transfusions; her CT scan last week

reveals no cancerous tumor. Doctors commented how

well she resposed to treatment. They would like to see her in

6 weeks for a followup. But everything looks like the cancer is

in remission.

Thank you all who have prayed or thought about

Barbara during this battle with lung cancer.

God bless you all.

Al and Kathy Lopez

How wonderful Barbara! This is great news. Gary
 
 

 

Question & comments

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN

 

Dear Gary,

When I was in grade school (Mrs. Conroy’s Class) we learned a song for the Memorial Day Program. It was to the tune of “Many Flags In Many Lands”, the words were rewritten by one of the Gottbreth’s Relatives (an older Lady at that time). It was a wonderful tribute to our country and the troops that were fighting for our freedom. The writing by Evie Gottbreth reminded me of the song. Do any of the Gottbreth’s know the words, or do you remember hearing of this song? Which of your relatives wrote the song?

Dunseith was noted for the great celebrations they put on for “Decoration Day” or “Memorial Day” as we now call it. The Marching Band, Choral Group singing, going to the Cemetery to decorate the graves and being able to look back at the cemetery as you drove away and see all the brightly colored flowers on the graves, all a tribute to the lives of our ancestors.

 

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
 
 
 

Reply from Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

Thank you Gary and the rest of you guys. The funeral will be on Wed. the 10th in Indiana.
 
Love you’s all
Esther

 

Correction

Hi Gary,

 

I have to correct you on the article of my nephew. His name is not Mark. His name is Kody. Mark is the name of the big rig driver. Would you please correct your mistake. Thank you, and thank you for all the prayers. I know you’s didn’t know Kody but, I appreciate all the thoughts and all. Please keep my family in your prayers.

 

God Bless you

Esther

Esther, Another one of my careless mistakes. Thank you so much for this correction. Gary
  

11/06/2010

Posted on by
Death in Esther Murray Fleming’s Family
From Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

Hi Gary.

 

Just a small note to ask for all of your prayers. We lost a family member last night. Kody Brotemarkle. He was my great nephew. He was 19 years of age. He was killed by a semi-truck driver and was on his way home from work. He lived in Indiana.

 

This is going to be a sad week for the family. I can’t talk anymore without tearing up. Thank you.

 

Love and God speed to all.

Esther

Esther, how terrible. Mark was such a young man too. Is your relationship to Mark on your side or your Husband’s side of the family? Our condolences are with you and your family with this tragedy. Gary

Collision with truck kills Noble driver

Journal Gazette

A Wawaka teenager was killed Thursday night when his car was hit by a tractor-trailer rig in Noble County, according to Indiana State Police.

Kody W. Brotemarkle, 19, died at the scene of the crash, reported at 9:50 p.m. on U.S. 6 between County Road 300 E. and County Road 400 E., police said.

Brotemarkle’s 1997 Dodge Intrepid collided with a 1998 Freightliner rig, driven by Mark W. Rhodes, 46, of Barberton, Ohio, according to police.

Brotemarkle was going west on U.S. when his car went left of center and collided with the tractor-trailer rig, police said.

Brotemarkle was ejected from his car. Rhodes was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

The Indiana State Police were assisted at the scene by the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Noble County Coroner’s Office, Noble County EMS, Orange Township Fire Department and Rome City Police Department.

 

 

 

Bowling story

From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

 

Hi Gary,and Bernadette, Beings you and Bernadette are bowlers,I have to share this bowling story with you and the bloggers. After graduating from high school I moved out to Denver Colorado,with my oldest sister Bernadette,and husband Frank Boucher. My first year out there I joined the bowling league that they belong to. Because they already had there team, I played opposite them, with Vern, one of Franks co-workers and his wife Irene, and George another one of Franks co-workers,and I. It was made up of 32 teams. Anyway it just so happened that my sister Bernedette’s team, and my team ended up playing against each other for the seasonal championship.(I mean like 1st Place) Because Bernadette was the league President, all of the trophies were sent to her house til championship nite.Well it just so happened that I had not got a place of my own yet so her home was still my home at the time. So anyway in the mean time Bernadette took out all the trophies and had them on display on this big dining room table in her dining room. Well championship night rolled around and we were down to our last game, Bernadettes team had rolled their last frame,and in order for us to beat them (poor Irene had to get 2spares and a strike) Well she got the two spares, and when she went up for the strike you could of heard a pin drop in that whole bowling alley. She went up threw the ball, all looked well then the foul alarm with red lights went off before the ball hit the pins and she got a strike. Everyone looked stunned, and as we looked at the foul line,we saw this little prissy, pink and white hanky,laying on the foul line. Irene always kept a little hanky tucked in her belt. Well needless to say the whole place went crazy. Bernadettes team assumed it was a foul and they won. And I was tryingto explain the best I could at the age of 18,that it had to be your physical body going across the line to be considered a foul. Anyway to make a long story longer, we had to write to the International Bowling Congress to settle the score. Because that was long before e-mails we had to wait for a response by snail mail.Which took like 2 weeks. The I.B.C. ruled in my teams favor…that a part of your physical body had to go across the line. Needless to say, it was a long two weeks walking past that dining room table with the four Championship trophies on it,and even a couple longer weeks after they were not there anymore……If you know what I mean…LoL. Well hope you all have a blest day…Aggie

Aggie, That is a great story. I’m hoping all is well now though. It’s great hearing from you again too. We missed you. You have a way of spicing things up a bit of which we look forward too. Gary


 
Larry Hackman’s Jr. Garage
Pictures from Larry Hackman Sr. (66): Bismarck, ND
 
We finished construction of the boys (Larry Jr.) garage. It took us 13 days over a two month period.
He has some landscaping and grass to seed .
Larry
Larry, This is a beautiful three car Garage. 13 days, you guys are fast. Gary

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Take Me Back To The Sixties
Posted by LeaRae Parrill (67): Bottineau, ND

Gary, I don’t necessarily want you to put on the blog, just thought you might enjoy the music.

LeaRae,This is great and something a whole lot of our readers will enjoy and it runs in the back ground. Gary

Take Me Back To The Sixties

http://objflicks.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm

  

11/05/2010

Posted on by
Reply to Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65):
From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ
 

Gary, I just want to let Evie know what a wonderful writing she contributed to our Dunseith Blog. The spirit of her message is uplifting and inspiring in every way that an American would be proud of. What resounding phrases from a young woman in our midst, whose relatives have been acquaintances of me and my family since early in the 1900s. I am proud to be associated with such an articulate Dunseith woman. The fact it was written in 1965, while I was raiding North Vietnam in F-105 aircraft makes it more poignant to me. So many of those I flew with were shot down and imprisoned until 1973, or did not survive at all, gives me pause and makes me give a silent tribute to them, and to give my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Evie for reminding me of my country’s strengths and of my friends who did not survive to pursue and enjoy what she was writing about. Thank you, Evie, and thank you, Gary. Bill Hosmer
 
 
 
 
Reply to Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65):
From Dave Slyter (70): Sabin, Mn

Evie:
What a great speech you wrote back in 65. Heck with a ribbon, you deserved the trophy. Great job

Dave Slyter :)

 
 
Folks, I have a little extra room today, so thought I’d repost these pictures that were taken this past June. Phyllis McKay joined us for dinner one evening when we had our grandkids. We were in Federal Way, WA close to her house. We were so glad that she was able to join us on the spur of the moment. Gary
 
Phyllis McKay (65) & Bernadette Stokes

 

 

Phyllis McKay with our grandkids, Tyler 12) & Nevaeh 5)

 

 

Phyllis McKay & Gary Stokes

 

 
  

11/04/2010

Posted on by
Thank you Neola
From Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND
 
Beautiful picture of Neola and her mother. Thanks Neola for all the
information you post and thanks to you Gary for posting all the wonderful
pictures that people send in. I enjoy every one of them.

Marlys Hiatt

 
 
 
 
Patriotic Writing/Speech from 1965
From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (1965): Irvine, CA
 
Hi Gary,

 

I thought this might be kind of fun on the night of the elections….government of the people, by the people and for the people….what a great idea!

 

I love this country and first became interested in the whole process of government at Bishop Ryan my senior year…had such great teachers there in my speech and democracy class. It of course was the days of the Vietnam War, Johnson and Goldwater.

 

My first patriotic writing was in the form of a speech for Ward County Speech Contest in 1965… I think I won a ribbon.The paper from 45 years ago is typed of course and is now tattered and aged.

I still believe that the cause of mankind should be life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For me that is the freedom to do what I want to do and the freedom to do what I ought to do even more for the glory of God and country in my pursuit of happiness.

 

Wikipedia say:

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is one of the most famous phrases in the United States Declaration of Independence and considered by some as part of one of the most well crafted, influential sentences in the history of the English language.


This is long…..maybe to long for a posting….you be the judge Gary……. (Evie, this is great and for sure worth posting! Gary)

Thanks for all you and Bernadette do!

Evie

Democracy – Evie Gottbreht 1965

 

 

I am proud to be here today.I am proud to come before you with the opportunity to speak of a great and vibrant quality of our life…a significant quality that establishes a harmony between man and society, which allows each of us to enrich the meaning of our life and, most important, to elevate our civilization.It is a quality of potent, moving force….all encompassing, idealistic yet realistic, representing the fancy of the dreamer and the practicality of the pragmatist, and it can be summed up in the magic of one word:Democracy.

 

It was born in this era and tempered by many wars, but it has survived through hard discipline and bitter peace.When you and I see this word, what thoughts are stirred in us? Just what is it that leaps into our minds when we hear the word in speeches?In books?In the movies and on the radio?Right now, what are each of you thinking?Are you thinking about America….America the strong, the brave, the beautiful?Are you thinking about America, the protector of human rights, the home of the free—America, the place on the globe where students all over the world rest a finger and say…..”There is the number one country in the world, the country that has become the world power in less than two centuries”…..This is an accomplishment of which no other country, large or small, capitalist or socialist, rich or poor can boast.

 

We are in this land of leadership; we are Americans and unhesitatingly vaunt our pride.How privileged we are to be citizens of the United States, and yet we must stand ready to meet our responsibilities – all the responsibilities inherent in our right to bear our proud name.

 

We stand for democracy, and democracy demands our commitment to others.The great struggle for freedom in which we are constantly engaged has brought us much pain and sorrow, and it is not yet over.But among our people there is a unity, a desire to maintain the momentum of freedom that is unmatched in history.

 

Our dedicated determination to perpetuate world wide harmony with our principles of democracy must continue today.No friend, no neutral country, and certainly so enemy of ours should think otherwise.We must stand ready to proclaim that we are against no man, that we look askance upon no society or nation ….unless it bans the approach to true freedom.Let me say to you now that we should be determined to let freedom ring throughout the world, regardless of any forces that may strive to curb it.

 

Our generation, you and I, have been destined to live with and bear a struggle for democracy that we did not initiate, in a world teeming with conditions not of our choosing.We do not always seek the pleasant and the easy way.The pressures are ever present, and we must cope with them in the way that we think best.Though no country or generation has been so burdened, no country or generation has been so ready to firmly grasp this burden and pursue the glory of freedom.In the midst of the struggle the identity of the American people will continue in its unvarying character and unwavering faith.

 

We do not shrink from the task; we welcome it, because we are aware of the power of concerted effort…the kind of effort fostered by our belief in democracy.United there is little we cannot do; divided, there is little we can do.United we may well claim to be not only the home of the brave but also the home of the free.

 

When we see democracy, we should think of franchise….the right to vote and to choose a leader for our country….a leader we can trust and believe in because we the people have elected him to office.And when we think of franchise, we think of our national political parties and regardless of our party affiliations, we should strive to remember that we do not seek a Republican answer or a Democratic answer, but the right answer….one that will serve our generation and the generations to follow.

 

We speak often of freedom…and we cherish the ideal of freedom because it is such a moving symbol of the liberty and justice which constitute our ultimate goal for every man.Freedom is a vital ingredient in our formula of democracy.It is a firm foundation for our hope of building a world of peaceful nations…a world where no nation will take up the sword against another….a world well rid of cold wars and the evil of communism…a world attune to justice for every one of God’s children.

 

All of us know that justice is a basic tenet in our covenant of self-government.We in America know that when any citizen denies another of his rights because of color, creed or the inalienable right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness….in that moment he has betrayed his country.With justice and freedom we have joined reason to faith, action to experience, and molded unity of interest into unity of purpose.

 

Because of our covenant with justice, freedom and union, we have become a great nation, prosperous and mighty.We have fought and won for democracy.Although there have been some who believed that we were too soft, to defenseless, to apathetic to resist intrusions upon freedom in our spheres of influence in the world, they have found that we have prevailed – and they may well note that we will again.They must know that we have a deep interest, certain compassion, and an eternal vigilance in the cause of freedom that permeates every corner of our nation.It reflects none the concern of one American, but of all united under the banner of Democracy.

 

Let no man say we are in the grip of historical decay.Let no man say that America must get moving…..For America is on the march.If there is danger ahead, we the people stand ready to cope with it, and look beyond it to the indications of progress and fulfillment that democracy promises.

 

In earlier times that tried men’s souls, when the American Revolution came, Thomas Paine wrote:” The cause of America is the cause of all mankind.”Now in our generation, permit me to say that the cause of all mankind must be the cause of America.

11/03/2010

Posted on by
Folks, Today is our bowling day, so I have to wrap things up a little early this morning. Bernadette bowled a 178, a personal all time high, last week. Not bad for a gal that started out last year with about an 80 average. Her average is about 125. Mine is 130. For us it’s the camaraderie that counts, not the scores. Gary
 
 
 
 
Reply from Rita Baker Langer: Belcourt, ND
 

Hi Gary: We met Neola several years ago, while I was playing Bass guitar with Daryl Opstedahl (who was a fine accordian player until a few years ago, his health keeps him from playing.) Daryl and I were playing for a dance at the Bottineau Armory and Neola’s brother Jim was and still is an avid fan of Old Country Music introduced us to his sister Neola and since then we became close friends. We love to buy her candy and various types of taffy. (Caramel, Licorice etc etc) she sure can bake…. Rita…

 

P.S from Richard. I sure enjoy reading your blogs every night, I have to check my mail each and every nite before shutting down my computer. Your blog is very interesting and very informative. I have learned alot about many of our friends from the whole northern area of ND…..

Rita & Richard, Now that you mention it, I remember Neola telling about when she met you guys. Yes, Neola is a lady of many talents and interests. We are so blessed to have her. Gary
 
 
 
Reply frrom Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 

 

Gary,

 

Thank you much for your kind words; I definitely hesitate to take so much credit for the daily messages. As I see it, all the people who contribute are the root of the success of your daily letters. I am SO GRATEFUL I’m able to contribute to your wonderful newsletters. I have come to know many of the Dunseith Alumni, too–one graduate at a time. I’m loving it!

 

Thanks again for being so faithful with your most interesting newsletters, Gary. I, along with all who receive your newsletters, eagerly wait for my daily “fix”.

 

Neola
  

11/02/2010

Posted on by
Reply to Vickie Metcalfe (70):
From Susan Brew Roussin (59): Rolla, ND
 

I can understand where Vickie M. . is coming from. I often went through the list of my daughters names, Dawn, Debbie, Marie, then added you know who you are if they had committed some misdeamor. Thanks for all the news and photos Gary.

 

 

Brian Evans:
Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

 

Gary, The Brian Evans who bagged the bighorn sheep is an employee for Homeland Security at the Dunseith Port. He hails for St. Louis, MO and as far I know is not related to the Dunseith family.
 
 

 

Brian Evans:
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary,

I think Brian Evans, who was pictured with the bighorn sheep, is a customs agent at the Dunseith port. In a conversation I had with him a couple years ago, he told me he was living on Lyle Zeiler’s farmstead a mile and a half west of the Peace Garden. He seemed like a friendly sort of guy. He did the paperwork on a tractor I bought in Saskatchewan and imported. I guess they are all called Homeland Security agents now.

Dick

 
 
 
Brian Evans:
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary, Neola’s photo from the paper with the name,Evans “sporting a
big horn” is NOT originally from Dunseith, nor related to any local
Evans from around the area. A few years after 9 1-1- he moved to
Bottineau, then closer to he Peace Gardens @ address Dunsetih and
works for the govt. V.
 
 
 
Rita Baker Langer photo
Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

Reply to Gary Stokes

From Rita Baker Langer: \Belcourt, ND

 

Yes Gary you can post the photo and this little history

 

 

 

I was born and raised in Belcourt, graduated from High School in

Belcourt in 1956.I joined the Benedictine Convent in Belcourt and was a nun for 9 years, I left the Convent in 1965 and joined “Vista” , (domestic peace corp for 2 years. I then went to Dallas Texas for a year, trainedto be a Practical Nurse.Although I had my nurses training in Texas, the picture was taken in Bottineau. Worked in Belcourt for 2 years and then in Anchorage Alaska for 4 years.Had a son born while in Alaska.Returned to Belcourt in 75, worked for the church , the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service hospital in Belcourt.While working at the BIA, I met and then married my husband, Joseph Richard Langer.I have been playing the guitar since I was 8 years old, played in bands for 35 years and sang with my brother “Henry Soc Baker”until his death in 2005.Since then I have played music with many other people.I have done music with Dick and Brenda Johnson, Jerry Olson to name a few and this past year I have been playing the bass guitar with a band from Canada.In 2006 my husband added a room onto our house, took up a course in “Studio Recording Arts” at the Community College here in Belcourt, and built our own recording Studio.He he has recorded 3 CD’s and is working on another.So far our CDs feature me doing all the different instruments and all the harmony vocals with no outside help.

Rita

Rita, this is a gorgeous picture. You have such an interesting life history too. Thank you so much for sharing.

Question, how did you meet Neola? She has mentioned you several times and she is the one that added you to our distribution. Gary

 

 



 

Car Story

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND
 

Gary and Friends,

Allen’s mention of ‘115 MPH on 1948 tire technology’ made me remember a couple tire deals from the early days. Dad had a set of wide whitewall BF Goodrich ‘Lifesavers’ on one of his Cadillacs. When he replaced them, two weren’t in too bad a shape so I put them on my old Plymouth. My car had tubes in the tires and these were tubeless. I just stuck my tubes inside and pumped them up. The ‘Lifesaver’ deal was unknown technology to me. What they had done was to put some kind of sticky glue inside the tire that was supposed to seal the tire in the event of a puncture. The tires rolled along for quite a while and then one day I got a flat. I took the tire and wheel up to the Standard and asked Darrel Getzlaff, who was running the place at that time, if he would patch my tire. I came back a couple hours later and he was standing over the tire pulling out small bits of my innertube that was stuck to the sealer. He was hot and sweaty and was looking at me over his glasses asking me something like, “What the ____ kind of _____ is this you got in here.” It probably wasn’t the right kind of thing to do at such a time, but I just busted out laughing at the sight of poor Darrel. The tires were old and not worth the effort so I just paid him something for trying and took the junk home. A while later I was walking past Gambles and Art Henning was just putting some new tires in his front window. I looked at the price and thought I could afford two. Believe it or not, the price was $8 and some cents each. They were bi-ply 6.00 X 16 inch and I still had my old rims from my older tires. I couldn’t believe I had new front tires on the old Plymouth for less than $20. Too good to be true. That’s the problem. They were made by a company called ‘Crest’ and were so soft of a compound that they left black marks every time I went around a corner. We used to LIKE to leave black tracks on corners, but with the back tires not the front! I bet I didn’t get more than a few hundred miles and they were bald. Crest should have stuck with making tooth paste! As far as that’s concerned, I probably did get $20. worth of use out of them. Thanks Gary!

Dick

This is the old car that I put the tires on. About 1964-65


 
  

11/01/2010

Posted on by
Folks, a reminder that the number ( ) following the names of those posting or mentioned is their HS graduating year. As you can see with the number in the subject line, we are pushing a thousand. We’ll be going into year four shortly. You guys are the ones that have kept this going with all of your contributions. I’m just the messenger. We currently have about 650 on our daily distribution. As you know, I post all these daily messages on our Website too. We’ve had a number of days this month with nearly 70 folks visiting our sight. Our daily average for visits to our Website this month is 50. Gary
 
 
Mavis Espe Johnson passed away
Message from LeaRae Parrill Espe (68): Bottineau, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

We received word of the passing of Terry’s cousin, Mavis Espe Johnson. Her parents are Art and Effie (House) Espe. She is a sister of Marlene Striker, Merlin and Monte Espe. At this time she was living in Libby, Montana. Her siblings were going to try to make it for the funeral, but I don’t have any other details at this time.

 

We were in the middle of the first winter blizzard of the season when Merlin called us. Yes, winter arrived in the Turtle Mountains this past Tuesday and Wednesday. School was called off in Bottineau and St. John. I believe the hills had about a foot of snow, the city of Bottineau maybe 5 or 6 inches. Dunseith had a lot less. The gravel roads are quite sloppy. However, we are suppose to get up in the 50s every day this week. Deer season opens this Friday.

 

LeaRae

LeaRae, Thank you so much for this info. With Mavis being some older than me, I did not really known her that well, but I knew Monte (68) and of coarse their mother, Effie well too.
 
Monte, Our condolences are with you and your families with the passing of Mavis. Gary
 
 
Name correction – Dan’s Super Value, not Wayne’s.
 
I made a gross error yesterday when saying Lloyd Nelson had sold his store to a guy by the name of Wayne. I had Wayne Barbot and his grocery store in Dunseith on my mind when I made that statement. Wayne too has a very thriving business with his store, Wayne’s Food Pride (Jack & Jill) in Dunseith. Wayne purchased Hosmer’s grocery years ago and has been in the grocery business ever since in Dunseith. The location and names have changed is all. Bernadette and I love to shop at Wayne’s with all the great selections he has. We like the good friendly service of his staff too.
 
Back to Lloyd’s Super Value, Lloyd sold it to a guy by the name of Dan. The store then became Dan’s Super Value. Gary
 
PS – Lloyd, Neola provided me with your email address, so I am including you with today’s blog.
 
 
 
 
Reply to Dwight Lang (61)
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.
 

Hey DWIGHT,

When I am at school I have three rules for general behaviour when I am in the classroom. Rule # 1 is__. Rule #2 is ___ and Rule #3 is ___.

Well ,the third rule applies to me. To explain myself,”You see, I have this inherited thing from my mom about names. My mom Lottie, when calling one of her girls would go through the routine of saying….”Nancy, Vickie, Cyndy…., then back to the correct name. Me? that genetic predisposition didn’t skip. It just got worse with my generation, I get stuck on one name over and over and over.”

 

Early in the year,when setting up classroom expectations. I tell my students: rule #3:

“1. If I get your name wrong bring it to my attention.”

“2. I will heart fully apologize, since that is your name and I need to give you that respect.”

“3. If you catch me doing it three times in one day, I need to apologize and go further to making an amends by giving you a soda.

Here is my apology.

I am so sorry, Dwight, I apologize for changing your name to Duane on the blog where millions of former Dunseith folks are now likewise confused. Thank you for letting me know so I can correct it. ( As I thought about this I know I got confused with the Du in your e-address.) Now if you were one of my “school kids”. I’d probably owe you a whole case of caffeine free soda! ” Vickie
 
 
 
Tucker cars
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
I’ve seen several Tuckers but only at car museums. There were 50 built and I think more than 45 of them still exist. There were amazing in their day! The Tucker Story was told in a movie with Jeff Bridges. If you can rent it — DO!!! It shows what the major corporations will do to stifle competition.
 
Did you know that the Tucker was the first car to eliminate the little rain gutters? Also, the front and rear seats were interchangeable, so you could switch them out do keep the level of wear equal. I believe the suspension system didn’t have the usual springs, but rather the prototype of today’s bungee cords. There is a lot more.
 
One part of the story was that Tucker needed prove the car actually ran by driving it to the state capital. Problem was that the big shots had the cops waiting for him to prevent him from making it. It was really no problem —- He outran all the cops and was in the building before they could catch him! I read an article in a car magazine many years ago that contained a road test. They clocked it at 115 and had a little pedal left.
Can you imagine 115 on 1948 tire technology????
 
Allen
 
 
 
Email messages from
Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.
Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
 

Gary,

Today, once again I am slacking off. It is too icy to walk the boys and I’m stuck on a question of Erling Landsverk’s. Please, You think on it too, since youre seeing more of the world than me in ND these days.

 

Yesterday, I had such a nice e-mail from Erling and I am fwd that as well. His feedback truly motivates me to write better.

 

As you know my dad, Cliff, like Erling was blind. Since this past summer, when I met Erling I have become, once again more cognizant of describing when I write with more clarity.

 

Please read Erling’s letter further down, “about the Kochevar’s, a story with his dad which gave me my best belly laugh of yesterday!”

 

I am off to run over to see Wes and ask him about Erling’s very last little comment about “fog banks” You see the learner in me keeps me motivated into having these conversations with the likes of people like Erling and Wes and Hank S.

 

They not only keep me apprised of their own oral history, their perceptions of Dunseith and its folks, but challenge me to find out more about science, unraveling the …”scientific stuff “.

 

When I wrote Erling back I didn’t know yesterday, I hit Dwight up, along side the head, with the wrong name….

 

Well Gary , I will finally let you go back to house building. I need to run to Walmart, take the boys on over to their weekly treat to the Schneiders….then, ask Wes what he knows/remembers about fog banks and tell him the name is Dwight not DuWayne. Vickie


Erling’s letter to Vickie
 
Hi Vickie:
 
I have been reading your “Tales Of The Hills” faithfully. You are doing a great job of getting your material from the older folks, and giving them the opportunity to relive those great memories. I remember the Kotchevars well. I remember when they had a little spot right in Dunseith not far from the Althea movie house. The display they had in the foot hills was great and my parents stopped there often to visit and buy items. One day that i remember well was the time that Dad was admiring the cabinetry, Mrs kotchevar apologized because she had the cabinet filled with cook ware, and Dad was unable to see much of the interior. Mr. Kotchevar heard the conversation and said “Dear, why don’t you take down your pans and show the man what you got” Dad couldn’t contain himself and turned away and began to laugh. When Mr. Kotchevar realized how that must have sounded he tried to explain, which only made things even more hilarious, and soon everyone was laughing including Mers Kotchevar.
 
Another memory comes to mind because of Kotchevars location, and that was the illusion of Dunseith being suspended in the air hundreds of feet above the town. It had something to do with the rising sun reflelcting on a fog bank and suddenly there was Dunseith, up in the air. Did any of you folks ever witness this. I saw it more than once, andmarveled at the clarity of the illusion. Hope this finds you warm and safe from the winter storms. Take care and keep up the great writing
 
Best Wishes

Erling

Vickie’s reply to Erling

Great hearing from you Erling. I really appreciate all your feedback. When I write and send it away to the blog, for me, ” It’s like throwing my best support shoes out there into a cyclone, Where? And when, If I don’t hear anything, I wonder if my words landed softly, or hit someone up along side the head. Then I am hopeful it had a soft landing.


I intend to take a copy of your e-mail to Wes maybe tomorrow, and we will see where our heads take us.

As a kid, I too used to really wonder about fog banks, especially when they were hovering over sloughs. I would watch the adult faces to see how they’d react. I’d think was this mystical? Or, are we in a nether world? Then bam! Fog would vanish and there we were. We “found” our grounding.


I also think it is magical when there is one of those big orange harvest moons that seem to take up a whole quarter of the sky! Last week, when I took my dogs for their grooming to Minot. I left about 6:00 o’clock in the morning. It was really hard to watch the road, because that big old moon was setting in the west, while the sun was soon to be at my back, getting up in the east!


During the school year, my younger sister, Cyndy and I have a standing dinner date every Wednesday night from 5:00 o’clock- 7:00 o-clock for a pizza and sister time.( Recently we’ve taken a liking to Canadian bacon and sauerkraut)


A couple years ago, in the fall, there was this wonderful eclipse of the moon. On that particularily clear night, we watched the moon rise in the east then, the slow moving eclipse move on a bit . On a half. ON AN ENTIRE FULL MOON!.


We found ourselves driving around town, here in Bottineau then around on the prairie until 10:00 o’clock marveling. She then took off for her home on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, but with the wonder’s of her cell phone and my land line, we talked through. Of course then I had wander around my house to watch out going from window to window.


I love keeping the “child like heart”……. open to that kind of stuff, and my sister does too. I think you must be like that too.


Yes, we had 1 school snow day on Wednesday last. But all was fine. The dogs were content to stay in doors quietly, snuggled up. I really have to say, that wind storm really wasn’t too bad.


BAD would be a wind storm like that. And 30 or 40 below! With no electricity. Then, I’d make a decision what furniture to burn….and I’d have to haul it over to Wes and Ovida’s as they have a wood burner.


Letting you go for now as I’ve got sweet tators in the microwave, me and the dogs like them as a treat! Later, Vickie


Oh. I almost forgot, I met Sharon at the bakery today at lunchtime. While we ate our hot dogs, polish sausage with sauerkraut, she told me she had a nice visit with you. She was working today. Off to the tators. Vic

 

Follow up message from Vickie

 

Gary and friends,
Fog visited us this fine Sunday morning and it continued to be damp through noon. As the day progressed on, the trees began to wear the frost.
 
Just a bit ago, the boys and I made our weekly visit across the street. The Schneider door opened by Ovidia. I greeted her,”Trick or Treat! ” Buie and Thor, fairly danced on their hind legs through the kitchen on, in, to find Wes listening to the smooth voice of Tennessee Ernie. Thus receiving their weekly treat.
 
While visiting, I shared a recent e-mail from Erling Landsverk and his memories about the Kotchevar’s with Wes and Ovidia. Wes and I had a good laugh at Erling’s story. I also told him it was a day of corrections and making amends as it is his nephew Dwight, is not Duane writes in.
 
Wes recalled through the years, of seeing Overly on the clear early mornings from the farm perching on the foothills, 6 miles north of Overly. And looking east to see the lights of San Haven. We talked about those foggy times driving down the “San” hill to see Dunseith town appear and rise out of the fog!
 
Buie, a curious cat sort of terrier, spied new stuff in the living room and jauntily strutted over to make an inspection. The kids; Wes and Ovidia’s sent them, a pumpkin, a witches broom, and false teeth. Always looking for fun, Wes said, “Turn them on Ovidia. ” Then, He pats and tells Buie, “Go get em boy!”

Whoa! Buie got a surprise! The pumpkin danced, then the broom cackled and ran toward Buie, and the teeth clickingly danced across a table.
 
Buie ran to Wes for cover. Wes who not only treats the boys, but tricks em too!
 
I bundled up to go home. Crossing, crackling crisp snow of the yard, the wind had come up and began sending pellets of ice falling from the trees. We dodged and ran as the fog is tries to lift … to a… Happy November! Later, Vickie

 

 

 

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

Hi Gary,

 

I decided I’d better scan/send some of these clippings BEFORE I start on my caramels. I’m usually too tired to do it afterwards. :)

 

I forwarded today’s newsletter to Lloyd. You are right; he IS a neat fellow. He/Peggy are also very good friends of Jim’s. Lloyd’s backyard and Jim’s backyard “butt” each other–no alley between them.

 

Neola

Neola, once again thank you so much for taking the time to scan all these clippings to share with us. It’s very time consuming on your part, but we truly enjoy all your contributions. Whether you realize it or not, you are the root to the success of these daily messages. You have provided so much and we dearly thank you for doing so. The Dunseith Alumni has learned to know Neola Kofoid Garbe very well. Gary

 

Which Evans family does Brian belong too? Great catch!

 

 

 

Congratulations Mona (48):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

10/31/2010

Posted on by
Folks, I’ve got electricians here today, Sunday, pulling wire thru all the conduit that is buried in the cement walls of our addition. They need to have all the wire pulled and in place before the final ceiling is installed. These guys have regular jobs, so they are working my job on Sunday’s and evenings. All total for the electrical, telephone and TV cables, there is close to 4,000 feet of wire. They’re using single stranded wire. This country has 220 volt electricity and can you believe without a ground. We have a lot of 110 volt appliances, etc that we brought from the states, so we have everything wired for both 220 & 110. Gary
 

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Hi Gary,
This is a response to Dwight Lang’s input on the Tucker.

Thanks Dwight for sharing. Wow! The photos show a spectacular car that appears to have been in great condition at the time the photos were taken (except for some discoloration of the chrome on the rear bumper).

I’ve watched several of those car auctions on television at which restored old cars are sold. However, in all the shows I’ve watched I’ve never seen or heard mention of a Tucker. (That’s not to say they have never had them on or sold some of them, just not on the particular shows I’ve watched.) In fact, I have to admit that I have never previously heard of the name Tucker, so everything about the car was news to me. It sounds like Mr. Tucker was a bit ahead of his time in both safety and mechanical aspects. One can only wonder what might have been. Thanks again.

Keith Pladson (66)

 
 
 
 
Hilmar Berg
Reply from Diane Berg Rheault (79): Moorhead, MN
 
Thank you, Neola for posting the “Sons of Norway” picture with my uncle, Hilmar Berg sitting in the front row. A correction…. He just had his 93rd birthday Oct. 7th this year. We plan to see him over Thanksgiving.
Diane (Berg) Rheault
Diane, Has it been 3 years since Hilmar celebrated his 90th. It seemed like yesterday, that is why I said he was about 91. He looks great! Hilmar is for sure a Norwegian, with his accent and all. Neola told me that her brother Jim and Hilmar are very close friends too. As you know your Berg family is connected to my dads family in a round about way. Your uncle Clarence’s wife Mabel was a sister to my dad’s brother Nel’s wife, Helga. Nels and Helga lived in Everett, WA. I frequently saw Clarence and Mabel with their visits to Washington. Back to Hilmar, I remember well in 1967/68 when Hilmar spent the winter months with Nels and Helga in Everett. Hilmar is such a nice guy and easy going too. To my knowledge he has never been married. Please give him my regards when you see him. Gary
 
 
 

Lloyd Nelson

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

 

Gary, on the sons of norway photo, that’s Lloyd Nelson holding the plaque. He used to own a grocery store in Bottineau, very very nice person. sharon gerdes

 

Follow up reply from Sharon:

OH MY GOSH!! If I had read further down I would have seen the names on the sons of norway. OK, disregard this crazy broad today. sharon gerdes

First off Sharon, don’t feel bad. I replied to Neola asking if that was Hilmar Berg in the front row of this very same picture.
 
Yes, that is Lloyd Nelson holding the plaque. I second your words of Lloyd being a “very very nice person”. Lloyd was a very close friends of dad’s and always took the time to listen to his stories, often times in the midst of his busy times, in the store. As a child I remember well, Lloyd working for Armand & Evelyn Bjornseth Hall in Hall’s Fairway in Bottineau. Lloyd later purchased the Fairway store from the Hall’s. A few years later he open “Lloyd’s Supervalue” on Highway 5 in Bottineau, a very thriving business. Going into retirement he sold “Lloyd’s Supervalue” to a guy buy the name of Wayne. It then became “Wayne’s Supervalue”. It was a very thriving business up until several years back when it was totally destroyed by arsonists. Lloyd knows me thru my dad. Dad always took me into Lloyd’s office to shoot the breeze with each of our trips back. To this day, Lloyd always has time to visit whenever I see him out and about town, with our trips back. His friendly outgoing personality for sure was a contributing factor to his success. Gary
 
  

10/30/2010

Posted on by
Question from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
 
Are there a lot of developments in PI? I didn’t realize that initially the two of you were thinking of living in one. Do any of your friends (esp those pictured earlier this week) live in developments or stand alone homes (ok compounds) like yours?
Brenda, The majority of our foreign friends live in developments or condo’s. For those that rent, their rents are rather high. For those of our friends that rent, the range of rents is from about $800 to $4,000 per month. Our friend from Lexmark told us that his company is paying $4,000/month rent for his house. It is a beautiful home with a swimming pool and the whole nine yards. For their investments, the landlords are getting a great return. With me being the contractor for our buildings, we have saved about 40%, plus we have complete control of the quality and materials used. Only those born in the Philippines can own land here. Bernadette was born here, so all of our property is in her name with me listed as her spouse. If she passes on before me, the property then becomes mine. At the time of both of our passings, all of our property will be passed onto our children. Foreigners can own condo’s though, but not houses unless they are a surviving spouse. Gary

 
 
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Erling Berg siblings, Your Uncle Hilmer Berg looks great sitting in the front row. I believe he is 91 years old now.
Folks, there are some familiar faces in this bunch. Eloise Boppre is standing to the very left in the back. Jim Kofoid, Neola’s brother and Glen Rude, LaVerne’s (Carrole Fauske) brother are standing to the right in the back.
 
 
 
 
Reply to Dick Johnson (68):
From Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ.

Hi Dick,

Enjoyed your snow pictures. October was usually my “cut and run” month when I had my Lake Metigoshe place. Kept one eye on the weather forecast for both Arizona and North Dakota. Some times I timed it right but missed it once and damn near didn’t make it to South Dakota thru the snow banks and dodging deer on the highways.

 

Anyway, this is another unique old car story w/pic’s. Hope you enjoy, I did! Even as a died in the wool Ford man. If you get tired of me sending these, just drop me the word. But whenever I run across one, I think of Dick would like to see that.

 

Good thing you didn’t have a brother with a like name. Did you notice that Vickie and Wes renamed me “Duane” again. Got called by my brother’s name all the time so much in years past that I would just answer to it. But I might of gotten tulips mixed up with orchids in the bull story too.

 

Take care and keep your stories coming thru Gary’s post.

 

Old Dakota Boy,

Dwight


 
General Motors was scared to death of this car.
 
Ever see a 1948 TUCKER up close?

THIS IS WELL WORTH YOUR TIME LOOKING AND READING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.

Amazing find…Ever see a “1948 TUCKERupclose?
CLICK HERE:http://www.laubly.com/1948tucker.htm

 
 
Demo car story
From Dick Johnson (68): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND.
 
Gary and Friends,

Many times I have told of the adventures that John Boguslawski and I had as kids. I remembered another one today. John got a demo derby car that had been in one of the early demo derbies in the park. It hadn’t been wrecked too bad and he brought it up to the farm to have some fun with it. The glass had all been removed and most of the interior was gone. We tuned it up and proceeded to run the crap out of it. It was a red and white ’58 Dodge two door sedan. We put in two sets of seat belts and each put on a helmet. I had a place in the pasture where I used to abuse a few old junkers while they still ran. I drove the old Dodge first and made a track around the pasture for a race track for us. I had it down pretty well and was missing the trees by inches, much to the amusement of Big John in the passenger’s seat. We tried to get it to roll over several times but it would always slide and throw dirt and grass, but not go over. He said, “OK, it’s my turn.” John didn’t have the ‘nack’, so to speak. He was a great inventor and builder, but the driving part—well, not so good. I told him to be careful when we make the run through the trees as they don’t give us much room and no forgiveness! About his third trip around the track, he misjudged and hit a big tree smack in the middle! I threw up my arm to protect my face and slammed my helmet down on my wrist on the metal dash. To say it hurt would not tell the whole story! We stopped so fast that had we not had the belts on we both would have flown out the windshield. The fan went through the radiator and the steam and water shot out all over. We laughed it off and got it going again and made it back to the shop where we hooked a chain to the radiator housing and a tree and backed up a few times to bend things back out. The radiator was shot so we just ran the poor old engine with no water in it. A few times up the road and it got so hot the head on the old flat six engine turned black! Big John just giggled when he saw it. We parked on a hill about a half mile west of home so we could roll it down to get it started again when it cooled off a bit. John was at the wheel when we headed down the hill and she fired up one more time. It started to knock really bad and then just as we got to the gate there was big bang and it quit knocking. As we came into the yard, we knew it was about to die permanently so I pointed to a big rock I had pushed out with the Cat and yelled to John to kick it and put her on the rock! Her just about made it to the rock and the engine locked up—we were done! We went back in the shop to work on something we should have been working on instead of goofing around. Later, Dad went down to the mailbox to get the mail. As he came back with the mail, he stepped into the shop and said, “Did you clowns lose something?” He threw a connecting rod and wrist pin on the welding table and just shook his head. The bang we heard was the rod leaving the side of the engine block, by the gate! We did go over to the car and open the hood to see how big a hole the engine had in the block. You could throw a softball through the hole! Another escapade by some crazy kids, but we survived another one! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Here are a couple poor quality pictures from that day

 

 

 

 
 
  

10/29/2010

Posted on by
Obituaries

Joseph Frank LaFountain
(March 19, 1939 – October 26, 2010)

Sign Guest Book
Send Flowers

 

 
 

 
 

 
JOSEPH FRANK LAFOUNTAINJoseph F. LaFountain, age 71 of Dunseith, died Tuesday in his home. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Benedict’s Cemetery. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the Church.

Joe Frank LaFountain, a son of Joe and Mary (Champagne) LaFountain, was born on March 19, 1939 at Belcourt. On January 18, 1959 he was married to Shirley Gunville at Belcourt. This marriage later ended.

He is survived by his companion, Shirley LaFountain of Dunseith; 2 sons, Les LaFountain and Jeff LaFountain both of Dunseith; a daughter, Rhonda Poitra of Dunseith; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Judy) Lafountain, James LaFountain and Benedict (Diane) LaFountain all of Dunseith; sisters, Theresa Tetrault, Dorothy Davis, Virginia LaFountain, Florence LaFountain, Sharon Lafountain, Ramona (Jimmy) LaFountain all of Dunseith, and Rita LaFountain of Rolette.

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

 

 

 

Lucien Casavant

Reply from Lucien Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

 

Gary, For sure Lucien Casavant is our Uncle…the nicest uncle ever…and his wife Alma, was a scream…we loved our Aunt Alma. She had this Lucille Ball type personality. Aggie

 

Follow up reply from Aggie
Hey Gary, It’s me again. I think the gal in the picture with Stella S. is her daughter Kathy S. Haven’t seen her 43 years but I’m positive it’s her. Aggie
 

Reply to Dick Johnson (68) form Aggie:

To Dick, Wow those snow picture really were jammed packed with winter memories of N.Dakota. Really caught me off gaurd… I guess just surviving half a dozen tornados ripping through the Carolinas this past couple days makes a person forget that it’s almost Christmas… Loooking at those pictures,I can almost smell the snow…Beautiful… Simply Beautiful..thanks for sharing…Aggie
To Gary, you need to go on that show the Apprentice with Donald Trump…He would probably hire you with all the construction you;’ve been doing. looks Great! Aggie
Aggie, you are right, folks identified the gal standing with Stella as her daughter Kathy. Gary

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Boonton, NJ

Hi Gary, very nice addition to your home! It is fun to see it all come together. Lynn Otto
Thanks Lynn,
 
We currently have our master bedroom upstairs. As we get older we feel it would be a lot nicer to have it on the ground floor. We were limited for real-estate space too, when we build our house. We did not have the adjacent lot at the time. The initial plan was for this to be a temporary house while we built in a development. In the middle of construction, Bernadette decided she would like to live here next door to her sister, so we then made this our permanent home.
 
Gary
 

10/28/2010

Posted on by
Wesley Schnieder Story on a good ole ND Blizzard afternoon.
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary,

Today, October 27, was a very windy time here in ND. The wind brought wet snows and flung tree branches around.

Finding the school was shut down, I couldn’t walk far with the fear of my dogs flying. OK. Actually, they just turned around and let me know there was no way they’d be enticed to go any where until this afternoon, I said, “Ok lets go see Wes and Ovidia.” I had another story for Wes to approve the final draft.


My neighbors were doing fine, burrowed snug in their house. Buie sat dozing lazily, being gently stroked by Wes for a length of time. Thor relaxed at his feet. It was one of those old fashioned “snow days”. I said Wes, “This afternoon I couldn’t quite complete my “deep cleaning” chore I set out to do. I’ve been laughing, thrown back to a memory of my dad by one of your stories. So, I just had to sit down and put pencil to paper with this recent Wes story. ” For what it’s worth here it is. Vic


A Perfectly Good Pair of Pants Story
at first it twasŠever so faint. Then louderŠ.Grunts and slapping continued to ensue ____”ed–uhl UHL”. _____One day, Wes age 10, heard a neighbors voice from a distance. Wes, and it seemed neighbors from miles around heard. “ed—uhl.”
What was that? Another roar louder and more panicky again ! Then a final mighty, great roar! “ed——u!——– ed —–UH!——ED—-UHL!—-‘” “Neighbors uncertain what to do, although they knew the neighbor was yelling for his wife.

Once upon that time, there was this fellow and his wife Ethel, living on land west of the Schneider farm. This fellow had a problem with vermin in his granary. One bright morning, “Lookin at his dog he came to a conclusion much to the demise of the—er ???!”

BRIGHT IDEA? humm-mmm-hmmM-MMMMM?
He decided to outsmart those pesky vermin. So, he threw a board over one hole, and stood over another. In anticipation of a show down, he’d brought his loyal dog as back up with him into the wood granary. He had the hopes of the little dog killing the vermin.

The scene that followed was purely. Unfortunate.

When It, Mr. “???” couldn’t get up one hole. Came up the other hole where he found himself lookin up, up, up,at the big man The man who weighed close to 300 pounds. STOMP_____. STOMP____. came down the big mans FEET.

Commotion and pandemonium followed. It seemed to the man it was a long battle. Oh my, that poor little ???!
In fear, finally cornered, nearly dying of fright, did just about the only thing “IT” could. He ran up the mans big. booted foot and up, up up, the inside of an overall leg.

HUH???? EEEEEH! SLAP! ,SLAP “eeeEW” yelled the man to his wife at the house. Grunts and slapping continued to ensue “-“ED–uhl”. Neighbors heard. Another, bellowing roar, louder, more panicky , again “ed——u!——–” “ed —–UH!”——“ED—-UHL!”

The man with his big hand had cornered a ??? in his pants —just above the knee. He hobbled to the house, “ed—uhl”, “ED—HUL” “Det da scessors”. “The wife came running, with the scissors, and cut a hole through the fabric . And pulled out —-a very, quite, DEAD-END of a R- A -T.

Sadly, the poor little dog had no more vermin to chase and sadder yet it twas the end of another perfectly good pair of pants.

A Wes Story, as told to, then retold and embellished by Vickie On one fine October Snow Day, 2010
 
 
 
 
Early ND Snow
Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

We are just now getting the end of a two day winter blast. The only problem is that it’s still fall according to the calender. These are just a few shots I took today around the place. My haying equipment looks like it is now retired for the winter although it still needs to be cleaned up and put inside for the real winter The one picture is overlooking Horseshoe Lake from the north. It’s pretty, but what a mess for a few days ahead! I bet my pal Bill Hosmer is glad he made it back south before this hit! As he says, “It kind of brings a tear to you eye, doesn’t it.” Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Stokes House addition in the philippines
 
Folks, Several of you have requested pictures of our new house addition in progress. This is a 22″ x 40′ addition that includes a living room, master bedroom/bath and and an outside toilet accessible only from the outside.
 
 
Note: The blue tarp provides shade from the 90 degree heat.

 

 

 

Living room, 22′ X 20′, with 4 large windows & two exterior doors.

 

The walls

are ready for paint.

They are working on the ceiling.

 

Up to the ceiling, everything is cement.Very labor intense and time consuming.

 

I could never afford the labor costs back in the states for this kind of construction.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking out from inside the living room.

 

 

 

Looking out our kitchen back door into the newly constructed Pantry way

 

entrance to the house. Rather than paint, we decided to tile (ceramic) the

 

walls of this room. The building thru the door is our outside kitchen/laundry building.

 

 
  

10/27/2010

Posted on by
Folks, I have had several requests for some updated pictures of our house addition. Things are moving along well. Today is our bowling day, so I will try and post several pictures tomorrow. Gary

Email address change for Bob (51) & Donna Sunderland (52) Leonard.
From Bob Leonard: rleonard@ Dunseith, ND

Hi Everyone:

 

Just a short note to let you know we moved into Dunseith today along with the computer. Had to change our e-mail address to the one shown on the top of the page.

 

Stormy weather hit North Dakota today, suppose to get anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of snow in our area, had lots of wind, rain, snow and not very nice.

 

Got through the mess alright.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bob
 
 
 
 

Wes Schneider’s Remembrances of Yesteryear and Deer Heart Lodge

 

 

 

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

As a child, Wes heard tell; The family stories of family life before he was born. His parents, Germans’ from Russia, upon their marriage, sailed to America. After a few years, they found themselves in a dugout, on a Kansas prairie homestead.


Weathering harsh pioneer life for years, cyclones, and the bull walking around on top their house, the parents decided to relocate their family to the promise of a better life in North Dakota.

The Schneider’s loaded their belongings, fowl along with the cattle.
Wes’ parents and the children rode the passenger train. Pete (the younger) and the cat accompanied crated chickens, the tame pigeons, cattle and machinery on another train on the long ride to northern North Dakota. Trains did not run directly north and south so it took some time getting to the final destination.

Upon the fall arrival to the Dunseith area the family stayed with old friends from Kansas, the Kraft family. They moved to a farm 5 miles east of Dunseith, a house was on the place and school house moved on to the end to make a larger kitchen. A barn was built for the cattle and chickens. And the pigeons were provided cages fashioned from apple boxes which were attached to the outside on the east of the barn

Pete (the younger) at one time also ventured in greyhounds. Wes said his brother had hopes of earning “big”money selling coyote pelts. Pete would drive the team and wagon accompanied by the greyhounds and a gun. Unfortunately, he found the dogs couldn’t run on the gravel roads lest they became lame so they ran across fields and whenever a coyote was shot the grey hounds would have it torn to pieces.

Wes and his younger brother, Warren as children living in the foothills of the Turtle Mountains west of Dunseith, explored their surroundings as young boys do. They wandered up and down coulees. Coulee’s where they found and collected old weathered buffalo bones. One particular coulee seemed to have many, many bones at the bottom of a steep drop point.

Their father (Peter the Elder) and about four other gentlemen, including a Mr. Schimetz left for a time. These men all had stomach ailments, and someone told them about a “healing hot springs water” in South Dakota.

Upon their father’s return about two weeks later, Wes and Warren were sent with 10 gallon jugs to collect water from Mineral Springs. They would cross the creek with a buggy Wes said, “They kind of cheated the horse flies” which were bad in that area biting up the horses, they had to borrow nose bags. Many times the boys would have to stopŠ.they kind of “get side tracked” catching minnows!

“Mineral Springs was no bigger than this kitchen, where we found a few bones there too.” said Wes. The young enterprising Schneider boys,were using their fathers buggy to collect bones. The bones were taken to Dunseith, sold to Mr. Richard who bought animal bones of all kinds to be shipped elsewhere, then ground and re-sold as bonemeal or fertilizer. The boys had also found many intact old buffalo skulls which were purchased by Mr. Richard who placed them around his gas station south of town.

After a time in the thirties, new neighbors, the Kotchevar’s arrived moved onto land which was owned by relatives. They lived west of the Willow Lake Road about three quarters of a mile from his dad’s farm. At five or six o’clock on most Sunday nights, Mr. and Mrs. Kotchevar would come to the Schneider farm picking up their weekly supply of milk, cream and butter.

While growing up, mostly during oft seasons of their farm work
Wes and his younger brother Warren often helped Mr. and Mrs. Kotchevar. Wes descrbed Mr Kotchevar “He was a pretty good guy, he didn’t drink or smoke.” Mrs. Kotchevar was neat and polite.

There were the times, when carrying an ax, Wes accompanied Mr. Kotchevar through the woods. Mr. Kotchevar would point out a tree. Wes said, “He was very particular about the height and shape of the trees.” Wes obligingly chopped the trees down. Then, would haul them back to the yard where Mr. Kotchevar would varnish the wood until it was highly glossed. Wes and Warren hand drilled holes into the poplar tree poles and Mr. Kotchevar wired for electricity.


Mrs. Kotchevar, a self taught taxidermist, had began her art by studying. Wes recalls her table covered with papers and books. The Schneider family provided her with many tame pigeons which she began practicing this craft. Once mastered, she then continued with stuffing various critters, including gophers, frogs, mice and rabbits.

One day, she told Wes she wanted to taxidermy a pheasant. She said, “It needs to be a big pheasant.” Although out of season, Wes obliged her, “When, a big, wild pheasant just happened to come into the yard and fought with the Schneider turkey gobbler.” “It was large!”

During the summer season, the Kotchevar’s lived in their little “summer shack’. The bigger log house(“lodge”) was the special viewing place for the stuffed animals set in various poises and scenes. One would enter that lodge, and find their imagination pulling them on a journey to magical places cleverly created by Mr. and Mrs. Kotchevar.

I (Vickie) told Wes, Do I remember correctly? “There were frogs sitting up in little chairs around a table playing cards, mice dancingŠŠ?”

And outside, the yard was a showplace of gardens. Stuffed gophers placed along paths under light poles fashioned from the poplar trees.
Local people came. Then, returning, brought visitors from various places near and far to see Deer Heart Lodge. Word traveled and families out for a summers drive enjoyed this attraction on Sundays. The Kotchevars, also sold glossy varnished walking canes, table lamps, lamps and little chairs all in different sizes.

A crude sign on the driveway read “Deer Heart Lodge”. Cars would be parked all over. Adults would pay about 10 cents in admission fees.
“Ah, But Wes and Warren always got in free!”

With the change of season, summer to fall and the scarcity of visitors, Deer Heart Lodge would close to visitors for the winter months. Mr. and Mrs. Kotchevar vacated the “summer shack” to move back into the warmer lodge and resume their wood work and crafts.

Wes does not recall any Kotchevar children. But a dog might have made it’s home with them. After reading,his nephew, Duanes’ story about “Adam and the Lang bull,” Wes said, “He did not recall any tulips. But, he did remember Mr.Kochevar asking him to come and plow a place for that strawberry bed. Wes used the Schneider horse and plow. He was directed to a patch of ground east their house. Mt. Kotchevar showed him how much he wanted plowed. The rocks were then dug out and hauled away.

The Ending at Deer Heart Lodge.
One day Wes found Mr. Kotchevar out laying in his little shack, very sick. He told Wes, “He couldn’t get up,” saying “It’s too much punishment.” Wes got him up helped him walk around. “Finally in misery he went back to bed. ” Wes said, “My brother Sal went the next day and helped Mrs. Kotchevar load up Mr. Kotchevar and all the furniture they could put into his truck and moved them to Minnesota to Never return to Deer Heart Lodge.

As told to Vickie by Wes October 2010
 
 
 
 
Message/Picture from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 

To Gary and Friends, An old photo cicero, 1959. Kathy Schimetz, Reid, and Mark with Sammy, a Wiemeran hound dog. A picture in the back ground of the old School house. Dad bought us two of these dogs as we were kids. Smokey the first, as well as Sammy here were both poisoned. They were really neat dogs and protective. This old Photo brought to mind a nice day when Reid was pulling Kathy in our little red wagon, Margaret Fontaine wanted her ride too, so she pulled Kathy out of the Wagon. Kathy was crying as Margaret got into the wagon, and in a split second Smokey had broken away from me and before Margaret was firmly set in the wagon, Sammy raced to the scene and in on swift movement tossed Margaret out out of the wagon by the Knapp of her dress and growled at her, and now it was Margaret in tears as she scrambled home. Concerned, I checked on both girls and found that Margaret didn’t even have a mark on her. This old story came to mind when a neighbor purchased a Wiemeran Hound recently. Unfortunately the pup was run over by the mans wife, as he was resting under the carriage of a SUV. They were beautiful, gentle and very protective creatures, and great family dogs.
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

 

 

 

 

 
  

10/26/2010

Posted on by

Email address change

From Donna DuBois Thomas (72): Dunseith, ND
 

Hi Gary,

 

 

Please send all e-mails to my home e-mail address which is : poody@ I can no longer receive personal e-mails at my work e-mail which is : dthoams@

 

Thanks,

 

Donna Thomas (DuBois) – Class of ‘72

 

 
 
 
 
Email address change
From Betty Schneider Lamb (54): Grand Forks, ND
 
Gary: Our computer crashed two weeks ago and we just had a new computer installed today so we have missed your blog for the last two weeks. Our new e-mail address is bandblamb@.
Bill and I would appreciate your prayers for our son, Matt. Matt will be having open heart surgery at St. Mary’s in Rochester on November 1st. Matt has hypertrophic cardio myopathy which is the muscle inside your heart which thickens and will not flex. The surgeons will open his heart and remove a portion of this muscle. Bill and I plan to go to Woodbury early Friday morning and then all of us plan to go to Rochester on Sunday. We plan to be gone for several weeks.
We look forwared to receiving your messages again. Thank you so much for doing this. Betty and Bill Lamb
Betty & Bill, Our prayers are with Matt. Please keep us posted. Gary
 
Note: You can view the daily messages you missed on the Dunseith Alumi Website http://garystokes.net/default.aspx
 
 
 
 
Stella Schimetz’s Daughter.
Reply from Linda Johnson Juntunen (72): Perth, ND
 

I think this is Kim, Stella’s daughter

 

 

 

Linda J. Juntunen

COO

Microlap Technologies, Inc.

ph 701.477.3193.ext 18

fx 701.477.6579

www.microlap.com

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

 

 

MD&M West – February 8 to 10, 2011

Anaheim, California – Booth #1180

 

OFC/NFOEC – March 8 to 11, 2011

Los Angeles, California – Booth #1813

Hello Linda, The gal in the picture was identified as Kathy, Stella’s oldest daughter, by several folks yesterday.

 

You company and upcoming events in your signature block look so interesting. With that I wanted to post this. I know that you are the owner of or part owner of the “Microlap Technologies, Inc” company in Rolla. Wasn’t your company formerly owned by the Federal government with a different name? I see you have shows coming up in Anaheim & LA. Are you the one that organizes and runs these shows? With that, you do a lot of traveling with your company. Please fill us in with the history and workings of your company. Thanks, Gary

 
 
 
Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Gary: The last time I saw Carl and Shirley about 6 years ago, Wayne was living on, or had bought, Albert Hiatt’s farm. This is directly across from Carl’s driveway. I don’t know about Vonda. Carl and Shirley didn’t play music when I worked for them either. I think the winter of 63/64. Probably as responsibilities wound down, the golden opportunity to have fun for a change went up.

Keith: Forces are at work, which I am resisting, to get me to make a trip to the DC area in Nov or Dec. Knowing that those forces are sometimes stronger than mine, maybe I’ll get to see you again in a month or so.

Dale

 
 
 
Monthly dinner club.
 
Folks, last Saturday our monthly dinner club had dinner at a Chinese Restaruant on the 20th floor of a 41 floor tower hotel/condominium here in Cebu. This club started out being a monthly potluck dinner that rotated thru the members. There are members who do not have facilities to accomodate everyone, so for their month we have been going to a restaurant. In the future, I think the ladies have decided to make this monthly dinner a restaurant gathering.
 
We guys sat at one table and the Gals at another. The gals came over to our table for the picture. The gals out numbered the guys. Several of the gals are single and several Husbands were unable to attend.
 
As I’ve mentioned before, we guys are mostly foreigners, from various countries, with varied back grounds, married to or partners of PI gals. We are like one big happy family.
 
Guys L to R.
(1) Steve from Michigan. Steve is a retired contract engineer from Ford motor. (2) Leo Tacke from Holland. Leo is the General Manager of the Technical support branch of the Lexmark (IBM) Printer company. He has about 1,000 folks under his command. For those of you with Lexmark printers calling for technical support, you will be talking to Leo’s department here in Cebu. (3) Ben from Holland. Ben is retired from the Holland Air force. (4) Me, Gary Stokes, (5) James from California. James is retired from the California State Water purification department. (6) Michael from Ireland/England. Michael is a retired Dentist. (7) Joe from Australia. Joe is retired from the Australian Navy.
 
 
 
 
 
Minot Bazaar
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

Hi Everyone,

 

I’m back “hawking” another bazaar! Again, I realize many of you live too far away to attend the bazaar–however, you may order caramels directly from me, too. :)

 

If you live in the Minot/Bottineau/other areas around Minot, including Canada, and if your employer doesn’t mind if you print/post this flyer, I would appreciate your doing so. :)

 

“Our” dates are the same dates at “The Big One”, a LARGE sale held at the fairgrounds in Minot. I call our sale, “The Little One”. :)

 

I hope to see some of you at the bazaar. :)

 

Neola

 

P.S. Flavors are plain/plain with nuts, chocolate/chocolate with nuts, licorice, raspberry-chocolate. These flavors are availabe in “real” sugar and also in Splenda–for diabetics or people watching their sugar intake.

 

 

  

10/25/2010

Posted on by
Carl Melgaard
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Gary,
This responds to Dick Johnson’s input on Carl Melgaard and to Bill Grimme.

Thank you Dick for the update on Carl’s condition. Like Gary, I also worked for Carl and Shirley. It was the summer of 1965 (between my junior and senior years). It was a good experience for me and it helped me to become more independent and sure of myself and my own abilities. What is probably hard to believe is that even though both Carl and Shirley had been singing and Carl playing the steel guitar long before I worked for them, they did not do either during the period I worked for them. We always seemed to put in such long days in the field and doing morning and evening chores that there was little time for fun.

Anyway, I did finally get the opportunity to see them perform. In the spring of 2006, the Bottineau community held a benefit for my sister-in-law Margaret and my youngest brother Dan at the senior citizens center (Marge later lost her battle with cancer) in Bottineau. Anyway, Carl and Shirley performed as part of the entertainment at the benefit and I got to hear and see them perform for the first time. I really enjoyed hearing them and in fact seeing them for the first time in almost forty years. If Carl and Shirley (or Wayne or Vonda) are on your distribution list, Gary, I wish Carl and Shirley all the best and a speedy recovery for Carl. (As an aside, Shirley was a first cousin to my Dad , so is a second cousin (or something like that) to me.

Also a quick “Amen” to Bill Grimme. I often feel the same way. I used to call myself a computer dinosaur at work towards the end of my career because the new employees coming on board knew far more about computers than I’ll ever know in my lifetime. And when I need help with the tvs, vcrs, cd players, etc, at the house, I either call my son or my oldest grandson to come over and help. Of course they figure out what’s wrong very quickly and fix it. It’s usually something quite simple that I’ve done wrong and then they try to make me understand whatever it was I done wrong and how to avoid doing it again. Just give me something with one or two buttons to click and I’m okay. Beyond that I’m quickly lost. And as to the lady in my GPS — she sounded pretty nice the first time I used my GPS, now I just wish she would shut the &$@@ up.! So, again Bill, Amen!
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, I do not have Vonda or Wayne on our distribution. Where are they living these days. Minot rings a bell? Gary
 
 
Colette Hosmer is in China
 
 
 
Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
 
Right on, Bill!

Currently I am on a little island off the coast of China (directly across from Taiwan). This island is four kilometers in diameter, cars and bicycles are forbidden. The paths are narrow, winding and hilly. I’m living in an old Villa with just a caretaker (he speaks Chinese only). The last couple of days, Typhoon Megi blew through. We barricaded the old Villa the best we could and waited — watched the storm for clues of pending severity. No Internet, no TV, no radio. I loved it!
 
Colette
 
 
 
 
Clarification of the Author posted by Bill Grimme yesterday
Reply from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
 
Gary,
 
When I read this post, I realized it sounds like this was written by me, I.e. About my life. Not so; it was just a forward to you-author unknown.
Bill
Bill, I knew that was a forward and not authored by you. I should have made that clarification. When reading it though, it sounds just like you and the way you would describe things. You too, have a good way with words with your stories to capture the attention of those they are being told to. It’s a gift. Gary
 
 
 

Dunseith City Sewer installation

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

Today I thought of a deal from the mid 50s when Dunseith put in city sewer and folks got rid of the old out houses and the septic tanks in the back yards. I remember Dad and Junior Mellmer worked in our basement to plumb our house and connect to the new city system. I got to put in the oakum, which is like a rope, that goes in the old cast pipe before lead is melted and poured in to seal the joint. I still remember Junior telling me I should be a plumber. I commented that I didn’t know anything about plumbing but he said, “All you need to know to be a plumber is that turds don’t go uphill and payday is Friday,” That was the first time I had heard that saying and I remember thinking that was sure not much to know. That was back in the day when they used torches instead of electric flashers and caution tape to keep people from falling into the open trenches at night. The torches were round black pots with kerosene in them and the workers would light them at dark and put them around the open trench. I still remember going over and looking at the torches that I thought resembled bombs in the cartoons. I’m not sure of the exact year but I think it was the late 50s. I bet some of the folks can remember the year. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
Kathy Schimetz Wood (72)
Reply from Allen Richard (65):
Stella is standing next to Kathy–her oldest daughter.
 
Allen
 
 
 

Kathy Schimetz Wood (72)

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Boonton, NJ
 
Hi Gary, the young lady with Stella is her daughter Kathy, class of 72 and I believe she lives in Minot.
Lynn Halvorson Otto

Kathy Schimetz Wood (72)

Reply from Debbie Fugere Fauske (75): Minot, ND
 

Hi Gary:
 
The gal next to Stella is her daughter, Kathy.
 
 
 

Kathy Schimetz Wood (72)

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

I’m pretty sure the gal with Stella is her daughter Kathy.

Dick

Thank you folks for these replies. I thought this was Kathy, but I was not sure.
 
Are there any other Schimetz family pictures that were taken at Stella’s birthday celebration that any of you would like so share? We’d love to see any that any of you may have. Thanks, Gary
 
Mother & Daughter
Stella Schimetz & Kathy Schimetz Wood
 


  

10/24/2010

Posted on by
Carl Melgaard
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Anyone who knows Carl and Shirley Melgaard, knows how they really love old time music. This summer Carl was quite concerned about his tumor and was not sure if he was going to survive, let alone ever play his guitar and banjo again. He told me we better play a few songs soon as it may be the last time he would be able to. I always said, “You’ll be fine Carl, it will work out OK.” I truthfully had no real idea but wanted him to stay upbeat. Last week we went over to Carl and Shirley’s and he played his guitar and banjo just like always! He was full of the dickens and joked about his ‘hard head’—-he does have a huge square scar on top of his head. He joked about asking the doctor if he should get a hair cut before he went for surgery but the doc said to save his money and let the surgeon cut it! Same old Carl! It’s wonderful that they could remove the tumor and Carl hasn’t lost any finger dexterity or memory. He sang several songs without forgetting a word! It’s also hilarious when Shirley, who isn’t outspoken, throws in her subtle humor about Carl’s ‘hard head’. It’s good to have Carl back to good health. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 

Memories of Roland Mongeon.

 

 

 

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

 

I remember Roland and Cora from my early childhood. Cora and Dad were first cousins and close in age. Dad and Eugene Mongeon were school buddies. Roland was “big brother” to Gene and kind of “adopted” Dad.

 

Later when Dad was old enough to work on threshing crews — age 14 or so — he would be pretty tired at night and wasn’t really old enough to take part in the shenanigans the older guys did. Roland was, but rarely did. When the others would come back making noise Dad would wake up and more often than not see Roland saying his nightly Rosary.

 

Roland and Dad moved to their respective farms along Highway 3 in the mid-forties. The house on Dad’s place was in terrible shape and the one on Roland’s place was very nice. In fact, it sits next door to Stella Schimetz home in Dunseith today. When Joni and I were first married we rented the upstairs apartment from Mary Gottbreht for a couple summers. Anyway, Roland’s house had all the amenities of the day, and Dad’s was a shack. The other problem was the well Dad used for cattle went bad, putting Dad in a bind. There were other problems as well. I think it was the winter of ’45-’46 when all this took place. It was a rough winter and #3 was barely passable in the summer, let alone a bad winter. Roland and Cora decided they would like to move to town. Cora’s health was part of that decision. Roland let Dad move his herd to his place where there was plenty of room. Dad took care of Roland’s heard and in turn lived there for free. Turned out that the winter and roads were so bad that the only way into town was by horse.

 

In 1960 Dad built the house on our farm. He hired a carpenter named Gilmer Ihla from Rolette to do it, with the understanding that Dad would earn some of the money back by working for Gilmer. Gilmer got hurt about half way through the construction and was out for nearly a month. I was 13, so I couldn’t help much. I usually came home and did the chores. Gary Pigeon was working for us then. Gary helped with everything. Those of you who remember Gary know that if anything vaguely resembled a tool, Gary mastered in no time. When Gilmer came back and saw the progress, he said “What do you need me for?” It was late in the fall and the weather started going bad. Gilmer couldn’t make it every day–and there were no phones until ’62-’63, so Gilmer built the cabinets at his shot and brought them out. We moved in for Christmas. Not bad for a house construction that began around Labor Day!

 

Anyway, the reason for the previous paragraph was to lead to this one. The next year, Roland built his home. Gilmer was a very talented carpenter and Roland wanted him to build it. Gilmer was about the age we are today and was actually retired. The last thing he wanted was another project 25 miles form home. (Frankly, the last +)*(&^^%#@% thing I want to do is build another house!) Gilmer told Roland that the only way he would do it is if he could convince Art Richard to help — and that Roland would pay Dad whatever they could agree on. Not sure how that all worked out, but Dad always figured he owed Roland toe that winter in the ’40’s, so I’m sure Roland got a pretty good deal.

 

I’m not sure which of the next two events happened next, but I think it was the accident where Roland lost the tips of some of his fingers in a corn chopper. It was obviously harvest time. Roland was going to be laid up for the rest of the season. “Jimmy” Gottbreht had worked for Roland for a number of yeas at that time and knew Roland’s operation pretty well. Dad talked to Jimmy and they formed a plan to harvest Roland’s crops. Jimmy took care of the chores. Dad organized the neighbors and Roland’s crop was in the bin in less than a week. First time I ever saw six combines going around the same field.

 

Roland and Dad were very involved in the early years of the Dunseith Knights of Columbus. One night after a KC meeting they both attended, Roland came home to find Cora had passed away while sitting in her chair watching TV. Dad was the first person Roland called. I don’t know any details after that.

 

Later on Roland retired from farming at the age of 68. I rented his land form the mid ’70’s until I left ND in 1990. I drafted one contract. It was for three years. That was the last document we had. After that it was “settle up in the fall, and plant in the spring. (It was much the same with my three other land owners, Bill Evans, Emery Carbonneau, and Don Koehmsted. Wouldn’t we have a much better country if things were like that today?)

 

I have the fondest memories of all the times a lot of us shared at morning or afternoon coffee at Dale’s or the Gathering or both. The coffee group included Roland, Bill, Armand Neil, Dick, Keith, Ray, Dwight, Freddie, Gordie, Terry, and Father Joe. It was a winter ritual — and of course everyone was welcome if they didn’t mind playing the numbers/napkin game to see who paid. I know I missed people.

 

Roland, like every human was not perfect, but a huge majority of the people in the world could take lessons on how to be a friend and how to treat others.

 

And Joan–I’m glad you were once one of my students. Best wishes to you and your mom.

 

Allen
 
 
 
 
 
Butte St. Paul Picture
Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
 

Dear Gary,

Looking very hard at the picture at the Butte gives us some guessing. The little girl standing at the right side, in front of the Sister, is the Picard girl that became a Sister. (Saw her this summer at Maryvale in Valley City ND.) Standing behind the little girl with the plate, the taller boy is Amy Picard Jr. and to his immediate left is his sister Elaine, she is kind of squeezed next to him. On the far left (near Emy Picard) you will find who we believe to be Jeanne Vandal, she is in the back, looks like Sister is talking to her.

 

Bonnie Houle (56)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Folks, I know many of you know who this young lady is standing with Stella in this picture, but she has not yet been identified to the blog. Thanks, Gary

 

Stella Schimetz and ?????

 
 
 
 
 
For the over 60 generation:
From Bill Grimme(65): Birmingham, AL
 


I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all
without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and
communicated with Facebook and Twitter.

I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their
spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in
the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter
with only 140 characters of space.

That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree,
Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and
something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other
program within the texting world.

My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything
except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready
to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost
every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that
in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it’s red] phone I am
supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at
Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards
was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it, and
I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside
was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every
10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, “Re-calc-ul-ating”. You would
think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me.
She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the
next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the
cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy,
the GPS lady, at least she loves me.

To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless
phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven’t
figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around
digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry
baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every
time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on
something themselves but this sudden “Paper or Plastic?” every time I
check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable
bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them in with
me.

Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, “Paper or Plastic?” I just
say, “Doesn’t matter to me. I am bi-sacksual.” Then it’s their turn to
stare at me with a blank look.

I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I do toot a lot.”

 
  

10/23/2010

Posted on by
Roland Mongeon Walked Evie Gottbreht down the Aisle
Message/Picture from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
 
 

Hi Gary and Friends,

 

 

Just wanted to share this picture of my Uncle Roland and me on my wedding day (12/17/66).

 

 

At the time ofAuntie Cora’s sudden death in January of 1966 I was planning to make a change from Minot State to somewhere…my bags were packed and school transfer plans were in the works so it was easy for me to move to Uncle Roland’s farm and help him through the winter.We shared so many memories during the months I was with him and by spring he said he would pay for a year of school anywhere I wanted to go if I stayed and helped on the farm until September….sounded like a plan.I started making applications for fall and decided on University of Denver when I was accepted there.Bob and Lee Hosmer invited me on a trip to Colorado Springs so I could visit the University and see Colette and Nancy.Nancy introduced me to her next door neighbor, Jerry Pilkington.Jerry and I decided to spend our lives together very quickly and I soon had a diamond ring.

 

 

Uncle Roland and my mom were so nervous about this new fellow in my life that the minute I got back to Dunseith, Uncle Roland and Mom had planned an immediate return trip to Colorado Springs to meet Jerry – after a week they fell in love with him too.Mom and Uncle Roland gave their approval and we were married the following December.

 

 

What I remember most about Uncle Roland is that he was so faithful to God, family and friends.I never heard a disparaging word about anyone ever – he loved life and loved people and prayed more than once a day.I had a conversation with his daughter Joan and we both agreed that he was best described as a server.What a great legacy!

 

 

Over the years we always retold the stories of being snowbound in the “great storm” of March 1966.Uncle and I were in route to Grand Forks the day of the storm.We had a wonderful weekend feasting and playing cards at my Uncle Ernie and Aunt Elizabeth Boucher’s home.Approximately 32 inches of snow fell and the drifts were up to the second story of many houses and the kids at UND were having a great time jumping from roofs of frat houses into snow banks.

 

 

The tractor story we also laughed about many times over the years. One day in the Spring Uncle Roland came to get me to help move the trucks and tractor from one field to another….he said if I get stuck with the truck don’t follow me into the mud.He got stuck in the mud….I didn’t follow him in – I just drove to what look dry beside him in the field and got stuck there!!!!Uncle very quietly got out of the truck and walked I am sure over a mile to get the tractor and then came back to pull the truck and car out of the mud.He asked me if I could get home from where I was and I was sure I could but shortly I found myself on top of the railroad tracks looking at water at the other side….lots of mud behind me that I had just barely maneuvered through so I decide to go down the side of the rail road tracks.Soon the car was almost tipping over horizontal so I stopped ….looked over my shoulder to access my situation and I saw Uncle coming very fast through the mud on the tractor to rescue me….I think to rescue his new car. =) He saved the day, didn’t yell or reprimand and we laughed about this event over and over again.Uncle didn’t get much work done that day!

 

 

Roland Mongeon was a blessing and joy in the lives of all the children in the Dale Gottbreht family
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carl Melgaard had a brain tumor removed:
Message from Mary Eurich (62): Dunseith, nd
 

Hi Gary

Just thought I’d drop a quick note. I was over to visit Shirley and Carl the other night. He had a brain tumor removed. He seems to be doing fine. Quite a scar on his noggin tho.

Things are quieting down now so hopefully I’ll be able to send some more pictures. I really enjoy reading the blog everyday. Mary

Thanks Mary for the update on Carl.
 
Folks, Carl is married to Shirley Knutson. Shirley, Bud (Leroy) and Norris were siblings. Bud, deceased, was married to Mary. Carl and Shirley live a half mile east of the Willow Lake road just north of Willow Lake and a mile south of highway 43. I worked for Carl and Shirley the summer between my junior and senior year.
 
Mary, we love your pictures. As you find the time, please keep them coming. Gary

 
 

Reply from Joe Johnson (77): Lindstrom, MN

Gary,

Again, my Mom’s maiden name was Velma Anna Grenier. Two or three years after college, Velma married Joseph “Warren” Johnson (Dunseith HS 42?), this is Chuck Johnson’s brother (Chuck and Mona Dionne Johnson (48) Chuck, managed the San Haven Laundry for many years.). Velma and Warren were married for 30 to 31 years and then divorced. Later, early eighties, Mom married Milton Millang and moved from Dunseith to the Millang homestead place, which is the first farm on the North side of Hwy 43 when you take 43 west, towards Lake Metigoshe, from US 281 North. So a long answer to your question, Velma Millang’s middle name was “Anna”.

Thanks for sending a good link to the guest book; however, I also found a good guest book link last night by going to Nero Funeral Home’s web site.


Sorry, can’t help id folks in the photos Sharon sent, I was just a little tike then.

Thanks, Joe

Man Joe, I really learned something new. I had no idea that your mother, Velma, was married to Milton Millang. That is why I was confused. This all happened after I left the country. You are getting up into my neck of the woods now. At the time I realized that Milton got married, but also at that time I did not know you guys, so now I can put it all together. There are two Velma Millang’s that were married to brothers, Cliff and Milton. I have known Velma Brennan Millang and her family my entire life. We were together a lot with 4-H and other social activities in our growing up days. Cliff, Milton and your mother all left us at such early ages too. When we looked out our kitchen window to the east we had a great view, 4 miles to the east, of Little Prairie Church and the Art Millang farmstead across the road where your mother moved to when she and Milton were married. Agnes (Cliff) Salmonson, Stan and Kathy’s mother, was a sister to Milton and Cliff too.

 
 
 
 

Reply to Picture

From Sharon Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
 
Dick is right about the date: July 1958. My first impression, before cropping, was Margery Kester. There is less definition with the enlargement, it looks less like Margery although it must be someone of her height.
My mother was 5’3″; I’m 5’3″ and shrinking. Look at me next the younger Ernestine! Ernest and Lucille always plied the waifs at their door with good things to eat. When George G, Joe Link, John Morgan and Lowell Leonard appeared at the door of Ernest and Lucille Daily in Bremerton, Ernest immediately lit the charcoals – called Duaine and said bring on the cold cuts, we have visitors. That World Fair in Seattle, 1962, will always be a best memory for George Gottbreht.

Sharron

 
 
 
Reply toPicture
From Doreen Houle Deschene (64): dee.deschene@hotmail.com Burnsville, MN
Posted by Gary (63) & Roberta Houle:unionsparky@q.com CHAMPLIN, MN
 

Hi Gary–

Gary and I heard from Doreen (Houle) Deschene that in the picture second from the bottom both Doreen Houle and Joanne Houle are correctly labeled.

 

Gary and Roberta Houle

Hello Gary and Doreen, It is so nice to hear from you guys and see your names appear on our blog. I remember both of you very well from my school days, but like a whole lot of us, I have not seen either of you since you graduated from HS. That’s been 46/47 years respectively.Thank you so much for the confirmation of this being you Doreen with Joanne in this picture. All we need to do now is figure out for sure who the person on the far left is who appears to be the leader. Also, is that Sharon Eurich?
 
Thank you Sharron Gottbreht Shen for sharing this picture. It’s fun to collectively identify those in these pictures.
Folks, please post anymore of these old pictures that you may have.
 
Margery Kester, Denise Quillinan, Doreen Houle, Sharon Eurich, Joanne Houle,
Angela Berube, Darlene Quillinan
 
 
All rights reserved

10/22/2010

Posted on by
Roland Mongeon’s Guest Book Link
Reply from Joe Johnson (77): Lindstrom, MN
 

Gary,

This is just some info for you. If I do get a working link to the guest book I’ll sign that for Joan and the family.

 

 

The Roland Mongeon “Guest Book” link led to a page that displayed a web page error message “404 Object could not be found”. Not sure this is correct but my Mom’s middle name was Anna (Velma Anna Grenier / Johnson / Millang) named after Roland’s Mother. I think Anna and Simeon Grenier were sister and brother but I’m not real sure as I’m not so good with family history as it goes.

 

 

Anyway, I thought you might be interested as you seem to know most of the family histories in the area. I think my sister Linda Juntunen could answer the middle name and Simeon / Anna sibling question if you aren’t familiar with the family history and wanted to know for sure.

 

 

Thanks, Joe

Thank you Joe. I too could not open the Roland’s guestbook with the link I provided yesterday. I have reposted today to include Nero’s link.

 

This is interesting about your mothers middle name. Without doing some research, please fill me in on the Millang connection. Is Velma Millang’s middle name Anna too? Gary

 

Roland Mongeon guest book Weblink
 
Nero funeral home Weblink
 
 
Folks, It would be nice if we could nail the identities of those in these two pictures. Please reply even if you are not sure. It may stir someone else’s memory. Thanks, Gary
 
Picture
Reply from Janice Larson Myhre: Spokane, WA
 
Gary, That certainly is my first cousin Linda Evans in the catechism class. She’s gone now but not forgotten. We were so much alike and grew up so far apart she in North Dakota and me in Montana. Eerie. We even found that we wore the same glass frames. Our mothers and their sisters (Esther (Larson), Alice (Evans), Irene (Nogosek) and Dorte (McDougal) Tennancour) were like that, too. Always buying the same dress without the other knowing about it. Made for some great story telling. Janice Larson Myhre, Spokane, WA
 
 
Sharon Gottbreht Shen’s statement:
I cannot recall every name of the catechism class picnic to Butte St Paul. Emy Picard provided our transportation and I think Duaine Dailly is standing next to him. Skip two and perhaps we have Jimmy McCoy, they Ernestine Dailly with Sharron on her left. I think I see Linda Evans behind Ernestine and Connie Bedard on Sister Bernard’s right. Sister Agnes who despaired of my piano skills is also there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

I think the two girls on either end of the group are the twins, Denise and Darlene Quillinan (63). Denise is the one in front of Mrs. Kester. If that is correct, I would venture a guess that the picture is in about ’59 or ’60. The one girl in the back could possibly be Sharon Eurich as she is about the same age. The others I can’t name. The girls in the front probably are a bit younger so may be in the age of the class of about ’65 or even later—-just a wild guess. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 

Picture & CondolencesMinneapolis, MN

Reply from Angela Berube Malget (65):

 

 

Hi Gary and All,

Sad to hear of the passing of Hannah Loeb, Duaine Dailly and Roland
Mongeon. My condolences to all three families.

When I looked at the picture of the young girls in the park that Sharron
Shen identified with Margery Kester, I think from left to right in the
white short sleeved shirt is Denise Quillinan, Doreen Houle, ? Eurick,
Joanne Houle, I’m thinking perhaps myself, and Darlene Quillinan.
Perhaps it could have been a 4-H event? If so, I don’t think it would
be Margery Kester. I certainly could be wrong. Hopefully someone else
can help?

Thanks for all you do everyday Gary.

Angela Berube Malget

Angela and Dick, You guys agree with those you mutually identified in this photo. Angela, since you are in this photo, I’m sure your thoughts of who these folks are, are pretty accurate.

Folks, Please take a hard look at the leader of this group for who this person may be. Who were the 4-H leaders back then or possibly a parent? Thanks, Gary

 

Margery Kester, Denise Quillinan, Doreen Houle, Sharon Eurich, Joanne Houle,

Angela Berube, Darlene Quillinan

 

 

 

 

Question – Picture

From Bernice Belgarde (72): bernice72@hotmail.com Bemidji, MN

 

Gary,

I have the names of the people in the picture but what year was this picture taken and where was it taken at?

Bernice Belgarde
Kenny Nerpel and Vickie Metcalfe, Can you help us out with this question?
Kenny, I think this is your photo?
 
Thanks, Gary

 

L to R and top to bottom:

Madeline LaRocque, Lilly Lajimodiere, Agnes Belgarde
Clayton Bergen, Leona Metcalfe, Martin Belgarde
Nellie Evans, Clifford Metcalfe, Ole Evans
Arne Evans, Eleanor Metcalfe
Clarence Martinson, Emil Metcalfe

 

 

Allen Richard (65) Newspaper article

 

Folks, Several days ago I got a return message from Allen’s work email that he had retired from being the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Midland county, Michigan. Knowing Allen had not planned on retiring for a few more years, I asked him for the story for what was going on. He replied with this newspaper article that I would like to share with you folks.

 

Congratulations Allen for a job well done.

 

Gary

 

Allen’s Reply:

Actually I asked that the Literacy Council change our relationship to that of independent contractor. They did that and actually extended the contract for an extra eight months.
 
Here is the article that ran in the Midland Daily news today:
 

 

Kathie Marchlewski October 20 at 7:21am Report

Here’s what I submitted. Hope it suits you. It was so good to see you this week — we’ll have to do it again. Would be fun to see Susan, too!!!

By Kathie Marchlewski
For the Daily News

The last eight years of the Literacy Council of Midland County have been marked by growth. Its annual fundraiser has outgrown its venue three times, its income and budget have more than doubled, and the number of clients it serves has nearly quadrupled.
With those dramatic increases in place – and growing – the council’s longest serving executive director is announcing that it’s time for some personal growth.
Allen Richard, who started as Executive Director in 2002, is retiring from the organization.
“I’ve been collecting a paycheck for 55 years,” Richard said. “I was 8 years old cultivating my Uncle Floyd’s corn. It’s time to do something else.”
LCMC board vice chair John Wilson said Richard’s contributions to the group have been great. “We’re thankful for all he’s done for the program,” he said.
The council, which celebrates its 25th year in 2011, will be searching for a new director in upcoming months. In the meantime, it has named Richard Dolinski interim Executive Director.
Dolinski will also continue as leader of the The Legacy Center for Student Success (TLC), which was formed in 2004 to help students with needs not addressed in schools.
Pamela Ecarius, Literacy Council board chair, said the organizations’ similar missions and values make Dolinski a good pick.
Richard said he has big plans for his retirement from the council, and they include putting his entrepreneurial spirit to work.
He and wife Susan Putnam share decades of experience in fundraising and public/government relations. The couple started up SPARA, a consulting business, in May of 2009, naming it using their initials and their daughter Alaina’s.
Putnam is executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan, which covers Midland and Mount Pleasant areas.
Richard said his family will stay in the Midland area to be near family, and that Putnam will stay in her position while he works on growing SPARA, which specializes in non-profit management.
“It will allow me to tap into my imagination,” Richard said. “It will let me be the renegade I’ve always been.”
He said he has always taken an unconventional approach to tasks at hand.
“We’ve done a lot of really off-the-wall things,” he said of his time at the Literacy Council.
The state stopped funding literacy programs not long after Richard became director of LCMC, Richard said. At that point, he and staff had to take action. Besides plumping up community fundraising efforts, the team requested and received an increase of about $15,000 a year in federal funding. They also amped up efforts to get grants from foundations and businesses.
The Council in the last five years also changed the way it teaches, widening its focus to include help for clients with dyslexia.
“Allen has been a key person in bringing the Susan Barton dyslexia program to individuals in Midland County,” Ecarius said.
Including a program with the power to help readers who hadn’t succeeded in schools resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of clients served at the agency. And it improved results.
“Before that, we were basically doing the same thing that didn’t work for our clients when they were in school,” Richard said.
The Literacy Council in recent years has also taken the dyslexia initiative to area schools in an effort to prevent non-literacy before it starts.
Along with growth in the number of patrons and their level of success, Ecarius said Richard’s leadership has been key in the growth of the council’s annual Fat Tuesday fundraiser, the World’s Greatest Dessert Party.
The party provides almost 20 percent of the agency’s annual budget. Prior to Richard’s directorship, it typically raised twenty-something thousand dollars. The last three parties raised more than $30,000 each.
Richard predicts the 2011 party will be the best yet.
“We’re going to have room for twice as many people,” he said of the event’s newly-changed venue, which will be Valley Plaza Resort on Bay City Road on March 8.
Wilson said that as the Literacy Council moves past its silver anniversary, its services are expected to be in increased deman, in part because school staff and budget cuts are shaving away services to students.
“We expect our program is going to have an influx of young people,” Wilson said.
Richard feels good about the strength of the organization as he steps back.
“It’s in good hands,” he said of Dolinski’s incoming leadership. He said staff will also keep up momentum. “Two things I did really well were hire really good, talented, professional people and find a way to pay the bills,” Richard said.
Wilson said the mission of the organization remains clear: “We want to make sure the programs we have are operating effectively and our services are being utilized by as many people as possible,” he said.
The Literacy Council of Midland County is located at 222 N. Saginaw Road, Suite 1, Midland.

 

 

Allen Richard October 20 at 7:42am

Thanks! It looks fine to me!

Allen

 
 
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