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From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Dunseith, ND.
Hi Gary,
Did Margaret (Seim) Lawston connect with you? She’s Art and Eva’s daughter. Margaret graduated from Notre Dame in Willow City. But has many connections with Dunseith. On Margaret’s maternal side are the Berube’s. Paternally, the Seim family resided in Holmes Township. Arthur and Eva Seim as well as John and Ingrid Seim, lived on the adjacent farm were my parents #1 mentors. I have always considered, Grandma Seim as my adopted grandma. And I was fortunate to share Grandma with Conrid Metcalfe, Margaret, The Seims were active in the Dunseith Community. Ingrid ie. Grandma Eva Berube Seim originally from Thorne, was a long time teacher. Their son, Edwin also graduated from Dunseith High. Marion holds Anyway, Gary my hope is that Margaret will enjoy your blog as much
Reply from Kathy Fassett Klemmer (71): Plantation, FL.
Hi Gary! Thanks to my dad, I guess I’ll get on the mailing list! You are so wonderful to do what you do for the folks in/around Dunseith.
I was born in Bottineau, but only went to the first grade in Dunseith before dad/family moved to El Paso, Texas, so even tho I didn’t go to school more than that 1st year – I’ve had a deep connection with Dunseith. I graduated from Burke Central High School in 1971 (Lignite, ND). Up until a few years ago when my grandma (Kate Fassett) and my mom’s oldest sister – Cynthia Johnson – Irene and Bill Fassett passed, I would go up to Dunseith every summer to visit them. It’s not the same now that they are gone. Loved listening to their stories of life growing up and raising family in Dunseith. I sure miss them all!
I get up there whenever I can. There are no better people in the WORLD than the folks from ND. We spent every summer in Dunseith when dad was in the border patrol (living in California) – best memories. Was there in October, but only for a short trip.
Sorry we couldn’t make it on the cruise. Many family health concerns at the time, but all is well now! Thanks for letting me keep in touch with friends and family. Kim (sister) and dad Darrel have been keeping me up to date on everything going on.
Thanks again for adding me to the list – I look forward to reading more about everyone up there. Hi Crystal and Dad and all those who keep me informed on the ND life!
Cheers, Kathy (Fassett) Klemmer
Oldest & Youngest on the Alaska cruise that attended school in Dunseith
Posted by Keith PLadson (66): Stafford, VA
Gary,
I hope you get this. We took this the last day of the cruise as we were docked in Seattle.
Keith
 Alaska Cruise “Dunseith school kids” photo:
Bill Grimme has provide us with a numbered key below for the picture I posted several days ago of those of us that were on the cruise that attended school in Dunseith. I will be posting the key for the total group picture in several days after I get conformation from those that went on the cruise that I have labeled it correctly. Gary
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08/15/2009
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Thurman Parrill’s Obituary provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Folks, Thurman and Marie Parrill are my god Parents.
To the Parrill family: We extend our condolence to you with the passing of Thurman. He lived a great life pretty much to the end. I was told he was still a very sharp card player even with his dementia. He will be missed. I understand you guys had a family wedding in Spokane, WA too that most of you were attending when Thurman passed on. I know LeaRae (Parrill) and Terry Espe planned on attending the wedding following the cruise. Gary
Thurman ParrillDec. 13, 1917-Aug. 4, 2009 Thurman Parrill, age 91, of Bottineau, died Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at a Bottineau hospital. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 2 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Rendahl Cemetery near Dunseith. Thurman Merton Parrill was born December 13, 1917, to Cecil Day and Laura Melhus Parrill near Thorne, N.D. His father passed away in the 1918 flu epidemic when Thurman was one year old. He grew up in the Bottineau area and attended area schools. The family later moved to Mountain, N.D., and he worked on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Navy on May 23, 1944. He served in the Pacific Theater on the SS Mormachawk and SS Orvetta during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Feb. 15, 1946. After the war, he came to the Dunseith area and began farming in Rolette County. On November 24, 1947, he married Marie J. Nelson at the Lutheran church in Dunseith. They moved to a farm in Bottineau County, where they raised their five children. In 1995, they sold the farm and moved to Bottineau, where they had since resided. Thurman was a past member of Rendahl Lutheran Church and a current member of Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. He served as a Township Supervisor of Homan Township for many years. Thurman enjoyed playing cards and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by: his wife of more than 61 years, Marie, of Bottineau; and his children, Janet (George) LeNoue of Lexington, Ky., Lynda (Curtis) Jordan of Yerrington, Nev., and Clayton (Linda), Rodney (Ann), and Myron (Kathy) Parrill, all of Bottineau. He has nine grandchildren: Christy LeNoue, Michelle (Carter) Newton, Troy (Meagan) Jordan, Stephanie Swartz, Katie (Tyrell) Lauckner, David, Brooke, Krystle and Shelby Parrill; and four great-grandchildren: Levi, Braxton and Declan Lauckner and Jordan Swartz. Also surviving are his half sister, Shirley (Oliver) Johnson of Grand Forks; half brothers, Don (Roberta) Cox of Cavalier, Joe (Gladys) Cox of Seattle, Wash., Ben Cox, Cavalier, and Paul Cox, Grand Forks; stepsister, Hazel Cox of Davenport, Iowa; brother-in-law, John N. Nelson, Minot; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Parrill and Eugenie Walker of Bottineau, Judy Cox, Cavalier, and Fern Cox, Union Mills, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean Parrill, Darrell Cox, Mytroen Cox and Howard Cox; sisters, Avis Vivatson, Deedee Anderson, Fern Grimm, Edith Baratach, Esther Leonard and infant sister Helen Cox; stepfather, J.R. Cox; and nephew, Clark Parrill. Memory of Mr. Jerstad from Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind.
Memory of Mr. Jerstad from Kay Hosmer (77): Mr. Jerstad taught me how to ride a bike. His daughter Lori was my best friend. He was a wonderful father & friend.
Reply from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND
I just want to say thank you for all your kind words. I am so thankful
that she is now at peace, now I just have to get over this somehow, very hard. Now we are getting ready for a wedding, got family home from Alaska, To everyone going on the cruise, happy sailing and have a good time. Will Verena Gillis Request from Darrel Fassett (47): Boynton Beach, FL
Our daughter Kathy who lives in Plantation, FL would like to be on your mailing list. Her address is kathyjohn@bellsouth.net. Thanx. Darrel Fassett.
From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas
WELL IT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME ON THE CRUISE, BUT I AM SURE GLAD THAT YOU ARE HOME GARY, COFFEE IN THE MORNING WILL BE BETTER NOW, ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER TO BILL BERUBE AND HIS FAMILY, HANG IN THERE BILL YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS.
Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO
My cousin Maurice Aird and his family live in St John – wish I was there.
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.
Great newsletter today; I thought we’d be receiving one soon.
I love the pictures; I recognize some of the people–you, Bernadette, Debbie, Bud, Mr./Mrs. Reing, Minnie Flynn, Florence Sime, ? McKay, Bill Grimme, and, I think, a Morinville–maybe a few I’ve forgotten to mention. When we receive the “key” to the people, it will be fun to put faces to names/vice versa.
Neola
Previous reply from Neola
Hi Gary,
I laughed out loud when I read that Lillie thought you boys should be checked for worms. I could just picture her standing there telling your dad to have his boys checked for worms. I love when comments like that are added, as it brings back wonderful memories of those who are “gone”.
Also, Ken Striker sent the same email to me that he sent to you. I replied to his email and also asked if he would like to be put in contact with Eileen (I might have asked her if it was OK before I made this offer–or not! I know Eileen loves to help wherever she is able to.). To make a long story short, they connected, and she has sent a great Striker file. I’ll forward our email exchanges to you. Eileen never fails to amaze me with what she can compile in very little time.
Neola
Lee Stickland’s (64) message to Gina our travel agent: Dickinson, ND.
GINA,
I want to thank YOU so much for the wonderful cruise that YOU and Gary put together for the Dunseith Alumni.
The time together was rich as we all renewed old familiarities.
Gloria and I found the cruise to be a great experience.
Gina, thanks again.
Lee
Email change for Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND.
Hi Gary,
Just to let you know, I’ve changed my e-mail address to
Thanks!
Evon
Email change for Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
For some of you this is the second message about changing my email address, but for the rest of you, I am putting Princessredfern in mothballs. The old girl is retiring. I am tired of explaining her. So…..my new address is Still a little long, but at least you’ll know it’s me.
love
Cheryl
P S.. If you do send to princessredfern, I will still check it for a good long while.
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Dunseith, ND
This message was sent to you by vickie,metcalfe@sendit.nodak.edu, as a service of The Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com.
Comments from sender: Scanning the Seattle Times I came across this article on Agent Orange. Picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND.
Gary, I know I am sending you A lot of pictures you can show these when you have the room ok. This is Jess Hosmer. I would like to know who the little girl in the background is?
 GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
 Picture from Glen Williams (52): Missoula, MT
Gary Morgan, Glen Williams and Dick Morgan , 1987….at lake Mirond Canada…Note who has the fish….
Picture from Ronnie Cavaliere BRISTOL, RI.
Folks, Ronnie and Cora are dear friends of ours that joined us on the cruise. Cora is from here in Cebu. We truly enjoyed their company on this cruise. In a few years, after Cora receives her US citizenship, they plan on moving to the PI right here in Cebu. They are great folks. Gary
From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): SGERDES@aol.com Windsor, CO
Hi Gary,
Hope your cruise was wonderful. I am enclosing Ruths obituary. At her funeral in Bottineau, the following
letter was read by the pastor. My mom sent it to me, and I was so excited to get it. Bertha and Phylomena
Westerman were classmates and friends of mine, and I had no idea whatever became of them. I thought she wrote this so well. Don’t know how many recall the mission up north of Dunseith, but I stayed with them sometimes and loved it up there. More good memories of Dunseith. Thanks. Sharon Zorn Gerdes
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08/14/2009
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07/21/2009
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07/20/2009
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Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN
Hey Gary and Dave Slyter, I too started as a percussionist (drummer) under the direction of Don Johnson, he was a wonderful teacher and was very helpful. We had many good times in band and choir. Some of my fellow drummers were Lori Williams and Laurie Evans, Donna Wendstad, and Roberta Hagen and little Joel Fugere!!!. When I was in the 7th grade I remember many noon hours I would venture into the music room to listen and watch pep band or concert band, it was such a treat and I could not wait to get to band and play whatever we were practicing for. Watching some of the upper classman get into their instruments…we had a lot of talent in Dunseith. I especially loved to play with the pep band at the games, it is too bad that you do not see that anymore in Dunseith. I have gone to a couple of games to watch my nephews or niece’s play and it is not like I remember when I was in high school. Although change is good, I wish something’s would never change. High school brings back so many good memories and fun times, I know not all people enjoyed their high school years but I have fond memories and have never forgotten my roots or my friendships all thru my school days in Dunseith and my grade school years in Dunseith Indian School. We had such a simple life and no worry’s. I often go thru my high school yearbooks and look at the people and think I wonder what they are doing now. This email blog has allowed me to rekindle some old friendships and catch up on the news from around the world! I know it is often said, but Gary, thanks again for all the hard work you do to keep this going! I know we hear from a lot of the older generation and their memories of Dunseith but hey come on some of you younger generation!!!! It would be nice to hear some old familiar stories, we all grew up in Dunseith or have some ties their, lets hear from the kids of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s!!!! Have a great summer!!
Alan Poitra (1976)
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.
Hi Gary,
I am so happy I am able to contribute to your newsletters. I have to thank Mom/Dad for saving the old newspapers. When Mom sold her house, I dragged the papers to Minot and put in my basement. I DO have a hard time throwing things, especially newspapers/photos/etc. Because of this unwillingness to throw pictures/newspapers, it is so strange I actually threw a picture awhile ago. Don’t you suppose this fellow was mentioned in your newsletter not long afterward! It was a picture of Jerry Boucher in his army uniform. I was so mad at myself for throwing this picture! I thought I’d never get it sent to a family member, so I might as well throw it–wrong!!!! Jerry and my brother, Jim, were in the same “outfit”/platoon/etc.
Jim had sent the picture of Jerry to Mom/Dad, along with some pictures of himself. The reason I know that’s what happened is because Jim wrote it in an old letter I just read.
I think Jim and Jerry were stationed together at Stuttgart, Germany, besides here in “the states”. In one of the letters I just read (written at Fort Ord, CA, on January 14, 1961), Jim says, “I don’t really know where all of the guys were from that went down to Fargo by train. Duane Moussette, his friend, Jack McMullen and I and a guy from Minot (the guy I am with now–Neola’s comment: I think his name was Gary Larson.), and I don’t know where the rest of them were from. I guess one of them was Jerome Boucher from Thorne.” I’m quite sure my mom had asked Jim who some of the other fellows were who were one the train with him to Fargo. She usually asked questions in her letters, and Jim answered them in his letters.
Message/Newspaper articles from Neola:
Gary,
I’ve been thinking I should scan Althea’s ad one of these times, so I decided to do it now. When I was enhancing the clipping, I glanced at the top movie and noticed Rory Calhoun stars it. The reason his name caught my eye, is that one of the first years I taught in Minot (started the fall of 1963), Rory Calhoun’s niece (actually, his wife’s niece) was in my class–I think her name was Cathy Castro. Rory’s wife/Cathy’s mother were sisters. I didn’t realize Rory was Cathy’s uncle until Rory/his wife came to visit Castro’s and Cathy mentioned her aunt/uncle were visiting their family, and her uncle was an actor. Castro’s lived just south of the school, so when Cathy told this to me, I looked down the street, and sitting in front of Castro’s house was a big old white “Caddy”. I can’t remember if I called the Castro house/sent a note to Mrs. Castro/or how I contacted someone to ask if Mr. Calhoun would be willing to visit our class. I received a polite note, saying he wouldn’t be able to do so. This was no problem (I was young and quite shy at that time, so I think it was a relief when he said he would be unable to visit our class.); what makes me mad is that I threw his note away!! Uff da!! The Castro family moved not too long after that year, so I don’t imagine Rory Calhoun/his wife visited Minot again. It’s a good memory! I had almost forgotten about it until I saw “Rory Calhoun’s” name. He was a HANDSOME fellow! I don’t know if he was a good actor, or not, but who cares/cared about that!!!! Ha!
Neola
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07/19/2009
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Folks, Something’s we take for granted and one of those is electric clocks. I have never seen an electric clock for sale in any of the stores here in the Philippines. This country has 220 volt electricty, so we had our house wired for both 110 & 220 volts when we had it built. We have several electric clocks that we brought from the states with us. The problem is they don’t keep good time. Some days they will gain as much as 5 minutes and other days day will loose as much as 5 minutes. In the USA they have true 60 cycle electricity. Here in the PI the eletricity is not true 60 cycle. Gary.
Condolences to Verena Gillis’ sister Dira’s family
From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
Just a quick note to offer our sympathy for Verena and family on the loss of Dira. I did not know her, but she must have been one very brave and wonderful lady to face the hardships of cancer. I especially liked the poem on her handout. Very well written and so very very touching.
Condolences/Reply from Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND
Dick,Gary & Lola,
First my condolences to Verena and the whole family. It is never easy to lose a loved one. what a great poem to send her home. God’s Blessing to all of you. Dick. You worry to much. ha ha Lola. I do remember the fun we had during practices but always remember when it was time to be serious. Don would always give us that serious look and tell us thru that look that we better knock it off. ha It was great. Dave Slyter (70) Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
HATS OFF to Devin Mellang. May God watch over him and all the other soldiers that are watching over us. They are the bravest of the brave . My heart and prayers are always with them and their families. I hope each and every American stands behind our soldiers they are doing their job and doing it very well.And bless all the old soldiers for all you have given to keep us free. If you see a soldier please stop and tell them thank you you can’t know how much it means to them. GOD BLESS YOU DEVIN.
GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV Newspaper articles posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
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I just had to remind everyone about the drummers being the heart beat of the band and pep band. ha Of course that was my favorite class of all time. Still today, music is in my blood and love listening to all kinds.
07/18/2009
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Verena Gillis’ sister, Dira Marie St. Claire Hosie, passed away
Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND
Hi everyone,
My sister passed away yesterday morning at 3:15 am surrounded by all her loved ones. We are so thankful her suffering is over. I will send a copy of the obit I wrote up for the papers. And thank you all so much for the responses I have been getting on Agent Orange. Verena
Reply from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND.
Dave and Gary–
OK David– tell it like it really was– you always got me laughing and sometimes that got us in trouble — remember??? ha!!_ Actually I don’t think I have ever seen you when you were not in a good mood!!
Larry Hackman– – there are so many stories Jay has of his Grampa “Joe” ( our Joe’s namesake) He sure laughed about the Onion story– I think he said he remembered that– Grampa Joe was such a big gentle guy didn’t talk a whole lot that I remember– But he told of being nightwatch at San HAven and someone had devised a plan to get a “bottle of spirits” up to a TB patient — however Grampa Joe was watching this, so he went up on 2nd floor and when the rope came by the window he cut it– spoiled someone’s fun!- ha–Yes, usually you could find him in “His” chair at the bowling alley– I think Dick told about him tapping him on the shoulder for a phone call so he could get his chair back- Jay said he did that to a lot of kids–
Jay tells about one day Grampa was complaining that as soon as he would try to sit down and eat his dinner some of the neighbor kids would come and keep ringing his doorbell – he would get up to see who was there and they would run away- well, Jay was there one day and this started up so Jay chased them down and pounded on them a bit- I think they all got in trouble- even Jay! ha!
Just some other thoughts about items I’ve read in the blog and never get much time to reply- so many memories come back– thinking about teachers that really made an impression on me leave warm memories ——like Miss Hewson, Charlotte Lang, Jess Hosmer, Mrs Conroy, Dan Morgan, Mrs Judy Olson, Don Johnson, and others– you knew they really cared and remained friends even as we got older.- —- Also the main street store people – SHelvers, Edna Leonard- the HOsmers- Morinvilles- Bill Evans and Armand Mongeon-Herman Martinson- KC- Sine- and the others- treated us like their own kids– and Helen Nelson!!- she was “one of a kind”!!- She made us feel so comfortable- no matter “what” we had to buy!!- In those days you didn’t even say “underpants” in public!! ha
I think of neighbors we had- all moved or gone now- the Lambs—– (Dorothy always had ice cold lemonade for us horseback riders) , Zeilers, Simes,Strikers- Espe’s ,Strongs- Petersons- Millangs, Fulsebakkes (like a bakery!)– such good memories- I don’t ever remember my folks ever having a bad thing to say about any of them that we ever heard! — the big gatherings we would have- like church In the homes In the wintertime and then the adults would visit and the kids play all afternoon and pot luck dinner– they were almost like family!- Well, enough babbling once I get started!!– Thanks Gary!! this blog is wonderful= I love the good old stories especially!!—Lola
Reply from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND Gary Boy do I remember the old crank telephone! When Bud and I were first married thats what we had. Of course it was there long before I was. I don’t remember the long rings or short rings of anybody (except central – hers was 1 long. I just remember being home alone with nothing to do so when the phone would ring I’d pick it up to hear what I could. Those turkeys all talked Norwegion and I couldn’t understand a word they said. When there was an emergency or alert for the neighborhood the lady at the central ofc rang 3 longs which meant everybody on the line was to pick up . I only remember that happening once when there was an unscrupulous peddler in the area. Mary K
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends, I hope Dave Slyter didn’t think I was putting down our drummers. They Dick
Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Devin is the grandson of Glen/Edna (Susie) Millang and Richard/Ele Slyter.
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07/17/2009
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07/16/2009
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Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.
Gary,
I love all the pictures people are sending to you to include in your newsletter.
Thanks to Dave Slyter for asking about receiving your newsletters while you are on vacation. Now I know we won’t be. Have a wonderful trip.
Neola
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
That’s some good detective work, Paula! The concert was 1964. There
were at least a couple Community Choir Christmas concerts in those years, but the pictures were from the ’64 concert. As far as my piano days, I never got through the first book. I hated every minute of it! You are right about Elsie Schneider being a good teacher and she had to have extreme patience to continue giving lessons to me. I can’t remember the song I had to play for the recital, but that is probably something that I tried to forget! I do remember a piano song from the Fassett crew and can still play it! The words were, “Once I had a violin, it’s strings were made of twine—the only thing I could play on it was ‘The Girl I Left Behind’. I think Crystal and Paula taught me that from their dad’s songs. Maybe it has some verses that we shouldn’t repeat! I only remember this one. We used to play piano with two people at a time—this song and ‘Chop Sticks’, were the only two I could do! Sorry Elsie! I’m sure Elsie thought I should be able to do much better because of Dad’s abilities. It must have been disheartening for her to see my lack of interest in the piano. In band I wanted to play the drums. Dad said, “No way, you won’t learn music that way”. I ended up on the alto saxophone and went to baritone sax and then the baritone horn, and finally the valve trombone played in treble clef, for the last year of school. He was right, I learned music and band was fun! Thanks Gary and Paula! Dick
Dick Johnson’s reply to Neola’s question:
Gary and Neola,
Maryville and Shell Valley are two townships south and west of
Belcourt. Charlibois’ had a store along the road to Belcourt, six miles east of Dunseith. I was at the store a few times with my dad when we were over that way, many years ago. The paved road north out of Rolette meets Highway 5. This is the corner where Betty’s Bar and the casino are now located and is close to where Charlibois’ Store was. Maryville Twp. is east of the Rolette road and Shell Valley is west of it, both on the south side of HWY 5. My old buddy, Bob Roberge, is buried at St. Marys-Maryville Cemetery which is about 5 miles straight south of Belcourt. I hope this answers your question. Dick
Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND.
1953 Dunseith & Belcourt news posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neola@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND.
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07/15/2009
Request from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.
Ernie Gottbreht and Cheryl Baily have email!
Please add them to your mailing list. Thanks Gary.
Please add them to your mailing list. Thanks Gary.
Sharron
Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
Gary, I just want to mention another heart of gold in Dorothy Pritchards case. Mary Knutson has gone into town at least once a week for years to get Dorothys groceries, run errands and visit with her when she was at Oak Manor. She will shoot me for mentioning this, but I think she is pretty special too. And Dorothy is loved by everyone at Oak Manor. thanks. Sharon Gerdes.
Folks, For everyone’s info to fill in the blanks, Mary Eurich Knutson’s mother was Winifred Pritchard Eurich, sister to Robert Pritchard, Deceased, Dorothy’s husband.
Reply from Bill Pritchard: Bottineau, ND.
Gary –
I really appreciate getting these messages from you. Although I don’t know most of these people, I print these out for my mother, Doris Pritchard (who just turned 80 by the way). She enjoys reading about the people she grew up with and remembers most of the names mentioned in your newsletter. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Bill Pritchard
Bill, Like I mentioned in a personal message, I have now added you to our daily distribution. It’s wonderful that you are able to share these daily messages with your mother. Many of our readers remember your mother and her family, the Winthrop Smith family, wellFolks, Bill’s Dad, Corbin Pritchard, deceased, was also a brother to Robert and Winifred Eurich. I know most of you remember Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau. That was Corbin & Doris’ store. Doris, Bill’s mother is Doris Smith Pritchard from the class of 1946. Bill’s sister, Cheryl, is an RN at the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau. Gary
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.
Gary and Friends,
With Neola’s posting of the article on the Community Christmas
Program, I have to change the year from what I guessed–’65. It most
likely would have to have been 1964 because Alan Boguslawski and Bill
Grimme played a horn duet and they would have been out of school by
Christmas ’65. They were off at college but I suppose they could have
been home for Christmas. Bill, do you remember? I would like to write
the year on the pictures. It also said that a trio of Myra, Gail, and
Alan ‘Boguslawski’ sang a song. It should have been ‘Henning’. Thanks!
Dick
Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
After seeing the newspaper clipping of the Dunseith Community Choir, I googled calendars and if the concert was December 20th and on a Sunday, that would make the 1964, I believe! Mrs. Elsie Schneider was the accompanist for the choir – and she also taught piano. I started lessons when I was in the 3rd grade, which would have been about 1962. Loraine and Loretta, Eleanor Dietrich, Diana Honsey must have been some of her piano students also. I’m sure she ‘encouraged’ us all to participate in the program! I was not usually a soloist – I only remember being the accompanist. Mrs. Schneider was a great lady and a talented pianist – and, I might add, a very patient teacher!!! She never scolded Crystal or I when we showed up Saturday morning for our piano lessons and had written in HOURS of practice time in our books when, in fact, we probably hadn’t even opened the books since the week before, and I’m sure the lack of practice showed! I think Dick Johnson was one of her piano student at one time, too – I remember a piano recital when Dick played something really lively….what was it, Dick?
Paula Fassett
Dick & Paula, I have reposted that article from yesterday for everyone’s reference. Gary
Pictures from Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith: Bottineau, ND.
Gary:
Wayne & I, plus Wayne’s cousins, have been looking at Audrey & Alfred Smith’s many pictures. The last blog/email had a clipping from Kelvin. Here are a couple of pictures of the Kelvin Homemakers. They were dressed in “funny clothes” for one of their meetings. We think we have identified all the ladies except one. Maybe someone out there can identify the unknown lady and confirm the identities of the others. We have lots of pictures of interest and will post them periodically on the blog. Have a good Alaskan trip!
Wayne (’61) & Rosemary Smith
(Gary: The dashes in the second attachment is for the middle unknown lady. Also, Eva & Clara’s last names are spelled correctly — differently)
Effie Espe, Eva Seim, Jessie Millang? (with big hat), Christine Carlson& Martha Handeland
Clara Sime, Pat Myer, ??, Hannah Kirkwold, Dorothy Lamb
Posted by Neoa Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.
07/14/2009
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07/13/2009
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Question from David Slyter (70): Fargo, ND
Hi Gary:
Great picture of your dad this morning in the blog. Just have a quick question. While you are on the cruise will the daily blog seize during that time or are you going to work thru your vacation trip to Alaska. Those of us that are not going to be able to take the cruise should probably prepare ourselves for withdrawal systems while you are on vacation. Dave Slyter (70)
Pictures posted by Sharron Gottbreth Shen (59): Everett, WA
Dale & Alma Gottbreht’s sons – June 2009:
L to R: Bill, George (61), Marc & Ernie (65)
Picture taken June 2009:
L to R: Ernie Gottbreht, Cheryl Bailey, Victor & Sharron Gottbreht Shen
Reply to the Kelvin news pasted below from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK.
Florence’s reply:
I remember that visit vividly..Dorothy and I changed all the sheets–bedding. We took off Trinity sheets and put on Trinity sheets. Her sister had graduated from Trinity the year before I started. As you can tell it shocked me———-thought I had forgot it and seeing that blurb brought it all back…and so many years ago. Dorothy and I remained friends for years, and try to see her when I go back to N.D. Going back for a nurses reunion August 17 th. and will stay for a week after the reunion. So of course I’ll give her a call and probably have lunch with her. Thanks Gary. And God bless you. Florence
1952 Kelvin News provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks, Fern Cote Berube is the widow of Lawrence Berube. They owned the big round barn that was located across the road and a little bit to the east of Dale’s. That big round barn was quite famous for dances in it’s day. Fern and Lawrence are the parents of Robert (62), Rachael (62), Angela (65) & Muzette (74). Fern is currently living in an assisted living home in Minneapolis near her daughter Angela.
Robert, Rachael, Angela & Muzette; This is a beautiful picture of your mother. This is one of the many pictures Neola Kofoid Garbe has provided.
Fern Cote Berube
Fern (Cote) Berube Family 02-10-07 on Fern’s 90th Birthday
L to R (Back) Angela, Rachael, Muzette & Robert. Fern in front
Previously posted with message 157 on 1/7/08 Picture/message from Sharon Peterson Harmsen (63): Bismarck, ND
Hello Gary and All from Bismarck, ND
On May 5, 2008, Email # 94, Shirley Brennan said —– My dad, Ray Brennan, was supposed to fight in WWI along with Max Peterson and three other men. The war ended while they were riding the train to Churches Ferry. She wanted to know who the other men were. I share all the emails with my mother, Joy Peterson who still lives in Dunseith, and she thought she had a picture of the four men who left that day to fight in the war. She has located a picture and isn’t it a great one…………Two of the gentlemen are my grandfathers, one on my dad’s side and the other on my mom’s side of the family. Standing in the back is Ray Brennan, Max Peterson at his right arm, Nels Landsverk in the center and Lee Stickland.
Enjoy the photo as we have.
Sharon Peterson Harmsen (class of 63)
Sharon, I hope you realize the many relatives these gentleman have that are on our distribution list. These guys are parents, grandparents & great grandparents to a whole host of you folks out there. This is a great picture and will bring back a lot of memories for a lot of folks. For group emailing, the file size of this picture has been greatly reduced. For those of you that would a full size copy, for printing, I’m sure Sharon would be glad to send you the full size scanned copy.
Shirley Brennan, It has taken a while, but your question got answered.
Thank you Joy & Sharon for sharing this with us. Gary
Front L to R: Lee Stickland, Nels Landsverk & Max Peterson
Standing in back: Ray Brennan
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07/12/2009
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Email address change for Marshall Awalt (51): Newport, NC
Our new e-mail address after this weekend will be the
Reply from Sybil Johnson:Cheyenne, WY
Gary and all,
I have enjoyed the stories about “Pa” Johnson. It broke my heart, when we lost him, so many years ago. He had a gentle soul, until he got angry. But, otherwise, he was always outside working in his gardens. I remember when we use to bring the kids up from Minot and how he spoiled them. I would lay them down for a nap and the next thing, there was “Pa” sitting on the bed in the pump room, feeding them coffee and cookies. He loved his grandkids and he would literally get down on his hands and knees, playing with them. He came from Little Hamar, Norway, when he was 14 years old. They had found his father hanging from a tree, where he had been lynched and his belongings had been stolen. He came over to the United States, with his mother, stepfather, and his brother and sister–Uncle Hans and Aunt Cynthia. I also remember, how he hated wearing his hearing aids, because they buzzed to much in his ears and his false teeth, because he couldnt chew with them. They were always up on top of the cabinet in the kitchen. Take care everyone. Sybil Johnson From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
Just a footnote to Fishing News, Mobridge, SD. It was necessary for our host at the Wrangler Inn to shift us about somewhat; Victor and I switched up the hall a bit, Ernie and Cheryl moved to a ground level room with chairs outside the door for coffee and a morning smoke. We might have used those chairs once, thereafter for the remainder of our stay they were occupied by prairie dog hunters who had reservations dating from March! Vic and Ivan had laughed about the courtesy request posted in each room [big city boys], but all was clear once they saw the booted and fully armed huntsmen with their dogs arrive and park themselves in their and Ernie’s chairs at any and all hours!
It reminded me of the prairie dog village in the field adjoining our new home, occupied in 1954. I often hid in a nearby buffalo wallow and whistled the numerous creatures from their tunnels. A favorite time of year would be May when the blue-grey prairie “crocus” blooms were everywhere in that field. Much later I learned that it was also called the Pasque Flower, Anemone pulsatilla. I have planted such “crocuses” in both NY and WA just for the joy they give each early spring and the memory of home.
We passed a prairie dog village on our return to Bismarck along scenic route 1806. Their community was in a fenced pasture and I am sure pose an injury problem for the many cattle herds we saw. Sad to think the little fellows were hunted with such enthusiasm and we did not stop the car to record their peaceful existence, ignorant of any threat.
Floyd (59) & Ann Pritchard’s Wedding in Tucson, AZ
Prevously posted with message 151 on 7/4/08 From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):
Good Morning Gary,
Today is the 4 of July and we are celebrating the Birthday of our Country and also the men and women that have fought for our country. I would like to say how proud we are of our family members that have fought for the freedom we all enjoy. Attached are pictures of Marshall and Lloyd Awalt . Lloyd served in the Navy and Marshall served in the Marines for 30 years.
Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956
Marshall Awalt aboard ship
Marshall and Lloyd Awalt – Military
Marshall Awalt – Military
Leonard Kavlie family: L to R: Leonard, Curtis, Dot, Duane, Jerry(adopted) & Hampton Kavlie
I think this this picture must have been taken in 1977 when Dad was the Bottineau Legion Commander? Gary
Bob Stokes in his legion uniform
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07/11/2009
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07/10/2009
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07/09/2009
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Reply from Rita Anderson, Mark’s (65) mother: Fargo, ND
Hi Gary Was reading the news about Dunseith past. Saw the picture of Mark Anderson. It was a good picture of him. Suppose you knew that he had passed away a few years ago, in Duluth, Minn. of cancer. Thanks Rita Anderson
Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary,
I was in Dunseith today and stopped in at the drive-in to eat. Amy Dick
Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Several times the Fassett girls have mentioned being at my Dick
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07/08/2009
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Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): Leesville, LA
Speaking of Herman Hagen, I think that first Ford that I remember was a Dale A. Pritchard
Top: Margaret Metcalfe (65), Dana Henriksen (66), Cecile Berube (65), Angela Berube (65)
Bottom: Mark Anderson (65), Patty Boguslawski (65),Debra Mongeon (66)
Alan (65) & Rhonda Boguslawski – 2007
Alan Boguslawski (65)
Previously posted with message 134 on 6/16/08
Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
Folks had fun 50 years ago too!! These pictures pretty well tell the story!
The two top pictures are in the Garden Tap–Margaret Hiatt, Joyce Evans,
Joe Evans, Freddie Hiatt.– Cliff Johnson, Joy Johnson, Bernice Johnson, ‘half’ of Don Johnson.
Bottom pictures–Cliff and Don with each others
hats[ Laurel and Hardy!]– Joyce Evans, Henry Olson, Myrtle Olson, Loretta Johnson, Thelma Johnson, Darrel Fassett. I think this picture was in the old Corner Bar, across the street from the Althea Theater. The top photos are dated May 1960–The bottom left, 1962. The bottom right had to be before Oct. 1959, as that is when Grandpa Henry Olson died at 56 years of age. Thanks Gary! Dick
May 1960 in the Garden Tap:
Margaret Hiatt, Joyce Evans, 
May 1960 in the Garden Tap:
Cliff Johnson, Joy Johnson, Bernice Johnson,
‘half’ of Don Johnson.
1962 in the Corner Bar:
Cliff and Don Johnson with each others
October 1959
Joyce Evans, Henry Olson, Myrtle Olson, Loretta Johnson,
Thelma Johnson, Darrel Fassett
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07/07/2009
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Request from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
Hello from Alaska………This is a small world…………Last week I was in Lowe’s hardware to buy cement, sand, five gallon “pails” for my latest –my poor family–oh no, what is Mom creating now………….and the poor soul that got the honor to carry all this to my subaru was friendly. So of course I asked the usual questions–Are you an old time Alaskan? Where are you from? And shock of shock. His answer–North Dakota. Oh, I’m from N.D. allso. I’m from Dunseith. The poor kid allmost fainted. I’m from Belcourt, he allmost yelled. We were instant buddies. He would love to be on your list Gary..So here goes…….Brent Vandal Were getting so many souls from the Dunseith area in Anchorage we’ll have to have a reunion or something.
From Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA
Hi Gary,
This morning I received 2 E-Mails Number 501 time 6:24PM and 11:05PM. It has happened before and I just delete one but you may have double sent and someone will not be getting there morning fix.
Thanks again for all you do and looking forward to meeting you and Bernadette at the dinner in Seattle.
Marie (Iverson) Staub
Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
Hi Gary, What Picture??? If your lost as to what I’m referring to just the frame, and no picture came through….at least on mine . Even when I click on the little x in the box it does nothing….but maybe I’m not doing it right…Thanks for the kind words in ref to the photo…You were 1/2 way right about where I work. It’s a Level 5 lock down facility for teenagers. Level 5 means thier one mistake away from prison…(Like assaulting a staff member…which they do quite often…which thank God I only got smacked around 3 times in 30 yrs. and the worse injury I got,was a torn retina in my eye,which ended up to be a very long term injury…But God is good,and I love my job,and am so blest to have one…Take Care…Aggie
Correction to 1945 Basketball picture posted yesterday:
From Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Lake Metigoshe, ND
The player without a number next to Coach Shelver is “Raymond”
Haagenson – not Norman. Mona Dionne Johnson ‘ ’48 Reply from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
Gary,
Glad you and Dick liked my fashion statement. My daughter-in-law snapped this picture on the 4th. I had the pleasure of 19 house guests–children and grandchildren. A few were missing – too old for such foolishness, I guess. We had a great day. Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend.
Bill
Memories from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
In a lame attempt to poke fun at our good friend Bill Grimme, I’d like Dick
Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70): Walhalla, ND
Just so Bill didn’t feel bad, here’s a picture of Dale & I and most of our kids and grandkids at last fall’s Annual Pumpkinfest,here in Walhalla ND. It’s a 60’s thing,I think,Bill.!! Crystal Fassett Andersen Front row:Elijah Gunderson,Shawn Bartels, Erika Gunderson,Aliyah Bartels,Nicole Berg (“08 Pumpkin Princess)Sarah & Marta Gunderson Back: Ryan and Joni (Andersen) Bartels, Tyler Gunderson & fiancee’ Vanessa Belgarde,Jason,Caylee & Becky (Andersen) Berg, Noah & Aaron Gunderson, Crystal & Dale Andersen
 Picture 1944:
Back: Coach W.Schultz, Charles (Pug Lund, Wayne Molgard, Freddie Hiatt, Bob Molgard,Leo Murray, student Mgr. Howard Landsverk.
Front: Roger Johnson, Don Johnson, Lyle Johnson ?, Bruce Cornell, Allison Fiske
Axel Johnson
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07/06/2009
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Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
In response to the picture of our friend Bill Grimme, Bill—being Dick
Memories from Dick Johnson:
Gary,
I too can remember an incident involving your brother, Allen. We were Dick
Picture from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
Hey Gary, To some of the people who have e-mailed me and requested a picture cuz I didn’t make it to the class reunion…this would be me…taken last August,and getting older…LOL… Hope you all have a Blest Day!
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
All the mentions of fireworks reminded me of the 4th of July in ’63. I Dick Fishing trip to SD with pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
Dear Family and friends,
Victor and I just returned from lunch and I thought I would share news and a few pictures of the week in Mobridge, SD from June 13/19. Fishing could have been better, but the time and place and folks were splendid. We has the use of 2 fishing craft that had seen years of service and 2 owned by Bob and Jeff Gottbreht that are really on the cutting edge. Great food each night provided from fresh catch of the day prepared in Rick Gottbreht’s portable kitchen. Nora and Ivan were an excellent fit to the group; Nora has surely won the hearts of all the family. Love, Vic and Sharron Gottbreth fishing trip phote L to R:
Cheryl Bailey, Ernie G, Rick G, Ivan Shen, Ryan G, Sharron Shen, Jeff G, Bill G, George G, Will G [son of Bill], Marc G, Victor Shen, Nora Obringer Shen
Folks, with these pictures I would like to comment that Cheryl Bailey, Ernie’s friend, is a real sweatheart of a lady. We met her at our class of 65 reunion and then we saw her several times in Bottineau following the reunion. Cheryl is so friendly and nice. Gary
Cheryl Bailey, Ernie Gottbreht, Ivan Shen & Victor Shen
Picture L to R: 1945
Back Row: Glen Shelver, Coach, Norman Haagenson, Wayne Molgard, Bill Hosmer, Ralph Thiel, Derrald Dion
Front Row: Leo Murray, Allison Fiske, Darrel Fassett, Don Johnson, Bob Molgard. 
Harvey Halvorson & Floyd Dion
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07/05/2009
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07/04/2009
Dunseith Seattle reunion – July 24, 2009
Folks, Bill Grimme will be making final payment for our Seattle reunion dinner on July 21st. For those of you contemplating going and have not yet sign up, you have until actually July 20th to get your payment to Bill to be included when he makes the final payment to the Best Western for our banquet dinner. I have attached the dinner registration form and I have also pasted a copy below.
This is Bill’s current list of those registered for the dinner. Those highlighted in yellow are those not be going on the cruise.
| Name | Chicken Breast | New York Steak | Total Paid | |
| 1 | Geri Metcalfe Munro | |||
| 2 | Chuck Munro | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 3 | Robert Hosmer | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 4 | Katrine (Watne) Hosmer | |||
| 5 | Gary Stokes | 2 | $50.00 | |
| 6 | Bernadette Stokes | |||
| 7 | Nancy Hosmer Baldwin | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 8 | Keith Kontzie | |||
| 9 | Diane Larson Sjol | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 10 | Scott Sjol | |||
| 11 | Randy Flynn | 1 | 5 | $200.00 |
| 12 | Laurice Zeitler Flynn | |||
| 13 | Rio Flynn | |||
| 14 | Minnie Knox Flynn | |||
| 15 | Edna (Susie) Knox Millang | |||
| 16 | K. Flynn Richard | |||
| 17 | Gary Metcalfe | 4 | $87.15 | |
| 18 | Sue Metcalfe | |||
| 19 | Leah Metcalfe | |||
| 20 | Angelina Metcalfe | |||
| 21 | Ardis Metcalfe Steggal | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 22 | Harley Steggall | |||
| 23 | Phyllis McKay | 3 | $74.70 | |
| 24 | Patsy McKay Heggen | |||
| 25 | Minnie Mary McKay Merrill | |||
| 26 | Lee Stickland | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 27 | ||||
| 28 | Terry Espe | |||
| 29 | Lea Rae Perrill Espe | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 30 | Bill Grimme | 2 | $68.20 | |
| 31 | Irina Protassevitch | |||
| 32 | Bill Longie | 2 | $50.00 | |
| 33 | Al-lyn Longie | |||
| 34 | Mark VanDyne | 2 | $50.00 | |
| 35 | Dreama VanDyne | |||
| 36 | David Shelver | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 37 | Linda Shelver | |||
| 38 | Sharron Gottbreht Shen | 2 | 1 | $83.90 |
| 39 | Evie Gottbreht Pilkington | |||
| 40 | Shirley LaRocque Wendt | |||
| 41 | Carrole Fauske Rude | |||
| 42 | Laverne Rude | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 43 | Darrel Stokes | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 44 | Debby Stokes | |||
| 45 | Oliver Reing | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 46 | Marlene Reing | |||
| 47 | Sandra Zeiler Vandal | 1 | 1 | $59.00 |
| 48 | Mike Vandal | |||
| 49 | Cheryl Haagenson | 1 | $28.00 | |
| 50 | Marie Iverson Staub | 2 | $49.80 | |
| 51 | Marvin Staub | |||
| 52 | Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht | 1 | $24.90 | |
| 53 | Janice Leonard Workman | 1 | $24.90 | |
| 54 | Connie Fauske Monte | 2 | $68.20 | |
| 55 | Robert Monte | |||
| Larry St. Claire | 1 | $24.90 | ||
| Sub Total’s | 35 | 21 | ||
| Combined Total |
56
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To attend this dinner, just fill in the following selections for you or your party, send me a check, and I will return a receipt.
Note: Prices listed include all taxes and gratuities.
Number
EntréePriceExtended price
______Pan Seared Chicken Breast$24.90___________
______Angus Beef New York Steak$34.10___________
TOTAL FOR YOU PARTY___________
Send Check to Bill Grimme,
3117 Memory Brook Circle,Birmingham,AL35242.Phone 205-991-6512.
Hope to see you all there. Thank you.
Bill Grimme Class of ‘65
Reply from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA
Hi Gary,
Reading Aggie Casavant’s story about one 4th of July adventure, it reminded me of one I had with my sister Bonnie. We lived behind Robert’s gas station, but I’m not sure how old I was, maybe 7 or 8. Orphula Robert had a wrecker service & would haul cars, some wrecked & some not, and park them to the south of the station. He said we could play in a certain few, and showed us which ones. We would pretend that we had our own cars and play driving them around. Well one 4 of July, when we got our allowance, we bought some firecrackers & sparklers. It was raining for a few days prior to the 4th, and the weather report said it would be raining for a few days after as well. We just could wait so we got into the front seat of one of the cars and decided to light off the our firecrackers. We would light them and throw them on the floor in the back seat or the floor of the front seat passenger side. We had the window closed cause it was raining. We did this for, I’d say an hour or so and were having a great time, but next thing I know, I seen Mom out of the corner of my eye, pounding on the window next to me. I know she was saying something but we could not hear a thing she was saying. We didn’t have to hear, we knew why she was mad as a wet hen! It took a few days to be able to hear again as well as being able to sit down! I guess we were lucky we didn’t loose our hearing permanently. All I know is that Mom would not let us have fireworks, firecrackers to be more specific, again for a few years after that.
Reading Aggie Casavant’s story about one 4th of July adventure, it reminded me of one I had with my sister Bonnie. We lived behind Robert’s gas station, but I’m not sure how old I was, maybe 7 or 8. Orphula Robert had a wrecker service & would haul cars, some wrecked & some not, and park them to the south of the station. He said we could play in a certain few, and showed us which ones. We would pretend that we had our own cars and play driving them around. Well one 4 of July, when we got our allowance, we bought some firecrackers & sparklers. It was raining for a few days prior to the 4th, and the weather report said it would be raining for a few days after as well. We just could wait so we got into the front seat of one of the cars and decided to light off the our firecrackers. We would light them and throw them on the floor in the back seat or the floor of the front seat passenger side. We had the window closed cause it was raining. We did this for, I’d say an hour or so and were having a great time, but next thing I know, I seen Mom out of the corner of my eye, pounding on the window next to me. I know she was saying something but we could not hear a thing she was saying. We didn’t have to hear, we knew why she was mad as a wet hen! It took a few days to be able to hear again as well as being able to sit down! I guess we were lucky we didn’t loose our hearing permanently. All I know is that Mom would not let us have fireworks, firecrackers to be more specific, again for a few years after that.
I hope everyone has a safe & great 4 of July!
Regaurds….
Ivy Eller Robert
Reply From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
What a great story by Aggie. Thank God for guardian angels! I can just see them running after all of you stomping out little fires! This will just spark floods of memories of behavior that was fun, or seemed like a good idea at the time, but was really dumb and dangerous. LIke when I was a freshman (old enough to know better) and lit candles under my crepe paper pom poms in my bedroom. Whoosh! And they were lit too. I grabbed a Reader’s Digest magazine and beat it out but there were whisps of burned crepe paper all over the room and floating in the air. It took flinging WATER to get the air cleared of all the charred crepe paper. Mom was at the commisary, (Dad was in Viet Nam) my 3 sisters were out playing so I closed my door and started trying to clean up. The girls banged on the door wanting to know what was going on and I told them I wanted to surprise Mom with my clean room and to stay out! They didn’t want to get roped into cleaning so they did. When Mom got back I showed her my nice clean room and of course she zeroed in on the slightly scorched wall first. Wanted to know what happened……I looked at her for a minute and knowing honesty was really the best policy, and needing to remind her of it “just in case” I said “well, I was going to make up a story Mom, but thought I had just better tell you the truth” so I proceeded to tell her what happened (the short version) and of course she was glad I wasn’t hurt, thankful the house didn’t burn down, and felt good that I chose to tell the truth and not lie. Whew! Dodged a bullet there!
I can’t wait to hear more of the stories I know will be coming!
Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71
Correction from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
Dir. Gary, I don’t mean to be annoying, as you are doing a splendid job with this daily letter, However, the way it was written will confuse those that do not know the difference.
But!!!! Patty and George’s kids are Grand Children of Dale and Alma (Boucher) Gottbreht. Not George and Alma!
Your Post says that they are grandchildren of George and Alma. This should read (Dale and Alma)
As written this implies that George and Alma to be man and wife and or of the same grandparental status.
Dale and Alma (Boucher) Gottbreht) are the grand parents of George Jr. and Patty’s Kids. Dale and Alma being Georges parents.
George Sr. and wife Evelyn are the Great grand parents to George and Patty’s kids and Grandparents of George Gottbreht and his siblings.
Mark, Thank you so much for catching this mistake. This is one of those mistakes that I read right over when I proof read this prior to sending. I knew that Dale and Alma were husband & wife and parents of George. I also had Patty listed as being in the class of 66, so I have corrected that too. When I typed this I was thinking Dale and typed George. Again, thanks for catching this and bringing it to my attention. Gary
Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht (65) with her three sons Rick, Jeff & Bob.
Patty, I’m not sure of the identities of your boys. I’d say you are pretty well
protected with these guys. Your boys are grandchildren of
Dale and Alma Gottbreht too, with George being their father.
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks there are some Dunseith connections and folks in this photo.
Marlys Zorn (69) Fairbury, Nebraska
Vickie Metcalfe (70) Bottineau
Lynette Geiszler, Bottineau, wife of Brian Johnson (69) and Daughter-in-Law of Mona Johnson (48):
The following previously posted pictures were provided by
Doreen Bailey: 
Tempe, AZ
07/03/2009
Reply to the Casavant siblings from Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND
Gary:
To Aggie Casavant and all her siblings: Every time I read something from you Aggie, I think of your mom. We called her “momma” just like you kids did. She was a wonderful humble lady, “salt of the earth”, which reminds me of Stella Schimetz of the exact same character as your momma.
Diane Fugere
Reply from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74)Bismarck, ND
Gary, Sometimes I do not get pics also but what I do is right click on the x in the box then I click on view pic & then it comes up so if your readers try that maybe it will work. Kathy
Kathy, Thank you so much for this info. Now it would be interesting to know why these pictures sometimes don’t show on the screen but are there when doing what you do to view them. This is interesting. Does anyone have the answer? Gary
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Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
YES Gary I also have the trouble with NOT seeing some of the pictures. To Lyle thanks for the It is really interesting . HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL and THANK YOU TO ALL OF U WHO SERVED AND MAKES IT POSSIABLE TO LIVE IN THE FREE WORLD.
To the Allard family so sorry to hear about the lose of your loved one. May GOD hold you close in this time of sorrow. GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV |
Reply from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ
Gary,
In response to the question re:pictures not showing up, this has happened many times to me also. I kept meaning to let you know but never got around to it. Also on the cheerleader picture it had be the school year of 1965-66 as Joann and Corliss graduated with me in 66.
Jean Nicholas Miller(66)
In response to the question re:pictures not showing up, this has happened many times to me also. I kept meaning to let you know but never got around to it. Also on the cheerleader picture it had be the school year of 1965-66 as Joann and Corliss graduated with me in 66.
Jean Nicholas Miller(66)
Reply from Eileen (Mike) Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
In regard to some of the pictures not always showing in an e-mail. Mine doesn’t either, and I am sure it’s the mail server I have. Sometimes if I go to the next e-mail, and then go back to your e-mail, the pictures that didn’t show before are there. Another thing is, before a person begins to scroll down to read it, make sure it is fully loading the e-mail before you do anything. At least that is how mine works better.
A special thanks to Erling Landsverk for his kind words. I agree, we who were born in North Dakota, do tend to help each other all we can. We’re just a different breed of cats, so to speak! HA!! <big smile>
My brother-in-law told me last night that when he was in Vietnam they sprayed this Agent Orange to kill the foliage because it was so heavy in areas, and so they could see the enemy better.
Great bunch of people you have on your list, Gary. I enjoy reading the newsletter every day!
Eileen Brudwick
Reply from Mark Schimetz (70)Rolette, ND
Karen Hermes Photo didn’t come through for me.
Also Old George Gottbreht and Evelyn his wife, would have been the great grandparents of Patti and George’s Boys.
It was Dale and Alma that would be the Grandparents.
Mark, That is one mistake I read right over before sending. I know blame well that Dale was their grandfather. Thank you so much for the correction. I have pasted Karen Hermes picture below that was included with her obituary. It was one of those pictures that was hidden until you clicked on the “Click here to down load Pictures” at the top of the message.Folks, when pictures don’t go through, please zap me a message and I will send you a solo copy of the ones that you didn’t get. That is for sure not a problem. Gary
Our condolences to the John Allard family & Don Henes with their loss of Karen:
The John and Olivine Allard Family L to R:
Back: Larry, Kenny, Clayton,
Center: Mary, Olivine, John, Karen
Front: Betty, Duane, Carol
First Cousins – Class of 65 – 7-12-07
Patty Boguslawski & Carol Allard
Update on the Dunseith Reunion in Watertown SD.
Posted by Jerry (54) & Kathy Williams: Watertown, SD
We have most everything ready to go for the reunion here in Watertown with just a few rooms open at the Drake Motor Inn but will not be able to hold them past the 7th of July. If time allows we will be able to take in the Goss Opera House that is being restored here in Watertown also. Right now there is a King Tut display in the building that is very interesting. The following people have responded to me that they are going to be at the reunion and most have paid up front for the registration. Thank you very much.
Clark & Audrey Crum
Clayton & Arliss Lider
Betty Jane & Bill (Schneider) Lamb
Gary & Mary Lou Morgan
Rodney & Marlene Armentrout
Gary & Pat Woodford
Janice (Lenonard) Workman
Bonnie & Keith (Awalt) Houle
Dennis & Peggy Espe
Dick Morgan
Jerry & Kathy Williams
At this time the following did not know if they could make are not. Barry Shelver(work) and Elaine (Schneider) Hockett (husbands health).
I would also like to make up a display, and or a booklet of photos. So if you would be so kind as to send me or E-Mail me a graduation photo and a resent photo with a short write up of yourself ( where you live, what you have done in the past, what you are doing now ect.) So if you could send or E-Mail me a few pictures so that I could use to accomplish this I would be very appreciative. Even if you are not going attend the reunion please send your photos and write up anyway.
Thanks Again
Jerry & Kathy
From Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND
Gary:This is a copy of what I sent to Bob Hosmer, Bonnie Houle, Janice Workman, and Arlene Daily.You may use any part of this that you think would be of interest to your readers.LARRY
WHAT I REMEMBER ABOUT DUNSEITH, ND
64 YEARS LATER
Even though I have been back to Dunseith a few times since 1945 I have never visited with anyone about my childhood in Dunseith.At age 72 there may be a few things I don’t know for sure any more.I will try to mark things I am not sure of with an * and if any of you remember things different then I do feel free to let me know.
About kindergarten age I remember playing tag and hide & seek with kids.The names I can remember are Bob Hosmer, Bonnie Await, Janice Leonard Elain Watkins, Barry Shelver, Arlene & Ann Lamoureaux. I also remember a Connley Grimme I think he was a little older then me.Is Bill Grimme his little Brother?When we got old enough to ride bike our games moved to different parts of town and the park.The war was on so we didn’t have many toys except toys made of wood which were not much fun.Outside in the summer was the most fun.Barry was my best friend back then but we both played with Bob a lot.The girls would play tag, hide and seek with us or go on bike rides.* I think there was another park outside of town on the North West side we would ride to some times.I would guess it was a mile or two out of town.I was so happy I got to play the triangle in the school rhythm band.I was really worried I would get stuck playing the sticks.Barry, Bob and I would make the rounds getting treats. Candy at Bob’s dad’s store, pop at Barry’s dad’s drug store, and ice cream where my dad worked for the Turtle Mountain Creamery.Barry’s dad had a garage behind the Drug store with an upstairs that was a lot of fun to play in.One time we found some fun little bottles to play with and Barry said Bob and I could each have one.I took my bottle home and my mother found my little sister with it in her mouth.Guess what, it was an emptyArsenic bottle.Barry and Bob’s mothers were called but Glenn Barry’s dad said there was nothing to worry about because he always washed them good before storing them.Sad to say we didn’t get to play in the garage anymore.We got corn cob pipes to use in blowing bubbles with soap and water.We tried smoking rag weed in the corn cob pipes one Fall when the weeds got dry.(rag weed was also called pig weed)It wasn’t good so we didn’t try that again.Once or twice a month my Dad would deliver ice cream and milk up to the San Haven and some of my friends would get to ride along.There was a small lake below the San Haven we would go swimming in. * I think it was called Lake Schuty (sp?).I remember a murder up in the hills where a man killed a women.* I think his name was Chase (sp?)They had him in the Dunseith jail and there was a big mob outside.Our mothers came and got us away from there in a hurry.I remember bringing money to school to buy stamps which would buy War Bonds when you had enough stamps.We lived across the street from the Catholic Church and going from the South to the North the first house was Campbell’s a banker, then our house, then Haines(sp?) a Boarder Patrol Officer, then Ray Murry who had the Turtle Mountain Creamery.
Some things my folks have told me about living in Dunseith,My dad and Glenn Shelver refereed a lot of Basketball games together. My Dad was the butter maker and ice cream maker for the creamery.During the War.The little creamery in Dunseith had a contract with the Army and shipped a boxcar load of butter every week to the Army.My Mother was a school teacher in a one room country school East of Dunseith. (* I think it was about 6 to 8 miles East)
I have received E-mails back from three of my classmates in 1st & 2nd. grade and I hope to hear from more of you.
Thanks,
LARRY LIERE (55)Left Dunseith midterm of 3rd. Grade 1945
Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
Gary, The old white school on the Post Card Picture #501 . If you go to the West &
North corner of the school and go one block North the frist house on the block next
North is the one we lived in. It was owned by Tom Cassadie, the next house North was Henry Hagen. The nest house North on the corner was Ernest Horsman’s . The long
white Bldg. on that black was the Commercial Hotel owned by Grassman, later by
Grimmies. I started school there in 1932. #503 The inlarged ones I can pick out a lot of homes where people that I knew lived. Mrs Ben Marsa was teaching Grade school.
Charle Watkins house by the Stone Church. When we frist came back to Dunseith we lived in the house where Bill Fassett lived by the creek.
Lloyd,
Story from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
Hi Gary & Everyone in Dunseith Blog Land
With the 4th of July right around the corner I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you all,a story that took place at the “Big House on the Prairie. When us kids were quite young like ages ranging from 7, 9,10,11,12, our brother Rene was working for our neighbor Freddie Neamyer,so often times on special occasions he would stop buy and visit and bring us younger kids little gifts and surprises. As I mentioned in one of my other stories we were not the richest kids on the block,so when Rene came home one night around the 4th of July he brought us some fireworks.Some were bottle rockets, some were sparklers,and a couple bigger ones…And boy oh boy were we excited…It was like waiting for Christmas Eve to open our gifts.Rene told us not to mess with them til he came home on the 4th and he we would shoot them off together.Well in the days leading up to the 4th we were listening to the weather every nite to be sure it wasn’t raining on the 4th…Well lo and behold,the morning of the4th of July it was raining.Here were these 5 little heads (Jimmy,Bobby,Eddie,Aggie,&Maryann) standing at the window watching the rain come down,thinking…I KNOW THIS IS NOT HAPPENING….Our Dad was sitting there in his chair like always reading the paper and smoking his pipe,So Bobby(Daddys pet as we would always call him) went over and asked,”Daddy,do you think it will quit raining by tonite so we can shoot fireworks? Our Dad looked over his reading glasses,half way smiling,and said ,Nah No,it’s gonna rain all day and all night…Bobby looked at him for awhile and said,”But we want to shoot off our fiereworks tonite Daddy.(Like he was going to manipulate our Dad to shut off the rain) I really believe to this day Bobby really thought he could…LOL. Daddy just kinda smiled and said,Nah you got all summer to shoot off fire works…. At that point us other kids heard about enough,and we all looked at each other like…Oh No,that ain’t gonna happen..this is the 4th of July,and come rain or high waters,those fire works are going off tonite!!! So as it worked out ,sure enough as it was getting dark it was still raining,so our Mom&Dad decided to go visit our Uncle Aime and Aunt Germaine Barbot,about 7 miles away.Our Mom and Dad wern’t a mile down the road,and us kids had the fireworks out of the box trying to figure out how we were going to shoot them off with it still raining outside.All at once Eddie said,” Hey lets go upstairs and open the door that goes out to the roof and stand in the doorway and shoot them outside,and we all were jumping up and down,yelling”Yah yah thats a good idea lets go.(Well first off you have to understand,we had no electricity to the up stairs) so were all running like crazy up the stairs,tripping over each other, in the dark . with visions of rockets red glare,and getting all patriotic…So when we got the door opened,we saw it stopped raining.So just as we were going to start back downstairs to go outside and shoot them off, Eddie said,”Hey lets not go downstairs lets go out on the roof and shoot them off,So Bobby started out on the roof first to set up this rocket on the peak of the roof. Well it was wooden shingles slick as oil and he slipped and fell grabbing onto the metal trim that went down the middle of the roof. Just then it started raining,so we pulled Bobby back in and went back to plan “A”.We had our pop bottles and were taking turns shooting them out the door.While waiting our turn,Jimmy,Maryann and I lit the sparklers and were running up and down the hallway,hollering and yelling and laughing.By that time Bobby and Eddie discovered that the rain would put out the bottle rockets as soon as they hit the outside,so they started shooting the bottle rockets down the hallway,So we all got our own pop bottle and started shooting them where ever we could find a space to shoot them. Some hit the walls,some hit the windows,some were being shot off straight into the ceiling,but they all went…When we got done with them,we started lighting packs of firecrackers all at one time… All at once we seen this flash of lights on the wall,we looked out the window and it was our Mom&Dad. (our uncle and aunt weren’t home so they came home early)We went tearing down the steps and slammed the upstairs door trying to look all calm and normal. When they walked in the house my Mom had this look on her face,as the smell of sulphur hit her… It was like her lips were moving, but we couldn’t hear her real well cuz they were ringing from all the fire crackers.We could kinda hear her saying,”What did you kids do??? I said, Bobby and Eddie lit a pack of fire crackers,but we’ll shoot ours off another nite…(Like none of the rest of us did anything wrong) Bobby and Eddie were looking at me kinda blinking,like they were shell shocked. Our Mom and Dad didn’t check to see if the rest of the fireworks were still there….But the next morning when our Mom went upstairs to gather our clothes to do laundry she got the full impact of what we did.I swear to God ,she must of thought she walked into a war zone,with burn marks all over the walls and ceiling with burned up fireworks all over the floor….Like the song goes”Let Freedom Ring,Let the Whole World Sing,Let the Whole World Know That That Day Was the Day of Reckoning……..
Hope You All Have A Happy Safe 4th of July! Aggie
Aggie, You guys were luck they weren’t calling the fire department. I’ll bet that upstairs was a sight for sore eyes when you guys were finished lighting off all your fireworks. Gary
07/02/2009
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Karen Allard Henes obituary:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Karen Henes
July 20, 1955 – June 25, 2009
Karen Ann Allard was born July 20, 1955 in Bottineau, a daughter of John and Olivine (Cote) Allard. She attended school in Dunseith and graduated from Bottineau High School in 1973. She graduated from Josef’s School of Hair Design in Minot. Karen married the love of her life, Don Henes, September 29, 1979 in Bottineau. She worked at Hal’s Men’s Store and Tommy Turtle Lanes for several years before moving to Mohall. Karen was currently employed as a hairdresser at A Reflection located in Minot. Karen loved traveling to various places with her husband, Don. She always invited family and friends to join them. Karen enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, canning, biking, boating, skiing, hiking and had a gorgeous yard. There really wasn’t much Karen didn’t enjoy doing. She loved life and lived it to the fullest! Although Karen and Don weren’t blessed with children, they were adored by all their nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Everybody loved Karen. Karen and Don were looking forward to celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary on the 29th of September of this year. Family: Karen is survived by and will be deeply missed by her husband, Don, Mohall; her beloved pets, Jetta, Gizzy, Toots and Lucky; father, John Allard, Bottineau; sisters, Betty (Ron) Heinz, Rolette; Carol (John) Buxbaum, Sidney, MT; Mary (Laurel) Hiatt, Bottineau; brothers, Kenneth (Nancy) Allard, Fessenden; Larry (Dawn) Allard, Dunseith; Clayton (Diane) Allard, Bottineau; Duaine (Lavonne) Allard, Willow City; sisters-in-law, Mary Woolcott, Willow City; Diane (Ray) Kallus, Round Rock, TX; Peggy (Jeff) Oster, Bismarck; brother-in-law, Gary (Sherri) Henes, Bottineau; Dan (Cindy) Henes, Minot; James (Lavonne) Henes, Bismarck; David (Elsie) Henes, Willow City; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and her many wonderful friends. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, and numerous aunts and uncles. Funeral: Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall Burial: Mohall Community Cemetery Family Service: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the church Visitation: Wednesday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home Sign the Online Guestbook View the Henes memorial folder (These links will open in a new window)
Reply from Lyle Olson (70): West Fargo, ND
Gary:
I hope all is fine with you and yours. I haven’t been able to read the daily messages for quite some time but did want to respond to the message from Verena Gillis about cancer rates in Rolette and Bottineau Counties. When practicing law in Rolla back in 1987 – 1989 I represented several people for Social Security disability claims. Virtually all my clients had cancer or family members with cancer. Although not pertinent to my representation of my clients, I did learn through extensive research that the so-called fire break between the US and Canada – the scorched earth path that runs from the Peace Garden to Lake Metigoshe – had been sprayed with Paraquat (not Agent Orange as some have reported) back in the 30’s and up to the early 60’s. You may have heard of Paraquat in the past as it is the herbicide used by our own government to eradicate marijuana in California and elsewhere in the 1970’s and 1980’s. There was a huge outrage over the use of Paraquat for such efforts as marijuana users developed severe breathing and other problems after smoking marijuana that had been sprayed with Paraquat and then harvested for sale. While the DEA no longer uses the chemical for drug eradication in the US, it does fund the purchase of the same for use in countries such as Mexico, Columbia and now in Afghanistan. In any event, there is a statistically significant higher incidence of cancer mortality in Rolette and Bottineau counties than in the US and ND. Indeed, Rolette and Bottineau Counties rank #1 and #3, respectively, of the 51 counties in ND as to incidence of cancer. Go to “ http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/micromaps/” and complete the information in the left hand columns using all ND counties, all cancers, both sexes, all ages and other inputs and you will see the cancer “hots spots” in the state.Now, I am not a conspiracy theorist at all. I do not believe the government is hiding anything as there could be literally thousands of reasons why there is a higher cancer rate in Rolette and Bottineau counties than in all but one county in ND and the US in general. Lifestyle, environment, etc… could all account for the higher cancer rates. However, it seems to me that the statistical difference is great enough to warrant some sort of study from the federal or state government. Lyle Olson
Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
Hi Gary and Everyone:
While listening to the many messages on your blog this morning, I was struck by the message from Eileen Brudwick, that referred to the Agent Orange being used in Canada, and the subsequent illnesses and other dibilitating conditions resulting and attributed to the possibility that Agent Orange might be responsible. While at a VA Hospital a couple of days ago for a semi annual check up, I visited with a veteran from the Korean war, who told me about his younger brother who served in Viet Nam. He told me that his brother was subjected to to the spray of Agent Orange while on patrol. Upon his return to the United states, his general attitude appeared to be changed, although he married later and lived a somewhat normal life, he suffered from constant skin erruptions that either didn’t heal completely or healed very slowly so that others appeared during the healing process. This continued untill he was about 58 years of age, when he was diagnosed with cancer in many parts of his body, and he died after two years of painful treatments. I believe that his older brother said that the cause of his untimely death was quite likely if not absolutely certain was Agent orange. The reason I brought this incident up is that I have learned of many cancer deaths in the Dunseith, Bottineau area, and I might say an inordinate number. It would be a shame if the matter were to be dropped, and the responsible chemical companies were not brought to task for not warning of the potential dangers to everyone in the area before using it.
I guess I have to be thankful they hadn’t developed Agent Orange when I was wandering through the dense Phillipine foliage during World War II.
I wish to thank Eileen for her thoughtful consideration by bringing up this bit of information for all to consider. Thats the way of the High Plains people from North Dakota, always on hand to help others.
Erling Landsverk
Reply from Sharren Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.
Yesterday, the info regarding Agent Orange and its use was sent to my cousin, Ron St Onge of Sask. Might you patch his response to the blog? I also visited the web site you list today. All the defoliants used in the boundary land are probably carcinogenic, according to Don, but Agent Orange was not the culprit between Sask and ND. To what extent the materials have invaded our water and soil should be tested by the EPA office of ND. I visited their web site; found no evidence that tests for Dioxin had been performed. The BIA and border counties must have the leverage needed to properly check the scope of contamination. A shout should be raised. Remember the book, Silent Spring? I wonder if hunters and other observers see cancers in wildlife population?
I talked with brother Ernie yesterday – misery loves company. We both recalled the young Legasse vet of Rolette County, who died scant months after returning home from Nam, riddled with cancer. No doubt a tragic victim of Agent Orange and a fright for everyone of our generation. Ernie was in Camron Bay and the Bay of Tonkin a number of times servicing other ships. He said the surrounding land bordering the area was like a desert – no foliage. He also said there was a constant haze about the area. In the early 60’s the USA tested Agent Orange on a small island off the coast of Porto Rico. They evacuated half the island prior to testing. Cancers are rampant in the remaining population of the island and among those who migrated to the main island, all who were supposedly upwind of the testing. What a relief to read my cousin Aggies’ messages. Mom loved to visit her first cousin Etienne and Marie on the farm and a few of us would tag along. Lots of space in that big old house for a family of great heart and love of life. I think I remember watermelons and popsicles? The family spent few winters were in Willow City where I visited Bernadette and Paul and their many siblings. Houses could hardly contain the Casavant glee and constant motion. Great memories from ’50 and ’51. Sharron
Reply/question from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Clarence & Mary Ann Hagen
1966 or 1967?
Standing: Lola Metcafe, Patt Metcafe, Joan La Croix
Sitting: Joann Houle, Corliss Allard, Randi Mongeon
1964:
Shirley Boguslawski, Margaret Faine, Shirley Decoteau
Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht (65) with her three sons Rick, Jeff & Bob. Patty, I’m not sure of the identities of your boys. I’d say you are pretty well protected with these guys. Your boys are grandchildren of George and Alma Gottbreht too, with George being their father.
Trish Larson Clayburgh (73) with her love of horses. Trish is a
Registered Nurse in Fort Collins, Colorado. A lot of her spare time
is devoted to horses.
Folks, this picture speaks for it self.
Phyllis McKay (65) – 2007 – Auburn, WA
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MOHALL – Karen Henes, 53, of Mohall; died Thursday, June 25, 2009, as a result of injuries received in an accident involving a motorcycle striking a moose.
07/01/2009
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Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
To Dick,that story was soooo funny,when you first described putting all differnt sizes of tires on that car, I just lost it laughing,just trying to picture it.Then when I scrolled down and actually saw the car you can see that there is 2 different size tires on it…What a scream…As I was reading it I was cringing thinking of how dangerous that whole episode was,but kids being kids just don’t think that far ahead,but it was obvious Keith Smiths dad realized it,but I guess thats what parents are for,to protect us from ourselves.That was really a great story and I can see how that picture would be priceless to you. Keep the stories and pictures coming…. Aggie
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
In reply to Aggie’s question about the big white building by the Dick Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY
Gary,
While at my granddaughter’s wedding in Wisconsin, Augie and I were talking about Randy. He said, he had talked to Randy months back. He told me, that Randy had retired up in Montana. Where in Montana, Augie didn’t say. So, if anybody knows, Augie would, but I have no other contact with him. Sybil Johnson Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
Today’s blog brought back many memories for me…Patty, I too learned to drive on a Ford tractor, but perhaps Dad was a safer instructor than Dick???? lol as I don’t remember trees being in the wrong places.
Verena, I heard my parents and grandparents talk many times of the use of Agent Orange to clear the border line in this area, but I have no proof that this is true. If it is true, I think it may have been used somewhere around the 30’s or 40’s from what I remember them saying. I hope that someone will be able to find the information as it may help people in this area understand why so many are sick.
Gary, I don’t think this will be of interest to many people, but feel free to include it if you wish. I am including a picture of my grandfather Anton Dietrich with his fiddle. The picture was taken somewhere in the early 1900’s, which would make this instrument around 100 years old now. After my parents passed away, I found the fiddle in Mom’s things and decided it deserved to be heard again and enjoyed, so I gave it to Jim Birkland, who as you all know is a fiddle player. He did a bit of fixing and played it for me. I wanted to cry the first time I heard it. To think I was hearing the same sounds my grandparents and parents had heard was awesome. Jim called me last night and asked if he could pass the fiddle on to his son, who also plays. What an honor to know the fiddle will stay in the family and be enjoyed for many years yet!!! Thank you Jim.
And thank you Gary for all you do for each of us each day.
ele
Reply from Paula Fassett (70): North Branch, MN
It was interesting to read Verena Gillis’ note about agent orange. Once upon a time, Joe Evans told me that years ago when the US/Canada border was cleared at the Peace Garden and beyond, agent orange was used to rid the area of foliage, and he swore that that was the reason for the high cancer rate in the area. At the time he told me this I thought it sounded like a valid reason, but I’d never heard that from anyone else until now. So Verena, maybe there is something to that!
Paula Fassett
Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
Here is a link to a website regarding the agent orange sprayed in Canada. I don’t have a clue whether this is the area Verena is talking about, but thought I would pass this on to you.
Eileen
WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE
AGENT ORANGE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA THE GROWING SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT CHEMICAL SPRAYINGS ON CFB GAGETOWN AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES FROM 1956 TO 1984
Over one billion grams of Agent Orange, Agent Purple and Agent White were sprayed on CFB Gagetown and surrounding communities from 1956 to 1984 consisting of 3.3 million litres and kilograms of Dioxin, Picloram, 2,4-D + 2,4,5-T, and Hexachlorobenzene
In May/June of 2005, the CBC National, CTV, Global TV and hundreds of newspapers across Canada reported the ongoing stories of the spraying of Agent Orange and Agent Purple at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada. Document A-2004-00207 (See DND Documents in our Menu) was obtained through the Access to Information Act from The Department of National Defence (DND) Freedom of Information Directorate in Ottawa. This document, authored by DND, – a collection of letters, emails, pictures, charts, diagrams and transcripts of briefings contained the decades-hidden truth about the severity of the sprayings on CFB Gagetown. The Agent Orange document, as it became known, showed the extent of the sprayings of Dioxin, Hexachlorobenzene and Picloram contaminated defoliants for a 28-year period over an area of 181,000 acres on CFB Gagetown. Our Department of National Defence claimed the U.S. military had been invited to test only two and one half barrels (483 litres) of Agent Orange and Agent Purple and other unregistered herbicides for a total of three days in June 1966 and four days in June of 1967. However, DND’s own documents show that shocking amounts were sprayed for 10 years before the Americans sprayed their miniscule 483 litres in the summers of ’66 & ’67 and DND continued to spray millions of litres for a further 20 years after the Americans had packed up and gone home. During the 28 years that DND sprayed, the enormity of the spray exposure and drift became evident as thousands of civilians and military personnel became sick and were/are dying from being poisoned by the carcinogenic toxins in Oromocto, CFB Gagetown and all of the communities surrounding CFB Gagetown
Toni Morinville & Randy Kelly
Dan McKay & Pam Lagerquist
Comments: This picture must have been taken in 1950. With 3 candles, this must be Pam Fassett’s 3rd birth. Her birthday is November 30th and I think she was born in 1947. I think Dick Johnson was born in 1950 and by the looks of this picture he’s not even a year old yet. Gary
Picture (11/30/1950) L to R:
Mark Anderson, Susan Fassett, Pam Fassett, John Morgan & Dick Johnson
Don Johnson (46)
Ramona Dionne Johnson (48)
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06/30/2009
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Dorothy Pritchard is now on our distribution list.
From Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND
Just to let you know how interesting I find your web sight. Would you add Dorothy Pritchard to your mailing list. This is the e-mail address to which she would receive it: activitynd@yahoo.com. This is the activity department at the Long Term Care Center at St Andrews in Bottineau. She became interested when the articles on Sylvia Bergan were put out. They were from the same area and went to the same school as kids and Dorothy tells of how they became friends after she and Robert were married. Sylvia and Oscar were living west of Boundary Lake and Robert and Dorothy were living on the same place where they always lived only the house was further back to the east.(I could be off on that one). Any way, Robert trapped around Boundary Lake and she had gone with him to check traps on this particular day and they decided to walk on over to Oscar and Sylvia. Can you imagine! There were no groomed trails or paved walkways at that time. I didn’t ask her if they were wearing snow shoes or skis. Anyway, they became very good friends over the years. They both wound up at St Andrews Long Term Care. Sylvia was unable to visit anymore but she always recognized Dorothy and they always acknowledged each other with a little wave. So sad! Dorothy loves to visit and is getting hard of hearing but she still loves a good laugh. Appreciate all the local news. Thanks. Mary Knutson
Reply from Jim Casavant (73): Old White School House: Jamestown, ND
I started !st grade in 1961 in the old white school house. I was in Mrs. Seim’s room on the first floor on the east side of the old school house. I remember those first days of school in Dunseith School was like going to New York City after living in that small world on the farm. Mom worked in the kitchen in the basement which was comforting, but I can remember one day climbing up those steep basement steps and instead of turning to go to my first grade room, I somehow got lost and kept on walking down that long breezeway to the “upper grades” side of the school. By the time I reached those steps by the offiice, I thought I had walked off the end of the Earth and was lost forever. I think it was Principal Art Rude or Joan Wurgler, the secretary who tuned me around and headed me back in the right direction. Isn’t it funny how small things like that seem so big at the time and stick in your mind forever. That area where the old gym and locker rooms were also had a second !st grade class room on the west side of the gym. I think you had to climb some steps to get up to it. Mrs. Aus taught first grade there, then they left Dunseith a few years later. Mrs Emma Halvorson also had a second grade class room in that area just before you got to the office steps. I remember Mrs. Seim and Mrs. Halvorson as very kind teachers.
Message/question from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND
Note: Folks, Pete Gillis has been battling prostrate Cancer for a few years now.
Hi Gary,
Sounds like you are still pretty busy. So am I. Pete might have to start chemo again, we will find out in September. PSA’s is not going down, took him off one cancer pill and just going to try the shots for now and see what happens. I am very busy with my sister who just turned 52 last month. She also has cancer, the lungs and her kidneys along with a big tumor in her stomach. So been very busy with benefits for her to get her up to Canada to see a medicine man who is supposed to be pretty good. Looking for a miracle. We are also getting ready for a big family reunion, mainly for her while she still can get around, July 3rd actually. I have a question for you since you and Bill are so sharp with finding Verena Gillis
Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
Hi Gary. Oh Wow! This last set of pictures were awesome…ALL OF THEM…The photos of Dunseith were “GREAT” it was fun looking at them, trying to remember what was what and who lived where. I’m a bit baffled what that white building north of the police station is? I’m still not through studying those pictures. Fun, fun…About the picture, is it Kenny Nerple or Rene? “Dats mo brotha” Rene for sure. I would really like to know what play or skit that was? It was pretty funny at any rate…The last picture with the family from the Philippines on that motorcycle reminded me of when we use to be able to talk our Dad to go on a Sunday drive with the whole family??? I’m not real sure how we managed,but I remember about one Sunday a month he would pack us all in and drive down to Yellow Corners and get dixie cups. It kinda reminds me of this reality show on T.V called, How’d They Do That??? Well thanks for all the great entertainment Gary! Aggie
Class of 65 freshman initiation in 1961:
Rene Casavant, John Awalt, Billy Grimme & Allen Richard
 Reply to yesterday’s message from Don Aird: St Louis, MO
That last picture reminded me of the Vietnamese and their mo-peds. I remember at Tet, 1970, just north of Hue, watching a family of five riding to a celebration, all on a mo-ped dressed in their Sunday best. Another guy had two adult pigs wrapped in a bamboo blankets strapped to the back of his mo-ped. Each pig was facing the opposite direction at right angles to the bike.
Message/picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends, Back in the summer of ’62, Keith Smith (67) and I decided to get an Dick
( The picture is dated ’63, but wasn’t developed until later)
From L-R Doug Warcup, Brad Warcup, Keith Smith, Dick Johnson
July 2007
Rich Campbell(68)
July 2007
Deb Morinville Marmon (70) &
Colette Pigeon Schimetz(70)
Folks, Have any of you had any contact with Randy Kelly? Being on
President George Bush’s Staff, he was kind of a hard guy to get in
contact with. Randy was also mayor of St. Paul, MN for a number of years too.
If any of you have contact with Randy, please let him know we’d love to
hear from him. Gary
Cousins Randy Kelly(69) & Donna LaCroix Allard (64)
Previously posted with message 104 on 5-16-08
Picture/Message from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends
The picture of my old pal, Rich Campbell, prompted me to send one from Dick Patty Fassett (69), Dick Johnson (68) &
Rich Campbell (68)
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06/29/2009
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Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
A very happy birthday to Bernadette! You’ll have to let us know how the dinner was, and what was served. Is it similar to German sausage?
Cheryl Larson Dakin
Reply from Dick Johnson (69): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The picture of Susan Fassetts birthday party reminded me of a deal Dick From Neoal Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Hi Gary and All,
Thanks for all the prayers/good thoughts for Carol Berg Hamel. As of 4:00 this afternoon, she is home. Her staples will be removed on Tuesday. Carol’s doctor is very impressed with Carol’s progress. Prayer is powerful.
Her liver/lymph nodes are cancer free. Carol will most likely have chemo treatments to “kill any stray cancer cells”–my words.
Neola
Pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
This arial shot was taken shortly after we moved to our new home on the corner, completed in 1954. The school portion of the picture is enlarged. Thanks for posting the earlier photo.
I was told that the school building was sold at auction; the bid of August Dionne was accepted. This surprise was a headache and worry for uncle: he stood at the foot of George’s bed late one night and said George would have to take it off his hands. George would know who handled the move. The important structure had such presence; a sadness to see it moved. You do good work Gary. Sharron
Folks, We never did positively identify the first guy in the first picture. It sure looks like Kenny Nerpel to me?
L to R: Class of 65 freshman initiation – 1961.
Kenny Nerpel? or Rene Casavant?, John Awalt, Bill Grimme, Allen Richard
Bill Evans, Lucien Bedard, Janet Evans, Hannah Bedard, Dale Gottbreht
Dale & Alma Gottbreht
Dale Gottbreht & Bill Evans
Dunseith Fishing trip
Dale & Alma Gottbreht Children:
Back: Emma Jo, George, Sharron
Front: Ernie, Marc, Evie
Marge Brodeck, Marge Kester, John Bedard, Hannah Bedard
Family transportation in the Philippines on a 115cc Honda motorcycle 8 passengers (4 adults & 4 children) with a few house hold goods.
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06/28/2009
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Folks,
Bernadette, with her birthday today, has caught up to me in age. We are now the same age (61) for 3 weeks. We are going out for a Sunday brunch at a Gustavian Restaurant this morning. We have reservations for 10:30. This evening we plan on going out for dinner at a Japanese restaurant of Bernadette’s choosing. I told her McDonald’s is just fine for my birthday, but she may have something to say about that.
Gary
Francie Gottbreht Dutra (63): Olympia, WA
Folks, please update your address books with Francie’s new email address
Reply to yesterday’s message from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ
Gary,
Yes. that is my mother without the glasses. Thanks. Jean Nicholas Miller Memories from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
GARY,
THE METCALFE’S AND EVAN’S WERE NEIGHBORS ON RABBIT CITY LAKE. ARNE EVANS, WAS DAD’S AGE, AND THEY ATTENDED THE SAME GRADES TOGETHER AT HILLSIDE/BERGAN SCHOOL DAD SHARED THAT AS LITTLE CHILDREN, HE AND ARNE WERE NOT BUDDIES AND DIDN’T ESPECIALLY CARE FOR EACH OTHER. HOWEVER, ONE HOT, JULY DAY IN 1935,SCHOOL WAS RELEASED, SOMEONE CAME AND TOLD THE CHILDREN ON THEIR WAY WALKING HOME. THE LATEST NEWS, .BILL METCALFE (my grandfather) HAD DIED. THE CHILDREN ALL SCATTERED, LEAVING TWELVE YEAR OLD CLIFF, MY DAD BEHIND. DAD BECAME VERY DISTRAUGHT, RAN AND RAN,STUMBLING, BLINDLY THROUGH TEARS AND BRUSH, FALLING DOWN AND RUNNING SOME MORE…. RAN AND RAN UNTIL FINALLY… WHEN CLOTHES-LINED ON A FENCE… DROPPED TO THE GROUND EXHAUSTED…. CRYING, SOBBING……… IT WAS ARNE EVANS WHO CAME TO HIM HELPED HIM UP,PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HIM, WALK -GUIDED HIM HOME LISTENING AND SOOTHING HIM THROUGH HIS HICCUPPS. DAD NEVER FORGOT A HUMAN KINDNESS OR SIMPLE COMPASSION. HE DID NOT HAVE TIME OR TOLERANCE FOR THOSE WHO WERE UNFEELING, MEAN OR CRITICAL TO OTHERS LESS FORTUNATE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, DAD VALUED THOSE WHO WERE KIND TO THE LESSER FORTUNATE MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY, POOR, ETC. ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND THE AGED. BUT, FROM THAT JULY DAY ON HE CONSIDERED ARNE EVANS, FONDLY, AS A VALUED FRIEND. COUSIN GARY METCALFE SHARED ONE TIME WHEN DISCUSSING HIS UNCLE BING I AM ALSO SHARING RECOLLECTIONS OF OLE AND BING EVANS FROM MY SISTER, NANCY.
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The post card picture of Dunseith is unique in it’s ability to The baseball team has a correction. The guy sitting second from the Dick
Memorial service for Violet Hiatt House
Posted by her Daughter Doris House Gillies: Boise, Idaho
Hi Gary,
Just a quick note to let you know that we will be having a memorial service for my Mom ( Violet Hiatt House) on July 18 at 12:00 p.m. It will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monrow Ave. N.E., Renton, Washington 98056. It took awhile to get everything organized since her service is being held in a different state than where she was living. Art (my brother) is finalizing everything on that end, and I’m taking care of all the things here on this end. There sure is a lot of paperwork.
Doris House Gillies
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06/27/2009
Reply to yesterday’s message from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ
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Gary and Dick,
It was such a wonderful surprise to see the picture of Grandma Anderson’s birthday party in 1959!!!! My mother (Aggie Nicholas) is in the picture. She passed away in 1978 from Leukemia. She looks great. I was 11 years old when this was taken. Thank you both so much for this picture and everything. Jean Nicholas Miller (66) |
Jean, with the picture labeling, I believe this is your mother,Aggie Nicholas, with Agnes Berg.l
Reply from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA
Hi Gary,
When Dick Johnson mentioned a car show at the Peace Gardens with Jack & Bud Anderson, it brought back a memory for me. When Russell Robert & I were first married and we lived in Rolla. We were the janitor & maintenance people for the Rolette County Court house so we lived in the Janitors house that was located in the behind the court house over to the side. ‘Our House’, the Court House, & the Sheriff’s office formed a triangle and in the middle was the parking lot. While living there Russell had the ‘side’ job of checking out all the new firearms that came into the Rolla Hardware, before they were sold to anyone. Bud Anderson owned the store and his brother Jack worked there, as well as their Dad. Since we were very big admirers of Bud’s classic car collection & he know us pretty well, every once in a while on Sunday’s, he would let us take one of his cars out to ride around town in. ‘To clean out the carburetor’, he would say! About that same time, we had found a 1957 Three Door Biquiscane Chevy that didn’t run. It was the “sister” to the Nomad that most everyone is familiar with. OJ Robert, Russell’s Dad, helped us put a different motor in it. WOW, was that fun to drive. Great memories of those cars and getting to drive & ride in them. I don’t think I ever knew exactly how many cars Bud owned! Bud and Jack were wonderful guys. Jack seemed to be more “full of the devil” than Bud, but they were great!
Thanks again for all that you do for all of us Dunseithers. (I don’t think that’s a word, OH well)
Ivy Robert
Ivy, If Dunseithers wasn’t a word, it is now! I just added it to my spell check dictionary. Gary
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The old white school was the only building up until about 1935, when
the brick classroom, gym, and bathrooms were added. The third addition
was in about 1955-56 and was the new high school. The large room that
was used for the assembly was designed that way, not as a gym. When the
1935 gym became too small for functions, ball games were held in the
City Hall. It was built in 1937 and was used until 1963 when the new gym
was built. As discussed before, the City Hall burned in August, 1968.
There was a brick schoolhouse along Willow Creek, about straight west of
the new high school, that was used before the end of the 1800s. I don’t
know exactly where it was located but people used to find red bricks
scattered in that area. Does anyone know what happened to the red brick
school—demolished, burned, abandoned?? Thanks Gary!
Dick
Dick, I believe this is the same old school in this 1939 Aerial photo of Dunseith. This picture was probably taken prior to 1939 though. The post card this picture was taken from is post marked 1939. Gary
Pictures previously post with message 96 on 5-7-08
Pictures from Cyrstal Fassett Andersen (70):
Here is a picture of the 1953 baseball team that my Uncle Darrel Fassett played on. They drove some fancy cars!! Crystal Fassett Andersen
Picture:
Standing: Don Fassett, Duane Fugere, Guy Knox, Roger Johnson & Virgil Vanory
Seated: Bob Leonard, Jim Footit, Darold Grenier, Lloyd Awalt, Gary Morgan & Darrel Fassett & John Leonard batboy
Here’s another picture of one of my sister Susan’s birthday parties.It is taken in our front yard in Dunseith,across from the creek. It was in August but no year. Crystal Fassett Andersen
Picture:
Back: Pam Fassett, Tobby Dailly, Karen Loeb, Carol Jasper, Susan Fassett, Bill Grimme, Marlene Richard. Evie Gottbreht,
Judy Jo Johnson & Mark Anderson..
Front: Debbie, Randi & Donnie Mongeon
Folks, going through some old pictures I ran across this one taken inside of Salem church in July 2007. Arliss Rude Hagen and her husband Leonard totally restored Salem church, both inside and out, several years ago. They donated a lot of hours of labor and the results are fantastic. All the furnishings are restored original. Salem is open to the public. I believe Glen Rude unlocks the doors daily in the summer. If for some reason it is locked, Glen lives just a very short distance to the east on the south side of the road from the church. He will gladly unlock the doors if they are locked. Salem church is located on Highway 43 about 5 or 6 miles east of Lake Metigoshe. I spent many hours sitting in the Pews of Salem in my growing up days. When visiting the church, take note of the Sunday school attendance roster posted on the wall. My name with a few others of you out there is on that roster.
Gary Stokes inside Salem Chruch – July 2007
Folks, I ran across this picture too. This is my dad’s biological father, Carl Petterson. For those of you that knew my dad, you can sure see the similarities of him in this picture of his father. Of the 6 boys, dad is the one that most resembled their father. Dad was always very close to his biological family. His father, Carl, lived about 5 miles NE of Bottineau in the Foot hills. Three of his sisters married the only 3 Kofoid brothers in the area. I always knew I was related to all the Kofoid’s, but I always had problems figuring out which Kofoid family everyone belonged to. This picture was taken 6 months before Carl’s death in December 1960. He was 82 years old. Gary
Carl Petterson – Bob Stokes’ biological father.
06/26/2009
Reunion question from Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA
Gary,
As always, I appreciate the effort you put in to coordinating all this correspondence. Don’t know how you keep it all straight.
Just a question about which Best Western Hotel in Seattle we are meeting at for the dinner and gathering on July 24th. There are about four of them not far from Seattle Center and about another four in the Seattle area. You may have already mentioned that in an earlier mailing, but can’t find it in my Dunseith folder at the moment.
Thanks for everything,
Bob Hosmer, WA Chaplain
Marketplace Chaplains USA
Cell: 425-299-0928
Email:
Website: www.MChapUSA.com
Marketplace Chaplains USA
Cell: 425-299-0928
Email:
Website: www.MChapUSA.com
Bob, We are having our reunion at the Best Western Executive Inn located on Taylor Ave. I have posted a picture with the space needle in the back ground. As you can see, the Best Western Executive Inn is very close to the Space Needle. I have also listed our (Bill & mine) point of contact at the Best Western. Feel free to call Jan for any direct questions you may have. She is a super friendly lady with ND roots. Gary
Jan Peterson-Gross
Director of Catering
Best Western Executive Inn
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 674-6614
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
First, I can’t take the credit for announcing the Bottineau
Quasi-centennial parade–it was very well done by Les Halvorson and
Dwane Getzlaff. Diane saw me setting up the sound system for the south
stage for the ‘music on main’ so it’s easily understood why she thought
it was me. I doubt that I could do it even half as well as Les and Dwane!
Allen—the show and shine car show is Sunday, August 2 at the Peace
Garden. This is our 30th annual show and is being held in conjunction
with an art show in the lodge. I understand Colette Hosmer will be one
of the exhibitors. Our group, ‘Highway 43’ has also been asked to play
music in the other room of the lodge during the shows. There is no
entrance fee for the car show and no judging as it was in the old days,
just come and park and leave when you want. Lots less work for those of
us setting it up! Hope you can make it. Yes, I’m afraid ‘Swearin’ Jack
Smith left us a couple years ago. The show hasn’t been the same without
Jack and Bud Anderson from Rolla. They were the core we built around!
Thanks Gary!
Dick, Les Halvorson does a mighty fine job of announcing. In conjunction with teaching in the Newberg area and being an auctioneer with his auctioneering business, he has been a radio announcer for years with the Bottineau radio station too. Les is married to Myra Henning from the class of 72. Her parents were previous owners of the Gamble store in Dunseith. Les was also a teacher at Dunseith high school in the 70’s. Les and Myra have lived directly across the street from my brother Darrel (Bud) and Debby on Vera street in Bottineau for years. Their daughter, her name has slipped my mind at the moment, replaced Pat (Mrs. John) Frykman when she retired several years ago as the head librarian at the city/county library in Bottineau. Les & Myra, we’d love to have a picture of you guys too.
Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Folks, I was rushed yesterday and failed to see the attached picture that Dick included with this message, so I am reposting with picture. If you folks send me a message with an attachment and I fail to post, please let me know. I will never ever not post an attachment without letting the sender know. To be honest, that has seldom happened, but I’d never do that just the same. The same is true for messages that you send that you don’t see posted. I will, without fail, get back to the sender if I decide not to post. If you don’t see a message posted and I have not gotten back to you, that means that I have not gotten the message or I have missed it. These are my self imposed rules that I will never deviate from. Gary
Gary and Friends,
Campbell with the block of wood, Greg Grimme with the hat on, and Tim
Hill with the ‘ I think we made it ‘ look!
The last week of August, 1968 five of us guys decided to take a trip
to the Black Hills in South Dakota. We borrowed my dad’s pickup, a
topper from Manvil Sebelius, a tent from Harvey Halvorson ( I think ?)
and took off ! The crew included Rich Campbell, Greg Grimme, John Bogus,
Tim Hill, and me. We drove through to the Black Hills and got to a
campground in the middle of the night, much to the dismay of those who
were already there trying to sleep. It was raining so it took some
gasoline to start our campfire! A Canadian came over and asked if we
were alright? We couldn’t get the stakes in the ground on one side of
the tent but found out why the next morning—that side was sitting on
the road! We did have a great time together and went to most of the
sites of interest around the Black Hills. We hit the dog races in Rapid
City and some low life dive in Ft. Pierre where we were lucky to have
survived. It was our last bash together before we all went our separate
ways to college and beyond. I wouldn’t trade the memories of that trip
together for anything! Thanks Gary!
Dick
Those in the pictures: John Bogus with the multi colored shirt, RichCampbell with the block of wood, Greg Grimme with the hat on, and Tim
Hill with the ‘ I think we made it ‘ look!
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): moniesue@yahoo.com Forsyth, MO
Hello all, Neither of the two pictures we have seen on the blog did justice to Mr. Jerstad. He was old school, Navy, boxer, very clean cut and had a hard time with the aroma some of the farm boys brought to school in the morning, but I think he tried to reserve good hygiene to himself. A cool guy with a neat wife.
Mr. Conroy was the guy who said, “get to work or do you want to be a $10 a day ditch digger all of your life!” He also commanded a lot of respect.
The blog has enhanced memories of days gone by. I feel so privileged to have known old settlers, the world’s greatest generation and also generations thereafter. Too bad that we have almost lost the romance of the 30’s and 40’s. Dunseith had the diversity that not many communities had in the area. For instance, I can only remember one Native American who sat in front of the Red Owl on Saturdays, her name was Long Shanks. Minerva Standing Chief and Daisy One Side may have been there as well. The foot hills were burned every spring and the Sundance always had an aura about it.
Johnny Hill was the right age to be entertained by the Saturday night battles, so he had a better handle on what really happened, after all when you are only 8 years old it is hard to really see what is going on. But, some of the best entertainment Dunseith had to offer was toward the end of the 40’s. What with four bars in full swing. \
It was good to see that Betsy Thiefoe got away and made a good life for herself in California. And Janice Striker, by the way her Uncle Elmer Striker was in the west when we got there in ’39. Also his older brother Bill. My dad talked about William Striker having a real estate office in Seattle and was a poet of sorts. That’s when Seattle had only three digit phone numbers. It is going to be great to revisit some of the houses we lived in, especially the big house on Spruce and Yessler Way, where many ND people stopped and some rented rooms. I remember my dad leaving for Juneau to run a plastering job and came back with lots of stories. We will be going to Juneau next month on the cruise. Thanks. Gary Metcalfe
Reply from Sybil Johnson:great_grandma2007@live.com Cheyenne, WY
How I remember those hamburgers at Dale’s. They were large enough to feed a family and they were so good. Alot of the people
mentioned in various emails, I dont know personally, but I do remember when “PA” or Bernice talk about them. Happy July 4th, everyone. Sybil Johnson(great_grandma2007@live.com)
mentioned in various emails, I dont know personally, but I do remember when “PA” or Bernice talk about them. Happy July 4th, everyone. Sybil Johnson(great_grandma2007@live.com)
Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): mschimetz@msn.com Rolette, ND
From 1958, I remember the old School House, there was a gym in the basement as well as a boiler room that doubled as a locker room, and said boiler room attached to the south and the east addition from the Old School house basement. I expect my interest in mechanical devises along with friends John and Danny Boguslawski got me the tour of this area. The Gym was also used as a music room , the teacher was Don Darling ? From the Old School house there was a hallway to the newer south wing, and in that area was the men’s bathroom and the trophies and photos of previous years, Which was always a stall in my getting back to the classroom. At that early age these guys were like superheroes to me. Then down the short railed steps heading south right past the principles office, Quickly as the door was always open and back to classroom. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think the kitchen was in the west side of the old school house, but I don’t exactly remember how we got there.
I had the 3rd and 4th grades in the Old School House, First and Second were in the East addition newly added.
Mark, you have jarred my memory. What you described is right on with what I remember about that old school and the south addition. Up until now my memory was a bit fuzzy, but you have revived all that. I was having a hard time recalling the physical layout of the old school until you mentioned that hall way between the old school and the new addition. I had totally forgotten about that cold hall way. That was the missing link. That hallway was mighty cold on -40F days. Yes the principles office was at the bottom of the steps, in the south addition, on the left (East) side of the hallway. The class rooms were located, down the hallway, to the left just past the Principles office. The new gym, used for a study hall, was to the right. I spent my first year of HS in these buildings before the new High School was built. I’m not sure what year the south addition was built. It was there when I started HS in 1961. As a freshman, I remember always being seated in the area to the left (north) side of the gym for our study halls. I think they had us grouped by classes starting with the freshman to the left and the seniors to the extreme right next to the south windows. I remember Connie Fauske, a senior at the time, being in one of my study halls, sitting next to the windows. I remember well, Phyllis McKay sitting across the aisle and several desks up from me in that study hall. I remember her turning around to chat with me, when Mr. Grossman wasn’t looking. For me, being a country boy fresh out of country school and new to the city school, being noticed and talked to by Phyllis was a highlight.
DHS Sophomore Class of 1945 (Class of 47)
First row; Eleanor Awalt, Lola Striker, Patty Mc Atee, Laverne Schick, Shirley Wentland, Doris Schneider, Darraine Habberstad, Jennine Watkins
Second row: Donna Aitchison, Alice Goodsell, Janice Striker, Delores Hiatt, Luella Halvorson, Mildred Brennan, Jean Metcalfe, Velma Brennan, Lorraine Christianson, Gloria Plante, Minnie Knox
Third row: Leo Murray, Leonard Stickland, Raymond Haagenson, Harvey Halvorson, Darrell Fassett, Dee Nelson, Wayne Molgard, Allison Fiske, Darald Dion, Llyle McDermott, Miss V. Marie Nesting, Advisor
Previously posted with message (89) 5-1-08
Message/picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends
The attached picture was taken in 1959, at what I believe was Grandma
Anderson’s birthday party. She was the mother of Gertrude Awalt and
Charlie and Walter Anderson, and spent the last part of her life living
in a small house in Awalt’s backyard. I used to walk over to her house
and she would give me cookies and milk. If I remember right, she had a
wood cookstove that she baked in and cooked on. This picture shows a
group of neighbor ladies with her in front and center. It has been a
very long time but I am quite sure this is Grandma Anderson, if not
please correct me, or if I have anyone else wrong please feel free to
send the right name. I am doing this from memory as there are no names
on the picture. Thanks again Gary!
The ladies L_R:
Standing—Irene Teal, Dorothy Egbert, Rose Kalk, Thelma Johnson, Joyce
Evans, Marie Allard, Marie Thompson, Lela Cota {nearly hidden},Joy
Nordquist, Arla Millang, Bernice Johnson, Agnes Berg, and Aggie Nicholas.
Seated— Beatrice Olson, Grandma Anderson, and Myrtle Olson.
06/25/2009
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Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
Gary, I noted on the Dunseith School building photo yesterday that it was obviously moved from somewhere to Dunseith in 1956 – the year I started school there in the first grade. Where was the school building moved from? And what served as the elementary school before 1956?
Brenda Hoffman – class of 1968
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
To Dick Johnson—-Ahh yes— the old school. And I’ll bet a majority of the good memories for a lot of us Mrs. Conroy. That would be synonymous.
When is the Peace Garden car show? I was thinking of visiting Dunseith this summer, but not until August. I was going to drive the old Dodge — But the thought of buying 200 gallons of Premium at $350 a gallon kinda takes the fun out of it. (It has been tweaked a bit.)
I assume our old friend “Cussin’ Jack Smith has passed or would be well into his 90’s by now.. What a character.
Allen
Dunseith (Seattle) reunion – July 24th
Folks, In a message I got from Bill Grimme yesterday, he mentioned that Larry St. Claire (66) has signed up for our reunion dinner in Seattle on July 24th.
Larry, This is wonderful that you are making special trip down to Seattle from Anchorage, Alaska to attend this reunion. You are a special guy.
Evie Gottbreht Pilkington, you too are making a special trip from Southern California for this reunion. You too are a very special.
We are looking forward to seeing you guys and everyone else at this reunion. Gary
Reply from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
Hi Gary, Thanks for posting the picture of my Dad again and also for your message Diane. Have lots of memories of the “Jumbo” – the Canadians would come over and over again for the treat…..The bun was great – hamburger in the old days from the Red Owl but I think one of the secrets was the well grilled bun and the diced onions vs. sliced onion. Diane when you lived in the barn house I babysat for you girls several times. I also lived in that house for a brief period when we were waiting to move into our new house on the corner. My grandmother Evelyn lived there for a time, she had an old wood cook stove and it was all she cooked on ….we warmed our toes there on cold winter days. I babysat very little for money, our allowance and fun money was made by working in that café or station ….I have check stubs going back to when I was 12 years old and had a regular summer shift at the café. I was paid 35 cents an hour; most of my checks were signed by Bob Strickland. We just filled out a time card like everyone else and picked up our check on Saturday…..on some checks I notice that Ernie and I cashed ours at the movie theatre – “show hall”. I am not going on the cruise but will be at the dinner and looking forward to seeing the group. Evie Pilkington Gottbreht 65
PS – Today I was on google and I put in my cell number and the Dunseith website came up……my cell number was with the picture posting of Dad. If you google a listed house phone MapQuest pops up so you can immediately get a map to your house……hmmm that might be too much info for some in the world today……..
Reply/message from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND A couple of things….Dick brought up the subject of the old white The Rendahl Gospel tape is great….I am sure Art Rude Jr. has more of Diane Larson Sjol
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends, The last week of August, 1968 five of us guys decided to take a trip Dick |
