09/20/2010

Posted on by
The Music:
Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.
 
Hey Gary,
You should include music every morning. That is a terrific add-on. Loved it. Have a good day. Sybil Johnson
Yes Sybil, That was some nice peppy music to get ones day started on the right foot. Thank you Neola for providing. Gary
 
 
 
 
San Haven Pictures:
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.
 
Gary and Friends,

There are several pictures of San Haven from the very early days that were in the box of pictures from the Mildred Isakson estate and are now at the Rolette County museum. I will send a few at a time and ‘open the floor’ for comments. These two are of the cottages and the main hospital building and one of the houses—probably a doctor’s residence at that time. It would appear that this was just after the Sanitarium began as the landscaping around the hospital looks fresh. Thanks Gary!

Dick


 

 

 

 

Highway 43 will be performing at the Hostfest:

Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

 

Hi Gary,
 
As you can see, Highway 43 is scheduled to perform at the Hostfest. Stockholm Hall, where they are performing, is the first door/hall to the right when you enter the main doors at the Hostfest. They will be performing all four days, twice a day. When you enter the main doors, you will either be given, or you can pick up, a schedule for the four days.
 
I like Stockholm Hall, as, besides having excellent music, it has many vendors. I enjoy checking what the vendors are selling; it’s especially fun when there is good music to listen to, also.
 
Neola
 
 

 

 

 

Evelyn Marie Cote Senechal Obituary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND

 

 

 

 

  

09/19/2010

Posted on by
No message Yesterday
 
Folks, I got rushed and didn’t get a message out yesterday.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Henry Salmonson & Larry Metcalfe birthdays
Message/pictures from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.
 
Gary, ( did you get the photos?)

Just a month ago, August 18, there was a summer garden
supper-feast at the home of Dennis and Peggy Espe’s. The occasion
was Larry Lowell Metcalfe’s birthday. Cousin Larry considers his
friend, Dennis Espe as very special true friend. Sometimes in life
we’re lucky to get a “true friend”
Therefore a photo.
A couple days after that photo was taken, Mr. Espe’s,
Smith,cousin’s; Wayne and Rosemary,hosted another hills gathering.
Oh my! More birthday festivities honoring their uncle Henry
Salmonson. Lot’s of Smith nephews and nieces from the area and
Minnesota enjoyed Hank playing a collection of his favorite tunes.
Hank’s actual birthday was today, September 18. He is now
officially 90 and he celebrated again, with his son Bradley from
Idaho, From Seattle, Nephew-in-Law and niece; Leonard and
June(Salmonson) Honsey, Great niece Sherrie Honsey, From Bottineau,
Sharon Beckman and myself all at the Family Bakery. June baked the
official cake.
The photo is of Hank, Hank’s son Bradley, his niece June
(Salmonson) Honsey and Great Niece Sharon Honsey. All with the
exception of Sharon are DHS graduates.

When I was a little child, our family lived in a little house
nestled under the acorned hills. Around the corner to the back sat
the wee out-house which served our families needs until I was in
fourth grade.

My mother’s kitchen stove was a combination; 1/2 wood + 1/2
electric, which on cool mornings pushing fall, my mother would
gather her fine wood kindling,begin a fire. She’d, put 2 scoops of
coffee in the pot and let it come to a boil. We girls would wake to
the wafting smell of bacon, pancakes and coffee. Then, a rattling of
milk buckets and our Dad exclaiming, “Jack Frost was here last night,
get up girls and look at the pictures he left! ”

Oh boy! What treasures we gazed upon! Of course, we’d been
told that outside the elusive “Jack Frost” been around for days. We
knew he’d been sneaking around using his best colours to paint the
leaves. Mom had been canning and gathering the last of the
vegetables of summer which were too colourful lined up in rows in the
root cellar.

Now,with houses and windows weather proofed, “Jack Frost”
and the magical farm mornings have been long left behind. This
morning going out with the dogs, I looked across to my neighbors yard
and viewed “bag ladies” sitting on many steps. Oh my Gary, don’t
take that last statement literal.
Of course not bag ladies in Bottineau, but patio plants geranium and
such, covered with colourful blankets. And in the garden, tomatoes
and cukes covered with tarps.

Next week fall will officially be here. I will be walking the
dogs in the darkness of morning.I will for old times sake stomp on
the thin ice covering puddles. As the sun rises in the east my voice
will will crackle then hum “Autumn Leaves” and I will think ” That’s
the right key isn’t it Mr. Johnson?..Thank you for making us
practice, practice, and practice, from your gift of teaching I can
still be on key after all these seasons. ”
Later. Vickie

Vickie, Yes, I received the pictures from Karen Larson (Spectrum) pasted below. Again, thank you Karen for all of your wonderful services.
 
Larry and Karen are enough older than me for me to remember them that well. I knew their names well, though, in my growing up days. I’ve seen Dennis and Henry frequently over the years with my trips back, but I have not seen Bradley since the 1982 Dunseith Centennial. Bradley attended Ackworth too. He was 4 years ahead of me. Mrs. Phelps would have been his 8th grade teacher and my 4th grade teacher. Hank, Maybelle and Bradley lived 1 3/4 miles east of us up in the hills.
 
For all of you Ackworth folks that had Mrs. Phelps for a teacher. Do you remember her brother Kenneth Johnson from Overley frequently visiting her during school hours? I remember him well, because he always brought us candy and goodies to eat. Kenneth passed away several weeks ago. He was living in Bottineau.
 
For years, Hank and Albert Hiatt did custom sheep shearing. They’d shear our sheep every spring. Albert Hiatt and Hank Salmonson were brother-in-Laws. Albert’s wife, Alice Salmonson Hiatt, was a sister to Hank. Gary
 
Larry Lowell Metcalfe (59) & Dennis Espe (56)
 
 
 
Henry Salmonson (38), Bradley Salmonson (61),
Sharon Honsey & June Salmonson Honsey (49)

 

 

  

09/17/2010

Posted on by
500 mile Colorado Trail Journey completed:
Message from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 

Hi Gary,

 

I just wanted to let you know that I completed the 500 miles on the Colorado Trail and 6 weeks solo in the Rocky Mountain Wilderness yesterday. I updated my blog just now, so anyone who is interested in my adventures on horseback can log on and check it out!

 

Thanks Gary!

 

Trish (Larson) Wild

The Equine Nomad

Trish, This is quite an accomplishment that you undertook. You are so brave to be doing this all alone. Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Dale Pritchard (63):
From Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

Dale,

 

I was living at Tachikawa AB from Aug. 1974 to July 1977. I worked at Yokota 1974-1975 and at the Tachi Headquarters Bldg from mid 1975 till June of 1977. How well I remember the drive from Tachi to Yokota AB on the Ichi Kaichi Kaido (Highway #1) to work and back. The smell of the Benjo ditches and the dousing of the headlights at a stoplight at night (to improve vision for on-coming traffic). I also remember the flights coming in with Vietnamese refugees. I used to do TDYs into Subic Bay and I remember the word “Sin-chu-yee” (Attention) announced all too frequently over the loud-speakers at the Vietnamese refugee camp on Grande Island. It seemed like those people were constantly being called to attention for one thing or another. We closed dear old Tachi in 1977and I spent the next couple of years on Okinawa living on Kadena and working in Ojana from July 1977 till July 1979 when I moved to Wiesbaden, Germany. I was on Oki when they brought in a number of Southeast Asian refugees to the Exposition of the Sea grounds where they were kept in barracks and tents. I was also there when the Japanese government switched the Okinawans from driving on the right hand side of the road (during our occupation) to driving on the left side like they do on the “home islands.” Just think about it. Everything from bus doors to turning lanes had to be switched to the other side. Auto headlamps, street lights, signs had to be switched to the other side. Pedestrian safety classes were held in the schools, public halls and safety ads on TV. While it took months to finish the construction, the actual switch-over was made in 6 hours on a Sunday night. At 6:00 AM on a Sunday morning, with the help of thousands of Japanese traffic cops directing traffic, people were allowed to drive on the newly switched roads. And they did. Every vehicle that had an internal combustion engine took to the road and it was complete chaos. I remember at an intersection near the USO Gate that had no less than a dozen traffic police all blowing their whistles and giving different directions. It was all very Keystone Cops in nature. The chaos continued for about 3 weeks until they finally took the police off the intersections and allowed the Okinawans to settle into their own traffic patterns. I wonder if our paths ever crossed as we were both flying around the Far East. They were interesting times and my kids as well as my sisters keep after me about putting my memories down on paper. It would be a good retirement project if I wasn’t so busy.

 

Bob Lykins
 
 
 
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Dale/Gary,
I’m enjoying reading of you two’s military travels and travails. Mine seem somewhat less entertaining by comparison since I had only a two year enlistment and I spent almost nine months of that in training, then six months in the hospital and I finished up the two years in an office here in the DC area.

I did, however, get to do a lot of traveling in my civilian Government career. I have now seen all but two of the 50 states (Arizona and Nevada are still on my bucket list) and I also had trips to Japan and Croatia with a stop in Germany along the way.

It is interesting how the three of us who came from similar backgrounds and very close together in the Turtle Mountains of ND could have ended up having such varied and unexpected careers/lives.

Dale, as to my animal magnetism, what can I say. Oh, sorry, I got confused. You were talking about a different type of magnetism, right?

Actually, though most of the storms have come up the East Coast this year, none of them have effected us here in the DC area in the least. Alice and I have lived here now for forty years and in that time only three storms have had major impact on the area. Those included hurricane Agnes in June of 1972, Fran in September 1996 and Isabel in September 2003. A few others have had lesser effect and few more have had just a little effect. The two currently out in the Atlantic (Igor and Julie) most likely will also go to the north far enough east of us to have no impact at all. We are lucky that they have gotten so good at predicting the direction these storms will take. Of course there are no guarantees on the predicted path they may take, but by plugging in all the available data on weather patterns (high and low pressure systems, cold fronts, the jet stream, etc) and then comparing all that to how similar weather systems effected previous hurricanes, they have gotten better and better at correctly predicting the paths of these storms now. Even in the case of Katrina and Rita, they were pretty good at predict their paths fairly well in advance that it gave many people enough time to clear out in time. Of course knowing where a storm will hit and eliminating damages from it are two totally different stories. But it is always nice to know if it will hit you or not so you can plan for that.
Keith

 
 
 
Folks,
 
These are some pictures from the dinner party, at our place, this past Sunday evening.
 
The two gentlemen, Kalvyn & Randell Vaz, in the first picture with me are father and son. They are from India. Kalvyn and his wife Rosette are retired and have come to live with their son Randell here in Cebu. Randell, 32 years old, is a VP with JP Morgan Chase & Company. Being a VP at such a young age, they must to be grooming him for bigger and better things with the company. That has never been mentioned, but that is my guess. He was sent here to head up a new branch, for the company. He will be here for one year. These folks are so friendly and so polite.
 
The 2nd picture is of the ladies at their table. .
 
The 3rd picture is of our whole dinner group.
 
Gary
 
 

 

 

 

 
  

09/16/2010

Posted on by
Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
 
Gary,

I always thought that you and I were in Viet Nam at the same time but
your history shows otherwise. After Basic and Tech School (Air Force) I
was sent to Tachikawa AB, Japan in December, 1966. This was only about
8 miles from Yokota AB. While there I would spend about 30 – 40 days in
Cam Rahn Bay, Viet Nam, then come out for about 20 days. Then start the
whole cycle over again. This went on until December, 1968.

From November 1970 – February, 1972, I found myself at Ching Chang Kwang
(CCK) AB, Taiwan for a 15 month tour. It was history all over again; 30
– 40 days at Tan Sahn Nhut AB, Saigon, then out for 20 days. After
coming back to the States and doing a review of my travel vouchers, I
found that, of those 15 months, I had only spent 3 months in Taiwan.
Talk about living out of a bag.

In January, 1975, I was at Kadena, AB, Okinawa doing the same thing
again until Viet Nam closed down in April, 1975. Three days before Viet
Nam was taken over, I was at Saigon with a team repairing a plane that
was badly shot up bad and needing an engine change. We made it back out
the day before the country was taken over but we sure didn’t go out
empty. We took a jam-packed load of Vietnamese back to Clark AB (PI)
then on to Guam before going back to Okinawa. Would I trade the
experience for anything else and would I do it again? NOPE to both!!

Keith: I like your hurricane magnet on the East Coast. So far, they
are all going your way this year. Please continue taking them away from
the Gulf. Dale

 
 
 
 
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 
Gary,
Interesting Bio. Thanks for sharing. I take it that since you were already in the Seattle area, you enlisted out there.

Since you lived there for many years you clearly are familiar with the weather of the great Northwest. I found the weather to often be cloudy, damp, and downright dreary. I spent a total of about a year at Ft. Lewis while in the Army and have been in the Seattle area several other times throughout my life so have been there many times when it was overcast and damp. But, I’ve also been there in the summer months when it was just beautiful weather as it was last summer when we went on the cruise.

One of my best and most lasting memories of the Seattle area was when I first arrived by train from North Dakota in early April 1969.. When we left North Dakota, there was still a lot of snow on the ground that year and that continued to be the case all the way through Montana. In the western part of Montana (as we climbed the mountains) there was even more snow and that seemed to be the case all the way west until we came down out of the mountains in Washington. It seemed like all of a sudden we came out of winter and into a summertime scene of beautiful, lush, green trees, shrubs and other plants with some in full bloom. I guess it was the suddenness of the change that made it stick out so much. Wow!

Another good weather related memory I have was of a flight out of Seattle some years later. It was an early morning flight and as is fairly common out there is was overcast that morning with a lot of fog. The cloud layer basically went from ground level up to about the 12,000 foot level. So as soon as we lifted off we were in heavy dark clouds and that continued for about 10 – 15 minutes as we climbed toward our cruising level. All of a sudden we broke through the clouds and into the beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine and sticking up through the clouds we see the peaks of all the high mountains down the chain to the south. Of course we were right next to Mt. Rainier, but we could also see Mounts Baker, St. Helens, Hood and I seem to remember even Shasta in the far, far distance. Another wow moment! We have nice mountains our here to, but nothing that compares to the mountains of the west or to that particular scene.
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, I was drafted out of Rolla. I got one of those letters from President Nixon telling me I had been selected to join the military and that I was to report to the selective service board in Rolla on June 12, 1968. When I moved to Washington, I maintained Rolla for the Draft.
 
Yes, Washington has it’s share of cold rains in the winter months. The summers, after about mid July, are normally quite nice though. Gary
 
  

09/15/2010

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

Nero Funeral Home

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

Lars Sivertson
(Died September 12, 2010)

Lars Sivertson, age 84 of Bottineau, died Sunday at a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Brethern Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.Lars Sivertson, a son of Lewis and Tonette (Wold) Sivertson, was born on July 18, 1926 in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau. He was educated at Loon Lake School #1 and Bottineau High School. On January 3, 1959, he married Ruby Adams of Kramer in the Turtle Mountains. They made their home on the family farm where Lars farmed all his life.

Lars was a charter member of the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau, where he served as an elder for many years. Over the years, Lars also served on the Homen Township Board, Loon Lake School Distirct Board and was an active member of the Republican Party. He also served as a volunteer fireman in the Turtle Mountains for a time.

He is survived by his wife Ruby of Bottineau, daughter, Theresa (Tom) Delikat of Sells, AZ; sons, Mike (Donnet) Sivertson, of Bottineau; Mark (Rita) Sivertson of Williston and Paul (Velda) of Casper, WY; grandchildren, Brooks Sivertson, Andrew Delikat, Jessica (Brandon) Asker, Rachael (Jacob) Ferris, Sarah (Ben) Bader, Brenden Sivertson, Ciera Sivertson, Jill Sivertson and Joe Sivertson; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Monson and Riley Monson.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Ruby Sivertson

2025 108th St NE

Bottineau, ND 58318-6004

 

 
 
 
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Lee Stickland:

 

You a pilot? I got my license back in 1980. Used it to fly back and forth to the legislature ant to take members to and from meetings. Expenses were paid for that. Haven’t flown since 2001. Nobody to cover the expenses.

 

Got my license from Leonard Krech in Rolla. He was amazing.

 

Have a nice day–thanks for bringing back a fond memory. And the Peace Garden airport can be a bit challenging.

 

Allen
 
 
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA
 

Gary,
In Mark Schimetz’s response to Dwight Lang he mentioned the names of nine men from Dunseith (and Bottineau) who went through basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and he included your name in his list. Is that correct – that you went to Ft. Leonard Wood? I’m curious as I was sent to Ft. Lewis, WA for my basic training (and AIT too). I’ve never been to Ft. Leonard Wood, but I’m sure the training was pretty much the same at either base. I do know that it rained a lot at Ft.. Lewis – especially during the period I was there for basic (April – May 1969).

Interestingly, during the course of my basic training a couple of news worthy events took place in North Dakota. The first was the major flooding in Minot from all the snow melt that spring. My sister Fern lived in Minot at the time and she sent me copies of the Minot paper with all the photograph, etc. The other was the big contest held in Zap, ND. If I recall correctly class members of both the Universities of North Dakota and North Dakota State decided to have a beer drinking contest and chose Zap as the location. As memory serves, it was supposed to be on a Saturday, but contestants (and I’m sure a lot of them weren’t affiliated with either University) started showing up on the preceding Thursday and by Saturday, the National Guard had been called in to stop the event and restore order. Maybe others remember that rather infamous event better than I do (or perhaps even attended!).

Back to my basic training; we had only two platoons in our training company instead of the normal four. The one platoon was composed of about 90 percent Oregonians and the other 10 percent from all over and our platoon was about 90 percent North Dakotans and the other 10 percent from all over. So naturally there was a rivalry between the two platoons.. The Oregonians called us “dumb plow boys” and we called them “dumb logger heads.” There were a few scuffles from time to time, but fortunately nothing really bad came out of the rivalry. However, we always chose to travel in twos when we had to go by their building for any reason – just to be safe.

I also remember two individuals in our platoon who both came from the Bismarck area. One was blond and the other had almost black hair. In any case, they both had hair that reached down well over their shoulders. Since all of us who came from the Ward, Bottineau and Rolette counties had considerably shorter hair, these two individuals really stuck out and for the first couple of days I guess we kind of ostracized them because of their hair. But, as you can imagine, that didn’t last long. As soon as we met the barbers we all looked the same – kind of how I look now! It’s kind of funny as the dark haired one (named Keller) could play a guitar and sing and soon he became a big hit with almost everyone in the platoon, including our Platoon Sergeant.

Just some memories from a time long ago.
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, I was stationed permanent party at Fort Leonard Wood in 1968-69

My military record.
 
June 1968 – August 1968 – Fort Lewis, Washington – Basic Training
August 1968 – November 1968 – Fort Sam Houston, Texas – Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
November 1968 – July 1969 – Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri – Permanent Party
July 1969 – July 1970 – Vietnam
July 1970 – June 1971 – Fort Riley, Kansas – Permanent Party
June 1971 – October 1996 – 6255 Dental Reserve unit – Tacoma/Fort Lewis, Washington.
October 1996- July 2007 – Retired Reserves (Gray area)
July 21, 2007 – for the rest of my life – Retired United States Army.
 
My Civilian work record
 
June 1965 – October 1966 – Farm Hand – Dave & Vivian Clark – Bottineau
October 1966 – November 1966 – Went to Washington state to move my Grandmother back to Bottineau
November 1966 – January 1967 – Worked on a Christmas tree farm in Bremerton, WA.
January 1967 – February 1967 – Bangor Washington – Loaded Ammunition on ships headed for Vietnam
February – 1967 – June 1968 – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – Apprentice in the Pipe Shop as a Pipe Coverer and Insulator.
June 1968 – June 1971 – United States Army.
June 1971 – February 1974 – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – continued and completed my Apprenticeship.
June 1974 – June 1976 – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – Journeyman Pipe coverer and Insulator
June 1976 November 1978 – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – Asbestos control instructor
November 1978 – December 2003 – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – Production Scheduler/Supervisor in the planning department.
December 2003 – to present – Retired in the Philippines.
 
That folks is a quick snap shop of my life history. I had a good career. I was very fortunate being able to have landed an apprenticeship job at the shipyard. I got paid while going to school. The shipyard trained their own. Gary
 
  

09/14/2010

Posted on by
Lars Sivertson, Irene (Bob) Stickland’s brother-in-law passed away.
Message from Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND
 
 
Y’all
Pearl Nelson, youngest of the Adams family and Mom’s sister called this am

Lars Sivertson has died at the age of 84. Ruby, his wife, was thought to be in less-good health but we never know.

No info RE: funeral, yet.

Gary, Lars and Ruby lived a bit west of YOU, I think.

All is good in ND, 50 degrees this 9am, leaves are definitely changing. Is a beautiful time to take a small plane from Dix to Peace Gardens. Glenn and Clarice Honsey lived just 1/2 miles east of end of runway.

Good talkin’ to Y’all.

Leland (Lee) Stickland (1964)

 
From the death listings in the Minot Daily news paper:
LARS SIVERTSON, 84, Bottineau, died Sunday in a Bottineau hospital. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)
Lee, Shortly after I noticed Lars’s death notice in the Minot paper yesterday, I get a message telling me he had died while attending church services in Bottineau on Sunday morning. Yes, Lars and Ruby lived up in our neck of the woods a few miles east of Lake Metigoshe. They always had a pot of coffee on for Dad when he picked up their cream twice a week on his cream route. They were great folks. Lars will be missed. Our condolences go out to all of his family. Gary
 

 

Reply from Kelly Woods (89): Massena, NY

I love the picture tribute to some wonderful places in North Dakota, I was wondering if someone could take some updated pictures of Dunseith? I have not been home in 11 years and would love to see some updated sights of Dunseith? Just a thought.

If anyone has any stories to tell of Albert “Red” Pearson & Lorraine Agnes Pearson (my grandparents) I would love to hear them.

Thank you for all that you do Gary, I love your emails each and every day.

Kelly Woods (Dwight Coleman / Charlene Pearson Woods)

Class of 1989

Kelly, It’s great hearing from you. I had a nice chat with your mother and Dwight in bakery when we were back in June. It was so nice seeing them again. I remember your mother well from my school days. Gary

 
 
 
Connie Fauske Monte (62) now lives in Santa Barbara California:
Message she sent to her friends that I thought I’d share with you folks.
 

We are in Santa Barbara CA, well kind of. We are located at Rancho Oso, up in the mountains above Santa Barbara. I love it, except we don’t have internet service. I have to go up to Verizon Hill to get it, which is about a mile above the ranch, or go into Santa Barbara to a Starbucks or ecafe. I love the weather and you can walk and walk. It’s kind of dirty, because it is well, a ranch with cows and horses. Lots of wildlife, mountain lions, bears, cougars (are they mountain lions?), coyotes and rattle snakes, (I don’t like that at all). The boys (dogs) love it, lots of new smells and lots of room to roam. I keep a pretty close watch on them, I don’t want them to become doggie fajitas for a mountain lion or bear.

I have a new email address, it is: Address is: Rancho Oso 3750 Paradise Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Betty, I did get your email, thanks so much. We haven’t had time to do much investigating the area yet. I did find a Costco, YAHOO. Too bad we live in such a small vehicle; I can’t buy in bulk anymore.

Everybody, please feel free to come and see us. For those of you that have World Mark, they have one in Solvang, which is about 30 minutes at the most from us. We have wonderful facilities here at the ranch as well, cabins and trailers that are available to rent.

So far Bob is up to his ears in work. He really likes but it sure is different from working for a Fortune 500 Company.

I miss you all so much, I can’t even tell you how much. Love you all. Connie and Bob

 

 

 

 

Reply to Dwight Lang (60)

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

 

Thank you for your memories of Ft. Leonard Wood, Dwight, It brought another short memory of Basic training there,, the heavy set guys got sent to what they called the fat farm, until they got rid of the excess weight. So it seems that You, Dwight land, Merle Allard, Gary Stokes, Mark and David Schimetz, Boston Ladacer, Victor Baker, Duane Morin, and Arnie Evonoc (Bottineau) ND. That makes 9 of us to date. You must remember the hairs cut cuts we first got, especially funny as the long hair kids wept. lol
  

09/13/2010

Posted on by
Reply to Dwight Lang (60)
From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
 
I liked your story, Dwight. Nice tribute to humankind.

 
Colette
 
 
 
Rhubard (Wesley/Ovidia Schnieder & Wayne (61)/Rosemary Smith)
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary,
So many folks have been sharing their thoughts on rhubarb pie.

This summer I discovered my neighbor Wes not only is a story teller
but a rhubarb cutter inventor.

Earlier this summer, when visiting the Smiths, the guests were served
three kinds of bars…two of them rhubarb. Rosemary even gave each
of the visitors printed out recipes from the North Dakota Rural
Electric magazine! Each of the guests sampled and chose their
favorite of the bars. Many couldn’t decide. I pretty much stuck to
eating the same kind….three of them. I thought, “Why get my taste
buds confused when the first one is perfection! ” Over the past 25
years, I have become a reluctant cook, I think after today the baker
in me may be emerging again and trying R.’s recipe..

In my yard among the crab apple trees there are four ruby red
rhubarb plants. Which I myself have never used. I just give it
away, as I am a rather clumsy cutter upper. The past few summers
my Schneider friends would take it,then turn around and give me jam.
Last year,I told Mrs. Wes about my mom’s recipe for my favorite
Rhubarb-Apricot marmalade which she made. Ah yes, mom’s comfort jam!

In June, while in Scotland I enjoyed scones with clotted cream and
jam. Recently, I find myself rather “fancyng” scones and even
checking out recipes on line. Yesterday as I listened to Garrison
Keeler’s Prairie Home companion “Be bop a boo bop Rhubarb pie”. Hmm.
“Perhaps scones with clotted creme with rhubarb jam.?”

On a mission,I went over and asked my neighbors if i could borrow
their rhubarb cutter. He and Mrs Wes bettered me, they gave me my
very own! In a short time this afternoon I cut up eight cups of
ruby red rhubarb. Lickety split! As I effortlessly cut. I thought
Oh Bless you Wes You genus!
Have a great week every one fall is a coming! Vickie

 
 
 
Florence Pladson Sime (62):
Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Folks, Florence was in a really bad car accident a few months back. This picture was taken when she was recovering at Good Sam in Bottineau. She had multiple (many many) broken bones. It was touch and go for her survival. She was determined to survive and she did. Florence looked great when we saw her this past May. She mentioned that several of her bones had healed wrong and were going to have to be re-broken for repositioning. Gary
 

 

 

 

 

 

Several more beautiful scenic ND pictures

 

From Kenny Nerpel (65): ksnerpel@min.midco.net Rugby, ND

 

 

 

Churches Ferry, ND

 

 

 

Fillmore, ND

 

 
  

09/12/2010

Posted on by
Folks, I’m in a bit of a hurry today. We are having a few folks over for dinner tonight that we need to make preparations for. I do have several pictures that I will be posting tomorrow. Gary
 
 
Fort Leonard Wood
Reply from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ
 
It was early summer 1961 and two farm boys, Dwight Lang and Merle Allard, were off to boot camp in Ft. Leonard Wood. Being former Dunseith Dragon athletes and fit as fiddles. What to worry? Piece of cake, right?
 
Somewhere between the Chicago train stop and the last leg bus ride to the fort, we noticed this heavy dude, flabby and red headed had joined us. I remember as we were issued our clothing at the induction center how O’ Riley got the XX everything. Man, I thought, he will never cut it. As you might have guessed, O’ Riley got his share of ribbing (Pillsbury, tubby, fatso, all those goodies) from all of us, yours truly included. Thank goodness he was mild mannered because some of that crap had to get under his skin. I begin to notice as boot camp went on how O’ Riley’s fatigues started to hang a bit loosely on him.
 
Like Mark told you before, we got the overnight, full combat gear camping experience as well. Except it was later in the summer and the heat was stifling and maybe the red clay a bit more sticky. Naturally it rained as we made camp and everything got soaked. Somehow one of the straps on my backpack broke as we prepared for the march back to base. So with my M-1 rifle hanging from one shoulder I had the full weight of the soaked backpack hanging from one strap on my other shoulder for the march. I can’t remember if I was got sick or what. But as the red mud grew heavier on my boots and backpack strap cut deeper into my shoulder, I was not keeping up as well as I should have. Out of nowhere, I felt someone grab the strap and pull the backpack off my shoulder. With the words, let me help you bit, Dakota. As you guessed it was O’ Riley. His comment was that he had shed over a hundred pound of lard the last few weeks, so what was a little pack to tote a while. After about a quarter mile or so, I had recovered enough to take my pack back for the final leg into camp.
 
After boot camp was over, we all went our separate ways and I have no idea what happened to O’ Riley but will never forget the hand he gave me that night after the ribbings I had piled on him through boot camp. Finally, I gained a new respect for boot camp in Fort Leonard Wood (not exactly a piece of cake) and I hope an incite to never judge another too quickly.
 
Dwight
Dwight, It’s great hearing from you! Most of us remember you and your parents, Adam & Charlotte and Duwayne too, well.
I was stationed “Permanent Party” at Fort Leonard Wood for a year before going to Vietnam. How well I remember that red clay. That stuff was so hard to get off of your shoes. Gary
 
 
Wesley Schneider’s reply
Via Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and Dick,
This morning I delivered the printout with Dick’s question?
” The boiled egg dare” to Wesley. Wes told me his father, for years
drove a school bus-wagon with his team delivering children to school
in Dunseith. I believe it was old Highway #5. He said it’s quite
possible he might have taken on a dare about swallowing a whole hard
boiled egg. Because, he used to eat boiled eggs ……whole. He
really couldn’t recall any specific incident. He told me,he’d
never throw a chicken into any stove so Dick, the mystery person must
be must the other Wesley. I really don’t believe Wesley would do
that to his fathers bus…….. Yes I think he did some little
shenanigans but Wes is very steadfast respecting his mother and
father.
I carried my printer into the Spectrum where Karen Larson
solved my ink problem. Now I can print out more messages for Wesley.
Thanks to each of you who sent messages to Wes,. He enjoys reading
them and will soon be telling another story. Until later. Vickie
Folks, Karen Larson, owner of the Spectrum in Bottineau, is Wesley’s step daughter.
Thank you Vicki. Gary
 
 
 
 
  

09/11/2010

Posted on by
Alice Cote Kuhn Falls. Evelyn Cote Senechal passes away
Message from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
 

Gary,

 

Mom did have a bad fall. She ended up being air ambulanced to Fargo after 5 hours in the ER in Bottineau. This all happened Tuesday. Wednesday evening my wife and I came back home as they didn’t know when she would be released. Thursday morning they decided to release her. My sisters had spent the evening with her and brought her back as far as Carrington. We met my sister Cindy there and brought mom back to Bottiineau. Mom had a small hemorrhage on her brain is why they sent her to Fargo. She gott about a dozen staples in the back of her head and had a large lump and carpet burn on her forhead and has 2 black eyes. She is real weak and in need of rest. She wouldn’t allow herself to sleep while she was in Fargo nor durring the car ride home but within 10 minutes in her own bed she was fast asleep. The worst part is that her eldest sister Evelyn passed away on that same day and I don’t know if she remembers it.

 

Mel
 
 
 
Obituary:
 
Evelyn Cote Senechal
Evelyn Marie Senechal, 95, Rugby, formerly of Willow City, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, in a Rugby nursing home,

She was born Oct. 1, 1914, to Noe and Mederice “Alma” Cote, near Willow City. She married Phillip Senechal on Nov. 3, 1938, in Willow City.

Survivors: sons, Keith, Overly, Myron, Bismarck, Orlan, Rolette; daughters, Joyce Zunich, East Grand Forks, Minn., Diane Stangler, Stanchfield, Minn., Shirley Voeller, Rugby; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Lillian Allard and Alice Kuhn, both Bottineau; brother, LeRoy, Dunseith.

Funeral: Saturday, 11 a.m., Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby.

Burial: Saturday, 2 p.m., Notre Dame Catholic Cemetery, Willow City.

Rosary and vigil prayers: Today, 7 p.m., in Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.

Visitation: Today, 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., in the funeral home.

 

November 2008

Standing: Lillian Allard, Alice Kuhn & Evelyn Seneshal

Sitting: Adeline Allard & Olivine Allard
Mel, We are so sorry to hear of your mothers fall and the passing of her sister Evelyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with your mother and your (Cote) family. Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Erling Landsverk (44)
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Gary and friends,
I’d be remiss if I didn’t write to tell you my perceptions on the chance meeting with Sharon’s cousins and connecting them to visit with Henry Salmonson. It was a delightful experience. I found within the Borg and Erling Landsverk “clan” a depth of comradery, mutual respect, and nurturing care flowing with their vibrant humor. I was touched by Erling’s recent article. I respond with, “Erling, You’re welcome, the pleasure was all mine!” Vickie Metcalfe
Folks, We sent Erling’s message and letter, posted two days ago with message 911, to the Bottineau Courant for publication in their paper. We feel his letter will be of interest to many of the Courant readers. Hopefully there will not be a problem with them publishing this. We’ll wait and see. Gary
 
 
 
  

09/11/2010

Posted on by
Obituary
Doyle Abrahamson (68)
(Died August 29, 2010)

Guest Book | Sign Guest Book
Send Flowers

 
 
 
 
 

 
Funeral services for Doyle Abrahamson, age 60 of Aurora, CO, were held on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Officiating at the service was the Reverend Arlyn Anfinrud. Joan Richard was the organist and Dick and Brenda Johnson provided special music. David Abrahamson and Ralph Christie were the eulogists. Alex Abrahamson, Becky Klinger and Joni Mann were the readers. Paul and Matt Davis were the candle lighters. Casket bearers were Justin Abrahamson, Darrel Abrahamson, Tom Abrahamson, Jeff Sinness, John Abrahamson, Cory Abrahamson and Alex Abrahamson. Honorary casket bearers were all of Doyle’s business associates. Burial was at the Little Prairie Cemetery north of Dunseith.Doyle G. Abrahamson, a son of Howard and Maude (Nerple) Abrahamson, was born on October 7, 1949 in Rolette, ND and raised on the family’s homestead located near the Canadian border. Doyle was employed as VP of Surveying at Merrick & Company in Denver, CO for over 30 years. He was a long-time member and past-president of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado. Recognized as an expert in survey law, he was also one of the few mineral surveyors in the US. Doyle earned a degree in Civil Engineering Technology in 1970 from Lake Region Junior College in Devil’s Lake, ND. His later education included US Army, land surveying #447; University of Arizona Advanced Cadastral Survey, and Metropolitan State College, Advanced Cadastral Survey, (instructor/ student.) Doyle’s name is listed along with Merrick & Company at Coors Field for survey work including the correct placement of Home Plate. He earlier had worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Jamestown, ND and Elmer Clark in Colorado.

On August 19, 2005, Doyle summited Long’s Peak which he loved to watch and photograph from his home in Estes Park. In 2006, along with his son Justin, he was part of a team who made multiple climbs on the Continental Divide to retrace and re-monument the original Base Line dividing the Kansas and Nebraska territories in which is now Colorado.

He enjoyed hiking, fishing, hunting, and photography. He was always ready to offer a helping hand or to mentor a colleague.

Doyle passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2010 while on a business trip to Naples, Florida.

Doyle is survived by his wife, Cindy of Aurora, CO; son, Justin of Aurora, CO; step-sons Paul (Skip) of Littleton, CO and Matt Davis of New York City; parents Howard and Maude Abrahamson of St. John; sister Jean Marie Abrahamson of Denver; a twin brother, Darrel (Phyllis), and another brother, Tom (Betty) all of St. John; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, colleagues, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dumb Friends League, American Diabetes Association, or to Project Angel Heart.

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

 

 

 

Country/Bluegrass Singer/Songwriter Leo Rondeau (98)

From Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): Dunseith, ND

 

Good Morning, Gary

 

I just wanted to let all the people know in Dunseith how my son Christopher Leo Rondeau who graduated in 1998 from Dunseith high, is doing on his music career. His been living in Austin since he graduated from NDSU in Fargo got his degree in constructional engineering work for a company that build the Dallas Cowboy Stadium.Than he called me one day and said mom I’m going to quit me job and go on the road. He was worried, if he was going make i but he is doing to good. He has made 2cd’s that you could purchase on his web-site http://www.myspace.com/leorondeau, you could also check out all his shows. He has been to Dunseith a couple of times on his tour. He writes his own music. The http://uweeklyaustin.com/magazine/09-08-2010/exclusive-interview-leo-rondeau, just interview him.

So make sure all young kids out there make sure and follow your dreams, never know what in store for u. Escpecially if your from Dunseith. Great upbringing from a small town, for alot of u.

Debbie(Poitra)Rondeau “1977”

Debbie, Leo is great! I checked out his Website and clicked on his video “Loving Me Like You Do“. He for sure is another Dunseith hometown boy that has done well. Thank you so much for sharring. Gary

 

 

 

Reply to Mark Schimetz (70):
From Larry Liere (55) Devils Lake, ND & Mesa, AZ
 
Carmen Richard (Leonard) is my 1st. Cousin her dad was my mother’s brother. I was in Ft. Leonard Wood in 1979 but it would have been in August. We flew in a C131 Air National Guard plane which was a twin gas engine airplane which didn’t have a lot of power. (Not a C130) It was so hot and humid at Ft. Leonard Wood we had to stay over night, take of early in the morning the next day with a half load of fuel. We then had to stop at Lincoln, Nebraska to put on enough fuel to get back to North Dakota. Gen. Murry would almost always go down for the boot camp graduation of the North Dakota Rough Rider Platoon. That was a program he devised to allow high school Juniors to join the North Dakota National Guard, do their boot camp in the summer return to North Dakota for their senior year and return to Leonard Wood after high school graduation for their A.I.T. (advanced individual training) and be back in North Dakota in time to start college in the Fall. They would then receive their college tuition from the National Guard. A great program for young people to help them with their college expenses. Karen retired from Lake Region Community College in May of 1997 the same year I retired from my full time National Guard job. LRCC is now LRSC ( Lake Region State College) It has to hold the record for the most name changes of any college in the state.

 

 

 

 

Erling Landsverk (44)

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

 

Gary,
Glad you have your computer problems resolved.

I would like to thank Erling Landsverk for his recounting of events relative to his visit back to the Turtle Mountains and of the country school reunion. I would very much liked to have attend, but since I couldn’t make it, I’m just grateful for any news on the event. So, thanks again Erling.
Keith Pladson

P.S. Erling, you are a gifted writer and we are the lucky recipients of your gift.

Keith, I have Erling’s permission to send his message, letter and picture, posted yesterday, to the Bottineau Courant for publication in their paper. I feel that his letter will be of interest to many of the readers. Gary

 

 

 

Colorado Trail Horse back Ride adventure

Message/Pictures from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO

 

Hi Gary
 
I am now 400 miles into the Colorado Trail and cross the “Ten Mile Range” tomorrow – a steep mountain range by Breckinridge, Colorado. The weather is supposed to be good for the next five days, so I’m excited to finish the trip over the next week.
 
I arrived at Copper Mountain Ski Resort a couple of days ago, and was welcomed by the “skeleton crew” here in their off season. I actually got to ride down the ski slope I’ve skiied in winter! I’ve had a wonderful stay here, and was treated like royalty by the locals. I’m leaving early tomorrow, hoping to avoid the moose who recently attacked a woman and her dog out hiking….I guess there was a calf involved…
 
Anyhow, so far I’ve really enjoyed my ride through the wilderness of Colorado Rockies, and look forward to heading back to Fort Collins for resupply and departure in October.
 
My blog has been recently updated, although I have found it a challenge to find computer access “in the Wild”. When I get back, I’ll write more stories from the hand written journal I’ve been updating daily.
 
Great trip so far – and under a 100 miles to go!
 
Dog and horses are all doing very well, although my dog Wiley has a mind of his own, and sometimes disappears for a day or two…He keeps coming back to me and I’m thinking of changing his name to boomerang.
 
Overall, it’s a happy time, and better beyond what I had dreamed it could be.
 
 

 
 
Hi Guys,
 
Photo taken by a German Couple I met on the Colorado Trail.
 
I’m at Copper Mountain Resort, having a ball in the off season – rode right down the ski run. Met some great people, and got resupplied (thanks a lot to George!)
 
Expecting to be rolling into the last mile in about a week! Over 400 miles done now…
 
Better than I could have dreamed it.
 
Trish

 

 

Tribute to Rena Larshus Roland by Scott Wager, Editor of the Bottineau Couant

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

 

Folks, Neola recently sent this out to her “Bottineau Bunch”. I wanted to share this with you too. Many of you know Rena Roland and also had her for a teacher. Rena is a first cousin to Art Rude. I have known Rena my entire life. She and Ernie were very active members of the Metigoshe Lutheran churches as were we. They were members of Nordland.

 

 

 
 

09/09/2010

Posted on by
Army Story:
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): Bedford, TX
 
Hi all
I grew up an Army brat and know a thing or two about shelter halves….when we left Dunseith in Nov. 1962 we lived in Wildflecken Germany, which used to be a German hideout during the war. It was up in the mountains. A beautiful area. Anyway, like we sometimes did in Dunseith, Mom and Dad would let us put up shelter halves in the backyard and camp. The duplex where we lived was separated from the German motor pool by a road and a small grassy field with a small stand of trees. There were guards that policed the perimeter (with rifles) and they would pass each other at a point right across the street from us. When we had permission to camp out, my girlfriend and I would put our shelter halves together, collect our sleeping bags and C rations and plot our adventures. We would pretend we were American spies and would creep through the field, hide in the little trees, wait for any cars to go by, and make sure the guards were at opposite sides of the motor pool and we would dash across the street, flatten ourselves into the ditch and wait for the guards to pass by. They always stopped to talk to each other and we would listen so hard to try to catch what they were saying in order to gather any intelligence we could. Needless to say, our command of the German language was minimal at best and we would end up getting the giggles, so as soon as they passed each other and it was “safe” to go, we would dash across the street and fall into our tent and just laugh. Great times. As for the C rations, we all had our favorites but used to go through the boxes Dad had stored and take the gum and chocolate, the little can opener (p38?) and sometimes the cigarettes. Poor Dad. When he went into the field expecting a complete c ration, and a smoke, he would sometimes come up empty. Sorry Dad. It was sure fun though.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
 
 
 
Country School Reunion & area visit
From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
 
 

Hi Gary and everyone:

 

I have been at the Hines Blind center near Chicago for the month of August, so I really didn’t have an opportunity to provide folks with our family’s participation in the once in a life time reunion I have attached my account of the event and hope that some of it brings back some memories. I will say that it was an enjoyable time, especially the actual get together at the twin oaks. I would like to add that our visit with other folks was a welcome addition and the reference to our journey to our old home was a memorable and nostalgic experience. The turtle Mountains, and the people that live there and in the surrounding area will always be a special memory for me and my sister Borg. It is doubtful that I will ever return for any visit, but I am most grateful for the opportunity I had last July. To my fellow North Dakotans, God Bless you all. You are all a very special people to me

 

My account of the reunion is attached (pasted below).

 

Erling Landsverk .
 

COUNTRY SCHOOL REUNION

The date was early March 2010 I believe, when I read an open invitation from Linda Gardner to everyone on the Gary Stokes blog. It was an invitation to participate in a reunion for all those who attended the one room country schools in our part of the Turtle Mountains, or “Hills” as we are prone to call them. The Turtle Mountains are located on the border between North Dakota and Canada and truly are hills rather than mountains. Linda suggested a date of July 10th 2010. This would give anyone interested in attending an opportunity to prepare. I became interested at once and called my sister, Borghild Landsverk Filas, who lives in Golden, Colorado. As I suspected, she was immediately drawn to an opportunity to renew old school chum relationships and see the Hills again. Our plans were made but shortly thereafter she came down with a case of shingles, which resulted in painful nerve damage. I asked her if she felt that she could still attend and she told me that she had already mailed Linda her reservation fee and certainly planned to attend. I called Linda and told her the situation. Linda told me that if Borg could not go, her money would be refunded but that it would be a disappointment if she didn’t make it.

A couple of weeks passed and I kept in contact with Borg and she was making progress with good medical care. I was ready to mail in my reservation when Borg suffered a heart attack in May. Naturally I thought the trip was off. “Not so fast” Borg said, I am going up to see our Cousin Francis in Bermidji, Minnesota on June the 18th and then to the Peace Gardens and Bottineau, North Dakota if the doctor says its okay. Besides, she said, Francis’s daughter Betty and her family will be taking me and will keep an eye on me. It turns out that she did make the trip and when she returned to Golden she called to tell me that she expected to see me in Bottineau in time for the Reunion. Talk about being invincible and showing true grit. Fortunately, two of our sons, Owen and Eric, volunteered to drive this old bag of bones out to Bottineau. We made it in one day and met Borg and her son Frank in Bottineau for supper on the evening of July 8th. I asked Borg how she was feeling, and she replied that she felt okay but the shingles were still causing her a bit of pain.

The next morning we had breakfast at a place called the Bakery. They had great food there but the place was filled with alumni from the Bottineau high school that were also holding a reunion (their 50th) the same weekend. The din from their shouts and laughter was deafening but understandably so. After breakfast, we visited some places in the Hills that we knew well. We also stopped at Lake Metigoshe to check out the Twin Oaks Lodge where the reunion would be held. We then decided it would be a good idea to find what was left of our Loon Lake School # 2 where Borg and I had gone to elementary school. We set off towards the Long Lake area so I could get my bearings (not always an easy thing to do when you are blind). We drove aroundLongLakeand came back to what I thought was a section line road and past what I remembered to be theHagenhome. I gambled and told Owen to drive straight east on this road, but we found nothing. I thought I had made a mistake and we drove back to the main road. Eric and Frank, who were in another car following us, didn’t come back to where we were. Fearing that they may have gotten bogged down in the soft ground, we returned to find

them where we thought the school should have been. They had searched around a bit in the brush and sure enough, they spotted some crumbling concrete steps that I had spoken of. I verified they were the right steps when I found the old pipe railings, which I remembered well. Yes, we had discovered the old school, thanks to Eric and Frank. Of course everything was overgrown, and there were no buildings remaining. I guess the school building had been moved off the lot after the school closed. Needless to say Borg and I suffered a twinge or two of nostalgia.

The morning had passed quickly and we went back to have lunch at the Bakery with our Cousin Sharon. The place was jammed again but the service was great. A friend of Sharons, Vicki Metcalf, stopped to ask if Borg remembered Henry Solmonson. Borg said she did, as Henry had been in her class in high school. Vicki said she would try to find a way to have him meet her the next day. After lunch and a brief rest we drove up to Cousin Bruce’s house in preparation for a trip to our old home in Homen Township. The property had been acquired by the State Forest and what was left of our old homestead could only be reached by overgrown snowmobile trails. The trip up there was an arduous one for all who participated but a most gratifying one. All of our cousins living in the Bottineau area were involved. They included Bruce, David, Sharon, and Barbara. Barbara’s husband Larry Lawrence and Gary Wenstad, a neighbor of Bruce, also joined Borg, Frank, Owen, Eric, and I. We owe them all a ton of gratitude for their efforts that made the trek a success. After bidding a final farewell to our former home that lay crumbling under nature’s attack, we stopped to pay our respects at the Rhindahl Cemetery. There are many family members buried there including our grandmother, two of our infant siblings, and many extended family members. The afternoon was tiring but a time of remembrance for those no longer with us and for those wonderful days when we were growing up.

The next day dawned bright and sunny. It was the day of the Reunion, but we still had some time to spend visiting our old haunts. After breakfast, we drove to Dunseith, which was the closest town to our home and where we had attended high school. My gosh, we were shocked to find that many of the old buildings along

Main Street

had been recently demolished leaving a series of empty lots! Next, we drove up to the International Peace Garden on the North Dakota and Canadian border. Since I could not see, I listened closely to the others describing the all the gardens and buildings that form this symbol of friendship between our two nations. I thought about the year 1932, when our entire family attended the dedication of the Peace Garden. It was a historic event that too often is ignored by the media. Borg and I remembered it well and we also thought of Orvin Hagen, an old friend, who had done so much over the years to make the Peace Garden as beautiful and inspiring as it is. I would be remiss if I didn’t make a reference to my father, Gunder Landsverk, and his brothers Knute, Nels, and Arthur along with our cousins for building much of the beautiful field stone work at the Peace Garden during the early 1930s.

 

After leaving the Peace Garden, we headed for Bottineau for a luncheon appointment with our Cousin Sharon. As we were enjoying lunch, Vicki Metcalf walked in and announced that she was pretty sure that Henry Solmonson would soon arrive. After a few

anxious minutes, Henry appeared and he and Borg saw each other for the first time in 72 years. Needless to say, it was a time for remembering and I heard a lot of chuckles and laughter as they conversed. Yield told us that Henry played the guitar and had entertained at many local events. I fool around with the guitar a little myself and I handed Henry and Vicki each a CD that I had recorded. I told them that the CD’s made good coasters if the music was a flop. It was a great lunch, and we were grateful to Vicki for her efforts in reconnecting us with Henry.

After a brief nap at the motel, we drove up to the Twin Oaks Convention Center, arriving about 4:00 P M. Linda Gardner, and her brother was there to greet us. The place was filling quickly and one could hear the friendly greetings from people all around us. It was great to be back among all the wonderful folks from the Turtle Mountains. As I seated myself I heard a familiar voice; it was Floyd Dion and his beautiful wife Louella. I remembered Floyd from my high school days, and Louella was our neighbor to the south in my early years on the farm. My sister Borg was sitting across from me and I could hear she was being greeted by many of her old friends as well. Borg graduated in 1938 and had spent a few years working at some of the stores in Dunseith while attending high school, so she really got to know a great many folks. As for me, I was greeted by a good many whose parents knew our family and myself. Lester Halvorson, Louella’s brother, chatted with me about old times. Orvin Hagen was there too. He had attended Loon Lake #2 with Borg. After he visited with Borg, he came over and spent some time chatting with me. I was a classmate of his sister Thelma in high school. I remember her as a very beautiful girl. Others crowded around greeting me, and I must apologize for my ability not to remember everyone, but vision would have been a big help in that regard. I still felt the camaraderie and warm friendship from everyone that I spoke to.

After a terrific meal, we took turns recounting some of our more memorable experiences in the “olden” days, with horses, deep snow, and cold fingers and toes. Orvin Hagen lightened things up with his hilarious description of the experience he had with his run-away horses, culminating his story with a couple of colorful and melodic yodels. The Reunion continued until us old folks got a little tired. We bid a reluctant farewell to our cousins and to Larry and Gary. As we neared the exit, Linda Gardner was there to say goodbye with a hug and a handshake. It was a most memorable time for all of us. My single disappointment that evening was that not one of the students who shared the Loon Lake School #2 with me was there. And, from what I could gather, nearly all of them had passed away. I guess that is one of the inevitable disappointments of growing older.

The next morning as we were loading our luggage in the car, a car drove up and Vicki Metcalf got out and approached me with her arms full of stuff. She had brought me a Bottineau T-shirt, one of Henry Solomon’s CD’s, and several pictures taken at our luncheon meeting. She gave us each a hug and big smile as she bid us goodbye. A feeling of gratitude swept over me for the thoughtful gift and the way in which it was presented. Thank you Vicki!

Erling, Thank you so much for this wonderful report of your trip back to the area. We have been anxiously waiting for this report from you of which we knew you would provide. You explain things so well and so interesting. You are a great writer and a wonderful person. We most certainly enjoy everything you contribute. It was so nice that you and Borghild and your children made it back to the area. Please keep us posted with Borghilds’s health issues too. You and Borghild look so nice in these pictures too. Gary
  

09/08/2010

Posted on by

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe (70)

From Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN.
 
Vicki,
I think you have a book or two up your sleeve – you are an excellent writer!
Denise
 
 
 

 

Note to Larry Liere (55)

From Mark Schimetz(70): Rolette, ND

 

Larry Liere brought to mind the cold spring and early summer at Fort Leonard Wood, I was there on April 23, 1972 till about July 23 1972. The worst part I remembered, was sharing shelter halves after night time recon infantry training, dim light flashlight’s and compass with maps to chart out the enemy targets for assault and try to get back safely to report the targets found. We did well finding the targets in near pitch dark sky. However we were caught by the enemy and harassed or some time until, we were told if we all confessed that we could go back to our unit. So then we setup camp on a hill. We were told to camp high, yea well, probably in our 3rd week, dumb as they come, the NCO’S were having their fun with us. Of curse it rained, and it poured ice cold rain. Well we were quite proud of ourselves as we settled in for the night, Yep that lasted all of about 20 minutes. Yep guessed it, the heavy rain brought all kinds of mud and rain straight down the hill and over ran out camps as we struggled to salvage what we could as we were sliding in a near prone position down the hill. Then to make matters worse, we were all itching! Well the sun rose and in the light we gathered up most of our missing gear. It wasn’t long after we were all down to our skivvies, I swear I pulled 50 wood ticks from behind my belts alone. Drill SSgt’s, laughing their arses off and at the same time trying to get us moving. Maybe I am twisted, but I would do it again. I would guess the 3 of us ate some of the same dirt.
 
 
 
 
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau
 
Hi Gary,
Yesterday was rain today glorious fall.

i have been copying Wes’ tales, the comments to Wes and taking them
over. I did get a couple of the Hiatt clan comments over. Last night
my computer printer told me it was out of ink so I didn’t get to
take Dick’s latest printed inquiry over to Wes.

As you know I am challenged.
The latest challenge is to figure out how to change my ink cartridge.
I’ll probably just take the whole printer into Karen at the Spectrum
or wait until Sally or Trent can help me.

Recently I’ve had a family visiting. Often at dusk or dawn they
steal crab apples in my back yard. Sven, the cockatiel is first
alert! He chatters his warning. The dogs scamper with an incessant
barking and dash as they are quite determined to warn whatever
that they are my most efficient ferocious guardians.

The dogs continue their barking and jumping, Sven dashes back and
forth on his perch chattering as we all STOP and gaze out the deck
window. Pure beauty. Doe and her two fawns are non deterred by the
threats they just walk lazily back into the wall of sunflowers
from whence they came. Later. Vickie

 
  

09/07/2010

Posted on by
Folks,
 
Yesterday’s message should have been 907, not 908. I am continuing on with 909 today though. Gary
 
 
 
 
Wesley Schneider Story
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Vickie’s stories from Wes Schneider’s childhood antics reminded me
of a story my mom told me. It may have been Wesley Schneider or Wesley
Johnson, I’m not too sure which, made a bet one morning on the way to
country school that he could swallow a hard boiled egg, whole. They were
riding in the horse drawn school hack and were just wasting time anyway.
She said the kids told him he couldn’t do it so out of pride, he popped
it in his mouth and swallowed. She said they could see it slowly moving
down his throat and then tears came to his eyes and he couldn’t breath!
He did manage to get through the ordeal and won his bet. She also told
me that the kids would each bring along a stick of wood for the heater
(wood stove) in the hack and put it in from the outside where the stove
door was located. She said ‘one’ of these two Wesley’s also once threw a
dead chicken in the heater and it stunk up the hack so bad that all the
kids and the driver had to jump out and air the thing out! I wonder if
Vickie could ask Wes if he was the culprit or if it was Wesley Johnson?
He may admit it after 70 years or so. Thanks Gary and Vickie!

Dick

 
 
 
Correction
 
Folks I really screwed up yesterday listing Florence Hiatt Dahl as Florence Hiatt Swanson. I had her sister Dorothy Hiatt Swanson on my mind when I printed that. Vickie, when you take these over to Wes, I know he will see the mistake and know how it was derived. These gals are his sister-in-laws.
 
Wesley, there are many of your niece’s and nephew’s and other relatives of yours that read these daily messages. It would take many handfuls of fingers to count them all. I know they all love seeing and hearing about you and your stories. Florence and I have become very well acquainted via email and telephone conversations too. She’s a wonderful person. She said she was your shadow in her younger days. I have a feeling you were a great mentor of hers too. I remember seeing you up at Fauske’s a lot too, in my younger days. I remember you being there one time when I was with LaVerne Rude. He was dating Carrole at the time. I remember being very nervous with my introductions of LaVerne to you and your family. Those were the days. Gary
 
 
 
 
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 

Gary,

I will take a print out to Wes today with the most recent blog and Florence Dahls e-mail correction.


Gary I too get so frustrated with myself when I make typographical mistakes.

Thankfully Dunseith folks understand and forgive human errors.


Thank you Denise Lajimodiere for your kind comments.

I’ll be looking forward to going to Barnes and Noble and finding your book of poetry. Wow! It will be like going on a treasure hunt in one of my favorite places, a book store! Vickie
 
 
 
 
 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

09/06/2010

Posted on by
Book “Dragonfly Dance”
Written by Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN.
 
 
Hi Gary,
Can you let folks know that my poetry book titled “Dragonfly Dance” is now available for pre-order from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. It will be in stores in December. Also available for order from Michigan State University Press.
And Vicki – carry a tape recorder with you! I love your stories.

Denise

 
 
 
Wesley Schneider
Reply from Florence Hiatt Swanson (60): Anchorage, AK
 
The story that WES told me (and will never forget) is about he and Warren, his brother. Their brother was going into Dunseith for s date. They hid in the rumle seat, I believe .. got into town and they poped out. Pete roared with laughter–bought them ice cream cones and took them home. Yes Wesley is full of stories…As one of the youngest, Don and I were Wesley’s shadow when ever he was around. Please give them a warm greetings from me in Alaska.
 
 
 
 

Wesley Schneider – Crazy Mike – Question

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
 
Hello Gary and Dunseith friends,
More about my friend Wes.
When Wes attended school he found it different. His first
language was German.
Ovidia told me when she started school in Landa her first language
was Norweigian. Wow! As a teacher I’m thinking, those two had
challenges with language as young children but were not swayed away
from learning. I don’t think there were specific ( ESL) English as
a second language teachers then.
I remembered hearing from my aunts about Mr and Mrs
Schneider driving in their car to take my grandmother, Rose LeDuc
Metcalfe ( a widow) and her children to church. Wes told me that
she had a beautiful voice. The Scheiders would then take my
grandmother home for Sunday dinner. I said, “Wes ,”It sounds like
your father was an “open minded person” because he hired and
visited with many different nationalities.” Wes replied, “Yes,
many men worked for him doing spring work haying, and falls work.”
Wes said he believes his dad was well liked.
This afternoon, Wes recalled a person who often came to the
Schneider farm with K. C. Sine. Wes said the man of Arabic ( Syrian
or Lebanese) descent was called “Crazy Mike”. “Crazy Mike would make
goat cheese that didn’t taste too bad.” He was often around Siad
Kadry’s pool hall.
Okay. Does any one else recall Crazy Mike? Later, Vickie Metcalfe
  

09/05/2010

Posted on by
Pet Chickens
 
Folks, As I’m putting this all together, I went in the house for a refreshment (can of Diet Coke). I noticed Bernadette’s Brother-in-law’s brother, who lives next door, giving his pet rooster a bath. It’s very common to see folks carrying and petting their pet chickens in public. Many of them are fighting cocks. They keep their pet chickens tied up to a peg outside their house with a long string attached to their leg. Gary
 
 
 
 
Reply from Richard & Jerrine Richard (49) Larson: Seattle, WA.
 
Gary–When I was in ND in July I came across an interesting book that you and others may be interested in. It is “They Were Ready”, by Terry L. Shoptaugh. It is a chronology of the 164th Inf. ND Natl.Guard in WWII starting with the federalization in Dec of ’40 through the end of the war. They were with the Americal Div.which was the first army unit to engage the enemy in WWII. One of the accolades they received was from the Commanding General on Guadalcanal who said “Those farm boys can sure fight”. There are many first-hand accounts of what they endured and follows their progress through the island campaigns with their last landing being at Cebu City on April 10, 1945. After assisting with the liberation of Cebu and Botol, they were briefly in Japan on occupation duty before returning to the US after nearly five years away from home. Since there were a number of local men in the 164th it was of particular interest to me and probably to you also.
Richard and Jerrine, I found this on the Web for those of us that are interested in purchasing one of these books. Thank you so much for sharing. I will for sure pursue ordering a copy. Other than for letters, I am allowed to receive books, Magazines and CD’s at my FPO mail address.
 
The book is hardcover, large print and contains 50 photos and 11 maps. Books will be available at select bookstores and from The 164th Infantry Association, P.O. Box 1111, Bismarck, ND 58502. Interested persons can e-mail Editor164InfantryNews@hotmail.com. Information about the 164th Infantry Regiment is available on the history tab of the North Dakota National Guard Web site (www.ndguard.com).
 
Folks, Many of you know where Richard and Jerrine fit into the picture, but for those that don’t, I want to clear things up. Jerrine is a sister to Leona (Lee) Richard Hosmer & Verdellis Richard Larson (deceased). Jerrine and Verdellis married brothers, Richard and Norman Larson. Jerrine is an aunt to the Hosmer (Janet, Nancy & Colette) and Larson (Diane & Cheryl) girls. Richard and Jerrine’s children are double cousins to Diane & Cheryl. Gary
 
 
 
Reply to Larry Liere (54):
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 
Reply to Larry Liere, It was good to hear from you Larry! Last I saw you, your wife and Joni, was at Shanna Richards Wedding in Rolette. I new that, you were related to the Leonard’s But Which Family I am not sure. I believe you are related to Carmen Richard (Leonard), My Aunt. I remember you all from my time at Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake ND. I have often recommend this small college to kids in the area. LRCC. as it was at the time offered all the best courses with smaller class sizes, making it a paradise for students, that never had a problem connecting with the instructors, after class or in the cafeteria, to have their questions answered and a problem explained. After 3 Algebra Instructors, I meet Thomas Palmer an excellent instructor, Who also taught me some Trigonometry. Marilyn Bertch was an excellent Political Science instructor and so many others, Of course Joni and I were on the Student Council until I was able to pass it off. I just spoke with my Brother David Schimetz, he was at Fr. Leonard Wood, from February 19, 1979 until June of 1979. He did both his (Boot camp and A.I.T., (advanced infantry, training) at Ft. Leonard Wood. Don’t know if this time frame fits with your service time.
 
 
 
 
Wesley Schneider tales:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.
 
Hi Gary, School is on but in the evening, I’d druther listen to tales than watch TV.
“A WES TALE”
Tonight Buie and Thor were fixin to visit Wes. They pull on their leads as we scamper across the street. Eagerly they bounce up the steps. I knock at the door and Ovida tells us to “come in”. My little dogs look at her eagerly awaiting permission to go find Wes. They are rewarded by Wes coming around the corner telling them he’s got “treats” then ear scratches.
As Wes and Ovida eat their supper, the dogs settle down to listen just as I. Then, I am also rewarded by a “Wes Tale”.
Wes said of his parents; both, were Germans from Russia”, shortly after their marriage arrived the USA. He was told his parents settled in Kansas where they had relatives.
The family first lived in a sod house built into a dugout in a hill. The older children were born in Kansas.
He told a story he heard of a time his father who raised cattle kept a bull. One night the bull walked over the house and fell through the sod ceiling. The bull was not too happy. And was sold shortly after.
There were many “cyclones” which perhaps influenced the family to move to North Dakota. Making the journey by train the family came to Dunseith. Pete, oldest brother traveled with the cattle in a boxcar on another train. Wes believes “Spot the young family cat traveled with Pete. Pete lived on a loaf of bread and fresh milk. Arriving in Dunseith Mr. Schneider bought hay from Mr. Kraft for the hungry cattle.
Wes’ father purchased land east of Dunseith on the Willow Lake Road. And he continued buying land to provide for his large cattle herd.
Wes was the first of the Schneider children to be born in ND in about 1920.
Wesley lived many boyhood adventures When he tells these tales I tell him I think “of the likes of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.”
Tonight He recalled one windy day when he made a homemade kite. Humm. A kite which would not sail properly. So Wes found himself fashioning a bag for a tail. It still wouldn’t fly properly. Humm. WeightŠ! And there out of the corner of his eye spies ‘Spot”ŠAhhh. Just the right size weight. He put the “The Kansas cat,” into the bag. Away flies the kite and “Spot” SailingŠŠ.upŠŠup. An almost perfect flight. Until, Wes sees his mother peering out the window just as the cat came out of the bag. MEowww. Thud. The cat landed. Wes says he can’t remember if he got a lickin or a good scolding from his mother. But Spot did continue to live out his remaining nine lives with Mrs. Schneider as an old house cat.
Wes tells tales about earning money from gopher tails and crow legs. One time he and his younger brother figured out it was much easier cutting off the tails of the gophers their dad had poisonedŠŠ. It was pretty easy. Until Mr. Schneider found out and told the young boys they would be going off to a “boys correctional school” because what they were doing was against the law. Yep, that plumb scared Wes and he was put back on the right straight and narrow!
As a young lad, Wes was always looking to earn money. A new way to make easy money came in the form of the bounties on crows. The earnings would be about 5 cents for an adult crow, 3 cents for a young crow and 1 cent for a crows egg. After watching crows, one day Wes shimmies up a tree to a nest. AhŠwhat to do with the eggs.. IDEA! Put them under the cap he was wearing. As Wes slides down the tree bang! A branch bumps his hat, SPLat go the fragile eggs. Yuck! Quickly reacting, with his eyes shut, Wes runs for the cows water trough and ducks his head in. He never wore eggs under his hat again.
He recalls the Tooke family living in one of his dad’s vacant houses further west closer to the Bottineau County line. He said Annie ie Mrs. Fred Nicholson told him many years later she often heard Wesley yodeling early in the morning when he went for cows, about two miles from home. There were oft times in haying season Kenny Tooke would come over and volunteer to help out just to have something to do. In later years they would hunt together.
After the Annie Tooke family left the house in the country. Adrian Egbert moved in and was the rural mail carrier who put airplane tires on his car. The car then could be maneuvered on the road and through ditches. Wes said he was standing waiting one day for the mail when over the hill zooming down the Willow lake road Adrian came over a hill with the horn honking, honKING, HONKING! He slids up to Wes by the Schneider mail box and leaps out of the car. Throws open the hood “Hand me your jack knife,” Wes hands over the jack knife whack. There. No more horn!
Although his father drove school bus in his youth and education was important, Wes had to quit school to help on the farm. He would have graduated around 1937-38.
I think he would have enjoyed high school as he enjoyed learning. And me. I enjoy listening and from him tales of yester year. It was a better night than watching TV. Vickie Metcalfe
 
Follow up message to the above posting from Vickie.

Gary,

Every time I hear a story in relation to Dunseith’s history I am intrigued. I do so enjoy “oral history” told by everyday people who have roots in our common past. I listen and hear another perhaps different perspective.

I was so blessed in moving to my neighborhood,because across the street reside two neighborhood treasures; Wes and Ovidia.

A year ago I told Wes, “When winter comes I’d like to come over and write your stories.” He was surprised.

Well, I never got around to doing so formally. Sometimes the best stories are “spur of the moment”. They happen when I am just having a nice visit over a cuppa and a recalled story springs forth.

This morning I awoke and thought.Hmm. I better go visit Wes and Ovidia with a print out of the stories Wes has told me. And tell him what I’ve been up to with sharing his stories on the Dunseith blog.

I printed out 3 Wes stories. The “boys” and I with papers in hand walked across to see my neighbors who were embarking on falls work in their yard….ie trimming rose bushes close to where the fuel man puts the winter’s supply of fuel oil.

I say to Wes “I have a confession to make, I wrote your story last night and sent it to the Dunseith blog”. Wes was not affronted. “Whew” I didn’t believe he would be, needed to be certain once again if it is ok to share his stories. They liked the idea that I wrote Wes stories. I told Wes since he is a former boxer I wouldn’t want him to feel he was “sucker punched”, if someone made a comment to him about one of his stories. I told him I think people who read the Dunseith blog like me are nostalgic and like to hear about the past.

Patiently waiting, Buie and Thor got their treat from Ovidia.

As I left I said to Wes and Ovidia. “Thank You, I think so much of the two of you. I love you both and as neighbors, I couldn’t wish for better” I like your stories I need to write them down,share while they are fresh from what you have told me, and remembered.

Later Vickie

Vickie, Wesley Schneider is a Dunseith boy and we love hearing his stories. Many of his relatives including his daughter Diane are on our daily distribution. Many of us have known Wesley for many years too. He worked at the Bottineau Cooperative Creamery for over 50 years. I remember Wesley so well from his days working at the creamery and also at the many Ackworth & Hiatt reunions. He is a special guy, loved and liked by all. Gary
  

09/04/2010

Posted on by
Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
 
To Kenny Nerple, The pictures are great, especially the one of the barn on the water. As crazy as this world has gotten anymore, it seems like N.Dakota is the only place you can go anymore to find a place this peaceful. Thanks for sharing. Aggie
 
 

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

 

Reply to Mark Schimetz (70) on C. Emerson Murry (42) memories

 

When I lived in Dunseith during WWII the Murry family (Emerson’s Mom & Dad) lived across the street from the Catholic Church on the North end of the block and we live in the 2nd. house from the South end.

Gary & Mark since we are all old GI’s ( I am the oldest ) I, Mark, his brother David, all did boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood, I have a few memories to add about MG C. Emerson Murry. I was in boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood in 1960 and moved to Ft. Dix, NJ for AIT in supply. My mother’s last name was Leonard so I thought Leonard Wood would be a nice place. Well it wasn’t very nice there in April and May, Cold wet weather and as the Sgts. would say “it never rains in the Army it rains on the Army”. In 1977 I became a Supply Officer in the North Dakota National Guard serving full time at Camp Grafton six miles South of Devils Lake, ND. From about 1979 to 1984 I did some flights on military aircraft with General Murry to Leonard Wood, Washington DC, Pentagon, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and other sites where North Dakota National Guard people were being trained. Mark when you talk to your brother David ask him what month, and year he talk with Gen. Murry at Leonard Wood because I may have been on the same flight. One thing I always liked to see was at Graduation from Boot Camp when Gen. Murry was at the event they would ask how many National Guard members were from North Dakota and have them stand up. They would then ask how many of the standing North Dakota Guard members were going to college when they returned home and almost all would remain standing. That was because of the college tuition program the North Dakota National Guard offered to it’s members. One thing Gen. Murry had fun doing was the way we would pay for our dinner meal. Most nights when we were in DC we would go the Fort Myer Officer Club to eat. There would generally be 8 to 20 officers at the table. Some would order a low cost meal, but after your 1st. trip you would always order a high priced meal because Gen. Murry would say, when he got the bill, “I think we will split the bill equally”. ( The people that had a $10.00 meal paid the same amount as those that had a $24.00 meal ) There are many other good memories I have of these trips with Gen. Murry and the many talks we had about our Dads, our family, and living in Dunseith “In The Good Old Days”. All I can say is I left Dunseith in 3rd. grade but I still have a lot of good memories from there and Gen. Murry had many more good memories that he talked about.


 
 
 
C. Emerson Murry (42) Memories and Funeral
From Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND
 

Gary,

Yesterday, I was privileged to be at the funeral of C. Emerson Murry. He was surely one of Dunseith’s greatest achievers, and a very nice guy. I grew up knowing the name, and later on I got to know the man, and admired him greatly. I’m sure there are few funerals where the Governor of the state, and the Adjutant General of National Guard are the speakers. They both spoke congenially about a man they both knew personally, and admired as a mentor, friend, American hero, and champion for North Dakota. His impact was great and ongoing, as he wrote major sections that became part of the North Dakota Century Code while being the first director of the ND Legislative Council, and brought the ND National Guard to the very top of the heap. I will scan in the information from the funeral, I thought it was well done, and all very appropriate.

Just a few weeks ago, he emailed me after seeing information in your emails, inquiring about Dad’s health, and he asked me to keep him informed.

Thank you Gary.

Art Rude

Bismarck


Peace and Power,

Art
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
  

09/03/2010

Posted on by
Obituaries

Doyle Abrahamson
 
 
Doyle Abrahamson, age 60 of Aurora, CO formerly of Dunseith, died Sunday August 29 at Naples, Florida. Fuenral will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Burial will be a the Little Prairie Cemetery north of Dunseith. (Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)
 
 
 

Patricia S. Hosmer

Visit Guest Book

HOSMER, Patricia S., born on November 8, 1930, Pat passed away peacefully on August 26, 2010. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, William J. Hosmer, Col., USAF (retired); children, Barbara (Marty), John (Dotty), Steve (Lynn), Tom (Kathy), Don; grandchildren, Bay, Ry and Pearl; and brother, Wallace. Celebration of Life will be held in Pat’s birth state. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in the name of Pat Hosmer. Arrangements by BRING’S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

 
 
Reply to Maria Parlade Corral (62):
From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62):Windsor, CO
 
 
Maria, what an interesting email you sent, and what an inspiring life you have had. I remember you well as one of the nicest people I knew. Its amazing how our little town turned out such influential people who have affected so many people. Its a humbling experience to read this blog, and its gives one such pride. Thanks for sharing. Sharon Zorn, 62
 
 
 
 
Condolences to Bill Hosmer & Hosmer memories
From Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): Rolette, ND
 
 
Hi Gary
 
Just wanted to express my sincere sympathy to Bill Hosmer in the passing of his beloved wife. Losing a loved one especially a spouse is the hardest thing you will ever face on this earth. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
 
Jack and Ines Hosmer were Mr and Mrs. Dunseith. They were so special to our family. I remember shopping in their store when I was a small girl. Ines gave us the pattern catalogs for paper dolls and I remember finding a beautiful pink sweater with pearls on it and when I asked the price it was exactly the amount of money that I had (according to Ines). Their son, Bob Hosmer, was so instrumental in my faith journey when he taught our Bible School at LIttle Prairie, and Jess (Don’s wife) was one of my favorite teachers! I had the honor of meeting Bill at the Dunseith Golf Course last summer. He drove up in a golf cart and introduced himself. Such a gentleman. This blog is such a connection tool. It’s so terrific to meet the special people who grew up in Dunseith.
 
Thanks, Gary, for your dedication and hard work to keep us all connected. So many strangers have become friends through this endeavor.
 
Margaret
 
 
 
 
Song “When The Work is All Done”
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 
 

To Paula Fassett

A belated answer to your request for the melody to “When the Works All Done This Fall”. Just go to GOOGLE, enter the title, several choices will come up. I think Marty Robbins does a great job and YOU TUBE is great. Any song you can imagine by about any singer. If you find the song being done by the song writer it is special

 

This is small compensation for the great CD collection of your dad’s songs. I consider it very thoughtful on your part. Thank you.

I put this on the BLOG so that any lover of music can enjoy the best performance of your favorite songs.

 

I will share something that only an old farm boy could know…..I absolutely love Slim Whitman rendition of one he did called “Secret Love”. The high notes were a bit too high until you had the old Massey throttle pulled way back, going up hill with a cultivator….it made singing easy.

\

Before I was old enough to work the tractor in the field I could hear Uncle Martin Evans sing with the tractor. He knew every song Roy Rogers ever did. Then my brother Jim did the same act, I must have been 8 or 9 before I told over.

 

I have old Ray and Willie singing “Seven Spanish Angels” right now!!! Enjoy. Gary Metcalfe
 
 
 
 
C. Emerson Murry memories
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
 
According to Stella, C. Emerson Murry, grew up in a small house near my Grandfather John Schimetz and his family, where now Terry Halvorson resides. So I am told that he used to come over to visit my Grandparents and especially Louis, as they would often go off riding horses around the prairie. In another unrelated story, My Kid brother David Todd Schimetz, while taking his boot camp for the North Dakota National Guard at Fort Leonard Wood, was called into the Commanding Officers Office. Wondering why, and if he was in trouble or what.? C. Emerson Murry asked David Todd if he was related to our Dad Louis Schimetz. Acknowledging that he was, a conversation ensued. I will be meeting up with Todd at my Sister and Husbands home in Minot Friday. I will see what he recalls of the meeting, and one of us will fill in the rest of the story.
Upon Searching Fort Leonard Wood, as I did my Boot camp there as well. I found that Col. Leonard Wood, was the Commanding Officer over Col. Teddy Roosevelt at San Juan. This story of Teddy Roosevelt’s charge up the Hill on Horseback sabre raised high shouting the charge seeming invincible stirred his men to charge in full force of course wining the battle. Roosevelt Was put up for the Medal of honor during the Clinton administration as I recall. At the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Fargo, there are quite a few of these brave men during that time period also received the Medal of Honor.
 
 
 
 
Condolences to the Abrahamson family:
From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
 

Gary,

 

Thank you. I wasn’t thinking when I sent you the email about missing a blog distribution and, right after I sent it, I thought, what a dummy-go to the Dunseith site, which I did. I was shocked when Gwen sent me a note about Doyle. What a loss. I am certainly happy that I had the opportunity to get a little reacquainted with Doyle on the cruise. He certainly was a fine gentleman. My condolences to Cindy, Jean Marie, Darrell, and all the rest of Doyle’s family.

 

Bill

 

 

Message/Picture from Jacqueline Hiatt (79):

 

Gary, thanks for keeping us connected to the wonderful memories in North Dakota.
 
Please add Meredie Hiatt daughter of Eldon and Lorraine (Sebelius) Hiatt to your long list of bloggers. Meredie1@comcast.net
 
Lorraine and the girls drove from Washington to visit family and the past. When I learned they were going to be in ND I decided to extend my travels from dropping my son in Mankato at Minnesota State University to see cousins and Aunt I hadn’t seen in 29 years.
 
Mom, Jarilyn and I drove to Minot so I could visit with them as they wouldn’t be able to get up to Bottineau before I would have to catch a flight out of Grand Forks the following day. I surprised them with yet another cousin by going to Kim’s Restaurant. Attached is a photo taken at Marco’s (owned by Kim Hiatt (daughter of Freddie and Margaret) at the Town and Country shopping center in Minot.
 
Thanks again Gary for all you do.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline, Thank you so much for sharing this picture and your visit with your aunt Larraine and your cousins. Your mother is the only one I would have recognized in this picture. Now I have a mental picture of you too, with our email exchanges. You guys are all looking wonderful and happy too. Gary
 
 
Left to right
Kim (Freddie & Margaret), Jacqueline (Wallice & Arla Hiatt), Sandy (Eldon & Lorraine),
Jarilyn (Arla & Wallice), Arla (Hill) Hiatt, Lorraine (Sebelius) Hiatt, Meredie (Eldon & Lorraine)
and Polly (Eldon & Lorraine).
 
 
 

 

Pictures from Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

 

Gary,

 

My wife has taken a lot of photos of rural North Dakota over the years and I thought I would send a few now and then for those who might enjoy using them as wallpaper.

 

Kenny

Kenny, these are great! Where were these taken? The one of the barn and water I think was taken along Highway 43 between Kelvin and St. John? Is that stone building in the Peace Garden? Gary
 

 

 

 
  

09/02/2010

Posted on by
Folks,
 
I am back on line. The power supply needed to be replaced in my computer. I did not post a regular blog yesterday and I’m 12 hours later than normal getting this one out today. It’s day time for you folks. It’s currently 10:40 PM Thursday night here.
 
Gary
 
 

Reply from a former DHS Cuban Student.

Maria Parlade Corral (62): Coral Gables, FL

 

Hi Gary:
Although I don’t know most of the people, I follow your newsletter and enjoy reading about a period in my life that was very happy and peaceful. After my graduation from Dunseith I went to college to Omaha , Nebraska where I graduated with a BA in Secondary Education and Spanish. By then my parents had moved from Dunseith to Petersburg , Virginia and from there to Washington DC although we lived in Rockville , Maryland. After college I received an MA from the University of Maryland in Latin American Literature. My father was a Pediatrician in DC for 15 yrs. until he retired to Miami where he still lives now . He is 95 yrs old and in excellent condition. In 1968 I moved to Miami and I started to work with the State of Florida for the Cuban Refugee Program .

In 1971 I married Oscar Corral , a civil engineer of Cuban descent and we have been married for 39 years and have five children and 8 grandchildren so far. Our youngest son is the only one single and he is studying law at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. I stopped working for 10 years to raise my children but I went back to work as a social worker until I retired last month. That is why now I have time to write to you. Our life has been great with the normal ups and downs that everyone has. We have been blessed with a wonderful close knit family so we have a wonderful support system in the family . I was the oldest of 10 children , the youngest was born in Virginia. We all live in Miami except for one that lives in Orlando Florida. My mother passed a way 12 yrs ago but we are all very close to my father and we see each other very often.

Our other great adventure was that my husband and I went back to visit Cuba this year after an absence for both of us of 49 years. We spent 10 days : 5 days in Santiago, my hometown and 5 days in Havana where my husband lived. We had wanted to go back for a long time but it took years to decide and meditate about the matter. The trip was literally going back to 50 years ago. Everything was there, the houses, the people the beautiful landscape and beaches. Time stopped 50 years ago because barely anything is new but what’s left is terribly run down or falling apart. I guess nature is the only thing that remains as it was. We did not feel threatened or scared but there was a lot of police security all over.The food is deplorable but the poor people of Cuba don’t know that there is something else than their miserable life becase they have had no contact with the outside world for three generations . Except those that have relatives in the US that send them money or some food once in a while. The internet is only used by a few privileged people and although they are allowed to have a computer they can only use it without internet. The trip was a wonderful and extremelly sad experience. We felt happy and lucky to live in the US with freedon and tremendous opportunities for anyone. We love this country and our children are proud to be Americans.

I ‘ve always wanted to go back to North Dakota where I started my life in this country and maybe now that I have retired we will plan to go sometime in the future. I have heard that the San Haven Hospital in no longer there. Has Dunseith grown a lot since 1962 ? Well Gary this has been my life in a nutshell .
Thank you for keeping us informed . You are doing a great job in keeping us together .
Maria Parlade Corral

Marie,
 
Thank you do much for this very interesting life history. We love hearing from you and how your life continued beyond Dunseith. Your trip back to Cuba is so interesting too. It’s hard to imagine that these folks are living in the dark ages. They know nothing other than what they are allowed to hear. How terrible.
 
Dunseith has not grown much in size since you were there in 1962. If anything, it may be a bit smaller. Yes, the folks of Dunseith would love to see you. A lot of your class (62) has remained quite close over the years and I’m pretty sure they’d love to see you. I’m sure if they knew you were going to be in the Dunseith area, some of them from a ways off would arrange their schedules to see you there as would others.Marie, it’s not only those from your class that would love to see you either.
 
Gary.

 

 

 

Condolences to the Abrahamson Family

From Rich Campbell (68): Minot, ND

 

Doyle was a great classmate. My condolences to his entire family.

 

 

 

Ackworth Ladies Aid picture:

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

 

Hi Gary
Just a quick note to thank you for the Ackworth picture. Neola copied it off for me. Karen put it on regular photo paper for me. Now I’m ready to go visiting. Willard Lasher is now in the Long Term Care at the Bottineau Hospital. I don’t know if it’s for a short term stay or long term stay. Thanks again. I’ll write more later.
Mary K
Mary, I’m not sure if you meant for this to be posted, but I want folks to see how things get done with the combined efforts of others. Karen Larson, owner of the Spectrum in Bottineau and step daughter of Wesley Schneider is well equipped to handle scanning and printing projects of this nature. We will repost this picture with your findings. This will be exciting. Gary

 

 

 

 

Recieved in my Spam mail on August 26th.
From Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND
Diane, I am so sorry I missed this in my spam. We would all like to wish Margaret Bedard Strong (62) a belated “Happy Birthday”. Margaret does not have email, but I know someone will pass this message along to her. Gary

Gary:

I would like to wish Margaret Strong a Happy Birthday today, August 26! Not sure if she gets the blog, but I’m sure someone will pass the message for me.

 

Diane Fugere

 

 

 

 

Recieved in my Spam mail on August 11th.

From Don Boardman (60): Bottineau, ND

Don, I am so sorry that I did not catch this until now. I need to check my spam daily and as you can see, I did not. I know this is past, but I want to post it anyway. Gary

 

Just thought that the readers might like to know, if they haven’t heard it yet, that the International Country Gospel Music Fest is being held this weekend at the Peace Gardens. There will be country gospel music groups from Canada and the US performing at the Burdick Center on Saturday evening starting at 5 going until 9. Sunday morning there will be an interdenominational church service at 11 and then music starts at 1 and going until 6. There is concessions next to the Center so people do not have to bring their picnic lunch. The Burdick Center is a beautiful place with seating for about 525 people in probably the most nicest indoor theater setting around. This year marks the 6th year that the festival is being held and normally there is between 400 and 500 people that come on Sunday. That may sound like it would be crowded but the people aren’t herded in and kept to their seats like a theater setting but can come and go as they please. People aren’t charged to come but there is a free will offering to cover the expenses. If you like country gospel music it is a great way to spend Saturday evening and Sunday in the most beautiful flower garden setting in North Dakota and Manitoba. Connie and Rodney do a beautiful job of decorating the stage for the performers. There is a website you can visit to see the bios and pictures of the groups. It is www.internationalcountrygospelfest.com. Come on up and enjoy it with your friends.

Don Boardman

 

 

 

 

 

Question:

 

Folks, It has been brought to my attention that C. Emerson Murray may have been the commencement speaker for the graduating Class of 1968. I know some of you will be able to answer this. I heard that General Murry visited Dunseith, for a function, in a Helicopter one time with a some of his aids. Would this have been in 1968? Gary
 
PS – C. Emerson Murry has been on our distribution all along for the past several years. I had a nice chat with him when I was putting the class of 42 together. He emphasized the spelling of his last name without and “A”.


 

 

C. Emerson Murry (42) passed away

 

September 2009

Larry Liere (55) & C. Emerson Murry

 

 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

C. Emmerson Murry (42)

 

Former Major General Murry Dies | Video
Amanda Tetlak
8/31/2010
 
   
Dunseith native C. Emerson Murry died Sunday in Bismarck at age 86. Murry served in the Battle of The Bulge in WWII and was appointed the Guard`s lead general in 1975 by then-Governor Art Link. He served in the post through 1984. Murry also served as a director of the newly created North Dakota Legislative Council from 1951 to 1975. Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk says Murry helped establish the council and write a lot of the laws the state has today. Sprynczynatyk also worked with Murry on the Garrison Diversion project and says the two were good friends.

“For me, the loss of Emerson is a great loss. He was a true friend, personal friend, colleague working on military issues as well as working on water issues and we`re all going to miss him,” says Sprynczynatyk.

Funeral services are Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Murry will be buried at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
 
 

 

 

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary,

I believe Mr. Murry is a graduate of Dunseith High School……..He was in the same class as my dad and Alan Campbell through 8th grade. Ahhhh …. all good men of “The Greatest Generation” . Vickie

Vickie, General Murry was a DHS class of 1942 Graduate. Gary

C. Emerson Murry dies at 86

 

Charles “C.” Emerson Murry, a former adjutant general and Dunseith native, died at age 86 on Sunday.

Murry got his start in the military during World War II as a then-Army sergeant and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war he returned to school, married his wife Donna and had five children. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in business administration and with a law degree in 1950.

He practiced law for one year in Rugby, before serving as a director of the newly created North Dakota Legislative Council from 1951 to 1975.

“He pretty much established the Legislative Council and wrote a lot of the Century Code we have today,” said Adjutant Gen. David Sprynczynatyk.

He joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1953, but did not become its lead general until 1975, appointed by then-Gov. Art Link.

Guard member and Murry’s son-in-law, Curtis Stanley, said Murry stressed recruitment when he took over shortly after the Vietnam War.

“Strength was a big issue at that time for all the military, especially volunteer forces like the Guard and the Reserve,” Stanley said. “He pushed to make sure we were achieving greater than 100 percent strength for the North Dakota National Guard.”

“He did a lot to make sure the Guard was at strength and that it met its recruitment goals,” said Murry’s successor, former Adjutant Gen. Alex McDonald.

Sprynczynatyk said in addition to his work in recruitment and training, he pushed for a lot of infrastructure development, particularly at Camp Grafton.

“He always made sure we had what we needed to be a ready and prepared National Guard,” Sprynczynatyk said.

Murry served as adjutant general through 1984, though concerns over the federal portion of his salary caused then-Gov. Allen Olson to push for his resignation, saying he wanted him to work on the Garrison Diversion Project.

The allegations surrounding Murry turned out to be false and he was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

“I don’t feel bitter, and I don’t feel vindictive,” Murry said in a 1984 Tribune article of the incident. “But I don’t fully understand the vindictiveness of attempting to destroy another person. It took two audits, an attorney general’s opinion as well as a review to show that these charges were spurious.”

Murry left the adjutant general position shortly thereafter and served as manager of the Garrison Diversion Project from 1985 to 1993.

In 1993 he retired as a major general after 42 years of public service.

Stanley described him in his personal life as the ultimate patriarch.

“You got good advice even if you didn’t want it,” Stanley said. “Nobody wanted to disappoint him. He set high standards for everyone including himself.”

Last year he was one of many WWII veterans to take part in the honor flight to Washington, D.C.

“He was so appreciative of that and the people that organized it,” said William Prokopyk with the National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, five children, and 13 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Internment will be at 2 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

(Reach reporter Rebecca Beitsch at 250-8255 or 223-8482 or rebecca.beitsch@bismarcktribune.com.)

  

08/31/2010

Posted on by
Folks, Doyle was with the Class of 68, not 70. That was my errror yesterday. Gary
 
From: Ralph Christie
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 6:31 PM
To: All Merrick Employees
Subject: Doyle Abrahamson

 

Doyle Abrahamson, PLS/MS

Vice President, Surveying

1949 – 2010

 

It saddens me that Doyle Abrahamson, PLS/MS, Vice President of Surveying at Merrick & Company, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 28, 2010, while traveling on business in Florida. Doyle has been a mainstay at Merrick for over 30 years. He was instrumental in the development and success of our surveying department. Through his leadership, mentoring, and commitment to quality, Doyle developed long-term relationships with many repeat clients, such as Xcel Energy and the Regional Transportation District. He was also a noted and recognized expert in Colorado survey law. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, his surveying team, and fellow Merrick

employees.

 

Doyle grew up in North Dakota on his family’s homestead located just south of the Canadian border. He often talked about walking three miles, uphill, to Hilltop School, a one-room schoolhouse serving the area’s educational needs. In 1970, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, North Dakota. His later education included U.S. Army, land surveying #447; University of Arizona Advanced Cadastral Survey (instructor/student); and Metropolitan State College of Denver, Advanced Cadastral Survey (instructor/student). Doyle’s greatest education came from his daily involvement in the projects on which he worked and the clients with whom he worked.

 

In 1979, Bruce Walker, Merrick’s prior CEO, hired Doyle to head up Merrick’s survey department. I remember Doyle telling me that everyone was doing their own thing back then. There weren’t any developed systems. It wasn’t long before Doyle put systems in place to gradually make the survey department a well-functioning, profitable part of Merrick’s business.

 

Ed Lecuyer, Merrick’s Co-founder, recalls Doyle’s first assignment was to get registered in Texas to provide oversight on some projects there. Mr. Lecuyer said, “Doyle was always there to tackle the great surveying challenges, and he did it successfully and professionally.”

 

Doyle’s first co-workers were Grant Thomas and Ed Adams. Grant liked to remind Doyle that he was the junior boy on the block, because Grant had started at Merrick just one month before Doyle. At that time, Merrick was performing considerable land development and REA Company transmission line surveying and engineering, and Doyle had 15 survey crews along with office staff.

 

Roger Nelson distinctly remembers Doyle as the consummate mentor and professional. “A knowing grin would appear on Doyle’s face when an opportunity arose to teach a fellow surveyor. Too often I was on the receiving end of that knowing grin early on in my career at Merrick,” said Roger. Doyle would begin, “Mr. PLS, how would you handle the situation?” Then, Roger would eagerly respond as Doyle smiled and led him down the path to learning by asking probing questions regarding the foundation of his quick answer. According to Roger, this was Doyle’s way to develop sound decision making abilities. As Roger’s career advanced under Doyle’s tutelage, he witnessed this same instructional dance with younger surveyors and then realized what a blessing that he was given. Doyle quietly taught many lessons to surveyors over the years without expectation of anything in return but knowing that he had advanced another surveyor’s knowledge. Roger said, “Doyle also gave selflessly his time to others that sought his professional opinion and advice.”

 

I personally have received many complements from Merrick clients about Doyle’s professionalism and reliability. They knew when Doyle did something, it was done right.

 

Doyle took on some demanding personal challenges with the same passion as he took on projects at Merrick. On August 19, 2005, Doyle climbed Long’s Peak on August 19, 2005, in spite of his life-time of diabetes, earlier knee damage, and his fright of heights. He said, “In years to come when I have a hard time just getting into my recliner chair, I wanted to be able to tell my grandchildren that Grandpa climbed that mountain,” which is in view of his home in Estes Park.

 

In 2006, Doyle and his son Justin were part of a team who made multiple climbs in the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains to retrace and re-monument the original Base Line dividing the Kansas and Nebraska territories in what is now Colorado. They made preliminary climbs to locate monuments along the 40th parallel on both the east and west sides of the divide. Locating these monuments was an effort to find the “Summit of the Rockies” cross set in 1859, which was placed there by the original surveyors. In the article, “The Path to the Proper Summit of the Rockies,” John B. Guyton, LS, said of this venture in which Doyle participated: “Once in a lifetime an opportunity may present itself to retrace the footsteps of the original surveyors of a line so significant that it shaped the course of our country’s growth.”

 

Doyle is survived by his wife Cindy and their three sons: Justin, Paul (Skipper), and Matt.

 

Doyle touched the lives of so many at our company. He will be missed.

 

Services are still being developed by the family. Once details are available they will be shared via e-mail with all employees.

 

 

 

Condolences to the Abrahamson Family

From Dick Johnson (70): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

My sincerest condolences to the Abrahamson family on the loss of
Doyle. It was a terrible shock to learn of his untimely passing. We had
many good times together in school and throughout our adult lives when
he was home to visit. He will certainly be missed by all of us.

Dick

 

 

Condolences to the Abrahamson Family

From Gary and Bernadette Stokes:

 

Cindy and the rest of the Abrahamson family, What a shock to hear of Doyle’s passing. We so enjoyed Doyle and you on our Alaska Cruise. Doyle and I had several nice long in depth conversations. He was such a warm friendly compassionate guy. I truly enjoyed learning to know him. Jean Marie, with all of your health problems, you were at the top of his list of folks that he was concerned about. Our condolence are with all of you. Doyle was one of a kind and he will most certainly be missed but not forgotten. Gary
 
  

08/30/2010

Posted on by
Doyle Abrahamson (70) passed away:
 
Folks, As I’m putting this blog together I received a phone call from Jean Marie Abrahamson (65) letting me know that her brother Doyle died. I just called Cindy, Doyle’s wife. She was just notified several hours ago about his death. She said the close relatives have been notified so it is OK to post. Cindy said that Doyle was on a continuing education course in Florida. She said they found him in his hotel room in the bath tub with the water running. What a shock. I will post more later. Gary
 







Abrahamson Doyle 1950 S Moline Way Aurora, CO 80014 (303) 751-5137 doylegabrahamson@comcast.net
 
 
 
 
To Bill Hosmer,
From Wayne & Lori Richard (46) Nelson: Mesa, AZ
 
To Bill Hosmer..We are so sad for you Bill and your wonderful family.. Just know that Pat was the kind of person one nevers forgets. She will always remind us of the “fun times” we shared with the both of you and our Dunseith friends, playing poker, bridge parties, songs together sung, all at wonderful Lake Metigoshe..Love You Bill, our friend….Wayne and Lori
 
 
 
Beattles
Reply from Janet Hosmer Cobb (60): Wilsonville, OR
 
To Bill Grimme

 
I love the Beattles and I love you! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!
 
 
 
South American Horse journey update:
From Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO
 
Hi Gary and All.
 
I’m leaving Salida today – halfway on the Colorado Trail to Denver! I’ve had a wonderful week here resting and rejuevenating with friends in the Poncha Springs area – a beautiful place surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks.
 
I expect to be able to finish my 500 mile ride in about 2-3 weeks. This adventure has been full of wonderful experiences – way better than I ever anticipated. I have refined a lot of gear and systems, and we’re in the mode now with sort of a routine nailed down.
 
All my horses and my dog are doing very well, and I’m looking forward to the second half of my journey back to Denver. My friend Sue Applegate here in Poncha Springs bought me a “spot” device, which tracks my route so friends and family can log on and see exactly where I am along the trail, within 10 minutes. It’s got a safety button I can press if I get in trouble – anywhere in the world. Pretty cool technology. Eventually I will have a link to this info on my website.
 
Anyhow, thought I’d send you all an update before I head out again today. For anyone who’s interested in more info and photos – check out my website and blog at www.equinenomad.com.
 
Happy trails!
 
Trish
PS I just realized I could paste this link to the spot page if anyone wants to see where I am:
 
 
 
Memories of Alma (Dale) Gottbreht and folks gone by:
From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
 

Hi Gary,

August is a month that is always filled with high emotion for me. My Mom passed five years ago on August 15th 2005 and my Dad passed 49 years ago today, August 29, 1961.

I would like to thank Gary Metcalfe for his kind words about my family …especially about my Dad and I so agree with him about the good, kind and very strong women who shaped so many lives in the Turtle Mountains…..I could mention dozens but I know that my Mom, my Auntie Cora Mongeon, my Godmother Janet Evans, Ella Metcalfe, Hanna Loeb, the Hosmer women (Lee, Inez and Jess), the women who cooked in our café Stella Schmietz, Charlotte Boguslawski, Eleanor Fauske (many more) shaped my life and I am sure countless more in our small community.

I think many of us would like to say “thank you” to these woman who made a great impact on our lives and dared us to be different. They brightened our lives, taught us about faith, prayer, compassion, loving each other and our neighbors – and especially for guiding our families with the help of our Lord.

I am going to share a part of my mother’s eulogy…the words were for my precious my mother who worked so hard for our family for so long by herself, she was a widow for 44 years, I think the words are simple but describe all the strong women in my life who either left a legacy of faithfulness for love of God, family and friends or will leave such a legacy.

Words written for part of Alma Gottbreht Eulogy – August 2005

Good example is a great gift you give others; it is the way she taught and the way she lived.

We all loved our mother in many different ways; but one thing was the same for all of us and that is we were proud to be a part of the sometimes hard, simple and devout life she lived. We thank God for the life of our mother and know that not even death can separate us, we have many wonderful memories and they will bless our days.

Mom’s proudest days were when she was working the hardest…raising eight children or being Daddy’s partner at Dales. Mom always said her talents were in simple tasks and service for others, but she often did feel proud of the achievements of her children or one of her 34 grandchildren. She lived her life and modeled her Christian virtue so that something of value would pass to her children and grandchildren.

She knew working together works…. She was the first to forgive and the last to complain, injuries or imagined injuries were best and soon forgiven and forgotten. She set an incredible example of love for sisters and brothers, she loved her own family so much and frequently shared stories of her parents and siblings and the hard but happy life they all cherished growing up on their farm.

Mother didn’t have an easy life and she never chose the easy way of life. Looking back we can see that she chose to like the things she had to do. Mom was never afraid of hard work, she was proud of the opportunities she had to work hard and make it an offering to the Lord.

Mother was a wonderful cook and many memories are shared around holiday meals and midnight suppers. Growing up we always had Sunday dinners often shared with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. If you were sick, she sent her love by baking you bread or making you soup, in her younger days she was tireless in serving friends in need and had a big heart for people with mental challenges, she made them her friends and made a loving difference in their lives. Faith might inspire Christian effort but loving hands do the work and Mother had those loving hands.

Not only did mother give the example of how to work hard and be a follower of God but she gave the example of how to have fun sharing simple pleasures and would actually delight us with her sense of humor up to the very end.

Thank you Gary for letting me share this….as for my Dad….he died too young, he was only 45 but 49 years later we are all still proud to be a part of his life and legacy.

PS…Don’t want to forget those great men in Dunseith either…..Roland Mongeon is my Uncle, he is one of those great men and was like a father to me in lots of ways, I lived with him for 7 months in 1966 after Auntie Cora died and before I married. He is a great example of a life lived for the Lord, working hard and sharing your life and treasure with others….he will be 98 this week, I believe September 1st. Nora and Roland have now been married 40 years this month…..We all live such busy lives but Birthday greetings or Congratulations would be wonderful!

Forgive me for making this so long………

 
 
Letter of appreciation From Bill & Pat Hosmer. (Note) Pat Passed away several days ago
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
 
 
 
 
Tim (69) & Tara (75) Martinson donate Cook Car to the Bottineau County Museum
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Gary,
 
Thanks to LeaRae Parrill Espe (67) for asking me to scan/send this to you. :)
 
Neola
 
 
 
 
 

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven’t written in awhile but life sure has been busy. I am back at work and it is nice. I am enjoying some more structure in my life and seeing all my co-workers. Having a little adult conversation after spending so much time with just Connor and I sure is nice. But I also miss that extra time with Connor!! What can I do.

I am doing the hormone treatments every three weeks still and they are going pretty well. However my energy level is still really low. It takes all I got just to get through the day most days. I go to bed every night tired but hopefully Connor will start sleeping longer at night soon and then I will finally get some more sleep. But as people have told me I really probably won’t get a good night sleep until he is 18! I talked to my doctor about my low energy but unfortunately there is no magic energy pill so I guess I will just have to wait it out. On a brighter note my hair is growing in well. It is coming in really thick and is getting close to an inch long on top. The color seems a little blonder then my hair use to be but I think I better wait until it grows longer to really judge it.

Connor is doing well. He seems to have changed so much in the last month or so. As you can see in the newest couple of pictures I put on here he loves to roll over to his stomach. Unfortunately he hasn’t figured out how to roll back to his back from his stomach but I’m sure that will come. He has to be about 14 or 15 lbs by now so he is growing nicely. We take him back to the doctor in a couple of weeks so I will let you all know then how big he really is! We took him to a physical therapist this week for a check-up and were proud to find out that his physical development is ahead of what most preemie babies his age are. He is our little miracle boy! Oh and Connor seems to have adjusted to daycare really well. He is always happy when I pick him up. I think he loves all the attention he gets from all the other kids.

I better get to sleep. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Love, DeAnn

 
Charlotte Phyllis Burcham Chase Olson Baumgart Obituary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

 

 

 

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
 

 

 

  

08/29/2010

Posted on by

To Bill Hosmer,

From Dennis (56) & Peggy Seim (60) Espe: Dunseith, ND
 

Family of Pat Hosmer

We are so sadden of your great loss Bill of your wife. Sympathy to your family for the great loss. We have such great memories of your folks Jack & Inez when we were younger comming down from the farm.

Dennis & Peggy
 
 
 
 
Hero’s
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
 
 
Hello….I guess I was born at the right time in history, there were heros all around me, but it was a time when we needed heros.
 
Sorry men, but when we pick heros, we tend to be about a 180 degrees off. Go back to harder times, just check out your own mother, servants all. That’s what a hero is. I will name a few for the fun of it….the Knox girls, the Eurich girls, Stubby and Charolotte, Edna Leonard and top o’ the hep…Helen Watkins. This list could be very long, but it was how they made me feel in a hard world. Oh, I don’t want to forget my high school classmates, now Bruce Poepell was a guy, but he stood out, possibly because he had lost his dad and had a couple of heros of his own, Harvey Hobbs and George Goodsell stepped right up for Bruce. At present time in history, men can’t even take care of themselves????? Women even taking over driving the semis, educating themselves and if the guy will just stay home and take care of the kids, that is all they ask. Gary
 
PS I must apologize. Gary dictates these articles to me and I type them and am not always correct on the spelling of some of the names.Sue
 
 
 
 
Reply from Aggie Cassavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
 
 
In reference to my brother Aime’s letter (message 893) to the blog about the foriegn exchange student who commented on how patriotic Americans are. It reminded me of a very good friend of mine from Bosnia, when I asked her what she liked most about America? She said in her broken English,” I love how da Amicican people went crazy wit, a flag in every window after 9-11 and how da military has so many people of differnt race all fighting for da same cause.(Sanela is Muslim).She went on to say,”Da America people are dah nicest people I ever met, I just wish dey would understand better, that as Christian nation you can’t come into a Muslim country and start trowing bombs around wit out big problems down da road…. Sanela and I agreed on very little politically, but I would have to say that she was one of the most intelligent person,and the most interesting person that I have ever talked to in my life, not to mention hysterically funny… Aggie
 

 

 

 

 

 

For anyone that liked the Beatles

 

From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

 

 

 

 

 

Every song they ever made?

JUST CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE SONG YOU WANT TO HEAR AND SEE THE VIDEO-CLIP (ADDITIONALY, YOU WILL HAVE THE WORDING OF THE SONG AS WELL AS SOME OTHER INFO RELATED TO THAT PARTICULAR SONG !! ENJOY!!!

 


The Beatles (Tube) ! ! !

A Day in the Life <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=A+Day+in+the+Life>
A Hard Day’s Night <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=A+Hard+Day%27s+Night>
A Taste of Honey <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=A+Taste+of+Honey>
Across The Universe <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Across+The+Universe>
Act Naturally <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Act+Naturally>
All I’ve got to Do <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=All+I%27ve+got+to+Do>
All My Loving <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=All+My+Loving>
All Together Now <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=All+Together+Now>
All You Need Is Love <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=All+You+Need+Is+Love>
And I Love Her <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=And+I+Love+Her>
And Your Bird Can Sing <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=And+Your+Bird+Can+Sing>
Anna (Go To Him) <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Anna+%28Go+To+Him%29>
Another Girl <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Another+Girl>
Any Time At All <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Any+Time+At+All>
Ask Me Why <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Ask+Me+Why>
Baby It’s You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Baby+It%27s+You>
Baby You’re A Rich Man <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Baby+You%27re+A+Rich+Man>
Bad Boy <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Baby%27s+in+Black>
Because <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Because>
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite! <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Being+for+the+Benefit+of+Mr.+Kite%21>
Birthday <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Birthday>
Blackbird <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Blackbird>
Blue Jay Way <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Blue+Jay+Way>
Boys <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Boys>
Can’t Buy Me Love <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Can%27t+Buy+Me+Love>
Carry That Weight <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Carry+That+Weight>
Chains <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Chains>
Come Together <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Come+Together>
Cry Baby Cry <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Cry+Baby+Cry>
Day Tripper <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Day+Tripper>
Dear Prudence <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Dear+Prudence>
Devil In Her Heart <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Devil+In+Her+Heart>
Dig A Pony <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Dig+A+Pony>
Dig It <http://www.beatlestube.net/video..php?title=Dig+It>
Dizzy Miss Lizzie <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Dizzy+Miss+Lizzie>
Do You Want to Know a Secret <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Do+You+Want+to+Know+a+Secret>
Doctor Robert <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Doctor+Robert>
Don’t Bother Me <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Don%27t+Bother+Me>
Don’t Let Me Down <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Don%27t+Let+Me+Down>
Don’t Pass Me By <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Don%27t+Pass+Me+By>
Drive My Car <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Drive+My+Car>
Eight Days a Week <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Eight+Days+a+Week>
Eleanor Rigby <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Eleanor+Rigby>
Every Little Thing <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Every+Little+Thing>
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Everybody%27s+Got+Something+to+Hide+Except+For+Me+and+My+Monkey>
Everybody’s Trying to be My Baby <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Everybody%27s+Trying+to+be+My+Baby>
Fixing a Hole <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Fixing+a+Hole>
Flying (instrumental) <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Flying+%28instrumental%29>
For No One <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=For+No+One>
For You Blue <http://www..beatlestube.net/video.php?title=For+You+Blue>
Free As A Bird <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Free+As+A+Bird>
From Me To You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=From+Me+To+You>
Get Back <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Get+Back>
Getting Better <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Getting+Better>
Girl <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Girl>
Glass Onion <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Glass+Onion>
Golden Slumbers <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Golden+Slumbers>
Good Day Sunshine <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Good+Day+Sunshine>
Good Morning, Good Morning <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Good+Morning,+Good+Morning>
Good Night <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Good+Night>
Got To Get You Into My Life <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Got+To+Get+You+Into+My+Life>
Happiness is a Warm Gun <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Happiness+is+a+Warm+Gun>
Hello, Goodbye <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Hello,+Goodbye>
Help <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Help>
Helter Skelter <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Helter+Skelter>
Her Majesty <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Her+Majesty>
Here Comes The Sun <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Here+Comes+The+Sun>
Here, There And Everywhere <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Here,+There+And+Everywhere>
Hey Bulldog <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Hey+Bulldog>
Hey Jude <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Hey+Jude>
Hold Me Tight <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Hold+Me+Tight>
Honey Don’t <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Honey+Don%27t>
Honey Pie <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Honey+Pie>
I Am the Walrus <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Am+the+Walrus>
I Call Your Name <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Call+Your+Name>
I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Don%27t+Want+to+Spoil+the+Party>
I Feel Fine <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Feel+Fine>
I Me Mine <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Me+Mine>
I Need You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Need+You>
I Saw Her Standing There <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Saw+Her+Standing+There>
I Should Have Known Better <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Should+Have+Known+Better>
I Wanna Be Your Man <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Wanna+Be+Your+Man>
I Want To Hold Your Hand <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Want+To+Hold+Your+Hand>
I Want To Tell You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Want+To+Tell+You>
I Want You (She’s So Heavy) <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Want+You+%28She%27s+So+Heavy%29>
I Will <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I+Will>
I’ll Be Back <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ll+Be+Back>
I’ll Cry Instead <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ll+Cry+Instead>
I’ll Follow the Sun <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ll+Follow+the+Sun>
I’ll Get You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ll+Get+You>
I’m a Loser <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27m+a+Loser>
I’m Down <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=I%27m+Down>
I’m Just Happy to Dance with You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27m+Just+Happy+to+Dance+with+You>
I’m Looking Through You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27m+Looking+Through+You>
I’m Only Sleeping <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27m+Only+Sleeping>
I’m so tired <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27m+so+tired>
I’ve Got A Feeling <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ve+Got+A+Feeling>
I’ve Just Seen a Face <http://www..beatlestube.net/video.php?title=I%27ve+Just+Seen+a+Face>
If I Fell <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=If+I+Fell>
If I Needed Someone <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=If+I+Needed+Someone>
In My Life <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=In+My+Life>
It Won’t Be Long <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=It+Won%27t+Be+Long>
It’s All Too Much <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=It%27s+All+Too+Much>
It’s Only Love <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=It%27s+Only+Love>
Julia <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Julia>
Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Kansas+City/Hey,+Hey,+Hey,+Hey>
Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Komm+Gib+Mir+Deine+Hand>
Lady Madonna <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Lady+Madonna>
Let it Be <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Let+it+Be>
Little Child <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Little+Child>
Long Tall Sally <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Long+Tall+Sally>
Long, Long, Long <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Long,+Long,+Long>
Love Me Do <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Love+Me+Do>
Love You To <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Love+You+To>
Lovely Rita <tle=Lovely+Rita”><http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Lucy+in+the+Sky+with+Diamonds>
Maggie Mae <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Maggie+Mae>
Magical Mystery Tour <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Magical+Mystery+Tour>
Martha My Dear <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Martha+My+Dear>
Matchbox <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Matchbox>
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Maxwell%27s+Silver+Hammer>
Mean Mr. Mustard <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Mean+Mr.+Mustard>
Michelle <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Michelle>
Misery <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Misery>
Money (That’s What I Want) <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Money+%28That%27s+What+I+Want%29>
Mother Nature’s Son <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Mother+Nature%27s+Son>
Mr. Moonlight <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Mr.+Moonlight>
No Reply <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=No+Reply>
Norwegian Wood <http://www.beatlestube.net/video..php?title=Norwegian+Wood>
Not a Second Time <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Not+a+Second+Time>
Nowhere Man <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Nowhere+Man>
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Ob-La-Di,+Ob-La-Da>
Octopus’s Garden <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Octopus%27s+Garden>
Oh! Darling <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Oh%21+Darling>
Old Brown Shoe <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Old+Brown+Shoe>
One After 909 <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=One+After+909>
Only A Northern Song <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Only+A+Northern+Song>
P.S. I Love You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=P.S.+I+Love+You>
Paperback Writer <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Paperback+Writer>
Penny Lane <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Penny+Lane>
Piggies <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Piggies>
Please Mister Postman <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Please+Mister+Postman>
Please Please Me <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Please+Please+Me>
Polythene Pam <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Polythene+Pam>
Rain <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Rain>
Real Love <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=Real+Love>
Revolution 1 <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Revolution+1>
Revolution 9 <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Revolution+9>
Rock and Roll Music <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Rock+and+Roll+Music>
Rocky Raccoon <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Rocky+Raccoon>
Roll Over Beethoven <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Roll+Over+Beethoven>
Run For Your Life <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Run+For+Your+Life>
Savoy Truffle <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Savoy+Truffle>
Sexy Sadie <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Sexy+Sadie>
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Sgt.+Pepper%27s+Lonely+Hearts+Club+Band>
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Sgt.+Pepper%27s+Lonely+Hearts+Club+Band+%28Reprise%29>
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=She+Came+In+Through+The+Bathroom+Window>
She Loves You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=She+Loves+You>
She Said, She Said <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=She+Said,+She+Said>
She’s A Woman <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=She%27s+A+Woman>
She’s Leaving Home <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=She%27s+Leaving+Home>
Sie Liebt Dich <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Sie+Liebt+Dich>
Slow Down <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Slow+Down>
Something <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Something>
Strawberry Fields Forever <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Strawberry+Fields+Forever>
Sun King <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Sun+King>
Taxman <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Taxman>
Tell Me What You See <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Tell+Me+What+You+See>
Tell Me Why <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Tell+Me+Why>
Thank You Girl <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Thank+You+Girl>
The Ballad of John And Yoko <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Ballad+of+John+And+Yoko>
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill <http://www.beatlestube.net/video..php?title=The+Continuing+Story+of+Bungalow+Bill>
The End <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+End>
The Fool On The Hill <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Fool+On+The+Hill>
The Inner Light <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Inner+Light>
The Long And Winding Road <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Long+And+Winding+Road>
The Night Before <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Night+Before>
The Word <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=The+Word>
There’s A Place <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=There%27s+A+Place>
Things We Said Today <hings+We+Said+Today” target=”_blank” title=”http://www..beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Things+We+Said+Today“>http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Think+For+Yourself>
This Boy <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=This+Boy>
Ticket to Ride <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Ticket+to+Ride>
Till There was You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Till+There+was+You>
Tomorrow Never Knows <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Tomorrow+Never+Knows>
Twist and Shout <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Twist+and+Shout>
Two of Us <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Two+of+Us>
Wait <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Wait>
We Can Work It Out <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=We+Can+Work+It+Out>
What Goes On <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=What+Goes+On>
What You’re Doing <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=What+You%27re+Doing>
When I Get Home <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=When+I+Get+Home>
When I’m Sixty-Four <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=When+I%27m+Sixty-Four>
While My Guitar Gently Weeps <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=While+My+Guitar+Gently+Weeps>
Why don’t we do it in the road <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Why+don%27t+we+do+it+in+the+road>
Wild Honey Pie <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Wild+Honey+Pie>
With a Little Help From My Friends <http://www.beatlestube.net/video..php?title=With+a+Little+Help+From+My+Friends>
Within You Without You <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Within+You+Without+You>
Words of Love <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Words+of+Love>
Yellow Submarine <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Yellow+Submarine>
Yer Blues <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Yer+Blues>
Yes It Is <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Yes+It+Is>
Yesterday <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Yesterday>
You Can’t Do That <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You+Can%27t+Do+That>
You Know My Name <http://www.beatlestube.net/video..php?title=You+Know+My+Name>
You Like Me Too Much <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You+Like+Me+Too+Much>
You Never Give Me Your Money <http://www.beatlestube..net/video.php?title=You+Never+Give+Me+Your+Money>
You Really Got a Hold on Me <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You+Really+Got+a+Hold+on+Me>
You Won’t See Me <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You+Won%27t+See+Me>
You’re Going to Lose That Girl <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You%27re+Going+to+Lose+That+Girl>
You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=You%27ve+Got+to+Hide+Your+Love+Away>
Your Mother Should Know <http://www.beatlestube.net/video.php?title=Your+Mother+Should+Know>

 


The Beatles video from Albums:
Please Please Me
With The Beatles <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=With+The+Beatles>
A Hard Day’s Night <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=A+Hard+Day%27s+Night>
Beatles For Sale <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Beatles+For+Sale>
Help! <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Help%21>
Rubber Soul <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Rubber+Soul>
Revolver <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Revolver>
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Sgt.+Pepper%27s+Lonely+Hearts+Club+Band>
Magical Mystery Tour <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Magical+Mystery+Tour>
The Beatles – White Album= <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=The+Beatles+-+White+Album>
Yellow Submarine <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Yellow+Submarine>
Abbey Road <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Abbey+Road>
Let It Be <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Let+It+Be>
Past Masters Volume 1 <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Past+Masters+Volume+1>
Past Masters Volume 2 <http://www.beatlestube.net/album.php?album=Past+Masters+Volume+2>

 

08/28/2010

Posted on by
Folks, I screwed up again yesterday with the numbers. Yesterday’s message was number 898, not 897. I realized my mistake when I was posting it on the Website, so yesterday’s message is posted with the correct number. Gary
 
 
Bill & Pat Hosmer Memories
From Jan Hosmer Cobb (60): Wilsonville, OR
 
Gary

 
My cousins Bill and Pat Hosmer were always so special to us growing up and older. Both would talk with us younger folks with attention, respect and interest. How wonderful to be treated with such genuine affection as youngsters and to have that relationship extend into adult friendships. A gift.

As adults, Pat and I shared an interest in books and occasionally recommended this one or that one to each other. We had fascinating conversations because she had so many interests and was so knowledgeable. Pat had charm and calm and intelligence and warmth. She is irreplaceable.

I am writing this to remind myself and all of us how important our relationships with our extended families can be. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles – all of us have the opportunity to have positive and lasting influence. What better gift?

Jan Hosmer Cobb
 
 
 
To Bill Hosmer,
From Pam Fassett Faust (65): Lilburn, GA
 
To Bill Hosmer – I’m so sorry about Pat’s passing, but thank God she’s now in heaven where she belongs. I talked with my Mom (Dorothy Fassett) tonight, and she told me that Pat was gone. She will be very much missed, but I know her friends and family will remember her with love and for everything she meant to so many people. I’m so sorry. Love, Pam (Fassett) Faust
 
 
 
To Bill Hosmer,
From from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND.
 
Bill, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times. The loss is hard, but her suffering is gone. She will be missed, but the memories are there. Bill, as a reminder, we are all here for your support. We felt we knew your parents, Jack and Inez, Bob and Lee as you were far ahead of me in years at DHS and they
hunted on my Dad’s farm, Jim Metcalfe north of Dunseith, near the Peace Garden. It is fun to remember how Jack would give my Dad a hat from his store; Bob would extend Gold Bond ?? credits for my Mom to get the china she wanted….that was special!!.
God bless you, Bill and family…..
Geri (Geraldine Metcalfe) Munro ’59 and Chuck Munro, Rolla ’58
 
 
 
To Bill Hosmer,
From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND
 
Gary,
To: Bill Hosmer
 
Bill, you are certainly deserving of all the comments that you have received. I would like to take this time to thank you for your service to your country, (what a remarkable career) and offer my deepest sympathy and well wishes to you and the members of your family in this time of loss.
 
Kenny
 
 
To Bill Hosmer,
From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Love and prayers to you dear cousin. See you soon.
Diane

 
 
 

To Bill Hosmer,

From from Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

 
Bill Hosmer so sorry about the passing of your wife. I know how you are feeling as my husband Roger Landsverk passed away on June 1st of this year. We were married 38yrs. Roger struggled with cancer for about 18 months.Pat & Roger are now together in heaven. My sympathies are with you Bill & your families. Connie Landsverk I never knew your wife but hear she was an awesome person!!
 
 

To Bill Hosmer,

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

 

Bill–My deepest sympathy. I know words are very feeble at times like this, so I thought it best to use very few and keep the rest inside with prayers for you.

 

Allen

 
 
 
 
Irene (Mrs. Bob) Stickland’s relationship to Neola and My relatives.
 
Folks, Alney Kofoid, a cousin of Neola’s and mine, is marreid to Lorna Adams, who is Irene Stickland’s Neice. Neola asked me how Lee Stickland was related to Lorna. Gary
 
Gary’s reply to Neola
Lee’s mother was an Adams. Mrs. Lars Sivertson is also a sister to Lee’s mother and Lorna’s dad. Lee’s dad, Bob Stickland, was our mail man for 28 years.
 
 
Neola’s message to Lee Stickland

Hi Lee,

 

I happened to see this email when I was looking for a different one.

 

I don’t know if you/someone else has mentioned your mother was an Adams. I’m assuming you know an Adams family lived in the Kramer/Gardena area.

 

Raymond Gust, my husband’s “first” cousin, was married to Violet Kuebler Gust. Violet’s mother, Anna Adams Kuebler, was an Adams. I think it was quite a large family. Pearl Adams Nelson also belonged to this Adams family. Pearl’s grandson and one granddaughter were my students in Minot.

 

Raymond/Violet lived app. one mile north of Kramer, ND. Pearl Adams Nelson lives on a farm near Lansford, ND.

 

I don’t know if you are interested in what I’m writing, so I’ll stop for now. :)

 

Neola

 

 

Lee Stickland’s Reply to Neola

Neola !!!

Definitely. Lorna is my cousin, as is David. Glenn, Joan, Judy,Donna and Janette.

MY MOM, Irene is a sister to Reinhold Adams, Violet Gust is/was my cousin, etc
MY bothers are Dean, Youngest, and Darrel (Doc), in the middle. THey both live in Olympia WA.I will be 64 on 10-20-2010. I live alone in Dickinson as my wife left me in 1995.My brother Darrel is also divorced, a bit longer than me. Matt 19:6and Mark 10:10 are clear about marrying again as long as one spouse lives.

My career was as a nursing home adm for 20 years, beginning as an orderly in both hospitals in Minot, when there was 2. Met my wife, Bea, when she was in nurses training at Trinity. She and I began in nursing homes at Dunseith when we started from “scratch” and cleaned it all up to NO deficiencies. I did that in Dickinson, Mandan Milwaukee and in Boise Idaho. THe man who owned Dickinson at the time I worked there had sold it bought others, one being in Boise, He called me to come to Boise and I told him that I had 9 in Milwaukee which would take another years, he said he would call me back then, he did and we moved to Boise in late 1988

My son, Eric, his wife, Kim and their son, SAM live in San Marcos, about 30 miles north of San Diego. Kim is a chief scientist for a pharmaceutical company as she had 2 PhD, one in Pharmacy and one is toxicology. Eric just completed his undergraduate degree in history with all As> Some of his writings have made into the pages of a few books.
I have a masters in public health from the Univ of Minn, son Eric has taken 10 years piano lessons, Kim plays a bit of guitar. I began guitar at age 11. Darrel does not know a note but had a band in the cities for 10 years, has about 10 valuable Gibson, one of which he sold me very inexpensively.

SAM became 3 years old on 8-23-2010

I have met a day-stocker at WalMart name Oscar who grew up near Kramer, He knew some of the family but I fail to recall his last name. He is blond +/- 50-55 years old ??

ps 1 Yes, I do become verbose,talking or writing Lee (Leland) Stickland

ps 2My Dad worked for YOUR father, my parents left Dunseith for Montana, They moved back to Dickinson in 1990, mom died of heart failure in April 2002 and Dad lived til 87, to
February 25, 2009.

ps 3I have developed wrinkles in my retinas, Dr says probably from a severe impact. Will need to go to MPLS in Sept to have them stretched out again. Old age tells its own story(ies) Lee

Add your content here

  

08/27/2010

Posted on by
Pat Hosmer (Mrs. Bill) Passed away this morning.
Message/Reply from Bill Hosmer (47): Tucson, AZ
 
Gary and all my terrific friends from Dunseith, I read your latest with much humility. Those comments from folks knocked my socks off and brought tears to my eyes. Also, it is a fact that my wonderful bride of 57 years, Pat Hosmer, is now with God. She passed away early this morning, and I’m still bewildered by that fact, but thankful that her long battle with a bad disorder is over at last. She so enjoyed our times with family and friends for twenty summers in our cabin at Lake Metigoshe. I will miss her but will be a better person for having been her mate these many years. I will be bringing her remains to our cemetery near Dunseith, where we will both be buried some day. It will probably be during September. Don’t know just when,, but we will have a private grave side ceremony with family and friends with all our offspring in attendance.

My sadness is overwhelmed with the relief of her peaceful passing which we prayed for often.

It is so wonderful to have so many of my countrymen on my frequency with Gary’s miraculous format. I am blessed with your friendship and support, and will look forward to seeing any or all of you some day.

With respect and thanks, I’m Bill Hosmer

Bill, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times. The loss is hard, but her suffering is gone. She will be missed, but the memories are there. Bill, as a reminder, we are all hear for your support. Gary
 
 
Reply to yesterdays posting (Bill Hosmer)
From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM
 
Hi Gary,

 
Re: My cousin Bill. Amen.
Colette
 
 
 
Jack & Inez Hosmer
Reply from Janice Larson Myhre: Spokage, WA
 
Dear Gary, Would you please forward the following to Bill Hosmer? I think he might get a kick out of hearing from me.

Dear Mr. Hosmer,
My name is Janice Larson Myhre. I was born to Harry H. Larson and Esther Tennancour in Bottineau, ND, in 1941. Before she married, in order for my mother to attend high school, she had to acquire a position in town. Your parents, Jack and Inez took her in to their home and hearts to help with house work and childcare. She lived with me the last three years of her life and often spoke of your folks and how grateful she was to them for helping her get an education. She also mentioned taking care of you and was proud to see your success as a Thunderbird! I’m grateful to Gary for keeping me on the email list. My folks would have been thrilled to read all these emails.
Sincerely,
Jan Myhre

Jan, It’s great hearing from you. Yes, many of our readers remember your Dad as their teacher back in the 30’s & 40’s. He was Erling Landsverk’s first grade teacher. Erling has written some great memories of your father of which I will repost in the near future. Gary
  

08/26/2010

Posted on by
Famous Thunderbird Air Show over Dunseith in the early 60’s
 
Folks, It’s been nearly two years since the last posting of this memorable event. I think it’s time for a reposting. I have posted the comments from this last posting at the bottom.
 
Bill Hosmer, Once again we salute you. You referred to Dick Johnson and me as giants. You are the giant of all times. I will never be able to hold a candle to you. Following your time flying for the famous Thunderbirds, you were the lead pilot for many bombing raids over North Vietnam. As portrayed in the book “The Birds Were Silver Then”, written by your friend Lowell Peterson, those were some very dangerous raids. You had many close calls that took the lives of so many of your fellow pilots. Many of them became prisoners of war too. Bill, you are my hero. Gary
 
 
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2008 7:56 PM
 
 
Bill Hosmer and the famous Air Force Thunderbirds: hozndaz7@yahoo.com Tucson, AZ
 
 
 
Folks, This deserves a re-run. Many of you have been added to our distribution list since this was run last January.
 
Seeing Bill Hosmer’s name, with his message yesterday, brings back a lot of memories of him and the famous Air Force Thunderbirds. As most of you know, Bill was a pilot with the Thunderbirds back in the 60’s. He, along with the Thunderbird team, performed many air shows around the world, with Dunseith being one of them.
 
The following was posted last January, 2008. Bill’s reply, with his side of the story, follows everyone’s story of their remembrance of that famous day, in Dunseith, when the Thunderbirds, unexpectedly, came to town. Some of the older generation thought the Russian’s were attacking.
 
Bill, this is one event that will never be wiped from the history of Dunseith. We are proud to have you as one of our own.
 
Gary

Bill Hosmer,

I thought I’d share with you and the Dunseith Alumni some of the memories that folks have of you and the famous Thunderbirds. I’ve attached a few messages that our class of 65 generated this last April , 2007, when our subject of discussion for the day was you and those planes performing over Dunseith. Last winter our class members had, almost live discussions, on various topics and this was one of them.

Gary

 

The first message I received yesterday from Ron Longie also from our class of 65. All the other messages down to Deb Morinville’s were generated last April.

 

 

Ron Longie’s (65) reply to Bill Hosmer:

Gary,

I truly enjoyed reading Bill Hosmers email, the memories came flooding back about the old skating rink sitting in the warm up shed retying skates, warming hands and feet what a memory. I thank you Bill for the trip down memory lane, and I also like Bill Grimme remember the pass over of the jets what a day. Thanks again for all the names of people that I had forgotten.

Ron Longie

 
Colette Hosmer’s (64) reply:
 
Gary and Larry,

Great memories. Actually, Bill was my cousin — my Uncle Jack
Hosmer’s oldest son. Bill and his wife, Pat, have a cabin at Lake
Metigoshe and have spent the summers there for years now. Bill still
tells great stories about those days. One was that Uncle Jack had to
walk down to Casey Sine’s store the next morning to offer an apology.
Casey got skinned up when he “hit the asphalt” as the jets thundered
down main street at the end of their performance.

Larry – I also like the idea of the arched street lights.

Colette

On 4/23/07, Gary Stokeswrote:

Larry, Again you are a wonderful writer and story teller.
Colette, I think your Uncle Bill Hosmer was part of these Thunderbird shows
that Larry is talking about.

 
 
Wonderful story from Larry Hackman (66)

Gary & Bill (Grimme) & Paul

Did you read about the Blue Angle pilot crashing yesterday and getting
killed at a flight demonstration. That brought back a memory when the
Thunderbirds would come and fly over Dunseith. They would fly over and do a
few maneuvers usually about once a summer or when ever they were in the
area. I remember they would come right down main street what seemed as low
as tree top high. The street lights would start rattling and the next thing
that happened was there was five jets following each other right down main
street. It really made you stop what ever you were doing and pay
attention. If I remember correctly is that they would even break the
sound
berrier a few times just to make sure that everyone would come out of their
houses to watch the show. That was still legal in them days,(You know, way
back when). Mostly I think it was to get the Hosmer families
attention. Colette’s uncle was one of the pilots if I remember correctly.
Then for the closing of their demonstration they would come flying down main
from the north end of town. They would come so low and so fast that the top
of street light poles would be sucked in and touch, creating arches from one
end of main to the other end. They would have to have the fire dept. go out
the next day with the ladder truck to streighten the poles back out. I
always thought the town would have looked better with the arches, and
really would have looked good at Christmas. You know with the arches
decorated with Christmas lights and such. It really would have created a
amazing sight in the dark of night. If you can emagine. You know, that is a
helluva idea for the street dance during the reunion. You can just emagine
everyone doing the snake dance (or is that crack the whip) down main under
the arches. Maybe someone ought to pass that idea onto someone. But I
think Colette’s uncle retired. Its really to bad about that Blue Angel
Pilot. We must all say a prayer for the well being of his family.
You all take care and smile,

larry

 
 
 
 
Allen Richard’s (65)Reply:
 
Bill Hosmer, one of Jack Hosmer’s older sons was a pilot with the Air Force Thunderbirds in the 60’s. They were performing at the Minot Air Base and did an impromptu short show above Dunseith Min street. I was mowing hay in a road ditch along Highway 3– Getting buzzed by an F-100 (yeah that is what they flew back then) at 500 mph is a true religious experience.

 

By the way, after Bill Hosmer left the he did some test pilot work and demonstrations for Cessna–Great guy and fun to talk with. Last I saw him he was living @Lake Metigoshe God — been gone so long I forgot how to spell it! Anyway Collette or Jess might know his whereabouts.

 

 

Bill Grimme’s (65) reply:

Great stuff! The Thunderbirds were a big part of our younger days. I
remember hearing rumors that there might be a flyover (I’m sure an official
announcement would not have been allowed). Seems like it always corresponded
with some event at Minot AFB. We would wait in anticipation on the day and
still be surprised when the Thunderbirds made the first pass. Cakes fell,
kids and adults ran outside, Brownie cameras were pointed to the sky (doubt
that the pictures turned out) and, as Colette has shared, Dunseith citizens
skinning their knees when they hit the deck. What a day!

Here is a good link to the Thunderbird history. Colette’s cousin is
prominent in the article. http://www.usafthunderbirds.com/history.html

Bill

 

 

 

Colette Hosmer’s (64) reply:

 

Hey Bill,

I replied to the Thunderbird story before I read your e-mail.
So….one real live account of a “man” actually hitting the deck.
Another one was Jimmy McKoy. He was up on the roof of the Crystal
Cafe to get a better view of the show. He swore, that when the planes
came down main street, if he wouldn’t have flattened out he would have been hit!

Colette

 


Susan Fassett’s (65) reply:

The story I remember is that a lot of the older folks in town thought we were being attacked by the Russians when the planes came flying so low over the town. I remember standing in the alley behind our house and you could see the pilots in the planes very clearly, as low as they were. It was a real treat for us small town kids. Susan

 

 

 

Message from Deb Morinville Marmon (70):

Dear Gary,

 

Merry Christmas!! Are you overwhelmed yet? My goodness, this list is taking on a life of it’s own!

 

My mom, Frances Morinville used to tell this story of the day the “Thunderbirds” came to town (pretty much unannounced)

 

Back in those days the big threat to the USA was the USSR. Everyone talked about the “communists”. Mom and Dad talked about them so much I came to think I could identify one if they walked down the street kind of like a Martian or other alien. Anyway, Mom said that one of the jets came really low right over main street. The door opened at the store and an elderly woman came in, white as a sheet. Mom got her sat down in the chair by the window and after she could catch her breath she said “I think the communists are attacking!” Mom told that story for years, she got such a kick out of it. I also remember forming a caravan to the Minot Air Base to watch the air show. It was one of the thrills of my childhood years. Thanks Bill, for the joy of those days and also for your service to our country.

 

Merry Christmas to all my old “homies”

 

Deb Morinville Marmon
 
 
Bill Hosmer’s comments & Reply: Thunderbirds
 
Gary Stokes, Ron Longie, Cousin Colette Hosmer, Larry Hackman, Allen
Richard, Bill Grimme and to Deb Morinville (whose address I did not
have).

Thank you for taking the time to comment on that brief period of
time in a long life. The flattery I’m experiencing is a gift from
you all, and that is important to me. By the way I answered a
direct mailing from Susan Fassett, so she was not included in this
series of observations and impressions response.

Just to clarify a couple of impressions, we did not do any
supersonic maneuvers. The explosive sound that was heard was in all
likelihood, the afterburner which is a loud and sudden explosive
acceleration which that engine incorporated. The solo pilots used
it more than us working guys in the formation, although it’s
possible anytime. On one of the South American shows we did in 1961
the President of Paraguay asked our lead to do a supersonic pass.
He explained that the shock wave might possibly break many windows
in the air terminal. The president said, “This is my country, and
those are my windows”. So the leader had the solo to open the show
with a boom. No windows were broken, but they had alot of tape
helping to withstand the shock.

What caused KC Sine to fall was not in the plan, but it happened
like this: As lead headed us toward Minot, I asked him permission
to do a slow pass down main street. I wanted to see if my folks
were at our store on main street. I was low and very slow with my
landing gear down. Unknown to me the other wing man pulled out of
the formation, got behind me a good distance then lit the
afterburner, accelerated to nearly 500knots, flew UNDER me as we
passed the bank on the corner. KC explained to me when Dad and I
went to apologize, he had that masterful fast paced dialogue with a
little swearing going on, telling me, that fast one was going to
kill him right in front of his store,etc, etc, then he ended his
tirade, he said, “hey kid, wanna banana?” I’d heard that many
years before that Sept day in 1961. What a piece of work that man
was.

There are Thunderbird reunions every other year in Las Vegas where
we get together with us oldtimers, and all the teams before and
after us, and are treated to a private air show by the current
team in their beautiful F-16 aircraft at Nellis AFB. This year it
was last month. The number of attendees from our earlier teams are
less and less, but it is like being in Dunseith at our famous
100th and125th Celebrations to see all the generations in
attendance, to give the heart a tug, and the mind a blast of
afterburner.

I did eject from the airplane I flew to ND about two weeks after
we had been there. It was not at a show, but during our arrival
maneuvers at a Navy Base in Rhode Island, I had the engine quit
running, tried some emergency airstarts, tried to position the
bird to make a dead stick (engine out) pattern, but was too low,
so ejected without injury, and flew the spare airplane in the show
the next day. The other one exploded in an empty field with no
damage to anything on the ground, except the dirt. I landed in a
tree and I was not as good a tree climber as I was down at Willow
Creek, but shoot.

I’m hoping someone can figure out the best way to get us in
computer contact on a regular basis. I can contribute $$, but my
brain power is limited.

Cheers and Happy New Year to you all, and thank you from my
heart. Bill Hosmer

 
 
Colette Hosmer’s (64) comments and reply:
 
Bill, I began this e-mail (below) this morning but had to leave for an appointment so saved it to send later. I just got back and read the Thunderbird account from your point of view. Guess we’re working on mental telepathy now….

Hi Gary and Cousin Bill,

 
Loved reading your Christmas Day letter, Bill. So many people exchanged their memories of your Dunseith Thunderbird Show….maybe someday you’ll tell us your side of the story (?)

Although I don’t know anything about building or maintaining a website (I traded art and paid a professional for mine) I will add my 2 cents to the equation. I agree with Gary that we should stick with e-mail for our initial communication — especially since he’s so generous in acting as the clearing house for these thousands of messages. However, I would imagine that information could be organized very effectively on a website. And, photographs would be an important addition to the history.

I also agree that if this effort is made, it should be top rate, easy to maneuver and with plenty of room to add info indefinitely.

Colette
 
 
Larry Hackman’s (66) message to Bill Hosmer:
 
Bill
Just to let you know and to pump up your pumper more, I want to let you
know that I have related the story of the Thunderbirds buzzing small town,
USA, Dunseith, ND many times over the years. That one short moment in
time has meant a lot and apparently not only to me. We did not have much
growing up in Dunseith but we did have a pilot that flew with the
Thunderbirds, Not many towns can make that claim. New Rockford, ND. is
real proud to have a astronaut, but I’ll bet he never buzzed main street
and created the memories that you have for all of us. Thank you. Now if I
can figure out a way to get Gary to stop confusing me with Carmen Myer and
Santa Claus I’ll be doing great. By the way, I think I did meet you and
visit with you for a short time at the Althea Theatre (Senior Citizen
Center) at the Dunseith Reunion. Did you say you were living or staying in
a cabin up at Long Lake or am I confused. Bill, you have a great day and
thank you again, for the memory.
larry
Replies to the above posting
Previoulsy posted with message 292 on 11/23/2008
 
Reply from Bill Hosmer (47):
 
Gary, and my Dunseith Friends, I am overcome with your comments from the past. My ego has been fed enough to last for the rest of my life. All of you have demonstrated that tremendous Dunseith generosity and support. Anything I accomplished in my past was due to a certain spirit and tons of encouragement by the likes of you, your parents, and grandparents experienced during my terrific days as a Dunseith guy. Blessings and Cheers to you with gratitude and affection. Bill Hosmer
 
 
 
Reply From Bill Grimme (65): wgrimme@charter.net
 

Gary,

 

This is a great re-run! Brought back all the memories of the fun and pride Bill Hosmer and his team brought to Dunseith.

 

Those were good times. Plenty left ahead with your daily emails, too.

 

Last year’s reunion and these daily emails have really kept a spark going. I know when I went back to Dunseith last September, it was almost as good a trip as the reunion the year before. I’m really looking forward to the cruise. I think it is shaping up nicely.

 

Cold here in Birmingham tonight – should have a low of about 27. It got down to 24 last night. I know that doesn’t get the attention of the folks in Dunseith, but, down here, people start getting excited in the 20’s. Folks sell firewood out of pickup trucks on a lot of corners. We do get the single digits occasionally, but not often. A little snow now and then, too. In 1993, I had 18″ on the level in my yard. Drifts up to 2 or 3 feet. Shut the town down for 4 or 5 days. No snow removal equipment and a lot of hills here. My wife had me shoveling a square IN THE BACK YARD!!! We had three small dogs and they needed a little help for the necessities. The poor little guys would come in with snowballs hanging on their bellies. It would take about a half hour to get them all melted.

 

Looks like we’ll get a little warmup by Turkey day.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

Bill

 

 

 

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): colettehosmer@gmail.com

 

Thanks, Gary, for gathering together these “Thunderbird” accounts. Bill has always been a great source of pride to the family and I am especially proud as I have the honor of being his favorite cousin. (Just kidding, I assume several of his other cousins are reading this and I take great pleasure in putting him on the spot). Colette
 
Reply (Thunderbirds) from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

 

Great newsletter, Gary. I enjoyed it as much/maybe more than I did the first time it was sent. You do a great job of organizing the info for your newsletter. I remember KC; I bought several neat pairs of earrings from him in about 1954. The story about him is precious.

 

Neola
 
 
 
Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70):
 
To all,
Do any of you remember what year it was that Bill over
Dunseith…seems we lived there then. I think my dad was in Germany
at the time and we lived in the old Art Rude house across the street
from the school. I remember being a little scared and excited at the
same time when I heard those jets and told everyone, “That was my
cousin Bill Hosmer!” We aren’t actually cousins but since my mother
and Lee Hosmer were sisters and I am a first cousin to the Hosmer
girls, Bill’s folks were always “Uncle Jack and Aunt Inie” so Bill was
always my cousin and still is! It was a very proud moment for me and
I have told the story many many times. By the way, a fellow
Thunderbird pilot of Bill’s makes and sells the most wonderful
hotsauce. Bill introduced it to Nancy (Hosmer) Baldwin and she
introduced it to me….I order it by the case. Col. Cooper as he is
known, is quite a character and will answer any email you send
him…..if anyone is interested, it is calle Mile High Hot Sauce…the
website is www.milehighhotsauce.com. One other thing….for those of
you who are interested in reading a very fine book of essays and
stories of the Vietnam Air War edited by Lowell Peterson entitled “The
Birds Were Silver Then” the book is composed of first hand interviews
and stories by the pilots themselves and Bill Hosmer is featured
throughout the book as well as on the back cover. We all know what a
descriptive and eloquent writer he is so it’s great to be given
another opportunity to “hear” his stories. I begged him for a copy of
this book and he was kind enough to give me a signed copy. I
recommend it highly….Diane Larson Sjol
 
  

08/25/2010

Posted on by
Dunseith history book, Prairie Past and Mt. Memories 1882-1982
Purchase request from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): Glendale, AZ
 
Gary,
I would to get a copy of the Dunseith history book, Prairie Past and Mt. Memories. Do you or anyone know if it would be possible to get a copy and where? Keep up all the good work.
Jean Nicholas Miller
Jean, I know they sell them at the Log Cabin. The bank used to sell them too. I’m very sure that either the Bank or the Log Cabin takes mail orders. The bank used to. The Dunseith Security State Bank phone number is 701-244-5795. I know some of our readers can help us out with this one. Gary
 
PS – In May when we were there, the log cabin had just ordered a new batch of these books with both the hard and soft covers. I strongly suggest spending the extra money for the hard cover. The soft cover will come apart in time.
 
 
 
Folks, I screwed up yesterday and cut off half of Dick’s message, so I’m reposting today. I hate if when that happens. Gary
 

memories

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

Diane Larson Sjol’s memories of the garbage burn barrels brings to
mind the rest of the story. Johnnie Myer was the dray man for the city
and with this came a rather unpleasant side job—hauling the trash to
the dump ground. I still remember Carmen Myer and Jay Vanorny loading
the barrels, and sometimes the contents with a scoop shovel, of the
barrels that were too burned out– and then hauling the mess to the dump
on the back of an old red Dodge truck. This was usually a Saturday job
for them, as I recall. There were burn barrels behind nearly every house
and business in town. I particularly remember the barrel behind Marie’s
Beauty Shop. She used to use lots of hair spray! I walked or rode my
bike past the barrel every day on my way uptown. As kids, we were always
checking everything out and Marie’s barrel was no exception. We would
stop and spray the last of the hairspray out of the cans—I became
quite a judge of which hairspray was the best smelling. My favorite was
Helene Curtis, it had a sweet smell and little after taste. I guess
nowadays they call it huffing, but I never got a buzz—and only minor
brain damage, I think.

Lola’s memories of working at Dale’s brings to mind a story my dad
told me about going out for coffee. He would walk by the window and
there would be three or four high school girls sitting in a booth and by
the time he walked through the door, the cigarette smoke would be so
thick you could cut it with a knife—yet not a cigarette in sight. He
always wondered how that was possible? It was probably just another
unexplainable Dunseith phenomenon. I remember being in study hall in ’68
when a similar incident took place. I used to cover my ears with my
hands and read during study hall. It blocked out the noise and really
let me concentrate on my reading. Usually a hot rod magazine inside a
school book. Anyway, one day Big John Bogus couldn’t get my attention so
he reached across the aisle and hit my arm. I looked at him and he was
grinning and pointing under a desk ahead of us. One of the girls went to
the smoke room, oh excuse me, ‘bathroom’ and had put her cigarette back
in her purse without putting it completely out and now the contents of
her purse was on fire and the smoke was coming out and rising around
her. We just sat back and waited for what was bound to be a scene,
either way. She finally noticed it and grabbed her purse and ran out of
study hall and down the hall with the smoke trailing her—much to our
amusement. It used to be quite a ‘cat and mouse’ game with the girls
smoking in the can and the teachers trying to catch them.

Mark Schimetz is right about Frank Flynn’s house being north of his
folk’s house. You can see that in the picture—I should have looked
closer. There is a vacant lot between Flynn’s and the white house that
Gary Morgan said Conroy’s were living in at the time of the picture.
Also, I may not be right, but I believe Don Martel was our POD teacher
in ’67-’68. He was also serving as Assistant Principal that year, I
think. Please correct me if this is not right. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:neolag@min.midco.net Bottineau & Minot, ND
 

 

 

 
  

08/24/2010

Posted on by
Recording history
Message from Gary Metcalfe (57) Forsyth, MO
 

Hi all, Recording history……I really think that the people who produced The Dunseith history book, Prairie Past and Mt. Memories, are to be commended. As we get older, some of us tend to want to know some facts about the last 100 years or so. A discerning reader down the road say 50 years, are going to say, “who are these Gottbrecht’s” for example. Was the old man, William, a good man? It just so happens that my dad told me that William was the guy who cared enough to guarantee their job in a very depressing time. William agreed to buy the load of wood they hauled every day from up in the hills, if they could not sell it otherwise. Some of the town rascals were stealing the bones and selling them back to William the next day and I think he thought they needed spending money. (buying buffalo bones was just another one of William’s enterprises).

Then came Dale. Most everyone knew Dale. I was pretty young when I went to work for him. I filled a big diesel truck with gas by mistake. Dale just told Alex to get a couple fifty gallon barrels and drain the tanks….no reprimand what so ever. The next season I was going to move on, Dale said to me, “I will give you what my top man makes” that was Getzlaff! He was around Dale’s for many years after I was. I don’t think Dale had a high school education, but I never saw anybody that went out of their way to match wits with him either.

 

Then came young George. He has probably given more to the city of Dunseith than any of them and his story needs to be written. It is not in the book, but could be in the blog.

 

That is 125 years of payroll and sweat, what a legacy. The book will show you that Dale built the south end of town in about ten years, 1951 to 1961, not bad for a guy with not much formal education. In those 10 years Dale built a gas station, motel, first class restraunt, a gravel operation and also a cattle feeding operation.

 

I saw how Dale dealt with Rose Belgarde when she needed fuel delivered on a Sunday in the winter. He told her, “pay when you can”, he bought fence posts from old Bud Miller, a hard drinking blind man…….those were the days.

 

Writing the history book they have let us pick up on things like Dale’s first job was with Arnold Lilleby. I am sure Dale learned a great deal from Lilleby, he was a top notch businessman as far as I could tell. By the way Arnold Lilleby’s daughter said a lot in a few words, “Casey and Margy Sign were the best”. I agree, 40 years of being good to kids, especially during the depression. Arnold was the guy who told one of the city fathers, ” I am not mad and don’t say I am mad”. A no nonsense guy for sure. Maybe some of you did not know that the Althea Theater was Arnold Lilleby’s to me. Leonard Cote must have bought it from him.

 

My dad had some alfalfa hay contracts with the San, Arnold and his right hand man, George Atchinson were up at our farm baling hay with the old wire tie baler.

 

When Don Martell asked about Rising Sun and that group, I thought about the area where they lived, it was covered with cinders. I think Bud Baker’s dad probably wanted to keep the Chief out of the mud. Baker hauled coal from town to the San for thirty years, I am sure. Those litttle green coal trucks went from our place to the San like bees, a load of chopped alfalfa to the San, a load of cinders back to the farm. Those cinders kept us out of the border gumbo….or mud! Gary Metcalfe
 
 
 
Jim McCoy’s (62) motor bike
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.
 
Gary and Friends,

Today I just happened to meet up with Jim McCoy at the drive-in in
Dunseith. I mentioned my memory of the bicycle he had with the washing
machine motor and the washing machine roller that ran against the back
tire to make it go. He stood there and stared at me and then said, “Man,
that was in the late ’50s. How did you remember that?” I was very
impressed, so it must have stuck in my mind. He said he couldn’t yet
weld so he made up the mounting brackets and had Orphela Robert weld it
together. I remember he had to reach back for some reason when he took
off. Today he told me that he had a lever that would lift the roller up
off the tire so that he could start out by peddling and then drop the
turning roller on the tire. Pretty inventive for a young kid! And to top
it off—-he still has the bike! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Bertha Meyers Memories
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.
 

A comment to Lola’s remembrance of Berta Meyers and the card game. Stella recall’s one particular game. While playing the cards, Fr. Wolf played a card that confused Berta,,,Berta looks at Fr. Wolf, and says, to Fr. Wolf.,, Now wat da heel did you play dat got dam ting for? in her Norwegian brogue. Fr. Wolf rolled his eyes and head and just laughed. Earl and Berta were such nice people. I know Dad thought a lot of Bertha, they were good friends, Mom , Mary and Francis at one time or another. worked at Rosie’s Café I remember the milk shakes, and Dime Pancakes, that nearly over ran the plates. On one occasion a Fiddler walked in and started playing. Rosie’s café was a common stop on Sundays after church for our family.

 

We caught heck one day at Meyers house, we was up in the tree picking crabapples, Earl didn’t want us up there, thinking we might break some branches, We promised not to break the branches, and he let it go. We were careful with the tree cause we really like those crabapples, and happy Earl let us be there with only that one stipulation, don’t break the branches. We were probably all about 6 or 7 years old, just exploring the town. there was always lots of fun things to do in Dunseith those days, Didn’t need internet, game cubes or other eye blinding stuff,, We had baseball bats, footballs and croquet hammers and balls and the Willow creek to swim, tube it, and BB guns, later rifles we would show off just out the the Shop at the south side of the Jr. high school side of the Dunseith High School. We only watched, TV when it was too hot or cold to be out for long. Comic books from Shelvers Drug Store, we would buy the outdated ones with out the cover, for a nickel, instead of a quarter. The Shelvers would let us stand there and look and read some of the new releases as long as we were careful. TV Favorites, were Combat with Vic Morrow and Rick Jason, Paladin and Marshal Dillion, Of course if Dad was home and Lawrence Welk was on we were in the basement, with road racing sets, comics and Louis Lamoure’s books, even the Dime Novels, I saved a copy that Dad had, it was all about the great out doors and Adventures we sought after.
 
 
 
 
Burn Barrel memories
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.
 
Gary and Friends,

Diane Larson Sjol’s memories of the garbage burn barrels brings to
mind the rest of the story. Johnnie Myer was the dray man for the city
and with this came a rather unpleasant side job—hauling the trash to
the dump ground. I still remember Carmen Myer and Jay Vanorny loading
the barrels, and sometimes the contents with a scoop shovel, of the
barrels that were too burned out– and then hauling the mess to the dump
on the back of an old red Dodge truck. This was usually a Saturday job
for them, as I recall. There were burn barrels behind nearly every house
and business in town. I particularly remember the barrel behind Marie’s
Beauty Shop. She used to use lots of hair spray! I walked or rode my
bike past the barrel every day on my way uptown. As kids, we were always
checking everything out and Marie’s barrel was no exception. We would
stop and spray the last of the hairspray out of the cans—I became
quite a judge of which hairspray was the best smelling. My favorite was
Helene Curtis, it had a sweet smell and little after taste. I guess
nowadays they call it huffing, but I never got a buzz—and only minor
brain damage, I think.


 
 
Annaleyse
 
Larry Hackman’s (66) Granddaughter: Bismarck, ND
 

Gary

I have to introduce my newest Grandchild to everyone.

She is a peanut.

Is going to be 5 months old in about a week.

They say she has grandpas curly hair.

I checked, I have all mine yet.

Larry Hackman

Larry, She is beautiful! I can see why Grandpa is proud. Gary
 
 
Construction in the Philippines.
 
Folks, We are currently in the process of adding an addition to our house (22′ X 40′). I thought I’d share several pictures with how they mix and pour cement here in the PI. The mixing is all done by hand. They use buckets to transport the cement. Our house is 300′ feet from the road, so all the materials are off loaded on the road and then carried to our house. The sand and gravel are placed in empty cement bags and then carried to our place. Each man can transport about 1.5 Cubic Meters of sand and Gravel from the road to our house in an eight hour day. The slippers (shoes) these guys are wearing are standard foot wear for all of the locals here in the PI. I pay these guys a little more than than they get else where. The labors get $5.00/day and the guy working the cement gets $6.00/day. Gary
 
 

 

 
  

08/23/2010

Posted on by
Bertha Meyers Memories
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.
 

A comment to Lola’s remembrance of Berta Meyers and the card game. Stella recall’s one particular game. While playing the cards, Fr. Wolf played a card that confused Berta,,,Berta looks at Fr. Wolf, and says, to Fr. Wolf.,, Now wat da heel did you play dat got dam ting for? in her Norwegian brogue. Fr. Wolf rolled his eyes and head and just laughed. Earl and Berta were such nice people. I know Dad thought a lot of Bertha, they were good friends, Mom , Mary and Francis at one time or another. worked at Rosie’s Café I remember the milk shakes, and Dime Pancakes, that nearly over ran the plates. On one occasion a Fiddler walked in and started playing. Rosie’s café was a common stop on Sundays after church for our family.

 

We caught heck one day at Meyers house, we was up in the tree picking crabapples, Earl didn’t want us up there, thinking we might break some branches, We promised not to break the branches, and he let it go. We were careful with the tree cause we really like those crabapples, and happy Earl let us be there with only that one stipulation, don’t break the branches. We were probably all about 6 or 7 years old, just exploring the town. there was always lots of fun things to do in Dunseith those days, Didn’t need internet, game cubes or other eye blinding stuff,, We had baseball bats, footballs and croquet hammers and balls and the Willow creek to swim, tube it, and BB guns, later rifles we would show off just out the the Shop at the south side of the Jr. high school side of the Dunseith High School. We only watched, TV when it was too hot or cold to be out for long. Comic books from Shelvers Drug Store, we would buy the outdated ones with out the cover, for a nickel, instead of a quarter. The Shelvers would let us stand there and look and read some of the new releases as long as we were careful. TV Favorites, were Combat with Vic Morrow and Rick Jason, Paladin and Marshal Dillion, Of course if Dad was home and Lawrence Welk was on we were in the basement, with road racing sets, comics and Louis Lamoure’s books, even the Dime Novels, I saved a copy that Dad had, it was all about the great out doors and Adventures we sought after.
 
 
 
Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68) had a birthday:
Message from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
 

Gary,

 

I believe that all of Lola’s fond reminiscing was probably due to the fact that Saturday the 21st was her birthday. I know my wife made her a pretty tasty Banana Split cake for at work.

 

Mel Kuhn[70]

Mel, Having been born in 1950, I believe Lola had a special birthday too, like most all the rest of her class mates.
Happy belated Birthday Lola. It’s hard to believe that you, the youngest of the Jim Metcalfe family, are now 60 years old. Where have the years gone? Life is so short.
 
 
  

08/22/2010

Posted on by
Reply to Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68):
From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND
 
 
Lola,
I absolutely loved reading your post…you made me smile…ah, the
memories of Dunseith. Whenever I smell garbage buring, I think of
sitting outside Debbie Morinville’s house next to Aunt Lee and Uncle
Bob Hosmer’s…looking rigt at the back entrance into the Crystal
Cafe..with Debbie’s dog Queenie at our feet…and garbage burning in
the old drums…love that smell….

Diane Larson Sjol

 
 
 
Reply to Maria Parlade (62):
From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND
 
This message is for Maria Parlade,
Angelina and I were very good friends shortly after you all arrived in
Dunseith. I remember your mother and visiting at your house.
Angelina told me about your trip from Cuba….I remember your mother
made Angelina and I matching red cordoroy skirts…I believe I was in
the 4th grade at that time…in Mrs. Conroy’s class or else in 5th
grade with her. We moved November of my fifth grade year (1962)…do
you have any contact information for her so that I can get in touch
with her?

Thank you . Diane Larson Sjol

 
 
 
Happy Birthday Cathy Campbell Springan (73): Stanley, ND
 
Phyllis, Alan & Cathy
 
Cathy, this is a beautiful picture of you with your parents taken in the Bottineau Creamery. You all look so nice. There was a message that came across my screen that said, tomorrow, August 22nd is Cathy Spingan’s birthday. With that I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Gary
 
 
 
 
Reply from Aime Cassavant (66): Jamestown, ND
 
Thank you, thank you to Maria Parlade Corral, Allen Richard, Dick Johnson and Kenny Nerpel. What is great is you all had the same answers so it was quadruple verification of the right answer! You are all co-winners of the “not losing your memory test.” Keith, thank you for the compliment but, uh, in our house, so many visitors have asked about that “Buddy Holly” the “big bopper” picture and my children have had great fun in telling everyone it is my graduation picture. Now maybe, go look at a picture of Ed Asner and it will be a better reflection of how I have aged.

 
Without wanting to bore anyone, I had the question about our political science class in a file of things to look up. The reason: Years ago in college English, I found writing to be a subject I enjoyed. Years later I decided to write and keep notes on experiences and events in my life and maybe – write something social/historical/political/autobiographical someday. Not that felt I had anything that exceptional to tell the world, but I have often read that grandchildren and great grandchildren take much interest and joy in reading information written by their forefathers. I know I wish I had more information – for example, on what my relatives might writing about during times like the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, World War 1 and all.

Well, one time as I thought of the current events the the day, I was reflecting on the changing times – the America of the 1950’s and 60’s and the America of today. At the time, we had a foreign exchange student from the Netherlands living with us. She mentioned how “patriotic” Americans” are – she has traveled much and said Americans are probably the most patriotic people she has encountered. I thought about my own political awakenings and some of that took me back to the political science class we had in high school. If I recalled correctly – it was referred to as “POD” which was an acronym for “Problems of Democracy”, but I wanted to make sure.

I thought about this some more. During that time period – it seemed unusual to question our government and the democratic way of life. While acknowledging the democratic form of government is the best ever devised to date – it is not uncommon to question- as a matter of fact, it seems like the norm to question everything our government does. Then I thought back to the title of our political science class “Problems (of, in) Democracy and thought – “Gee, that was a rather radical title for a political science class of that time period and in a conservative place like North Dakota. Sort of an acknowledgement that there in fact could be problems in a democracy. I thought it would be interesting to find a Political Science textbook of the 1960’s and compare it with a book that is presently in our school system.

All of this is perhaps a small point – maybe even an irrelevant one. As Allen Richard pointed out, there are many classes in high school with similar titles. So I was just doing a bit of an evaluation of my own – was our political science class more a teaching of the status quo or more on the cutting edge of our political system as the title suggests? I do recall learning of the “intern camps” of the Japanese and being cautioned that in our own lives, it is likely if our country is at war, we might see the same type of thing occur and should be ready to recognize it when it happens. Of course, I’m not making any political statement, just reflecting on our political science class and some notes I have been keeping.
 
 
 
Pictures taken in July at Gary Stokes’ Birthday party.
 
Folks,
 
I thought I’d add a few pictures for filler material today. After getting these pictures ready to send, I’ve received several more postings, but since I’ve already got them pasted in this message for posting, I’ll include them.
 
We’ve installed a permanent roof over the area between our work shop and office. It’s a great area to have parties and entertain in an outside setting. It’s roughed in, so now we have to add the finishing touches. After installing the roof, our plants all died without the sun. We have a friend that will fix us up with some new ones though.
 
Gary
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

08/21/2010

Posted on by

“ND Sunflowers” Picture

Reply from Gwen Struck Dumas (68): Havre, MT

 

To Kenny Nerpel
Really like the pictures! I’m now using the “ND sunflowers” as the wallpaper on my computer. Thx for sharing.
Gwen Struck Dumas – 68

 

 

 

 

Mr. Hepper

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

 

In reply to Amie question, About the POD Classes. I wonder if it wasn’t Gene Hepper, our History and POD teacher. He was really a good guy, as a teacher, and as a Coach. I remember a lot of discussions in his class, about happening’s in World Events, and American History.

 

 

 

Memories

From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary– well wishes go to you and Bernadette– today – I happened to google- Marty Spriggs for some reason- he made an impression on me in 8th grade- nive big guy!! he had been in vietnam!– and that was interesting to me in that our friends were in a horrible situation- it was like being “dam—” to get your number drawn– but i couldn’t for the life of me see why we should care about 100 years ago !– made no sense to me to talk about it! – he must have liked the debate cause I got a’s in his class!_ LOL!!– just a snot nose kid !!–and now I love History!!– and He must have made an impression on me!! LOL!

 

anyhoo!!- i came upon all the blogs since it started back in 2007 i believe!!- you googled my name and asked about Margaret- and now that is history!!- ha! and reading some of them— alot of them !—from the early days what stories!!!_ I love the ones of the days of main street being full of colorful characters- the Bertha’s — Mrs V– (Jay’s Gramma)- Bertha myer — Myrt Hoopman- 3 characters playing poker with the priest Father WOlf!- now those ladies were liberated!!- ha!- at about 70 years of age!- —

 

-oh man!- the stories Mrs V told me when she ran Dale’s for George in about 1967–not long before she died!– I thought she was a crabby old lady til I got to know her- !! she was a hoot !!!- I would go buy her cigarettes @ 10 cents a pack!– and she would take me down to her house for – looking at old pictures- — She ran a boarding house in Ashley , ND they had a farm on the outskirts of town – unti they moved to work at San Haven during the depression!- She would talk German to Harvey Hoffman- in the kitchen and no one would know what they were saying- she thought that was funny!

 

Memories of Jack Hosmer- Bob Hosmer- Glen Shelver- Bill Evans- all such “people” people- love us young kids as their own!- and so many more- the Morinvilles – LaCroix’s- The ALthea Theater-

 

– My Gramma Evans– what a woman!!– – she was an old settler — worked like dogs hard times and many heartaches !! and she thought her Granddaughters worked way to hard on their school work and then work at Dale’s besides– LOL!– we were having a ball!!- Heck – we got to eat french fries and sleep in until it was time to go to work again!!- ha!– in the summer

 

What prompted this whole thing was- this early morning– I took my coffee outside on the deck– – and the dew was on the grass only it looked like gold sprinkles on the grass- from the rising sun I suppose — and I thought– “Oh man!- I wish I were coming out of an old wooden cabin at the lake- and the screen door slams as I walk out to a dock and I closed my eyes – and somewhere someone was sawing wood or something and it reminded me of when I would stay with Gramma Randina Evans in Dunseith – Howard Hiatts lived next door to Gramma — they were so very good to her- !–

 

( well I had to work the late shift because my Dad in his wisdom knew that a 14 year old girl needed to be either working or sleeping til about midnight – so I was the one- !!- Patti got to work the day shift- so after we closed the cafe — I would dally around and clean stainless steele fixtures and fill salt and pepper shakers – sugar jars- catsup bottles from gallon cans– maple syrup pitchers from gallon cans the cooks had made- and it better be done!!– cause sister Patti worked in the morning and I would catch heck if they weren’t done!! — big sista! uff da!! and maybe not get home til 12 or 1- am– and then !! imagine this!– walk across Myers field to the trailer court and then down the street about 8 blocks to Gramma’s house – never a worry — the only person that stopped you was the cop and he maybe took you home to get you off the street !- ha — But I was a night owl and loved that walk- although Patti and I tried to talk Dad into letting us take his old truck into town to get to work– hum– and he said “You know!– that little trek to Dale’s will just give you a start on the day and you’ll be ready to work- cause you will be awake!– oh man!- that was true!!- ha!- He knew very well we could have had a heyday wqith that truck!!! LOL!!)

 

anyway — I would be sleeping in til about noon not having to go t work til 3– and i woud hear them mowing Gramma’s lawn– and i would dream that I was at the lake and could hear boats humming along – I had a ball!!- LOL!!-

 

The only advice I have to give you about walking through town about 2:30 pm when the cherries came into season !! they were soooo good!! – on your way to work is — don’t eat the whole basket!- oh my what a feat !- waiting on tables and waiting for the bathroom!- I only did that once!!-

 

Bettter get to bed!– and quit babbling!!- also another thing !!———- i love venetian shades —– Inee Hosmer had those in her house and i thought they were beautiful!!_ and have always used a version of them – good nght!!- Lola
 

08/20/2010

Posted on by

Trivia Question posted yesterday

From Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND
Does anyone from about 1962 to 1970 know the ACTUAL name of our
political science class at DHS? The class I believe was taught by Mr
Prouty (?) – before my time – then Mr. Hepper and possibly Mr. Jury.
Looking it up on an old report card is OK. I just want to know the
actual name of the class. I’ll explain why later. For the super
trivia buffs or good record keepers, or good researchers, it would be
good to know the name of the Political Science textbook we used for
the class.

Aime Casavant

 
 
 
Trivia Question reply
From Maria Parlade Corral (62): Coral Gables, FL
 
I believe that the name of the class was Problems of Democracy (POD) . I graduated in Dunseith in 1962. Maria Parlade Corral
Maria, It’s so nice hearing from you. I know you’ve told us before, but I’ve forgotten. What year did you come to Dunseith? I’m assuming you left the area for college following graduation? How are things with you? We’d love to hear some of your life history too.
 
Folks, Many of you know but for those of you that don’t, Maria is from Cuba. She came to San Haven with her dad who was a doctor during the Cuban crises in the early 60’s.
 

 

Trivia Question reply

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
 

P.O.D. —- Problems of Democracy

 

Now days it is usually P.D.P — Problems Democracy Presents

 

Allen

 

 

 

Trivia Question reply
From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

 

This is to Aime Casavant from a former classmate. Wow, you’ve kept your self in good shape. You don’t look like you’ve aged a day since our senior year. Ha, ha.

My memory is okay, but nothing like Dick Johnson’s, so no, I do not recall the exact name of our political science class. I’ll bet Dick will recall it as it was probably still called the same thing when got there.
Keith Pladson (66)

 

 

 

Trivia Question reply

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

 

Gary and Friends,

I think Amie is asking about P.O.D.—Problems of Democracy.

Dick

 
 

Trivia Question reply

From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND
 
Gary,
 
The class that Aime is asking about could have been Problems of Democracy (POD) or maybe just Civics. Those are the first two things that popped into my mind.
 
A couple harvest photos. A reminder that winter approaches.
 
Kenny