Gary and Everyone especially Bev….This past Mothers Day I made my usual call to my Mother there in Dunseith and chatted about the usual things we talk about when I call.(not as often as I should!)After the call ended I thought about the other Mom that used to be in my life so many years ago but still lives in my memory every day.When Bev posted that picture of her Mother the other day it brought back wonderful memories of her again.My second Mom as I use to call her.If ever anyone had a problem that they could not talk to anyone else about you could always count on Francis to be there and listen to you over a game of cards(Nerts if I remember right)and a cup of coffee..No matter how bad or how good she was feeling that day she ALWAYS had time..For that I will always love her!The best second Mom a troubled teenager could have asked for!! Oh ya and she was never afraid to tell you if you were messing up.
As we all get older and God knows we are,our goals and priorities in life change.Although for the select few,that old, very narrow road will always be the same!But thats ok too.. The ones that were once important in our lives get replaced with new ones and so forth.But once we reach that plateau that we have strived most of our life to reach, the one that every person reaches at some point in their lives ,we settle down with that one special someone we will spend the rest of lives with,start a family,be content with your choices and most of all be dedicated to those in your life that are closest to you.But everyonce in a while,we go back to our high school days and relive,if for only a very short while, all those memories that will always be in the back of our mind.That Gary, is why, this that you do for us all, is so very important and meaningful!! Thanks, Bill Krause
Bill, You sure hit the nail on the head with what you said. Very well written. Gary
Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND
Gary and Erling Landsverk, This posting by Erling was poignant to me because Don and Bernice were special friends of mine. Also, I’ve had some one on one with Erling on other matters. Since I just returned to Lake Metigoshe and shopped at Bottineau for groceries, I mentioned to Sharon Landsverk who works in our grocery store that Erling and I had been in contact. She mentioned a book he has written. Today, I purchased it, and when I get through sorting out our stuff I’ll read it. It is titled “My Dakota Years”. I look forward to it because I think it will add to the knowledge we are interested in regarding our wonderful place of growing up. Hopefully,Erling, you will get a marketing plan underway and gain some fans. I suggested to Sharon that it go on sale at the Log House in Dunseith, and anywhere else that will bring some profit and further understanding of our land. I’m enjoying catching up on three weeks of mail. Cheers, Bill Hosmer
Bill, Where were you able to purchase Erling’s book? Erling is such a remarkable guy. He doesn’t let being blind stand in his way. Yes, Sharon Landsverk has been a checker, for decades, at the Jack & Jill store there in Bottineau. I always try to wait for a lull in her line so I can shoot the breeze a bit with her on my way out whether I’ve purchased anything or not. She’s a good old Willow Lake/Dunseith gal. She and Erling are first cousins. Gary
Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC
Wow Dick, the pictures of that Chevy coup you shared are exactly like the car we wrecked that night.I’ll never forget that night. It was Bobby driving that night, with me in the middle in the front next to Bobby with Maryann by the door, Eddie and Jimmy were in the back. We were on our way back from our Uncle Lucien’s place after visiting our cousins Ricky & DuWayne Casavant. Bobby was driving too fast for night driving and I had just told him to slow down, cuz Shaney Vrems cows some times got loose. I never sooner said it, and we came over the hill and saw these two shinny eyes in the road, Maryann said, mmm there they are. Bobby hit the brakes hard, and when he did the car pulled to one side kinda side way, and the cow kept getting closer. We were driving south and when we hit the cow it spun us around going north and down this steep ditch. I could feel I was sliding into Maryann, so I grabbed onto the rear view mirror. Well by the time the car stopped, the door had flew opened and Maryann and I flew out of the car with me landing on top of Maryann, with the rear view mirror in my hand. (That poor little rear view mirror was no match to keep chubby “Aga-nus” in place, super glue wasn’t invented yet…LOL) Anyway, Maryann was crying and said she hurt her knee, and in the moonlight we could see the car leaning like it was ready to tip over on us. As we made our way up the ditch totally stunned and dazed, poor Maryann was in front of me trying to get up the ditch. All of a sudden she trips over something and falls, and me right behind her falls on top of her again…I bet by this time she was thinking she would of been better off being the cow we just hit. Well by the time we got up the ditch, Shaney had heard us hit, and drove out to us. When his truck lights shined on us, he looked at us like speechless cuz we were covered in blood….Not our blood, but when Maryann had fell over something in the ditch it was the cow we had hit and needless to say it was injured pretty bad…So Shaney gave us all a ride home, and told Maryann and I to stay outside while he went in to give our Mom & Dad a heads up before they saw Maryann and I. If I remember correctly, our Dad and Shaney went back out there that night and kinda like finished butchering the cow, saved the meat, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Dick I was surprised how accurately you remember our Mom riding the school bus, and no she didn’t drive. Us kids tried to teach her but that’s a whole other story. She rode the bus and worked at the school till Jimmy got hurt at the graduation party, then she pretty much retired to take care of Jimmy. Thanks for all the nice compliments about our Mom, and our family Dick, I know it will mean allot to my family when they read it. God Bless you and take care. Aggie
Reply to Dick Johnson from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND
Dick,
I know Gerald Casavant was in the service….Colette Schimetz and I
used to write to him…he was in Vietnam too I believe. I used to
have a big crush on Joe many years ago from afar….Gerald and Joe
were always fun to be around
Lucy & Joe Casavant (65) 7-12-07
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
To Dick Johnson
The picture of your barn Dick motivated me to talk about the barn I moved to the Lee Striker place in the 60’s. It was Joe Borgan’s barn from near Souris. Col. Richard Rocheleau had a young man with enough nerve to start his barn moving business. Well, Vern, from Rugby thought my dad was holding him back coming up through the hills on 43 highway. It was January–cold and lots of snow. So Vern run the hill east of Ike Hagen’s and I am sure he was proud of the time he made. I missed out on most of this adventure as I was working in Belcourt building houses, a good winter job, so I hired my dad and Mike Brennan to help. When they got to that notorious hill east of Arnold Zieler’s, before they could get George Gregory’s maintainer hooked on behind the barn to hold it back, Vern took off, had to kick it out of gear to save the motor from blowing a rod, so he coasted up the hill aways on the uphill side, then rolled back into a deep ditch. It sat over night like a ship on the ocean in a bad hurricane. Next day was Saturday, we worked all day with come alongs, braces and planks. LeRoy Strong was on the front with a D8 cat and we got it up on the road about an hour before dark. I watched the chain break, the motor on the truck screamed and ran backwards and the barn stopped rolling back. Mike Brennan had thrown a railroad tie under the duals at the back of the barn, we replaced the chain with a large cable and I walked ahead of the barn to insure that Vern did not put it in the ditch again.
That little doll house that Lee Striker raised his family was where I learned I did not like living alone. I bought that quarter of land from Henry Miller from Cando, who was related to Lee someway. Maybe Janice could talk some about her dad. Lee was certainly one of my dad’s colorful pals. I bet she remembers his little mare, Patsy and his unique stock saddle. I wouldn’t doubt that Patsy brought him back from Kelvin that night when he pulled Herman House’s tooth with a pair of farm pliers. Every self respecting farmer carried a pair of pliers in his overall special pocket. The farm in those days was not the best place to be if you had asthma as bad as Lee did, but I think it added to his personality….hands on his knees whenever he was sitting. Those were the days when Lee and Emma were probably snowed in for weeks at a time in the winter. Roads came up there in the 50’s, could be off a couple years. Gary Metcalfe
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):BEDFORD, TX
To Mark Schimetz…I love the wedding photo of your parents. Thanks for sending. In the spirit of 1950 weddings I wanted to include a photo of my Mom and Dad – Mensvil Norman Larson, Jr. and Verdellis L. Richard married August 21, 1950. Another of them is taken at the locks in Seattle not too much later than that.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
Mensvil Norman Larson, Jr. and Verdellis L. Richard – August 21, 1959
Mensvil Norman, Jr & Verdellis (Richard) Larson
Replies from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA
Gary,
I spent some time today trying to send various Footnote items to you. No Luck! It seems that Footnote has blocked further mail to you? I thought they encouarged sharing but it seems they only want subscribers.
I searched for mention of Harman Hiatt today – no mention anywhere that I have found. Three Hiatt’s were registered for Selective Service in Rolette County: Albert Hazen Hiatt; Amos Albert Hiatt; Willie Edwin Hiatt, all of Dunseith postal service.
In the 1930 Census the Henry A and Charlotte Hiatt family are listed in Bottineau County. Henry A, age 47 born Iowa, parents b Iowa; Charlotte O, age 42 b Sweden, parents b Sweden. Harold R 19; Amos A 16; Alice M 14; Marie M 10; Ethel E 8; Gladys L 6; Lillie O 4 3/12; Betty J 1 9/12. All b ND. Both Henry and Harold were listed as laborers/general farming.
Bill Hosmer might have some interesting memories to share of the trip to Hudsons Bay mentioned June 1931 in the TMS Dunseith News? I would love such an adventure.
There is mention of the Stokes family; before your time Gary.
The Borland family made a permanent move to Idaho shortly after this the trip west mentioned here.
Miss Elsie Lafrance was the adopted daughter of Joe and Mary Louise La France. She was blind from birth. Elsie studied Braille in Philadelphia. Alice Tennancour Berube said that Elsie would often read to her and her sisters from her books in Braille.
The over 1500 young men called by the Selective Service Act are all listed in early 1940. Men were then called in smaller groups from this list by lottery for induction. These items might interest with Memorial Day around the corner.
SharronSharron
From Sharron:
Billie Jack Hosmer’s birthday was celebrated 9 months after the Hudson holiday of Jack and Ines Hosmer! His mom held a party 17 Oct 1938 and entertained 12 guests. Bill might share their story of the trip to Hudsons Bay.
I have so many wonderful memories of Jack and Ines Hosmer, Bob and Lee Hosmer, Martinson’s Bakery and the beautiful Morinville couple that it is hard to know where to start. For a retired person, I have many distractions, all of my own making! Having left home in 1958, I see most folks of Dunseith as they were then – forever young.
At the time of the centennial celebration, Jack Hosmer sent word that I should come by and visit. He had a copy of the photo of George Gottbreht and himself on the streets of St Louis, MO, as I recall. They had traveled further south with invite for black baseball players to come to Dunseith. Certainly board and room must have been part of the package. Snips of the Dunseith Colored Giants keep appearing in old issues of Turtle Mountain Star. You could see that Jack relished the memory of the trip and later result. At that visit Jack also reminded me of the many occasions their Metigoshe cabin was open for young visitors. Foremost is the recollection of Lee, having taken a crew of girls their for some fishing from shore – she patiently spent about an hour unsnarling the mother of all knots from my reel! Wonderful, wonderful people.
Speaking of fishing, Marc and I had two days on the Spokane River near his home last year, end of March. I would phone our fish report and ETA to Kathy. The final day of that outing, Kathy said to hurry, the Blue Angels were exercising right above Marc’s home. We arrived for the last 5 minutes. Unbelievable events happen to heart rate and respiration when face to face with the pilot. I have bad knees now, but I was jumping, shouting and waving at the marvel. Marc and I were the sole observers standing in his wide open ten acres. Wow! I’ve so enjoyed every item of the Dunseith fly over and Bill Hosmers comments/commendations. I am attaching a Star item about his big brother Clark Hosmer, lest we forget a single hero.
Keep well, Sharron
Sharren, this is the item attached. I’ll post the Clark Hosmer Article with a later message. Gary
Reply from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ
Gary,
It was very nice seeing the picture of Herman Martinson. He was a very nice man and I remember those date filled cookies so well!!! I used to love going in the bakery with my mother and I always managed to get a cookie or two out of the visit. Terry was in my class and the year I went to music camp he delivered rolls and buns to the camp. I’ve never had one of those that was equaled in taste either. The picture brought back alot of memories.
Jean Nicholas Miller (66)
Replies from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND
I just have to say one thing…well two things….first…Herman
Martinson made the best date bars I have ever eaten in my whole
life!!!!!!!!!Second, Bev, your mom is gorgeous in that
picture….brings lots of memories cuz…Diane
Diane’s reply to Mark Schimetz:
Mark,
Thanks for supplying the photo of Arsain and Melinda Fontaine. I
can’t get over how much Margaret Fontaine Sebelius looks like her
grandmother! I have wonderful memories of playing at Joe and
Margaret’s house as a kid in the second grade…the convent used to be
right next door….we lived across the street from the convent in a
green and white house shaped like a barn. The Grossman’s lived kind
of behind us if I remember correctly. We had alot of fun times
playing over at their house too, climbing trees with Patty, Paul,
Peter and Parrell…..long time ago.
Diane Larson Sjol
Bobby Slyter’s (70) reply to Mark Schimetz (70): Wichita, Kansas
TO MARK SCHIMETZ: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PICTURE OF YOUR MOM AND DAD, YOUR MOTHER HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, AS SHE WAS ALWAYS SO GOOD TO ME WHILE WE WERE GROWING UP AND SHE WAS COOKING AT THE SCHOOL, A WONDERFUL WOMAN THAT GOD CREATED IN YOUR MOTHER
JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS
Reply to Aggie Casavant from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Aggie Casavant wrote a real nice letter about my parents. I appreciate
it. There are a few things I can remember about her family that are of
equal esteem. I remember her mother, Marie ( I believe that’s her name
but we always called her Mrs. Casavant), always was smiling and friendly
as we picked up our noon lunches at school. If I remember correctly, she
didn’t drive and for quite a while she rode to work on the school bus.
That is dedication. One thing I remember about Rene, Gerald and Joe
(twins), and Aime was when they saved up their money and bought a really
nice little black ’47 Chevy coupe. It was like a ‘little old ladies
car’, in that it was immaculate. They drove it to school for a while and
then on one fateful trip home they crested a hill and hit someone’s cow
that was on the road. The beautiful little car was totaled. I remember
how disgusted we all felt about the boys wrecking their car. They just
smiled and said, “Oh well.” One time in choir practice, Joe was holding
his music with both hands and suddenly sneezed. Gerald said, in his slow
‘Frenchy’ brogue, “Mister Johnson, I think you’ll have to keep that
music for Joe, for next year!” The entire choir roared with
laughter—including the Casavant boys! They were a fun bunch to be
around! Tim Hill and I made a ‘road trip’ to Wahpeton in 1970, to visit
John Bogus and the other guys from home. John lived in a basement
apartment with some other local guys. Gerald or Joe (sorry but I don’t
remember which) was living with them. He had just returned from a tour
in Viet Nam, where because of his small size was assigned the duties of
a ‘tunnel rat’. After all that, he still was the same fun guy he was in
high school. To me this was amazing, as many of the vets at Bottineau
School of Forestry were carrying visible emotional scars from their
experiences. The entire Casavant family is one of the nicest bunch of
folks you could ever hope to meet! Thanks Gary!
Attached is a picture of a car very similar to the one the Casavant boys
had. It’s not the same one, just one from my wheeling and dealing, that
may bring back some memories of their car.
Dick
Dick, I remember seeing Mrs. Casavant riding the school bus too. I remember her well working in the school cafeteria. She was always so pleasant and so nice and so chearful. She raised a very fine family of 16 wonderful children too. I just happen to have all of the the Casavant siblings in my records, all of whom are still living. I have listed their names and info below. Gary
I was in Bismarck a couple days at meetings and found it ironic to see all the memories posted about Don and Bernice when I got home.
The reason I found it ironic was that I too had thought about Don and Bernice both on the way to Bismarck and back to Minot.
Everyone who was ever in choir will know what stirred my memory. I was listening to the radio, (Bismarck has a great oldies station) and heard the song both on the way down and on the way back: Monday, Monday by the Mamas and the Papas!
Great song and great memories of a wonderful couple.
Diane Fugere
Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI
HI GARY:
I WAS INTRIGUED BY DAVE SLYTERS COMMENTS ABOUT DON AND BERNICE JOHNSON, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE MENTIONED THE OLD BENNY JOHNSON FARM. I NEVER KNEW DON OR BERNICE JOHNSON, HAVING MOVED AWAY FROM THE HILLS BACK IN THE 40’S. FROM WHAT I READ, DON AND BERNICE JOHNSON WERE AN OUTSTANDING PAIR A CREDIT TO THE COMMUNITY, THE SCHOOLS AND NORTH DAKOTA AS A WHOLE. THE TRAGEDY THAT ENDED THEIR LIFE IS SO VERY SAD AND A LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY AS I CAN ONLY ADD MY BELATED CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, HAVING JUST LEARNED OF IT. GETTING BACK TO THE BENNY JOHNSON FARM; IT WAS LOCATED JUST ONE MILE EAST OF OUR FARM, . OUR FARM BORDERED THE ROLETTE COUNTY LINE. BENNY’S MOTHER DELIVERED SOME OF MY SIBLINGS INCLUDING MYSELF. I GUESS SHE WAS A MID WIFE TO MANY OF THE NEIGHBORS. AS A KID I ACCOMPANIED MY OLDER SISTER TO THE JOHNSON FARM TO USE THE TELEPHONE, SINCE THERE WERE NO TELEPHONE LINES NEAR US. I REMEMBER HER BEING QUITE SHORT, AND CHEERY AND SHE WOULD CALL BURDELLA FOR US, TO GET THE CALL STARTED. I MUST SAY THAT SINCE I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THE DUNSEITH ALUMNI THAT OLD MEMORIES KEEP CROWDING IN FROM FAMILY NAMES WE KNEW SO WELL. IN OUR PARTICULAR AREA WERE THE HAGEN’S, WINDOM’S, WENSTAD, JOHNSON, SATRAND, ANDERSON, BYE, HALVORSON, MIKLESON, CHRISTIANSON, MELHOUSE, FULSEBAKKE, LUND, GREIG, KNUTSON’S, BJORNSETH AND SO ON. OF COURSE, WE KNEW MANY OTHERS AS WELL, THE HIATT’S WERE NOT FAR AWAY, AND NORMAN AND I ATTENDED DEAR OLD DHS AT THE SAME TIME. I BELIEVE MY 6TH GRADE TEACHER, ADAM LANG WAS MARRIED TO CHARLOTTE HIATT. I REMEMBER HIM HAULING US OVER TO THE ACKWORTH SCHOOL FOR A SOFT BALL GAME, WHERE WE , “THE LOON LAKE DUSTIES” GOT SPANKED . I APOLAGIZE FOR GOIN ON, BUT WHEN A FELLA GETS INTO HIS 80’S IT IS NOT UNLIKELY THAT MEMORIES TEND TO BECOME VERY IMPORTANT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK GARY. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. INCIDENTALLY YOUR GRANDPARENTS WERE FRIENDS OF OURS AS WELL AS NEIGHBORS.WELL AS THE FAMILY.
ERLING LANDSVERK
From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT
Reply to Martinson Picture:
He made the best birthday cakes in the world!! Lemon-filled…….And date-filled cookies….Tara got me hooked!!! He was the best!!!!!!
Reply from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
Uncle Amos lived on a lake just east of Aunt Margie. I still remember an incident at their home. My parents were visiting and I was sitting on a chair waiting and waiting and fell asleep and falling off. The silly things one remembers…………..
Florence, This would be where Norris & Arleen Knutson are now living. They purchased their farm from Little Willie and Maxine Hiatt in 1955 when they moved to Bottineau. The name of the lake is the “Lagerquist Lake”. Gary
Reply from Eileen Brudwick:Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
According to the 1910 & 1920 census, Amos & Annie lived in the Willow Lake township, Rolette County, North Dakota. Hope this helps.
Eileen
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Replies:
Correction from Bev Morninville (72): Dunseith, ND
Gary, I don’t know where my mind was when I sent you the picture of St Marys and I said it was St Ann’s St Ann’s is in Belcourt and St Marys was up north of Dunseith I am sure alot of people thought OH MY GOD Bev has really lost it. haha in any case It is St Marys. GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
Bev, I love it!!! Look at the activity this generated with the attention given to this church. We are all human and we all make our share of blunders. We all know you knew this was St. Mary’s, but what you knew and what got written didn’t quite match is all.
I have attached a Cemetery listing (Excel spread sheet) for this church that was compiled by Vance Bailey (Deceased) in 2002. I received this list from Vance’s wife Doreen. Gary
Reply from Floyd Dion (45):Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary
The picture of the church that Bev. Morninville Azure sent was not St. ann’s Church, it was Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. It was changed from St. Mary’s Church to Immaculate Heart of Mary,because it was confused with St. Mary’s Mission in Dunseith where the Sisters lived.
Floyd.
Reply from Richard Langer: Belcourt, ND
The picture of the church is not St Ann’s, but it was St. Mary’s church located a few miles east of the Dunseith Day School. It was burnt a few years ago. Richard Langer
Reply from Ron Peltier (70): Dunseith, ND
The church pictured is not St. Anns, it was the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church also once called St. Mary’s Indian Mission Church.
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
The picture is of St Mary’s Church–It was a mile or so east of Highway 3 — straight east of the Day School. St. Ann’s is the Catholic Church in Belcourt
Allen
Reply fron Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
One of us is losing it!! That sure looks like St. Mary’s to me..it was located just east of the Round House corner north of Dunseith. Let me know if it’s me and not you losing it. Thank you again for the work you do Gary..can’t start my day without you anymore.
ele
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Pictures provided by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND
Louis & Stella (Richard) Schimetz – October 10, 1950
From Mark Schimetz:
Gary the Man is Arsaine Fontane. born in 1878 in Canada, The lady is his wife, Melinda (Toupin) Fontaine, born in February 1897, also from Canada. They are the parents of Joseph Fontaine Sr. Joseph was one of 16 Children Arsaine and Melinda had.
Joseph married Theresa Masse and had 8 children. Earnest, Alice, Janet, Lucille, Joe Jr. Margaret and (Victor and Mary) were killed in a small plane crash in the Dunseith area.
Hence, Arsaine and Melinda are the Grandparents of Joe Fontaine Jr. Class of 1969, Margaret Fontaine, class of 1971, and sibling listed above.
Arsaine and Melinda are mentioned in the Prairie Past and Mountain Memories, Page 39 and 40. No Photo however. Some of the older, Children may have attended school in Willow City’s Catholic school. I know that Joe Jr. did for a few years.
Folks, When I was talking to Harvey Hiatt yesterday, he was telling me how his grandparents, Amos & Annie Hiatt, loaded up their belongings and headed west. He said his grandmother, much to his grandfathers disgust, loaded a whole bunch of home made canned goods for that trip too. He wasn’t sure of the year that they went west, but I think it was in the early 50’s. They moved to Medford, OR. My question is, where did Amos and Annie live when they were in ND? I know they lived in the Ackworth community, but I’m not sure where. Amos purchased the Stokes place from my Grandmother. Little Willie Hiatt, Harvey’s dad, owned the Stokes place in later years. He later sold it to the Fauske’s who currently own it.
Harvey also said that Amos Jr., son of Henry Hiatt, was known as Little Amos just like his dad was known as Little Willie. These guys were given these names so as not to be confused with their uncles with the same name living in the same community.
Harvey also mentioned that he checked the Rolette County courthouse records for land that Harmen Hiatt, his great grandfather, may have owned and discovered that he never owned any property. He raised his family in a two story log house that was located about 50′ east of our house across the road from the Ackworth cemetery. I’m not sure who owned the property at that time. In later years the Stokes’ owned it.
Gary
Reply from Claudette McLeod (80): Belcourt, ND
I love the picture of Herman, He was such a wonderful person to be around, I still wish for his delicious bread, I remember being really young and going into the Bakery with my Grandpa Roy Poitra and they would visit for hours. Again Thanks Gary for a all the good memories that you bring back to us.
Claudette
Claudette, I do not have an address for you, but with the 58316 in your email address I’m assuming you are living in Belcourt? Gary
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
Bev…what a beautiful picture of your mom!
Cheryl D.
Reply from Aggie Casavant (69) Fort Mill, SC
Hi Gary,Thank you so much for giving the people who’s lives were so touched by Don Johnson, to share thoughts and memories. Due to my busy schedule, and having the day off today, this morning was the first time that I really got to sit down with a good cup of coffee, and read all the messages that people wrote of their memories of Don &Bernice…What a joy and a blessing to sit and read all the different stories. I especially enjoyed Bill Hosmer’s, and Paulette LaCroix’s. I found Bill Hosmer’s so interesting, giving insight to Don and Bernice as high school kids like we were. You know how it was when you were young, and you never really gave much thought that your parents or teachers, were once kids too….Like they just dropped out of the sky as grown ups, sent here for the sole purpose to be our parents and teachers…Ain’t life crazy??? I know the word ain’t would not be acceptable to use if Ms Foss was reading it, but I guess I just lived in the south too long. Anyway Paulette, I loved the mixture of sentimental memories and humor ; and especially Mr. Johnson giving recognition, and appreciation, and would always leave you feeling, that you were the most important kid in the world…I would go as far as to say, that any of my success or accomplishments in life are directly as a result of the impact Don Johnson had on my life, and I would go as far as to say many of my brothers and sisters would agree. That’s why I remind teachers every chance I get, what an opportunity they have to change a kids life completely for the better. So Gary, I hope if there’s anymore stories out there of Don & Bernice that people send them in. Thanks Gary
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
I just got a call form a guy that said that because of my good standing with a particular visa card, they wanted to give me a $125.00 gas card. They had the last four numbers of my card and called me at my office. They wanted to verify the other 12 numbers of the card.
Well I was born at night, but not last night.
They also called me at my office, a number that my card company does not have.
You might want to pass this on.
Allen
Picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72):
GARY, This is St Ann’s church ,,,,,,A fire destroyed it a few years ago. But I and I am sure alot of other readers have good memories of it.
Tribute to Don & Bernice Johnson from Aggie Casavant (69) Fort Mill, SC
Aggie, this is a very touching well written letter that you have written. You most certainly have a good way with words.
Folks, With the dynamic impact Don & Bernice left on our community, I have been thinking it would be proper to send all these wonderful tributes to the local papers for publication. Dick Johnson, we would for sure pass all this through you before doing this. Your folks have been gone 29 years now. They are so well remembered and will never be forgotten.
Please keep the memories coming. Gary
I was so very happy when I saw this website do a tribute to Don & Bernice Johnson,that is now giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and memories of two beautiful people…two people who left a far greater impact on peoples lives than I believe they ever realized. Don Johnson set the standard for me what every man,in what ever capacity of my life,should measure up to…So far I haven’t found one. The things I remember the most about him is his warm and friendly smile,and chuckle,and when he would meet me in the hall he would always give me that smile and say,”Hi Ag-ga-nus”, he would pronounce my name like that ;and chuckle. I remember his earth science class and he would make it so interesting.I remember for a semester test in earth science,he gave us 50 definitions and we had to give the word that defined it.I know he had to be aware of the fact that I overall in school did not do well in any of my classes,and for me to pass a test was unheard of(all jokes aside) however I always did reasonably well in his class.When I was taking that semester test of completions,not multiple choice, I got every last one of them,except I was stumped on one.He told me to go onto the other questions and come back to it,that the answer would come to me.I finished up the test and came back to that one…and just drew a blank. All the other kids completed the test and had left the room,and Mr. Johnson stood by my desk and said,”Come on Aga-ness tink, tink,you can do it.I remember he pulled a desk into the aisle and put his foot up on the seat leaning in trying to help me as much as he could,but not giving me the answer.I can still see those brown pants and brown wingtip shoes with that design on them propped up on that desk seat,and all I could do was stare at those shoes wanting so badly to remember the definition of…”washing away of the soil”. He said,”Aga-nus,remember in class when I gave the example when the road flooded by our farm and it washed part of the road away,it is called……………..”He wanted so badly for me to get 100%,but I just couldn’t do it.After about 20 minutes I put my head on my desk and said,”I just can’t remember it…what is it??? There was a long pause,and he said,Your sure you can’t remember it? And I said no,”No I’m Done”…He said,”Agganus,the washing away of the soil is called….erosion….it seemed like the whole world stood still for a minute,and I fell face down over my test…Oh nooooo I said…When I looked up at him,he kinda had tears in his eyes,and he hugged my head and sai,”You did good Agganus, you did really good”. Then he went on to say,”in the years ahead,everytime you see a washed out road,or washing away of the soil you will remember the word “erosion” and this moment…and you were right Mr. Johnson…I never have forgot.As for Bernice, my Mom shared with me something so special that Bernice had done for her,everytime I think of it I just say,Wow! Due to the personal sensitivity of the subject on my Mothers part, I don’t feel at liberty to share it over the website.But I can say with certainty Dick, something you’ve known for years….that you were blest with the two most awesome parents that anyone could of been blest with…it saddens me everytime I think of how your time with them, and the worlds time with them was so short…When I’ve tried to describe Don and Bernice to people in my travels over the years. I would say,”they kinda reminded me of the show Green Acres,cuz Don Johnson would have on a suit when I saw him,and Bernice would always have on a coat with a fur collar and drove a big gold Cadillac,but they lived on a farm,and were much more genuine,warm,sincere and common,than Eddie Albert and Za Za Gabore…They were just the nicest people ever…..Thank you still after all these years Don & Bernice Johnson. You are still loved,you are still missed..But never forgotten…Sincerely, Aggie Casavant
Reply/message/picture from Dick Johnson (67): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Thanks to all for the respectful comments about my folks. They seem to
have impacted many lives over the years. It would have been nice to have
had them with us for many more years. It doesn’t seem possible that they
have been gone for 29 years, this May 22. Time waits for no man. Thank
you all.
A while ago Gary Metcalfe mentioned Raymond Kelly. He was called ‘Red’
and ‘Bum’ and ‘Hobo’. He actually traveled around by hopping freight
trains like the real hobos. I think Sybil Johnson said old Grant Kelly
sent Red to get some potatoes and he came back 10 years later with a bag
of spuds on his shoulder! I remember one time he was standing in front
of Sy’s Pool Hall and when I went by he stuck his cane out and stopped
me. He said, “You’re Don’s kid, ain’t you?” I was about 10 years old at
the time. I said I was and he said, “I made your dad his first bow and
arrow.” He then proceeded to spin yarns and tell me all about his
escapades. I went home and told Dad about this neat old guy I met up in
front of the pool hall. As I was telling him what the guy said, Dad was
just staring at me in disbelief. He asked me who the guy was? I told him
he said his name was Red Kelly. Dad shook his head and said, “Don’t
believe a word he tells you, he’s the biggest story teller in the
country!” Hey, I thought I had really discovered something! Oh well, Dad
knew him forever and I just met him. Red stayed in a small log cabin out
past our barn, on the shore of Horseshoe Lake, next to Axel Johnson and
his family. They moved out in about the late 30s and the place was left
abandoned except for an odd wild animal now and then. When I was a kid,
I played in the cabin. By the mid 60s the roof had fallen in and later
the whole cabin collapsed. I took this picture in 1971 for a class in
photography at UND. In the mid 70s, I pushed the remnants of both houses
into a pile with the Cat and burned what was left to clean up the place.
One amazing thing happened when I was scraping up the last of the stones
the house had sat on! I looked down at the black dirt and saw a very
small curved gold wire. I jumped off the Cat and gently dug around until
I unearthed my great grandmother’s reading glasses—-unharmed! Can you
imagine the chances of driving a 17 ton Cat and dozer over a tiny pair
of old glasses and only exposing one bow and then not smashing them to
bits! It was pretty amazing! We still have them and even use them once
in a while for removing slivers or other intricate stuff. Quite the
heirloom! Thanks Gary!
Picture of Raymond ‘Red’ Kelly’s cabin on Horseshoe Lake
Questions/Message from Blanche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND
I was reading through some very old obituaries the other day and it was interesting to see flower girls listed. Do know anything about this idea at a funeral? I have no idea as to the origin of this idea.
Can you enlighten me?
In your daily e-mails, a Dunseith book is mention…is this something that would still be available?
And, last but not least, I really enjoy the delightful stories about the residents of Dunseith….many of them I remember the last name but never met the people. What great story you could print if all the information was put into one great history of the town and its residents. Good job, Gary.
Blanche, the Dunseith book mentioned is the 1982 “Prairie Past & Mountain Memories” Centennial Book. Copies are available for purchase on the Dunseith WEB site. I have pasted that link below. This is a wonderful book with the histories of the Dunseith and surrounding area people. I strongly recommend the hard cover copy of this book. The soft cover copy is just glued together and the glue in mine came apart. It’s great for taking pages out of for scanning though. I now have a hard copy of this book too.
Yes Blanche, All these stories/pictures and email messages could be compiled into wonderful book. We are not finished yet though. This would be a great project for anyone interested in doing this. This would be a pretty good sized book. Gary
Dunseith Seattle Reunion dinner July 24, 2009 – Posted by Bill Grimme
Folks, This is the current list of folks signed up for our Dunseith Seattle reunion being held at the Best Western in Seattle on July 24th. If you plan to attend, please make your dinner selection and mail your payment to Bill Grimme. I have pasted the info for doing this below. Those of us going on the cruise are looking forward to seeing you Seattle folks at this reunion. This will be a fun get together. Gary
Name
Chicken Breast
New York Steak
Chuck Munro
1
1
Robert Hosmer
2
Gary Stokes
2
Nancy Baldwin
1
1
Diane and Scott Sjol
1
1
Randy Flynn
1
5
Gary Metcalfe (child 1/2 price)
4
Ardis Steggal
1
1
Phyllis McKay
3
Lee Stickland
2
Lea Rae Espe
2
Bill Grimme
2
Bill Longie (TENTATIVE)
2
Mark VanDyne (TENTATIVE)
2
David Shelver
1
1
Sharron Shen
2
1
Evie Pilkington
Shirley Larocque
Laverne Rude
2
Connie Fauske Monte (Tentative)
2
Oliver/Marlene Reing
1
1
Darrel/Deborah Stokes
2
Sandra Vandal
1
1
Cheryl Haagenson
1
Marie Staub
2
Gary,
The list (above) are the folks that have paid and/or indicated they will attend the reunion dinner. The names in RED have indicated attendance, but, I have not received payment yet. Please check this list and verify your dinners are correct and if your payment info is correct , i.e. if you are in RED and have sent a payment please let me know and I will go back and check my hard copies. I plan to close out the dinner list and hold the raffle drawing on or about May 31, so if you are sending in a late payment, please let me know.
Bill
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: the dinner costs listed are inclusive of all taxes and grautuities.
NumberEntréePriceExtended 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
Pictures posted by Bev Morniville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
Found this and thought alot of the kids that used to hung out at my house would enjoy this picture of my mom…….. Lyle I know u will love it GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
Francis Morinville
Herman Martinson
Folks,
Harvey Hiatt called me yesterday. He was actually returning my phone call. Harvey is currently living in Flagstaff, AZ. Harvey told me he had a tombstone made for his Dad, Willie E. Hiatt, inclusive of his mother’s (Maxine) and all of his siblings names engraved on it. Harvey will be placing this tombstone on their cemetery lot in Ackworth next month.
Speaking of Harvey, One of you folks sent me a picture of Harvey pictured with his Bottineau HS class of 61. I forgot who sent me that. This picture was taken in 2007. This is one of the photo’s that I lost with the reformatting of my hard drive. If any of you remember sending me that picture and still have it can you please forward it to me again?
Geraldine (Geri) LaFromboise Marcavage was our teacher at Ackworth in 1954/55. This would have been the first year of Winter school. Prior to this Ackworth was a summer school. I was in 2nd grade, Harvey Hiatt and Stan Salmonson were in 6th grade and Barbara Hiatt was in 8th grade. Geraldine lived with our family when she taught at Ackworth. I had not seen Miss LaFromboise since 2nd grade, 52 years prior to this photo being taken. Prior to our going back to Dunseith for the 2007 reunion, I decided to locate Geraldine. She was a hard one to track down, but I did find her. At the time she was living in SC, but was in the process of moving back to Belcourt. I arranged to meet her at Dale’s. When I told Harvey about this he said he and his sister Barbara would love to see her too. I then called Stan & Joan Salmonson and invited them too. We had a wonderful mini reunion with Miss LaFromboise. Geri sure has great recall of her year teaching at Ackworth. She is still the amazing wonderful beautiful lady that I remembered back in 2nd grade. As you can tell with her 1954 picture pasted below, the guys were all drawn to her beauty. She always had her pick of the litter with her dating. When I saw Geri in 2007 she did not have email. If any of you Belcourt folks know Geri, can you please pass this message on to her?
Gary
Picture taken at Dale’s in July 2007:
L to R: Stan & Joan Wurgler Salmonson, Harvey Hiatt, Geraldine LaFromboise Marcavage, Gary Stokes
Gary, pls put me on the list as a subscriber. I really enjoy your blog
I am attaching a scan of a June 2008 pic sent me of an alaskan cruise, Deane with wife Roberta, his sister deb Kubela w/husband Brad, and right Donna Robinson w/husband Dennis
Striker
Deane RobertaHagen
RR 1Box 201
Dunseith, ND 58329
Striker Kubela
Deborah
8480 182nd Ave SE
Wahpeton, ND 58075
Striker Robinson
Donna
Swift Current, SK
Couples L to R:
Deane (73) & Roberta Hagen (75) Striker; Brad & Deb Striker (74) Kubela;
Dennis & Donna Striker (76) Robinson
Don & BerniceJohnson:
Folks, A lot of you have been added to our list since the posting of these tributes of Don and Bernice Johnson.
Don and Bernice were shot to death in their home in the Turtle Mountains in 1980.
Don and Bernice were the parents of Dick Johnson (68). Dick and his wife Brenda live on the family farm north of Dunseith. Dick is a huge contributor to this daily blog. We hear from him often.
Being the Icon’s they were to the community, I feel this is well deserving of a re-run. Dick is following right along in his parents foot steps.
Gary
Tributes to Don & Bernice Johnson
Previously posted in February 2008
Folks,
With all the tributes you folks have provided with memories of Don Johnson. The first 3 messages, ahead of the article, I’ve gotten today. The messages following the article have been published before. I wanted to combine all the messages into one for this distribution. I went back through and tried to capture all the memories you folks have provided of Don. Please let me know if I’ve missed any.
I will include future comments that you guys provide, with memories of Don, in the daily messages. I will also add them to this message for redistribution in the future.
Gary Stokes
From Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68):
Gary,
These daily comments, stories and memories are a much better read than the Turtle Mt. Star in my humble opinion. I see I missed the “Daddy” song.
A little story about Don Johnson. In high school I played clarinet beside Gwen Grimme on the same old honking clarinet my two older sisters played going back at least a decade. Years of abuse had practically disintegrated the case so my mom taped it from head to foot with some gawd awful putrid smelling tape. When Mr. Johnson opened the door to the little room of stored instruments and was hit by the stench, he came to the conclusion that one or more students had not cleaned some filthy reed or mouthpiece in ages. He was quite “put out” with this disgusting find and lectured us on proper hygiene so “it” would never happen again. I knew it was my fault since I couldn’t put the clarinet even close to my lips without a gag. Now, I was sure everyone “knew” my mouthpiece was the “filthy unhygienic culprit.” Too embarrassed and red faced to fess up during the lecture, I waited in painful guilt and anxious expectation until after class. To my relief, he threw his head back in laughter and told me in a playful way to “get it out of there.”
I remember his eye opening introductions to different styles of music and his tying the message of “Romeo and Juliet” with the more modern “West Side Story.” He gave many of us the recognition and appreciation our parents didn’t or couldn’t and we “felt” his pride in our accomplishments. If you wanted to participate, he provided every effort to support you. I will always remember his kindness when gently telling those, who had less than perfect pitch, to keep their voices low so they could still participate in the choir. His contribution to our community over the years was huge, heartfelt and lasting.
Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68)
From Brenda Hoffman (68):
Thank you Gary. I love the “community” of our emails. I could send this info directly to Dick Johnson but wanted yet more accolades for Don Johnson. Don was wonderful about exposing all of us to a variety of music (first heard and fell in love with Westside Story via Don in a music class), but also made absolutely sure that any cultural event near Dunseith was available to any of us who were interested. I so remember taking the bus to A Mid Summers Night Dream and laughing hysterically — and being amazed that it was written by Shakespeare. Or the concerts in Bottineau. Or the circus in Minot. And I loved how anyone could join the choir…even me. I knew my voice wasn’t the greatest (I think that’s an overstatement!) so would pretty much just voice the words when we were practicing. Toni and Paulette told me that they couldn’t hear me so I should sing louder..which I did for one song. I was a freshman in High School so of course, was intimidated by older classmates in the choir…Don stopped our practice after that one song and just said, “Brenda, could you keep it down.” He also sang at my wedding to Terry Hegney in 1969 (Terry died in 1981)..Of course, tunes from Westside Story!
I also want to note that I worked with Dick’s grandmother Cynthia during my high school stint at the San Haven dining room. I loved her. She was so kind and gentle. I’m not sure if even Dick knows this but when I was in the hospital for TB between the ages of two and three, I swallowed a nickle that someone had given me (people used to give kids coins as treats in those days). My mom was also in the hospital at the same time. Dr. Loeb (who was a prisoner of war before becoming the director of the San…he was an absolutely wonderful Dr. by the way and we were so lucky he decided to stay in ND after the war) couldn’t remove the nickel so Dad (who was working at the San in the kitchens at the time) warmed up the car, asked Cynthia to accompany him, borrowed clothes from Jay Vanorny and we were on our way to Minot. Can you imagine every one’s terror that I wouldn’t make the long drive? At any rate, the eye, ear, nose specialist in Minot removed the coin and all was well. Thank you Dick for a loving and warm family who impacted my life in so many ways.
Brenda Hoffman (class of 68)
From Dave Slyter (70):
Hi Dick:
Just a quick comment about your dad. Just like a super star, or actor, or singer or writer or composer your dad left a legacy in so many hearts, not only in the Dunseith area, but to North Dakota and Canada. He was a man that had a lot of influence on a lot of peoples life’s. He will always be in my life. He was the best teacher I had ever had.
Just one more little story about your folks together. When we lived on the farm up in the hills my mom Margaret Hiatt would make the best cinnamon rolls in the hills of the turtle mountains. When she would get into the mood of making them there would be this strange thing that would always happen during that same day of the baking. Your mom with your dad or your mom with her mom or your mom with your dads mom would always drive up and visit. We always asked mom when she was baking if she thought Don and Bernice would show up. Sometimes we know more than said it, and they were driving up the hill to our house. It was funny and also always enjoyable as they would sit and talk about so many things and memories of the old Benny Johnson farm. Always look forward to their visits. And they loved the cinnamon rolls. We always told mom that Bernice could smell those cinnamon rolls a mile away. ha
Take care
Dave Slyter
Prairie Past and Mountain Memories (1982 centennial book) Page 213
Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to the memories of his dad, Don Johnson:
Gary and DHS Friends
I do truly appreciate all the good memories folks have about my
dad, Don Johnson. He had an ability to understand the needs of
those around him and then find a way to make their lives a
little better. The one thing that I believe he passed on to
most of the kids was that everyone is of similar value
regardless of his background or wealth or name! This I believe
is what allowed him to achieve things like Governor’s Choir
with something like sixty kids singing that well. The other
atribute that he had was to never give up no matter what the
odds were. This determination could be seen by his students and
I believe it also drove them to achieve. Thanks to all those of
you who have told your stories of your memories of my dad, it
means a lot!
Dick Johnson
Margaret Metcalfe’s (65) memories of Don Johnson:
Gary
Several people have written about memories of Don Johnson so I thought I
would add yet another:
I was a Daddy’s girl. Wherever my Dad went, I was riding on his shoulders
or hanging on to his hand. I remember my parents wondering how I was
going to handle starting school. However, my first grade teacher in
Hilltop school was Don Johnson and I thought he was the best teacher
ever.. I don’t know if this was his first teaching job, but he and
Bernice were so young and Dickie was only 2 or 3 years old. One day
Bernice came to pick him up from school and I thought she was such a
beautiful lady. Don fixed the swing in the school yard and I was the
first to get to swing on it. I backed up as far as I could and then sat
down to swing forward, just then Dickie ran in front of me and I crashed
into him knocking him down. I felt so bad, he got up Don dusted himself
off and he had a gash on his head…..but his glasses didn’t break. He
was such a little cutie.
The years went by and Don taught my husband Chuck in 8th grade in Rolette.
Then he came back to Dunseith and I remember the chorus and how we
harmonized and had concerts….so fun. I took Music Appreciation from him
and like so many others learned to appreciate so many different composers
and their music. Whenever I hear Classical music, I think of him. He
brought the Grand Canyon suite to school and we listed to the LP’s on the
stage in the new school. I thought it was the most beautiful music I had
ever heard. After that I started really listening and appreciating the
music in movies. He was my teacher in first grade and my senior years and
I have such fond memories of one terrific teacher and a wonderful, caring
person. We were so honored when he sang at our wedding! He was a
legend.
Margaret Leonard
Memories from Bill Hosmer (48):
Gary and all the rest. Just read the neat 180 degree turn by the
band described by Dick Johnson. It made me believe that Don Johnson
gave more positive stuff to more people than anyone I know. The last
time I saw him was when he was leading the band down Dunseith’s main
street at one of my visits home during Dunseith Days. His grin and
wink, when he recognized me, stays with me these many years later.
Don Lamoureux’s (75) Memories of Mr. Johnson:
I also have great memories of being in Mr. Jonson’s band. I started out playing clarinet, which didn’t seem too cool for me, I hadn’t heard of Benny Goodman. I later switched to the string bass, when that spot opened up, and was even happier when the school bought an electric bass guitar, so now I could play and be heard.
He also helped me out of a pickle during deer season one year. I was in big rush after school to get to a hunting spot, driving my dad’s 4 wheel drive jeep pickup, and was tearing up the hill past Sime’s to get to a spot before dark. I mean to get to a spot where I could hunt until dark. I rounded a curve to discover that an oncoming school bus and I were going to be occupying the same space shortly. I swerved to get out of the way, missed the bus, but put the truck into a spin, I did a 360 and then went backwards off the road and down the ditch.
I know I was closer to some other folks, but didn’t feel like confessing my crappy driving to anyone else, so I walked down to Mr. Johnson’s. He fired up a tractor and we went back to pull it out. The ditch was pretty steep, and the only thing that kept it from going farther down the ditch was the tree I managed to wedge the truck up against. I think Mr. Johnson had to go back home to get a chainsaw. It’s not real clear to me, because I was pretty much dreading having to go back home and face the music there, so to speak. Mr. Johnson tied the truck off to the tractor, buzzed the tree down, yanked the truck out, and sent me on my way. Mr. Johnson must have called ahead to smooth out the waters, because it really wasn’t that bad when I got home. Probably Dad could see nothing was going to make me feel worse than I already did. There still was the inevitable lecture of course, but then he told me of a time as a kid he was driving one of the brand new cars from the garage, and wrecked that.
I can also recall spending many fall days looking for grouse and pass-shooting ducks at Mr. Johnson’s.
Don Lamoureux (75)
Memories from Ele Dietrich (69):
After reading Deb M. memories of the Governor’s Choir in 1969, I felt that I just have to add this tickle of memory: Mr. Johnson (who would ever have called him anything else) probably had the highest impact of any teacher in Dunseith when I was in school. Through him we all learned to appreciate music. We also learned to give from our hearts when we sang and I think that has stayed with all of us to this very day. I personally can not thank him enough for that gift. I will always remember though that he absolutely dispised Buck Owens and the nasal tone of his music. Remember “let the sound come from the mouth not the nose”…those words will be with me always. He introduced me to so many kinds of music, music that I had never heard before and still love to this day. Thank you Mr. Johnson.
Ele (Dietrich) Slyter ’69 rules !!!
Memories from Deb Morinville (70):
David Slyter jogged memories from our Governor Choir days. I learned how to play “Whist” because we had down time sometimes. I also remember Governor Guy coming to Dunseith for a banquet. The town really spiffed up and it never looked so good! I also remember many long hours on busses and getting up at to travel to many different places to sing.
Like in the legislative chambers at the Capitol in Bismarck
Yeah we had the blue blazers and the girls wore white skirts and the boys black pants. We stopped in Harvey one time to eat and filled the restaurant. On cue from Mr. Johnson we all stood up and sang our “Grace” It was very impressive. We were scattered all over but still managed four part harmony. I never realized important reading music would be. Now I singon a worship team and the ability to read music helps me to learn it quickly. Mr. Johnson had a huge impact on my
life in the way he taught me to appreciate so many different kinds of music. He never really liked country music though! What a legacy he left. It was such a great joy and privilege it was to sing with some of those former members at the Sunday service last summer at the reunion. Gary Fulsbakke directed us and we dedicated the songs to Mr. Johnson.
Keep the memories coming everyone!
Deb Morinville Marmon 70
Memories from Dave Slyter (70):
How many remember the good ole band and choir days of good ole DHS. Of course who could forget the best music director of all of DHS’s history, Don Johnson. He done so many things for so many students. One of the most memorable was when Dunseith received the Governors Choir award. I think I remember then the choir had over 60 members in it. The high school band always had big numbers in it. He ran a very high standard music department.
Alan Poitra, I remember those funny looking hats also but they were always locked up in the little practice room and we were all hoping that no one would mention to Mr. Johnson that we should wear them while we march. ha I always remember the home coming parades in Dunseith and also the day that we would travel to Minot for the Minot State College home coming parade. It was a long march, (especially when I had to carry that big ole bass drum) but was the best of times. Always went downtown Minot and hung out at all the stores. Always went to the five and dime store.
When we were in the music program in the late 60’s and into 1970(by the way that is the best year ever) we had the really nice blue blazer that we wore for high school concerts. I think we wore them for marching also. I also remember going to Devils Lake for the high school music contest or festivals. Dunseith always came home with high marks.
I think that was the best part of jr. high and high school was being in the famous Don Johnson music program. Well that and passing my grade each year. ha
One more memory I have to mention about the DHS music department. It has to do with years after I graduated but was a memory I will never forget. I was once a custodian at DHS after the good ole years of San Haven employment. My daughter Stacey was in high school band then and was under the direction of one of Don Johnson’s former students and everybody knows her, Cheryl Haagenson. She too did a great job in the music department. During the year that Stacey I think was a Junior in high school they decided they wanted to take in a contest down in Orlando Florida. So the money raising was put into place and the plans and dates of the trip were decided. I was fortunate enough to be a chaperone of this big event and what a memory it was. It will be with me for a very long time. The kids were so well behaved and they should have been so proud as they brought home this big huge trophy that I hope still is in the show case at the school. “Way to go Cheryl” You have done the school proud.
Thanks for the memories
Feb 4, 2008
Memories of Don & Bernice Johnson from Bill Hosmer (48):
Gary, and Dunseith Friends. One rather unlikely story, but one that
had some predictive qualities took place during my freshman year at
DHS. Don and Bernice were both Juniors. There was an operetta
directed by Miss Nesting. The characters in the play were Native
Americans. The title of the play was “Star Flower”. That character
was Bernice. Then there was a young brave I think named “Lone Buck”,
played by Don Johnson who was courting Star Flower. Her father was a
grizzled Chief named ‘Lost Eagle” or something like that, played by
yours truly. One line I remember well from Bernice was, “Father, you
bid me come to you”. I was supposed to be a grouch, so I had my arms
crossed across my bare chest which had been slathered with leg make up
to make me look more tribal-like. I had on a full headdress loaned by
the Chippewa tribe, and there were several of them in the audience of
this production. Bernice was so beautiful I wanted to hug her, but
that would have ended my stage career, and I’d probably have left that
leg make up on her Indian Princess dress. By the way for you young
folks, leg make up was a substitute for silk stockings which were not
available. It was a fluid in a bottle. World War II was still ongoing,
and then nylon etc became available later. There was alot of music
and the two of them sang love songs in duet, and they lived happily
everafter. Fortunately, the chief in the play did not have any singing
requirement.
This was just a brief interval in a long friendship with those two
great Americans, but when there is such a wealth of personal
admiration, and deep sense of loss, every little whisp of memory comes
back to reinforce the importance of having known and indeed loved Don
and Bernice Johnson. Cheers, Bill Hosmer
Message (Don Johnson) from Glen Williams (52):
Gary…Great that you put that collection of “memories” of Don Johnson together…I was quite a bit younger than Don…so did not know him personally, but did know he was….and was to old to be in his classes…but would appear that he made a difference in a lot of students lives….I did know that he had been killed and was saddened by that event… His life just should not have ended that way…!!!
Glen Williams…
Susan Fassett’s (65) memories of the the Don Johnson family:
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the nice memories of Dick’s parents. We had many good times at the Johnson farm, as Cynthia (Dick’s Grandma) is a sister to my Aunt Dorothy Fassett. We had picnics at the farm and chased the fireflies at the edge of the lake where the farm sat, Johnson’s were included in many a family picnic and Dick was always a favorite “cousin”. My sisters, along with the “other” Fassett girls spent some nights at the farm and relate stories of the bats that inhabited the old buildings. Isn’t it great to be from a community that shares so many great memories.!!! Hugs and prayers to all—-Susan
Feb 5, 2008
Memories from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68):
lola vanorny, ew
Oh yes, I remember so many good memories of the Johnsons– I remember
going to a contest somewhere in his big black shiny cadillac – probably
about a 1961– and he drove really fast– (we thought) — that was cool!!_
ha– that was back in Dad’s 50 mph days– ha —!
Bill’s story about the play was really cute!!_- i can just imagine them
doing that– Yes- Bernice was very beautiful!
Sometimes when I see a group of school kids performing somewhere —
how sad it is that the dress code has gotten so lax– when we played for
an occasion somewhere – we looked sharp!!– The blue blazers – black or
white pants or skirts etc. and we’d better stand up straight– !!– He
was a stickler for that!– and I believe that too made an impression on us.
He had high standards.
Message to Gary Stokes from Ken Stiker in Dayton OH:
Gary Stokes-
A Striker cousin forwarded the information from the Minor Daily News regarding the passing of Sylvia Bergan today. Sylvia is a Striker cousin.
I appreciate this information. I have compiled a Striker Genealogy/History and would be delighted to hear from Striker cousins. Sylvia Bergan sent me W.E. Striker History, which she wrote on the occasion of the Deunseith Centennial of 1983.
As a matter of information, We are having a Striker Reunion at Berne IN on June 13th, 2009. This is the 175th year of the immigration of Christian and Anna M Striker to America. All cousins are welcome. For information on the Striker Reunion or a Striker CD, you can email
Ken Striker in Dayton OH
Gary’s reply to Ken Stiker:
Thank you so much for this message. Where do you fit into the Striker family? I have about 650 Dunseith Alumni folks on my distribution list. I don’t believe I have you listed. I send a message out each day to the alumni folks and the Stiker’s have been a lot of the topic conversation the past several days. I have attached the message I sent out yesterday. I have also pasted the Striker write up from the 1982 Dunseith Centennial book. Did Sylvia write this? Oscar and Sylvia were very dear friends to my family in my growing up days. Please read the attached.
I am from the Ackworth community up in the Turtle Mountains, so I am familiar with most of the hills folks.
It is such a pleasure hearing from you. Please let me know a little more about you so I can get a grasp of where you fit into the Striker family.
Ken Stiker’s reply to Gary:
Gary
Thanks for your response. I have worked on Christian & Anna M Striker genealogy/history for some thirty years. I have lived in Ohio my whole life. The family came to Ohio in 1834 from Emmendingen Germany. Two sons Andrew and Mathias moved on to Adams Co/Berne IN in the 1860’s, then several children of Mathias Striker homesteaded around 1900 in places like Mason Co Michigan, Bucyrus ND, and Dunseith ND area. Wm Elmer Striker settled in Dunseith area. Below is a little bio on W.E. Striker:
We are having a reunion on June 13th 2009 in Berne IN. Perhaps you know Deane Striker of Dunseith. He and his sisters Donna Robinson (of Swift Current Sask) and Donna Kebela (of Wahpeton ND) are making the trip to Berne. I look forward to meeting them. I would like to establish contact with others in the family.
Ken Striker 4769 Arcadia Blvd Dayton OH 45432
Marion Stickland’s Obituary posted by Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
Dear Gary,
I thought friends of Marion Sticklands would like to read her obit. It is a wonderful tribute to Marion.
Bonnie Awalt Houle 56
Messages/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Mona has the names right. It’s Ralph Thiel and Raymond Haagenson. I
found Mom’s annuals for ’45 and ’46. The team picture sent in by Jeff
Skjelver is of the ’45 team. The one I’m attaching now is of the ’46
team. Many of the same guys with just a few new faces. Thanks Gary!
Dick
Gary and Friends,
The elusive pictures are found. Gary Metcalfe mentioned Bob Lamb’s barn
being moved to Hans Johnson’s farm. I looked through hundreds of
pictures tonight and finally found the ones of the moving of the barn.
The dates on back of the pictures are January 19-20, 1965. The hills
were too icy for the mover’s truck so Dad hooked on to the front with
our old Caterpillar and pulled the whole works down the road. If you
look closely at the picture with the Cat, you will see how small that
big army truck looks in comparison to the barn. I remodeled the barn
about twenty years ago to a much larger and more useful type building,
but the heart of the new building is still Lamb’s barn. Thanks Gary!
Visitation: Today, 1 to 9 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau.
I was sadden to hear of Sylvia’s passing. Jan Bergan Evans mentioned that she visited Sylvia several weeks ago. She said Sylvia was sleeping so she did not wake her. Sylvia was living in long term care at Saint Andrews hospital in Bottineau. Oscar and Sylvia were very close and dear friends of our family. We visited them often. We were all very active members of Salem church. Oscar and Sylvia were wonderful folks. Oscar was a carpenter. He had way more work than he could handle building and remodeling cabins at Lake Metigoshe. Sylvia was a great crafts person, baker and cook. She was well known throughout the area for her baking abilities, especially for her pies. I last saw Sylvia at my mothers funeral in July 2004. She was helping serve lunch following her funeral at the Metigoshe Christian center. Sylvia was a very beautiful and stylish lady always being well groomed and well dressed. She never ever looked her age. When I saw her at the bowling alley cafe shortly after she had celebrated her 90th birthday, she didn’t look a day over 60. Oscar and Sylvia did not have any children.
Reading the Striker family history, I noticed that Sylvia’s mother was a Striker. That makes her related to a lot of you folks. I always knew her maiden name was Lockhart, but was surprised to see she is part of the Striker family too. Gary
Posted form message 348 on 1/23/09
Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):
Gar;y: Our cottage was not very far from the Metigoshe Store (Hobbs), perhaps a mile, and we went there often. If we were working on the boathouse or something and took a break, Chuck, Ross (our son) and I would go for a snack, and this is where we met Sylvia Bergan, as she worked for them and she baked the BEST frosted ginger cookies that I have ever tasted. Ross just loved them, and was raring to go when we said we were going to the store. Harvey & Arvilla were so well liked at the Lake and ran a good business, and would help you in any way they could. We missed them when they moved away. Mona Dionne Johnson, ’48
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Hey Gary, Thanks for all the work you put into this blog for all of us. Gary there is no mention of Janice’s brother, Roy Striker or her daughter Winnie and I can’t get through to her phone. Gary Metcalfe
Gary, first off I want to correct a very careless error of mine from yesterday’s message. I had Janice’s mother, Emma, on my mind when I wrote that little article about her. I want to thank those of you that pointed that out to me. I am reposting that comment with the corrections with today’s message.
Kay Nelson, can you answer Gary Metcalfe’s question about Winnie and Roy? Thanks, Gary
Reposted with Corrections from Yesterday:
Janice Stiker Nelson Fagan(47): Lincoln, CA
Daughter Kay Nelson’s email address
Follow up from yesterdays blog. I was able to contact Janice Striker Nelson today. She is convalescing in a nursing home from a fall that resulted in a broken hip or pelvis, I forgot which. She thinks she will be able to go home in several weeks.
Gary Metcalfe was able to provide enough info about Janice that enabled Eileen Brudwick to locate her with her searches. I was pleasantly surprised when I had a voice mail message from Janice’s daughter, Kay Nelson, letting me know we had found the right Janice.
I had a very nice chat today with Janice. I was very surprised when she told me her mother was a Lagerquist, sister to John and also Edna, Mrs. Harold Woodford. I had totally forgotten that. Janice is related to the Pearson’s too. When I mentioned Charlene, she said “that cute little red head.” She told me they lived where Arnold Zeiler used to live and she said that is where Lyle Zeiler (61) presently lives. She told me she is related to Lyle’s wife Sharon Pearson Zeiler (62). Sandra Zeiler Vandal, she remembers you too. She also mentioned Rodney Lagerquist. She said her daughter used to pretend he was her doll. That would have been Kay. She was born in 1947 and Rodney in 1949. Gary Metcalfe, she remembers you well too. She also knew the Hagen’s really well and also most of the Hiatt’s and Radley’s. Janice and her family moved to Californian in 1957. When I talked to Kay, Janice’s daughter, this evening, she told me she see’s her mother often and will share all this interesting Dunseith stuff with her. I told her I would add her to our daily distribution and for her to let me know if she ever wants to be discontinued in the future. She and her mother seemed pretty interested in all this Dunseith stuff though. They are super friendly folks. Looking at the Striker’s history in the Dunseith book, I noticed that Sylvia Lockhart Bergan and Emma Striker are first cousins too. Mrs. Lockhart was a Striker.
Follow up from yesterdays blog. I was able to contact Emma Striker Nelson today. She is convalescing in a nursing home from a fall that resulted in a broken hip or pelvis, I forgot which. She thinks she will be able to go home in several weeks.
Gary Metcalfe was able to provide enough info about Emma that enabled Eileen Brudwick to locate her with her searches. I was pleasantly surprised when I had a voice mail message from Emma’s daughter, Kay Nelson, letting me know we had found the right Emma.
I had a very nice chat today with Emma. I was very surprised when she told me her mother was a Lagerquist, sister to John and also Edna, Mrs. Harold Woodford. I had totally forgotten that. Emma is related to the Pearson’s too. When I mentioned Charlene, she said “that cute little red head.” She told me they lived where Arnold Zeiler used to live and she said that is where Lyle Zeiler (61) presently lives. She told me she is related to Lyle’s wife Sharon Pearson Zeiler (62). Sandra Zeiler Vandal, she remembers you too. She also mentioned Rodney Lagerquist. She said her daughter used to pretend he was her doll. That would have been Kay. She was born in 1947 and Rodney in 1949. Gary Metcalfe, she remembers you well too. She also knew the Hagen’s really well and also most of the Hiatt’s and Radley’s. Emma and her family moved to Californian in 1957. When I talked to Kay, Emma’s daughter, this evening, she told me she see’s her mother often and will share all this interesting Dunseith stuff with her. I told her I would add her to our daily distribution and for her to let me know if she ever wants to be discontinued in the future. She and her mother seemed pretty interested in all this Dunseith stuff though. They are super friendly folks. Looking at the Striker’s history in the Dunseith book, I noticed that Sylvia Lockhart Bergan and Emma Striker are first cousins too. Mrs. Lockhart was a Striker.
Gary
Striker Nelson Fagan
Janice
1655 Third St, Apt 20
Lincoln, CA 95648
(916) 434-1189
Nursing home. 916-681-1954Daughter Kay Nelson 916-645-7429
Work 916-663-1103
Reply (Striker’s) from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND
Gary,
Thanks, again for all YOUR efforts to keep things rollin’ about Dunseith folks.
Janice Striker c/would be the daughter of Lee and Emma Striker. The last place I can recall Lee and Emma living was on a farm west of Arnold Zeilers’.
Lee was a brother to my Grandmother, May Strike Stickland Hughes. May was Dad’s Mom. She lived at the nursing home in Dunseith. She benefited from the careful attentions and real care of my aunt, Joy Peterson. Both Grandmother May and Joy’s husband, Bill Peterson, lived at and died while at the nursing home in Dunseith.
I was the administrator of that home from September 25, 1975 to February 10, 1977. That expericnce was the impetus for me to foster the charter of an association of nursing homes in ND.
This assoc provides a voice for the pioneers of America and for North Dakota. We started with 6 charter member homes on April 22, 1977. That assoc now includes all the nursing homes in ND. The last state convention had over 1000 attendees.
(((Old age is not so bad when YOU consider the alternative.
We will all die from or of something if and when we live long enough.)))
I beleive that Emma was a Lockhart?
Janice was married to a Nelson when they lived in Dunseith. I was aware that she once lived in or near Redondo Beach, CA. Some years ago, I made an effort to contact her there but was not successful. I sure wish her well in the recovery efforts from that hip fracture.
When I operated nursing homes, we had a greater than 17% discharge rate for persons that used our services. This number was for those who were able to leave to home; not just to another level or source of care.
Operating a nursing home is easy, just
“CATCH PEOPLE DOING THINGS RIGHT”. lgs
Lee, Leland, Stick, Sticky—whatever ! (“Integrity has no price.”)
Lee, Mrs. Lee (Emma) Striker was a Lagerquist. I have pasted the William Striker history from the Dunseith book below. Reading who all the Striker siblings married, they/you are related to a whole lot of folks. Gary
Reply from Eileen & Mike Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Thank you for the condolences, Bill & Betty Schneider Lamb. We seen your niece, Randy & Connie Brudwick Mikkelson, however, we didn’t get a chance to visit with her very long. There just isn’t enough time to mingle much at times like this.
Eileen & Mike Brudwick
Reply from Neola, Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Thanks to Betty Lamb for the condolences. Her cousin and husband (Connie/Randy Mikkelson, Garrison) attended Uncle Gerald’s funeral. It was fun to see them again. As people usually say, “It’s too bad the only time family members seem to get together is at a funeral.” The positive side is that we DO see each other then.
Neola
Reply from Neola, Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
WOW! After reading Eileen’s message, my head is so swelled, it won’t fit in the room! LOL!Mike/Eileen/Wally/I enjoy each other’s company tremendously.
Neola
Reply From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Just a quick reply to Gary Metcalfe–The people are right, you just had the barn going the wrong direction. Grandpa Has bought the barn from Mrs. Lamb and Willard and moved it to our place. Your brother-in-law, Duane ‘Babe” Coleman later built a new house on the place and used the concrete barn floor as a driveway. Thanks for the info on the connection between the Lambs and Wicks. Somewhere in my pictures I have a photo of the barn coming down the road from the north, being pulled by our old Caterpillar. They moved it in January and had trouble getting up the hills with a truck so Dad hooked on with the old Cat and pulled them along. I think it was moved in ’63. John and Dan Boguslawski and I jacked the barn up and dug footings by hand and then poured concrete in about ’66 or ’67. Before that it sat on railroad ties. It was a big barn–30′ x 50′. I’ll find the picture one day and post it. Thanks Gary!
Dick
Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
Dear Gary,
Floyd Dion asked a question about my step-great uncle, John Schick, a few days ago. I was going to send this info to him personally but misplaced his email address. My grandfather died when my mom was four and her sister two. They lived on a farm during the depression. Grandpa Schick’s wife had also died and he had a seven year old daughter, Violet. Grandma and Grandpa Schick met and married within three months (friends introduced them). It was not until I noted the dates at Grandma Schick’s funeral that I realized that she married Grandpa Schick on the anniversary date of her marriage to my biological grandfather. Times were tough and she did what she needed to do. I’m happy to report that Grandpa and Grandma Schick were happily married for more than 50 years. And we all loved Grandpa Schick – a warm, kind loving man. I really didn’t know John Schick, or Uncle John as he was called, that well but your description fits Grandpa Schick to a “t”.
Brenda Hoffman class of 68
Message from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
I just got the Bottineau Courant and see that Lloyd and Teresa Awalt will soon be celebrating 60 years of marriage. Congratulations and best wishes to you for many more!
Cheryl Larson Dakin
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Lloyd (44) & Theresa Cote (47) Awalt:
Pictures posted by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Eileen, these are great pictures of all of you!! You guys are looking good! Gary
Here are two pictures of two fabulous women!! These are taken at the funeral home when we were viewing uncle Gerald. We had a most enjoyable time visiting our sweet cousin!!
Reply from Bill & Betty Schneider Lamb (54): Grand Forks, ND
Gary: Our condolences to the Brudwick family. We are sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing. My sister was married to Gerald’s brother, Kenneth.
A correction on Gary Metcalfe’s note on #458. The barn was built on the Lamb farm and then sold to Hans Johnson who moved it to his farm after Priscilla and Bill Lamb left the farm in 1955. ( Bill preferred selling insurance to farming.) Carl Wicks was my favorite uncle, a very kind man. He was not related to the other Wicks family though our family knew them very well.
Thank you for all your work. We enjoy hearing from you every day. Betty and Bill Lamb
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (70): BEDFORD, TX
Hi Everyone
This is in reply to Jean Eurich Roland…..my sisters and I still joke when
we take pictures about Mrs. Wondrasek licking her fingers and smoothing our
hair. It makes for a great jerking reaction. Besides, maybe we artfully
caused our hair to float a little bit. Also, I remember Norman used to work
for my dad in Bottineau and I was working at St. Andrews when he and his
wife had their first child. It was my turn in labor and delivery so I got
to work the nursery when the baby was born and bring the baby in to the
parents for their first visit. It was very cool.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
Janice Striker (47) located:
Eileen Brudwick, with all of her ingenuity and knowledge, managed trace Janice’s marriage records and locate her. She is living in California. Eileen forwarded all this info she found to me hoping she had the right Janice. I left a message with Janice’s voice mail and several days later he daughter left a message with my voice mail letting me know that her mother is in dead the Janice Striker from Dunseith. Janice fell and broke her hip or pelvic bone and is currently convalescing in a nursing home. She gave me her mothers direct number in the home, but she has not been in her room when I’ve called. I will post a message letting you everyone know when do finely reach her.
Eileen, You do great work. Thank you so much for all that you do. Gary
Eileen Brudwick’s reply to Gary: Fargo, ND
This is fantastic news, Gary!!! Happy Days!!! Much of the time, I use ancestry.com to find records of people, and this is how I was able to help find Janice Striker. I am so happy it worked out this time. Hope you find out as much as possible about Janice, and pass it on to me. Sorry to hear she’s having problems, but it sounds like she’s doing okay.
We spent the evening with our wonderful cousin, Neola last night after arriving in Bottineau, and viewing Gerald at the funeral home. Mike even took a few pictures of Neola and me that I will share with you once we get back home. We took Neola out to eat once we finished at the funeral home, and had a wonderful visit. We love spending time with Neola!! She so easy to talk with, and we love her company. In a few hours we’ll be at the funeral. It’s always so hard to say goodbye to the people you love, and Gerald sure is no exception. What a wonderful man he was, as was his brother, Milen. It’s never quite the same coming home now with so many family members passing away.
Have a wonderful day, Gary. Talk to you soon.
Eileen
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, Nd
In Loving Memory of Gerald Brudwick (1931 – 2009):
Replies to the 1945 Basket Ball Photo:
Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Lake Metigoshe, ND
Gary:
The ’45 Team with Glen Shelver as coach: back row – Glen Shelver,
Raymond Haagenson, Wayne Molgard, Bill Hosmer,
Ralph Thiel, Derald Dion. Front row – Leo Murray, Allison Fiske, Darrel
Fassett, Don Johnson, Bob Molgard.
Mona Johnson ’48
Reply From Clark Crum (54) Woodbury, MN
# 7 on the bb players is Darrel Fassett
Clark Crum
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The basketball team is from DHS in 1946. I can name most of the players
for you but may need help on a couple.
L-R Front row: ? , Alison Fiske, Darrell Fassett, Don Johnson, Bob
Molgard.
Back row: Coach Glen Shelver, John Aitcheson, Wayne Molgard, Bill
Hosmer, Lyle Johnson ?, Derold Dion.
Attached is an article from the 1946 ‘Wahoo’ school annual describing
the basketball season of this team. This is in a ragged annual that was
given to me. I can’t take the time to look for my mom’s annual which
would have the picture with the names. That page is missing from this
book. Bill Hosmer can name these guys without a doubt and so can others
I sure. I may be wrong on some of my guesses too, so please correct
them, folks. Thanks Gary!
Dick
1945 Basket Ball Photo:
Mona & Dick, the 2nd guy and #9 in the back you guys have identified differently highlighted in red. The rest are the same. Great Job on both of your parts. I’ll bet Bill Hosmer, Floyd Dion and a few others can help us out with who these guys are. Gary
Back row – Glen Shelver, Raymond Haagenson or John Aitcheson, Wayne Molgard, Bill Hosmer,
Ralph Thiel or Lyle Johnson, Derald Dion.
Front row – Leo Murray, Allison Fiske, Darrel Fassett, Don Johnson, Bob Molgard.
Posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe:Minot & Bottineau, ND
This is one of my favorite pictures of Uncle Gerald and his wife, Delores. Delores passed away a couple of years ago.
Neola
This is from the Minot Daily News:
BOTTINEAU Gerald Brudwick, 77, Bottineau, died Tuesday, May 12, 2009, in a Bottineau nursing home.
He was born Aug. 18, 1931, to Andrew and Ellen Brudwick in Cordelia Township, Bottineau County. He married Deloris Berg on Jan. 29, 1950, in Bottineau.
Survivors: sons, Bob, Bottineau, Larry, Williston; daughter, Debbie Sapp, Bottineau; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Emma Kofoid and Alvina Christianson, both Bottineau.
My sister, Mary Eurich Knutson, would like to be added to your distribution list. Her email address is
I was surprised to see my graduation picture posted a few days ago. Where on earth do you guys come up with all these pictures?!?! I remember that Wandrasek’s took my graduation pictures on a very hot summer day – I just couldn’t wait to get the turtle neck shots done! I often laugh when I think of how Mrs. Wandrasek would lick her fingers and pat down unruley hair before pictures…that would most certainly violate some health code now!
I’ve enjoyed the recent onion sandwich stories. I’ve always liked raw onions; in fact, my brother-in-law, Bud Knutson, used to tell how much I liked raw onions when I was very small – he said the tears would be rolling down by face but I’d keep eating them! I still like them…in moderation!
I’m very impressed with the alumni blog you’ve got going. Like most, reading it has become part of my morning routine. I’m struck by how many area families are related in one way or another. I’m also impressed with the loyalty to our Dunseith “roots” that’s shown by so many contributors.
Keep up the good work! Jean
Mary, it is with great pleasure that I add you to our distribution list. I know some folks hold off from being on this distribution partly for fear of thinking they may receive large email files from me. I do my best to keep the file sizes of these daily messages small. I remember you well. You, Sharon & Norman are the siblings of your family that I remember the best. How well I remember being in Ackworth school and seeing you and Bud driving by when you guys first started dating.
Folks, Mary has a Dunseith Address, but she lives in Bottineau county. She lives one mile into Bottineau county on #43 and 1/2 mile south.
Eurich Family:
Back, Sharon, Eileen Norman & Dave
Front: Mary, Dorothy, Jean & Winifred
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Hello all….. A few RAMBLINGS…..Yes Dick, Carl Wicks was Floyd Lamb’s uncle. Floyd’s mother was Sylvia Arizona Wicks.
Do you remember when Mrs. Lamb and Willard bought a new barn from your Dad or Hans and moved it up to a spring on #43 Highway?
Bonnie, I would enjoy my morning coffee more if you would get on the ball with more stories like coning the kids on the street of the big city. Yes, Marion Strickland was our friend.
Denice Lajimodiere– I have a special request, I think I know part of it, but for sure don’t know who Alcide Lajimodiere’s mother was. I wonder if Alcide was name after that little town north of Rolette??
In the days of a one gallon pail with holes punched in the top for air, summer school with no cooling of any kind. We had to make our lunch the night before, because of time—3 1/2 miles to school took awhile with a slow horse. Mustard made a great sandwich, as did dill pickles. Sure these new Vidalia onions are more than fine. BUT, back in Joe Vanorny’s days, Joe was night watch at the San, he cut quite a figure standing by one of the old San buildings in the shadows. BETTER WATCH OUT. Unless there was something I didn’t know about onions, you have heard the old saying “HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS’. I am convinced it took a Mexican, Italian or maybe a French man with about one inch of chest hair protruding out of their tee shirt to eat an onion sandwich. I think Joe showed discretion to say, “What the hell is that?” There has to be an explanation, like oh, I sliced them real thin.
Bob Hosmer, you showed high intelligence to put oranges on your onion and had to be desperately hungary… LOL
Gary Metcalfe
Picture from Jeff Skjelver (Dave Shelver’s son) Rugby, ND
Gary,
Here is a photo I stumbled across recently. You might know who some of these fellows are. I know the coach is my grandfather Glen.
Peace…
Jeff
1945 Basket Ball team with coach Glen Shelver:
Jeff, this is a great photo. I don’t recognize these guys, but I’ll bet we have some folks that do.
#8 looks like he could be a Vanorney? #11 looks like he could be and Evans? I will repost this
when we have all these folks identified. Thank you Jeff for sharing this picture. Gary
Rodney Lagerquist (67) posted by Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary, thought you might be interested in seeing this from this week’s Star.
Evon
Rodney Lagerquist
Rodney, For just a youngster you are looking mighty fine. If memory serves me right, I think you had a birthday several months ago too, in April. Being born in 1949, this would have been a milestone for you too. Congratulation with this honor of recognition. Keep up the good work. Gary
Fassett Pictures from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
Gary,
The other day, Bonnie Awalt Houle asked for Fassett pics. Here are a couple.
Hope these are in the right ballpark.
Bill
Bill, I have included your first cousin Wendal Cushing with today’s message too:
Wendal, with your mother being a Fassett, Harry would be your uncle too.
Many of our readers remember you from being a teacher at the Forestry for years too. Gary
A family service will be held at 9:00 A.M. Thursday at Nero Funeral Home.
Neola
Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, Nd
Hi Gary,
Sorry about not getting back to you, but my computer was down for a few
days. No I did not receive those e-mails.
I always admired how Bill Grimme could be so smart. I told him so during
the reunion too. Yes Margaret (Metcalfe) Leonard was born in November of 1946, about one year
before I was born. Margaret and I talked about how I was the youngest of
our class.
I will be seeing Neola tonight, I think these are the last of the pictures
that she has in her possesion to get to the people.
Thanks Gary,
Ginger
Ginger, I just got a reply from Neola letting me know that you stopped by her house to review and take pictures. She enjoyed your company
Speaking of Bill Grimme, You and he are two of the 8 folks that were in our class of 65 from grade one all the way through to graduating from HS. As John Bedard said, you guys were the enduring 8. He too is part of that group. We had 27 in our graduating class. Ginger, You mentioned the top two of our graduating class with Bill & Margaret. You will never hear them mention that though. Gary
Reply from Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA
I love reading all the messages on a daily basis but having left Dunseith after the eight grade I recognize a lot of the names and think about writing in but yesterday and today with the picture of Claudia Espe and
Edna Knox from my class of 60 I felt I wanted to. Congradulations to Edna hope she enjoys her retirement.
Wish I was going to be in Dunseith It would be fun seeing her.I am planning on coming up next year if
all goes well .
Thanks again Gary for all the work you do on this everyday I would be lost without my Dunseith fix.
Marie Staub Iverson (60)
Reply from Edna (Susie) Knox Millang (60): Dunseith, ND
Gary – I have worked the past 20 years as a custom broker representive at the Dunseith office. First 12 years for H.A. & J.L Wood Inc who sold to UPS Suppy Chain Solutions about 8 years ago. I was going to retire on May 2 but the office was closed on April 3. I was burned out at the old job and needed a change so was going to retire and then look for something else to do. Thanks again for all you do. Susie Millang
Question from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Hi Gary,
Would you check if anyone would like to have the three 8 X 10’s of Dean Pigeon’s family, please? If not, I’ll shred them.
Would you also check with the Boguslawski families? I have pictures of Tom/his wife (former Wilhelm), a Boguslawski couple, and maybe more.
Thanks, Gary.
We could have a severe thunderstorm here in Bottineau (Bottineau County and other ND counties are under a thunderstorm watch–mostly goes down the middle of the state from north to south.) later today. It’s at Maxbass now, heading NE. It’s clouding up outside, so it’s very possible we’ll get storm. When it gets close, I’ll shut my computer down.
Neola
Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN
Gary:
I would guess the boy in the first photo is Bill Grimme (look at his eyes…..) – and those are his twin baby brother and sister to the right of him???
Paula Fassett
Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware
Hi, The picture has to be of Billy Grimme with his twin brother and sister, Greg and Gwen in the crib behind him. Loved seeing and remembering the women pictured with Father Wolfe. Paulette Chisholm ‘’68 (P.S. I vote for radish sandwiches that don’t make you have to sleep alone.)
Bill Grimme (65) with his twin brother and sister, Greg (68 & Gwen (68)
Who is this little Boy?
Forestery Picture replies listed from here to the bottom of the page
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary,
I think the attendants in the Forestry Queen Pageant are Mary Bott and
Claudia Espe. It sure looks like Mary to me.
Dick
Reply from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA
I agree that it is not Kerry Boucher in the picture…..Kerry was my first cousin…..her father Albert Boucher was my Mom’s brother. I go with Mary Bott for the gal third from the left.
Greetings from CA
Evie Gottbreht Pilkington
Reply from Sharron Gottbreh Shen (59) Everett, WA
My first impression was NOT Kerry – but I had not seen Kerry at that age before. She always had dark shadow area beneath her eyes. I remember Kerry’s face being rounder and thought she wore her hair shorter – often with bangs. Someone else also believes it was not Kerry. Sharron
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:Minot & Bottineau, ND
Hi Gary,
This newsletter has lots of info in it!! I’m enjoying the stories about onion sandwiches; I thought my dad was the only person who ate them. When Dad thought he was catching a cold, he’d eat a raw onion. I have no idea if they prevented the cold, but he was a very healthy man.
A comment on the “Charlotte Nichole Crowning the Queen” picture. This is interesting. I thought the queen was Arlyce Parks, Bottineau, so I added the title “Charlotte Nichol Crowning Arlyce Parks” and sent it to my Bottineau/Kramer lists. The next day, I received an email from Charlotte Nichol (Someone in my lists had forwarded the picture to her). She said it isn’t Arlyce Parks, but Mary Strand Hillesland. She provided the attendants’ names. It must have been Eileen who said Kerry had been married Wayne Vedquam. Again, small world. Wayne is one year older than I am (He’s Class of ’56). His brother, Elroy, is one year younger (Class of ’58). As I said, this is interesting. I’ll send these comments to Charlotte and see what she says–or maybe I’d better wait until you hear from Bobby Bott? I’m not saying Charlotte is necessarily right. but I’m guessing she probably is.
I didn’t realize John/Julie Seier live in Minot. I know Mark/Phyllis live there, as their daughter, Emily, was in my class years ago. I’m assuming you know John/Mark’s mother was Vivian Hagen, Buddy Hagen’s sister. When my nephew, Ollie, was younger, he went to Long Lake with Dad/our family. He learned to know Buddy when Buddy had the small building where he sold pop/candy/etc., as that’s where Dad would dock the boat. Dad/others also played horseshoe at Buddy’s. We spent many Sunday afternoons at “Buddy’s Place”. Over time, Ollie learned to know Mark/John (maybe more). I was surprised when Emily was in my class, and I made the connection between “Buddy’s nephews” and Emily’s dad, Mark. I’m not sure, but I think Ollie might have known John better than Mark. Lots of water has gone under the bridge since those fun days at Buddy’s.
Mom has always kept clippings from the newspaper. It was either when Emily was in my class, or a little later, I found her grandmother/grandfather’s (Marion’s) wedding clipping. I gave it to her so she had her “very own” clipping of Grandma/Grandpa.
While I’m on the subject of how small the world is, I think Charlotte Boguslawski’s great granddaughter was in my class in Minot, too. Was one of Charlotte’s daughters married to an Erbstoesser? They lived in Bismarck–I think. Gordon Erbstoesser attended the School of Forestry when I did. His sister, Janet was married Dan Sheets; he managed White Drug at Town and Country in Minot. Dan/Janet’s daughter, Stephanie, was in my class. I think Dan/Janet left Minot awhile ago.
Both Emily Seier and Stephanie Sheets are married. I saw their wedding pictures in the Minot Daily awhile ago. Both were beautiful brides–naturally.
It’s amazing how small the world is–and SUCH fun!!!!
Neola
Neola, This picture has sure generated a wealth of interest. It’s Great! My philosophy is if in doubt when labeling or sending stuff out for comments and review, is to list your gut feeling. In doing that it gets the ball rolling for comments and replies with the correct info. Now that we have this picture identified correctly, can we get you to send us a corrected copy with the correct labeling. Thank you Neola for all that you do. Gary
Charlotte Nichol, Mary Strand Hillesland, Mary Bott & Cluadia Espe
Thank you Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND
I want to thank every one for their e-mails kind words and prayers. It has been a tough time losing my husband but God never gives us more than we can handle and I kling to his promises so I will survive and be stonger. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine
Edna (Susie) Knox Millang (60) Retiring:
Posted by Jule Knox Seier (82): Minot, ND
Good Morning Gary!
I was wondering if you would please post for me…
Retirement party for Edna (Susie) Knox Millang.
Friday, May 22, 2009
7:00 pm
Kelvin
Potluck…sandwiches, salads, hotdishes. Cake
will be served. Come and join us to celebrate Susie’s
retirement!
Oh and onion sanwiches! So good with a piece or two of fried
side pork! Yummmmm!
Thanks for all you do Gary!
Julie (Knox) Seier
Minot ND
Susie, Congratulations on retirement. From where are you retiring? Gary
Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND
I too remember the onion sandwiches but on toast with real butter. I also have fond memories of going to Arleen and Norris Knudson and Arleen and I eating fresh homemade bread with fresh farm cream and sugar. Gee I wonder why 45 years latter I’m still not a size 12. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine
Vickie, Bread and cream with lots of sugar made for a mighty fine meal. It was such a treat when we were able to use cream. Most of the time at our house it was bread and skim milk. We had to sell the cream. I had my share of Bread and Milk & Bread and Cream meals over at Norris and Arleen’s too, when I worked for them in the summer months. Gary
Gerald Brudwick Passed away:
Message sent by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Hello Relatives,
My uncle, Gerald Brudwick, passed away in his sleep sometime during the night. When I have more information about the funeral arrangements, I’ll send it.
It’s sad to lose Uncle Gerald, but he had been wanting “to go” for some time now. He missed Delores tremendously. He had a stroke about 3/4 years ago, and hasn’t been able to do much for himself since then. Life isn’t much fun when you need to depend on others to do everything for you.
Mom and Alvina are the two remaining siblings. Mom lives at Good Samaritan in Bottineau; she was 92 years old on May 5. Alvina lives in long term at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau. Both Mom/Alvina still get around by themselves. Mom uses a walker; I think Alvina does, too. Alvina is the third of Andrew/Ellen Johanna Laugsand Brudwick’s six children; Mom is the oldest. Uncle Gerald was the youngest.
Neola
Message sent by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Sad news today… In case you haven’t heard Mike’s uncle Gerald passed away in his sleep last night during the night sometime. We will be attending his funeral. We haven’t heard the arrangements as yet. I am sure his body can be viewed at the Nero Funeral Home, like all the other family members were until the funeral. Most likely that will be at the Metigoshe Christian Center, at Lake Metigoshe. Gerald was such a wonderful man, and will be so dearly missed. He has wanted to be with his deceased wife since her death, so now it’ll be a happy reunion once again for them. We were hoping to see him in June sometime, but I guess uncle Gerald wanted to depart sooner.
Take care,
Eileen
Neola, Eileen & Mike: I know a lot of our readers from the hills remember Gerald. We are so sorry to hear of his passing, but he is now with Delores. The real loss is with his family. Our condolences are with all of you with his passing. Gary
Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, ND
Onion, butter, salt and pepper on fresh bread. Yes! Also, banana slices & peanut butter on rye – so good.
I am trying to remember who wore a garlic necklace in grade school, McCoy or McKay, Bill or Jim? Never saw garlic at the Gottbreht table. Mom was a marvel at home cooking but now wonder how she managed to make everything taste so good without garlic. Grandma Evelyn Gaudet Gottbreht used fresh cloves in her chili. When visiting the Shens home where the aroma of saute garlic would permeate the house every evening, mom would call out from her easy chair “Now go easy with that garlic.”
Be well, Sharron
Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND
HI GARY,
Speaking of onion sandwiches,my mom was a full-blooded Norwegian and my dad, Jim Metcalfe , loved anything Norwegian. We always had good beef and pork (roasts) that we raised on the farm, and we always put lots of good (raw) onions, mustard, catsup on homemade bread sandwiches, along with wonderful gravy. SO GOOD! We complained that we didn’t get “boughten bread” like the kids in town did; of course, Herman Martinson’s bread was a special treat if they did buy bread. We thought that was really “stylin it” in rare cases where Mom didn’t get a chance to bake. Larry, so fun to read your stories; you were much younger than I, but I remember your family so well from Hilltop.
Geri Metcalfe Munro ’59 Fargo, ND
Reply from Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA
Since the subject is on onion sandwiches, I’ll throw my two-cents worth in. I never had any straight onion sandwiches growing up in Dunseith. However, When I was on a construction job on Fremont in Seattle years ago. I opened my lunch bucket to a sliced onion and orange sandwich my wife made for me as a surprise. I cannot describe the flavor. It was neither onion nor orange, but something else entirely. I did finish the sandwich–not so much out of enjoyment, but because I was tremendously hungry and had four more hours of work that day.
Bob Hosmer
Bob Hosmer, WA Chaplain
Marketplace Chaplains USA
Cell: 425-299-0928
Email: Website: www.MChapUSA.com
Correction from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
In my airport letter yesterday the 150,000 figure should be 150 million . Gary Metcalfe
Hello everyone, The occasion this weekend was the opening of Branson Airport. The first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States, $150,000 airport. The fire chief, Ted Marten fulfilled a life long dream as he was selected for a one hour ride aboard a Thunderbird F16. Does Lt. Col. Derek Routt ring a bell with you Bill Hosmer? I guess the Thunderbirds stole the show, but don’t sell the single engine planes short, they did a night show that was fantabulous, along with the parachute crew. The Stealth Bomber made a very short appearance. I guess they did it alright as they were around for four days. Gary Metcalfe
Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND
Gary, you just give me too much credit! Thank you for your kind words of praise!! I hope I can live up to it. I truly enjoy helping people do geanealogy, even if they aren’t related to me in any way. It also helps me to occupy my time since I no longer work. I don’t know how on earth I did all this when I was working full-time.
Many thanks,
Eileen
Reply from Alan & Phyllis Campbell: Minot, ND
Just a quick comment on both the onion sandwiches and “old Joe Vanorny”…Alan and his
Dad both loved onion sandwiches and also radish sandwiches – just butter and bread- and they were not German! Good Scotsmen apparently had the same favorites! Re” Joe Vanorny” – – when we moved here in the Wellington in Minot, one of the first couples we met wer Russ and Jeanne Vanorny….Virgil’s brother. They are our “table mates” at our delicious meals here every day. Russ is a big man and both he and Alan have hearing problems so guess who does most of the talking? Jeanne just celebrated her 90th birthday but doesn’t look it. The family had a big party for her in the dining room a couple of Sundays ago and Jay and Lola were there so we got to say hello to them! Enjoy those daily blogs,Gary, and congratulate you on doing your tireless (and tiring??) job.
Campbell family Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Alan Cambell Family stamped November 27, 1970:
Top: Rich (68), Phyllis & Alan (42)
Bottom: Jeff (76), Cathy (73) & Dave (71)
Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO
Gary, in the photo with Charlotte Nichol crowning the homecoming queen, the third person from the left is Mary Bott, I am certain. I remember her making her dress by hand and completing it minutes before she had to wear it. She is beautiful, inside and out. Thanks, Sharon Zorn Gerdes.
Sharon, Now that you mention it, that sure looks like Mary Bott (62) to me too. What are the comments from some of the rest of you? Yes Sharon, Mary was always a very pretty girl. Mary does not have email. She lives in Linton, ND. Bobby Bott, what do think, is this your sister? Gary
Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, ND
Kerry Boucher Vedquam [1944-1989] would be voted “best in show” in any competition. The picture posted and the picture I’ve chosen give just a glimmer of her quiet charm and beautiful features. She passed too young because of DM I. If I remember correctly the Vedquam family had celebrated Kerry’s birthday that noon [July 21] and she laid down for a nap and slipped away while she slept. Kerry’s husband Wayne, her children Aaron, and twins Jean and Joan were devoted to her and she lived every moment for them.
Kerry and I shared a common interest in Boucher/Casavant family history and genealogy. Kerry’s mom, Alice Fassett Boucher, wife of Albert, also loved family history and she gave us much encouragement. We corresponded often, all by snail mail. I would search the extensive records of the St. Louis City Library and Fur Trader Records and she the Bismarck Archives. We made time at every visit to exchange and copy files. Like myself, Kerry was a nurse anesthetist. When we met at national meetings, I would deplore her very lean physique – she was so strict with her management of diabetes. Smart gal, she was an inspiration.
If I remember correctly, Peggy and I received some parental words of reprimand that day. Grandma Margaret Casavant Boucher was grandpa Victor Boucher’s second wife – she is center top. The next row left to right would be Sharron Gottbreht, LuAnne Brunsell, Joel Boucher, little Gary Boucher, Jerry Boucher, Peggy Boucher standing. Across the bottom: Barb Boucher, Ronnald Tennancour, Jeff Boucher, George Gottbreht, Evie Gottbreht, Carol Jean Boucher, Kerry Boucher and another brother, Jim Boucher. EJ and Carmen were there I’m sure, but already adult enough [13] for other amusements.
Thank you Gary. Sharron
Picture L to R:
Center top: Grandma Margaret Casavant Boucher
Center:Sharron Gottbreht, LuAnne Brunsell, Joel Boucher, little Gary Boucher, Jerry Boucher,
Peggy Boucher standing
Bottom: Barb Boucher, Ronnald Tennancour, Jeff Boucher, George Gottbreht, Evie Gottbreht,
Carol Jean Boucher, Kerry Boucher and another brother, Jim Boucher
Memorial Day reminder from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70): Walhalla, ND
Yes, I am back to remind everyone to not only remember our Veterans but to send their donation to the cemetery association where these veterans and our ancestors are buried. If everyone would send $10 or MORE dollars to Little Prairie,Ackworth, Riverside,etc. It would help pay, to keep our little country cemeteries clean and neat. Remember the people who died so that we all can live and do all this reminiscing. Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day (and maybe go to a ceremony instead of fishing)…just a thought . Thanks again Gary. Crystal Fassett Andersen Here is a picture of the Fassett’s on Memorial Day 1960 Bill,Susan,Paula & Crystal Fassett and one of my grandparents and parents
Bill, Susan, Paula & Crystal Fassett
Dunseith & Turtle mountain Cemeteries
Points of Contact for donations
1.Riverside: ————————–Rod Medrud (701) 244-5829 – Work (701) 244-5438
Make Donations out to “Riverside Cemetery”
PO Box 194 A,Dunseith,ND58329
2.Little Prairie: ———————Joan Salmonson (701) 263-4613 – Work (701) 244-5438
RR
1 Box 130
, Dunseith ND 58329
3.Rendahl: —————————Pat Pladson (701) 228-3943
9540 Hwy 60, Bottineau ND, 58318
4. St Louis & St Mary’s Catholic:Floyd Dion (701) 244-5764
6. Saint John’s Lutheran: ———Darrel Abrahamson (701) 244-5151
HCR
Box 20,Saint John,ND58369
Thank you Crystal for this reminder. I have had it in the back of my mind to mail my contribution to Ackworth, but just have not gotten around to it yet. With this reminder, my check will be in the mail tomorrow.
I have posted the points of contacts above for sending donations to. Folks, please let me know if this list needs any updating.
Gary
Kermit & Alvina Hiatt Thompson family posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks, Alvina Hiatt was a sister to Leola, Albert, Nettie, Ikie, Ena and that family of a 12 siblings. George and Eva Crawford Hiatt were their parents. The Thompson’s lived in Landa, but were very active in the Ackworth community in my growing up days. They were also very active members of the Bottineau Senior Citizens. Gary
Reply from Eileen Brudwick (Mike’s Wife): Fargo, ND
It’s so interesting to hear the stories people talk about. Oh, by the way, onion sandwiches wasn’t just a Norwegian thing. I can remember having them when I was a kid occasionally with butter, salt & pepper on it, and with that home made bread, it was awesome. I am of German descent primarily. My mother (of Irish descent) and I also ate mustard & pickle sandwiches. Mike & I still do occasionally eat onion sandwiches. I don’t often as onions don’t agree with my stomach very well any more, but I do love onions!!
Have a good day!
Eileen
Reply to Larry Hackman (66) from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
Larry Hackman, you truly have the gift. I enjoy everything you write. I wasn’t going to comment on the onion, but, since you asked that we not let it die, just yet, I will share my experience with the onion sandwich. I have always liked onion sandwiches, just an onion and butter and I also like another sandwich a lot – peanut butter and mayonnaise. I put one of these together every now and then. So, one day I was talking sandwiches with an old friend of mine and peanut butter and mayonnaise came up. He shared his idea of a great addition to the peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich and that was to put a nice slice of sweet onion between the peanut butter and the mayonnaise. So, when I got home, I decided to try that. It was delicious. I have had a few since then. Onion takes on the characteristic of an apple.
Another sandwich that I have always loved was just butter and sliced radishes. Nice. My mother ate those all the time and it rubbed off.
Here is a great recipe for a whole onion:
Take one sweet onion, slice off the bottom to make it flat, slice the top off and dig a hole in the top big enough to hold about a teaspoon of butter. Put the onion in a bowl. Fill the hole in the onion with butter, sprinkle about a good teaspoon of beef bullion granules over the onion and pour 1/4 cup of water over the whole thing. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and microwave on high for eight minutes. Carefully remove the saran wrap and cover the top of the onion with grated mozzarella cheese. Put it back in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds. Get a spoon and enjoy the cooked onion. This is really tough to beat!
Keep the stories coming, Larry.
Bill
Reply to DeniseLajimodiere from Ardys Bakken Horner (DHS teacher): Detroit Lakes, MN
Hi Denise, my grandparents even flatten tin cans to make shingles for the chicken coupe, must have been noisy on rainy days, saved string from tied packages, collected and sold eggs to buy groceries, canned everything imaginable, I rmemeber being amazed when I moved to Minneapolis in ’61 to find out you actually bought fruit in a store because we grew most fruit on tress at my grandparents farm except for peaches, pears and oranges. Gramma also cut up old clothes, made balls of stripes which were taken in to make rag rugs which I stilll love today. Ardys Horner
Fassett Picture requests from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
Dear Gary,
I have talked to the Tessin Family, Sons of Carol Fassett Tessin. They very much would like any pictures that anyone would have of the Fassett Family. They are trying to put together a genealogy. Send the pictures to me at 16809 127th Street SE, Becker Mn. 55308. I will deliver them to them.
I didn’t get the message today, Monday May 11.
Thanks much for the phone call.
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Hello everyone, The occasion this weekend was the opening of Branson Airport. The first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States, $150,000 airport. The fire chief, Ted Marten fulfilled a life long dream as he was selected for a one hour ride aboard a Thunderbird F16. Does Lt. Col. Derek Routt ring a bell with you Bill Hosmer? I guess the Thunderbirds stole the show, but don’t sell the single engine planes short, they did a night show that was fantabulous, along with the parachute crew. The Stealth Bomber made a very short appearance. I guess they did it alright as they were around for four days. Gary Metcalfe
Reply from Eileen Brudwick (Mike’s Wife): Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
In answer to your question regarding Kerry Boucher. Kerry is a daughter of Albert & Alice (Fassett) Boucher. Kerry married Wayne Vedquam, the son of Julius Vedquam & Elsie Elie. Elsie (Elie) Vedquam, is Mike Brudwick & Neola Kofoid Garbe’s 2nd cousin twice removed.
Eileen Brudwick
Folks, Eileen has a big percentage of all the Rolette & Bottineau County folks both past and present in her Genealogy files. She has been a great help assisting me in finding a lot of folks. Neola got me connected with Eileen about 3 years ago when I was putting together family trees for my dads biological family. She had 90% of the info I needed, especially for the Kofoid’s, right at her finger tips. Eileen and I have exchanged hundres of email messages and have become close friends, but we have never met in person. Hopeful one of these years, with our visits back to ND we will meet. Eileen is a workaholic and will exhaust all means to find whatever it is she is looking for. She is a wonderful person.
Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX
Gary,
I have been back in the States, living in Hutto, Texas, for about 18 months. I travel a great deal and I have returned to Germany at least 3 times the past year staying for a total of 6 months. My 13 year old son and wife still live there. They have a beautiful place in the Bayischer Wald of Bavaria near Passau. Even though my wife and I are separated, we have a great relationship and get along very well. This year I will be returning to Germany at least 3 more times as well as travels back up North to visit family in Arkansas, Missouri, and Minnesota. I’ll also head to Las Vegas this summer for a Department of Defense Dependent Schools reunion. In between all of this I do some substitute teaching in secondary schools in the area. I also have a seasonal position where I work full time for a period of about 11 weeks with Pearson’s Educational Assessment Corp. I make enough with them to pay for my travels. I manage to stay very busy but I must say retirement is great.
Take care and lay off the balut.
Bob
Reply to the Catholic lady’s picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
Gary, the woman in the 3rd row and 6th from the right is Eva Dion (Morinivlle) later married Fred Peat , most knew her as Mrs Peat. Her first husband died when my father was 15 months old . my fathers mother and my grandmother
Archieved Photo’s.
Do any of you recognize this boy?
Do any of your recognize this little boy?
Reply to Gary Morgan & Gary Stokes form Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Thanks for the compliments, but I think many folks are involved in most of our accomplishments. It takes a great community, like ours, which has the right kind of people to make things happen. I have been lucky to have been involved. Gary Morgan must be back on the ‘big lake’, as many call Sakakawea. Glad to have his memory and insight back on line! We will be looking forward to the Hostfest and hope to see many of you there. Larry’s story about ‘Old Joe’ Vanorny and the onion sandwich reminded me of a story from the early days at the Garden Lanes bowling ally. There were two rows of seats for spectators who came to watch the bowlers. One night I went up town to watch and the seats all filled up right after I got there. The games were just starting and Joe poked me on the shoulder with his cane and said, “You got a phone call, kid.” I got up and went to the desk and picked up the receiver but there was only a dial tone. I hung it back up and went back to sit down—Joe had my seat! Oh well, I would have given up my seat anyway, if I would have seen him come in. I actually thought it was funny! He had ‘er figgerd out! Thanks Gary!
Ladies Bowling team at Garden Lanes about 1960.
L-R: Margo Hiatt, Bernice Johnson, Joyce Evans, and Joy Nordquist
DUNSEITH Clifford M. “George” Counts, 48, Dunseith, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009, in a Minot hospital.
He was born July 9, 1960, to Louise and Lloyd Counts Sr. in Belcourt. He married Rochell Zaste July 28, 2001, in Dunseith.
Survivors: wife; sons, Clifford “Herbie” and Terrell, both Dunseith; daughters, Carleen Counts, Carleeta Grant, Julia Poitra, all Dunseith; seven grandchildren; brothers, Lloyd, Ronnie, Clarence, Ernie, all Dunseith; sisters Barbra LaRocque, LouAnn St. Claire, both Dunseith, JoAnn Brunelle, Belcourt.
Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Michael Catholic Church, Dunseith.
Burial: St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith.
Wake: Tuesday, 4 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the church. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)
Reply/Question from Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary
Brenda Hoffman said that her grandmother lived in Denhoff, ND , and I was wondering if she was related to John Schick. John was from Denhoff and was the State Dairy Inspector, and when I worked for the Bottineau Coop. Creamery he would come and inspect us. I got to know John very good and he was a good man, I really liked him.
Floyd Dion
Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): Farimount, ND
Gary, Cecil Gouin is correct about the picture. The woman in the third row next to Cora Mongeon is my grandmother, Eva Dion Morinville Peat. Thanks. Toni Morinville Gredesky
Message from Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND
To Dick & Brenda
Good for You! You’ve made the big time. I’m looking forward to seeing Highway 43 perform at Norsk Hostfest!
Gary Morgan
Gary, Dick (68) & Brenda Johnson have had so many success’. I am assuming you are referring to their band “Highway 43”? Dick and Brenda are such talented folks. I can not for the life of me figure out how Dick fits all that he does into each day. It seems as though he is everywhere all the time between St. John, Bottineau and all the place in-between. He has so many interests and is involved in almost every community activity and organization in the area. To top it all off, he has time for us with all his contributions. Dick, you are an amazing guy with a wealth of community history that we dearly love having you share with us. We have added a lot on new folks to our distribution since we posted the history, accomplishments and remembrances of your parents. I will repost all that on one of our slower days.
Reply toDenise Lajimodiere from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX
Gary,
On the Depression thing. I was born in 1940 just at the tail end of the depression. I remember and for years afterwards, until she died in 1975, my mother never threw away old clothing, saved buttons, newspapers, and with a knife would scrape away and save any excess off the wax wrappers that encased a block of butter. Mom and Dad would make quilts from the old clothes. A couple of those quilts have survived and are kept by my youngest sister. If you are her guest in the middle of the winter you will probably be covered at night by one of those quilts. When we were kids my oldest sister and I would try to guess where a swatch of cloth came from and who wore it. The one who was able to guess the most got bragging rights. Mom was always the arbiter. She knew where every swatch of cloth came from.
Bob Lykins
Bob, Are you still in Germany or are you back in the states now? Gary
Story From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND
Gary
I don’t think we should just stop and quit talking about the onion just yet. I know there has to be more stories out there. I know whenever onion, especially raw slices are served up on a picnic table or anywhere else, someone has a story to tell. It is funny, that the story is usually funny. Maybe this one will jog a memory or two. What do you think?
Larry
The saga of the onion continues.My aunt always told a story of one of her experiences working as a waitress at the Crystal Cafe.It was her first time working alone at night.Old Joe Vanorny came into the restaurant usually every summer night about 9 o’clock and always ordered the same thing to eat.This night being no different he came in and sat down on the stool at about the center of the counter, in front of the milk machine. My aunt went up and asked what he would like and he replied that he wanted a glass of milk and a onion sandwich.So she gave him the glass of milk and went in the back to make the sandwich.She said she had never made a onion sandwich in her life, but how hard could it be, two slices of bread with something jammed between them, or is that a jam sandwich?Anyway she got out two slices of bread from the sandwich loaf.Remember the sandwich loafs made by Herman Martinson of the Snow White Bakery, made special for the restaurants. They were long and square with the slices cut a little thinner then a regular loaf of bread.
My aunt said she got two slices of bread, buttered them, and installed a thick slice of onion and placed it on a plate with a sprig of parsley.She then took that sandwich out to old Joe, proud of her accomplishment and knowing that it was exactly what he had ordered and the last minute addition of the sprig of parsely made it a masterpiece.Old Joe took one look at the sandwich and said in his astonished, gruff voice, ” What the hell is this”.My aunt replyed, ” a onion sandwich”.Joe said, ” I have never ate anything like that in my life”. He said, “I wanted a hamburger with onion on it”. She said she went back into the kitchen and made the hamburger with a slice of onion, but she couldn,t help laughing as she recalled the expression on Joe’s face when he saw that onion sandwich.Apparently Joe was no Norwegian?My aunt recalled and told the story often as she said that Joe and her would start laughing as soon as they would see each other, when he came through the restaurant door to have his glass of milk and hamburger with a slice of onion. May they both be still laughing and enjoying a sandwich together.
My dad, Clarence always enjoyed a onion sandwich too.His favorite way to make it, was to take rendered pork lard or the grease left after frying up some salt pork and spread that on two slices of bread, sprinkle, salt and pepper over the lard, install the onion slices, paste it all together, then enjoy. Remember, before we had electricity, the only way to preserve pork was to put it into the them wood barrels that were filled with water and a lot of salt.It kept the pork from spoiling in the summer and kept it from freezing in the winter.They also left the skin on the hog when they butchered. They scaldedthe hog after the kill and then scrapped the hair off, cut the meat up into chunks and put it all into the salt barrel. Remember the fried salt pork with the rind (skin) on.It was delicious.As a kid during the meal you would eat meat off the rind, saving the rind beside your plate,then after the meal you would take off outside, with the handfull of rinds that you had saved. You would then pop them rinds into your mouth one at a time, and chew, enjoying the salty fried flavor all over again.It was better then gum.
Thinking of my dad made me think of some of the greetings that he received from some of his old friends from the hills. He had MS so he could not walk for the last 20 years of his life.But, he was always in good spirits and enjoyed the people who came to visit him. I remember one fellow showing up and asking dad what he was doing for excitement.His reply, “I follow the shade around the house”.No air conditioning in them days. Another time a older fellow showed up and greeted dad with, “how is it hanging today Clarence?Dads reply, “head first”.Then they both laughed.Again, another fellow from the Turtle Mountians noticed Dad had forgotten to close his fly. He said, “Claence your horse is going get out”.Dads reply, “If it can’t get up it can’t get out”.Them old timers, of which we are now they, enjoyed life and loved to laugh didn”t they?
My favorite onion sandwich is to toast two slices of bread, spread the toast with butter (smart balance) install a couple slices of braunswiger (liverwurst), a couple slices of sweet onion,cover that with some mustard. Throw that second slice of toast on top of the pile, cut it in half and enjoy.God, this is making me hungry and I had the last of the braunswiger in a sandwich yesterday.I guess I’m going to have to go to the store before lunch. Maybe I better pick up another sweet onion too. yum yum.Must be the German?
I think Gary is right about the onion being the first, best method of birth control.Well, maybe first after garlic.Anyway eating either one before bed time will surely put a damper on things in the bed room.I also have heard and know that some onions can put a damper on things for up to three days after eaten.So the onion does work unless, of course both parties like to eat onion or both hate onion. But then, I have also heard that eating a regular diet of onion and garlic will also keep the mosquitos away.
Remember; laugh and the whole world laughs with you.
By the way.What nationality is Vanorny anyway?
Larry
Larry, This is great! You write such beautiful stories. You know speaking of story teller’s, we have not heard from Tim Martinson for awhile. It’s spring time in Alaska now, so he’s probably a pretty busy guy these days.
Jean Eurich Roland’s (80) picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks, Jean I believe is an RN and she lives in Minot. She is the youngest daughter of Dave and Winifred Pritchard Eurich.jeanroland@rocketmail.com
Jean, This is a beautiful picture. With you being 15 years my junior, I don’t remember you nearly as well as the rest of your family members. You were just a baby when I was working for Norris and Bud Knutson putting up hay on your folks place. Gary
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Claudia Espe Klien (60), I’ll bet this brings back a few memories:Appleton, WI
Folks, I’m pretty sure Kerry Boucher is related to a whole bunch of you folks. Where does she fit into your family? Gary
Folks, I have been getting a little careless with the numbering of these messages lately. I sent out two number 452’s. Yesterday’s message should have been 453. Rather than skip a number, today’s is 453. Sorry for the confusion.
I just got a phone call from our neighbor, originally for the Los Angeles area, letting me know his mother died this morning. She has been living with them here in Cebu for several years now. She was 110 ten years old last November. Up until about a year ago, she was able to function pretty much on her own. Her eye sight, hearing and mobility all have been failing this past year. She had a good sound mind right up to the end. For her age, that was remarkable. Gary
Reply fromDenise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN
Hi Gary,
I got my doctorate in Eductional Leadership at UND. I am now an Ed. Lead. professor at NDSU, Fargo and living a wee bit across the river in Moorhead, but far enough away to escape the major flooding.
Beside keeping, and soon to write from, all of my mom’s (Lola Lajimodiere) history papers and extensive tribal research, I enjoy writing poetry. I’m shopping a manuscript around, and am now working on a second manuscript.
I am hoping to develop a little chap book on Lajimodiere history, especially as it applies to those of us remaining in the US after Louis Riel’s hanging. My great grandfather ‘homesteaded’ in Dunseith. His father, Joseph, was first cousin to Riel, and had to flee Winnipeg. All family members moved back to Canada except my family, where we eventually settled in both Belcourt and Dunseith. My father, Leo, considered Dunseith our family home.
We had relocated to Oregon in the mid ’50s and returned 14 years later to Dunseith. I began my Junior year at UND North Plains Indian Teacher Corps and was placed at the Dunseith Elem. school when Art Rude sr. was principal.
Denise
Denise, I almost had everything right except for the college. I was thinking you were working at UND. We did get several replies for your request that I have included with today’s message. I believe Gary Metcalfe and others knew one of your uncles or a relative of yours quite well in the Turtle Mountain area.
David Slyter, I know you are working at NDSU too. It’s a big place, but possibly your paths will cross one of these days.
Brenda Hoffman’s (68) reply to Denise LajimodiereGreenville, SC
My grandmother in Denhoff, ND was extremely thrifty. She made quilts and pillows out of old coats as obviously did Denise’s relatives, but my favorite was that she saved and cleaned plastic bags and used them to make lovely hook rugs – which were of course perfect for wiping muddy feet. Grandma Schick was a seamstress and until her late 80s created all sorts of clothing – without a “store bought” pattern. She merely looked at the item in the store or the catalog, measured someone and then cut the pattern out of newspapers. She was known throughout the county as a wonderful seamstress and created wedding gowns, cheer leading costumes and whatever else came her way. When she broke her hip, which necessitated her permanent move to the nursing home, she was only concerned that she would be unable to finish the McClusky cheer leading outfits. The paramedics had to reassure her that someone would finish them before she would leave her house. The paramedics kept asking her where her medications were so they could make sure she didn’t miss any doses. Their ongoing questions about meds truly confused her as she didn’t take any! Oh yes, before my grandpa died, they maintained an acre flower and vegetable garden and canned most of the vegetables.
Yes, about the saved buttons; I have a tin box full of them. They came from both my mother and grandmother. When I was a
kid, I always wondered what they were for. Leave Tuesday for Wisconsin, for my granddaughter’s wedding. August Johnson
and our son DJ will be there, also. Dick, I will let him know about that subject we talked about. Everyone have a peaceful and
quiet day.
Sybil Johnson
Reply from Dave Slyter (70): (Fargo) Sabin, Mn
Gary:
Thanks for the awesome pictures of the Willow Lake Road and the Ackworth cemetary. Its really odd to see buildings behind the cemetary. Its nice to see that Danny built on the home place. The Willow Lake Road in your pictures bring back so many memories. Traveled that road a lot thru the years that I lived in the hills. Going to visit or helping out Aunt Margie Hiatt. Thanks for the memories and all that you do for us thru this blog site.
Dave Slyter (70)
Reply from Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA
Gary,
I didn’t realize there are so many Hiatt’s out there that we don’t know. Thanks for all the work that you put into this. Once again a great job!!!
Also, Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there.
Rhonda Hiatt
Message/Picture from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL.
Gary,
Saturday in New York. Saw “Hair” (again). Great show. L-R; Irina, me, Sanya (Irina’ daughter), Kais (Sanya’ s husband). I have a friend whose daughter is in this Broadway play. Met her after the performance. Great, high energy performance.
Bill
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Bill, this is a great picture. When you called me last week, I didn’t realize you were headed for NY. You probably told me and it just went right over my head. With all your travels, I can tell you are truly enjoying retired life. In several months you & Irina will be on the other corner of the United States, Seattle, when we go on our cruise. Gary
L-R; Irina (Bill’s Friend), Bill Grimme, Sanya (Irina’ daughter), Kais (Sanya’ s husband).
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The picture of all the ladies and Father Wolf has me wondering if it could be the church organization called ‘Catholic Daughters’. When I hung out with John Boguslawski, there were times when his mom, Alice, went to meetings of a group called ‘Catholic Daughters’ or ‘Catholic Daughters of America’–or similar name. It appears all the ladies are Catholic and with the priest in attendance, it would fit. This is only a guess though. Thanks Gary!
Dick
Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73):
Reply to picture of Ladies with Father Wolf: to think those glasses they wore then are coming back.
Sharon Longie Dana(73)
Reply from Gloria Robillard Patnaude (69): Belcourt, ND
Hi Gary, When I was looking at the picture of the Ladies of Rolette County I noticed the Lady on the far right ,
the one with the dark hair and partially cut from the picture , is my Aunt Melvina (Robillard) Schneider .
Gloria (Robillard) Patnaude
Gloria, You and LeaRae have both identified Melvina. You mention she was partially cut from the picture. There are two more ladies in that row to the right of Melvinal on the original picture. I’m hoping everyone is a recieving full picture? Gary
Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND
Gary, In the picture of the Catholic ladies-the one identified as Sophie(Mrs. Pete) Schneider is Melvina Schneider (Mrs. Hank)
Both of those ladies were in the Happy Home Homemakers Club with my mother. Sophie was Methodist.
The pictures of the Ackworth cemetery and Willow Lake Road are great. Terry’s aunt Maebelle Smith Salmonson is buried there.
Reply from Cecile Gouin Craig (61): Windsor, CO
Hi Gary, just read my daily fix down memory lane. Thanks for all you do.
In the picture of all the ladies (e-mail #452) I believe one of the ladies in the 3rdrow the sixth one in from the right, Is my Great Aunt Eva Morrinville Peat. She was my Grandmother Rena Dion Daoust’s eldest sister. Cecile Gouin Craig.
Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
Howdy Gary,
In the picture of all the ladies, the one listed as my mom Alice Kuhn is actually her sister Lillian Allard.
Mel Kuhn
Catholic Ladies Photo:
Folks, there are only two unknowns in the 3rd row not identified in this photo. Can any of you identify these ladies? We’ve almost got it. Gary
Row 3: Rebecca Cote,_________, Alice Christianson, Eva Siem, Josephine Fugere, _______Volh, Cora Mongeon, Eva Morrinville Peat, Elise Picard, Sylvia Heffelfinger, Melvina Schneider, Flora Casavant, Emeline Boucher
Row 2; Olivine Allard, Beatrice Robert, Lillian Allard, Helen Haberman, Alma Casavant, Frances Morinville, Loretta Boguslawski, Alice Boguslawski, Dorothy Robert, Mary Ann Malo, Rita Boucher, Irene Pigeon, Lenore Malo, Alma Berube, Germaine Barbot, Lillian Houle
Row 1: Eva Trafford, Stella Vandal, Esther Neameyer, Emma Cooper, Father Wolf, Lenore Lamoreux, Alice Evans Berube, Hermine Dionne, Gail Lamoreux, Janet Evans
Reply to the Bursinger picture from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND
Ole was Lyle!
Reply to the Bursinger picture from Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD
Lyle John Bursinger is Ole Bursinger. Born 12-25-1919
Reply to the Bursinger picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
The best way to explain is—Lyle ‘Ole’ Bursinger. The picture Neola sent yesterday is of Julius and Clara Overby, Ole’s father-in-law and mother-in-law. Ole’s son John confirmed that for me last fall. Those of you who saved the messages can look in #261 for the explanation on who’s who. Thanks Gary!
Dick
The following to the bottom of the page is posted from message 261 (10/23/08):
From Gary Metcalfe (57):
Neola, Ole and Lyle Bursinger are one and the same person. Ole was German, but raised by the Norweigan. I would almost swear that is not the Lyle Bursinger I knew.
Thanks all for keeping this going. It brightens my day. Gary Metcalfe
Gary, You are so right about Ole Bursinger. Read What Dick found out and has to say below. Gary
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Neola and Friends,
The old picture that has ‘Lyle Bursinger’ on the back is of Mrs. Ole Bursinger’s parents. I asked John Bursinger and showed him the picture and he said it is Julius and Clara Overby, Glenice’s parents. In order to keep from being confusing, Ole’s real name is Lyle and ‘Ole’ is just a nickname. Thanks Neola and Gary.
Dick
Dick’s reply to Gary
Gary,
Ole’s son, John, lives about a mile south of Ole’s place, which is about 4 miles north and east of my place. Ole’s daughter, Sue, lives in a newer house with her family in the same yard that Ole lived in. I trade old cars and parts with John quite often. That is what I was up there for today, so just printed the photo and took it along. John said his grandfather used to drink whiskey by the gallon and never even staggered!He also told me they lived along Highway 43 a couple miles east, near the Haas’s. I think they died many years ago.
Dick
Ole (Lyle) Bursinger’s in-law’s:
Name: Clara Overby Birth Date: 05 January 1888 (Historical Events) Death Date: June 1966 (Historical Events) Issuing State: Washington Residence at Death: Saint John,Rolette,North Dakota 58369 SSN: 538-20-9071
I’m writing an article on what folks did during the depression to survive, or did or still do to be thrifty: Example – save old coats to make quilts, save buttons in cigar boxes, save the tissue that fruit came wrapped in. Can you put this out to the wonderful folks on this blog to see what memories we all have?
Thank you!
Denise Lajimodiere
Denise, It’s great hearing from you. Other than for your email address, I do not have any your contact info recorded in my records. If I remember correctly you are living in the Grand Forks area? I think you are a PHD professor at UND? Did I remember all this correctly? If I didn’t, then it’s a close friend of yours that I have in mind. Gary
Correction from Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary
I have to correct myself I was looking at the April calendar when I wrote the date wrong for Clifford George Counts he passed away on May 6, 2009. Not May 8, 2009 Sorry Everyone
Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
Dear Gary,
Your e-mails came through just fine. Thank You. Also really enjoyed our visit on the telephone today. Hope some day to have the opportunity to meet you.
Sincerely
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Folks, Bonnie was having a problem not receiving these daily messages, so I called her. We truly had a wonderful visit. Bernadette left shortly after I called Bonnie and came back about an hour later surprised that Bonnie and I were still talking. That hour just evaporated. Bonnie told me that they are having a family reunion with just the Awalt Siblings the first week of June. They will be having this reunion in Lincoln, NE. That is where Bill Awalt lives. Bonnie and the rest of you, We’d love to see some pictures following this reunion.
Hi, it’s Larry StClaire in Anchorage Alaska. The picture of the 2 little girls are my nieces, Tracey and Robin, who are my sister Renee’s daughters.
Larry, Where do Tracey & Robin live today? Neola would love some contact info for them and also Renee. Thanks, Gary
Tracey & Robin St. Clair
Question from Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA.
Hi Gary…. I thought I knew all of the cemeteries around the Dunseith area, but where is the Ackworth Cemetery? I don’t recall knowing about that one!
Thanks….. Ivy Robert
P.S. The Roy Family is from the St. John area! : )
Ive, The Ackworth Cemetery is located 17 miles NW of Dunseith. To be exact, it is located on the Willow Lake road 1 1/8 miles north of Highway 43. I was born and raised across the road from the Ackworth Cemetery. We now have a complete up-to-date list of all those buried in Ackworth posted on the Dunseith Alumni WEB site.http://garystokes.net/default.aspxGary
Ackworth Cemetery taken from the Stokes farm yard. Dan Pladson’s buildings are in the back.
My Great Grandfather
William Stokes, donated one acre of land to the Ackworth community for
this cemetery in the early nineteen hundred’s.
This is the Willow lake road looking south from the Ackworth Cemetery.Highway 43 is one mile
south.
The Ackworth school was originally located 1/2 mile east from the intersection. In about
1981
the school was moved to just behind the trees on the left. That is where the Ackworth Post
Office was located.
Properties in the photo: (1) Stokes’ to the left before the intersection, (2) Original Stokes place now
owned by Danny Pladson to the right before the intersection, (3) Albert Hiatt’s property, not sure
who owns it now, to the left on the other side of the intersection. I think the Lagerquist’s probably
own Albert’s now. (4) Clarence Hagen’s property to the right just beyond the intersection.
Note: Evon Lagerquist lives 3/4 mile south from this intersection. She lives on the Robert Pritchard
Farm.
This is the Willow Lake road looking North from the Ackworth Cemetery. I’ll bet this looks
pretty familiar to all you Fauske folks? Your farm, located on the original John Hiatt farm,
is locate one mile north and about a half mile west from this location. Russell and Glenda
Fauske are currently living on your farmstead. This road eventually leads into Canada two
and a half miles to the north.
Note/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Kenneth Bergman is the son of Otto/Elizabeth Fraser Bergman (Page 10 in Centennial Book)
Marian is the daughter of Gerald/Leah Richard Bergeron (Page 241 in the Centennial Book)
It’s a small world: When Gerald passed away, Leah moved to Bottineau. My apartment is upstairs in the house Leah lived in for many years. Until a couple of years ago, I thought Leah had moved this house to Bottineau. To me, it was “Leah Bergeron’s house”. I’ve learned this house is an Aasheim farmhouse. I think Jean Aasheim Zorn (Leo–Page 287 in the Centennial Book.) said it came from her grandfather’s farm.
Jean’s parents were Joe/Mabel Ihla Aasheim. Joe and my dad worked at Haugerud Garage back in the 1940’s. Oscar Vikan owned it when Dad started working there.
I scanned this picture to send to Gary Berg (son of Alvina/Lillian Torgerson Berg) for his Class of ’59 website. Then I decided to include Gary Stokes, as I think he might be interested in it, too. Next, I added more info and decided to include some of my relatives, as Ed Kofoid, son of
Fred/Wilma Bosch Kofoid, is married to Leo/Jean’s daughter, Nancy. There is no end to the connections!
Lynne Bergman Boettcher, Kenneth’s sister, is my classmate, so I’m including the Class of ’57 in this email, too!
Neola
With Marian’s mother, Leah, being a Richard, she is related to a whole bunch of you folks.
Ron Bergman(Bottineau Sears Store), I Believe Ken is your brother. The Bergman family is a large family too. Gary
Our prays go out to the family of Clifford George Counts.
Clifford George Counts passed away on May 8,2009. Went to school in Dunseith graduate the year of 1978. He is 48 years old. He is the son of the late Lloyd Sr. & Louise Counts of Dunseith. George is survive by his wife Rochell Jaste Counts. His children are Herbie, Tyrell, Carletta and Carleen Counts all of Dunseith.
His brothers are Lloyd Jr., Clarence “Swede”, and Ernie Counts all of Dunseith, sisters Barbara Counts LaRoque, Louann Counts St. Claire of Dunseith and Joann Counts of Belcourt. George would be my first cousin, his dad and Mom Betty Counts Poitra are brother and sister.
Debbie, Our condolences are with Clifford’s family. Thank you so much for sending this info. Gary
Deb Morinville Harmon (70) update from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND
Hi everyone, Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to let you all know about Deb…….I feel so much better now that we went to Montana to check on her…. She is doing wonderful. Kenny and her family take geart care of her. She has a way of letting you know what she has to say. She can walk with a cane it is hard to see her like this but knowing Deb she will be up and around. in no time. Diane and Colette
she is looking forward to seeing you and she wanted me to tell everyone thank you so much for all the cards they sure did lift her spirits. Gary thanks for all you do may the Lord bless you.
GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD
Hi all, John and I just returned from a 16 day excursion on the Amtrak Empire Builder and the Lakeshore Limited to NYC (Brooklyn, actually) to visit our son, Josh and his girlfriend Jennie. We had a great time. I want all to know that my son works for a non profit called 826NYC/ Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store. They tutor and mentor kids from 6-18 that are interested in writing. They also do field trips, plus numerous other activities with the kids. Josh just completed a web catalog for the Superhero Supply Store, check it out at www.superherosupplies.com We attended a fundraiser while we were in NY and had a great time. Josh was also a great tour guide for us and took us to see the sights. We went to Ellis Island, Mets game at the new CitiField, Times Square, Brooklyn Museum of Art, went to the 47th floor and ate at the revolving View restaurant in downtown NY, Coney Island, and went to see Brian Dennahy starring in “Desire Under the Elms” We ate and ate and ate and walked and walked and rode the subway. First time in NY for either John or I and we had a great time. On the way home, we had a 5 hr layover in Chicago, so rode the elevator up to the 99th floor of the Sears Tower to see the city. It was a great experience for a small town girl. I am glad to be back home, though. Way too many people in NY.
Cheers, Susan
Message from Marge Longie Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA
Gary,
My first years in school were in St. John I lived with my grand parents for awhile, then in 1952 I moved to Dunseith with my mom. my grand parents name was John, Mary rose Langan. My grand-dad worked for Martineau store for many years, and also the catholic church.
Gary thanks for all of the hard work your doing on this blog everyday.
Marge Wilcox
Hi just to let you know my address at work is now – lrvanorny@nd.gov
Thanks so much– I need my Alumni fix– every morning!!- ha
Thanks for all you do!!–Lola
Lola, it’s been a while since we’ve heard from you. It’s great seeing your name come up on my computer screen again! How are things with you? Gary
Linda Mae Wilson, 44, Dunseith, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009
in a Minot hospital from injuries suffered in an automobile accident April 21, 2009, near Rolla.
She was born April 21, 1965, to Donald Delorme and Mary Rose Fayant in Belcourt. She married Robert Wilson June 17, 2006, in Belcourt.
Survivors: husband; daughter, Angel Enno; sons, Darrin Fayant, Michael Fayant, Adam Fayant; four grandchildren; mother of Belcourt; sisters, Donna Fayant, Dunseith, Alma Morin, Plentywood, Mont., Phyllis Fayant, Grace Fayant, Krystal LaRocque, all Belcourt, Debbie McLeod, Hazen; brother, Leslie Fayant, Belcourt.
Funeral: Today, 10 a.m., St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt.
Burial: Church cemetery. (Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)
Grace Fayant & Linda Mae are sisters
Roy family photo names provided by Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
Howdy Gary,
At morning coffee with the guys yesterday in St. John these names were put to the Roy family picture. Back row left to right–Karen,Carl,Connie. Front row left to right–Jennifer,Emery,Gary,Val.
Mel
Roy Family:
Back: Karen, Carl, Connie
Front: Jennifer, Emery, Gary, Val
Hiatt family Tree – 4 generations from Herman (Victoria & Alice) HIatt
Folks, this is what I have come up with for the Hiatt family tree. Please let me know of any corrections/additions that need to be made. The primary purpose of this tree is to identify those in the Hiatt family and where they fit into the family picture.
I have also attached the Power Point slide of the Hiatt family tree. Gary
While Gloria and I were walking in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, I received a call from Eleanor Awalt Stickland, Leonard’s wife.
Dad’s youngest sibling, Marian, has passed away. I believe she was 70 years old. She was married to Robert McFadden and they lived in or near Columbus, OH.
I do not have any particulars. Maybe Sharon Peterson Harmsom (sp), my cousin, does or will shortly.
WE arrived home at 2 am this Wednesday morn, having been in San Marcos, at Erics’ for five full days. It took less than 6 full hours to go from San Diego to Bismarck; 4 hours 10 minutes flying time.
WE had 5 perfect nights’ stay at the Inns of America in Carlsbad, CA. I would recommend that property without any hesitation.
About time for milkin’ so best get some shut-eye.
LEE
From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56) Becker, MN
Dear Gary,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Marion Stickland McFadden of the class of 1957 died on Monday May 4, 2009. Marion lived in Howard, Ohio. The funeral is on Friday. Joy Stickland Peterson, and Eleanor and Leonard Stickland are inroute to attend the funeral and I will send more when they return.
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Stickland Mcfadden
Marion
720 Crestrose Cir
Howard, OH 43028
(740) 393-1897
57
Stickland Peterson
Joy
PO Box 1029
Dunseith, ND 58329
(701) 244-2136
44
Awalt Stickland
Eleanor/Leonard
1 Longview RD W
Bottineau, ND 58318
(701) 263-3366
47
To the Stickland family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Marion. Our condolences are with you. Gary
Question from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND
Gary—Where did that strange email address after my name on the reply re: the Roy family—-has that address gotten into the wrong place?
Geri
Geri, That is my friend’s email address from Bremerton, WA. I do a reply with all your messages, as I post them, to get your email address’. My friend had sent a message just after you and I got his message mixed up with yours when coping your address. I see I have it right today though. Sorry for the mix up. Gary
Pictures posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks, Albert and Gladys Rude lived a very short distance east and on the south side of the road from Salem Church, located on Highway 43 in the Hills. In my growing up days we were very close friends with the Rude’s. They were like family. We were all very active members of Salem Church. Their son LaVerne is married to Carrole Fauske (66). It was an honor to introduced Carrole and LaVerne at a basket ball game in Dunseith in 1964. They were married in 1967. Carrole and LaVerne live in Vancouver, WA. They, along with Carrole’s sister Connie (62) & her husband, who also live in the Vancouver area, will be joining us at the Seattle Dunseith Reunion Dinner, at the Best Western, in Seattle on July 24th. Gary
There’s only one picture of Connie. When I mail the other “Roy” picture, I’ll include this one, too.
For some reason I haven’t received any of the messages lately, I have been having Marshall send them to me. Haven’t received any since your computer went down. I just don’t enjoy my morning cup of tea as much without your morning message to go along with it. Thank you for all you do.
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Bonnie, For some reason you got dropped off my distribution list when my hard drive got reformatted. You are back on now though. I’m just hoping that no one else got dropped off that I did not retrieve? Gary
Replies to the Roy family posted yesterday:
1. Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND
GARY
The picture of the Roy family in today’s blog is the Arda & Chris Roy family of St. John. Valri (Snook) lives on main street in St. John (post office bldg) and her mother lives in St. John. Arda was the postmaster in St. John for many years. Geri
2. Reply from Bernard Morin (76):Dunseith, ND
I think the Roy family is from the Rolla- St John area. The young lady in the back row on the right is Connie Roy-Thibert. She was my youngest daughters 3rd grade teacher in St- John, I talked to her tonight and will be giving her Neola’s e-mail as she was interested in that photo. I,ll also contact Neola with what info that I have.
Thanks. Bernard
3. Reply from LeaRay Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND
Gary, The Roy family is from St. John.
4. Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND
Howdy Gary,
The picture of the Roy family is from St. John. I’ll print it out and get the names correct.
Mel
5. Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary,
The Roy family is from St. John.
Dick
Reply from Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): Anchorage, AK
Gary.Bless your heart. I think of the time you must spend on all this and it boggles my mind. I had no idea that Harmon had been married three times..Of course He and my grandmother were dead before I was born and it was never talked about. Too busy just living………Have been gone from N.Dak so long that I feel disconnected. Alaska is home. And my children of course feels no connection. Not into this geology thing. So again I say thank you and bless you Florence
Ackworth Cemetery:
Folks, thanks to Evon Lagerquist for doing a hands on visual recording of those buried in Ackworth and with Carrie Salmonson Johnson, the Ackworth Cemetery association secretary, for providing the cemetery records, I think we have a pretty complete list of all those buried in Ackworth. I have attached the Excel file and have pasted a copy below.
If someone can provide similar info for some of the other smaller cemeteries in the Dunseith and Turtle Mountain areas, I’d be glad to put those list together too.
Vance Bailey (deceased) put together some very detailed listings for some of the other larger cemeteries. Doreen, Vance’s wife, has provided me with the cemetery records that Vance had for Riverside, St. Lewis, Mount Saint Mark (Bottineau County), Inherred Lutheran (located Near #43 & #14 on the west edge of the Turtle Mountains) and Salem Cemetery ( located 3 miles into Bottineau county on #43).
Doreen, I was very surprised when I saw the Innerred church pictures and cemetery listing. My dad’s brother Emil Petterson and his wife Lillian were members of that church.
Once we get the smaller cemeteries squared away, I’d like to update Vance’s records starting with River side and St. Louis Cemeteries. I think what everyone sees on the NET for Rolette county cemeteries was pretty much provided by Vance Bailey. Having to use a 3rd party for posting, I think it was difficult for Vance to keep the posting of these cemetery records current.
As we get these lists squared away, I’d like to post them on the Dunseith Alumni site that I have. Once these lists are brought up to date they can easily be maintained and kept current on the WEB site. I can give others rights to this sight too, so they can go in an update these records as well.
Hiatt history from Leola Hiatt Lagerquist and Nettie Hiatt Peterson: Dunseith & St. John
Posted by Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND
Gary, it is Harmon Albert Hiatt, he was born in 1854 and died in 1923, according to his head stone at the cemetary, and Mom and Nettie. His 1st wife and mother to Amos & Henry was Mary Victoria Louder Hiatt. She was born in 1862 and died in 1885 in Iowa. GGHarmon then married Louisa Alice Woodford, and they had George Franklin, Joseph William(Uncle Willie), Anna May, John Jackson(Uncle John J.), James Arthur(Uncle Art), Hannah Dililah(Lila), Charlottie Marie, Harry Isaac, and Walter LeRoy. After Louisa’s death, he married Myrtle Emma Klang. So, Harmon Albert Hiatt had 3 wives all together!! Calvin Hiatt in Portland, OR. may have more onfo on the Hiatt’s. Thanks, Gary.
Evon
Evon, Thank you so much for getting this info from your mother and Nettie. Having been born and raised on the exact same spot of the Harmon Hiatt homestead and having been very close to many of the Hiatt family members my entire life, this is some info that I never knew. Now that we have it, it will be posted on a WEB site and recorded never to be lost. Gary
Dale Pritchard’s (63): reply to Wayne Smith (61): Leesville, LA
Wayne,
I’m sorry to have taken so long getting back to you. Circumstances went beyond my control. I see your first email is dated Apr 12. I went to a Corps of Engineers training class in Dallas on Apr 6 and didn’t get back until Apr 17. On the 19th, Winifred Eurich passed away and I was going to come up for the funeral. The following day, before I even got plane reservations made, my wife’s younger brother, at 54, died of a heart attack in Mississippi. We got back from there on Sun the 26th and I’ve been playing catch-up ever since.
I’d love to get that Japanese instrumental back if it’s the one your Uncle Hank has/had. I knew him as Henry so Hank sounds a little strange. I don’t really remember a second record but there may have been. I have a friend with a turn-table so maybe I can copy it to a tape and then to a CD. If you need me to pay postage – no problem.
Wayne, I don’t think I’ve seen you since your high school graduation. I probably wouldn’t recognize you now if I met you on the street. They say everybody changes except yourself? That may or may not be right. I’ve always tried to come back home at least once a year but once I get there it’s hard to get away to look up anyone. You live right in Bottineau right?
Dale
Dale, After reading this letter of yours several times, knowing it will be of interest to many, I decided to post it. We are so sorry to hear of the death of your wife’s brother. He was so young. We all know that Winifred Eurich was your aunt too, being a sister to your dad. Gary
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Hello Gary, PeeWee Nelson’s first name was Winnfre.
to: Jan Bergan Evans Was surprised to find Anton Olson’s homesteaded up on the Canadian border, at Rab Lake in Willow Lake Township near the Bottineau County Line.
Also Louis Burgan spelled differently from your grandfather’s Bergan. Gary Metcalfe
Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
There is only one Wicks that I remember– Carl Wicks. He lived on the
corner of Highway 43 and the road to Joe Dietrich’s—Ele’s dad’s. His
house was almost directly north and across the highway from Hackman’s
place. He hunted deer with Floyd Lamb and our bunch and was somehow
related to Floyd, cousin or uncle, I think. He was a taller man and had
a growth on his temple that eventually was about the size of a tennis
ball. He couldn’t see very well and was unable to wear glasses because
of this. I think, if I remember correctly, he had the growth removed and
got glasses—and then died shortly thereafter. My grandfather had sold
/ loaned / traded him a D John Deere tractor on steel wheels. He didn’t
want the tractor or changed his mind or something, so one day in about
1960, Grandpa Hans took me along to Carl’s to tow the tractor back
home–about 3 miles. The steel lugs on the old John Deere made for a
rough ride. I stood, then sat, then tried to stand with my knees bent
but nothing worked. By the time we got back home, my teeth were nearly
rattling and my arms were numb from holding on to that old steel
steering wheel. A plowed field wasn’t too bad, but a hard road surface
was not the place for lugs. Some folks may not know about steel wheels
with steel lugs, but before rubber tires they all had lugs. Never had to
worry about a flat tire in those days! Attached is a picture of a
restored D JD on steel. Thanks Gary!
Question from Larry Hiatt (Grandson of Henry Hiatt): Medford, OR
Thank you for all of the information about the ND Hiatt’s. I have officially requested the“Prairie Past & Mountain
Memories Centennial Book” For my birthday. If I don’t get it I will purchase it my self.
However I do have 2 questions If you know any one that has the answers.
1) is it Harmon or Hermon? I see it both ways.
2) Does any one know his first wife’s name. It looks like she is probably my relation. Until now I didn’t even know that there were 2 of them.
Larry Hiatt
Folks, Please let us know if any of you know the answers to these questions of Larry’s. I have listed Herman (Harman) Hiatt’s name the way it is recorded in the official ND death register. The spelling listed there may me in error too. Gary
The Wicks brothers Thanks buried at Little Prairie Cemetery were my uncles.
The family originally lived in Minnesota and came to Bottineau first.
They had a livery stable there and my Dad and my Uncle Henry married Lillian and Mabel Bittner in Bottineau. I do not know just when my other Uncles moved to the Turtle Mountain area or just where there first home was located — it was north of Dunseith.
The men lived together (My only other Uncle to marry was Lewis “Duffy” who was the father of Harold whose obitiary was also into day’s e-mail. )
Thanks, Eileen, for posting this picture.
You also sent the obit on Harold Wicks. His wife, Gretchen, has also passed away.
Replyfrom Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
Thank you all for the Wicks information.
I have been to Little Prairie and have seen the grave site. One of the stories I remember Dad telling was the Wicks Boys traveling the hills withastallion for breeding. I think quite a lot of people in the area raised colts from this horse. Apparently the training skills were legendary also as I remember that being mentioned also. I did not know about the other jobs they had such as ice cutting, etc.
Am I correct in thinking of Missouri as a starting point for the Wicks in the USA? My grandfather was born in Kansas but had roots in Missouri as well. He moved to ND to homestead at Alexander (near Williston) where he met and married my grandmother who was born in SD. They later moved to the Turtle Mts where they raised their two children. Carl Wicks became one of their treasured neighbors and friend. Where does Carl fit into this family? I think it may have been Wilder who had the club foot. Correct me if I am wrong. And yes, from what I remember they were a very hardworkingand colorful bunch of characters.
Thank you again.
ele
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Gary,
It’s a wonderful Sunday morning here in Bottineau.
There is a MARCH FOR HOPE walk at 1:00.
This is a local effort initiated by 3 of Mavis Hagen’s friends.
Mavis, Wife of Art, Mother of Josh and Devonne, daughter in law of Clarence and Mary Ann.
…Mavis Hagen……..MH …March for Hope. The three friends had worked here in the system for years with Mavis and last fall decided they wanted to do something for her to support Mavis through the cancer treatment.
Mavis passed away.
Her husband. Art and dedicated friends did not give up and continue the endeavor…
The March for Hope starts from Bottineau to the Christian Center at the Lake.
Contributions have exceeded $8,000. These $ will stay in the area to provide local support $ to area people fighting cancer to get $ for travel to treatment ….etcetera.
It is a beautiful day. AND the idea was to walk up hill toward the Christian Center….
As we all know that individuals fighting cancer……. Walk the Walk….
…..the uphill battle….figuratively)
Take care, Love Vickie
Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX
Gary,
There is a large onion festival held every September in Grieshiem, Germany (just west of Darmstadt). Lotsa beer and onions. You would be amazed at what they can prepare using onions as the main ingredient. If you loved your Dad’s onion sandwich, you will flip out over a German product on brotchen with beer.
Bob Lykins
Reply from Shirley Peltier (66): Sacaton, AZ
Gary, the attached photo sent by Neola in e-mail #421 on 4-6-09 is my mother’s maternal aunt. Her name was Josephine Patnaude LaFournaise. This family moved to Boggy Creek, Manitoba from Turtle Mountain. Josephine’s children and grandchildren reside throughout Manitoba–I’ve met several of them. My mother collected pictures of her aunts/various ancestors, and probably had reprints made for relatives. Mom (Louise Peltier) does not recall who Neola might be, so I suggest that Neola call Mom at 244-2156.
I was meaning to contact you sooner with this information, but the last few months got so hectic at work.
I’ve sent my Sis, Carol, a copy of this e-mail. Carol can give Mom a copy of the e-mail.
Thanks, SPeltier
Josephine Patnaude
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Folks, I posted the wrong picture with this story the first time. Sorry for the mix up Dick. Gary
Gary and Friends,
Back in the fall of 1959, we had an early snowstorm that dumped lots of
snow. It was early October and was the year my grandfather, Henry Olson,
died. The funeral was during the storm and the pallbearers had to push
the hearse when it got stuck. It is sort of burned into my mind as it
was a bad time all the way around. The attached story is from the Turtle
Mt. Star and was kept by my other grandmother, Cynthia Johnson. They
couldn’t make it to the funeral, from up here at the farm, the roads
were blocked with deep snow. The snow never left! It started snowing and
stayed for the winter. This newspaper article mentions other members of
the community who pulled together to help out the stranded hunters.
These hunters,Homer and Willie, came to our place every fall to hunt
ducks for many years. They parked their old 40s era Dodge bus in a
clearing on the southwest shore of Sucker Lake. I still find brass
shotgun shells in that area—50 years later. Thanks Gary!
Ackworth Cemetary Listing posted by Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND
Hi Gary, I went to the cemetary and made a list of the names of the people at Ackworth. They include: Dorian Crawford, Alma Crawford, John Crawford, Sam Pederson, Olaf & Kate Pederson, Minnie M. & John J. Hiatt,Laurel Hiatt, Willis E., Amber E., & J. Alvin Radley, Willie E. Hiatt,
Lillie A. & Leonard F. Radley, Harmon Albert & Louisa Alice Hiatt, Harry I. Hiatt, Will J. & Margaret Hiatt, Charlotte Hiatt, Alida Hiatt, Baby Girl Hiatt{1918}, Margareta & Johan Berglund, George F. & Eva L. Hiatt, George F.Hiatt,Jr., Arnold, Albert, Alice, Dennis Hiatt, Darrel(Jack)Peterson, Traci Louise Parks, Maybelle O. Salmonson, Maurice & George Fell, John Lagerquist, Trey M. Lagerquist, Robert E. & Elaine A. Stokes, Clarence & Edna Salmonson, Norman & Irene Hiatt, Latieff E. Hiatt, William H.tokes, Rebecca Rindahl, Robert Pritchard, John Pritchard, Shirley Ann Zahn, Norman Pritchard, Ida & William Pritchard.
Evon, Thank you so much for taking the time to go up to the Ackworth cemetery to get this info. I know there are a lot of folks on our list that will very happy to receive this info. When I get a chance I’ll retrieve the death records of these folks to get the their official birth and death dates and other info too. When we get this list all together maybe there is a way we can have it posted on the Rolette county cemetery WEB site. I can post a link to this site on the Dunseith Alumni site as well. Maybe we could have that link posted on the Official Dunseith WEB page too.
Folks, Evon is a very through person, so I feel confident that she has a complete list of those she could see markers for that are buried at Ackworth. Please let us know if there are any that she missed?
Other Rolette County Cemeteries: Folks, maybe we could do the same for some of the other cemeteries that we don’t have a listing for or have incomplete listings for too.
Gary, Here is a list of names that our association secretary, Carrie Johnson sent. Maybe between the 2 lists, you’ll have everybody!!
Evon
—– Original Message —–
Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 11:08 AM
Subject: List
HI Evon, I suppose we should try to get together for our annual cemetery association meeting. With Wednesday evening being customary lets say this Wednesday the 6th at 7pm my house. I will let the others know also. If that doesn’t work for the majority we can discuss another date.
Here is the list of graves in Ackworth.
Block A Lot 1 Clarence Salmonson 1904-1985
Edna Salmonson 1911-1976
Lot 5 George Hiatt 1897-1949
Eva Hiatt 1892-1984
George Hiatt Jr. 1928-1984
Lot 6 Albert Hiatt 1915-1985
Arnold Hiatt 1945-1964
Lot 7 Tracy Parks 1984-1984
Darrell Peterson 1931-1989
Lot 9 Johan Bergland 1843-1929
Margareta Bergland 1847-1918
Lot 10 Beatrice Hiatt 1918-1918
Hazel Marie Kerr 1940-1941
Lot 11 Alida Hiatt 1896-1918
Lot 12 Charlottie Hiatt 1900-1920
Lot 13 Will J. Hiatt 1891-1973
Margie Hiatt 1903-1993
Harry Hiatt 1903-1955
Lot 14 Harman A. Hiatt 1854-1923
Louise Hiatt 1865-1913
Block B Lot 1 William H. Stokes 1855-1946
Rebecca F. Rindahl 1886-1943
Lot 5 William Pritchard 1867-1947
Ida Pritchard 1879-1959
Norman Pritchard 1920-1978
Lincoln Pritchard 1916-1986
Lot 6 John Pritchard 1943-1984
Robert Pritchard 1911-1993
John Lagerquist no dates listed
Tray Lagerquist no dates listed
George Fell no dates listed
Maurice Fell no dates listed
Lot 8 Latief Hiatt 1985-1986
No Lot # listed Norman Hiatt no dates listed
No Lot # listed Irene Hiatt no dates listed
Block C Lot 2 Three Grieg Graves no dates listed
Block D Lot 5 Leonard F. Radley 1866-1940
Lillie Radley 1867-1960
Lot 9 Dorian Crawford 1898-1938
Alma Crawford 1888-1957
John Crawford 1895-1984
Lot 11 Olaf Pederson 1861-1938
Kate Pederson 1858-1940
Sam Pederson 1896-1963
Lot 13 John Hiatt 1893-1977
Margaret M. Hiatt 1897-1988
Laurel Hiatt 1933-1934
Lot 14 J. Alvin Radley 1892-1968
Amber Radley 1890-1952
Willis Radley 1925-????
No Block listed Lot 6 Alice Hiatt no dates listed (assume this is Blk. A as is Albert’s)
No Block listed Lot 6 Dennis Hiatt no dates listed (also assuming this is Blk. A)
I know updating is needed, but this is what is in the journal at this time. Be talking to you soon.
Thanks!
Carrie
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:Minot & Bottineau, ND
Folks, Neola sent this to her “Bottineau Bunch” folks. Chase’s Grandmother was Yvette Boucher Tennancour Brunsell who was a close relative to a lot of you folks. Gary
Hi Bottineau Bunch,
More of you might remember Oscar and Yvette Brunsell, Chase’s grandparents better than Chase’s parents. At one time, I remember (barely) Yvette owned the neatest dress/ladies’ shop on Main Street in Bottineau.
Folks, I got mixed up and skipped right over message number 445, so there is no 445 for those of you wondering if you missed it. Gary
Reply from Allen Richard (65):Midland, MI
I remember the early storm of ’59 well — party because it was one of those things Dad commented about on occasion. It wasn’t the coldest or snowiest winter of all time, but had to be one of the longest. 8-12 inches of snow on Oct. 6 —– and still snow in tree rows and on the north side of buildings until early May.
Allen
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Gary Stokes
I see where you have tried to locate Lee Striker’s daughter, Janice. I can tell you her name was Janice Nelson as late as 1955 when they lived on Lee’s place one mile west of Arnold Zieler. She was married to PeeWee Nelson. I don’t know where Olson came into it. She has a sister Lola in California, married to Virgil Sebelius.
To Elle Dietrich, this may be more than you want to know about the Wicks Brothers. Doug Stricker told me a lot about the Wicks Bros. At least one of them had a club foot, a speech impediment ??. They started out in Bottineau in about 1900. Their name was on a deed for 10 acres I bought about 5 miles north on the Lake Road. They absolutely were a very colorful group, eight brothers and these were some of their occupations: livery stables, house movers, cut ice on Lake Metigoshe and hauled it to Bottineau, cleared land BY HAND, shoe repair, harness maker and repair, horse traders and breeders, (I think they bred large horses) and they were also horse trainers.
Elle, I am sure you knew Ray Anderson, that gentleman farmer-neighbor of yours. He and Duffy Wicks were alleged to be the best whist players in the area at the time. But then Ray thought he still was pretty skokum. He claimed to have been a boxer, “black sheep of the family”, I think he was proud of that.
Jan Bergan Evans, it looks like you got enough answers about Kelvin, but you may not know that your great grandfather, Anton Olson’s homestead was bordered on the north by my grandfather, William Metcalfe. Anton’s land would have included Rabbit City Lake. I don’t know where Annie Olson Anthony or Clara Olson Bergan are buried.
With all due respect, I can’t help thinking that Tom Brokaw hadn’t heard about the generation that came in from the east and couldn’t leave the frozen land. Then raised the greatest generation. The next generation played sports and read comic books and then teewee! So I will say that John Bedard was like the Wicks brothers, he had to do it if it was going to get done. He was such a good cook, he always had company. My dad was proud to recommend John to take care of the food on the yacht during the war years. He told me John could cook for 3 people or 30 people and know exactly how much food to prepare. You learn a lot about a person when you live with them for four or five months. He treated his hired man, Maynard Rising Sun with respect. Lots of you should remember John behind the counter at Red Owl meat dept. with his white shirt and sleeves rolled up. He was still working hard at 86 years. I don’t deal with those messy toasted cheese sandwiches any more, John showed me how to cut the cheese and put it between two pieces of toast. Just as good and much neater. By the way John was a good singer.
Yes, they came here with the promise of “free land”. It was free, but caused many of them an early death. Clint Anderson was one that went the extra mile. My grandfather left great surroundings in the east. The first year lived in a dug out in bank of a creek in Hillside Township. Not to mention Moise.Ducheno (sp?) with 18 kids.
Pam Wenstad, I didn’t know about the onion sandwich trait. The Norweigan trait I do like is coffee in bed in the morning. My dad had coffee in bed every morning. His wife was all Norweigan and I can’t begin to move without coffee in bed in the morning.
Like Larry Hackman says, “Laugh and the World Laughs With You”
Gary, Thank you for Janice Striker’s info. I will see if I can locate her. I will let you know what I find out.
You are enough older than me for me to remember you that well from my childhood days, but I feel as though I have learned to know you quite well with your email correspondance. It’s wonderful! You write the most interesting letters. I am looking forward to seeing and learning to know you in person on the cruise. Your sisters Margaret, Helen, Patti and Lola I remember very well from my school days. I remember them as being nice, well respected girls and very bright too.
Picture from Sandy Zeiler Vandal (62): Elk River, MN
None of us have changed a bit, would be great is everyone would sign in and say HI.
Sandy Vandal (Zeiler)
From Left to Right:
Helen Metcalfe, Robert Berube, James Bedard, Nancy Hosmer, Sharon Pearson, Margaret Bedard, Charlotte LaCroix.
Reply from Blance Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND
Just read your daily blog re the Wicks connection. Yes, I am the youngest (abd surviving) member of the Albert Wicks family. My folks originally lived in the Turtle Mountains on a farm called the Pickel (sp) place. Once when my sister Gwyn and I came to Dunseith we drove around in the area that she thought this place was located. But, even stopping into Kelvin store and receiving directions, we were unable to find it. This place was in the Peace Garden area.(I remember that they attended a rural school in the Turtle Mountains). We moved into Dunseith in 1929 and lived there until 1938. My four siblings graduated from high school in Dunseith and I graduated from the 8th grade. Graduating dates: Gladys, 1932; Marjorie, 1933; Gwendolyn. 1932; Henry. 1938. Marjorie passed away in 1934 and is buried in Dunseith.
It was interesting to see the picture of the school in one of your recent e-mails.
Enjoy your daily news, Gary. \
Blanche Schley
Blancke, Are you related to the Wicks family that Eileen has identified below? Gary
Reply from Eileen Brudwick:Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
I have attached a grave marker of the Wicks brothers. This is posted on the website, findagrave.com, by: ZBonnie, plus a family group sheet of the Horatio & Sally Wicks family. I have also added below an obituary for Harold Wicks, the son of Louis & Gertrude (Nerpel) Wicks. Harold married Gretchen Irene Ster, a daughter of Carl & Mina (Bakkom) Seter. I hope this answers some of Ele’s questions about the Wicks brothers. They are buried in the Little Prairie Cemetery, Saint John, Rolette County, North Dakota.
Have a good day!
Eileen
Harold M. Wicks – Minot Daily News – (Jan/26/2007)
Friday, January 26, 2007— Time:6:41:15 AM CENTR
Harold Wicks
March 25, 1926-Dec. 30, 2006
ANACONDA, Mont. – A memorial service was Jan. 4 in Hope Lutheran Church, Anaconda, for Harold M. Wicks, 80, Anaconda, formerly of Minot, who died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in an Anaconda hospital. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park, Anaconda.
He was born March 25, 1926, to Lewis and Gertrude Wicks in St. John. He married Gretchen Seter June 16, 1949, in Carbury.
Folks, When I got my computer back from the shop last Monday, after having lost all my files when they reformatted my hard drive, I encountered some newly developed and very frustrating graphic problems with my system. I give Bill Grimme all the credit in the world for diagnosing and advising corrective actions to fix my problems. My system has never ever performed as well as it is right now. The graphics and operation of my whole system are superb. It’s such a pleasure using a trouble free system. Thank you Bill. Gary
Question from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND
Was just wondering if anyone remembers anything about the Wicks brothers…Wilder is one of the names that rings a bell. I remember Carl Wicks used to live just south of me on the corner of 43. He was a very friendly man with an infectious laugh, made a great homemade stew as well. I recall my Dad telling stories about the ‘Wicks Boys and some of the things they pulled’ when I was quite young, but can remember too much about them.
Thank you for everything Gary.
ele
Ele, I believe Blanche (42) would be their sister? I am sure Blanche can answer your question. Blanch is living in Grand Forks. Blanche is retired from UND. Gary
Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Hi Gary,
Ginger (LaRocque Poitra)/her husband, Tony, came to get the pictures today. When I get to Bottineau (This darn flu is hanging on longer than I had planned!), I’m going to sort through the pictures/put them in a box (Ginger/Tony said they’ll come to Bottineau and get them.) This shouldn’t take too long, as I won’t try to identify them. Between Ginger, her husband and her mother-in-law, I think they’ll recognize most of the people and deliver them to the people. Bless Ginger/Tony/his mother!!
I just visited with Pat Hanlan’s mother (Thanks for the info, Linda Juntunen.) She was very surprised to hear from me, naturally. She thinks it’s so great to receive these “old” proofs. I asked about Pat. The person (Ginger/Tony’s daughter Michaela) who thinks he works in Alaska is correct. Pat is home (St. John) for three weeks/in Alaska for three weeks–I THINK I have this correct! I forgot to inquire if he drives trucks. Believe it, or not, I get a little flustered when I visit with people I don’t know! Ha! I’m not crazy about visiting on cell phones, either!
If I think of anything else, I’ll send another email. I was up all night until about 10:30 this morning, scanning/saving/sending pictures before Ginger came (about 12:45) to pick them up. Needless to say, when I finally went to bed/recliner, I slept until about 6:00 this evening.
I HOPE to get an email written about May baskets, too. I remember them well.
All for now.
Neola
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
In response to Carmen Richard — About Calvin, ND — two of my college friends grew up and went to school there. I drove by it on my way to the reunion. It looks like the only business still open is the grain elevator, and I’m not totally sure about that. Pretty much like Overly these days.
Message Pictures from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN
Dear Gary,
Some memories of the Dave and Winifred Eurich Family. Winifred lived with our family (John and Gertrude Awalt) while she was going to High School. She became very close to our family and we loved her dearly. I was born while Winifred lived with us and she was the person that named me. I appreciated the name as it was hard to nick name. After Dave and Winifred married we often took turns staying out and their farm We played tag in the hay mound of the barn, sometimes the tag got pretty rough. ( Ask Floyd and his broken arm) When Mother had breast cancer, Winifred came to the house and cared for her through her recovery. Enclosed are some of the pictures I have of Winifred, Dave and Eileen.
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Message/picture from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
Back in the fall of 1959, we had an early snowstorm that dumped lots of
snow. It was early October and was the year my grandfather, Henry Olson,
died. The funeral was during the storm and the pallbearers had to push
the hearse when it got stuck. It is sort of burned into my mind as it
was a bad time all the way around. The attached story is from the Turtle
Mt. Star and was kept by my other grandmother, Cynthia Johnson. They
couldn’t make it to the funeral, from up here at the farm, the roads
were blocked with deep snow. The snow never left! It started snowing and
stayed for the winter. This newspaper article mentions other members of
the community who pulled together to help out the stranded hunters.
These hunters,Homer and Willie, came to our place every fall to hunt
ducks for many years. They parked their old 40s era Dodge bus in a
clearing on the southwest shore of Sucker Lake. I still find brass
shotgun shells in that area—50 years later. Thanks Gary!
For all of you Hiatt’s and former/current Ackworth community folks: I received an interesting phone call from Lawrence (Larry) Hiatt and his sister Dianna Hiatt Levingston. They were actually returning my phone call. They are living in the Medford OR area. Their father was Amos Hiatt Jr. Amos’ father was Henry Hiatt. Henry and Amos (Sr) Hiatt moved to Medford Oregon in the 40’s. They were brothers to John, Harry, Walter and those guys.
Larry and Dianna know very few of the ND Hiatt’s. Larry was born in 1947 and I think Dianna said she was born in 1954. Their father Amos has been deceased for about 25 years. They have been tracing their family history, but it’s been hard for them because they don’t know very many of you guys and the family connections. They would be 2nd cousins to the majority of you folks. Florence, in your case they’d be your first cousins one removed. Have any of you put together any genealogy for the Hiatt’s that you can share with them? I have included Larry and Dianna with today’s message.
Larry & Dianna, please let me know if you’d like to continue getting these daily Dunseith Alumni messages?
Gary
Dianna Hiatt Levingston’s email address is
Larry Hiatt’s email address is
Reply from Eileen & Mike Brudwick (Neola’s cousing): Fargo, ND
Hi Gary,
I am one of those lost e-mails to receive the Dunseith alumni e-mails. I finally asked Neola if she had been receiving them, because I hadn’t heard from you for a few days. Both Mike & I have truly missed reading the daily e-mail. We love it. Keep up the good work!!
Eileen
Reply from Elve Fuchs (Arla Hill Hiatt’s friend):Minot, ND
Gary,
Iam so happy that Jacqueline got me on your list. Just the emails I received were so interesting.
I now live in Minot but was from the Rolette / Bottineau area. My maiden name was Elve Fuchs.
Elve
Folks, Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79) asked if I could include Elve Fuchs, who is a friend of her mother, Arla (Wallice) Hill Hiatt, on our daily distribution. It is always a pleasure adding new folks to our distribution. Gary
Reply to Gary Houle (63) from Colette Hosmer (63): Santa Fe, NM
Hi Gary, welcome aboard.
I want to offer my condolences for your Mom’s death. I remember her so well, she was a wonderful lady.
Colette
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):BEDFORD, TX
Happy May Day to everyone! I remember in grade school in Dunseith, making May baskets out of cupcake liners and pipe cleaners, putting in penny candy and giving them to friends. I’ve never seen it done anywhere else. Cheryl Larson Dakin
Cheryl, How well I remember the ND May day’s. We’d leave these “May Day” baskets on peoples porches, hollering “May Day” and then run like heck, trying not to be recognized. We were country folks, so we got some mileage in delivering these baskets to our Ackworth community neighbors. It was a lot of fun. Gary
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO
Gary has left for his weekly semi drive from Springfield, Mo. to Kingman, Az., but he ask me to put a note in the blog. Yes, definitely the picture is of John Bedard. Gary remembers him well with much respect. (my note: I think it really made Gary realize just what a speck of time we are here and just how quickly we are forgotten!! A reminder to concentrate on family.)
Also, to Jan Bergan Evans…yes, there were two Kelvin’s. Gary will input more on that subject when he gets back home.
Sue Metcalfe
Reply from Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): Alvarado, TX
So sorry for the problems. I always sat say that is why God gave me children. Just to let you know that Ft. Worth has shut down 140 schools for around one week. Other schools have shut down too. Tarrent county. So far Dallas is hanging in. We shall see. The child who dies was a citizen of Mexico and had other medical problems. Please Pray that this ends soon. Susan
Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s (65) Daughter Michaela: Belcourt, ND
Gary, This is Michaela, Gingers Daughter, in reply to the picture of Pat Hanlan, I do know him quite well, I met him through a friend of mine, he is a super guy, I believe he lives in alaska with his girlfriend, I am not sure of her first name but she is a Monette from Belcourt. Last I heard he was a trucker, you know that show TRUCKERS, he’s one of those guys that drive truck on the dangerous roads of Alaska. As for the picture of Grandpa and Grandma, I think it beautiful to.
Michaela, do you have any contact info for Pat? I know Neola would love to mail him this picture.
On another topic, I got a message from Neola telling me your mother will be in Minot, I think today, and plans on stopping by Neola’s house to pick up some pictures.
Little Prairie Cemetery Records from Doreen Bailey: doreen@ameda.net ?????, TX
Gary
I am sending a copy of Little Praire Cemetery, could not locate anything for “Calvin or Kelvin” Cemetery.
If you need to replace the cemetery data on your new hard drive, I will be glad to send them when you’re ready for the Data.
Doreen Bailey
Doreen, Please send me sent me those cemetery files again. Thanks, Gary
PS – Can you send me your mailing address again too? I lost the one I had on file for your. Thanks, Gary
Little Prairie Cemetery, ND -info from Maude Abrahamson- 8-2004
I have been getting your newsletter forwarded to me by some of my friends and relatives. Could you add my e-mail address to your list so they will not have to forward it to me? Thanks.
My e-mail is:
Gary Houle from Champlin, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis
Dunseith class of 1963
Replies from Lloyd Awalt (44):Bottineau, ND
Reply to yesteday’s message:
Reply to Louise Horsman . Yes you are right the picture is of john bedard I’m pretty sure. Lloyd Awalt.
Reply to Bill Hosmer (48):
Reply from Lloyd Awalt Gary I guess ill have to give my friend Hosmer an ok but the store was built there after the Dunseith journal burned down Bill Wright started it and if I’m not mistaken a person from Bottineau bought the store from Wright I think his name was Slyter . JOE MORINVILLE’S FIRST had a store where peter Richard had his 5&dime variety store Joe was in the creamery when it burned down he then started the store hey Bill cant golf raining
Reply to Jan Bergan Evans (66):
Reply to Jan Evans Gary I new Clayton Bergan. There is another (Calvin ND. but you see it is spelled different the Kelvin north of Dunseith originally was west of where it is now that lake there Kelvin was on the west end of the lake they moved it when highway 3 was built. back in the WPADAYS
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
Jan Bergan Evans asked about Kelvin and Kelvin Lutheran Church. In the
early days Kelvin had a post office and was Kelvin, ND. There is another
town with a similar sounding name–Calvin, ND–but it is 60 miles east
and I would doubt there is any connection with the Olson-Bergan clan.
The Kelvin Lutheran Church is probably a misnomer for Little Prairie
Lutheran. I was told that in the very early days, when Kelvin Store was
one mile west of the current location, there was a church group who held
services at the store. They also buried a couple children near the
store, who were stillborn. There may have been other burials but none I
know of. The graves are in the corner of a pasture now owned by Ed
Walter, Jr., I believe. Jay Vanorny showed me the graves years ago. It
is right next to his pasture on the west side of Lyde Lake, one mile
west of the current Kelvin Bar. We have the burial records for Little
Prairie Cemetery and can look up names for you in most cases. If you
call me or email some of the names, I will check the plot map. Joan
Salmonson, our secretary/treasurer has the records also and can be
reached during the day at Northland Builders in Dunseith–701-244-5438.
Thanks Gary!
Dick
Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard: Rolette, ND
There is a Calvin North Dakota, located about 20 miles north east of Rock Lake. That is the only one listed on the map. I am not sure how much of the town is left. I know our neighbors Romeo and Mary Boucher just moved a house on to their farm that had served as a parsonage in Calvin, as the church affiliated with it had closed. I suspect it has gone the way of many small towns.
Too bad about your computer, you have such a wealth of information.
Reply from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL
Gary,
Here is a file I ran across a few years ago that may be of interest to some of the genealogy folks.
Gary– Update on Stewert, he is now a car salesman at McGuires, the Ford dealership here in Rugby. He started sales in Oct. 2008 after I resigned and is working along side his stepbrother, Steve Poitra. I am not sure but i think he still resides either in Rolla or Belcourt. While I was living and going to school in Dunseith, Ron Medrud and I were classmates and very good friends, hung out together and done things boys and young men were suppose to do or sometimes what we weren’t suppose to do–lol. To make this short Gary, I got an e-mail from my sister Peggy (71), who lives in Seattle and was talking about getting together with those of you who are going on the cruise and possibly join you for supper. She is especially interested in seeing Cheryl Haagenson, her friend and classmate in Dunseith. Maybe you could send her some information about whats happening while the class is in Seattle. Thanks and take care. Dave Wurgler (64)
Address change for Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND
Folks
For reasons that are not to be noted here, I have purchased the use of a PO BOX
My new address is Lee Stickland
PO Box 2119
Dickinson, ND 58602
The price of a first class stamp will soon be $.44, up from $.42, representing an increase of 4.7619047 % so any snail-mail directed this way could benefit from a soonest send.
I believe I recall seeing a 3 cent post card, about ****77**** years ago. Dad saw a less cost one, I am sure.
I have not moved but I have decided it best to have my mail left at the PO, awaiting my duty of collecting it, at least for the next year.
Good day to all, With LOVE and in all Sincerity,
Leland, Dad, Lee, Bro, Uncle, GPA …
Relly from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC
Dear Gary,
I am so sorry. My hard drive was wiped out a couple of years ago and I was just devastated. I will lay odds though that someone has a full copy of all of your emails and can send to you. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.
Brenda
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
Hi Gary,
I know that sinking feeling. I’m so sorry. You know though, that we can
forward all sorts of stuff back to you, so just ask and it shall be done!
Cheryl D.
Reply from Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith:Bottineau, ND
Gary, I don’t know if this helps, but I was checking the Dunseith Alumni web site and everything, including pictures seems to be there. Also, I have saved all your emails in a file on my computer (by year and month), which includes the email address lists, if that helps.
Rosemary & Wayne Smith
Folks, I am recovering from my hard drive being wiped out. I pretty much had all my files backed up on CD’s, but it takes time to get everything back in order. I have all of these daily messages saved in Hotmail so they have not been lost. I lost a lot of pictures. I’m not sure just how many yet though. I lost a lot of my “Favorites” in internet explorer. Those are just a few of the niceties that are gone. It’s a real pain to regroup and get things all back in order. Thank you so much for all of your concerns. Gary
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Gary,
I REALLY FEEL for you–losing all that information and all those pictures. I’ve lost old stories I had written and other things, too, and it does leave a hole in your stomach.
Neola
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Ginger and Shirley, This is a beautiful picture of your parents.
On Monday I took my computer in to have it updated. In the process they wiped out my whole hard drive loosing all the files. I had many of them backed up, but it’s a real pain to recover. The latest email addresses in my address book I had saved were from February. For those of you that have sent requests for folks to be added in the past several months, please send that info to me again. I have recovered a lot of the requests from the past several months, but I know I’m missing a few. I was able to restore some of the pictures, but I’m not sure just how many I lost. Most all the pictures can be retrieved from the daily email messages that I have saved so they are not totally lost. I had too many eggs in one basket. I was afraid something like this could happen, so I had an extra hard drive added to my computer for backing up these files. In the process of adding this auxiliary hard drive they wiped out everything I had planned on backing up to this disk. It’s a real empty feeling when something like this happens. I had over 3,000 pictures saved on this hard drive, 1,500 of which were Dunseith pictures, with no back ups. I was able to save some, but it’s a pain going back through the restored files, sorting through all the corrupt files to find those that are good. For now I an concentrating on getting my email files and distribution lists back in order.
Gary
Reply/Qestion from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN
Hi Gary Got the e-mail about Barbara Trent Thanks I was in ND this week-end and went to see Sylvia Bergan She was sleeping and the nurse says she gets real upset when you wake her so I just left a note. But they say she might not know me anyway. She is very frail. What I would like to know is, where was Kelvin ND and Kelvin Luthern Church. I keep seeing that and no one seems to know. I am suppose to have the Olson relatives buried in Kelvin Luth. I’m am wandering where the records might have gone???
Jan: Vance (deceased) & Doreen Baileyhave most all of the Rolette county Cemetery information with the names of all that are buried in them. I had that info if I did not loose it with my computer crash. Doreen, can you send us that info again please?
Folks, is there another Kelvin, ND other than the one located north of Dunseith?
Folks, Jan mentions Barbara Trent Riehm. Barbara’s mother was Julia Bergan Trent. The Trent’s were very well known in the Bottineau and surrounding areas. Julia Trent was a sister to Jan Bergan’s Grandfather, Clayton’s dad. Sylvia, the lady she visited mentioned in her message, was married to Oscar who was also a brother to Julia and Jan’s Grandfather. Sylvia I believe is 97 years old. Again with Neola Kofoid Garbe’s connections, we made contact with Barbara Trent. She is living in San Diego, CA.
Reply from Bill Hosmer (48):Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND
Gary,, My long time friend Lloyd Awalt might have missed one building just north of the Deeter home. That being Billie Wright’s grocery store. Later, it was Joe Morinville’s, if my brain hasn’t gone AWOL altogether. Bill Hosmer
Question from Marge Longie Wilcox (56):Vancouver, WA
Gary,
Does anyone know what has ever happened to Eileen Erickson?
I haven’t heard anything from her for a long time.
Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,
There should be many of our readers who remember the snow that came on
June 3, 1943. My grandmother took this picture in the yard at the farm
to show what things looked like. As you can see, the poplar trees had
their leaves and the hardwoods were starting to leaf. This is probably
the snow that Art Fugere (Debbie and Diane’s grandpa) told me about many
years ago, when I was working at Lamoureux Brothers garage. He said they
were done seeding crops and thought summer had arrived and then got hit
by snow. He said it was weird! Some old timers said they had seen snow
here in the hills, in every month of the year. I have never seen snow
here in June, July , or August–but every other month, several times
over! On Labor Day weekend in either ’64 or ’65, we were plowing under
stubble and had a heck of a snow. The snow would cover the black dirt we
turned over so it was kind of hard to see where you were going when you
came back around. I remember Dad and I lit small straw piles on fire and
stood close to warm up a bit as they burned. No cabs and heaters in
those days. If your gloves got wet or your hands got cold you could
always reach ahead and grab onto the exhaust pipe for a couple seconds
and heat things up. I remember how sometimes my gloves got a little too
hot and would steam and smoke We wore all the clothes we could find and
still suffered! And to think we called that ‘the good old days’! Thanks
Gary!
Dick
Reply to picture from Don Lamoueux (75): Bethel, MN
I believe the unknown picture in my Great Grandfather John Bedard.
Don Lamoueux (75)
Reply to picture from Louise Pigeon Horsman (43):Bothell, WA
That looks like John Bedard. If it is , he is the father of Georgette,Rene, Albert and Lucein Bedard. I’m not positive.
Warren, Checking my records, I see you have a Birthday today (5-27-47). I’m not far behind you. 1947 is the year for a lot of us class of 65 folks. You have and enjoyable birthday. Have a big celebration with Cora.Gary
Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND
To Neola Garbe,
Congratulations!!!! You look like a million bucks in that picture!
Reply to Neola from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, Wyoming
I am so happy Neola, that you have come through that dreadful disease. But, like Gary said, your positive attitude and being so up beat with that beautiful smile, truly helped. I remember that fabulous smile. I will let Beckie know when I see her. By the way, she is doing great from her colon cancer and they are very sure that they got all the polyps. She didnt need radiation treatments/any other treatment. She has her regular check-ups and is now down to a size 10, the same size when she was married 25 yrs ago. By the way, we had snow here, yesterday morning, with big flakes. It didnt last long, thank heavens. All have a quiet and peaceful day. Sybil Johnson
Reply to picture posted yesterday from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74): Bismarck, ND
The Steve Belgarde family used to ride on our bus. Extremely nice family. I knew the girls in the plaid clothes along with the girl in the maroon dress. They were very polite of what I remember.
Reply from Pam Wenstad (78):
Gary,
That must be a Norwegian trait. My Dad and my sister Bobbie ate them all the time.When we were young and all of us girls had to sleep 2 or 3 a bed she would eat a onion sandwich right before bed, so no one would sleep with her. Now my son Tony eats them too sometimes. Funny how some things (thank goodness) never leave us.
Pam Wenstad-78
Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT
Reply to Wendy Strietzel, please give my condolences to your Mom, she and I were good friends in high school. Your Grandma was a very sweet lady and the ffood was always great at her house as well as the hospitality.
Sharon Longie Dana(73)
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
My mom made the best pot of Navy Bean Soup you’ve ever tasted. And she always included with her bowl, a raw onion sandwich. I could not imagine it. But she sure enjoyed.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
YVONNE HIATT PETERSON
Birth Date:
29 Jan 1956
Death Date:
21 Oct 2003
Social Security Number:
502-86-3260
State or Territory Where Number Was Issued:
North Dakota
Death Residence Localities
ZIP Code:
58318
Localities:
Bottineau, Bottineau, North Dakota
Lake Metigoshe, Bottineau, North Dakota
Metigoshe, Bottineau, North Dakota
Picture dated January 10, 1974
Vonnie Hiatt Peterson was the Daughter of Howard (Deceased) and Vida Hiatt. She was married to Ron Peterson.
Rod Hiatt, Vonnie’s Brother’s message posted in (275) on Nov 7, 2008
Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND
Hello Gary I do remember the Awalt Anniversary and the duet. Vonnie played the piano and I was on the accordion. I don’t think I was asked to be on Laurence Welk Show after that either. Seems like my musical talent was mainly in my mind and not in the ears of the audience. Yes Vonnie was a big part of the auction business as she was no doubt the best clerk that you could ever want. In all the years that she worked with me, I don’t recall having to repeat the selling price or a bidders number to her. She did that as well as caught bids at the same time. She was also the best part of Hiatts Western Shop, as she could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo without trying. At Christmas, the men would come in looking for something for their wife, having no idea of size, colors or style and Vonnie would put together an outfit, boots and accessories, wrap it up and it was surprising how many wives would come back saying how happy and thrilled that their husbands took the time, new the right size and had such good taste. Vonnie just smiled and never said any different. It was 5 years ago last month that we lost her, but little things like your newspaper clipping bring back the good memories and all the fun and laughter that she brought into our lives She is dearly missed but Never Forgotten
Main Street in 1940, posted by Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND
Dear Gary,
I have racked my old brain to come up with the location of all the businesses in Dunseith in 1940 when I was working on the Dray. To the best of my knowledge the enclosed map is accurate. If anyone has any changes just e-mail of course spelling errors can just be written up to old age and bad eyesight. (Is that a good enough excuse?)
Have a good week!
Lloyd Awalt
(<Catholic Church)
Main Street
Depot>)
Empty Building
Watkin’s Lumber Yard
Vacant Lot
Wilson’s Recreation Center
Standard Oil Station
Charlie Wright’s creamery
Motel/US Customs
City Service Station
Dakota Hotel
(treet)
(Street)
Hosmer’s Store
Shelver’s Drug
(Vacant Lot)
Wilson’s Barber shop
Poliquin’s Bar
Peace Garden Cafe
(Storage shed)
Ray Murry Creamery
Pete Richards Variety
(Driveway)
(Vacant Lot)
Crystal Cafe
Kadry Pool Hall
Myrey’s Store
(vacant Drive Way)
Macatees Bakery
GottbrethHardware
Alphie Dion Shoe Shop
Postoffice
Red Owl Store
Security State Bank
Ray Lakes Stone Garage
(Street)
(Street)
Douglas Funeral Home
Lilleby Bar
Althea Theater
Lamoureux Garage
Floyd Nelson Barber
Lamoureux Lot
Livestock Exchange
K.C.Sime Red & White
Main Street
Judge Ray Wilson
Coffee Shop
Clint Anderson’s
Oscar Stadeim Bowling Alley and Bar
Cream Station
Zyke Boguslaski
Leonard’s Cafe
Corner Garage
(Vacant Lot)
(Street)
Dunseith Journal
Ike Berg Home
Deters Telephone Office
Jesse Wilson Home
(Street)
Hassen’s Store
Joe Richard’s Service Station
Pictures posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Dale Honsey – DHS class of 74
Brent Armentrout – DHS class of 1984
Stewart Medrud is Ronnie’s son. He lives
near Belcourt. Ronnie Medrud is Deceased
John Bedard Sr.
Alice Hiatt Dalbec’s daughter Marvel’s wedding. Judy is Bill’s sister.
Thelma Johanna Johnson, 83, of Bremerton died Monday at Harrison Hospital.
She was born in Kelvin, N.D., to Sigurd Edward and Johanna (Lagarquist) Christianson.
She married James Johnson and he preceded her in death in 1997. Mrs. Johnson enjoyed being a homemaker and was the last founding member of Olalla Bible Church.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Medrud and Anne Petry.
Surviving are a son, Robert Johnson and his wife, Diane, of Port Orchard; a daughter, Joanne Johnson of Port Orchard; two brothers, Raymond Christianson and his wife, Mary, of Dunseith, N.D., and Edwin Christianson and his wife, Bernice, of Milton, Wash.; two sisters, Viola Basket and her husband, Steve, of Olalla and Dorothy Halverson and her husband, Lester, of Dunseith; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at Olalla Bible Church.
Memorial donations may be made to Cypress Gardens Activity Fund, 3500 Ninth St., Bremerton, WA 98312.Arrangements are by Haven of Rest Funeral Home in Gig Harbor.
Folks, The other day I saw some nice ripe tomatoes in the house, so I asked our help to prepare a tomato sandwich for my lunch the next day of which they did. I love those tomato sandwiches. When they served me this tomato sandwich, I mentioned to them that my dad loved raw onion sandwiches. Guess what I got the next day for lunch, a raw onion sandwich. They prepared it as kind of a joke, but were surprised when I ate it. My dad used to top his day of with a raw onion sandwich before going to bed. I don’t think that did much for the romance spark though. Several weeks before his death, he prepared a thick onion sandwich for both us. It was soooo good with lots of salt and pepper. Gary
Genealogy request from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND
Gary,
You better send a tanker truck to Cebu for gas, Gary. The compound is dark and the rebels are closing in. Just kidding, I hope!
Holy Moly, I had no idea how many Hiatt relatives I had. I would like to research the Herman and Alice Woodford Hiatt line back a few more generations. Would appreciate any help from the group who have already done so. Thanks in advance.
Dwight Lang
Dwight & All, Our power was restored about 3:00 PM yesterday. This whole island of Cebu, of about 4 million folks, was without power. In the 5 1/2 years we have lived here, this is first time the whole Island has been without power. The problem was a severed submarine cable feeder line from the Island of Leyte that supplies electricity to this island. The electricity had just been restored when we got to the mall. They were running on generator power so they had no A/C. It was really hot in there. Speaking of malls, we have several very nice large modern malls. To give you an idea of the size of the mall we went to yesterday, It has 4 levels and covers acres. When Bernadette is shopping, often times, I’ll do a brisk walk covering all of the common area starting from the top. It takes me 55 minutes to walk all of the common area, 1 time through, from the top to the bottom. That would be about 3 1/2 miles. Gary
Request from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND
Would you ask if anyone has a mailing address for Iris Peltier, Belcourt?
Thanks.
Neola
Neola Kofoid Garbe’s Radiation Treatments are complete:
This email came from a good friend of mine earlier today. She has been counting the days until my radiation treatments are finished. As you can see, today was the day (Thursday).
THANK YOU for the many prayers which have been prayed for my mom and me. They definitely worked for both of us.
Mom is back at Good Samaritan in Bottineau (725 East 10th St., Bottineau 58318) and is feeling better than she has felt in a LONG time. She will be 92 years old on May 5; her memory/mind/hearing/eyesight/speech are all good. She uses a walker and gets tired easily; other than that, she’s doing wonderfully well.
My radiation treatments (36) went very well. I have had very little pain from the time I was told I had breast cancer until right now . During the treatments I was tired, so I slept much more than I usually do. This was no problem, as I enjoy sleeping, and I didn’t have anything I HAD to do–bless retirement. I’m sure the many prayers all of you prayed, made this experience just a minor “bump in the road”. I feel very fortunate the cancer was caught early (mammogram), and it was non-invasive. I can now add this experience to my life’s resume; it’s already interesting, I don’t need more experiences! Ha!
I think I’m the luckiest of all the people I met at at the cancer center–I wasn’t sick/I live right in Minot/I’m still FAIRLY young!/I didn’t need someone to take me to my treatments(Wally went along a few times at the beginning of them)/etc. During the storm, my brother-in-law picked Wally/me up for my treatments in his 4-wheel drive pickup, so I didn’t miss any treatments during that time.
When you are having radiation treatments, “they” don’t want you to lose weight, which can easily happen; I understand many people lose their appetite during this time. Believe me, I did NOT lose my appetite–uff da! I enjoyed eating many foods I try not to eat, and I still gained only 2 pounds. Going back to “normal” eating is going to be tough! Ha!
THANKS AGAIN for your thoughts and prayers for Mom and me. Prayer is POWERFUL!!
Neola
Neola, It’s so nice to hear you are all finished with your radiation treatments. Your positive attitude has been a huge contributor for the success’ achieved. I’ll bet you’ll be spending more time in Bottineau now. Wally will have to make a few trips to Bottineau to see you. Gary
Angus Campbell: Bottineau, ND
Folks,
I ran across this picture of Angus Campbell when I was going through my picture files. This picture must have been taken about 4 years ago, because I know Angus was born in 1925. Angus is a familiar face to many of you, especially those of you in the Bottineau area. Angus has lived nearly his entire life on his present farm located 2 miles south of Bottineau on the Gardena Road. Angus has been a very active & supportive member of the whole community his entire life. I have known Angus nearly my entire life, but I really learned to know him and his sister Margaret (deceased) well when I worked for Dave and Vivian Clark on their farm after I graduated from HS in 1965. When I left for the West Coast in 2006, my brother Darrel, who was still in HS at the time, started working for Angus/Margaret in the summer months. Their relationship bonded well to this very day. Angus has pretty much adopted Darrel and his family. The same is true for Darrel and his family adopting Angus. Angus has been a big part of the Stokes family for many years. He is a wonderful man with a heart of gold. To this very day Angus does a big share of the running of the combine harvesting Darrel’s crop.
Folks, We are running on generator power this today. For some reason we lost power about 4 hours ago. I need to get this out before my generator runs out of gas and I have to run and get more. Gary
Winifred Pritchard Eurich’s Funeral:
Posted by MarkSchimetz (70): Rolette, ND
Hi Gary and Friends, Had a little trouble scanning Winifred’s Obit. It was a nice service, befitting a great lady, When I was young I got to drive a team of Dave Eurch’s and Stacked bundled shocks, and later hauling them to the Threshing Machine. I was and still am very proud to have had this experience. There weren’t many people my age at the time circa early to mid 60’s that I knew had done this.
But now, for Winifred!. I was in complete aw at the size of her Kitchen when we all went into eat. The setting impressed me so, that I don’t remember what we ate. The Hospitality first class as in most farm family’s in North Dakota. The very long table on which plenty good food and drink was supplied which I do remember was that I didn’t go away hungry. The high Cabinets above the kitchen’s Countertops unusual in other modern homes. Winifred’s kitchen reminisces of threshing days forlorn. I did not see such a cook house setting again until I went to work, to work with Dad on the Railroad, in 70. Still these fond memories I had of these special days with the Eurich’s will always remain in my heart.
Winifred Pritchard Eurich
Dave Eurich Family 1970:
Back: Sharon, Eileen, Norman & Dave
Front: Mary, Dorothy, Jean & Winifred
Again I express my condolences to the Eurich Family. I do remember that nice big Kitchen that Mark talks about at the Eurich’s. I’ve eaten a few wonderful meals there myself. I helped Bud and Norris Knutson, several summers, with haying on the Eurich farm. Winifred always had a wonderful meal for us at that nice long table that mark described. The last time I saw Winifred was at my Mothers funeral in July of 2004. She attended her funeral along with her daughters Eileen and Mary. Gary
From Wendy Strietzel (Dorothy Eurich Strietzel’s (75) Daughter): Minot, ND
Gary,
Here is my grandma’s funeral brochure. Everything at the funeral was beautiful and the family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts. My grandma was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be greatly missed but her memory will live on through all of us. Thanks again.
Wendy Strietzel
I received your Grandma’s funeral brochure from Mark Schimetz yesterday too, posted above, that I already had ready for today’s posting. Yes, your grandma was a beautiful person and is well remembered by all of us former and current Dunseith folks and others too. Gary
Story from Larry Hackman (66):Bismarck, ND
Gary
I had a couple of requests for this story: believe it or not.
I know there are a lot of new people that have moved into the blog and that have not read it also. Maybe its time to put it out there again because I know a bunch of them have had to join our club too.
Everyone needs a good chuckle now and then.
Larry
Larry, It is my pleasure to repost any of your great stories. Gary
60 YEARS &MISSMISNOMER
I turned 60 last week. I have been kind of depressed about it. Then friends and relatives began telling me that I should be happy, after all I’m in this club now. I asked, what club is that? They shouted you are in the Golden Years Club, You gotta be happy and proud to be in such a club. Everybody becomes a member. After they explained the benefits about restaurants giving you food for less money and you can get motel rooms cheaper, I started to feel pretty good about this. They did not say anything about getting gas cheaper but I guess you just get it more often. As long as I get more miles per gallon, I don’t care. The more I thought about this age thing and this club, the better I felt. So, I was feeling kind of up beat about the whole thing and decided to go out and see whats new in the world of hardware. I always like to look around the hardware stores to see whats new. I was wandering around in Home Depot and I wandered right into a old retired friend.
We got to talking about age and birthdays and such. I asked him about this Goden Age Club and how you join. He said there is no joining, your just in. What do you mean your just in? He said, your just in. What if don’t like it? There is no likeing or dislikeing, you are just in. What if I want to back out? He said, there is no backing, your just out when your out. He finally said, Larry get this through your head your in until your out. I said you mean its like getting drafted into the military. He said there is no drafted, your just in until your out. I said, well, in the sevice there were a few that just up and deserted, couldn’t I do that? He said, Larry there is no deserting, your just in until you are out. So, I’m just automaticly a member of this Golden Years Club for the rest of my life, and I’m in until I’m out? He said, The Golden Years Club is a misnomer. I said, Oh come on, I’m not joining this club and going to have to give up the month of November too? Besides thar, I did not miss November. I remember sitting at the table on Thanksgiving Day eating the turkey neck and gizzard like I always do. In our family the oldest guy sitting at the table always gets first choice on the good stuff, and gets to eat dark meat sandwiches for two weeks after, cuz the women and the kids eat all the white meat. That is just the way it is and the way I like it, so I know I did not miss November. My old friend looks at me, and says, Larry you fool, I said misnomer. I said, I know what you said, you said I’m going to miss November. Did you mean from now on? You mean next year is only 11 months long? No wonder time passes so fast for the people in this club and I’m not giving up Thanksgiving, it is one of my favorite holidays. I’m just not gonna join your club. He said again, you are in until your out, and the proper name of the club is, The Only Thing Golden is Your Urine Club, so you see the name, The Golden Years Club is a misnomer. I said, I don’t care what you say I’m not giving up November . He said, Larry, nobody relishs the idea of being in this club, your just in it until your out and there is nothing you can do about it. I said relish, we have a relish tray at Thanksgiving too, I’m not giving that up neither and left him standing there in the middle of Home Depot. I don’t know if I’m ever going to talk to that guy again. I did not particularly like being called a fool.
REMEMBER: LAUGH AND THE WHOLE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU.
LARRY
Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND
Gary,
Lee here.
Snow on the ground here this am.
Dad’s body will be buried this afternoon at 3 pm. Gloria and I will be there. Funerals are really not over til the body is in the ground,
The snow will lend toward authenticity as he dealt with the snow so much, before George Gregory was able to make the rounds and move the banks of snow.
Dad once carried a chain saw so that he could remove willows from the ditches which created the opportunity for drifts.
OUR trip to CA to see my son, Eric, his wife Kim and MY grandson, SAM is set for next Thursday. The 30 degrees here now will be replaced with 80s.
Eric’s wife is a pharmacotoxocologist, Chief Scientist for a pharmaceutical company.
Kim’s personna and demeanor is such that she could be with US from Dunseith and fit right in. She grew up in Detroit and her parents have suffered the effects of the ceconomic downturn there.
She will be in Boston making a presentation early next week but will be home by the time WE get there. They have budgeted 2 full days to be with US so that will be great.
SNUF LEE
Lockhard School about 1955:
Back row: Dale Millang, Lorraine Handeland, Claudia Espe, Glen Millang,
Kenny Handeland. Stanley Salmonson, Lyle Zeiler & Roger Salmonson.
Middle row: Kathy Salmonson, Charlotte Handeland, Sandra Zeiler, Linda
Millang, Karen House, Garrett Myer, Winnie Nelson
Front row: Terry Espe. Clarine House, Kathy Nerpel, Kenny Nerpel, Larry
Millang, Duane Handeland
