08/19/2010

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Gary

Trivia Question

From Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND

Gary – can you publish this on the Dunseith blog? I have a trivia
question.

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

Orvin Hagen

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

Gary——Thank you for letting all of us know that Orvin has moved to Bethany Homes in Fargo.
We live north of there, and will visit him very soon–if we can find him. lol While I was in high school I worked for the caretaker’s at the Peace Garden in the summer, George and Lela Cota, parents of Gary. I also worked at Music Camp while that was in session. Orvin was the horticulturist at the Peace Garden and we got together often to visit, play piano and sing, and…….tell jokes, and laugh…… after my Dad died, Mom had a new friend, Agnes Hagen, to take along to her Circle at Peace Lutheran in the summer; in the winter, Orvin would take both my Mom and Agnes to Circle—such good friends..

We will visit Orvin and introduce him to others we know at Bethany.

Geri (Metcalfe) Munro ’59

Orvin Hagen

Reply from Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Leland – Thank you for sharing Orvin’s new address and phone number. I spoke with him last Friday and he told hem he would be moving shortly. We visited about his trip to ND amongst other things. He told me about his visit to Good Sam and yodeling – He was surprised that I already had heard about it and saw the picture on this blog!! I mentioned that we are planning a Wenstad gathering next summer and he’s welcome to ride with me back up to the Bottineau area. He said if feels as good then as now he would do that!!! I, too, will try to call him soon – Or by the sounds of your mesage, maybe I should write to him – I’m sure he’s going to be the life of the party at his new home!!

Don & Bernice Johnson

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

TO GARY AND FRIENDS,

First of all, I would like to thank you and Bill Grimme, for the list of the years of birth listed below. The music especially is so nice that I often leave it playing on my notebook while doing other tasks. Also I would like to correct Dick Johnsons, recollection of Frank and Matilda Flynn’s house mentioned the the picture. Louis and Stella Schimetz’s house is located south of Frank and Matilda’s house. The Lakes, later the Jury’s lived north of Flynn’s. The house to the south of was moved in by Everett and Francis Acheson’s filling the east side of the Block. These were only 4 houses on the east side of this block. From North to South, the Jury’s, Flynn’s, Schimetz’s, and the Acheson’s, now belonging to Maryann Brennan. I remember Frank working as a Police officer, and Matilda, often baby sat for us. She was a very kind and gentle women whom we adopted as our other grandmother. It is in deed sorrowful when one recollects the good times spent with many of the elders in Dunseith, and to see them slowly vanish.

When hearing of the Murder of Don and Bernice Johnson, my heart sunk right to the floor. It was difficult to believe that anyone would want to harm Don and Bernice Johnson. They were such caring and beautiful people, loved by all in the community. First the sorrow, then the anger, which last for ever, and down right hate rid of these barbaric animals burned like fire the veins of family, friends, the whole community. The pain of losing the Johnsons’ reminded me of the first great loss of my life when my grandfather John Schimetz died on Christmas eve in 1964, 6 months after losing his wife Francesca. I was 12 years old.

Justice is mine says the Lord. The two punk murderers are gone, Denoir was killed in Fort Totten as I recall, and Redpaint was killed in prison, as I recall. Some one correct me on this if I am wrong about either of these punks. I cannot imagine the pain Dick had to deal with. My heart went and still goes out for Dick, and in remembrance so do My Prays. When these killers were in prison, so was I, as An angry man falsely, I looked for these punks in the Bismarck Petitionary. Red Paint was held in high security lock up. Too bad for me I thought at the time, as I had a planned fatal accident in store for him, with witness available. He was never out of Lock up the 15 months, I spent there. No way to get to him. Denoir was either transferred or in the minimum security section of the Prison. At the time I was going to do Gods work, or so I thought. My heart still goes out to Dick Johnson. for the unimaginable loss. Dick your parents would be so proud of you for all your musical accomplishments, especially raising the hearts of the elderly at the nursing homes. It is a wonderful thing you. May God always bless you and all your family.

House ID’s From Mark Schimetz:

From North to South,theJury’s, Flynn’s, Schimetz’s,

and the Acheson’s, now belonging to Maryann Brennan.

08/18/2010

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Gary

Orvin Hagen

Message from Leland Hagen (50): BRYAN, TX

Brother Orvin moved into the Bethany retirement center in Fargo on 16 August 2010. This had been planned for some time so he was ready for this move. Needless to say he will no doubt miss Kindred and all of his friends there but I talked to him last night and he had already met several people that he knew and was very upbeat about his room, the people, and everything in general.

His new address is:

Orvin Hagen

201 S. University Dr # 630

Fargo, ND 58103

His new phone number is:

701-478-3947

I’m sure he would love to hear from you however he may be a little hard to find ! He said there are some Whist players around and he has already played a few games plus there is Bingo at night and who knows what else!! So he will probably be pretty busy.Just keep trying.

“Leland”

Leland, Orvin told me about this pending move last time I talked to him. He was pretty upbeat about the whole thing. Orvin is the kind of guy that makes the best of every situation. He loves people and they love him. He will always be where there are lots of folks and activities. That’s Orvin! I will call him in the very near future. Thank you so much for keeping us informed.

Folks, please give Orvin a call. He loves getting your calls. Gary

Obituaries

Ruth Ann Belgarde
(Died August 14, 2010)

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Ruth Belgarde, age 50 of Dunseith, died Saturday at a Dunseith nursing home. Funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am at the Church of God in Dunseith. Wake will begin on Wednesday at 4:00 pm at the church. Burial will be a the St. Sylvan’s Cemetery near Dunseith.Ruth Ann Belgarde, a daughter of Jerome and Ellen (Norquay) Houle, was born on December 11, 1959 at Belcourt. She lived near Minot and went to school in Des Lacs and later she attended school in Wahpeton. On February 14, 1975, she married Steve Bruhn in Minot. They lived in Minot and later in Indiana. This marriage later ended and she moved back to Dunseith. She married Curtis Belgarde on December 4, 1992 in Dunseith. She later moved in to Dunseith Nursing Home.

Ruth was a member of St. Sylvan’s Church near Deunsieth. She liked playing bingo, going to the casino and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived 5 daughters, Caroline Bruhn, Nicole Hodges, Kaylene Bruhn and Jeannie Bruhn all of Valparaiso, IN, Shawna Belgarde of Dunseith; son, Gary Michael Belgarde of Dunseith; 7 grandchildren; sisters, Pauline Meyer (Roger) of Montana, Sandra (Morris) Bruguier of South Dakota, Lilia Houle of Dunseith, Charlene Shelkey of Dunseith and Becky Houle of Dunseith; brother, Rodney Houle (Karlene) Minot and numerous neices and nephews

She was preceded in death parents; brothers, Alvin and Billy Houle nad sister, Alma Houle.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Reply to message 886

From Marlene Henderson Rolla, ND

Charles Hanson is the grandson of Jeannine (Watkins) Robert (47): Lamoure, ND

Charles and Svetlana were victims of a double murder suicide.

I don’t know how many who read your blog concluded that this couple had murder/suicide but it was the wifes ex who did the murder and then killed himself.

Gathering set to honor slain Eagan couple

Husband, wife gunned down in home

By Frederick Melo
fmelo@pioneerpress.com

Updated: 08/13/2010 10:56:19 PM CDT

Four days after they were shot to death, an Eagan couple will be remembered today at a prayer gathering. The bodies of Svetlana Hanson, 25, and Charles Hanson, 42, will later be cremated and inurned together in North Dakota.

Their deaths underscore a gruesome trend. Advocates for battered women say murder-suicides take place in Minnesota at a rate well above the national average, and many such crimes are committed by men after their wives or girlfriends leave them.

The Hansons were killed about 10 p.m. Tuesday when Svetlana’s ex-husband, 29-year-old Robin Bhattacharyya, fired a semiautomatic shotgun through the front window of the couple’s Eagan home, according to police. Bhattacharyya then used the gun to kill himself.

Svetlana Hanson’s father, who was visiting the couple from Israel, was in the living room with them but was unharmed. The couple’s three children, ranging in age from 9 months to 12 years, were asleep and not hurt.

“Svetlana was a beautiful person, and she and Charles were very much in love,” said her uncle, Mark Stipakov of Long Lake. “It was just a marriage made in heaven. They had a child together; there were two other kids, and everyone was very, very happy. It was the happiest time of their life.”

Stipakov and his wife, Bella, are caring for the couple’s 9-month-old son until a final determination is made on his placement. Two other children from Charles Hanson’s first marriage are with other relatives.

The Stipakovs have helped

organize a “gathering of friends” from 1 to 3 p.m. today at J.S. Klecatsky and Sons Funeral Home, 1580 Century Point, Eagan. A prayer service will follow.A memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at the Basilica of St. James, 622 S. First Ave. in Jamestown, N.D., where Charles Hanson’s parents and two brothers live, according to the Jamestown Sun. The Hansons will then be inurned together at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Jamestown.

Authorities said they may never know what drove Bhattacharyya to commit the double murder-suicide. He had no known history of violence or criminal record. His marriage to Svetlana Hanson officially ended last year, just as her new one began with an older, wealthier man.

She and Bhattacharyya married in March 2004. She was 18, and he was 23. They separated in July 2008, and she soon moved in with Hanson, a software manager at Starkey Lab in Eden Prairie, to work as his au pair. She married him in 2009, around the time her divorce from Bhattacharyya was finalized by Hennepin County.

Bhattacharyya, who was self-employed, owned a house in Northeast Minneapolis and was working toward a doctorate degree in computer science at the University of Minnesota. His former wife graduated from the U last year with a dual degree in computer science and math, her uncle said.

Her name joins a list of women killed by partners and former partners in Minnesota. The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women recorded six murder-suicides involving intimate partners last year — the highest rate in the nation per capita and about twice the national average.

Experts who track domestic abuse, however, say certain details about the Hansons’ murders stand out.

Jeff Edleson, a professor of social work at the U, runs the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse. The public doesn’t always realize the danger women face when they try to leave an abusive partner, he said.

“We sort of assume when a woman moves away from her partner, it stops,” Edleson said. “But actually, soon after she leaves, if it’s against his will, you may see an increase in his violent behavior in an effort to get her to come back and (to) control her behavior. In fact, many murders of battered women occur in the few months after they have separated from their partners.”

However, no record exists of Bhattacharyya committing acts of violence or even making threats. Court records show he did not hire an attorney during the divorce, which was completed without a hearing or legal fanfare. He and Svetlana Hanson went their separate ways without either asking for alimony. They had no ongoing financial ties.

The murders occurred two years after she had moved out of his home.

“What the triggering event is, we may never know,” Edleson said. “It may have been something unrelated to her — difficulties at work or school, or rejection from another female. And in turn, he took it out on her and her new husband. Whatever it was, it’s no excuse for doing what he did.”

Bella Stipakov, Svetlana Hanson’s aunt, called the deaths unfathomable.

“It is a very tragic event,” she said. “They were very much in love. I can’t believe it happened. I just can’t believe it. I’m speechless.”

Frederick Melo can be reached at 651-228-2

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08/17/2010

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Gary

Beaver Dam School

Reply From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

I graduated with Donna Hanson. By that time the Hansons and the Pladsons were the only two families left in the school. And after the school year ended in 1962 we moved up by you guys, so that left only the Hansons. So there would have been little reason to keep Beaver Dam open after that. The Lawrence Wenstad family also went to school at Beaver Dam, but for some reason (I don’t remember what it was) they left Beaver Dam and started attending Dunseith a couple of years before Beaver Dam closed. Agnes Berg was the teacher for the last four years Beaver Dam was open.

We went to school at Beaver Dam for five years and when we first started attending it there were several local families with school age children – the Berchams, Botts, Hansons, Pladsons, Rivards and Wenstads. But over the course of the next five years there were fewer and fewer school age kids left each year so by 1961-62 it was just the Hansons and Pladsons.

Reply from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND

Hey Gary I am in a panic!! LOL!!- I am missing # 884 #885 and #886 blogs and #887 doesn’t make sense without them- love to read these wonderful stories- I especially love the old tie stories- congratulations on your award- you do deserve it!—Lola

Lola, It’s great hearing from you. It’s always a pleasure seeing your name come up on my computer screen. This was probably meant as a personal message, but because we have not heard from you in a while, I want folks to know that you are alive and well.

Folks, please let me know of any messages you do not recieve, so I can resend them. I post all these daily messages on the Dunseith Alumi Website too.http://garystokes.net/default.aspx Gary

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Gary, yes we are the same age. My birthday was July 2nd. Even in school I was the oldest in my class of 1966. I was even the first of the class to have a grandchild.
But then, Augie, is 6 yrs older than we are. Sybil Johnson

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

08/16/2010

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Gary

Brazil

Reply from Margaret Seim Lawston (54): Citrus Heights, CA

Hi Gary, I enjoy the blogs everyday. About the exchange
student, Flavia. My next door neighbor here, in Sacramento was a
great traveler,and booked on the freighters, before they had container
ships. On one of her trips the freighters stop in Brazil to to
unload. Having 3 days she decided to take a tour up the Amazon. The
guide[Flavia] spoke such good English my friend asked her where she
had learned it. Flavia told her she was an exchange student in a small
town in N. D. My friend said what’s the name of the town. She said
it’s very small . Dunseith!!!!! Not only had my friend heard of
it ,she had Art and Eva Seim stay in her home some winters when she
was traveling. A very small world.! Margaret Lawston

Reply to “Rising Son & Wife” and Standing Chief & “Jack Little Boy” pictures posted with message 885

From Don Martel (Teacher/Principal): Rosemount, MN

Hi Gary,

Congratulations on the Community service award. We appreciate your work for all of us.

I am curious as to what significance these two pictures have to Dunseith.

I love old pictures and have added them to my albums, but would like a little of the history behind them.

Don

Dunseith History

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Hello All, History is what we write down. For example Elwood Fauske is young enough so a lot of people still know him, but without his life story written in “The Book”, he would be just another pretty face. I will tell you he was not just another pretty face.

Gary Stokes you may wonder what an old fuddy duddy would get out of your blog efforts, well it keeps the memories of the greatest generation and even more, the generation that produced that generation alive. Some of the things your generation talks about sparks an interest as well.

Equal with written history, my love for music may explain how I feel about the past. I like all kinds of music, but love country western. The old legends were listening to Jack Green do the favorite song that he wrote, “The Last Letter”/ One of my mother’s old favorites. Narry a dry eye in the lot, so they asked Vince Gill, the only youngster there, again, narry a dry eye. Then Vince Gill said, ” Money could never buy the love and respect that your older generation have for each other.” It really showed on Vince that he felt he was missing out.

I saw that same scene from about 1946 at least through the 60’s, people who needed each other and were not afraid to show it. I saw people walking down the street whistling and comments like, “thanks ever so much” and “thanks a lot until you are better paid”.

I could just say thanks Gary, but I will say you could have fit into that generation very well. You are the one guy I know that could get up from watching the ole tide come in, walk up to your car, put your arms on top of the door and say “hey, ole boy, you made a difference in this old world, you have a following that most of us would like to have.”

I want to thank Larry Hackman for his ability to tell a great story and sharing it with us. What a gift you have. I will say I thought Bill was Willy and really wonder if you ever heard of “Cupcake Joe”??? Gary Metcalfe

Thanks Gary M. It’s so nice to hear from you. It’s been a while. Whether you realize it or not, you have quite a following too with all of your contributions. The generations behind us will have a hay day with all this history that we have saved. We are having so much fun recording it though. Gary S

Country Schools – Reply to message 881

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
One quick response to your comments about the country schools. Though some of those schools may have closed as of your graduation (I assume you meant 1961), not all of them did. I graduated from Beaver Dam School in 1962 and it closed the year I graduated. Beaver Dam was near the Rendahl Church.
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, I didn’t realize that Beaver Dam School stayed open a year past Ackworth’s and Willow Lake’s closing. Were you the lone Graduate in 1962? Helen Rivard was a year ahead of you. Who was your teacher the last year? Gary

Great Grandma

Message from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Gary and all,
On Thursday morning, at 9:10, we were blessed with the birth of my 3rd great-grandchild; a girl with the name of Raelyn Sukee Skye Hanson. She weighed in at
7.42 lbs and was 201/2 inches long. Her great-great-grandpa-Axel Johnson would have been proud.
Sybil Johnson

Congratulations Sybil! It’s hard to believe that you are old enough to have great Grand Children. I think you and I are about the same age. With these daily blogs, I often think of myself as being the youngest generation. Gary

Reply to Dunseith Pictures posted the past several days

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Ele Slyter and the rest of those who remember that day so
long ago. I know there were other bad days for the area but this was the
blackest day for many of us and hopefully we never have another like
it. This community is so well connected that everyone is hurt and
saddened by any tragedy of any kind.

Lloyd Awalt is right about the cars on Main Street in the postcard
picture. Both the car in front of Hosmer’s Store and the one in front of
Horsman’s Drug are ’38 or ’39 Chevys. The difference between the two
years is only basically in the grille design and the picture doesn’t
show either one clearly enough. The car in front of the Dakota Hotel and
just under the Standard sign appears to be a ’46 Dodge with a visor. The
car on the north side of the drug store is probably a late ’40s Packard.
In all, Lloyd would be real close putting the picture in the late ’40s.

Gary Morgan knew who’s house was who’s. I thought he would. I think
the house between Jim Footit’s and Dick Morgan’s shoulders, in the
‘Volunteers’ picture, would have been where Frank Flynn lived. The spot
is now where Stella Schimetz has her newer home. I would venture a guess
that William’s house may have been just out of the picture to the left.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick Johnson:

Folks, I want to share with you a personal reply I got from Dick. Many of us have remarked at how well he remembers, in great detail, things of the past. I recently made that comment to him with some personal messages we exchanged. This is his reply. Gary

Gary,

I honestly don’t know how my memory works. Maybe I’m stuck in the
past! The memories I have seem to be quite vivid like the colors of
rooms and the furniture type and color. There is no way I can explain
it to someone, it’s just there. My son is somewhat like this too. He
often says that something smells like some place or thing he remembers.
When I think about it, he is right with his memory. Who knows—not me!

Dick

Bicycling the World

Glen Williams (52) Daughter: Missoula, MT

Gary…She, our daughter, wrote the blog….and is the one riding the bike…

She and her husband Eric have bicycled Africa, the middle east, parts of Europe, North America, Central America and now South America…

Click on the update, I think it is, and you can look at all of their past Blogs..

She does have some “Dunseith blood” in her veins…so that must be causing her to want to travel the world on a Bike…that is not for me..

Glen Williams

Glen,

Is your daughter one of the cyclist in this blog?

Gary

—– Original Message —–

From: Glen WILLIAMS

Daughter Andrea’s latest blog….Glen W.

http://worldbiking.info/updates/Bicycle-Touring-Brazil-Update%20-61.html

News for that year

From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

This is kind of a fun list.

Bill

CLICK ON THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN, AND READ THE NEWS FOR THAT YEAR.

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08/15/2010

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Gary

Happy Birthday Flavia Moraes (73): Sao Paulo, Brazil

Flavia, Today, August 14th, is your birthday. It’s nearing the end of the day. We are hoping that you had a marvelous and enjoyable birthday. Gary

PS – Folks, Flavia was an exchange student living with the Alan Campbell family when she attended Dunseith. Flavia remembers Dunseith and everyone well. She is a friend of mine on facebook too. Gary

Happy Birthday Al Johnson (70): Rolla, ND

Al (Albert), Today/Tomorrow, August 15th, is your Birthday. Enjoy and celebrate to the fullest. This is your day. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Gary

Memories of Don and Bernice Johnson:

From Kim Fassett: Coos Bay, OR.

Being the youngest kid of Darrel & Dorothy Fassett, I remember the day that Mom called and told me the horrifying news. I knew that they were all close (the four of them) but at that stage of my existance didn’t realize the magnitude of this tragedy. Now that I’m older – really can relate to the loss that everyone must’ve felt (esp. M&D since you all were not only relatives but best friends!!). The little that I remember of Don & Bernice, they were the ultimate couple and such great people. We always enjoyed seeing them even though it was only once a year in the summer because we had moved to California. Anyway, thinking about Dick, Brenda and family at this always difficult time. Kim Fassett- Coos Bay, OR P.S. We always looked forward to “Aunt Cynthie” coming to visit us in Portal – she was like our ‘other mother’!!!

Art Rude Receives “Dunseith Community Service” award.

The “Dunseith Community Service Award” was presented to Art Rude at the Dunseith Days parade yesterday. Cheryl Haagenson (71), the MC and parade announcer presented this award to Art. I believe that is George Gottbreht standing behind Cheryl. I’m not sure, but I believe that is Donna DuBois Thomas (72) standing behind the vehicle on the left?

Congratulations Mr. Rude. With all that you have done over the years for the community, this couldn’t have gone to a more deserving guy. You are looking great too! Gary

Art Rude being driven by Floyd Dion

Dick Johnson (68), Cheryl Haagenson (71) &

Donna Dubois Thomas? (72)

Thank you Dick Johnson for receiving this award on my

behalf and thank you to the Dunseith community for recognizing me with this award. I would have dearly loved to have been there, but with 10,000 miles (10 time zones) between Dunseith and me, I was unable to make it. As I said in yesterday’s message, I truely enjoy what I am doing. You folks are my inspiration. Gary

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

The idea of recognizing Gary Stokes for the miraculous site which gives us the chance to remember and reach out to one another who came from these places is most appropriate. I hereby salute the man and his beautiful bride who makes this possible. If anyone deserves such an honor, it is Gary. If anyone more appropriate would receive this honor in his name than Dick Johnson, I would be surprised. These gentlemen stand out in fundamental loyalty and love for where we began our lives, and for those of all these generations who sprung forth therefrom. They both emulate the value system which is rural America, and they both give me the pride and sense of respect for my heritage which is in the hearts and minds of the readership and our elders and our offspring. God Bless Gary Stokes and God Bless Don Johnson and God Bless all who read and contribute to this treasure. I am proud to be in the company of you giants. Bill Hosmer

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

In reply to Donna DuBois Thomas request to say a few words about
Gary Stoke’s Award. He is very dedicated to this website/blog and has
made possible a renewed interest in the history and personal connections
of the Dunseith community and it’s citizens. Gary is the best choice for
this honor with all he has done to keep us posted daily. Before Gary
started the site, I thought maybe I was one of the only people with an
interest in Dunseith’s history. Now I see that there are many with the
same interest and because of Gary we now have a wonderful connection in
which to share our memories and pictures as well as stories from days
gone by. Thank you Gary and congratulations!

Dick

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

Congratulations Gary on receiving the Dunseith Community Service Award. This is an awesome undertaking and it’s so appreciated. You have brought hearts together from all over the world. The memories and the stories and the connections people have made are so precious and it’s been such fun to turn on the computer every evening and read the “news”.
Thanks for all you do.
Cheryl Larson Dakin

Thank you folks for all the kind words. They are appreciated way more than you will ever realize. Gary

Dunseith Post Card Picture:

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary. The postcard of Dunseith I would say was taken in the 1940s. The standard sign there was in front of the Dakota Hotel. There was a little gas station there. I owned that station in 1946 & 47. The city service station sign across the street was owned by Iver Lo. The two flags are in front of the U.S, Customs Office which was there at that time. The sign on the drug store at that time was Horseman’s drugs. The car that is parked there, just guessing, could be a 1938 Chevy. I owned the station when I came home from the navy. Lloyd Awalt

Turtle Mountain Volunteers Picture:

Reply from Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND

Gary & All.
As usual, Dick Johnson is right in that the picture was taken in the yard of what later became the Ed Conroy home. We lived there until the spring of 1955. The house behind Don’s head was the Peavey Elevator house. The Steve Johnson Family lived there at that time Also, at that time, Conroys lived in the house over Dick’s left shoulder. George Habberstead lived in the house behind my head.

Gary Morgan

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

& Eileen Brudwick: Goodyear, Arizona

Alan Francis Poitra I
(December 2, 1947 – August 12, 2010)

ALLAN FRANCIS POITRA IAlan F. Poitra, age 62 of Dunseith, died Thursday in a Belcourt hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 A. M. in the St. Michael The Archangel Church of Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery of rural Dunseith wake will be held in the church on Tuesday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M.

Alan Francis Poitra I, a son of Roy F. and Virginia (Laverdure) Poitra, was born on December 2, 1947 at his home in Dunseith. On June 23, 1967 he was married to Susan M. Poitra at St. Mary’s Church of rural Dunseith.

He is survived by his wife Susan of Dunseith; sons, Alan f. Poitra II (Laurie) of Dunseith and Adam J. Poitra (Samantha) of Bottineau; daughters Allison M. Whorley (Pierre) of Rolla, Valerie L. Malaterre (Joe) of Dunseith and Kari M. Poitra (Ryan) of Dunseith; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Randy S. Poitra (Shirley) and Terry L. Poitra (Tammy) both of Dunseith and Troy R. Poitra (Terry) of Flagstaff, AZ; sisters Sandra V. Poitra (Wade) and Ramona d. Love (Quentin) both of Dunseith, Pamela F. Banley (Thad) Sioux Falls, SD. Audrey M. Martinson of Minot, Roxanne M. Fairbanks (Rob) of Detroit Lakes, MN and Marlys Belgarde of Minot.

Charles Hanson is the grandson of Jeannine (Watkins) Robert (47): Lamoure, ND

Charles and Svetlana were victims of a double murder suicide. So sad. Our hearts reach out to their families with their loss of this marvelous couple. Gary

Svetlana M. and Charles L. Hanson

Image

Svetlana M. and Charles L. Hanson

Charles L. Hanson

Age 42 of Eagan on August 10, 2010. Preceded in death by grandparents, Inez & Charles Hanson and Adolph Robert. Survived by children, Ingrid, Thorin & Bjorn; parents, Gary & Sandra; brothers, Justin (Jenaah) & Jay (Theresa); niece, Jocelyn; nephews, Karsten & Casey; grandmother, Jeannine Robert of Lamoure, ND; & many other relatives and friends. Charles was a 1986 graduate of Jamestown, ND High School. Received his B.S. from NDSU and completed his PhD program in neuroscience at the U of M Twin Cities. He was currently employed by Starkey Lab in Eden Prairie. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Svetlana M. Hanson

Age 25 of Eagan on August 10, 2010. Survived by son, Bjorn; parents, Yefim & Valentina Pagoda; brothers, Grigory & Genady; sisters, Larisa & Olga; the Stipakovs’ and Kravchenko families. She was a graduate of the U of M Twin Cities. Sveta will always stay in our hearts.

Both Charles and Sveta loved their family and took a great deal of joy in spending time with them. Their children were very precious.

Gathering from 1-3PM Saturday, August 14th at J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS, 1580 Century Pt. (Yankee Doodle Rd. @ Coachman), Eagan, MN with a Prayer Service at 3 PM.

Memorial Mass 10AM Tuesday, August 17th at the BASILICA OF ST. JAMES, 622 So. 1st Ave., Jamestown, ND. Inurnment at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Jamestown.

Written in Memory of Don & Bernice Johnson

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): eleszoo@yahoo.com Dunseith, ND

Sorry it’s so hard to read with the pic in the background…this was written in memory of Don and Bernice Johnson and I thought you might enjoy reading it…it sort of relays the feelings of everyone in this community the day the sadness, grief and horror of what happened began to hit us like a freight train..I know it sure tells how I personally felt that night in the dark with my kids and neighbors near me.

Here is the wording as it appears on my copy:

This day began just as any other, but alas it wasn’t to be.

The morning sun rose and kissed the deep blue sky,

Dew on the grass, is wet against my feet.

Breakfast of over and dishes are done.

The floor is swept and kids are on the run.

There are clothes to wash and meals to make.

I grab a basket full of clothes and run them out to the line.

The breeze kisses them with such ease.

The sun a warm hand against my back.

But something seems just not right?

A haze in the sky perhaps?

The phone rings, I run to answer, I say hello and the world shudders to a stop.

I grab the kids and load the guns.

Neighbors begin to gather.

Emotions, there are so many,

Terror and fear, anger and loathing, sadness and tears.

No! No time for tears, later we will weep, for now

Bar the door and watch at the windows.

As darkness comes on silent feet

We speak in whispers with bated breath.

Are they near?

Will they come here?

The biggest question of all is why?

Long hours later the phone again rings.

I say hello and pray “it’s over” that I’ll hear.

This day that began as any other

Has watched us lose our friends and neighbors.

Two people, very beloved, have gone home to heaven.

We ask why these two had to go,

But God isn’t telling.

ele

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

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08/13/2010

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Gary

Don & Bernice Johnson Memories:

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I can only reaffirm my sincere thanks to all those who sent these memories of my parents. There is no way you folks will ever know how much it means to me. Thanks.

Dick

Old Pictures & message

From Dick Morgan (52): Washburn, ND

21 July 10

From the desk of “Old Dad” Morgan

Dear Bernadette and Gary,

Can’t describe how much I enjoy your Blogs. (I receive them courtesy of my brother Gary). Pictures are understandably popular, so I dug out my album and had these copies made. The copies in a couple cases are clearer than the originals. If you think anyone would be interested….

Respectfully,

Dick Morgan

Folks, I received a letter from Dick Morgan yesterday with nine pictures. I am posting 4 of them today and plan on posting the remaining five tomorrow.

Dick, these are absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

DHS Gym 1951

Standing: Coach Jerry Blake, Don Hiatt, Gary Morgan, Clayton “Kick” McKay, Don Hosmer,

Glen “Junner” Williams, Jim Footit, Norman “Hoagy” Haagenson

Seated: Ed Leonard, Bob Leonard, Dick Morgan, Marshall “Mud” Awalt.

Ernest Tennancour

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

Hi Gary,

I sent a picture of Ernest awhile ago. I think he was standing behind the counter in the garage in that picture. I might have sent this one, too–you know my memory!

I wrote Corner Service/Corner Garage as I’ve seen papers with both names used. I don’t know which was the correct name; I guess either one is fine.

I enjoyed reading the comments about the garages in Dunseith. I had meant to respond to them, but didn’t get it done. There are a couple of errors in the newspaper clipping; maybe I’ll get around to correcting them one of these days.

Neola

08/12/2010

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Gary

Memories of Don and Bernice Johnson

Folks, this was a very unusual day with no postings. With that, I thought this would be a good day to repost the many Don & Bernice Johnson memories we have gotten from you folks. Their untimely deaths were such a shock and loss to the community. They contributed and did so much for the entire community. Their son Dick and his wife Brenda are a chip off their block with their integrity and values. They are following right along in Don and Bernice’s foot steps too, with all their community involvements and contributions. As stated below, I will add all additional memories and tributes to Don and Bernice’s stored achieves. Gary

Previously posted Feb. 3, 2008

Folks,

With all the tributes you folks have provided with memories of Don Johnson, I’ve decided to dedicate today’s mailing to Don and his family. The first 3 messages, ahead of the article, I’ve gotten today. The messages following the article have been published before. I wanted to combine all the messages into one for this distribution. I went back through and tried to capture all the memories you folks have provided of Don. Please let me know if I’ve missed any.

I will include future comments that you guys provide, with memories of Don, in the daily messages. I will also add them to this message for redistribution in the future.

Gary Stokes

From Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

Gary,

These daily comments, stories and memories are a much better read than the Turtle Mt. Star in my humble opinion. I see I missed the “Daddy” song.

A little story about Don Johnson. In high school I played clarinet beside Gwen Grimme on the same old honking clarinet my two older sisters played going back at least a decade. Years of abuse had practically disintegrated the case so my mom taped it from head to foot with some gawd awful putrid smelling tape. When Mr. Johnson opened the door to the little room of stored instruments and was hit by the stench, he came to the conclusion that one or more students had not cleaned some filthy reed or mouthpiece in ages. He was quite “put out” with this disgusting find and lectured us on proper hygiene so “it” would never happen again. I knew it was my fault since I couldn’t put the clarinet even close to my lips without a gag. Now, I was sure everyone “knew” my mouthpiece was the “filthy unhygienic culprit.” Too embarrassed and red faced to fess up during the lecture, I waited in painful guilt and anxious expectation until after class. To my relief, he threw his head back in laughter and told me in a playful way to “get it out of there.”

I remember his eye opening introductions to different styles of music and his tying the message of “Romeo and Juliet” with the more modern “West Side Story.” He gave many of us the recognition and appreciation our parents didn’t or couldn’t and we “felt” his pride in our accomplishments. If you wanted to participate, he provided every effort to support you. I will always remember his kindness when gently telling those, who had less than perfect pitch, to keep their voices low so they could still participate in the choir. His contribution to our community over the years was huge, heartfelt and lasting.

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68)

From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Thank you Gary. I love the “community” of our emails. I could send this info directly to Dick Johnson but wanted yet more accolades for Don Johnson. Don was wonderful about exposing all of us to a variety of music (first heard and fell in love with Westside Story via Don in a music class), but also made absolutely sure that any cultural event near Dunseith was available to any of us who were interested. I so remember taking the bus to A Mid Summers Night Dream and laughing hysterically — and being amazed that it was written by Shakespeare. Or the concerts in Bottineau. Or the circus in Minot. And I loved how anyone could join the choir…even me. I knew my voice wasn’t the greatest (I think that’s an overstatement!) so would pretty much just voice the words when we were practicing. Toni and Paulette told me that they couldn’t hear me so I should sing louder..which I did for one song. I was a freshman in High School so of course, was intimidated by older classmates in the choir…Don stopped our practice after that one song and just said, “Brenda, could you keep it down.” He also sang at my wedding to Terry Hegney in 1969 (Terry died in 1981)..Of course, tunes from Westside Story!

I also want to note that I worked with Dick’s grandmother Cynthia during my high school stint at the San Haven dining room. I loved her. She was so kind and gentle. I’m not sure if even Dick knows this but when I was in the hospital for TB between the ages of two and three, I swallowed a nickle that someone had given me (people used to give kids coins as treats in those days). My mom was also in the hospital at the same time. Dr. Loeb (who was a prisoner of war before becoming the director of the San…he was an absolutely wonderful Dr. by the way and we were so lucky he decided to stay in ND after the war) couldn’t remove the nickel so Dad (who was working at the San in the kitchens at the time) warmed up the car, asked Cynthia to accompany him, borrowed clothes from Jay Vanorny and we were on our way to Minot. Can you imagine every one’s terror that I wouldn’t make the long drive? At any rate, the eye, ear, nose specialist in Minot removed the coin and all was well. Thank you Dick for a loving and warm family who impacted my life in so many ways.

Brenda Hoffman (class of 68)

From Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND

Hi Dick:

Just a quick comment about your dad. Just like a super star, or actor, or singer or writer or composer your dad left a legacy in so many hearts, not only in the Dunseith area, but to North Dakota and Canada. He was a man that had a lot of influence on a lot of peoples life’s. He will always be in my life. He was the best teacher I had ever had.

Just one more little story about your folks together. When we lived on the farm up in the hills my mom Margaret Hiatt would make the best cinnamon rolls in the hills of the turtle mountains. When she would get into the mood of making them there would be this strange thing that would always happen during that same day of the baking. Your mom with your dad or your mom with her mom or your mom with your dads mom would always drive up and visit. We always asked mom when she was baking if she thought Don and Bernice would show up. Sometimes we know more than said it, and they were driving up the hill to our house. It was funny and also always enjoyable as they would sit and talk about so many things and memories of the old Benny Johnson farm. Always look forward to their visits. And they loved the cinnamon rolls. We always told mom that Bernice could smell those cinnamon rolls a mile away. ha

Take care
Dave Slyter

Prairie Past and Mountain Memories (1982 centennial book) Page 213

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to the memories of his dad, Don Johnson: Dunseith, ND

Gary and DHS Friends

I do truly appreciate all the good memories folks have about my
dad, Don Johnson. He had an ability to understand the needs of
those around him and then find a way to make their lives a
little better. The one thing that I believe he passed on to
most of the kids was that everyone is of similar value
regardless of his background or wealth or name! This I believe
is what allowed him to achieve things like Governor’s Choir
with something like sixty kids singing that well. The other
atribute that he had was to never give up no matter what the
odds were. This determination could be seen by his students and
I believe it also drove them to achieve. Thanks to all those of
you who have told your stories of your memories of my dad, it
means a lot!

Dick Johnson

Margaret Metcalfe’s (65) memories of Don Johnson: Rolette, ND

Gary

Several people have written about memories of Don Johnson so I thought I
would add yet another:

I was a Daddy’s girl. Wherever my Dad went, I was riding on his shoulders
or hanging on to his hand. I remember my parents wondering how I was
going to handle starting school. However, my first grade teacher in
Hilltop school was Don Johnson and I thought he was the best teacher
ever.. I don’t know if this was his first teaching job, but he and
Bernice were so young and Dickie was only 2 or 3 years old. One day
Bernice came to pick him up from school and I thought she was such a
beautiful lady. Don fixed the swing in the school yard and I was the
first to get to swing on it. I backed up as far as I could and then sat
down to swing forward, just then Dickie ran in front of me and I crashed
into him knocking him down. I felt so bad, he got up Don dusted himself
off and he had a gash on his head…..but his glasses didn’t break. He
was such a little cutie.

The years went by and Don taught my husband Chuck in 8th grade in Rolette.
Then he came back to Dunseith and I remember the chorus and how we
harmonized and had concerts….so fun. I took Music Appreciation from him
and like so many others learned to appreciate so many different composers
and their music. Whenever I hear Classical music, I think of him. He
brought the Grand Canyon suite to school and we listed to the LP’s on the
stage in the new school. I thought it was the most beautiful music I had
ever heard. After that I started really listening and appreciating the
music in movies. He was my teacher in first grade and my senior years and
I have such fond memories of one terrific teacher and a wonderful, caring
person. We were so honored when he sang at our wedding! He was a
legend.

Margaret Leonard

Memories from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary and all the rest. Just read the neat 180 degree turn by the
band described by Dick Johnson. It made me believe that Don Johnson
gave more positive stuff to more people than anyone I know. The last
time I saw him was when he was leading the band down Dunseith’s main
street at one of my visits home during Dunseith Days. His grin and
wink, when he recognized me, stays with me these many years later.

Don Lamoureux’s (75) Memories of Mr. Johnson: Bethel, MN

I also have great memories of being in Mr. Jonson’s band. I started out playing clarinet, which didn’t seem too cool for me, I hadn’t heard of Benny Goodman. I later switched to the string bass, when that spot opened up, and was even happier when the school bought an electric bass guitar, so now I could play and be heard.

He also helped me out of a pickle during deer season one year. I was in big rush after school to get to a hunting spot, driving my dad’s 4 wheel drive jeep pickup, and was tearing up the hill past Sime’s to get to a spot before dark. I mean to get to a spot where I could hunt until dark. I rounded a curve to discover that an oncoming school bus and I were going to be occupying the same space shortly. I swerved to get out of the way, missed the bus, but put the truck into a spin, I did a 360 and then went backwards off the road and down the ditch.

I know I was closer to some other folks, but didn’t feel like confessing my crappy driving to anyone else, so I walked down to Mr. Johnson’s. He fired up a tractor and we went back to pull it out. The ditch was pretty steep, and the only thing that kept it from going farther down the ditch was the tree I managed to wedge the truck up against. I think Mr. Johnson had to go back home to get a chainsaw. It’s not real clear to me, because I was pretty much dreading having to go back home and face the music there, so to speak. Mr. Johnson tied the truck off to the tractor, buzzed the tree down, yanked the truck out, and sent me on my way. Mr. Johnson must have called ahead to smooth out the waters, because it really wasn’t that bad when I got home. Probably Dad could see nothing was going to make me feel worse than I already did. There still was the inevitable lecture of course, but then he told me of a time as a kid he was driving one of the brand new cars from the garage, and wrecked that.

I can also recall spending many fall days looking for grouse and pass-shooting ducks at Mr. Johnson’s.

Don Lamoureux (75)

Memories from Ele Dietrich (69): Duneith, ND

After reading Deb M. memories of the Governor’s Choir in 1969, I felt that I just have to add this tickle of memory: Mr. Johnson (who would ever have called him anything else) probably had the highest impact of any teacher in Dunseith when I was in school. Through him we all learned to appreciate music. We also learned to give from our hearts when we sang and I think that has stayed with all of us to this very day. I personally can not thank him enough for that gift. I will always remember though that he absolutely dispised Buck Owens and the nasal tone of his music. Remember “let the sound come from the mouth not the nose”…those words will be with me always. He introduced me to so many kinds of music, music that I had never heard before and still love to this day. Thank you Mr. Johnson.

Ele (Dietrich) Slyter ’69 rules !!!

Memories from Deb Morinville (70): Miles City, MT.

David Slyter jogged memories from our Governor Choir days. I learned how to play “Whist” because we had down time sometimes. I also remember Governor Guy coming to Dunseith for a banquet. The town really spiffed up and it never looked so good! I also remember many long hours on busses and getting up at 5 AM to travel to many different places to sing.

Like in the legislative chambers at the Capitol inBismarck

Yeah we had the blue blazers and the girls wore white skirts and the boys black pants. We stopped inHarveyone time to eat and filled the restaurant. On cue from Mr. Johnson we all stood up and sang our “Grace” It was very impressive. We were scattered all over but still managed four part harmony. I never realized important reading music would be. Now I singon a worship team and the ability to read music helps me to learn it quickly. Mr. Johnson had a huge impact on my

life in the way he taught me to appreciate so many different kinds of music. He never really liked country music though! What a legacy he left. It was such a great joy and privilege it was to sing with some of those former members at the Sunday service last summer at the reunion. Gary Fulsbakke directed us and we dedicated the songs to Mr. Johnson.

Keep the memories coming everyone!

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

Memories from Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND

How many remember the good ole band and choir days of good ole DHS. Of course who could forget the best music director of all of DHS’s history, Don Johnson. He done so many things for so many students. One of the most memorable was when Dunseith received the Governors Choir award. I think I remember then the choir had over 60 members in it. The high school band always had big numbers in it. He ran a very high standard music department.

Alan Poitra, I remember those funny looking hats also but they were always locked up in the little practice room and we were all hoping that no one would mention to Mr. Johnson that we should wear them while we march. ha I always remember the home coming parades in Dunseith and also the day that we would travel to Minot for the Minot State College home coming parade. It was a long march, (especially when I had to carry that big ole bass drum) but was the best of times. Always went downtown Minot and hung out at all the stores. Always went to the five and dime store.

When we were in the music program in the late 60’s and into 1970(by the way that is the best year ever) we had the really nice blue blazer that we wore for high school concerts. I think we wore them for marching also. I also remember going to Devils Lake for the high school music contest or festivals. Dunseith always came home with high marks.

I think that was the best part of jr. high and high school was being in the famous Don Johnson music program. Well that and passing my grade each year. ha

One more memory I have to mention about the DHS music department. It has to do with years after I graduated but was a memory I will never forget. I was once a custodian at DHS after the good ole years of San Haven employment. My daughter Stacey was in high school band then and was under the direction of one of Don Johnson’s former students and everybody knows her, Cheryl Haagenson. She too did a great job in the music department. During the year that Stacey I think was a Junior in high school they decided they wanted to take in a contest down in Orlando Florida. So the money raising was put into place and the plans and dates of the trip were decided. I was fortunate enough to be a chaperone of this big event and what a memory it was. It will be with me for a very long time. The kids were so well behaved and they should have been so proud as they brought home this big huge trophy that I hope still is in the show case at the school. “Way to go Cheryl” You have done the school proud.

Thanks for the memories

Feb 4, 2008

Memories of Don & Bernice Johnson from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary, and Dunseith Friends. One rather unlikely story, but one that
had some predictive qualities took place during my freshman year at
DHS. Don and Bernice were both Juniors. There was an operetta
directed by Miss Nesting. The characters in the play were Native
Americans. The title of the play was “Star Flower”. That character
was Bernice. Then there was a young brave I think named “Lone Buck”,
played by Don Johnson who was courting Star Flower. Her father was a
grizzled Chief named ‘Lost Eagle” or something like that, played by
yours truly. One line I remember well from Bernice was, “Father, you
bid me come to you”. I was supposed to be a grouch, so I had my arms
crossed across my bare chest which had been slathered with leg make up
to make me look more tribal-like. I had on a full headdress loaned by
the Chippewa tribe, and there were several of them in the audience of
this production. Bernice was so beautiful I wanted to hug her, but
that would have ended my stage career, and I’d probably have left that
leg make up on her Indian Princess dress. By the way for you young
folks, leg make up was a substitute for silk stockings which were not
available. It was a fluid in a bottle. World War II was still ongoing,
and then nylon etc became available later. There was alot of music
and the two of them sang love songs in duet, and they lived happily
everafter. Fortunately, the chief in the play did not have any singing
requirement.

This was just a brief interval in a long friendship with those two
great Americans, but when there is such a wealth of personal
admiration, and deep sense of loss, every little whisp of memory comes
back to reinforce the importance of having known and indeed loved Don
and Bernice Johnson. Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Message (Don Johnson) from Glen Williams (52): Missoula, MT

Gary…Great that you put that collection of “memories” of Don Johnson together…I was quite a bit younger than Don…so did not know him personally, but did know he was….and was to old to be in his classes…but would appear that he made a difference in a lot of students lives….I did know that he had been killed and was saddened by that event… His life just should not have ended that way…!!!

Glen Williams…

Susan Fassett’s (65) memories of the the Don Johnson family: Spearfish SD

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the nice memories of Dick’s parents. We had many good times at the Johnson farm, as Cynthia (Dick’s Grandma) is a sister to my Aunt Dorothy Fassett. We had picnics at the farm and chased the fireflies at the edge of the lake where the farm sat, Johnson’s were included in many a family picnic and Dick was always a favorite “cousin”. My sisters, along with the “other” Fassett girls spent some nights at the farm and relate stories of the bats that inhabited the old buildings. Isn’t it great to be from a community that shares so many great memories.!!! Hugs and prayers to all—-Susan

Feb 5, 2008

Memories from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND

lola vanorny, ew
Oh yes, I remember so many good memories of the Johnsons– I remember
going to a contest somewhere in his big black shiny cadillac – probably
about a 1961– and he drove really fast– (we thought) — that was cool!!_
ha– that was back in Dad’s 50 mph days– ha —!

Bill’s story about the play was really cute!!_- i can just imagine them
doing that– Yes- Bernice was very beautiful!

Sometimes when I see a group of school kids performing somewhere —
how sad it is that the dress code has gotten so lax– when we played for
an occasion somewhere – we looked sharp!!– The blue blazers – black or
white pants or skirts etc. and we’d better stand up straight– !!– He
was a stickler for that!– and I believe that too made an impression on us.
He had high standards.

Tribute to Don & Bernice Johnson from Aggie Casavant (69) Fort Mill, SC

I was so very happy when I saw this website do a tribute to Don & Bernice Johnson,that is now giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and memories of two beautiful people…two people who left a far greater impact on peoples lives than I believe they ever realized. Don Johnson set the standard for me what every man,in what ever capacity of my life,should measure up to…So far I haven’t found one. The things I remember the most about him is his warm and friendly smile,and chuckle,and when he would meet me in the hall he would always give me that smile and say,”Hi Ag-ga-nus”, he would pronounce my name like that ;and chuckle. I remember his earth science class and he would make it so interesting.I remember for a semester test in earth science,he gave us 50 definitions and we had to give the word that defined it.I know he had to be aware of the fact that I overall in school did not do well in any of my classes,and for me to pass a test was unheard of(all jokes aside) however I always did reasonably well in his class.When I was taking that semester test of completions,not multiple choice, I got every last one of them,except I was stumped on one.He told me to go onto the other questions and come back to it,that the answer would come to me.I finished up the test and came back to that one…and just drew a blank. All the other kids completed the test and had left the room,and Mr. Johnson stood by my desk and said,”Come on Aga-ness tink, tink,you can do it.I remember he pulled a desk into the aisle and put his foot up on the seat leaning in trying to help me as much as he could,but not giving me the answer.I can still see those brown pants and brown wingtip shoes with that design on them propped up on that desk seat,and all I could do was stare at those shoes wanting so badly to remember the definition of…”washing away of the soil”. He said,”Aga-nus,remember in class when I gave the example when the road flooded by our farm and it washed part of the road away,it is called……………..”He wanted so badly for me to get 100%,but I just couldn’t do it.After about 20 minutes I put my head on my desk and said,”I just can’t remember it…what is it??? There was a long pause,and he said,Your sure you can’t remember it? And I said no,”No I’m Done”…He said,”Agganus,the washing away of the soil is called….erosion….it seemed like the whole world stood still for a minute,and I fell face down over my test…Oh nooooo I said…When I looked up at him,he kinda had tears in his eyes,and he hugged my head and sai,”You did good Agganus, you did really good”. Then he went on to say,”in the years ahead,everytime you see a washed out road,or washing away of the soil you will remember the word “erosion” and this moment…and you were right Mr. Johnson…I never have forgot.As for Bernice, my Mom shared with me something so special that Bernice had done for her,everytime I think of it I just say,Wow! Due to the personal sensitivity of the subject on my Mothers part, I don’t feel at liberty to share it over the website.But I can say with certainty Dick, something you’ve known for years….that you were blest with the two most awesome parents that anyone could of been blest with…it saddens me everytime I think of how your time with them, and the worlds time with them was so short…When I’ve tried to describe Don and Bernice to people in my travels over the years. I would say,”they kinda reminded me of the show Green Acres,cuz Don Johnson would have on a suit when I saw him,and Bernice would always have on a coat with a fur collar and drove a big gold Cadillac,but they lived on a farm,and were much more genuine,warm,sincere and common,than Eddie Albert and Za Za Gabore…They were just the nicest people ever…..Thank you still after all these years Don & Bernice Johnson. You are still loved,you are still missed..But never forgotten…Sincerely, Aggie Casavant

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69) Fort Mill, SC

Hi Gary,Thank you so much for giving the people who’s lives were so touched by Don Johnson, to share thoughts and memories. Due to my busy schedule, and having the day off today, this morning was the first time that I really got to sit down with a good cup of coffee, and read all the messages that people wrote of their memories of Don &Bernice…What a joy and a blessing to sit and read all the different stories. I especially enjoyed Bill Hosmer’s, and Paulette LaCroix’s. I found Bill Hosmer’s so interesting, giving insight to Don and Bernice as high school kids like we were. You know how it was when you were young, and you never really gave much thought that your parents or teachers, were once kids too….Like they just dropped out of the sky as grown ups, sent here for the sole purpose to be our parents and teachers…Ain’t life crazy??? I know the word ain’t would not be acceptable to use if Ms Foss was reading it, but I guess I just lived in the south too long. Anyway Paulette, I loved the mixture of sentimental memories and humor ; and especially Mr. Johnson giving recognition, and appreciation, and would always leave you feeling, that you were the most important kid in the world…I would go as far as to say, that any of my success or accomplishments in life are directly as a result of the impact Don Johnson had on my life, and I would go as far as to say many of my brothers and sisters would agree. That’s why I remind teachers every chance I get, what an opportunity they have to change a kids life completely for the better. So Gary, I hope if there’s anymore stories out there of Don & Bernice that people send them in. Thanks Gary

Reply from Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND

Gary:

I was inBismarcka couple days at meetings and found it ironic to see all the memories posted about Don and Bernice when I got home.

The reason I found it ironic was that I too had thought about Don and Bernice both on the way toBismarck and back toMinot.

Everyone who was ever in choir will know what stirred my memory. I was listening to the radio, (Bismarck has a great oldies station) and heard the song both on the way down and on the way back: Monday, Monday by the Mamas and the Papas!

Great song and great memories of a wonderful couple.

Diane Fugere

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

HI GARY:

I WAS INTRIGUED BY DAVE SLYTERS COMMENTS ABOUT DON AND BERNICE JOHNSON, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE MENTIONED THE OLD BENNY JOHNSON FARM. I NEVER KNEW DON OR BERNICE JOHNSON, HAVING MOVED AWAY FROM THE HILLS BACK IN THE 40’S. FROM WHAT I READ, DON AND BERNICE JOHNSON WERE AN OUTSTANDING PAIR A CREDIT TO THE COMMUNITY, THE SCHOOLS AND NORTH DAKOTA AS A WHOLE. THE TRAGEDY THAT ENDED THEIR LIFE IS SO VERY SAD AND A LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY AS I CAN ONLY ADD MY BELATED CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, HAVING JUST LEARNED OF IT. GETTING BACK TO THE BENNY JOHNSON FARM; IT WAS LOCATED JUST ONE MILE EAST OF OUR FARM, . OUR FARM BORDERED THE ROLETTE COUNTY LINE. BENNY’S MOTHER DELIVERED SOME OF MY SIBLINGS INCLUDING MYSELF. I GUESS SHE WAS A MID WIFE TO MANY OF THE NEIGHBORS. AS A KID I ACCOMPANIED MY OLDER SISTER TO THE JOHNSON FARM TO USE THE TELEPHONE, SINCE THERE WERE NO TELEPHONE LINES NEAR US. I REMEMBER HER BEING QUITE SHORT, AND CHEERY AND SHE WOULD CALL BURDELLA FOR US, TO GET THE CALL STARTED. I MUST SAY THAT SINCE I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THE DUNSEITH ALUMNI THAT OLD MEMORIES KEEP CROWDING IN FROM FAMILY NAMES WE KNEW SO WELL. IN OUR PARTICULAR AREA WERE THE HAGEN’S, WINDOM’S, WENSTAD, JOHNSON, SATRAND, ANDERSON, BYE, HALVORSON, MIKLESON, CHRISTIANSON, MELHOUSE, FULSEBAKKE, LUND, GREIG, KNUTSON’S, BJORNSETH AND SO ON. OF COURSE, WE KNEW MANY OTHERS AS WELL, THE HIATT’S WERE NOT FAR AWAY, AND NORMAN AND I ATTENDED DEAR OLD DHS AT THE SAME TIME. I BELIEVE MY 6TH GRADE TEACHER, ADAM LANG WAS MARRIED TO CHARLOTTE HIATT. I REMEMBER HIM HAULING US OVER TO THE ACKWORTH SCHOOL FOR A SOFT BALL GAME, WHERE WE , “THE LOON LAKE DUSTIES” GOT SPANKED . I APOLAGIZE FOR GOIN ON, BUT WHEN A FELLA GETS INTO HIS 80’S IT IS NOT UNLIKELY THAT MEMORIES TEND TO BECOME VERY IMPORTANT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK GARY. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. INCIDENTALLY YOUR GRANDPARENTS WERE FRIENDS OF OURS AS WELL AS NEIGHBORS.WELL AS THE FAMILY.

ERLING LANDSVERK

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08/11/2010

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Gary

Pat Hosmer’s Diagnosis Clarification

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary and Diane, I just wanted to make a few changes regarding my wife, Pat’s diagnosis. It is a very rare condition, 6 people in a million have it. It is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) which is slightly different from the fibrosis condition which Diane believed to be the situation. The resultant shortness of breath, which advances in both cases, is the difficult part. Scleroderma is the disorder which eventually brings about PAH by hardening the artery which brings oxygen from the lungs to the heart for distribution throughout the body. The condition gradually advances and under hospice care, safety and comfort are the main objectives of the therapy provided. There is no cure. The calsinosis is part of the “CREST SYNDROME” which is the introducory disorder which leads to Scleroderma, and then to PAH. Now, there is no need to include all this in DHS Alumni, I think a short editorial correction is all that is needed. I’ve already tried to
acknowledge our heart felt wonderment and appreciation to Diane, and I’m still dazed by the overwhelming loyalty the Bottineau and Rolette county folks continue to show their fellow citizens and it brings a new respect for our part of that great state of North Dakota. I’ll be forwarding my expressions of thanks when the time comes and I can formulate an adequate version. I consider Diane my cousin although it’s a shirt tail sort of cousinhood I pronounced some time ago. Thank you both for all you do and how you do it. Bill Hosmer

Bill, It’s easier for me to just post your whole message. You have explained everything so well. We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s condition. This has to be so hard for both of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary

Diane Larson Sjol’s (70) reply: Minot, ND

Bill,
I am glad you are setting the record straight about Pat’s condition.
I got my info second hand so should have verified that. Nonetheless,
it is very sad and disheartening for Pat to suffer so….and you as
well. We love you both dearly. Gary, I expect you will clarify this
tomorrow ….and thank you…We love you guys…

Diane

Reply from Ken Striker: Dayton, OH

Gary-

Forwarding my response to Gary Metcalfe

My heart leaps at the news of the card you have with a poem that Wm Chelcie Striker wrote. I would indeed like to have it. We have our Ohio Striker reunion on the 22nd of August and it would be a great “show and tell” item. It appears you have been seeing my Striker Family postings at the DHS blog. I do know about Dr Gary Striker in NYC. We have corresponded. Thanks for thinking of me. My snail mail address is: Ken Striker, 4769 Arcadia Blvd, Dayton OH 45432

Ken Striker in Dayton OH

Country School Reunion

Reply from Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Yes, Gary has grown some in 45 years – as we all have!!! I did want to mention the Twin Oaks Hotel and Convention Center, also, Gary. I hear there was some scuttle-but about the cost for the country school reunion and I know it was much higher than the Dunseith school reunion. The Twin Oaks facility was fabulous – The banquet room has full length windows overlooking the lake; there was a lounge right next to the banquet room that opened onto a patio for the smokers in the group. The hotel handeled everything and did just a fantastic job which made it so much easier for me to relax and enjoy the event as well. Coffee was served throughout the afternoon and evening as well as iced tea, lemonade and cookies in the afternoon. Appetizers included shirmp cocktail, meatballs, chicken drummies, egg rolls, meat & cheese kabobs, corn chips and salsa. Dinner included lemon pepper chicken, roast beef, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, pasta salad, tossed salad, and a bar for dessert. My brother and I both suffer from celiac disease so cannot have any gluten. The caterer was extremely gracious in accommodating our special dietary needs. They were right on time serving everything and cleaning up around the group without disruption.

You’re right that we are not an up and coming group so it would be nice to have another country school gathering in the future. If there is enough interest maybe we can do something a couple of years down the road. There were a lot more particpants from the Rolette County Schools (Willow Lake and Beaver Dam especially) and I’m sure that was due to your blog postings. Maybe we could have a contest between Rolette and Bottineau Counties to see if we could raise more interest there. Would love to hear anyone’s thought on this.

Linda, We need some feed back from the folks with this one, but they normally say intervals of 5 years for reunions is a good time span. Having them more frequent they say you loose folks not attending all reunions.

Here’s my suggestion. I suggest (2015?) we coordinate with other area groups to have several reunions near the same time frame. We could coordinate to have a Dunseith Alumni reunion, Country School reunion, and any of the other surrounding community reunions all within a few days of one another. That way out of town folks could attend multiple reunions with one visit. This summer I would have dearly loved to have attended the “Country School Reunion” as well as stuck my head in the door of the Bottineau HS class of 65 reunion that was held last month. These reunions were just spread out too far to attend with the same visit. In this coordination effort, I’d suggest that classes planning reunions from different high schools for the same year schedule their reunions for different days. Many folks belong to several schools. We’d need to start planning this effort 2 or 3 years in advance. Others could plan other events around these reunions too. We can make it work! Gary

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08/10/2010

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Gary

Benefit for Bill (48) & Pat Hosmer:

From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Everyone,

I am writing to inform all of you of a benefit on August 15th for Bill
and Pat Hosmer. There will be an all day golf outing for $25 at the
Birchwood Golf Course at Lake Metigoshe, ND….this includes 9 holes
of golf with prizes and lunch available. In the evening theire will be
a steak fry for anyone (golfers and non golfers) for $10. I will have
my husband scan the flyer and include it in another email since I
don’t have a scanner.

The reason for the benefit is to help with mounting medical costs for
Pat’s home care. Pat is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, an
autoimmune disorder that destroys the alveoli in her lungs, making it
difficult to breathe. She has also developed scleraderma which has
spread to her lungs, causing tightening so they donot flex properly
when she does breathe. A third condition she has, that is very
painful is calcinoma, a rare disease where the body produces too much
calcium, causing eruptions in the skin to discharge pieces of calcium.
Pat is terminal and under 24 hour care at home, including hospice.
The cost of her care continues to mount and is over and above any
benefits Bill and Pat have, so we are hoping to help them out with a
benefit and generosity of their friends.

If any of you can participate in the golf tournament or even just the
dinner, please call the Birchwood Golf Course for a tee time at
701-263-4186. For more information about the event, go to
birchwoodgolf.com. You can also call Nancy Hosmer Baldwin Kontzie
(yes, she got married to Keith Kontzie on July 17!) for more
information.

A bank account has been set up at First National at Bottineau under
the name of Bill Hosmer. If you want to send a check there, here is
the address: 424 Main Street, Bottineau, ND 58318. The phone number
is: 701-228-2236. Thank you in advance for supporting our dear
friends, Bill and Pat.

Jim Metcalfe – Poem

From Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Old history….Looking through my dads old wallet rently, I found this card that he must have carried all his adult life from about 1940 so thought I would share this information on it. If we had a scanner it would be easier, but….just ole hillbilly you know!

WAKE UP AND LIVE….IN YOUR OWN HOME

WILLIAM CHELCIE STRIKER

LICENSED

THE POET – BARBER AND REAL ESTATE MAN

HAIRCUTS 35cents :: CHILDREN 25 cents

BARBER SHOP SUnset 5360
306 WEST 85th ST. 9813 23RD AVE. N.W.

SEATTLE, WASH.

(This poem is on the back of the card…..if he was as good a barber and real estate man as he was a poet, he was very successful in deed)

THE STRIKING BEAUTIES OF PUGET SOUND

By

WILLIAM CHELCIE STRIKER

If you want a beautiful country to see,

come good stranger along with me.

From your prairie land way back in the east;

come along and let your fancies feast;

to this dream like place you’ve been wanting to be,

that lies in the sunshine along the sea.

Beauties and pleasure here abound,

in this place I am praising by the Sound.

Come out from the parched land over the hill;

and let your long starved soul just fill,

with these wonders rare that I have found

in the evergreen lands of Puget Sound.

A white sail swells and shines in the bay,

in the harbor quaint ships lay,

a fair haired fisherman plans his course

as he heads his ship toward the icy north.

A mountain wrapped in ancient snow

glazed from storms of long ago.

Smiles in the distance, serene and clear,

that fantom-like beacon called Mount Rainier.

Isles, streams and valleys please the eye,

every where evergreens blend with the sky,

luxuriant gardens and orchards grow,

beauties surround you wherever you go.

(all rights reserved)

Here was another colorful friend of my dad about 1940 in Seattle. Bill Striker and Elmer Striker were established in Seattle when my folks arrived in 1939. I am sure that Ken Striker and his family would like to have this card and I am willing to send it off to them. Stokes as well as a great number of N.D. people settled in Seattle and this poem, and I know my mother would agree, that this is right on dead center, as I do.

Elmer Striker’s son, Gary, became a dr. in Seattle.

Gary Metcalfe

Gary, how beautiful. Yes, this is right on dead center. Gary S.

India folks

Reply from Larry Liere (54): Devils Lake, ND

Gary

We have friends from India and I agree they are most polite and friendly people. Two of our doctors in Devils Lake are from India. One of my friends (from India) that worked for the city of Devils Lake could not stay in the USA after 911 so he moved up to Canada. He was a city planner for Devils Lake and did a lot of things over and above what his job title said, like being the first city person out after a big wind storm to help the people that had storm damage and working after hours to get the job done. The city tried to keep him after 911 and even worked with North Dakota people in Washington but nothing seemed to help him and his family. He had to leave because his type of visa was one that was in question as a could beterrorist. I also read that people from India have the highest IQ of all world countries.

LARRY

Lamb & Wicks Picture/Story

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Several years ago my sister-in-law was working at Dunseith’s Security State Bank. A gal came in and gave Deb a photograph. She said her grandmother had instructed her to give the photo to Lottie Metcalfe’s family. Deb gave me the photo which I shared with mom who identified the people. The photo was from Mrs.Stretzel of Carpenter Lake……..Stretzels were long ago friends of the Sam Wicks family.

The attached photo is of my grandmother SYLVIA ARIZONIA WICKS (Lamb), her parents Sam and Elizabeth,her Uncle Homer Welch,and younger brother Orville Wicks.

Grandma Sylvia was born in Iowa & traveled by covered wagon to Dakota territory with her parents Sam and Elizabeth (Welch) Wicks. The Wicks’ first settled and homesteaded at Perth N.D. They then ran a cafe/hotel in McCumber , still later a cafe, “Mountain View”at Dunseith, North Dakota.

Mrs.Elizabeth(Welch) Wicks was of Irish and Penn- Dutch origins and Sam Wicks was of Somersetshire English decent. Elizabeth Wicks was a local area midwife.

Sylvia Arizona Wicks filed on Holmes Township land west of Carpenter lake which she proved up. She later gave her homestead land to her parents upon her marriage to Robert Eli Lamb. Robert Lamb also of English decent had immigrated from Ontario, homesteaded at Fortuna ND, and purchased a farm east of highway #3 in Holmes Township.

Among the neighbors in that East Carpenter community were the Brennan’s, the Hurst’s, the Hackmans, the Dietrichs, the Nerpels, the Schroders, the Beachler’s and the Abrahamsons.

During the latter part of WWII Sam Wicks, Bob and Sylvia Lamb left the Carpenter Lake community to work in the shipyards of Washington state. The maintenance and care of the cattle and farms were left in the in the capable hands of Elizabeth Wicks, Carl Wicks, & Floyd and Charlotte Lamb.

Before she passed away in December 2207, Lottie relayed to her daughter that while she took care of the Lamb home, and the chickens. Floyd was responsible for the live stock. They both shared responsibility for their two younger siblings. If they needed guidance they were to go to their Grandmother Wicks and uncle Carl. “Lottie” said often on weekends Floyd would harness the team, she would roast potatoes to stuff in their pockets, off they’d go to the aforementioned neighbors, eat and socialize when they got there.

No telephone. Just letters to communicate to their parents in Washington. And an adventure in growing up.

A year later, when Grandpa Wicks and her mom and Pop returned from Washington they were able to “undo” the financial burdens and concerns left from the “depression years” of the thirties with the monies earned at the shipyards.

Sylvia (Wicks) Lamb was noted for her passion of flowers in her gardens on West Highway #43 and flavorful homemade ice cream.

Sylvia’s homestead remained in her family and is currently owned by Martha (Lamb) Sheopp. And Sylvia’s passion of flower gardening was inherited by at least few granddaughters ….Martha, Nancy and Cynthia.

A special thank you to those like Mrs. Stretzel who continue to share their photos so we can preserve our histories and friendships.

(note the shoes and grandma’s sideburn curls)

Country School Reunion – July 10th – Lake Metigoshe

Message/Pictures from Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Hi Gary – Sorry this took so long. I’ve been having Internat access problems but I think they are finally cleared up. Here’s a list of those signed up for the reunion:

Laurel & Shari Wenstad, Neva M. E. Ramey & Kenneth Hill, Lynette Wenstad, Melvin (Pete) Wenstad, Diane Weibe, Marie Parrill, Mildred Parrill, Thomas (Tom) Hagan, Allen Pladson, Janice & Norman McCullough, Lloyd & Orlene Larshus, Lloyd Pederson, Myron & Yvonne Amundson, Everett J. Solper, Mary Ann Brennan, Mike & Marion Nerpel, Evelyn Hanson, Curtis L. Hahn, JoAnn Wittmayer, Donna Molander, Helen Taylor, Marlie Baker, Betty Tratebas, Karen & Gary Wenstad, F. Lars Sivertson, Helen & James Dunlop, Jerry Christianson, Borghild & Frank Filas, Erling & Owen Landsverk, Arliss Lider, Orvin Hagan, Doreen Moran, Linda Gardner, Lloyd Gardner, Minnie Flynn, Larry & Gail Schuler, Wallace Pladson, Arlan & Darlene Wenstad, Karen Prouty, Janet LeNoue, Barbara & Larry Lawrence, Sharon Beckman, Bruce Landsverk, David Landsverk, Connie Turner, Debbie Slyter, Jack Dahl, Lynda Jordan, Lester Halverson, Luella & Floyd Dion, Earl Roland, Rena Roland, Edna Millang, Robert & Kim Bott, and Ronald & Betty Heinz. We had some drop ins who did not sign up so I don’t have those documented.

I took some random pics of people that I’m also including – There are some in those pictures also that I cannot identify so if anyone can help me out that would be great!

Borghild FIlas, Luella Dion, Lester Halvorson, Marie Parrill

Borghild Filas & Orvin Hagan – They attended first grade together.

Laurel Wenstad, ?, Lloyd Gardner, Erling Landsverk’s Son

Marion Nerple, Connie Turner, Gary Wenstad

The Bottineau Paper and the Metigoshe Mirror both did very nice articles about the reunion. I do not have a copy of the Metigoshe Mirror article yet but I can scan the one from the Bottineau paper if anyone is interested.

As a follow on to the reunion, I think it would be fun to document some of the stories people remember from their Country School Days. I have a story Erling Landsverk wrote about his first grade teacher. My one regret from the reunion is that I did not record the stories folks got up and shared with the group – And there were some really good ones – Plus Orvin entertained us not only with stores but yodeling as well!!!! Anyway, getting back to my original thought – I think it would be a real compliment to Rena Roland’s book about the one room schools in Bottineau County to augment that with a compilation of stores from those of us who attended country schools in the Turtle Mountains. I will be happy to collect and assemble such a document if people would like to submit their stories. Let me know if anyone is interested.

Again, Gary, thanks for all that you do. I’m sure the success of the Country School Reunion was a result of your support!

Linda, Thank you so much for these pictures and list of those that attended the reunion. I know about 80% of those that attended. I am so glad that this was a great success with so many folks. I would have dearly loved to have attended. Those my age, 63, were the last to graduate from the country schools. After we graduated, the country schools were closed and everyone was bussed to the town schools. We country school Alumni folks are getting up there in years. We need to have another one of these reunions before too many more years pass. 20 to 30 years from now we’ll be a lot thinner. Gary

PS – You know it’s been about 45 years since I’ve seen Gary Wenstad. I knew him well in my growing up days too. He looks great, but I would have never recognized him.

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08/09/2010

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Gary

Folks

Friends of ours asked us and other friends of theirs to their house last night for a pot luck dinner. While eating our dinner outside under the stars and the moon, I couldn’t help but notice the diversity of the folks in attendance of which I made comment of. At my table we were all from different countries with no two of us being from the same country. We were from Spain, India, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, England, Bulgaria, Dubai and the USA. The other tables included not only folks from these countries, but also from Australia and of coarse the Philippines. Guess what, we all spoke English. It was such a friendly bunch of folks too. We didn’t get home until nearly midnight. It’s so much fun meshing all these cultures into one. Lately we have met a lot of new friends from India. They are such friendly and very polite people. I’ve seen several studies that have said the folks from India have the highest average intelligence of all the world countries.

Gary

Horseback trip to South America

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

Hi Gary, Just a heads up to let you know I just update my blog:

www.equinenomad.com

Having a great time – not without challenges, but getting stronger and smarter every day!

Peace to all! And thanks to the folks who have been commenting and staying in touch! I love hearing from the ND contingent!

Trish

Allen Stokes Story

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

There is a story that came to mind when I saw the picture of Allen
Stokes. He was one tall and lanky kid in about the 10th grade and could
do amazing straight on jumps over the bar (high jump) in school track.
We had a track meet in Dunseith and Marc Gottbreht and I were manning
the high jump bar. We would reset it at the height the score keeper
ordered. Allen (Big Ally) Stokes would jump the bar straight on as you
might jump over a log on the ground. Normally jumpers would charge the
bar from the side and roll over it. Allen was at the bar height that
would have qualified him to go to state–I believe it was 5’8″–when he
jumped and cleared the bar with the exception of his arm which caught
the bar and pulled it down with him. He landed in the sawdust on top of
the bar and with his arm under it. There was a loud pop and he just
said, “Oh nuts, I broke my arm.” We helped him up and he held up his
arm. It was horizontal from the elbow half way down to the wrist and
then it turned straight down toward the ground. He said, “Hey, Mr.
Hepper, look I broke my arm.” He gave it a few shakes and Hepper yelled,
“Don’t shake it like that—get in the car!” They headed up to the
clinic for a cast. It was at this same track meet that Steve DeCoteau
from Belcourt threw a javelin (spear) many feet further than anyone
else. They were throwing toward the north on the west end of the high
school and he threw one clear across the road into Boguslawski’s yard!
When he let fly, it looked like it was never coming down. This reminds
me of a short joke. Ole told his mother he couldn’t learn the alphabet
as fast as the other kids in his class. She told him it was just because
he was Norwegian and it takes longer to catch on. A few days later he
said he didn’t like school again because he couldn’t learn his numbers
and the other kids could already count to 100. Again she said it was
just because he was Norwegian and it takes a little longer. He then came
home one day all smiles and told her they had what they call ‘Phy. Ed.’
and he could run faster and lift more than any kid in his class. He
asked her if that too was because he was Norwegian? She said, “No Ole,
it’s because you’re 18 years old.” Thanks Gary!

Dick

All Country School reunion Picture ID’s

From Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Note: I will post Linda’s message with more pictures of the “Country School Reunion” tomorrow. I am kind of rushed today. Thanks, Linda. Gary

Here’s the best I could do in identifying the picture from the Bottineau paper: Linda

In the back row: Wallace Pladson, Bruce Landsverk, Larry & Gail Schuler, Lester Halvorson, Allan Pladson, Arlan Wenstad, Gary Wenstad, Karen Prouty (Wenstad), Darlene Wenstad, Jerry Christianson – The rest in that row I wouldn’t dare guess

Next row:David Landsverk, Linda Gardner, Barbara Lawrence (Landsverk), Linda Jordon (Parrill), Connie Turner (Wenstad), Janet LeNoue (Parrill), Arliss Lider (Halverson), Luella Dion (Halverson), Floyd Dion, Erling Landsverk, Borghild Filas (Landsverk), Marie Parrill (Nelson), Lynette Wenstad, Laurel Wenstad (behind Lynette) Sheri Wenstad, Melvin (Pete) Wenstad, ?, Orvin Hagan, Tom Hagan, ?

Front Row:Susie Millang (Knox), Debbie Slyder (Wenstad), Minnie Flynn (Knox), Rena Roland, Victoria Krogen Gillies, Dianne Wenstad, ? –The rest in that row I don’t recognize.

08/08/2010

Posted on August 8, 2010 by Gary

European Trip rundown

From Gary Fulsebakke (71): Devils Lake, ND

Dear Gary and Friends,

Greetings from the good ol United States! I finally returned home
Thurs. Aug 5th. Traveling is fun, but it’s always great to be back
home. People, both abroad, and here in the US, often ask me what my
favorite place was to visit. Its difficult because they were all
wonderful in their own way. For sheer beauty of the landscape, it
would have to be Norway. As far as cities go, I would lean toward
London, because of the diversity of things to do, its people, who
were very congenial, and the fact that they speak English. Berlin
and Paris are not far behind, however. In fact, Berlin was a
pleasant surprise. This captital of the Third Reich and Hitler’s evil
empire, is a city full of history. The first surprise was my hotel.
One never knows what you are going to get when you book a place
online, and especially when you are looking for a place that is
inexpensive. But the Hotel Bogota exceeded all my expectations. It
was located in the most elite and expensive part of Berlin with a
Gucci’s around the corner and a Cartiers and large Rolex store across
the street. The hotel had once housed some of Berlins most famous
residents and served for a time as Hitler’s office of cultural
affairs. My second surprise came when I saw a free walking tour of
the famous sites of Berlin advertized. The leader of the tour was an
American named George. We started at the Brandenberg Gate, past
Hitlers bunker, to Check-Point Charlie and the Berlin Wall. One
thing I like about Berlin and its people, is that they have owned up
to their own tragic history. The city has left some of its bombed
out cathedrals and other buildings stand as a testament to the
tragedy of war.
In fact almost all the buildings from that era have bullit holes and
mortar shell or bomb damage. 90 per cent of central Berlin was destroyed
during WWII. One notable exception was the Ministry of Air Defense, a
massive and modern looking building that didn’t have a scratch on it. The
reason was that by the end of the war, Germanys Air Force had been mostly
destroyed and so the allies left the building alone and used it as a
landmark to guide them to other sites. One of the most controversial
sites was a memorial to the Jewish holocaust. But the Germans used a more
vivid term. It was called The Memorial to the Murdered Jews. It consists
of about ten acres of concrete blocks of various sizes that looked
somewhat like a cemetary. Another place I found fascinating was Hitler’s
Bunker. This is where Hitler conducted military operations in the last
days of the war and where it is claimed he committed suicide by taking a
cyanide pill and then shooting himself. It is said that the Russians
found Hitler’s body, but no one knows for sure. Today it is a gravel
parking lot and would be unrecognizable if not for a small sign marking
the spot. It is said that Berliners show their contempt for the man by
bringing their dogs to the site and letting them do their business.
Check-Point Charlie is well-known to any GI who served in Germany after
1962. That is the year the Berlin Wall went up and divided the city into
east and west. Today there is only about a hundred yards of the wall left,
and ironically, the remaining wall is protected by two fences. There are
many heroic stories of East Germans trying to cross over to freedom. Some
would build armored cars and blast their way through. Others would tunnel
underground, and still others would be smuggled in secret compartments in
or under cars. But one of the most amusing stories that our guide George
told us about was two East Germans who decided to graze their way to
freedom. Thats right. They donned a cow costume, one in the front and
one in the back, and they began to slowly graze their way to greener
pastures. A guard noticed the errant cow and called his superior officer.
“There’s a cow thats crossing over into the west.” His boss replied,
“It’s a cow. They always return home eventually!” And so the two Germans
grazed and mooed their way to freedom. May we never take our freedom for
granted! Happy trails to you! Gary Fulsebakke (71)

T-Shirts

Reply from Marie Iverson Staub (69): Seattle, WA.

Gary,

Just wanted to let Sharon Longie Dana know that when we were in Dunseith in May they did have t-shirts in the drug store. However, they didn’t have a lot.

Marie Iverson Staub (60)

Peace Garden Pharmacy is located at 18th Main St SW Dunseith, ND. Phone: 701-244-5711

This is my Brother Allen. He has lived in San Diego for a number of years now. Gary

1962 – Age 14 – 8th grade

Allen Stokes

This is my Grandmother, Julia Stokes. This picture was taken in 1958 in

her home in

Alvarado, MN. Gary

Julia Stokes

Butte St. Paul

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

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08/07/2010

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Gary

Dunseith Dragon T-shirt Purchase Question

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

Question for the Dunseith community, the last time i was back home which has been a few i bought a Dunseith Dragon t-shirt at the drugstore in town. Can anyone tell me if they still sell them there or if the high school does ?? I am hoping to go home to Dunseith in September and may only be there a few hours(possibly overnight) and was just wondering about the shirts. Any info would be appreciated.

Sharon Longie-Dana(73)

Thank you Kenny Nerpel

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary, I just wanted to thank Kenny Nerpel for his service in that ugly war, and recognize his contribution to our North Dakota heritage. Thank you, Kenny, for that service in that terrible place. I’m proud to share a part of our home area with the likes of you. Bill Hosmer

Kenrose Medlang

Message from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

I was up town for Crazy Days in Bottineau this afternoon. I met my high school friend Karen(Hagen) Simon for brats smothered with fried onions and sauerkraut sold by the VFW /American Legion. The two of us then went up to see my first Sunday School teacher Kenrose Medlang who is now a resident at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Home. Yup, Me, Joanne, and Marlys met with Kenrose behind the altar at Little Prairie Church. Kenrose always looked so trim and smart in her dresses. Karen recalled the 4-H days at Ackworth School.

I guess, one never forgets the “good in people” folks who shared the “important stuff” in our childhood. I’m sure Kenrose’s day’s would be made brighter if anyone is inclined to send her a card or if you are in Bottineau to visit her at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Home. Although her sight, hearing and mobility are a challenge, her mind is quite alert. Coffee time is 3:00 each afternoon. Thanks Gary. Vickie M.

Vickie, Kenrose brings back many good memories for me too, with 4-H an all. I believe this would be Joanne Millang and Marlys Medlang you are referring too with whom you met behind the alter at Little Prairie Church. Gary

Christmas Card to Julia Stokes from the Willie E Hiatt Family in about 1956

Folks, this is another picture/card we recently found in our Grandmother’s belongings. The Woodward’s Maxine refers to are my grandparents and Corbin Pritchard. My mother’s sister, Luella, died at San Haven in 1944. She and Corbin Pritchard were married in 1943. Luella met Corbin when she was teaching school at Ackworth. Corbin later met and married Doris Smith (46). Corbin and Doris were the owner operators of the Pritchard shoe store in Bottineau for many years. Gary

Back: Willie, Maxine, Barbara & Harvey

Front: Doug and L.D.

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08/06/2010

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Gary

“Dunseith Community Service Award at Large”

Message from Donna DuBois Thomas (72): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

You are nominated and have won the “Dunseith Community Service Award at Large.” Will you be able to come from the Philippines or can your brother Darrel pick it up for you. The plaques will be give out during then Dunseith Days Parade on Saturday August,14., Call me for further details. CONGRATULATIONS!

Donna DuBois-Thomas – Class of ’72. (701-477-5998 or 263-4439)

Donna,

This is such an honor. I want to thank the Dunseith Community for being selected to receive this prestigious award. I know there are others other equally deserving as me. Thank you.

Unfortunately I will not be able to be there on August 14th. Yes, I’d love to have my brother Bud or Dick Johnson pick this up on my behalf. I have not yet discussed this with either of them. This is a very busy time for both of these guys. If they are unable to be there, we will figure something else out.

Again, Thank you

Gary

Camp Metigoshe

Reply from Arlene (Jerry) LaCroix (73): Bottineau, ND

Gary

Just to further Art Rudes information about Camp Metigoshe being a
Lutheran Bible Camp. It is, but for two weeks each summer it is
borrowed by Trinity Youth Camp ( A catholic bible camp based out of
Rolla). Today many catholic kids attend Camp Metigoshe and Trinity
Youth. And yes, there is a Catholic Mass held each Saturday night at
the Metigoshe Chapel from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Enjoy your blog and look forward each day to new suprises and a chance
to learn more about the Turtle Mountain Area.

Arlene LaCroix ( Mrs. Jerry LaCroix)

Reply from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

Hi Gary,

I still remember my dog tag, NG27775040, after some fifty years. But can’t remember what I had for supper last night. You reversed my trail. Did boot camp in Ft. Leonard Wood and then served out the rest of time at Ft. Lewis during the worlds fair. The space needle was the big attraction then. I also remember another attraction, one million silver dollars in a clear plastic oversized barrel. Other than that don’t ask me about the other exhibits. Also I still have a clear memory of the gal who picked and sang Pasty Cline songs in one of the honky tonks downtown.

Take care buddy,

Dwight Lang

Reply to Keith Pladson (66)

From Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Fascinating story, Keith. And you have an interesting point. I look forward to more “knee-jerk” life stories.

Colette Hosmer

Army & Vietnam

Reply from Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

I guess I could have made some wiser decisions also, but I felt the same way as Keith. I simply could not see spending that extra year in the service. I think the key is to make the decision, follow through on it and then never look back and question it. As Gary said, I went through basic training with him and a bunch of other fellows from North Dakota at Fort Lewis, WA. Some of it was actually kind of enjoyable. I enjoyed the marching and the Jody calls that went with it. “Ain’t no use in going home, Jody’s got your girl and gone. Sound off, 1,2 Sound off 3,4 bring it on down 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4”. And on and on. And the “I don’t know but I been told” series. Some of those drill sergeants were incredibly talented. I recall asking one of them on one occasion how he expected us to stay in step when we all had legs of different lengths. He replied, “Oh college boy huh, that sounds like a personal problem to me” and dropped me for pushups. “Drill sergeant, now I understand Drill Sergeant”. Excellent teaching tools, those pushups. Some of it was really hilarious, especially when hillbillies like Gary and me got our turns at calling the Cadence. I’m glad no one got that on film.

Then it was on to Fort Polk, LA for advanced training in light weapons infantry, the dreaded 11B Mos.

When arriving in Vietnam I was told that the company that I was being assigned to was at that time experiencing 50% casualties. In other words you had one chance in two of being wounded or killed. I never actually saw the figures but said to myself at least there is a chance.

It is also interesting how seemingly unrelated things can affect the course of your life. I have throughout my life reacted severely to insect bites and stings. Our company was out on patrol one day and like so often happened it was decided that rather than go back to the base, we would just dig in and spend the night in the jungle. I got stung by an insect on the side of my face and it immediately started swelling. This alarmed the platoon leader and he decided I should be sent back to the base. A chopper was getting ready to leave for the nearest base and he told me to get my donkey on the chopper and get out of there. Well the chopper was located some distance from the perimeter so I headed in that direction. When I got about halfway there the VC decided they didn’t like the helicopter sitting there and began to mortar it. The chopper takes off leaving me in the middle of nowhere with no idea what to do. Well I decide to beat a hasty retreat back to the perimeter and to make a long story short we were able to lay down enough fire so that the enemy retreated and I was finally able to board the chopper and get out of there. The VC did try to overrun the company position that night and there were a number of casualties. If I would not have reacted to that sting, who knows.

regards

Kenny

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
You are so right with your comment of how we play the cards we are dealt. Some who start with all the best achieve greatly, while others do not! And some who start with nothing achieve greatly while others do not! It’s all in how we play the cards we’re dealt!

And yes, to confirm, when Alice and I first met we each had only High School Diploma’s. But about five years after we got married we both decided to go back to school and I earned first an Associate’s in Business Administration and later a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Alice earned an Associate’s in Business Administration, then a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology and later still a Master’s in Contract Management.

But, enough said, or it will sound like bragging.
Keith Pladson (66)

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08/05/2010

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Gary

Andy Fassett (38): North Liberty, IN

Pictures Provided by Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

I had a great visit with Uncle Andy Fassett, Aunt Betty Jane, and three of my cousins and their families last weekend. I thought I would send along a few pictures for the folks who know them.

Uncle Andy and Aunt Betty Jane live in a great area; very reminiscent of some parts of North Dakota. They live on three acres and are surrounded by fields, wetland, and wooded areas. Lots of wildlife makes visits to their yard, including white tail deer (big ones – I saw one on the way out) and wild turkeys). Their children live around them in the general vicinity; the furthest is probably an hour away. We had a great time talking about the last few North Dakota reunions and the interesting stories on your blog.

Bill

Keith Fassett, Andy Fassett, Bill Grimme, Wayne Fassett, Greg Fassett

Aunt Betty Jane Fassett, Bill Grimme, Uncle Andy Fassett

Bible Camp

Reply from Art Rude (71): artrude@hotmail Bismarck, ND

Hi Gary,

Although Larry Hackman writes a great story, his response today has an error in it that may give some people fits. The camp that is located on the Aasness place is not a Catholic Camp, it is the current location of the Metigoshe Lutheran Bible Camp which today is called Camp Metigoshe. Although there are few tensions today between Catholics and Protestants like there used to be, in fact that may be the source of the confusion, as they do many cooperative programs with area Catholic Churches, but the camp there is definitely Lutheran.

I am very familiar with that transition, as I graduated in 1971, that’s the year the Bible Camp bought the Aasness property, and that was my first summer on camp staff. I was the first staff member from the camp assigned out there, and stayed there by myself for a few weeks, I think Pastor Mark Ronning, the director of the camp, put me out there because I was from the local area, (Jimbo Pladson, son of Duane and Jean Pladson also came and stayed with me out there) and he thought I would probably know anyone who stopped by, thinking that I was from the immediate area. One of Mark’s chief concerns that first summer was shutting off the beer drinking that had been going on there, so the Bible camp could start sending overnight campers there.

Larry mentioned the barn at the Aasness place, which reminds me of an episode I often chuckle about. Mark had sent some staff members out to “clean barn”, and as the kids were city kids, they showed up with brooms. To a kid who grew up on a farm, that was amazingly funny. I sent them back, and they showed up later that afternoon with manure forks, and we began to clean the barn, a process that was beyond the imagination of these city kids. They couldn’t believe that rural people actually did this on a regular basis. They were mostly grossed out . . . grossly.

Mark Ronning was a leader in ecumenical cooperation in the area, getting four rural Lutheran congregations that had trouble even talking to each other to combine and form Metigoshe Ministries at Lake Metigoshe. The construction of the Lakeside Chapel with REA electric poles (from North Central Electric) and cooperation between the Lutherans of Metigoshe and the Catholics from Bottineau, was basically unprecedented in the area. Mark used to talk about the wonderful experience of working with the Catholic priest from Bottineau (I don’t recall the name) setting up the REA pole rafters for the Lakeside Chapel.
During the years I worked at the camp, Pastor Mark became quite concerned about the water quality in the south lake (that’s another story) and decided to move the entire bible camp to the Pelican Lake site, which of course was the former Aasness farm. So, ironically, Camp Metigoshe is now located at Pelican Lake, and has been for 30 years, Mark Ronning passed away 27 years ago.

Anyway, Larry, keep those stories coming, but I just thought I would clarify a little for anyone who might be confused or upset about any religious denomination label confusion.
Peace and Power,

Art

Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions,

webpage address: www.artrude.com

and Art Rude TV at: artrudetv on Utube

Art, you are so right about the Catholic’s and the Lutheran’s sharing the same facility. I wasn’t aware that they shared the bible camp until receiving Larry’s message, but I remember well, my dad talking about parking cars for the folks attending Catholic mass that was held following the Sunday Lutheran services at the Metigoshe Lutheran chapel. Pastor Ronning did wonders with his abilities bringing the Lutheran’s and the Catholic’s together respecting each others beliefs. I know that there are many of you out there, Catholic and Lutheran, that attend or have attended services at the Metigoshe Lutheran Chapel in the summer months. I’m not sure if the Catholic’s are still holding Sunday mass there or not? Gary

Military Service

Reply From Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO

I went through Fort Lewis August 1969. Half my training platoon came from North Dakota. I was one of 4 teachers in that group.

Don, All but several us in my training platoon were recent graduates from NDSU & UND. Kenny Nerpel (65) and Larry Lawrence from the local Dunseith/Bottineau area were in my Basic Training Platoon. Larry is married to Barbara Landsverk (67). They live on a farm several miles NE of Bottineau. How well I remember our senior drill instructor giving us speeches telling us we were the dumbest bunch of B’s he had ever trained. I’m sure he told that to each of his training units. Gary

Military Service & Careers

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
Nice picture of yourself. You entered the service about 10 months before I did, as I entered on April 3rd, 1969.

What I found interesting about your story is how a single (and as you called it, “knee jerk”) decision you made when you were young had such a profound life changing effect on you. It’s not only that you ended up later joining (and retiring from) the Army Reserves, but if you hadn’t extended your enlistment, you may have ended up in the Infantry {they were really in need of new blood for the grinder (Infantry)} at that time and who knows how that may have went. But it was more than just that, as everything about your future life changed from that day forward; settling in and working your whole career in the Northwest, meeting your wife, working for the Government, retiring in the Philippines, kids, grand kids and even what you do now with your blog — all came about because of that one “knee jerk” decision.

I made a similar decision when I entered the Army that had a similar profound impact on my future life.

As it was, I had went for my physical over a year earlier (in 1968 and was classified One-A) and I knew it was only a matter of time before I was drafted so decided to pick my own time for entering the service. (Back then they called what I did volunteering for the draft.) In any case at the recruiting office, they tried to encourage me to enlist for 3 years as I would then supposedly have more say over where I went and what I would do, but I was hung up on the 2 versus 3 years and decided (my “knee jerk” decision) on doing just 2 years. So, out of Basic Training I got assigned to the Infantry (wow, what a surprise, huh!). And I must say at that point I was certainly thinking I had made a bad choice.

But as my life went forward, it turned out that that decision would indeed have a profound effect on the rest of my life. Out of my Advanced Infantry Training (at Ft. Lewis, WA) I qualified for a relatively new program that the Army had started a couple of years earlier called Non-Commissioned Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. Following the three months of intensive class room and field training at Ft. Benning, GA we were then assigned to various Basic Training bases to complete two more months of on-the-job- training in leading troops. In this phase we were to served as platoon and squad leaders in actual Basic Training classes in order to get the badly needed experience in actually leading troops before our eventual deployment to Viet Nam. In my case, I was assigned to Ft. Lewis, WA and reported there around the first of December, 1969. But while in this training capacity at Ft. Lewis, the Army decided to close down all training operations at the base for two weeks for Christmas and New Years. So with nothing to do for two weeks, I decided to take some leave and go back to ND. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), while on leave in ND, I was in a pretty serious car accident, and spent the next five months in the hospital (first in the Veterans Hospital in Minot, ND and then at Madigan General Hospital at Ft. Lewis, WA).

To make a long story short, I ended up with a permanent medical profile (restriction) that basically said I couldn’t run, crawl, stoop, walk for long distances, etc.. And, when I finally got out of the hospital, they changed my MOS from Infantry to Transportation and sent me to the Washington DC area where I finished out my “two year” enlistment working in an Army transportation office. So, though there was absolutely no way of knowing what impact it would ultimately have on my future, my “knee jerk” decision to go for two years only (in a very convoluted and round about way) kept me out of Viet Nam, got me into and back out of the Infantry and got my civilian Government career started. It also introduced me to the fields of transportation and logistics – where I spent all of my career. Finally, I met my wife out here and we have now both retired and since all of our kids and grand kids live in this area, it is very likely we will stay on the East Coast of the U.S. the rest of our lives. (Though I do try to visit ND often.)

I’ll bet there are others out there who have similar stories about the impact single decisions they made (and often they may have seemed like “simple” decisions at the time) had on their lives.

Is anyone willing to share one?

Thanks Gary.
Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, You and your wife have done so well in life. I believe along the way you got your Bachelors Degree in Business too, that contributed to your career successes. It’s all about how we’ve played the cards that have been dealt to us. Gary

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08/04/2010

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Gary

Pizza Inn Story

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

The story from Larry was great. He has a soft way of telling about
his devious past! The guy making and spinning the pizza crust was Ron
Beckman. He opened the first pizza place in Bottineau and it was a hit
with the college kids. I wasn’t too sure about eating some ‘foreign’
thing like that at first, but have become one of the best customers in
the country. A quick story about Ron’s Pizza Palace. One night in the
late 60s we were cruising town in Big Chip Johnson’s ’66 Bonneville and
decided to make a pizza run to Bottineau. It was Big Chip, Dave Tooke,
and me. Of course everyone who knew Chip Johnson knew when the big 421
Pontiac hit the open road it was on the floor at 140+ MPH. We were in
Bottineau before we left Dunseith, so to speak. We parked in front of
the Pizza Palace and went in and ate. When we decided to go home we
walked back out to the car and a front tire was flat. It was late and
real dark out but we proceeded to change the tire and that’s when I
heard Dave Tooke say, ” Chip, were you trying to kill us or what?” I
rolled the tire around to the trunk and noticed it was as bald as a
baby’s butt! Kids have some lucky days! Thanks Gary!

Message with Larry Hackman Jr.’s reply to his dad’s message posted yesterday:

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

I couldn’t resist!

I had to forward my sons reply on to you. It makes you homesick for the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota doesn’t it?

The Catholic Camp is on the property that you know about and I know well. It is on the farm that was owned by Bill Aasness, who is married to my cousin

Antoinette Dietrich. They are both gone now. There daughter Iris has four children and lives in Glenfield, ND. Bill’s farm was north across the road from Long Lake on the edge of Pelican Lake. We use to go their often to visit, play in that huge barn and catch fish. I don’t know if you know but just through the trees north of that barn he had a couple of docks and boats. We caught a lot perch off them docks as kids while the dads went out in the boats. I caught my first northern on Pelican Lake while trolling on Pelican Lake with my great Uncle Tony Dietrich, son of Tony and who also is my cousin and Godfather Joe Dietrich. Yes, I snagged about a 3 lb. northern and after that I was hooked on fishing.

The last conversation I had with Antoinette she had asked about a bunch of pigeons that my brothers and I had caught in the loft of that big barn and had taken back to Dunseith for pets. She was wandering if they had all died. I told her we kept them in a shed in our yard for about month. Dad made sure we kept them fed and watered. We would ride our bikes down to the railroad tracks by the grain elevator with a pail and scrape grain up from the ground. After awhile we grew tired of this and dad said if you don’t want to take care of them, then we had to let them go. We opened the door and they flew away. I asked Antoinette (Tony) if she noticed them back on the farm. She laughed and said no. I replied that they must not have been homing pigeons then. She laughed more, but she said when we took them that she was worried that they would die. I replied, that they did well as long as we had them, and I don’t remember any of them dying.

Isn’t it strange, how small the world is. My granddaughter is running around and enjoying the same area that I did as a kid,

Amazing isn’t it?

Larry

From:Larry Hackman Jr.

Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 1:40 PM

To:larry & marion hackman

Subject: RE: A Henry&Larry Story

Awesome story!!! Follow me boys!!!! I was up in the turtle mtn.’s on Sunday picking up Sadie from the youth camp. It’s the first time my kids have been up there since they have been older. They could not believe there grandpa grew up in such a beautiful place. Sadie had the time of her life, maybe because the Hackman spirits were with her showing her how to have a good time. She went hiking, canoeing, camp fires, The priest was from Harvey & all the kids were from all over (Rolla, Rugby, Esmond, Harvey, Bottineau). I told them we might have to make a trip up there this coming weekend to have a jumbo & enjoy the sites and sounds of the turtle Mountains (the hidden gem of North Dakota). Your sure welcome to come along & show us where you grew up & roamed the land. Camping?? Motel?? What do you think.

Folks,

I was going thru some old newspaper articles and found this. I debated long and hard whether or not to post it. After sleeping on it and thinking about it from a 3rd persons point of view, I decided I would. As you can see, I had a service number too, of which I still have memorized. It was shortly after this that they started using the SSN’s for service numbers. Kenny Nerpel, I’ll bet your service number is very close to mine. You may be one or two either up or down from mine. I was drafted, but I extended a year to become a Dental Specialist. At the time it was a knee jerk reaction signing up for that extra year, but as it turned out, it was one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made with a lifetime of benefits. I would have more than likely never joined and retired from the Army Reserves, following my active duty service, had I had any other MOS than Dental.

Gary

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08/03/2010

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Gary

Gary Fulsebakke gets robbed in Rome:

From Gary Fulsebakke (71): Devils Lake, ND

Dear Gary and friends,

Greetings from Rome, the eternal city and home to some of the most
notorius pick-pockets in Europe. Thats right, I got robbed. I was
boarding a subway at the Coleseum and tried to squeeze between a man
and woman who were blocking the entry. Once I got past them I checked
to see if I still had my wallet. It was gone, and so were they! They
got everything. All my cash(about $300) all my credit cards, drivers
license, etc. After the initial panic of realizing I was thousands of
miles from home in a foreign country that does’t speak english, with
absolutely nothing, I headed for the nearest police station. I was not
alone. There were several there who had the same happen to them. One
fellow was lucky enough to have a plain clothes policeman actually
catch the thief in the act. After filling out a police report, they
directed me to the American Embassy which was hard to get into and of
little help. At least there I was able to get my credit cards blocked.
The Embassy told me to go to the American Consulate the next day as it
was late and the consulate was closed. They were quite helpful allowing
me to make several calls to the states, but more importantly, to my
bank which was able to wire money to me via Western Union. Within
minutes, I had enough money to continue my trip. I learned some things
from the experience. First of all, just when things seem to be going
so well, disaster can strike. But in the midst of the trouble, God has
his angels to help you. In my case, it was a couple of cleaning maids
responsible for my room that lent me ten euros so I could get a train
ticket to the consulate and some food. And at the consulate it was a
kind italian man who did everything he could to help me and apologized
profusely to me that this should happpen in his beloved city of Rome.
And Rome is wonderful! The Coleseum, Forum, The incredible
Pantheon,the catacombs, the wonderful fountains, and the highlight of the
trip, Vatican City, with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and St. Peters
Bascilica. It is a tourist paradise. But Rome, more than anything else is
about the people. They are a different breed. They have learned the
secret of “la dolce vita”, the sweet life. At night they would all come
out, eating at the many sidewalk cafes and enjoying a gelato(italian ice
cream) sitting on a park bench with their friends. I must confess that
after a gelato or two and a good italian meal I was back on track and
ready to experience the next adventure. And there have been many! Next
time I must tell you about Norway and Berlin. Until then, Ciao! Gary
Fulsebakke

Man Gary, What an experience. I admire you for being able to pick up the pieces to continue with your vacation. It doesn’t pay to panic in these type of situations. Gary

Dunseith Garages

Correction from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary, I kind of made a error on when the garage was built. We were living in Tom Cassidy’s house west of the commercial hotel when it was built. So that would put it being built in the 30s. We built the house down by the depot in 1941 and it was built before we moved. Woke up at 3 o’clock with that on my mind. Lloyd.

Lloyd, Isn’t if funny how something like this will just ware on you. Gary

Message with another good story

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Hello Gary;

I hope this message finds you and your family well.

The grandson came in sixth in state Babe Ruth Baseball.

Not to bad, and there is always next year.

It was exciting to watch and got the old pumper, pumping a few times.

Its always more exciting when you have someone playing.

It gets personal.

I also want to thank Cheryl for her kind words concerning my granddaughter Sadie,

that she met at the races at Minot. She is a sweetheart.

Thank You Cheryl.

This story I have attached was told to me by my brother Henry.

after I told him that my son Larry had talked to Rodney Hiatt.

He had Rodney give him an estimate for getting some concrete work done for a garage he is going to build.

In fact I had forewarded the information for the Hiatts to my son from this blog Gary.

Thank You, to you and Neola.

I told Henry that Rodney had commented to my son that he thought I should have a million dollars for all the stories

I write. I told Henry that I could agree with that statement.

Anyway that comment must have reminded Henry of an event from the past, and he had to tell me this story that I have attached.

I hope you enjoy it.

Larry

Bottineau for Pizza

My brother Henry and I were attending the all school reunion back in 1989.It was in the evening out at the bingo barn after eating.Howard Hiatt came and sat down at a table with us and we were reminiscing about days gone by.The conversation bounced around between the time they lived in Dunseith, the death of his son Earl, who died in a car accident south of town, and who was in the same class (class of 65) as Henry.Howard’s time as Peace Officer was also brought up, and which reminded Henry of a time when Howard had to arrest him and some friends.During the story, we would all stop and laugh at some parts and Howard would ask questions in trying to remember the time.What amazed me and also amazed Henry, was the amount of times Howard would stop Henry and ask him if he held a grudge against him because of the arrest.Henry and I got the impression that Howard felt worse about the incident then we did.Henry replied no, to him several times and explained to him that they knew he was just doing his job, and that they knew the risks that they were taking.That none of them held a grudge against him.Howard would just shake his head and laugh like he couldn’t believe it.We couldn’t believe that he couldn’t believe it either.We finished our conversation and everyone eventually moved onto visiting with different people.Later on that evening Howard came back and shook hands with us saying he was headed home.He gave us each a can of beer and departed.I and Henry still can’t believe that he thought that we should be carrying a grudge.In our book he was a nice guy, just doing his job, trying to make a living for him and his family like everyone else.The story that Howard and Henry were reminiscing about follows:

The time period was the early 1960s.Henry my brother (class of 65) and my oldest brother Anton, (class of 64) and three of their buddies were cruising around one evening in my oldest brother’s fancy, late model 1957 Mercury.Late meaning it already had four headlights while most other models didn’t have four until 1958.Fancy because it had a two tone paint job, lots of chrome, lots of room, smooth ride, quiet, could go over a 120mph and it felt like you were sitting still, eight people could sit in it comfortably.You could see all four corners from the driver’s seat.Yes, it was back when Detroit still built automobiles, not just transportation.I call today’s vehicles soap bubbles, they all look alike, just different sizes, small to smaller.Yes, you could party in a vehicle back then, and apparently that’s what my brothers and their friends were doing on this particular evening.They had got off work a little after 9:00pm picked up a 6pack and headed for Bottineau for pizza with a few friends that were hanging around the gas station.Heading for Bottineau, for pizza was apparently the thing to do back then.

I myself remember going to Bottineau and walking up to the pizza place some evenings after hunger pains started making their presence noticed, or was it just the idea of having pizza.Pizza at that time was a fairly new concept in our neck of the woods.I remember watching the man through the window throw dough in the air and spin it to make the large flat crusts.It was amazing to watch and he was good at it, and I hadn’t seen anything like that before.Another man that could throw dough and that I liked to watch was Herman Martinson.I watched him many times grab a 50lb. chunk of dough from the raising bins, where it was kept overnight.That dough that he mixed and placed in the wood bins the day before had raised and actually had pushed the lid up and was bulging out between the bin and the lid.Herman would remove the lid, ball up his fists, and punch that dough back down into the bin, like a boxer in the ring with Floyd Patterson.Then he would grab the chunk of dough and slam it on the counter, like Vern Gunya giving Pampero Ferpo (The Wild Bull of the Pompas) a body slam.Then he would take a butcher knife, cut off a smaller chunk of dough throw it on a scale, usually hack off a little with the knife or add a little for the proper weight, then he would throw it into the hopper of this grunting and groaning white machine like Wilt Chamberlain, a basket ball player, going for a slam dunk. That machine would roll and pat that chunk of dough and spit it out the other end, in a nice round oblong shape, that Herman would grab and slam down into a bread pan for the pin.He would do this over and over again until all the dough was in bread pans and the pans placed on shelves for the dough to rise into loaves.When raised he would place the pans, into the huge oven with rotating shelves where the dough would bake into loaves of fresh bread.The smell of fresh baked bread is to die for isn’t it?No wonder all these people were nice people.They took all their frustrations out on the dough to make dough (a little pun for fun).

My brothers and their friends entered Bottineau on highway #5 and turned right onto Main.You know it was always a hassle to get to the Pizza Palace when you would come into town from the south.You always had to go to the north end of Main to make a U-turn by the railroad tracks or go around one of the blocks and come back on the left side of Main to park on the west side of the street in front of the place.The thought of parking on the right side of the street and walking across the street, when there were parking spaces on the other side right in front of the place you wanted to go into, never entered their minds.Henry said, on this night it was a little different.That boot-legger that Gary Metcalf is trying to figure out from previous stories was driving.I would tell you, who he is Gary, but I might need him in my next life and I don’t want to ruin a good thing.Besides he might have a life by now and I would hate to ruin it for him.Now, I ask Henry why this guy was driving.Anton never let anybody else drive his cars.Henry didn’t know for sure, but I’m sure it had something to do with getting something cold to quench a man’s thirst after a hard day at the office.A deal must have been made, if you know what I mean!Apparently this fellow did not like driving any further then he had to either, because when he got to the front of the Pizza place he just whipped that car from the right side of the street into a parking space, right in front of the restaurant.Now this is where things came apart, where the wheels fell off, where Murphy’s Law came into play.Murphy’s Law is whatever can go wrong will go wrong.

Before entering town everyone in the car was suppose to finish their beer, and toss the can out into the ditch.It is littering but it is better than getting caught with an open container and all the other laws broken that go along with that one violation.Now when something like this usually happens there is always one guy in the car or group who doesn’t listen and has a tendency to do things their way.The driver did take a huge chance by pulling this maneuver on Main Street, but it was late and there was not a person in site.They thought they were safe and were getting out of the car with their mouths watering in anticipation of chomping down on some delicious pizza.They hadn’t shut the doors on the car yet when they heard the most dreaded sound a bunch of minors could hear.They heard the clunk, ting-ting-ting, the sound of a metal beer can rolling on pavement.They didn’t have aluminum yet. They looked toward the sound of the beer can and watched it role up onto the toe of a cowboy boot.The blood drained from their faces and their eyes got big as they saw it was the Bottineau, Chief- of- Police, Howard Hiatt.

Now you know this happened because there is always that one guy in the group that likes to do things his way or just doesn’t listen.When in the military that one guy was always there and would make his appearance at the damndest times.The rifle range was usually the funniest place.A bunch of us would be shooting at the range.When done shooting, the drill instructor would tell everyone to clear their rifles.Remove the magazine, remove the bullet from the chamber and check the chamber before pointing the rifle in the air and pulling the trigger.There was always a bang, everyone would duck and start snickering, as the drill instructor would go take the guys rifle away and grab the guy by the back of his collar and tell him to take his left hand and grab his left ear and take his right hand and grab his right ear and pull his head out of his donkey (ass).The drill instructors never used the term donkey.I don’t think they were affiliated with any political party.Another time was in Vietnam.The helicopters had just dropped a bunch of us off at a landing zone out in the jungle.You didn’t want to be hanging around a landing zone too long.Nothing drew the enemy’s attention like the commotion of a bunch of helicopters landing and taking off in an area.We on the ground first made a huge circle facing outward protecting the sight until the last helicopter had landed released his load and left.Then we moved out fast to get away from that area as you knew what was going to be landing there next, and it wasn’t going to be anything that anybody liked.We were headed out into the jungle when someone hollered, halt.What the hell was going on now, was your first thought.Guess what, that guy showed up again.Sitting out in the middle of the landing zone was this GI with his rifle tore down and cleaning the parts.A Sergeant went out and as gently as he could, removed the guys head from his ass, and told him to grab his stuff because we were moving out.Needless to say we did not stick around for him to put his rifle back together, and nobody cared that the man was carrying a rifle that didn’t work.We, maybe even felt a little safer.Those guys always show up at the damndest times.Another time back in Dunseith we went hunting ducks after school up in the hills.We had finished hunting around this slew with no luck.It was getting late and we were headed for the car.Before getting in everyone was told to remove the shells from their guns.Everyone said they did and we were on our way.We stopped at Kelvin store for some soda pop and candy bars.We in North Dakota I think went wrong way on shortening soda pop, to just pop.Isn’t asking for a pop like asking for a, Hawaiian punch?You could get what you ask for.(Anyway)This was about 1959 when Kelvin was more of a grocery store and gas station then a bar.We drove up the road and pulled into an approach, to eat our goodies.Then all of a sudden, bang, there was a hole through the floor of Anton’s 1953 black and white ford, right behind me.Talk about jumping.Anton was really ticked off; he thought for sure the guy had just shot a hole through his new glass pack mufflers that he had just recently installed.Just put a dent in it though.Guess what?That damned guy had shown up again.You can almost bet that there is one in every group.It’s not always the same guy, but there was one along in Bottineau that night, when he kept his beer can in the car and then accidently kicked it out on his way out of the car.

Howard Hiatt picked up the empty beer can and said follow me boys, just like in that movie starring, Fred McMurray in Follow Me Boys, Follow Me.They marched around the corner and to the west for about a half a block to the Bottineau City Hall to see the Justice of the Peace.Henry said Howard had them sit there for about three hours until the Justice of the Peace showed up and delivered justice by giving each of them a fine.They paid there fine and were on their way.Needless to say, by this time the pizza place and the bars were closed.No pizza, no beer, its late, nothing else to do but go home.Thinking about it now, maybe that was Howard’s plan all along.If it was, it was a good one.

Laugh and the world will laugh with you.

Larry

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08/02/2010

Posted on August 2, 2010 by Gary

Hassen’s Store

Reply from Marge Longie Langan Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA

Gary,

While I was a teenager I spent allot of time at Hassen’s store along with the store kiddy corner from Hassen’s next to the tavern.

gee those were the good ole’ daze lol, even the crystal cafe, pool hall.

my parent’s bought the Richard house off main street .

we moved to Dunseith in the early 50s’ from St. john.

Marge Langan Wilcox

Stone Garage

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary, There has been a lot of discussion about the garage. It was built in the 1940s by Ray Lake the owner. Roy Lake was a brother to Ray who would work for him during the summer months. Winter time Roy spent in Florida. Dale bought the garage from Ray in the 50s. When they dug the basement they looked all over Sunday for guff fine and could not find him. He went out Saturday night and fell in the hole and went to sleep he was o.k. Lloyd Awalt

Dunseith Buildings

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Dick, it’s so good to hear that Dunseith is keeping the old buildings and homes, instead of like so many towns that tear them down. It’s neat to think that Aunt Hazel’s house is still standing and the old store is being used for something more than a parking lot. Today, is the last day for Cheyenne Days (thank heavens) and I have to say, the pattern for storms have changed, during this time. Sybil Johnson

On horseback to South America

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

Camping with the horses in Durango

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08/01/2010

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Gary

Happy Birthday

Alva Azure Gladue (75): Dunseith, ND

Alva, I understand that today, August 1st, is your birthday. I’m hoping you will have the most enjoyable birthday ever. Enjoy, Gary

Correction

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

Gary, Dick Johnson just corrected me that the Hassen home is still standing. I guess I was so shocked to see the big hole and I made the error. Dick said the corner where the store stood is now a used car lot. LeaRAe

Stone Garage

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Folks have been replying about the owners and operators of the Stone
Garage on Main street in Dunseith. I remember that in the late ’50s or
early ’60s it was run by Dale Fugere. Dad bought a yellow ’51 Studebaker
from Dale at the garage. The car had been owned by Carl Lider and must
have been traded in or left there to be sold by Dale. One of the things
that Dale had and had probably made there was a portable fish house for
ice fishing. He removed the front fenders and hood from an old Hudson
car and then welded a hitch to the front to tow it to the lake. He had
painted it dark blue and had it sitting across the street between the
jail and the Corner Bar. I think this would have been around 1960, if I
remember right. It was at this same time that Dale and his wife lost
their first born son. I believe the little boy was named Miles. He was
explaining it to my dad in the garage when I was along. I remember how
sad it was to hear him tell about it. Dale might have been the last
operator of the garage, as a garage. I think Orlan Fuchs bought it and
opened it as a bar after the Corner Bar burned and it was a bar until it
closed many years later.
Thanks Gary!

Johnny Kofoid, Neola’s Dad:

Lee Stickland’s (64) Reply to Neola: Dickinson, ND

Neola,

I knew YOUR father quite well. I can see him now in his striped bib overalls with the engineers cap, I believe.

We lived three (3) blocks east of YOUR Dad’s garage. Believe that my Dad, Bob (Robert) Stickland did some mechanic work with/for YOUR Dad?

I am having a reminiscent Sat eve and attempting to tie much together.

LEE

Lee, This picture is proof that you have a great memory. Gary

Made it to the Trailhead

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

Leave in the morning.

Trish, we wish you the best with you long anticipated 10,000 mile journey

to South America on horse back. What an adventure. Gary

07/31/2010

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Gary

UND Dorm Picture

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

To Bill Grimme in reference to the UND dorm picture. The two guys look like John Bedard and Allen Boguslawski……I think??? Aggie

Aggie, I think you are 100% correct. I’ll let Bill, Alan or John fill us in a bit more. Gary

Recent pictures of Alan & John

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

Hi Gary, Thanks for sharing the picture of the family in the Philippines that was living in such poverty. I’ve seen stuff like this in my travels across America and it’s stunning to try and get your mind around that type of poverty even here in America. To stand in the middle of such squalor, and try to carry on a conversation with the family,it’s difficult to keep your emotions in check…It’s overwhelming. I saw this kinda stuff first hand, in the ghettos of Chicogo, on the back roads of the Smokey Mountains, in different areas of South Carolina, and something close to it in a very small town in N.Dakota…the house was more intact, but one room had a dirt floor. I’m not going to mention the town cuz N.Dakotas too small, and it isn’t my intentions to embarass anyone…to get personally involved with a family,and committ to helping them, is one of the most rewarding things a person could ever get involved with…And it’s surprising that just when a person thinks they are not in any financial position to help out, but you step out on faith and do it anyway,it seems like every month that God blesses you with the money to do it anyway.A person just has to keep in mind that even though a $5 $10 or $20 can’t do much, but to someone who’s kids are hungary, it’s like giving them a $1000.00 . Thanks for sharing Gary. Aggie

Note: The Dunseith Alumni has donated over $6,000 for the needy folks here in the PI. Every penny has been accounted for and has been used for this effort. There are no admin fees involved what so ever. Bernadette and I take our calculator with us to the grocery store when we make purchases. We keep adding to our cart until we have spent all the money from the donations. We then go home and divide it all out for selected families. Then we ask these selected families to come over to our house to pick up their donated groceries. These folks are so happy. We get thanked many times over. Gary

07/30/2010

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Gary

Kathy (Barbara) Kalk Lopez (65)

Reply fromSusan Brew Roussin (59): Rolla, ND

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy Lopez. We know several people in our area fighting cancer and a lot of progress has been made in recent years. We pray for courage for her family and know what a tough struggle it is to try to encourage and comfort these patients.

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

Hi again Gary..I am so enjoying your blog..and all the emails..

As I was reading about the garages in Dunseith, thought I would add, that after the war was over, we (the Joe Richard family) returned to Dunseith, dad had rented the farm in the hills, next to Art Rude, so he and mom decided to buy the Mobile Station, next to Hassen’s store, with my two brothers, Norm and Vern..Seems not that long ago, but all of them have died, I attended high school in Dunseith, would have really enjoyed the reunion and the marriage of my cousin Nancy and Keith.. When we lived in Dunseith there were 5 Richard brothers there. My dad Joe, Albert, Pete, and Fred. Keep up the great news..Lorraine Richard Nelson

William Stiker

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary:

Wm Striker was the father of my grandmother, May Alice Striker Stickland Hughes.

She went by the name of Mae/May or whatever. I do not recognize the names of any of the daughters ? Lee Stickland

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

We drove through Main Street in Dunseith last week and Hassen’s store has been torn down. Also, the house where Hassen’s lived behind the store is gone. Sure does leave a blank spot on Main Street! In 1949 the folks lived in a little house which was across the street to the North of Reid’s place. Mom used to shop around the corner at Hassen’s for most of her supplies.

I also wanted to mention that they had a benefit for Darwin Thompson, son of Bob Thompson who owned Lamoureux Garage, last weekend at Tommy Turtle Park. He is paralyzed from the neck down. Something happened after his neck surgery and he is in a facility in Mandan at this time. His prognosis sounds bleak. Both Bob and his wife passed away within months of each other it seems like between one and two years ago now.

Ray Lake, who owned the Stone Garage, had a son named Archie who was in my first grade class (55-56). I think they moved away after his first grade year. I believe Archie’s mom worked at the Corner Liquor, owned by Woodford and Stadium.

The Ackworth Ladies Aid picture was so interesting. I was not aware that Lasher’s lived in that community. Sometime in the late 20s or early 30s they must have moved to a farm near Bottineau. My dad, Dean Parrill , born 1919 , was a childhood friend of Willard and the other Lashers. In fact he stayed at their place at least one winter. As the story goes he and Thurman were suppose to stay in this little cabin somewhere up in the hills. These two teenagers were given and sack of potatoes and who knows how much else. Apparently, they were visiting some place and fire went out, the potatoes froze, and they had ended up moving in with the neighbors. Dad stayed at Lashers and Thurman at Sathers. There were six step brothers and sisters and however many of the nine half brothers and sisters who were born by that time living at home. Their step dad ran a Dairy north of Bottineau on the golf course hill and they delivered milk around town before school. I am not sure of the sequences of events leading to their move.

Thanks to Mary Eurich Knutson for clearing up how the Pritchards are related to Lashers. Lashers would visit Eurichs and us quite often. I remember Ben Lasher coming and he was usually accompanied by one of his kids and a few family members. Dad was always happy to see them. They treated him great when he was a kid and over the years. I believe Willard Lasher is now at Good Samaritan in Bottineau. Some of his poetry was recently published in the Bottineau Courant. He wrote some of it while in a fox hole during WWII. It is awesome.

I didn’t know there was a church at Ackworth as well as a school. It makes sense as there is a cemetery. I only knew of Little Prairie and a parish called St John that merged with Little Prairie. (It was not in the town of St John.) My grandparents-Cecil Day Parrill and Laura Melhus were married at St John.

To Cheryl Larson Dakin-I enjoyed visiting with you at Nancy and Keith’s reception. Three books were written in Sweden by Stieg Larson and the manuscripts found after he passed away. The first one The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo has been on the best seller list now for several weeks. It is a murder mystery with a little romance.

LeaRae Parrill Espe ’67

LeaRae, There never was a church at Ackworth. They used the School for their services. They were a Methodist group. My Great Grandfather, William Stokes, being a member, donated one acre of land for the Cemetery that we have today. Until not too many years ago there were two Ackworth organization. The Cemetery organization and the Alumni organization. The Alumni organization has pretty much fizzled out.

Willard Lasher worked At Soland’s Standard for many years. Virgil & Roberta Soland were the owners. Roberta is a sister to my brother Darrel’s wife Debby. Many years ago the Solands moved to Dickinson and had a large service station/truck stop there of which they may still have yet today. I think Virgil is retired, but the station may still be in the family. When I worked for Clark’s I spent many of my off hours hanging around Soland’s Standard, often times helping out with the pumping of gas. It was there that I learned to know Willard Lasher quite well. Dwight Olson worked there at the time too. Bud & Debby were not married at the time, but I knew Virgil & Roberta Soland from the Metigoshe Lutheran churches. They were members of Nordland. Before going into the service station business, Virgil & Roberta lived on and had a dairy on the Roger Bond farm located on the lake road several miles south of Lake Metighoshe. Bergman’s appliance is now located on the corner where Soland’s Standard was located. Before Soland’s it was owned by Bill Brandt. Gary

Congratulations Glenda!

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

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07/29/2010

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Gary

Folks, As I’m putting this together, I’m listening to Kenny (65) and Sherry Nerpel’s CD. What beautiful music. You guys are absolutely wonderful. Kenny and Sherry gave each of us a copy that attended the class of 65 dinner at Dale’s in May.

Cancer update

From Barbara Kalk Lopez (65): Inver Grove Heights, MN

Gary,

Kathy just saw the doctor who did her surgery. She is healing as well

as can be expected. Next week we will meet with the oncologists.

Thank everyone for their prayers. And continue to pray for wisdom

to decide where to go for follow up treatment.

God Bless you.

Kathy (Barbara Kalk) Lopez

Request from Dale Evans: Algona, WA

Hello Gary,

My aunt – Doris Willams – was married a month or so ago in Bottineau – I have heard that a picture of my mother – Mary Artzer (Peterson) was in one of the local newspapers – I would enjoy seeing a copy of that photo if you might have a copy

Folks, do any of you by chance have this newspaper article? Gary

Dunseith Garages

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary The garages Neola is talking about are corner garage was where her dad owned. Lamoreux garage was in the middle of the block north. The stone garage was on the corner of the next block north owned by Ray Lake. I bowled for the corner garage when her dad owned it. Lloyd Awalt

Dunseith Garages

Reply Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

There were two Lake Brothers that had that stone garage, I am thinking about late 1940 to ?

Dunseith Garages

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

The Kofoid (Corner) garage was on the corner diagonally across from Hassen Store. I think Gary Prouty was the last to run it. In the fifties and early sixties Joe Spaeth sold GM vehicles for Theel Motors of Rolla from an office in the corner garage. North of there was Lamoureux Ford–Last operated as a car shop by Bob Thompson, who was running it when it burned. The Stone Garage was last run by Dale Fugere, I think. Then it sat empty for awhile until it opened as the Corner Bar. In the early fifties it was operated by Ray Lake. I think at one time it was a dealership for Chrysler products.

Hard to believe all of the big three auto makers were doing business on Main street.

Allen

Ackworth Ladies Aid Picture:

Reply from Mary Eurich (62): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary

Boy that Achworth picture made my day. I’d like to copy it but my computer cuts it off at the window and I miss several of the group to the right.

Remember the picture I sent that Eileen Brudwick identified of the Bogs and that group of people. I don’t have time to look it up now but I’m sure it said on the picture the Bogs and Mr & Mrs Martin. I’d like to know more about all of them. The #3 Mrs. Lasher and Baby: Mrs Ben Lasher (Melvina) would have been a sister to Grandma (Ida Thompson Pritchard) she was Olaf Thompson’s youngest daughter(#10 front row Mrs O. Thompson) The baby she is holding is proobably her youngest son Lyle – born 1922. That was the year Lashers purchased the Olaf Thompson farm. In an article I have written by Buelah Lasher (#10 2nd row) she tells they lived by a little lake that they would cross in the winter with team and sleigh to go to school and in the spring when the lake was thawing they’d ride the horses across and often the water was so deep the horses had to swim. Lillian Lasher is listed as #20 lives in Bottineau as does her brother Willard Lasher. Lillian was married to Milton Beyer she is the mother of Howard Beyer former owner of Ace Hardware. She is 98 years old. She and Willard both live independently as of this date. He is 95. I’d love to be able to take this picture to them both. I couldn’t figure out who Lillian Lasher would be when I first went down the list of names. I’d never heard her called anything but Lill.

I’ll bet a lot of the area folks found this picture interesting.

I wasn’t going to spend much time during the summer working with pictures but this one I felt too good not to respond to. Take care. Mary

Mary, I have attached that picture as a JPG. Hopefully you can print this with no problems.

I knew Willard Lasher quite well in my younger days. I knew of Lillian and knew she was married to Milton Beyer. I more often heard of her referred to as Lillian Lasher with the stories of my Dad’s. Your mother and her Pritchard siblings were first cousins to the Lasher siblings.

You mention the Martin’s and the Bog’s. The Bog name does not ring a bell, but the Martin name does. The Martin place is now owned by Russell and Glenda Fauske. Russell and Glenda lived there until they moved to their current home of Russell’s parents, Elwood and Eleanor, when they moved to Bottineau a few years back. The Martin farm is located one mile west and a half mile north of the Ackworth cemetery. The Bill Martin’s moved to the West coast in the early 50’s. Willie Hiatt purchased their farm and later sold it to Russell and Glenda. I’m sure if you visited Maxine Hiatt at Oak Manor, she could fill you in on the Martin’s and everyone else in that picture. Maxine/Willie were pretty close to the Martin’s in those days and the Stokes’ too. Gary

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Todays Minot Daily News

Charlotte Baumgart
April 16, 1916-July 25, 2010

POSTED: July 27, 2010
Save | Print | Email | Read comments | Post a comment
ROCK LAKE Charlotte Baumgart, 94, Minot, formerly of Dunseith, Perth and Rock Lake, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, in a Minot nursing home.
She was born April 16, 1916, to Mr. and Mrs. Marion Burchem in North Dakota. She married Ludy Carl Olson in the early 1940s. He preceded her in death. She married Harold Baumgart in 1970.
Survivors: sons, Floyd Olson, Washington, and Vernon Olson, Minot; daughters, Betty Mekelburg, Colorado, Bertha Swenson, Texas, Connie Kinney, California, Ginger Smith, Oregon, Sheila Oakland, of Minot; numerous grandchildren.
No services are planned.
Burial: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Rock Lake.

(Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando)

See pages 15 AND 16 “PRAIRIE PAST AND MOUNTAIN MEMORIES”, A History of Dunseith ND > 1882-1982

Picture from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

These guys look familiar to me. The furnishings in the room look like one of the new dorms at UND. Can anyone help ID these guys studying for their finals?

Bill

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Tex Carrington

Nov. 4, 1941-July 22, 2010

BELCOURT Tex Richard Carrington, 68, Dunseith, died Thursday, July 22, 2010, in a Dunseith nursing home.

He was born Nov. 4, 1941, to Jim and Eva Carrington in Pekin, Ill. He served in the Army.

Survivors: son, Lloyd Anderson, Cathay; daughters, Tina Carrington, Bloomington, Ill., and Kimberly Evans, Hopedale, Ill.; brothers, Ben Carrington, Rolla, and Joe Carrington, Garrison.

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

Burial: Church cemetery.

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

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

(Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

Nancy Hosmer’s (62) Wedding:

Message/Pictures from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

Hi Gary and all
Well we finally made it back to North Dakota for our family reunion. The Larsons and the Richards had several get-togethers at Lake Metigoshe and at Tommy Turtle park in Bottineau. It was so fun visiting with everyone. The reunion culminated in Nancy (Hosmer) and Keith Kontze’s wedding last Saturday so we got to see lots of our Dunseith friends. It was fun visiting with LeRae Espe. (I bought the book LeRae, and it really does promise to be good), as well as seeing Carmen and Floyd, Craig, Stella Schimitz, Mark and Kathy, Leon and Carol, and so many more. I am including a picture we took after the golf tournament. This photo includes my family (Norman/Verdellis Larson) and Richard/Jerrine Larson families. And I couldn’t resist sending the picture of the sunset.
Cheryl Larson Dakin

Congratulations Nancy & Keith. You are a great couple and wonderful folks, each of you. We are hoping to see you both again on our Caribbean Cruise. Gary

Picture taken in front of the Bottineau County Club House

Wallace (Wally Garbe), Neola’s husband

Folks, Wallace (Wally) Garbe is Neola’s husband. Wally is retired now. Wally is a really nice guy, kind of quiet, but very intelligent. Gary

From Ken Striker Dayton OH

Gary-

Sharon (Peterson) Harmen of Bismarck ND wrote recently with burial information that her mother Joy Stickland Peterson of Dunseith had gotten on Wm E. Striker, from Bob McFadden. William E Striker longtime resident of Dunseith area had moved to Seattle area and is buried at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery Memorial Park in North Seattle. Below is an obituary from Washelli Cemetery Records. Joy learned this information from Bob McFadden. Its interesting he left 99 living descendants.

07/28/2010

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Gary

Floyd Pritchard

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

I remember well when Floyd Pritchard had that garage. He would donate a car and fix it all up for the demolition derby at the Bottineau county fair. My brother Bill Zorn drove those cars for two or three years, and he won the derby too. Floyd would create a great car that would outlast the others. Good memories and lots of fun to watch. Sharon Zorn Gerdes

Delightful Coincidence

From Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND

Last evening we journeyed to Minot to attend the North Dakota State Fair! Our goal- to cheer for Rick Gottbreht ( son of George and Patti) car number 27 in the Enduro Race. During the rain delay I decided i should visit with the young girl sitting next to me. I would say she was around 11-13 years of age.

We were visiting and I told that car 27 was from my home town. ” Where is that? she asked. Dunseith I said, “Dunseith !, she exclaimed, “My Grandpa is from Dunseith.” who is your Grandpa. ” Larry Hackman”

Don’t you just love North Dakota and our web of email.

We spent the evening cheering for the favorites. She was the most delightful friendly, genuinely charming young girl. I shook hands with her Dad and her younger brother. Her name is Sadie!

Oh by the way Mr Rick Gottbreht took 3 out of 78 starters. Most exciting I think I shall go again:) who knows who will be there next time

Cheryl Haagenson

Corner Service Garage

Ackworth Ladies Aid picture

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

Interesting picture and how great the people are identified. I think the stone garage was a block north of Dad’s garage. Did Lamoureux own it?

Neola

Neola, I screwed up with the name of your Dad’s garage. Was Lamoureux Brothers the Stone Garage, I don’t think so, but I’m not sure? Gary

Elaine Stokes in about 2002 at the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau.

She passed away in July 2004

07/27/2010

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Gary

Ackworth Ladies Aid. Picture taken in 1924

Folks, This is another picture we recently found among our Grandmother, Julia Stokes’, belongings.

This is an old one. With the labeling listing, the first row is the top row. Maxine Radley Hiatt is the largest girl being held on the top left by her Grandmother Radley. Margie Hiatt is two over to the right from them holding Norman. Norman is just a baby in this picture. He was born in January 1924. Maxine was born in June 1920, so she would have been 4 years old in this picture.

The front row, Labeled the 3rd row, is pretty easy to follow. The other two rows are a bit of a challenge to follow.

This is just a small 3″ X 5″ photo. It actually enlarged quite well. I have enlarged this picture oversize for printing from this email message. For me, If I right click on the picture I can save it to my computer. Hopefully this will work for those of you wishing to make copies. If this does not work, please let me know and I will send it to you as a JPEG. Evon Lagerquist, I’m thinking this is a picture that your mother, Leola, will be interested in seeing. Gary

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Folks, As many of you know, Floyd Pritchard (59) was raised by his Aunt and Uncle Dave and Winifred Pritchard Eurich. Floyd has lived at Lake Metigoshe for a number of years now. I remember well when Johnny Kofoid built his garage out on Highway 5 in Bottineau. Prior to that he owned the Stone (Corner) Garage in Dunseith.

07/26/2010

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Gary

European Adventure travels:

From Gary Fulsebakke (71): Devils Lake, ND

Dear Gary and friends,

Greetings from Berlin! I am on day 21 of my European adventure. On
July 6th, I flew from Devils Lake to Minneapölis for a non-stop
flight to London. While there, I saw the usual sights, Big Ben,
Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Sonehenge, as well as a play
starring Jeff Goldblum at the Old Vic.
From there, I took a bullit train under the channel to Paris. I don’t
know how fast it went, but it only took two hours to get there. I first
went to the Eiffel tower for a panoramic view of Paris. Next was a cruise
down the Seine for a sense of the city’s landmarks. After that I headed
for the home of Quosi Moto, the cathedral of Notre Dame. It was huge, and
best of all free admission. I later went to the Löuvre and saw the Mona
Lisa and Venus De’Milo. While I was there the World Cup took place and so
there was not a soul on the streets at game time. The other great event
was Bastille Day which took place on July 14th. There were parades and
concerts all day culminating with an incredible fireworks display in front
of the Eiffel Tower. Paris is, of course, famous for its food, and so I
enjoyed sampling as musch as I could afford. Even tried escargot. Not
bad! From Paris I flew to Oslo, Norway. My first impression when flying
in was how green it was and how beautful the fields and farms were. I was
impressed with Oslo as well. It was a beautiful city with scores of
restaurants and sidewalk cafes. The highlight of the visit was tracking
down relatives. I found several. One, whose name is Eric Fulsebakke,
lived in Oslo and was a school teacher. He then directed me to the
Fulsebakke farm, which was just outside of Kongsberg. This was the place
where my grandfather, John Fulsebakke had been born. It was absolutely
beautiful! The farm was two-thids the way up a large mountain, named what
else, Fulsebakke! The farm was also a resort with cabins scattered on the
mountain and partments and rooms on the farm. From there, I took a train
ride to Bergan where I witnessed some of the most amazing scenery on the
planet, culminating with a cruise through the fjords. And now I am in
Berlin, an amazing place in itself. But I’ll tell that story later. See
you later! Gary Fulsebakke

Message/Story from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Hello Gary;

How are things in the PI.

We have a beautiful summer day here in the Dakotas.

Everything is nice and green.

The farmers are getting started harvesting their crops.

The State Fair started on Friday.

Parade today with lots of farm equipment and oil related equipment on display.

No, sign of a depression in this state.

Thanks to our farmers, plenty of rain,

and oil.

Most of all, Thank You God.

Another story that took place in the Beautiful Turtle Mountains of North Dakota.

Back in the day, about 1966.

Have a good day Gary.

Larry

Scenic Highway #43, North Dakota

It was a quiet, sunny, Sunday afternoon.I decided to go for a drive, up and around, and through the Turtle Mountains for some alone time. I was about 18 years of age at the time, and probably nursing one of them self induced headaches.I was cruising up on a gravel road, near Highway #43 when I came across a group of fellows standing along the road.They were standing in bunches, visiting and looking into this road ditch where plumes of smoke were lazily raising into the late summer, clear afternoon sky.Recognizing and knowing some of these people, I stopped to find out what the commotion was all about.While visiting with these fellows, I gathered that this ditch had started on fire all by itself, and that they had saw the smoke from their farms and had came to put it out before it could get serious and burn up the whole country side.The farmers in the Turtle Mountains are forever watchful, as they know that if a fire ever got going up there, it would be hard to stop.You know, with all the fuel in the area, trees, grass, and brush, everything a fire needs to grow into a forest fire.

While visiting with a few of these guys I heard one fellow say that he thought the fire was started by Larry Hackman.My ears perked up right away and I thought why would this fellow be thinking this.I listened while this fellow explained that he had seen the butt of a tailor made cigarette, and an empty beer bottle lying in the ditch, where the fire had burned.I thought to myself, I wander who the hell they think I am?What would make any one think of me, because they happened to see a cigarette butt, and an empty beer bottle, lying in a ditch, where a fire had been burning?Not being born yesterday, I wasn’t about to jump up and down shouting, that I’m Larry Hackman.Yes, I had noticed the brush in the ditch still smoldering, and the smoke rising into the air.I also noticed that these fellows had worked up a sweat, and that their clothes were black, from fighting the fire.I recalled that one fellow stated that two fence posts of the adjacent fence had also burned.These farmers were in no mood for joking around.

Not wanting to be the guest of honor, at a neck tie party, and them apparently not knowing who I am, I wasn’t about to inform them, or try to correct their thinking.The one fellow stated that the ditch should have been cleared of brush a long time ago, and then the fire wouldn’t have burned to the extent that it did, or probably wouldn’t have started at all.Hearing this comment made me feel better, but I still wasn’t about to stand up, and say who I was.To this day, I wander who they thought I was.Maybe they knew exactly who I was, and were just trying to tell me, in a nice way, without hurting my feelings, to mend my ways.Naw, I can’t imagine them gruff old farmers being worried about my feelers, or my ways.I can’t imagine them thinking, that I was the fault of that fire either.I just happened along, on a Sunday afternoon, and hadn’t been in that area for weeks, maybe months, a long time.

I made a few comments to them farmers as I made my way to my vehicle, like, great job, looks like you fellows got it under control, and that I better be on my way.Then I drove off, not to fast, not until I was out of sight anyway, then I punched it.Leaving behind a situation I never expected to encounter, and a cloud of dust.

I must have an alias running around, somewhere up in them hills.I know a few other fellows, who use to circulate around them hills, and some did write some stories about Highway#43, some even named a band after Highway #43, and one did admit to throwing that paper air plane with the stick pin in the nose that stuck in my ear.That was an involuntary piercing.That same fellow claimed that he use to meet girls from Canada up on #43.I was never that lucky, eh.But, would any of these people go through all the trouble of planting a cigarette butt and an empty beer bottle in a ditch to implicate me in arson?Naw, I don’t think so, not intentionally anyway.Most of them young fellows would probably have choked, on the smoke of that cigarette, anyway.But it is hard to say what they would have done if they emptied enough of them long neck bottles?

I’m still wandering about them farmers?They didn’t know who I am?They didn’t ask who I was?Apparently, they didn’t care who I was?Maybe, that’s a good thing?

Keep on laughing and the world will laugh with you.

Larry

Gary

Since I’m a little bit over 50 and haven’t had no June berry pie yet this yea?

I’m also on to my last rhubarb pie.

The wife says she isn’t going to clean the oven again because of rhubarb pie.

At least not this year.

I double thought this story about Highway 43, and realized that

I’m probably not going to get a response from any them farmers.

I don’t think any of them are around any more.

Yes, they knew exactly who I was and had decided to have a little fun at my expense.

Kind of like that guy who threw that paper airplane from the class of 65 picking on a underclassman.

Well, you know what they say.

He who laughs last, Laughs best.

I’m still waiting my turn on a few of these subjects..

Larry

Yes Larry, having been born in about 1948, you are quite a bit over 50. Gary

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07/25/2010

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Gary

Folks,

We have finely made our Dunseith Alumni cruise selection for February 2012. We have chosen the Western Caribbean with the “Norwegian Cruise Line” on the “Norwegian Pearl”. The Pearl Hull design and ship layout are very similar to that of the “Norwegian Star” that we took to Alaska in 2009.

As with the Alaska Cruise, The one free person credit we receive for each 8 cabins booked, will be turned into money and credited to each of our groups cabin fares at the time of final payment.

Gina has reserved 100 cabins for our group. There is a very high likelihood that we will fill all of these cabins and ask for more. As with most everything, the best cabin choices and rates are available early on. As time goes on you are stuck with what is left. Our reserved cabins are not specific, so we are competing with everyone for cabin choices.

Please see Gina’s letters below and get in contact with her to make your bookings. Gina did a hell of job for us with our Alaskan Cruise of which we know she will be doing for us again with this cruise.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you folks onboard the “Norwegian Pearl” in February 2012

Your group leaders,

Bill Grimme

Phyllis McKay

Gary & Bernadette Stokes

PS – Your friends are welcome to join us on this cruise as well.

Gina’s message:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7- Day NCL Western Caribbean Round-trip Miami

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

Website link to the Norweigian Pearl

http://www2.ncl.com/ship/PEARL/overview

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

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

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

Thank you,

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Recent letter we recieved from Gina:

Hello Gary and all,

Perfect! You will not be disappointed in the NCL Pearl (nor in me – of course).

Yes you will receive one person’s base cruise price Free – for every 8 cabins booked.

I will also confirm champagne and/or onboard credit, etc… for every cabin in your group.

The cruise line will provide us all options at time of final payments (with your exact head count).

I will check all of the Miami Group hotel rates for you. Miami is a city where location is important.

(being a South FL resident for more than 20 years, I will also know quality and location of hotels).

However, the hotels do not usually hold reserved rooms until about one year prior to hotel stay.

I will begin my search this autumn for you, which is plenty enough time in advance – I promise.

I will request the 100 cabins that you prefer for your group. We can always adjust numbers later.

My suggestion for now – is to pat each of you

on the back for making an Excellent choice!

I have been on more than 30 cruises and the NCL Pearl is one of my all time favorites.

She is larger than your last ship and I like her design and style better (a step up for sure).

Warm thanks for once again selecting me as your cruise agent,

Gina

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

07/24/2010

Posted on July 24, 2010 by Gary

Hassen’s Store:

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

Gary and Friends,

Cheryl Haagenson’s memories of Hassen’s Store sure were on the mark.
I remember primarily the smell of fresh fruit that always met me at the
door. It was nearly the same across the street at K.C. Sine’s Red and
White. It’s funny how the smell of those two stores still hangs on in
the old memory. Sometimes when I happen to be in one of the larger
stores, I get a ‘deja vu’ when I get near the fruit section. I also
remember how mad K.C. got once when I was in the store to buy some
tennis shoes for basketball. He took down a box and opened it and it
contained one tennis shoe and one ‘penny loafer’ dress shoe. He threw
the box on the floor and yelled, “G—D—YOU, MARRRRRRGIE! He scared
the devil out of me, as I was only 9 or 10 years old at the time. She
wasn’t careful putting away shoes that people had tried on and mixed
them up. Then he had to try to figure out where the other shoe was, in
all those boxes! He eventually found it and I got my shoes—white high
top Converse All-Stars! We must have been WAY ahead of our time as now I
see some of the ‘punk rockers’ are wearing them as if they really found
something! You know—-I might have to look in my closet! Thanks Gary!

Postings by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

07/23/2010

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Gary

Reply from Phyllis/Alan Campbell: Minot, ND

Hi Gary and all! Cathy told me this was on your wonderful communication and I finally got it (not bacause I’m so busy but just didn’t take the time!). We had been up to our Lake Metigoshe cabin to get it ready for Rich, Vicky, their son Kyle, wife Grace and two children plus daughter Nicole, her husband John Grubb and son to spend this week there! First time they had all been together in the same place at the same time and it’s been a wonderful week for them. We stopped at the Pride Dairy ice cream parlor to try the famous “Cow Pies”!! Found them delicious and generous! Cathy took us up there again this past Tues to celebrate several June and July birthdays and what a day! Fun to have children grandchildren and great-grandchildren together for us to enjoy! We truly are blessed!We do like it here in Minot at the Wellington and if any of you have time to stop we’d love to see you. Alan and I will be riding in the Wellington bus in the State Fair Parade on Sat. July 24 and tho you probably won’t see us, we’ll be waving!

Julie Hiatt Bonebrake’s (81) Birthday:

Reply from Bobbie Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

Today is Julie’s birthday also.

Happy birthday Julie. We are certainly hoping you are enjoying this special day. Gary

Hasen’s Variety Store:

Message from Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND

As I drove down Main Street in Dunseih today, I noticed alot of commotion North of the Sinclair Station ( formerly known to me as Roberts’. Well for heaven’s sake , they were tearing down Hasen’s Variety Store. I had a flashback of going into the store walking on creaking floor boards through the aisles to the back of the store with the low hanging ceiling. The clerk, Mrs. Hassen or Neil, would reach up and pull the string attached to the bare light bulb and begin the search for my new overshoes. They had alot of stuff in the store. Perhaps they are going to build a new one, one with penny candy and rainbow stripped toffee, with keds shoes, four buckle overshoes and bib overalls, I suppose that is too much to wish for!

Cheryl Haagenson

Mel Kuhn (70):

Message from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Mel

I imagine it makes you feel purity damn good that you have all these upper classmates worried about your well being.

We all care Mel.

Bill and I were just appointed spokesman for the group.

We want you, to congratulate your son on his safe return, and would like you too, to also thank him for his service for us.

Once you get him traveling with you, we all know you will make it back to us, safe and sound.

Them soldiers, are all taught to give First Aid and CPR if you need it. So if you have an attack with your son there,

I know he might break a few of your ribs and fracture your sternum, but he will defiantly get you back to us in one piece.

We are all hoping for the best for your family and of course you.

What would this blog be, without the St. John critique?

May your family and you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

We will be waiting for a full report when you get back and we just don’t want to here about the damn humidity.

Does that cover everything Bill, or do you have something to add?

Feel free to do so.

Mel likes it when we show a little sympathy and concern.

Have a good day and a good trip.

Larry

Bill Grimme’s (65) reply

Larry,

As usual, you covered it all very well. All I would add is that if you, Mel, get close to Birmingham, AL, you are certainly always welcome to stay in the “Grimme Inn” there.

Have a great trip

Bill

Pictures taken at Elwood Fauske’s 90th Birthday celebration:

Eleanor & Elwood Fauske

Elwood Fauske Family:

This is a beautiful picture. I counted 59 in this photo. Arlinda (Lindy), You are a mirror image of your mother, Eleanor, and she too is a beautiful lady.

Folks, Eleanor and Elwood look so nice in these pictures. It’s hard to beleive that Elwood is celebating his 90th birthday and that he and Stubby have been married nearly 68 years.

Fauske siblings in this photo: Brian (5th from the left), Carrole (6th from the left), Connie (Hands on Elwood), Russell (Back row one over to the right above Eleanor’s head), Beth (7th in from the right standing), Arlinda (Lindy – Extreme right). Note: The only Fauske Sibling I am not sure of in this photo is Brian. Gary

Brian Carrole Connie Russell Beth Arlinda

07/22/2010

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Gary

Message from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND

Howdy Gary,

Just letting you know that the KFOR-12 Troops are back on American soil from Kosovo. Our son Ricky is now at Camp Atterberry in Indiana along with many other peoples sons from the area. We are going to be going to our son Toby’s graduation from basic training in Fort Jackson, SC on the 29th of next week. We will be able to pick Ricky on Saturday the 24th in Indiana while we are going through. My oldest son Shannon lives in Indian Trail, NC and we will be stopping to see him and his family also. They are only a little over an hour from Fort Jackson. We will also be visiting with my wife Kathy’s family while we are in Indiana.

I want to put Larry Hackman’s mind at ease about my wife and I traveling this long distance together. I believe that I have packed enough mind relaxing drugs that I’ll be able to put up with button pushing and direction giving and other such things.I know that when I wrote about our other trip together [2 years ago] Larry was worried about my recovery. He also shows concern over my heart condition when I get into these high stress conditions:i.e. the buying of new dishes a couple of months age when I ran out while she was gone. He and Bill Grimme both showed concern when they were here for the reunion.

Leaving on July 23rd and hoping to be back and still as sane as normal is for me on August the 1st.

Mel Kuhn

Mel, I am glad to hear that Ricky is home. That sounds like quite a trip and a fast one at that, that you guys will be taking. That’s a lot of miles to travel in such a short time. Please keep us posted. Gary

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula, MT

Gary,

I was mostly raised by my granparents Pete and Rose Longie. My Mom was Amelia Longie Underwood.(she has been gone for 11 years.)

Sharon Longie Dana (73)

Happy Birthday Toni Morinville (68)

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Today, July 21, happens to be Gary Stoke’s and Toni Morinville’s
birthdays! I hope you both have a great day with friends and family. It
doesn’t seem at all possible that the years have gone by this quickly.
They say time flies when you’re having fun—that must be it! Happy
Birthday Gary and Toni!

Dick

Thank you Dick. You are so right, today is my Birthday and I know it’s Toni’s too. It’s also Norris Knutson’s birthday. I just called him too, to wish him happy birthday. Norris said he has not been feeling too well. He has been battling some broken ribs. They can be painful.

Happy birthday Toni. I believe you have now caught up to Dick, one day later, reaching a new milestone in life too.

Bernadette actually had a big party for me this past Saturday at our house with about 40 of our friends. A dear friend of ours posted 55 pictures taken at my birthday party on facebook. For those of you with a facebook account, you should be able to view these pictures by going to my profile by clicking on this link http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1495682224#!/photo.php?pid=5917714&id=521519873 As you will see, these PI gals love to have fun all just in fun. These gals are very much attached to and are very true to their sole mates.

07/21/2010

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Gary

Correction from Sharon Longie Dana: MIssoula MT

Gary,

Al Longie is cousin to Willie and Ron, brother to Louie Longie of Tioga. Al’s folks were Pete and Rose Longie.

Sharon Longie dana (73)

Sharon, I was thinking Al was a brother to Ron & Willie. I knew Louie was a cousin though. Who is your father? Gary

Posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe:Minot & Bottineau, ND

Folks, I have a little extra room today, so thought I’d share several pictures of a family/home in our neighborhood. This is a family of 9 with the parents. That is a dirt floor too. Parts of the roof were totally missing too along with holes in what was there.

This is a very lucky family though. Friends of ours from the UK were here when Bernadette passed out the food for the Elderly with donations from the Dunseith reunion raffle

. They were impressed with what they saw and asked if we’d find them a needy family. This is the needy family we found. This family is now getting a new home. Education is very important in the eyes of our friends too. The two older girls, 17 & 19 are pretty bright, so plans are in the works to send them to college so they can provide for their family.

Seeing this is kind of a reminder of how lucky we are. Gary

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07/20/2010

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Gary

Reply from Leland Hagen (50): BRYAN, TX

Hi Gary,

We returned home yesterday. We had a great trip and got to see many friends and family during our short stay. We stayed with Orvin some and took him with us to Bottineau then back to Kindred on our way home. He saw more people than we did and seemed to thourghly enjoy every minute of the trip. He does know lots of people! We were glad we could take him along.

I know you published some pictures in your blog relating to the festivities in and around the Bottineau area recently, but since I had you hold all emails since 4 July I did not see any of them. I would appreciate it, if you would add me back on your daily list. I will go to your blog and check the recent messages. I should be able to find all the back issues.

Thank you so much for all the great information that you continue to send to all of the Alumni every day. Your dedication is remarkable and appreciated by all .

I also want to tell you that the phone calls to Orvin really

make his day!!! He is amazed that the calls are so clear all the way from the Philippines!

Leland Hagen

Class of 50

Leland: Yes, Orvin is well known throughout the Dunseith, Bottineau & Turtle Mountain areas. That was quite evident with the thousands, not hundreds, of folks that attended his wedding in 1980. I have forgotten the numbers, but more than 2,000 comes to mind. Orvin accompanied my folks to Bremerton, WA in 1978 to attend our wedding too, but we didn’t have thousands at our wedding.

I have all of 2009 & 2010 daily blogs posted on our Website http://garystokes.net/default.aspx As of yet I have not posted all of the 2008 daily messages. Some day I will get that done.

We did not start the numbering of the daily blogs at first. With today’s message there have been 890 daily messages posted. Today’s number is 860. When the actual posted messages reach 1,000, I will advance the daily number to 1,000. On December 26th, we’ll start year four. That’s amazing. You guys have done well keeping this going. My daily email distribution is about 650. We have another 50 or so daily views on our Website too. Gary

Reply from Connie (Zorn) Landsverk: Bottineau, ND.

I attended Alvina Christianson,s 90th birthday party & Alvina looks great for 90. She was ready to dance but there wasn,t any music.She was so happy & really enjoyed her party. I visited with Dick & his wife lois. I went to school with both of them. When I was in 8th grade they were seniors. I met their son Cody today. He,s a nice kid!!!

Connie ( Zorn) Landsverk

Al (Adolph) Longie (61) Spokane, WA

Request from Sharon Longie Dana (75): MIssoula MT

Hi Gary,

I would appreciate if you would add my Uncle Al (Adolph) Longie to your daily blog.

his address is

Al, It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution. We know that any brother of Willie’s and Ron’s must be a good guy. Gary

Reply from Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher): Detroit Lakes, MN

Gary Thanks for all the reunion photos, great to see people I knew in Dunseith again, especially Orvin Hagen and the Campbells. We are having a busy summer of family reunions, kids just left after a week with us, which is always fun, its great living on a lake with “built-in” entertainment, they love fishing off the pontoon and the jet ski. The washing machine gets quite a workout. This weekend we hosted a relative of Arv Bakken’s from Gjervik, Norway. She is a teacher there and great fun as a guest. Ardys Bakken Horner.

Dunseith memories:

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Growing Up in Dunseith Then Beyond

Once upon atime, I believed there were 3 churches. Growing up on the farm north of Dunseith I knew there were;The Methodist, The Lutheran and The Catholic.
In recent time, I thank you, Bob Leonard, for the timely explanation which referenced the building and history of the Dunseith Stone Church.
Also this summer, I met Sharon and her cousins, ie. the Erling Landsverk and Borghild Filia clan who told me they were in the area looking at rocks.
“Rocks”, I thought incredulously? “There are people who come to North Dakota to look at historical places like Fort Union or Saint John” ……then, understanding, I immediately recalled my dad and Art Seim discussing those skilled stonemasons who were responsible for many area traditional stone structures built, the brothers, Landsverk.
On a Saturday in July, the Landsverk group gave me another lesson in history. Through their simple explanation of long long ago in Norway, the skilled crafts of wood carpentry and stone masonry came into being part of their identity.
……Aye yes! an understanding why so many Norwegian decent have the “gift” of being skilled artists in wood and rock.

Tonight I heard another story of two little boys, the Dunseith Stone Church, and Shelver Drug.
In years gone by, I was told, there were church services held at the “Dunseith Methodist Church” early Sunday morning then later Sunday night.
This family would go into town twice a day to attend both services. The two young lads,father gave them a shiny dime.
The two boys felt the evening service was too much. So they would tell their papa they wanted to wait,come in last and sit in the back.
Are you with me here? Can you picture those two boys…of long long ago…Probably had their Saturday night bathes. Clean and ironed Sunday go to Church meeting clothes. Slicked back hair, Squeaky clean earnest faces. SHiney dime…?
Yep. They stayed outside. They played. They headed for Shelver Drug. They made it back to church in time to slide into the last pew.
Their plan worked for a time, until one Sunday night the preacher finished preachin before they could slide back in the pews…….and they smelled of licorice.

No more sitting in the back pew. Yep these are stories I was told. Vickie

Vickie, Now we are curious as to who these young lads may have been????? Gary

Update from DeAnn Gottbreht: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht/journal?jid=5819407

finished my last radiation treatment on Wednesday! Hopefully I never have to do radiation again. The worst of my cancer treatments are finally over. It is such a great feeling. It is also a little scary because I am not sure what life will be like without having to be going to the cancer center every week for some kind of treatment. I guess I will adjust. Connor and I got home Thursday night and it is so great to be home. It has been about 7 weeks since we have been back here to Kenmare and I really missed it. Patrick had the weekend off and we spent the weekend out a Mouse River Park for a Softball tournament he had set up to help raise money for a family from Antler, ND who recently lost there mother to cancer. The tournament was a great success and a beautiful weekend to spend as a family. Connor sure enjoys being outside. However he spent most of the time sleeping in his stroller while his daddy was playing softball. We are taking Connor to the doctor today for a check-up so I am excited to find out how much he has grown. I will try to write on here again tomorrow to let you all know. Take Care everyone. I better get some lunch befor Connor wakes up from his nap.

“All country School” reunion Photo:

Reply to Neola from Laurel Wenstad (63): Dundas, MN

Hi Neola, That is Diane in the wine top,the blue shirt is my brother Pete. My wife and I are to the left of Pete. I’m the one with the dark glasses, Lynette is right behind Diane. Lloyd Gardner is behind the man with the blue plaid shirt on the right.His sister Linda is the lady on the left side with the red shirt. The tall man in the very back with the gray hair is my cousin Jerry Christianson. To the left of him the guy with the cap is Gary Wenstad and the one his left is Arlen Wenstad. Arlens sisters are the lady in blue next to the lady with the cane. And his other sister is right behind the one in blue. There are others who are shirt tail relatives also, but alot are neighbors and friends from the hills. It did seem like a family reunion with so many familiar faces. It was an occasion I will never forget. Thanks for forwarding the photo. I will keep it in my file. You do a great job on the blog. I really enjoy it. Thanks again, Laurel and Sherri

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