03/24/2009

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Gary

Weather forcast from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Weather forcast from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Big storm forecast for us for the next two (2) days, much snow so I may be shoveling partly cloudy from all the sidewalks of the apt complex that I TRY to manage.

SNUF Lee

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

The family photo that Neola refers to in blog #406 as Lundy is the
LaRocque Family, In the Photo…Linda, Jackie, Annette,etc.
Mrs. LaRocque was the niece of our dear family friend Genevieve
(Delorme) Morin wife of Emil Morin.
Vickie Metcalfe
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

With tournament time rolling around again, I thought I would send a
picture of the 1967 Dunseith Dragon basketball team and the Dist. 14
Tournament program. We won the first game with Rolette, 68-62 but lost
to Wolford by one point in overtime! Les Halvorson was one of the
Wolford Wolves that year! They came into the tournament with a 11 win-1
loss record. Although I can’t say for sure, I believe they went on to
win the tournament. I bet Les remembers! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Tickle Pick postings from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

Eight new tracks of Tickle Pink songs are now on the ftp site. Access instructions below:

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

You should see a page that looks like this:

If you place the mouse on a track and click the left button, the selection will play using Quicktime, but you will not download the track with this method. To download, place the mouse cursor on the track, click the right mouse button and you will see a pop-up menu. Select “Save Target as….” and you will be taken through the download process to put the track on your computer. From that point, you can play the track with about any music program, such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill

03/23/2009

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Gary

Dunseith Alumni Reunion in Seattle:

Folks,

We agreed in contract negotiation with the Best Western hotel, located near the space needle, to give them periodic reports with the number of folks we have signed up for our reunion banquet on July 24th. Bill Grimme will be giving them our first report on April 21st. We currently have 150 slots on hold. They will use our report to evaluate future requests from other groups for the number of slots they can offer them. There is a strong likely hood that we may loose a lot of our unused slots to other groups. We want to give everyone the opportunity to sign up while the slots are available. If for some reason you can not attend, Bill can refund your money up until the time he has to make the final payment to the Best Western for our group on July 21st. If we do not give them reports, they may hold us accountable for all 150 slots whether we fill them or not. The Best Western can accommodate 4 groups at the same time by dividing their banquet room into fourths.

Gary

To attend this dinner, just fill in the following selections for you or your party, send Bill a check, and he will return a receipt.

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

Pete/Sofie Schneider Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Reply from Betty Schneider Lamb (54): Grand Forks, ND

Gary – Thank you for posting the picture of my parents. This is their wedding picture and they were married June 30, 1928 in my grandparent’s home near Thorne. Mother had copies made in 1980 for each of us children and our copy is sitting on our organ.

Here in Grand Forks, there is alot of preparation for a flood. The city of Fargo is in alot worse condition then we are. The basement in our home had substantial damage in 1997 and we are trusting that the flood this year will not be as bad. Our city has built dykes that are good for sixty feet and the predicted river crest is fifty feet: however, in 1997 the predicted level was forty-five feet and the water went to fifty feet. We do not live in the flood area but you have heard the phrase if my house goes the whole city will go and it did. We have purchased flood insurance again.

Thank you for the great job that you do. We appreciate all your work. Betty and Bill Lamb

Pete/Sofie Schneider – June 30, 1928

03/22/2009

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew) :

Gary remember basic training? It cost us a buck a haircut there as well.

Don, How well I remember those dollar hair cuts, weekly, in basic training.

I miss quoted the Manicure and Pedicure prices, here in the PI, yesterday. The total price is $2.00 for both, not $4.00. Gary

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

In reference to picture posted by Mark Schimetz in message 404

No, Arv’s family was Thorsbakken in Norway, it was changed to Bakken (means hill) at Ellis Is.
they homesteaded in the Minot area, no relations to the Bakken’s mentioned, and not related to the Bakken Oil discovery either. Ardys Bakken Horner

Reqest for Allen Richard (65) from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

I have tried to email Allen Richard several times without success. If Allen would please drop me a line? I have family files soon ready for him. Sharron

From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Just letting you all know, Im keeping an eye on the weather for North Dakota. I remember the flooding in the Red River Valley back in 1989. Infact, Augie was one of the volunteers that year and it was a real mess. So, all that are in that area, please stay safe.
Sybil

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Larry’s mention of geese heading north does sound good after the record
winter we have had here. I’m hoping the lakes and ponds will fill back
up to normal as we had a very dry summer in ’08. I’m attaching a picture
from the early days, circa 1910, from this area. The man on the left is
from Bottineau, his name is McIntosh. The other man is not identified.
With these guys out there, maybe not many geese made it back south!
Limits were however many you could shoot, it would appear! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Posting provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Folks, Diane Larson Sjol (70) is the instructor for this class.

Diane’s reply when I asked if she was in the picture. Gary

Yes, it is me in the picture with my nursing students…I am smack dab
in the middle with the turquoise sweater over the black top…blonde
hair and glasses

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/21/2009

Posted on March 21, 2009 by Gary

Folks, I went up and got a hair cut and a foot scrub at one of the local beauty parlors located in our local mini mall here in the Philippines the other day. The hair cut cost a dollar and then I gave the guy a dollar tip, so 2 dollars in all. I got a very thorough foot scrub with nail clippings and the whole bit. They scrubbed away all the old calluses and dead skin leaving my feet as smooth as a babies butt. The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours. The foot scrub cost 5 dollars, so with a 2 dollar tip, 7 dollars in all. Bernadette’s manicure and pedicure cost 2 dollars total. That’s 50 cents per limb. What a deal. Gary

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

A beautiful day in Dakota today. The sky was clear with a slight breeze. The sun was shining. The snow was melting. The water was running. The birds were singing. The geese were flying. Spring has sprung. My thermometer showed 60 degrees in the shade. I went out and washed the car on the driveway in between the piles of snow without a jacket. I even got a little sunburned. I have to say it again. A truly beautiful day here in Bismarck after a long winter. Just so you don’t get homesick and jump on an airplane and come flying in to enjoy spring in the Dakotas. You have to remember that Spring here includes snow and they are talking 3 to 4 inches next week. Them flocks of geese that were flying today were flying both ways. The flocks flying north were honking with joy. The flocks flying south had been up north and saw the snow in the fields and the ice on the lakes and were honking their disappointment as you know they want to get up north to lay their eggs and start their families. It still was a beautiful sight and at least reminded a person that summer isn’t to far off and that it is good to be alive to enjoy days like this. I’ve worked outside most of my life and I know there are not too many perfect days like today.

Hope you had a good day, I did.

Take care and again thanks for all that you do.

Larry

Folks, I want to share this message of Lee (Leland) Stickland’s with you. Lee and Gloria have registered for our cruise. Unless told other wise, Lee has told me I can post what ever he sends. Gary

Lee Stickland’s (64) message: Dickinson, ND

Gloria, Gary and Bill,

I have had a couple very pleasant/constructive phone visits with Gina, She purposely stayed after normal hours at work in WA DC this afternoon and called me to continue booking procedures.

I now have completed the deposit, received a registration/confirmation/booking number of 16415392. Gloria and I have elected to have a cabin with a balcony. I understand that there is always the possibility of a free upgrade.

I have made reservations at the Ramada for the nights of July 23 and 24, 2009. I was told the rate is to be $99 per night, confirmation # 60418104.

WE sure wish to participate in the gala of the reunion to be held at the Best Western.

I am a list-maker and have a few pages of, with questions that will either be answered by the many questions/answers in the links sent or I will ask them directly.

THANKS SO much for the multitude of arrangements that are in place and the efforts to do so. Lee

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Renee is the daughter of Rodney (67) and Karen Peterson (77) Lagerquist.

03/20/2009

Posted on March 20, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Reply to Phyllis McKay,

Roy Anderson was Fred Anderson’s son who was a brother to my Granddad Bill. Myrtle

Anderson my Grandma could write a book about her. She was one great lady , I think

she was a Grandma & every one in Dunseith,when they moved to town in 42 they lived

down by the cross roads which is just North of town. They would walk up town about 10

in the morning & all the business places worker would go out on the street & look for them to come. The reason was Grandpa 6’4″ tall Grandma 4’2″ tall they would say here comes Mutt & Jeff. McKay’s only lived about a mile or two from Anderson’s, we visited alot together. Phyllis your mother & Grandma were very close friends. Lloyd

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

I too own “Cindy and the Turtle Mountain Boys”. I remember when my Grandpa Pete Longie bought it. We played it every Sunday afternoon, it sounded good then and it sounds good now. Actually my brother Roger but it on a cd because I wanted one for my car. And it sounds great!! They wer all awesome singers and musicians!!!! It wa alwasys more fun to go somewhere when you knew the Poitras were gonna play!!!! Families and friends all gathered and had wonderful times together listening to there music!! Thanks Alan for bringing up such great memories!!!

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

Bill Hosmer is right, postcard emailed by friends in Grand Forks. Time to look up that family! The Alaska cruise was the best Shen family holiday ever. Saw big blues leaping and slaming their tail fins; many Orca groups. Cannot express the beauty of the Misty Fiords visited on return trip. Sharron

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ

I got Dot from the hospital at 7
tonight. She spent 2 nights in the hospital. She is doing fine and will
not go to rehab or therapy but will do some home exercises. We willdo
them 3 times a day and then she must walk, walk, walk. Got in an out
of the van with no problem and up the 3 steps, no problem. She can’t
run any races yet but can maneuver pretty well with her walker. Thank
you for the many letters and prayers you have sent and we want you to
know it was very much appreciated and welcomed.

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Picture from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Gary I decided to edit this photo and perhaps it may be more recognizable to some one. So, to save some time. It was found in Ester (Bakken) Schimetz’s memoirs.

The Bakken’s had a farm about 3 miles south of Yellow Corners. Two of My Uncles, John and Mike married Bakken sisters. Ester and Molly respectively. No one in the family is able to identify they 3 people. The Little one may be a girl.

To Ardis Bakken Horner (Teacher) and Marsha Getzlaff Bakken (74): Is this Bakken Family related to your family? Gary

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/19/2009

Posted on March 19, 2009 by Gary

From Ivy Eller Robert (74): Everett, WA

Hi Gary,

I, too am the proud owner of the LP of Cindy & The Turtle Mountain Boys that Alan Poitra talks about. It came from my Mom’s country music collection. I have approximately 100 LP’s that are mainly in ‘mint’ condition. Yes, ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ by Gary Poitra is one of my favorites. My folks, Herman & Emma Eller, were very good friends with Frank & Rose Poitra. My Dad’s first wife was Laura Azure, she was Rose’s sister I believe. The friendship continued long after Laura passed and Dad married my Mom. I remember going to ‘Uncle Frank’s’ place often to visit. I don’t recall when Rose passed, but I know I must have been in grade school. I remember her a little but not too much, but I really remember ‘Uncle Frank’ & his hole family (that’s what my Dad taught us to call him out of respect).We also visited Mr. & Mrs. Roy Poitra as well. I recall we were there one Sunday & this lady showed up and someone pulled out a guitar & she sang just like Kitty Wells. I don’t remember who she was, but boy could she sing & Uncle Frank was playing his fiddle while doing a ‘jig’ while sitting.
Every once in a while, I pull my portable record player out & dust off the LP’s and take a trip down memory lane. I don’t care what anyone says, you just can beat the country classics of Tammy, George, Loretta, Patsy, and many others………….

Thanks,
Ivy (Eller) Robert (74)

Reply from Leland Hagen (50): Bryan, Texas

Hi Gary,
I listened to the shortened version of the “Mule Skinner Blues” and it sounded
real good, so please send me the complete version. I would like to send it to some
of my friends here in Texas that do a little jamming every thursday afternoon. I’m
sure they would be impressed.
I look forward to reading your email every day and want to thank you for all the
fine work you do in this regard. Having been gone from the Dunseith area (except
for infrequent visits) for the last 58 years I don’t know most of your contributors,
however I do find their input very interesting. I did know many of their parents and
grand parents!

Leland Hagen (50) Bryan Texas

from Sharon Gottbreht Shen (1959): Everett, WA

Finally found a copy of an original photo of a hunting scene, probably taken 1947/48 at the Peace Gardens. George Gottbreht stands to the right of the door and he died in 1951. I thought the youth might be Edwin Seim? Kneeling from left to right: Hagen? Lucien Bedard; probably Art Seim; James Metcalfe; Dale Gottbreht. Have not been able to identify man in uniform, perhaps Peace Garden staff. Could be Alex Forbes standing right of George G; has also been suggested that it might be a Nerpel. The original picture is small and very dark; definition is less with enlargement.

I did not appreciate the zest guys and some gals had for hunting until we moved outside of town 1954. Well before dawn dad would wake me for waitress duty. Mrs Teresa Fontaine would already be there when I showed up at 4 am. She or Stella Schimetz would have roasted a large beef chuck the night before to make countless sandwiches. Hunters from the area or guest from motel would began to arrive and order huge platters of eggs and bacon, ham, sausages, flap jacks etc. Never before had I served a dozen fried eggs to one client! Dad would be there having coffee, telling tales and giving directions. He would provide a box now and then to carry sacs of sandwiches, Teresa’s delicious potato salad, Charlotte Boguslawski’s pies, cookies, cookies, cookies and numerous thermos of coffee. I was so green! All that work with such great cooks is now a happy, useful memory. Little wonder that I would drift off in Mr Starks Civics class.

Sharron

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

This is posted in one of my ‘Fathers history books. Peter Jardine,
Wesley Fassett, Grandpa Bigham are all attached in my family tree. Mr
Higgens is the grandfather of Karen Loeb, or maybe great grandfather.
Steve Cook is Lynn , Dana and Rick Henriksens grandfather. Interesting
picture. Enjoy!! Susan

From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Gary, and other good friends. Got this from two different sources, both fighter pilots from my past. The names were not familiar to me, and the date mark is two years before I was born. Interesting price list. Bill Hosmer

Bill, This is interesting. Sharron Gottbreht posted this same post card with message 387 that I have included below. I assumed she physically had the card and had scanned it, but I realize now that it must be posted somewhere on the internet. Yes, they list some interesting prices. This would have been before the computer age, so all these cards had to be individually typed which was very labor intense compared to today’s standards. Gary

1928 Post card from Sharon Gottbreht Shen (1959): Everett, WA

Interesting Penny 1928 Post Card. I Remember the Sisters across the street from us had a Model T!

Sharron

Sharron, This is really interesting. Chester Bjorngaard’s history is listed on Page 256 of the Bottineau Centennial book. Gary

Folks, I want to share this message that we recently sent out to the folks that will be going on the Dunseith Alumni Alaska Cruise the last week of July. For those of you that are interested and would like to join us on this cruise, I think our Travel agent, Gina, can still find you a cabin. We currently have 76 folks registered for this cruise. Gary

Dear Fellow Dunseith Alumni Cruisers,

For every 8 cabins booked we earn one free cabin fare based on the average cabin booked by our group. Most groups use this amenity to pay for the cruise leaders cabins and their personal use. In fact, with most groups, the group members are unaware of this amenity. In the planning stages of this cruise we decided, on Day 1, that we’d use this money for the benefit of the group. We just weren’t sure of the ways it could be applied and how it could be managed. We have been tolling around just how we’d do that. We were thinking we could purchase Tee shirts, name tags and have a few parties on the ship for some of the use of this money. Those were just some of the ideas we had. Until recently we were unaware that we could apply this money towards everyone’s cruise fare. That is what we have decided to do. The total money earned for this amenity will be divided equally among all those in our group and credited towards their final payment. It will not be known until all the calculations are done, at the time of the final payment, how much this credit will be. We currently have 37 cabins booked, so we will let you do the math.

Statement from our travel agent, Gina Ford

one persons base cruise price Free for every 8 cabins booked is a groupamenity. This amount may be deducted from everyone’s cruise price at time of final payment. This amount is determined by the final head count at time of final payment. This discount is also based on which cabin type you have “the most: of.

I will get exact amount of discount from NCL with full explanation for their calculation as well).

This most likely will be about a week prior to the final payment date, so that you have plenty of time to send out a group email with the discount amount to all the folks in your group.

Gina

Some Cabin fare adjustments have been made for our group.

Statement from our travel agent, Gina Ford

Please be advised that “any” onboard credits from the cruise line – can vary from cabin type to cabin type, as well as depending on the exact date that each cabin booked into the group. Due to the fact that this amount will vary, it will not be offered for a “Group” distribution email. It will be advised to each cabin as they call in their final payment. If the entire Group had all booked their cruise vacation – at the same time, and selected the same cabin categories, this would be easier to explain. The onboard credit is simply a “gift” from NCL and is 100% based on the exact cabin they selected – in combination with the exact date that they decided to book their cruise. This onboard credit that NCL offers is not a group amenity.

Our group prices have been adjusted as listed, in red, on the chart below.

The original prices quoted are in black.

The prices listed are the lowest prices per person for each Cabin Group.

Category CabinGroup
Price per person inclusive of all taxes.

On board spending credits may be added. See statement Above

K Inside Cabin $1,139.00 Now $1085.64

E Ocean View Cabin $1,389.00 Now $1295.64

BD Balcony Cabin
$1,749.00 Now 1685.64

AF Mini Suite Cabin $1,999.00 Now $1935.64

Final Cabin payments are due on April 24th.

Please bring any questions that you may have to Gina, our travel agent’s, attention

Your group leaders,

Bill Grimme

Gary & Bernadette Stokes

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/18/2009

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Gary

‘Mule Skinner Blues’ posted by Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, I have gotten a couple request for the CD that I mentioned. I wanted to clarify something, the CD that I mentioned was ‘Cindy and The Turtle Mountain Boys’, this does not include my grandfather Frank Poitra, it had the following singers, Scotty and Cindy Thompson, Roger Thingsvold and my father Gary Poitra. The vinyl album was sold around many parts of the Turtle Mountains and outside the immediate area, but they were well known in Dunseith, Rugby, Bottineau, Souris, Rolla, Belcourt and many other towns and played many bars in and around Dunseith. Cindy and Scotty Thompson and Roger Thingsvold were from the Bottineau area and my dad of course from Dunseith. I am including one more song from the album that everyone should know and it is called ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ and was sung by my father and as I remember was always requested at many social functions. My apologies if some people thought it was my grandfather and uncles. I do have music by them but nothing that can be reproduced. But for those of you that requested a copy of the CD by all means I will make one for you. I hope you can attach this song because it is and still gives me a tingle to hear my father sing it…

Alan, I asked Bill Grimme to reduce and shorten this song a bit to a size I could post with this message. He was able to do that. This is Bill’s reply: “Had to shrink a lot and also shorten to get even to this size.”

Bill, As usual you did a fine job. The song is shortened a bit, but the quality is still there. You actually reduced the file size to about 10% of the original. Thank you so much for doing this.

Folks, ‘Mule Skinner Blues’ sung by Gary Poitra is attached. This is the shorten version. Please contact Alan Poitra or myself if you’d like a copy of this full size. Gary

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Colette, Here is Debbies addy again Debbie Marmon…..1911 north Merriam ….Miles City MT 59301. ALSO AS SOON AS I CAN FIND SOME TIME I WILL BE SENDING YOUR PICTURES OK BEV

Bev, I thought I had this message included with yesterday’s blog, but for some reason I missed it. Sorry about that. Gary

Message from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ

Hi, all you good friends out there!! Dot had her right hip replaced on
March 16 here in AZ. She is doing great and the therapist had her up
out of bed an hour after recovery. She will be in the hospital for
about 3 days and then recovery at home. We have things pretty well set
up for getting around the house. She will have to climb 3 steps but
they teach her that at the hospital. Thank you for all your prayers
and kind thoughts. We will keep you posted.!!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

Lloyd, Thanks for sharing more information on Roy Anderson. My brother and I talked and we both thought he could read since he had so many books on “Westerns” and made comments on them. I’m sure our folks knew he couldn’t read. We weren’t aware of such information at the time. I’m happy to hear that he got to see his sister after so many years. As you mentioned his rising voice in excitement, I could imagine the crinkled nose and toothy renditions of his “take” on things. Thanks for bringing even more color to this memorable character of our past.

Gary M., I appreciate your comment on inheriting my father’s zest for life. We kids sometimes did not know our parents like others with the hours they worked 6 days a week @(9 AM to Midnight) We envied those who farmed and might know them “shoulder to shoulder.”

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

Folks, The following is a message Neola sent out to folks on her distribution list that I thought I would share with you guys. Her mother, Emma Kofoid, is a resident at the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau. Last week she was rushed to a Minot hospital with a low pulse rate and a few other problems. She spent some time in the ICU and they were able to get her stabilized. Emma will be 92 years old in May. Neola is also in the middle of radiation treatments for her breast cancer.

Neola, our thoughts and prayers are with both you and your mother with all these things that are going on in your life’s at the moment. Gary

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s message:

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the prayers/thoughts for Mom and me.

Mom is much better; she is now on her way back to Good Samaritan in Bottineau. Bill Young (our relative) and Marvin Brandvold (long time friend) came to get her.

I was at the hospital today from about 12:45-2:15 and then went for my treatment. After the treatment, I went back to Trinity to stay until “Good Sam” came. We had been told it might be about three when they came, so I thought I’d be there when they came. Bill/Marvin are taking great care of Mom.

At this time, I plan to go to Bottineau (for the weekend) after my treatment.

All for now.

Neola

Correction to Yesterday’s message.

With my comments to Lee Stickland about the new car his parents purchased. The years were 1963-64, not 1993-94. Gary

Bill Grimme’s Web site for the ‘Tickle Pink’ postings.

http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/17/2009

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Gary

From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

I had a great pleasure today with a visit from John and Margaret Bedard. They stopped in Birmingham today and spent about six hours in the Magic City. They were great company for me! They are on the way back to ND from some extensive cruising and a winter in South Carolina.

Bill

July 12, 2007

Front: John Awalt & John Bedard – Back: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey

From Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary,

With Dad’s passing and a ‘few’ ensuing things to do and my buying a new printer, I find it more timely to send this by mail. Call it a step toward closure, if YOU choose ? I was with Dad for most days for 7 years so there is a bit of adjustment to follow.

Remember, there once was a box near the road that was consistently visited M-Sa to put stuff into and to take things from.

I got to assist in that 6 day a week tour of duty, occasionally. I can only imagine, 30 years of that schedule with snow and mud not relenting, much. One more day per week than the NORMAL 5 days a week job is 20% more, wow.

Anyway, found this HWY 43 info Dad’s things and I am not a ‘stuff ‘ fan.

All is good here, as far as I know and that is just far enough.

Lee

Lee, how well I remember your dad delivering our mail. I will always remember how he’d sit way over towards the right of the front seat so as to be able to put the mail in the boxes. That in it self must have added discomfort to his job with the driving of his car. He was very consistent, delivering our mail the same time everyday. He put a lot of miles on his car everyday. I remember his relief man, for vacations, was your uncle Bill Peterson. I also remember in either 1993 or 94 your dad purchased a brand new car. I’m not sure if he used it for delivering mail or not. I remember well sitting in the back seat of this brand new car with a bunch of other folks, with you driving. This would have been during lunch time on a school day, because we were seldom in town outside of the school day. That’s one memory that has stuck in my mind all these years.

Debbie Morinville Marmon’s (70) address from Bev Morinville Azure (72):Duneith, ND

Colette, Here is Debbies addy again Debbie Marmon…..1911 north Merriam ….Miles City MT 59301. ALSO AS SOON AS I CAN FIND SOME TIME I WILL BE SENDING YOUR PICTURES OK BEV

From Shonda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND

Gary here is my aunts address as requested I just wanted to say thanks to all that have prayed and thought about my Aunt Debbie since her stroke we as a family all are very thankful for the good thoughts Shonda Campbell (Azure)

May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home.

Shonda, I don’t have your address, but I think you are living in Minot? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I have listed Debbie’s address with your mothers message below. Gary

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Lillian Houle and my mom, Verdellis (Richard) Larson were first
cousins. She was just like the Richards, full of spunk and wit and
always ready with a laugh….My mom also passed away six years
ago…it is hard to say goodbye to this generation who provided us
with so many memories growing up. The sense of family they gave us is
very special. We had so much fun at family reunions. About Lorraine
Vandal, she also was a first cousin of my mom’s. She divorced and
remarried and am not sure where she is living but my dad would know.
She is one entertaining and funny gal.

Diane Sjol

Request from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Hey Gary,
I would also like a copy of the CD Tickled Pink.
thanks.
Diane Sjol

Diane, Bill Grimme is posting 6 songs a week on his WEB site from the “Tickle Pick” Album for folks to either listen to on line or down load if they so choose. He has posted the 2nd group of 6 songs, below, with today’s email. If you missed the first six songs posted last week, please let me know and I will send them to you with an individual message. Gary

Week two of the “Tickle Pink” postings with 6 new songs From Bill Grimme:

Tickled pink

Meaning

To be delighted.

Origin

The tickling here isn’t the light stroking of the skin – it’s the figurative sense of the word that means ‘to give pleasure or gratify’. The tickling pink concept is of enjoyment great enough to make the recipient glow with pleasure – (see also in the pink).

That meaning of tickling has found its way into several phrases relating to pleasure, dating back to the early 17th century.

– Samuel Hieron, Works, 1617: “Well might they haue their eares ticled with some pleasing noise.”

– Rollin’s Ancient History, 1734: “Eating in Egypt

was designed not to tickle the palate but to satisfy the cravings of nature.”

– Nathaniel Hawthone’s Passages from the French and Italian note-books, 1864: “Something that thrilled and tickled my heart with a feeling partly sensuous and partly spiritual.”

– St. Nicholas (magazine for boys and girls), 1907: “I’m tickled to death to find some one with what they call human emotions.”

and, finally, in 1910, in an Illinois

‘ newspaper – The Daily Review, in a piece titled ‘Lauder Tickled at Change’, we have:

“Grover Laudermilk was tickled pink over Kinsella’s move in buying him from St. Louis

.”

The inclusion of the term in a newspaper, without any explanation of meaning, indicates that the writer expected readers would already be familiar with it. It seems that that phrase didn’t originate much before 1910 though. There are many references to it in print soon after that date, but I can find none earlier.

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

You should see a page that looks like this:

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/16/2009

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Gary

Obituary: Alfred Satrang (37):

Clarence ‘Alfred’ Satrang

Nov. 24, 1916-March 13, 2009

POSTED: March 15, 2009

Clarence “Alfred” Satrang was born on Nov. 24, 1916, in Dunseith where he grew up on a farm in the Turtle Mountains.

Alfred volunteered to serve our country in the United States Army during World War II. While stationed in Sydney, Australia, he met and married Beryl Mary Graham on July 14, 1945.

Although they journeyed to the United States separately, he was reunited with Beryl when he met her on the train in Minot in April 1946. Alfred introduced her to “life in the hills” where they made their first home on the Satrang family farmstead.

In 1947, Alfred and Beryl moved to Rolette where together they raised three children. Alfred worked at R & O Contractors of Rolette from 1947 until 1952. Alfred then accepted a job with the Farmers Union (Cenex) in Rolette. For 30 years, Alfred delivered fuel to people all over the Rolette area. He knew the area “like the back of his hand.” He retired from the Farmers Union (Cenex) in 1982. Alfred loved retirement life. He became a great gardener and also enjoyed golf and the friendships both activities afforded him. Alfred always had a cup of coffee and smile for the many folks who came through his squeaky back screen door.

On March 13, 2009, Alfred was reunited with his wife, Beryl; his parents, Melvin and Inga (Rue) Satrang; his brother, John; sisters, Berdella Clark and Lela Wenstad.

Survived by his children, Corrine Satrang, Grafton, James (Sherry) Satrang, Wellsburg, West Virginia, Kent (Joleen) Satrang, Fargo; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; brother, Clyde (Marge) Satrang, Mt. Iron, MN.

Services for Alfred will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Valle Lutheran Church in Rolette with burial in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at Mandan, ND, in the spring.

Visitation will be held at Valle Lutheran Church on Monday from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Friends may sign the online register book and share memories at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com

From Eileen (Mike) Brudwick (Neola’s Cousin): Fargo, ND

A special thanks to Gary Stokes for this notification of Clarence ‘Alfred’ Satrang’s death. Clarence’s mother, Ingebjorg Johnsdatter (Inga) (Rue) Satrang and Mike’s grandmother, Aslaug Johnsdatter (Ella) (Rue) Johnson were sisters.

Folks, this is a message that Eileen sent out to relatives and friends. She is married to Mike Brudwick, Neola Kofoid Garbe’s cousin. His parents are Milen & Alvina Brudwick. Mike was born and raised west of the Rendahl church and Beaver Dam areas on the Bottineau county side.

Reply from Lynn Henriksen (64): Tiburon, CA

Hi Gary,

As you know, I’m generally so snowed under with all things Book, that I don’t get time to read many of your blogs, but something made me open this today.

I feel fortunate that I did, because now I have the opportunity to send my condolences to Gary Houle and his family at the passing of their beloved mother, Lillian. I didn’t know her well, but the glimpses of her that remain in my memory from the 60s are filled with her unique energy and light and warmth. Throughout our high school years Gary spoke only kind and loving words about his mother – that alone would fill any mother’s heart. She was well loved, and I know she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Houle family.

Keeping Spirits Alive,

Lynn Henriksen

Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com

Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Dear Gary and Paulette,

More information on Roy Anderson, Roy worked for my Dad up in the Hills until it was too much for him to be able to feed the cattle. He moved into Dunseith into a little Cook Car on the East side of town (where the Nursing Home is now). He swabbed out the Crystal Cafe, and also worked for your Father at the Liquor Store. After his cook car burned down my Dad offered to build him a new one but he refused and moved into the Commercial Hotel run by Mr. and Mrs. Grimmie. Roy had never learned to read or write. Mother wrote all his letters for him and read all his mail to him. Roy had two sisters, Lucretia and Pluma. Lucretia had a similiar birth defect to Roy. The children were seperated as very small children and hadn’t seen each other for 40 years before they were reunited.

Roy was very into Politics and listened to radio and tv and had the newspapers read to him. He became very knowledgable about it and in a discussion on the subject you’d find that his voice would raise higher and higher the more excited he became.

Lloyd Awalt

Lloyd, I’m assuming Roy was a brother to Grandma Anderson, your grandmother, that everyone speaks so highly of. We had a number of replies with great memories of her with our class of 65 correspondence prior to the 2007 reunion. I am posting one of the those replies below from Phyllis McKay.

Oh how my family loved Grandma Anderson!! I couldn’t wait to be taller
than she was. I’m not sure I ever achieved that goal!! I remember going
to see her when my brother Dan was small and we were outside playing
when Dan ate some dirt. Don’t ask me why he would do such a thing but he
did!! My mother was trying to wash out the dirt from his mouth when
Grandma Anderson said “Good Lord, dirt anent anything to worry about. We
all eat 7 pounds of dirt before we die anyway!” That was something I
remember raising my own children. Don’t sweat the small stuff. A
philosophy to live by!!

After Grandma Anderson passed, we had a few parties in her little house.
Her house was located real close to John’s parents’ house. Do you
remember that John? It was about the time the twist came out. You
brought your record player with all the latest songs. Oh the fun we
had!!
Phyllis

Colette Hosmers (64) reply fo Bev Morinville (72) and Sharron Gottbreht (59):Santa Fe, NM

Bev,

Will you please list Debbie’s address again? I found a perfect card for her (relating to her holding the pup in the photo of you three girls) but I’ve misplaced her address. Thanks.

Sharron,

I’ve always admired your “genealogy mania”, as you refer to it. It’s especially fun when my clan can ride the tide of your discoveries…..Charlemagne, eh?

Colette

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Three Amigos….that’s easy….Don Hosmer, Dick Morgan and Kick McKay.

Gary, the blog provides a reason to remember back 100 years and more. I appreciate what the younger generation has to say as I knew most of your parents very well. To watch that ole Hank LaCroix pass on a great zest for life to Paulette is so evident.

I have to be honest, I have at least four favorite states. Jean, you said it right, sunny Arizona. That state did what no doctors could do for me, cured my asthma. Washington state could be condemned by some people for the long rainy season, but for me that state gave my mother seven years of bliss. The first winter of their marriage in 1935,on the farm in N.D., the water pail froze solid in the kitchen. Then after the modern conveniences of Washington they moved back to N.D. to the farm to pioneer again.??? To full fill his dream to be his own man, things have sure changed, today that would have been instant divorce.

To Marge Wilcox

Leo Vandal had the dray in Dunseith, also he and Albert had a bar across from the Crystal Cafe. Quite a lively stop to say the least. Lorraine, was a Richard and quite a singer. They had a bar on North Hill in Minot called the Starlight Club. One night I was going to leave the bar and Albert said to me, “come on and I will buy you a steak”. I asked him why he would do that? He said, “because you are Bing Evans nephew”. Bing had tended bar for them in Dunseith. Albert had lost his young wife shortly before this. I was in college in Minot at that time.

This story goes back more than sixty years. As I remember it was Lorraine Vandal and she loved to sing as well as my dad did. So I am peeking through the window on the north side of the Crystal Cafe, and some were singing. . I remember, “A Tavern In The Town”, my dad always did a good job on that one. Those days after the war were absolutely great times in Dunseith. I imagine that my mother thought it took us a long time to get home from town.

Bill Hosmer had a good idea about a map. The people who wrote articles in the Mountain Memories and Prairies Past also provided a map for every township.

Pam Wenstad

You will enjoy the great stories when you get your book. Try page 270 when Lude Peterson tells the story of the man they found in the woods, in a sitting position and rigor mortis had set in. It is so well written, I will let you read it. What a funeral that turned out to be.

Bonnie, I may have given you a bum steer on “The Day of Battle”, may be more than you wanted to know on that. Soooooo, I will stick my neck out again, “Beyond Valor” by Patrick O’Donnell. Easier to read, I don’t know how, but they got a hundred plus infantry soldiers to say a short statement about their experience in the war in France. Most were parachute jumpers and they mentioned the value of some old vets from the Italian Campaign who came in and helped them get through the initial fear of combat.

I appreciated the information that Lloyd talked about Roy Anderson, as I wasn’t sure he was a brother of Bill and Clint. I did know where he lived up in the hills.

Gary Metcalfe

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/15/2009

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Gary

Alfred Satrang (37) passed away:

CLARENCE “ALFRED” SATRANG, 92, Rolette, died Friday in a Rugby hospital. Funeral Tuesday, 11 a.m., Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette. People may sign the register book Tuesday, 9 a.m. until the service, in the church. (Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake)

Satrang

Alfred

816 Eastern Ave

Grafton, ND 58237

In nursing home in Rugby. D/Corrine’s address

I had a very nice visit with Alfred when I was putting his class list together. He told me that he was living in a nursing home, in Rugby, convalescing from an accident he had. He said his daughter Corrine was taking care of all of his business. He said she was living Grafton and he gave me her phone number. I called her and chatted with her a bit too. Her email address is Gary

Reply from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

Gary,

This is the first time I have replied to any of your emails but I do read them all the time and enjoy them. They bring back so many memories of growing up. I now live in sunny Arizona (since 1985) and love it. Regarding the cheerleader picture, the one on the left is Joann Houle and the others are as stated and I think the right is Sharon Wheeler? Keep us the good work.

Jean Nicholas Miller (66)

Reply from Marg Longie Wilcox (56): Vancouver, Wa

Good morning gary,
from the rainy state of washington!!
In the mrs. Houle obituary it is mentioned of the Vandal’s.
When I first moved to Dunseith, we originally came from St. John, No.
Dak.
There was a Vandal family (HER FIRST NAME WAS Lorraine) that lived
across the street from us, and later moved to Minot, nd.
They opened up a niteclub I believe it was called the ” sunlight” nite
club near the airforce base in Minot.
Boy I am sure having to rack my brain for this info LOL.
My mom may have some pic’s of them.
Marge Wilcox

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

Thank you for posting pictures and info of the Lillian Houle funeral. It was an honor to share a cup of tea with this warm and generous lady on a number of occasions when visiting in Bottineau. Lillian and my mom were born in the same year and had the experience of raising large families, many of which brave labors were managed alone. Her sparkle was a great tonic for my mom. I was forever stunned by her beautiful complection! Norman and Shirley would invite many of Lillians friends for Thanksgiving dinner; that meal was a gala event for Alma and we would get a full report in all corners of the USA. Great people/superior genes! My deepest sympathy and fond regard to the family of Lillian and Al Houle.

I recall when Gary and Bobbie Houle opened their home to me when Bobbie and I were searching for genealogy threads. Bobbie and I spent hours and hours at the MN State Library. Excellent resources. On that occasion I found data that confirmed the Gaudet/Rousseau line of Evelyn Gaudet Gottbreht, concluding over 15 years of frustrating search. Quite a high if you suffer from genealogy mania. Glad to have this opportunity to praise Bobbie and Gary Houle.

Sharron Gottbreht Shen

Reply to yesterday’s message from Glen William’s (52): Missoula, MT

Referance to the Three Amigos photo from class of 1952

Gary….Thanks…You might note that the drawing was provided by Gary Woodford’s Son in Law….Gary was I think in the Class of ’56

Glen, you were almost right. Gary Woodford was with the class of 55. Speaking of the name Woodford, we invite some friends of ours to our house for dinner last Sunday who are from Ireland, but are living her now. They had some friends visiting, also from Ireland, that accompanied them, whose name was Woodford. The Woodford’s are now living in Australia.

03/14/2009

Posted on March 14, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

I’m so glad I asked questions about Alice, Roy Anderson and the connection to the Hosmers! Lorraine Neameyer kindly wrote and informed me about Alice. Carmen Richard wrote to tell me about Sharon Gottbreht’s research, Floyd wrote about Roy and I got to hear from Sharon too! Thanks to all for your response! I didn’t know someone had done so much research on the Boucher family. Ken and I made a trip to Quebec a few years ago and found a cemetery in Contrecoeur that could’ve been sitting in Rolette or Dunseith with so many familiar names. The town historian told us how half of the families went to the plains to farm and the other to work the factories in New England.

Lloyd, thank you for your information on Roy and feel free to share more. I had no idea he had a farm or that he was related to anyone I knew. When Roy lived out back, my mother would send me out to deliver a home cooked meal or he would come in for a pail of water, so I got to know him better. From time to time I would sit and visit with him and found out that he was an avid reader and favored “Westerns.” He told me that he could never use a hammer and nail since one side of his body wanted to do exactly what the other was doing. Roy seemed quite the cantankerous character at times and scared me a little at first. Later I found that he was very appreciative and bright man who had a soft side and a warm heart. Many times in our kitchen, with pail in hand, he entertained us with stories and his flawless delivery of one liners. Our family grew quite fond of Roy. He was on my list of “town characters.”

Sharon, I am very much interested and appreciative of the research you’ve done and will contact you to see how I can get the “ream” of information. Charlemagne eh? Interesting stuff! Thanks so much for your willingness to share! Thank you too Gary for your information and for “the blog!”

Paulette Chisholm

PS Pauline Jones lived up the street from us. Does anyone know from where she came or if she had relatives in the area? She had a huge statue of the “Pieta” in her backyard.

Reply to yesterday, from Allen Richard (65):Midland, MI

Gary–

First in the cheerleader picture — next to Margaret is Doreen Houle.

Then to Sharon Gottbreht Shen–Have you connected directly with Carmen Richard? Do you have a copy of the Richard family history? I’m quite sure she has a copy of the most up to date history which should date from the early 1600’s to the present. Your comment about the Boucher name being traceable to the 9th century is fascinating. My grand mother was Anna Boucher, sister to Mrs. Vic LaCroix, and I believe sister to your grandmother too. The names escape me — but Floyd and Carmen have all those pieces to the puzzle too.

I’ve found a couple other Richards in my travels. Bill Richard is the Administrative Assistant to Congressman Oberstar of MN. Bill runs Jim’s Washington office and oversees the operation of the congressional district operations. I don’t know the exact connection, but he has copies of the same pictures that are in the family history–he had no idea who they were.

Here in Midland, Michigan I met Tim Richard. I haven’t had the chance to figure out that connection at all, but the family resemblance and body language is unmistakable. Tim kept the French pronunciation

“Ree-shard.”

Allen Richard

Lillian Houle funeral – posted by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Thought you would like to see this. The Church was full, Lillian Houle and her family had many friends in the area . Lillian had 44 great grandchildren, 79 great great grandchildren and 10 great great great grandchildren. We all gathered at the Senior Center after services and had wonderful visits the family, many of whom I had not seen since the early 70s. The Houle’s are relatives of mine a ways down the line. Lillian’s mother was a sister to my grandfather George Richard. Stella, my mothers aunt hence my great aunt. Lillian being an activity organizer at the home would have been proud of this turn out. Barbot’s, Awalts, Vandal’s, Richards, Schimetz’s, Flynn’s, Armondtrauts, Berube’s, Dozel’s and many more I didn’t remember here and did not know. I don’t know if you want to use this or not. Its is up to you. I expect to get some pictures from Ron’s wife Janet, or Ron’s sister Pam of the group shot of the Houle family taken at the Senior Center.

Mark, We’d love to see those pictures of the Houle family. The Senior center in Bottineau was almost like Lillian’s second home for many years.

Folks, correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe all the folks in the Senior Citizen’s picture pasted below are deceased.

Picture from Glen William’s (52): Missoula, MT

Folks, we’ll have to let the class of 52 fill us in on who these 3 guys may be???

Three amigos from class of 1952

From Carmen Leonard Richard:Rolette, ND

Much has been written about North Dakota recently, and tho do not usually forward jokes, I thought some might get a kick out of this. We are really ahead of the times here in Dakota !!!

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion, that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, a story in the LA Times read: ‘California archaeologists, finding traces of 200 year old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers.’

One week later, The Minot Daily News, a local newspaper in North Dakota, reported the following:

After digging as deep as 30 feet in his pasture near Logan, North Dakota, Ole Olson, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Ole has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, North Dakota had already gone wireless.

Thank Heavens for Ole.

Who said North Dakotans are hicks?

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/13/2009

Posted on March 13, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Reply from Lloyd Awalt. Hi Gary. had to answer Paulette’s) Roy Anderson. Roy Anderson was my uncle. At one time before he came to town he had a little farm in the hills. Roy was a cripple. He passed away quite awhile ago. He had alot of one liners. he stayed at our place when the folks would go for the weekend and watch the house. He was quite a guy . Lloyd Awalt.

Reply From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Hi All, yes, Congrats to the Bison! Our oldest son is at NDSU and I’m proud to be apart of the Bison family again. Good luck in the NCAA tournament! Lynn Halvorson Otto

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

Sharron, I’m think this may be of interest to many, so I’m including it with today’s blog. Gary

If I might trouble you to route this message to Paulette Lacroix Chisholm?

Dear Paulette,

There are so many descendants of Oliver and Philomene Boucher in Rolette County that I certainly need access to family pages of the Tree before I start making statements! Cannot open that disc at the moment for more detail, but will get back to you soon if you like.

Colette, yourself and I are all within that Boucher Tree of Rolette County. Edward married Matilda Duchesneau [parents of Johanna]; Louis married Emma Lord [parents of Marie Coranna]; Victor married Emma Casavant [parents of Alma]. This makes the Gottbreht kids a bit closer to the trunk of Boucher Tree. All cousins. Because of Emma Lord, your branch can be traced back to Charlemagne! I promised Janice a copy of the material I have but never followed through. Takes about a ream of paper to print back to the 9th century. It was always my hope to make the connection you share with many Richard descendants [Alan Richard family; Floyd and Carmen Richard family and Louis and Stella Schimetz family.

Great picture.

Sharron Gottbreht Shen

03/12/2009

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Hi Gary, in reading the replys to Erling’s letter regarding the ND story I commend him on his response. His undying love for ND is a tribute to all the people that come from that state who move elsewhere or decide to stay. After Tuesday’s blizzard in Fargo that just adds fuel to the fire but for myself I miss a good old blizzard once in awhile. It makes for hardy people and besides, it’s just weather. No different than the 120 degrees in Arizona in the summers. So, Erling, thanks for sticking up for us North Dakotans! The Landsverks have always been good neighbors to the Halvorsons in the “hills”. Lynn Halvorson Otto

Reply from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

Hello!

Just had to add to Bill’s remarks about the Michael Moore’s video. I thought it was a hoot, but took it in the nature for which is was meant…”to be funny!” Comedy is nearly always linked to a morsel of truth with exaggeration. Hey, you guys that send all those denigrating jokes about women(without being shot) have to know this. If there wasn’t a morsel of truth to them..we wouldn’t laugh.

On another note. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Alice Faine? She was in the class of ’68. Also, does anyone know anything about Roy Anderson? He was the man who worked for my dad in the Corner Bar and the Crystal Cafe for many years. Later he lived in our backyard playhouse that my mother fixed up for him. He said it was the nicest “shack” he’d ever had. We got a kick out of his colorful and rhythmic one liners. It was the first time I had ever heard the line “he was so dumb, he couldn’t pour p— out of a boot if it had the instructions on the heel.” I wish I could remember some of the many others.

Bill Grimme, thanks so much for the “Tickle Pink” download site. (They must’ve had so much fun.) Now, can we get Frank Poitra’s CD on it also? This could be great site to share talent from our area and or videos that people might want to share.

Living in Delaware I have run into a few people from ND. One time I saw someone in a jacket with a familiar logo leaving a grocery store. I yelled “hey North Dakota” and they smiled, turned around and walked back to talk. I just “knew” they’d be friendly. Ha! I’ve never heard a disparaging word about ND in all the states we’ve visited or lived over the years. From what I’ve gleaned, we are considered hearty, hard working and very friendly. As Bill said, “this is my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Thanks Gary,

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

PS Hosmer girls: I think your grandmother and my grandmother Coranna Boucher were sisters.

Paulette La Croix, Toni Morinville, Randi Mongeon, Brenda Hoffman

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

Gary and Friends,

Ginger LaRocque Poitra mentioned several families she remembered living
in what was commonly called ‘Shanty Town’. Can anyone remember the cold
night that Lawrence and Ruth Hetle’s big house burned down? I remember
how bright the fire was as I watched from our house. I don’t think they
could have been able to save much of anything the way it looked. I would
guess it was in about 1959 or possibly 1960. I think it was around
Christmas when it happened. They then moved to the far southeast corner
of town and lived there for several years. Ginger jarred my memory when
she mentioned the families and I remembered the fire. Thanks Gary!

From Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND

Hey North Dakotians:

If you haven’t heard yet the NDSU Bison have just won the Summit League Championship and will be going to the “big dance” which is the NCAA tournament. It’s there first year in Division 1 sports and what a way to start the new transition. “GO BISON” Watch Sports Center on ESPN. Its all over the sports pages and then watch for who and when they play in the up coming NCAA tournament. Congratulation BISON.

Dave Slyter (70)

Bill Grimme’s WEB link for the “Tickle Pink” CD

http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme/

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/11/2009

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Gary

Condolences to the Houle family from Bev Morinville Azure (72):Dunseith, ND

To the Houle family . Our condolences in the loss of your Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother. Clarence and Bev (Morinville) Azure

Reply from Marge Landsverk Fish (57): Horicon, WI

Hi Gary,

I am writing in response to Erling’s letter which was such a tribute to N.D.

I wanted to tell you that he is talented in many ways.

He is blind but uses the computer. That must be very interesting to know how he does that.

He plays guitar by ear very well. He is invited to preform at the state capitol every year and other places.

He has written a small book about his growing up in the Turtle Mountains which is very good. I have a copy which is being passed around to my kids. It even has a picture of my dad in it with me when I was a baby.

I felt like blowing his horn for him as he is my 1st. cousin. His dad Gunder and my dad Knute were brothers.

I live about 40 miles from him . I live in Horicon Wi. and he and Joanne live in Portage.

Sincerly,

Marge(Landsverk) Fish

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ, Williston, ND & Allegany, NY

Hi, Gary, just wanted to add my “RIGHT ON’ to Erling Landsverk’s
letter to NG. I knew several of the people written about and quoted in
that article around Williams County where I was administrator of New
Public School Dist.#8 from 1970-1979.

Tom Hagen, (51)

Reply from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

I might as well put in my comments on the ND video. I didn’t send it to promote dialogue or provoke any controversy, although, I guess the video did that by itself. Thanks for the comments in today’s posting, Gary, but, I think you are stretching it with “brilliant”. I sent the video because I thought it was funny and it had some good pictures of snow. But, when I watched it before I sent it, I set up the context in my mind that this was a Michael Moore effort and I knew that it would be humor without any accuracy or truth, like nearly all of Moore’s efforts, academy awards notwithstanding. (Although, I guess it didn’t surprise me that ND might be the least visited state-it’s a long way for most folks. So, I kind of believed that.) This production used the same formula that most popular “documentaries” use – interview a bunch of people, pick the ones that either make the point or are stupidly funny, sometimes rearrange the questions and answers, and go into production. What surprises me is that people would even consent to be interviewed by Michael Moore and his crew, but, I also know that the interviews are often sometimes scheduled under false pretense. (Example: Borat) Someone mentioned Jay Leno’s on-the-street interviews. Does anyone really believe that all those people are that stupid (maybe some do because they are usually done in LA, although I know there are some very smart people in LA.) But, if someone puts a camera in your face and a microphone close to your mouth (and that someone is JAY LENO) and asks you a bunch of questions, there will be one or two where you go blank. Guess which response gets aired? (Usually the one where the eighth grade history teacher from Kansas, or Oregon, or Florida, or possibly even North Dakota can’t recognize a picture of George Washington.) So, now he or she gets to go home looking like a fool. Any recourse? Nope. You signed a release.

Even some of our “revered” news interviews are staged. CBS’ “Sixty Minutes” was notorious. Mike Wallace routinely filmed his questions after the “answers” were selected. I had an opportunity, about 20 years ago, where the company being interviewed also filmed all The Sixty Minutes interviews while the Sixty Minutes crew filmed. When Sixty Minutes aired, sure enough, answers were edited out of context, questions were reworded, and comments were aired stating contents of documents to suit the needs of the show. The interviewed company requested that CBS air a correction to show the true interviews. Guess what, there is no requirement to do anything of the sort. “If you want your side aired, buy some of our air time yourselves”. Of course, that air time will be at one in the morning right alongside the Veg-A-Matic ads.

There is an old adage that says, “Believe none of what you hear, half of what you read, and all of what you see.” I don’t think that is true today. You can’t believe half of what you see. Most of the “news” in our country is really not news-it is entertainment. I actually believe you can believe more of what you read in the papers than what you “see” on TV.

As they say down here – “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!”

Bill

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Hi Bev,

YES! I’m sure any photos you have would be of interest to all of us. You did a great job of “uploading” the others, but in case you need a refresher …. our kids are a great resource for technical help, right?

And, in response to your request, my address is:

Colette Hosmer

1558 Avenida de las Americas

Santa Fe, NM 87507

I would be very happy to receive any originals of the Hosmer clan that you might be tired of storing.

Thanks, Bev,

Colette

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Bev, I for sure want to share this beautiful story. Gary

Gary, this can be a personal letter or if you feel you want to share it with the wonderful people on the blog go ahead. Many years ago we were stationed at Ft Knox Ky. While there I was involved in my childrens school I would be at the school each day working with my childrens teachers. That is where I met a realy cool woman that taught 3 nd grade. Her and I were talking one day about were we had been in our travels in the army. And she asked me where I was from When I said ND she said I have never meet anyone from there before and have never been there. Then told me her husband and her travel to a different state each summer. A few weeks later she told me they were going to ND that summer because of the things I told her about. Well to make a long story short. That fall when school started again she came up to me and told me this story. Her and her husband had come to ND and had a great time and had car trouble in a little tiny town( I forget where) but she told me that the man that fixed there car also became a good friend in this tiny town there was no hotel to be found and they wouldn’t get the part for 2 days . The man and his wife offered Deanne and her husband a place to stay in there home till the car was fix. They took them up on there offer and they made friends for a lifetime. She couldn’t believe how kind and how friendly people were . She couldn’t wait to tell me that I should be very proud to shout from the roof tops that I was from ND the friendliest state in the nation ( these were her words) not only had the couple let them stay in there home when the guy fixed thier car he only changed them for the part. She said if they would have been anywhere else her and her husband figured it would have cost them hundreds of dollars. there total bill as i remember was like 25 bucks. I was very proud to say. Deanne that is the way people from ND are and your right I am very proud to be from ND . Bev

Reply/message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

In reference to the unknown picture taken with Joe Morinville from Joe’s
daughter, I thought the man looks like Freddy Hiatt.

I remember hearing of a family drowning, they (if I recall correctly)
lived in a house on Main Street in Dunseith. Does anyone remember this
happening? I seem to remember that they hadn’t lived in Dunseith for very
long. I always wanted to know what happened. My parents didn’t discuss
these types of happenings with us, in our day we left the room when adults
were speaking, so I guess I overheard parts of their conversation. I
could be totally wrong on all counts. I don’t suppose I was very old.

Some of the others who lived in Shanty Town were,( as I remember) Me,
Joseph and Madeline LaRocque, Jerome & Alice LaRocque, Andrew & Mary
Patnaude, Rosina Belgarde, Frank & Rose Belgarde, Van & Mabel Counts,
Zephrin & Mary LaRocque with their sons Paul & Denny that was who were
left after the rest of the family married and left home, Walter Counts and
his large family, Lloyd & Louise Counts, August(Guff) & Alice Faine, Annie
Grady, Reil LaFromboise, Raymond & Francis Theifoe, Hetle’s, Zelda
Gunville,Delorme’s, Burcham’s, Decoteau’s (Julie, Shirley,Ruth), Kling’s,
the blacksmith, Bill & Alvina Robillard, St.Clair’s Lloyd and Clarine, Joe
Belgarde. These were in my day, I’m sure I missed a few, but that’s the
jest of them.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65)

Ginger, There is a little resemblance of Freddie Hiatt in that picture of Oscar Hagen with Joe Morinville.

Reply from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): Rolette, ND

Gary

This was a neat song sung by a very good musician. So much talent from such a little town!

Margaret

Folks, Margaret is replying to the Honky Tonk Player song that I forwarded to her from Frank Poitra’s CD that Alan Poitra sent to me.

Request from Ardis Metcalfe Steggall:Coupeville, WA

Hi Gary,

I would like a copy of the Tickled Pink CD also.

Thanks,

Ardis Steggall
845 Seabluff Terrace
Coupeville, WA98239

Ardis, Please let us know if you are unable to down load the songs and place them on a CD from Bill Grimme’s WEB sight below. Gary

“Tickle Pink” WEB site posted by Bill Grimme (65): wgrimme@charter.net Birmingham, AL

Gary,

Mel Kuhn has graciously sent a copy of the “Tickle Pink” CD to me and I have posted the first 6 tracks. I plan to post 6 new ones each Monday until we get through the entire CD of 29 tracks. The quality of these tracks is amazing, considering they were made around 30 years ago and the original was taped on a one track portable cassette player (I believe it was done by a very talented sound technician from the Class of ’65.).

Some info we have on Tickle Pink:

Band members:

Elaine Metcalfe

Janice Metcalfe Poitra

Kathy Metcalfe (deceased)

Cheri Metcalfe Evans

Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson

Roberta Hagen Striker

According to the best sources, the band was named after a variety of Boone’s Farm called “Tickle Pink”. Boone’s Farm still makes some fine wine, although Tickle Pink has been retired.

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme/

You should see a page that looks like this:

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill

Kenny Nerpel, you did a fine job of recording these songs with what you had to work with 30 plus years ago. They actually turned out pretty good. These gals are good.

Bill Grimme, you are a genius with your abilities to be able to provide this to us. Gary

Message/Picture from Bill Grimme (65): wgrimme@charter.net Birmingham, AL

Gary,

Irina and I did a little whale watching in Monterey, CA, last month. Reviewing this picture got me thinking about the Alaska Cruise. Hope we get this close to a whale up there. I plan to turn around and look at it next time I get a chance. Note: Picture SLIGHTLY edited, but, not too much. 😉

Bill

Reply/Letter from Blanche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND

Gary,

After reading today’s Dunseith Alumni news, I received this e-mail. The subject: “About North Dakota” is very much in keeping with the letter written to the National geographic. I remember when my brother, Henry, was in service he often mentioned that so many people did not realize that North Dakota was really a state of the USA. I enjoy your daily e-mails. I do hope that you all have a very enjoyable reunion on your cruise to Alaska.

Letter to the editor: People of N.D.
showing the way for the rest in the U.S.

Eric Anderson

The Jamestown Sun – 02/07/2009

The other day I ran across a news article on the Internet about North Dakota ‘s $1 billion state budget surplus. Sitting in my home state of Michigan ,wondered, “What are North Dakotans doing that we aren’t?” Of course, there are many practical answers to that question, including your energy and agricultural revenues. But I settled on a more emotional answer – and the answer lies with the people of North Dakota themselves.

Thirty-eight years ago, I was a young airman stationed at Minot Air Force Base. In the 14 months that I was assigned there, I grew to know and love the people of North Dakota . In a time when those in the military were not shown appreciation in other parts of America , North Dakotans took a different stance – they treated us with respect and appreciation. I’ve always remembered that, and to this day I have a warm place in my heart for the people of North Dakota .

But it goes deeper than that. In my time at Minot , I grew to understand how proud and how hard working the people of North Dakota are. Perhaps it’s the love of the land, the harshness of the winters or the spirit than binds people of the Plains together. Whatever it is, you North Dakotans are a breed apart. I’m just glad I had a chance to live there so many years ago and become acquainted with the people.

Yes, all of us in America face grave challenges in the days ahead. I understand that despite your budget surplus, North Dakotans face the same uncertainties as the rest of the country. Education, job growth, health care and infrastructure needs are concerns for all of us. Yet, I believe that if the rest of the nation had the same resolve, spirit and work ethic of North Dakotans , we would not fear the future, but embrace its possibilities.

May the people of North Dakota continue to show the way for the rest of the United States . Perhaps, someday soon, we’ll take notice and follow your lead.

Eric Anderson

Folks, I seldom, if ever, post jokes with these daily blogs, but I’m making an exception for this one sent to me from

Mike & Sandra Zeiler (62) Vandal: Elk River, MN

Phones in Church
A man from Topeka Kansas decided to write a book
about “churches”. He
started by flying to San Francisco and started

working east.
Going to a very
large church, he began taking photographs and
making notes.

He saw a golden telephone on the vestibule wall
and was
intrigued with a
sign which read, “Calls: $10,000 a
minute”. Seeking out the
pastor he asked
about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered
that this
golden phone is,
in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays
the price he
can talk
directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor and
continued on
his way. As20he
continued to visit churches in Seattle, Denver,
St. Louis,
Chicago,
Milwaukee, and around the United States , he found
more phones
with the same
sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in North Dakota. Upon entering
a church
in anywhere,
ND, behold – he saw the usual golden telephone.
But this time,
the sign
read: Calls: 35 cents.

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor.
‘Reverend, I have
been in cities
all across the country and in each church I have
found this
golden telephone
and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven
and that I
could talk to
GOD, but in all the other churches the cost was
$10,000 a
minute. Your sign
reads only 35 cents a call. Why?’ (I love this
part.)

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, “Son,

you’re in
North Dakota now.
This is ‘God’s country’, It’s a
local call.”

03/10/2009

Posted on March 10, 2009 by Gary

Lillian Houle, Bottineau, 91, Passed away:

Dear Gary and Friends from Dunseith,

On Sunday March 8 at 4:00 a.m. Lillian Houle passed away. The Wake will be held on Thursday, March 12, with the funeral Friday, March 13, at St. Marks Catholic Church in Bottineau. Lillian was born April 27, 1917. She married Aloysuis Houle in June of 1935. She had 12 children, 44 Grandchildren, 78 Great Grand Children and 10 Great Great Grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Bonnie and Keith Houle

To the Houle family, Our condolence are with you with the loss of Lillian. She was a wonderful human being. She became a very close friend of my folks through the senior citizens in Bottineau. We’d see Lillian, often, with each of our summer visits back to the area. One could always plan on Lillian volunteering her services for what ever the occasion may be without ever being asked. She was a true friend to those that knew her. My mother with her dementia, never forgot Lillian. My mother could be sitting with her back to the door at the senior center and instantly recognize Lillian’s walk when she came in the door. We saw Lillian, at the Good Samaritan home, in Bottineau, in 2007. We first met her in the hall in her motorized wheel chair and then again on our way out when we took her picture. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary & Bernadette Stokes.

Winifred Pritchard Eurich (37), Bottineau, not doing well.

From Wendy Strietzel (Grandaughter):Minot, ND

Gary,

This is Dorothy Eurich Strietzel’s daughter Wendy sending you this message. I just wanted to ask people to say a little prayer for my Grandma Winifred Pritchard Eurich. We believe she had a stroke early last week and on Friday her conditioned worsened. My mom and her sisters have been at her side since Friday afternoon. As of this afternoon Grandma was in and out of conciousness with her breathing getting worse. I do know they are doing everything they can to keep her comfortable. So if the folks in your newsletter will keep my grandma and our family in their thoughts and prayers it will be much appreciated. I am sure my mom and her sisters can use all of the support they can get during this stressful time.

Take care and God Bless.

Wendy Strietzel

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): Saint John, ND

Howdy Gary,

In reply of Orville Sutton. I knew Orville for quite a few years and didn’t know until a few months ago that he had lived in Dunseith. He had a farm that was probably about 8-10 miles straight east of St. John and tight against the border. He also had an excavating operation that he ended up in with a fellow by the name of Brian Gatke. Dick Johnson and I had lunch an hour’s worth of bullshipping with Roger just a week or two ago. I had worked with Roger at the Farmers Union in Rolla back in the mid-80’s. Roger is quite a mechanic and welder and also did some excavating.

The North Dakota Video–I started to watch it and became irritated so I had to quit, so I better not comment.

Mel Kuhn

Reply (Erling Landsverk) from Bill Hosmer (47): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

I think Erling deserves a special award from the State of North Dakota for his brilliant and thorough treatment of this place held in such high regard by those of us who lived in our home state of North Dakota. Gary, maybe his masterful description and spirit of home we all feel deeply should be sent to the appropriate office or agency in the state government, where a higher level of recognition can be rendered on an official basis. I salute Erling for his articulation and his firm loyalty to a part of our land we all love. I will happily contribute to it’s being published in a local paper, or brought to the public’s attention in some other way. Count me in. Thanks, Erling for a heart stomping work of art and logic. It made me proud to have our common heritage. Bill Hosmer

Bill, I agree 100% with everything you have said.

Folks, how can we make this happen? Who or where can we go with this at the state level. Can any of you associated with the state government both past and present or any one else that may be in the know help us out with this one? Maybe if we get the states attention, it will grab the attention of the Readers Digest for publication.

Erling, you are a gifted writer. This article deserves attention. Gary

PS – I have reposted Erling’s letter at the very bottom of this message.

Bill’s follow up repy to Gary (Bill I wanted to share this reply with everyone – Gary):

Gary, I hope that can happen. I thought, also, about the ND Chamber of Commerce, or Visitor’s Bureau, or any other agency. It was a tremendous contribution, and hit me right square in the heart and brain. Thanks for the miracles that happen right before our very eyes on your classic communication circuit. Bill

Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

I didn’t see the video Dick was talking about and by the sounds of it, I don’t want to. But it made me think of Art Rude (Jr)’s song: 40 Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out!!!

Paula Fassett

Paula, Art Rude gave me a copy of his CD when he visited us in Bottineau in 2007. It’s a great album and yes, 40 Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out, is a beautiful song.

Now about the ND Video that Bill Grimme posted. I think Bill did a wonderful job of generating a lot of good positive ND comments with the posting of that not so good video. Bill’s a brilliant guy and I think he was using a little reverse psychology with this one to get some reaction. Bill, it worked. You are a genius. Gary

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Gary and all North Dakotans,

Those who spend time in North Dakota have decidedly different views of the state. Ron recently went to an orthopedic doctor in St. George (I went there with him). When Dr. Brad Root asked where we were from (almost all old people in this area have come from some other place); we said California, however, we were born and raised in North Dakota. He said he spent four years at the air base in Minot. We spent 30 minutes conversing about No. Dak. He loved the state. His main emphsis was on the quality of the people. He had gotten to know many of them and had nothing but praise for them. One of his nurses finally knocked on the door and reminded him there were several other patients waiting to see him. We’ve been back to see him a couple times and his greeting usually contains something about our being from North Dakota. I think we get special treatment because of where we’re from!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Hi everyone..

Actually Bill, I thought the North Dakota video was quite funny…what
a bunch of idiots…I think ND is the best kept secret around and
frankly, I hope no one finds out how great it is to live here. You
know what Art Rude’s (Jr.) song said, “Forty below keeps the riff raff
out”…being an Army brat, in our travels I was surprised at the
number of people (kids mostly, in my school) who didn’t even know ND
was a state….well, we will just keep it that way. I have lived in
big cities and none of us want what they have. They are nice places
to visit, but we can always come home to good people who know what is
important…good friends….good food (it is always about the food)
and good fun. Take care all.

Diane Sjol

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

I’m sure you remember Art Rude, Jr. has a song “Forty Below Keeps the Riff Raff Out”. I have both of Art’s cassettes–great/interesting songs. I was thinking Art wrote the song, but now I’m not so sure about that.

I also have a “Rendahl” cassette. This includes Art, Ole Bursinger, Jerry Olson, the Lund Family, Scotty and Thelma Thompson (Their daughter, Lu, lives in Willow City now.), a group I can’t remember, and most likely other I’m forgetting. I have one/two of Scotty and Thelma’s tape/tapes, too. I dubbed the last three tapes onto a 90 minute tape; it made a great tape. I haven’t listened to it for awhile now. When I bought the tapes/dubbed them, I listened to it every day for quite some time.

Neola

Reply from Dale Pritchard (63):Leesville, LA

Gary and Neola,

Thank you, Neola, for coming up with the newsletter on Mom. And Thank
you too, Gary, for distributing it. I didn’t learn about Mom and Dad’s
elopement until after he died in ’93. It rather amazed and amused me.
That would have put him at 22 and her at 20. I lived in the old
pictured until about 4 years old, although I don’t remember it at all.
My Dad burned the house down after one of our cattle pushed the door
open, went in, fell through the kitchen floor, and died before she was
found. I remember Dad looked for that missing animal quite a while
before he found her. In addition to the house, he had started building
a barn also but never finished it because they moved. We had several of
those old “dug” wells on the place, about 3 feet in diameter, with the
platform on top. One of our cattle fell through head first one time. I
remember helping fill all the old wells with rocks, both there and on
the farm where we lived later. One is covered by the drive leading in
from the road. I’m sure that was about the time we had our first well
“drilled.” Mom is a notorious “list keeper” and used to keep up almost
anything and everything. She has (or had) one list with almost
everyone’s birthday for miles around. I used to read it regularly but
after being gone so long I started losing track of who was who. As an
example, Gary, I know that your birthday and those of your parents and
brothers were listed in there. I know Clarence Hagen is no longer with
us, but I give my Thanks again to him for being there when Mom needed
help in the worst way. Thanks Gary! Keep this project going! Dale

Request from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN

Hi Gary I would like a copy of the CD Tickled Pink Thanks for all your work in keeping Dunseith alive jan Evans 9519 95th St NE Monticello MN 55362

This is Erling’s letter & message that was posted yesterday. Gary

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

HI GARY;

THIS MUST ABOUT THE THIRD TIME IN ONE YEAR THAT I HAVE LEARNED OF UNTRUTHS ABOUT MY FAVORITE STATE. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF A LETTER THAT I MAILED TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GROUP. I WAS GLAD I WROTE IT

ERLING LANDSVERK

TO:NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

1145 17^TH ST. NW

WASHINGTON D C20036-4688

ATTN: EDITORIAL STAFF

MY FAMILY AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN AVID READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR THE

`PAST 40 YEARS OR MORE. THAT BEING THE CASE I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND MORE THAN A LITTLE CHAGRINED AT THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED ON PAGE 140, ENTITLED “THE EMTIED PRARIE”.

THE TONE OF THE ARTICLE IMPLIES THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS BECOME AN EMPTY WASTELAND, ABANDONED BY THE EARLY SETTLERS DISAPPOINTED AT THE MEAGER EXISTENCE THAT COULD BE ATTAINED FROM AN UNFRIENDLY CLIMATE AND EXTREMELY POOR SOIL. AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NORTH DAKOTA, I CAN SAY WITHOUT FEAR OF CONTRADICTION THAT THE PICTURE DRAWN BY THIS ARTICLE IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH, AND

IN NO WAY

REFLECTS THE CONDITIONS IN THAT GREAT STATE OR THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITIZENS LIVING THERE.

I EXPERIENCED THE DEPRESSION, DROUGHT AND DIFFICULT TIMES DURING THE THIRTIES AND EARLY FORTIES. OUR HOME WAS LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCENIC AREA FILLED WITH SMALL LAKES AND STREAMS,WITH FORESTS OF POPLAR, WHITE BIRCH, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND OAK. WILD GAME AND BERRIED FRUITS ABOUNDED EVERYWHERE IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, A VIRTUAL PARADISE LOCATED AWAY FROM THE LARGE METROPOLITAN CENTERS, AND WAS THEREFORE OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED. ANYONE VISITING THE AREA TO THIS DAY WILL FIND THE COUNTRY MUCH THE SAME, AND AS BEAUTIFUL AS BEFORE. NATURALLY TINY HAMLETS IN SOME AREAS BECAME DESERTED, THE SAME COULD BE SAID ABOUT MANY STATES, INCLUDING WISCONSIN, WHERE I LIVE PRESENTLY. I CAN EASILY NAME A DOZEN SMALL HAMLETS THAT HAVE REGRESSED TO A FEW HOUSES OR LESS, BUT THE POPULATION IF FAR GREATER HERE AND THE AREA IS FILLED WITH HOMES AND SMALL FARMS INSTEAD, BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO LARGER CITIES. I SUGGEST THAT IF NORTH DAKOTA WAS LOCATED ABOUT A HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTHEAST, NEARER TO THE TWIN CITIES, THE STATE WOULD BE FILLED WITH PEOPLE, EVEN IN THE AREA THAT YOUR ARTICLE COVERS.

TO PUT NORTH DAKOTA IN A FAIR PERSPECTIBE, I WOULD LIKE TO LIST SOME POSITIVE COMMENTS.THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, DEDICATED IN 1932, IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SERIOUS ATTENTION TO FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOR CANADA. ANYONE VISITING THIS LARGE AND BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL UNITY WILL COME AWAY WITH A LASTING FEELING OF NATIONAL PRIDE, AND SECURITY. TO THE WEST LIE HUNDREDS OF OIL WELLS, STRETCHING FROM THE MONTANA BORDER TO BOTTINEAU. ONE OF OUR NATIONS WELL KEPT SECRETS AS TO OIL RESERVE. THEN THERE IS THE TWO LARGE MILITARY AIR FIELDS AT GRAND FORKS AND MINOT. ONE OF WHICH IS A MEMBER OF THE NORAD DEFENSE. NEXT THERE IS GRAND FORKS, HOSTING THE FIGHTING SIOUX, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOCKEY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA.NORTH DAKOTA CAN ALSO FEEL PROUD OF IT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ETHANOL PROGRAM BY THE WAY THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS HAVE BEGUN TO GROW CROPS OTHER THAN CORN TO PRODUCE ETHANOL.THE AREA AROUND DEVILS LAKE, AND MINOT (LAKE GARRISON) ARE BOTH KNOWN FAR AND WIDE FOR THE EXCELLENT FISHING AND LOCATIONS FOR WATER SPORTS.

I COULD GO ON, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BEGIN TO SOUND LIKE A PROMOTION COMPANY FOR ATTRACTING TOURISTS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS ARE ITS PEOPLE.DURING MY LAST VISIT THERE IN 2007, I FOUND THEM TO ALL BE THE SAME FRIENDLY, HARD WORKING, UNASSUMING, FAIRMINDED PEOPLE AS ALWAYS.GOD BLESS THEM ALL

ERLING LANDSVERK

P SI REALLY WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE PROVIDED ANYONE IN THE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/09/2009

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): Farimount, ND

Note: Picture was posted yesterday

The young man with my Dad is Oscar Hagen as you and Bev assumed. He is married to my cousin
Emmeline. Her mother Myrtle was mom’s sister and also a sister to Bert Hanson as you stated.
I too appreciate any cards that would be sent to Debbie. It is hard to look at the pictures of her
when we were children knowing what she is presently going through. Thanks, Gary.
Toni Morinville Gredesky

Toni, I just got off the phone with Oscar Hagen. He has not had a chance to look at the past several days messages because his wife has been in the hospital and is currently in a nursing home, but will be going home shortly. Oscar sure has a sharp mind. He and I were raised in the same neighborhood, but at different times is all. He is closer to my dads age. He told me a lot of the Stokes history that I never knew. It was sure a pleasure talking to him reminiscing our old neighborhood and the people in it. Toni: Oscar said he saw you at his wife’s mothers funeral a few years back. He remembers your very beautiful daughter that he said looks just like you. You guys along with Oscar’s wife, Emmeline and us share Audrey & Jean Hanson Pladson as first cousins.

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Dick, Thanks for the new picture of Uncle Bob, and letting my brain relax from the temporary vertigo. Bill Hosmer

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

I noticed the “reversed” image, as well. Thanks, Dick, for the switch…..my mind couldn’t quite manage it. So now it looks as if it was taken in your driveway, not ours, right, Bev? Was the car yours?

Colette

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

I am glad so many have enjoyed the pictures yes I did do some of them backwards I am new at ths and hope I will learn more I have to figured out now how I did these cause now i can’t seem to get anymore downloaded but I wil figure it out or I will kidnap one of my kids they know all this stuff. I have one of Jim Mellmer, Greg Evans Curt and David Hagel I can’t wait to put on here. Now guys if u don’t want it shown you will have to let me know but I may happen to just miss that e mail. lol I have some more of Bob and Lee also and Colette if you would like a hard copy just yell and send me your addy and I will be happy to send u one. I also have some of main street in the winter time WOW has Dunseith changed I will work on these tomorrow and see if I can get them downloaded God Bless you all and Gary thanks again for all youdo to keep us connected.

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

To Gary Metcalfe

Thank you for the info on the Sutton family. My brother Jim is living in Fargo, (I think) . Abraham and Joyce are both living in Washington, Joseph is living in Denver and Gary is also in Denver. Hassen died in October of 2004. He was only 47 years of age. He died while he was at work of a heart attack.

Esther

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): Missoula MT

Reply to Gary Stokes: I remember when my kids and I flew home from Japan(we were on a military hop) for a visit and we got to McCord Air Force Base(outside of Seattle) half an hour before we left Yokota Air Base, Japan. It was the strangest thing. The time difference messed me up for about 4 days. I hope you have safe travels and enjoy yourselves.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY

Gary and all,
While living in North Dakota, for 20 yrs, I was in every point of the state. I was in direct sales at the time and I know personally, 99% of those I had contact with, were great people.
They went out of their way, to make me comfortable during the time I was in their homes. Here in Wyoming, I dont get that feeling. Yes, there are nice people here, but most of them just dont have that hospitality attitude, like the people of North Dakota.
Sybil Johnson, Cheyenne, Wyoming (great_grandma2007@live.com)

Dorothy Pritchard – Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

After visiting Mom at Good Samaritan today, I visited my aunt, Alvina Christianson, in long term at St. Andrew’s Hospital. Alvina’s St. Andrew’s Health Center newsletter was lying on the table, so I read it. This great article about Dorothy Pritchard is in it. Karen Hagen Simon came into Alvina’s room to refresh her water shortly after I was wondering about there being extra copies of the newsletter. I mentioned to Karen I’d like to scan/send Dorothy’s article to you, and if she knew of any extra copies. She said she was sure she could locate a copy/two, which she did almost immediately.

Neola

Neola, The neighbor Dorothy mentions calling in this write-up, when Robert died, is the Hagen Family, Karen’s folks, Clarence & Mary Ann. Dad called me in Bremerton, almost within the hour too, to let me know of Robert’s death. It was a sudden shock. The Pritchard’s were our neighbor’s, one mile to the south. In reading this article, I have sure learned a lot of facts about Robert & Dorothy that I never ever knew before. It’s a beautiful write up. Gary

From Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

HI GARY;

ERLING LANDSVERK

TO:NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

1145 17^TH ST. NW

WASHINGTON D C20036-4688

ATTN: EDITORIAL STAFF

MY FAMILY AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN AVID READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR THE

`PAST 40 YEARS OR MORE. THAT BEING THE CASE I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND MORE THAN A LITTLE CHAGRINED AT THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED ON PAGE 140, ENTITLED “THE EMTIED PRARIE”.

THE TONE OF THE ARTICLE IMPLIES THATNORTH DAKOTAHAS BECOME AN EMPTY WASTELAND, ABANDONED BY THE EARLY SETTLERS DISAPPOINTED AT THE MEAGER EXISTENCE THAT COULD BE ATTAINED FROM AN UNFRIENDLY CLIMATEAND EXTREMELY POOR SOIL. AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS BORNAND RAISED INNORTH DAKOTA, I CAN SAY WITHOUT FEAR OF CONTRADICTION THAT THE PICTURE DRAWN BY THIS ARTICLE IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH,AND

IN NO WAY

REFLECTS THE CONDITIONS IN THAT GREAT STATE OR THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITIZENS LIVING THERE.

I EXPERIENCED THE DEPRESSION, DROUGHT AND DIFFICULT TIMES DURING THE THIRTIES AND EARLY FORTIES. OUR HOME WAS LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCENIC AREA FILLED WITH SMALL LAKES AND STREAMS,WITH FORESTS OF POPLAR, WHITE BIRCH, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND OAK. WILD GAME AND BERRIED FRUITS ABOUNDED EVERYWHERE IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, A VIRTUAL PARADISE LOCATED AWAY FROM THE LARGE METROPOLITAN CENTERS, AND WAS THEREFORE OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED. ANYONE VISITING THE AREA TO THIS DAY WILL FIND THE COUNTRY MUCH THE SAME, AND AS BEAUTIFUL AS BEFORE. NATURALLY TINY HAMLETS IN SOME AREAS BECAME DESERTED, THE SAME COULD BE SAID ABOUT MANY STATES, INCLUDING WISCONSIN, WHERE I LIVE PRESENTLY. I CAN EASILY NAME A DOZEN SMALL HAMLETS THAT HAVE REGRESSED TO A FEW HOUSES OR LESS, BUT THE POPULATION IF FAR GREATER HERE AND THE AREA IS FILLED WITH HOMES AND SMALL FARMS INSTEAD, BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO LARGER CITIES. I SUGGEST THAT IF NORTH DAKOTA WAS LOCATED ABOUT A HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTHEAST, NEARER TO THE TWIN CITIES, THE STATE WOULD BE FILLED WITH PEOPLE, EVEN IN THE AREA THAT YOUR ARTICLE COVERS.

TO PUT NORTH DAKOTA IN A FAIR PERSPECTIBE, I WOULD LIKE TO LIST SOME POSITIVE COMMENTS.THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN LOCATED IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS, DEDICATED IN 1932, IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SERIOUS ATTENTION TO FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOR CANADA. ANYONE VISITING THIS LARGE AND BEAUTIFUL SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL UNITY WILL COME AWAY WITH A LASTING FEELING OF NATIONAL PRIDE, AND SECURITY. TO THE WEST LIE HUNDREDS OF OIL WELLS, STRETCHING FROM THE MONTANA BORDER TO BOTTINEAU. ONE OF OUR NATIONS WELL KEPT SECRETS AS TO OIL RESERVE. THEN THERE IS THE TWO LARGE MILITARY AIR FIELDS AT GRAND FORKS AND MINOT. ONE OF WHICH IS A MEMBER OF THE NORAD DEFENSE. NEXT THERE IS GRAND FORKS, HOSTING THE FIGHTING SIOUX, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOCKEY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA.NORTH DAKOTA CAN ALSO FEEL PROUD OF IT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ETHANOL PROGRAM BY THE WAY THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS HAVE BEGUN TO GROW CROPS OTHER THAN CORN TO PRODUCE ETHANOL.THE AREA AROUND DEVILS LAKE, AND MINOT (LAKE GARRISON) ARE BOTH KNOWN FAR AND WIDE FOR THE EXCELLENT FISHING AND LOCATIONS FOR WATER SPORTS.

I COULD GO ON, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BEGIN TO SOUND LIKE A PROMOTION COMPANY FOR ATTRACTING TOURISTS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET THAT NORTH DAKOTA HAS ARE ITS PEOPLE.DURING MY LAST VISIT THERE IN 2007, I FOUND THEM TO ALL BE THE SAME FRIENDLY, HARD WORKING, UNASSUMING, FAIRMINDED PEOPLE AS ALWAYS.GOD BLESS THEM ALL

ERLING LANDSVERK

P SI REALLY WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE PROVIDED ANYONE IN THE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE TIME TO READ THIS LETTER.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/08/2009

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Gary

Folks, I’m hoping everyone remembered to “Spring Ahead” by setting your clocks ahead one hour for day light savings time. Gary

Request from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Hi Everyone, I am asking for a favor as you all know my sister Debbie had a stroke and she is coming along well but has a long road ahead of her. She gets very down in the dumps and I was thinking maybe it would lift her spirits if people on here would send her a card to show that we are still thinking of her. I get alot of e mails and calls asking about her.This is her address. Debbie Marmon…..1911 North Merriam….Miles City Mt…..59301 I will say thank you ahead of time I know so many of u wil send one and I know it will really help her . Thanks

GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

Request from Sharon Longie Dana (73): Missoula, MO

Reply to Alan Poitra: I would love tohave one of the CDs. I remember how well they played.

It was always a good time. I will get in touch with you thru your email address.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Esther Murray

Orvil Sutton’s lived in Dunseith for a short time, then moved back to the Rolla area where he was an excavating contractor. I only knew his son, Roger, and I think he worked for the Rolette County Sheriff’s Dept. for awhile. Sorry, that’s about all I know about that family.

I want to say your brother, Jimmy, was probably the best pin setter that I ever worked with. I also knew your oldest brother, Gary and Hassen and Abraham. Your families presence was well known in Dunseith.

Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

Thank you Dick..I too was a bit ticked about the clip but thought perhaps I just don’t have the right kind of sense of humor. I did enjoy some of the other ND clips.

We used to spend lot of time and money going to Canada and other places camping and fishing..seemed we spent half our vacation time traveling and buying gas when all we wanted to do was get into a camp site and go fishing. Then about 10 years ago we picked up a tourism book of North Dakota and began to see what we were missing in our own back yard. ND, as you know, is not flat as a pancake with nothing to see and NO, ZERO, ZILCH, ZIP beauty. There are many many things to do here and the weather is awesome for at least half the year. Of course the rest of the year is questionable…LOL. Some of the best Walleye fishing in the USA and Canada is right here in our very own ND. not to mention the one of a kind Peace Garden, plus there is always Medora and the Musical, State Fair in Minot, Devils Run car show in Devils Lake, the Historical Society Museum in Bismarck, Fort Lincoln in Mandan and many many more small town affairs too numerous to mention.

Thanks again Dick and I too hope ND stays one of the best kept secrets in the USA. You are right we don’t need those people coming here and ruining our beautiful state.

Keep up the great work Gary…only a North Dakotan could have your dedication and will to do something so nice for so many for so long. I love this email everyday and it is usually the first thing I do everyday.

Hang in there Neola..someone once told me “this too shall pass.” So if things get rough for you keep that in mind.

Reply from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74): Bismarck, ND

I agree with Dick Johnson about the ND video. ND is a well kept secret & its nice to keep the riff-raff out. When we go down south to SC & florida to see our kids ,& people from down there find out I’m from ND ,they tell me, all you must have is buffalo up there, then they say BRRRR. I want to spit fire when they have comments like that.

If you haven’t been to ND DON”T KNOCK IT!!!! Thanks & Have a Great Day!!!!!!!!! Gary Thanks for all you do!!!!!!!! Kathy

ND message from Paul Grossman (70): Hazen, ND

Paul GO-(70) Gary : Every know and then we all get alittle down and for me its been this long Nodak winter. Its the old saying Love it or leave it . North Dakota is a great place to live and work, and the e-mail I am sending you really sums it up.

I really enjoy reading all the Dunseith e-mails but I feel I should contribute when I can. My time as a little Dragon was all to short and I never got to be a big Dragon but I enjoyed every minute. This e-mail really brings home the fact that North Dakota and her people are One of a Kind. One may leave the land of NoDak , but their heart will always be here. The author of this e-mail could not have written it better- from the heart. Keep up the great work,-keeping us up, the winter gets alittle shorter after each posting. Paul -70

FINALLY SOMEONE IS SHOWING RESPECT!

Letter to the editor: People of N.D. showing the way for the rest in the U.S.

Eric Anderson

The Jamestown Sun – 02/07/2009

The other day I ran across a news article on the Internet about North Dakota ‘s $1 billion state budget surplus. Sitting in my home state of Michigan , I wondered, “What are North Dakotans doing that we aren’t?” Of course, there are many practical answers to that question, including your energy and agricultural revenues. But I settled on a more emotional answer — and the answer lies with the people of North Dakota themselves.

Thirty-eight years ago, I was a young airman stationed at Minot Air Force Base. In the 14 months that I was assigned there, I grew to know and love the people of North Dakota . In a time when those in the military were not shown appreciation in other parts of America , North Dakotans took a different stance — they treated us with respect and appreciation. I’ve always remembered that, and to this day I have a warm place in my heart for the people of North Dakota .

But it goes deeper than that. In my time at Minot , I grew to understand how proud and how hard working the people of North Dakota are. Perhaps it’s the love of the land, the harshness of the winters or the spirit than binds people of the Plains together. Whatever it is, you North Dakotans are a breed apart. I’m just glad I had a chance to live there so many years ago and become acquainted with the people.

Yes, all of us in America face grave challenges in the days ahead. I understand that despite your budget surplus, North Dakotans face the same uncertainties as the rest of the country. Education, job growth, health care and infrastructure needs are concerns for all of us. Yet, I believe that if the rest of the nation had the same resolve, spirit and work ethic of North Dakotans , we would not fear the future, but embrace its possibilities.

May the people of North Dakota continue to show the way for the rest of the United States Perhaps, someday soon, we’ll take notice and follow your lead.

Eric Anderson

Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Dick Johnson Bill Grimme and others about the ND video. Like most of you I had some mixed emotions about it– It is funny — and Michael Moore grew up not far from where I live in MI. I enjoy his off the wall outlook. But I think that the people he interviewed were refugees for Jay Leno’s “Jay walking” segment– also known as “morons R us.”

It all brings to mind the time when my old friend Jim Fuegle was ND director of tourism. He had highway bill boards that said “North Dakota–42 below keeps the riff-raffia out.” and “Welcome to North Dakota. Stay here- Custer was healthy when he left.” and the other one I remember went something like: “Announcing that North Dakota’s mountain removal project is complete.”

Actually it always amazes me when I think of how many people would never survive where we grew up. I think I’m getting soft. I actually wore gloves and zipped my jacket 9 times on my way to work this year. But as of today this has been one of the five “most difficult” winters on record. We actually had 18 below once!

It is 32 above this morning. I’m going to charge my motorcycle battery. I try to only ride when it is above freezing. My reflexes are not as good as they used to be. Hitting ice is more of a religious experience than it was back in the day.

Allen

Reply From Sybil Johnson: ????, WY (Sybil, I don’t have your address)

The false assumption of North Dakota, is sad, but is normal. I remember an incident back in the 70s, getting a flight for my father from Chicago to Minot. The person I was talking too, ask if we were still fighting the Indians up there? I said no, we are up with the times.
People from the larger states, just dont take the time to learn anything about the states around them. Sybil Johnson

Reply to Picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Gary I am not sure I think Oscar Hagen (maybe )he is married to my first cousin Emmy. But I am not sure whoever he is is sure is a good lookin guy, maybe one of your readers will know.

Bev, I think you may be right with this being Oscar Hagen (44). Your picture of him and the one in the Dunseith book look very similar. Oscar is married to Emmeline Hanson, so I’m sure she is related to your mother, but not sure how. You mother was a Hanson, sister to Bert who married my dad’s sister Olga. Oscar does have email and is on our distribution list, but he may have missed this one. He lives in La Crosse, WI. All these years I did not realize that one of the Hagen’s was married to a Hanson. If we don’t get a reply from Oscar in the next day or so, I will call him. I will include our cousin, Audrey Hanson, with today’s blog. I’m most certain that Audrey will be able to fill in all the blanks and she may recognize this as being Oscar too. Oscar would be Roberta Hagen Striker’s (75) uncle too. Gary

Oscar Hagen? and Joe Morinville

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Wow. Bev, thanks for the photo of my Dad. It’s a magical thing to see a 60 year old image of a family member for the first time. You kids look just the way I remember you …… all those years growing up with only a clothesline between us.

Thanks,

Colette

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): nrsnice@min.midco.net Minot, ND

Bev,
I loved the photos! It brought back so many memories…you will have
to tell me how you uploaded them….

Gary,

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): hozndaz7@yahoo.com Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Bev Morinville contributes so much about our town. The picture of my uncle Bob Hosmer looks as though it might have been reproduced in reverse. That looks like the Stone Church, and the house looks like the Watkins house just to the south of the church. Maybe some of the old timers might give me a clue on this. Bill Hosmer

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Thanks Bev for the pictures of the Morinville bunch! Your folks look the
way I remember them so well. Joe was always ready with a joke so you
better be sure you were ready for the comeback before you opened your
mouth! I was looking at the picture of Bob Hosmer and trying to figure
out where it was taken. This photo was probably made from a slide and as
often happens, it is reversed. The mirror on the ’41 Chevy is on the
passengers side, as is the steering wheel. Bob’s shirt is buttoned
opposite of normal also. If you flip the picture, you will see the Stone
Church and Spaeth’s house are where they belong. It was taken in the
driveway between Bob’s house and Morinville’s. In college I took a
course in photography and one of the enlargements I made from a
negative, was of ‘Pappy’ Fassett sitting at his kitchen table. When I
was looking at my handywork, I noticed the cannister on the counter
behind him had the word ‘sugar’ spelled backward! Start over! I’ll flip
the picture of Bob and it will be easier to see where it was taken.
Thanks Bev and Gary!

Not Reversed:

Picture of Bob Hosmer

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/07/2009

Posted on March 7, 2009 by Gary

Folks, I’m a bit later than normal getting today’s message out. We had a few errands to run today in conjunction with getting our plane ticket’s to go back to the states in July. July is a high season travel month from the states to the PI, so the rates are about 1.5 times higher than off peak seasons. Our travel agent here in Cebu beat any price I could find on the internet by $60. Our round trip ticket’s cost $1,290 each from Manila to Seattle. Better rates can be found departing from the states to the PI, than from the PI to the states. We are flying on Northwest airlines and will be arriving in Seattle on July 23rd at 8:55 AM. The flight time is 15:45 hours, but with the time change we will be arriving in Seattle 45 minutes later than when we left the Philippines. We will be staying at the Ramada Inn at SeaTac on July 23/24. Gary

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

Hi Gary,

Just a note, I was just thinking about a family that used to live in Dunseith. Does anyone remember the Orville Sutton family and whatever happened to them. I know there was Gail, the twins, Janet and Janice and I think few other ones in the family and I can’t remember there names. Does anyone possibly know what happened to any of them? Give my best to Bernadette and also you. You know that, Have a good day.

Esther

Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, I do believe we have some CD’s left or if the need be I can get some more made. By all means let me know and I will see what I can do! Thanks! I will attach a song that was on the album and written by my dad.

Alan, I listened to the song you attached to the message you sent me that was written by you Dad. It’s beautiful! It’s a crystal clear recording, very professionally done. The file size is a bit large to be attaching to one of these daily messages, but for those that like, they can request a copy from either you or me. We may be able to get Bill Grimme to post some of these songs too. You’ve got some beautiful music there that will for sure bring back memories to many. Gary

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

Great article about Frank Poitra. Growing up thats who I remember hearing at weddings and dances. The younger boys would say they would play when the old guys got tired.

So When Frank and sons were done then grandsons would play, Rod and Ronnie Poitra and don’t remember who else played with them, can someone enlighten me???They were all very good, and we always had a great time.

Looking forward to hearing Tickled Pink music too.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Radiation treatment update from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau ND

Hi Friends/Relatives,

Thanks for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf; they are working.

I have now had three radiation treatments, only 33 left! Ha! I’ll have treatments 5 days a week, except for holidays, or if for some reason, I can’t make it. I should be finished about April 22, or so.

As those of you who have experienced radiation treatments know, there is no pain with the actual treatment. To have my breast positioned exactly correct, my body is in a position I don’t usually use–arm stretched above my head/body lying so my back is in a kind of twisted position. On “planning day”, a cast was made of how my body would be positioned for treatments, and many marks were drawn on the upper right portion of my body. That day, my fingers went numb first, and later my hand/arm started to go numb. I was such a wimp! I felt like a new recruit in boot camp! Ha! The next day was better, as it didn’t take nearly as long. Today, they didn’t need to take x-rays, so the treatment didn’t take as long as it did yesterday. It will all be fine.

I’m in Bottineau tonight (After my treatment today, I came directly to Bottineau.). I’ll be here until Sunday (later in the day), or until Monday about noon. My appoints are at 2:30, so IF I get my body out of bed and get going, getting to Minot by 2:30 shouldn’t be a big deal. Ha!

I’m going to visit my mom at Good Samaritan tomorrow, and on Sunday, I’m planning to attend the music event at the Senior Center her in Bottineau. Highway 43 (Bottineau Group) and musicians from Frozen Fingers organization in Minot, are performing at 2:00. It’s open to everyone, so if you live “fairly close to Bottineau”, come to the program on Sunday and spend the day with many other friends who enjoy country/old-time music. Senior Citizens are serving lunch. I don’t know if it will be free-will donations; items marked individually, or how it will be handled.

All for now.

Neola

Reply to the ND video from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I was amused and yet disgusted by the video on traveling to North
Dakota! The TYPE of people asked, “Would you go to North Dakota” or
“Where would you least like to go?”, happen to be the TYPE we don’t have
here and I think it’s great that we don’t! I watch the Weather Channel,
headquartered in NY City, and they think that Cleveland, Ohio is way out
in the midwest! It’s no wonder they have no concept of the midwest, when
the farthest west they seem to have dared travel is western
Pennsylvania! It is also good they don’t come out here in the
summer—we probably couldn’t get rid of them! The colder climate is
what has built a decent and hardy lot and has also kept us from becoming
like those who belittle us and our way of life! To the producers I say,
“Thanks for staying in NY!” In a more serious tone, thanks Bill and Gary!

Dick

Dick, I was thinking the same thing of the folks selected for interviews, when viewing that video. They did not select a true representation of the ND folks to be interviewed in this video. The John Doe’s selected did not appear to be very knowledgeable of the jobs they are holding. We know that’s not the case. Gary

Reply to the ND video from Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Bill,

Nice to see and be reminded that YOU are funny, a researcher and the one to discover once-held secrets.

When we have some opportunity to get to other parts of the union or the world, we may be met with expressiions of dumfounedness (not certain that this is a word). When we try to tell people when we live, they occasionally think that we are pulling their leg.

During my experiment of/to drive an 18 wheeler about USA, I met some who had never heard of North Dakota. Some expressed serious conclusion that, given what is dis or mis infornation, no plans to visit ND were in the immediate offing.

I enjoyed the video and have sent a forward of to my son who lives in the San Diego area.

He lived in Dunseith from 9/75 to 2/77, from age 4 months so he did not truly ENJOY the vast quietness(es).

Thanks Lee

Pictures from Bev Morinville Azure (72): babyblues_952@hotmail.com Dunseith, ND

Gary, not sure if i am doing this right never did it before.The Joe Morinville family Bev on Joe’s lap , Deb , Toni ,Francis holding Duane this must have been 1954 . Deb , Toni and Bev Morinville…………Bob Hosmer

Bev, you did great! They came through just fine. Who is the guy with your dad in the first photo?

???? ???? & Joe Morinville

Joe Morinville family:

Bev on Joe’s lap , Deb, Toni, Francis holding Duane

Deb, Toni and Bev Morinville

Bob Hosmer

03/06/2009

Posted on March 6, 2009 by Gary

Folks,

With all that Dick provides with these daily messges, The name “Dick Johnson” has become very familiar to most all of us. For those of you in the area, here’s your chance to see Dick & Brenda.

I am reposting Dick’s message as a reminder of the entertainment He and Brenda, along with the Frozen Fingers group from Minot, will be providing this Sunday at the senior center in Bottineau. There is no admission charge. What a deal for some great entertainment. Gary

Brenda & Dick Johnson

Dick Johnson’s message (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I should have been more precise. The Frozen Fingers group from Minot,
which we belong to, is joining us for a jam session in Bottineau, at the
Senior Center on Main Street every second Sunday of each month. The
first jam session is planned for March 8 at 1 PM. It’s open to the
public at no charge and the Senior Citizens will be providing the
lunch. At this time I’m not sure if the lunch is free will or if items
are priced, but either way it will be great! There will be pickers and
singers from all over the area taking turns playing all kinds of music .
It should be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there!

Dick

Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) permission to post:Dickinson, ND

Yes, do, Gary, on both accounts; Dad’s obituary and my wordy last note.

Black ice this earlier am but now shows 34 degrees; just don’t jump to conclusions about weather in March or any other time for that matter.

I find myself nearly turning to go to the NH some mornings. That is probably not unusual as the grieving process goes on. I once thought I knew a bit about aging, dying, grieving, etc. We are never ready.

I am so impressed by YOUR ability to ferret out information, Gary.

Again, yes, post what ever I write to YOU or that YOU are able to find rellative to the remaining Sticklands that grew up in Dunseith. We all started out in that locale, Grandmother May Striker grew up just south of the Peace Gardens, Grandfather Lee came to ND from Indiana.

Lee ( leland–stick–sticky)

Robert Elmer Stickland

The Dickinson Press
Published Saturday, February 28, 2009

Robert Elmer Stickland, 87, Dickinson, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Robert’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Mr. Martin Wilson and Mr. John Simons officiating. Spring interment will take place at the Dickinson Cemetery, with a military flag presentation to follow the service and will be provided by the Dickinson Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to service time on Saturday at Ladbury Funeral Service.

Robert was born to Edward Lee Stickland and May (Striker) Stickland on July 6, 1921 near Dunseith.

Following two years of high school, Robert joined the Civil Conservation Corps and served in North Dakota, Arizona and Utah. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation metal smith in the U.S. and Panama. After the war, he worked as a Rural Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 plus years.

In 1944, he met Irene Adams. They were married in Ayer, Mass. on May 3, 1945 while he was stationed at a Naval Air Base in Quonset Point, R.I. They later made their home in Dunseith where they lived for 31 years. In 1976 they retired to Bozeman, Mont., then transitioned to Dickinson in 1992 and have remained there ever since. Irene preceded Robert in death on April 17, 2002.

They have three sons, Lee of Dickinson, Darrel of Blaine, Minn., and Dean of Olympia, Wash.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard; and three sisters, Doris, Joy and Marian.

Robert and Irene met God’s servants in the fall of 1949 and made their decision to follow Christ’s teachings in the spring of 1951. Their lives have been enriched with the love and care of family and many friends.

Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) reply to Gary: Dickinson, ND

Gary,

I was Stick to many in HS, my grandfather Edward Lee Marchant’ Stickland was called Lee. I found that saying Leland Stickland on the phone when attempting to successfully communicate with strangers was a mouth full.

The migration to Lee took some time and was assisted by my having nursing home in varying locales; three homes in ND/// Dunseith, Dickinson and Mandan. I worked with Dickinson and Mandan at the same time as they are less than 100 miles apart. I was in Wis with 9 different homes at the outset and also at Boise ID.

My self-imposed moniker was thought to be actual. Much of my mail is Lee. My passport is Leland as is the drivers’ license; when we fly I must be sure to have all names as Leland or I could left behind.

Yes, there was an good obit of Dad, written by Dean, following the format of Mom’s

Darrel’s name is as appears here. He is Doc to many but his name in the MPLS area is Darrel; a reverse of circumstances that ensued for me.

I was and am Mr Lee much of the time, esp when I practiced MBWA (Management by wandering around) in the homes that I was responsible for. No one ever worked for me, we all worked with and together.

I will send a cc of the obit shortly, have not made all of the rounds yet locally to thank folks for all each did for Dad so have been doing that.

My apartment is a typical bachelor dwelling in order but not definitely so, thus things are here and there.

I will also send a cc of the editorial that I wrote and that just happened to appear in the local paper on the day of Dad’s funeral, February 28, 2009.

There is no convenient time to die and it is not easy to say good bye.

Dad asked to see my girl friend, Gloria, on the morning of the day he died. He and she had shared some “secrets” and were fast friends.

Dad had recently been sent to the ER more often. At these time we would go to the hosp and meet him there. This time I was called for OK to send him to the ER. About 7 minutes later, I was called back to be informed that he had died at the nursing home.

And times moves on. Lee

Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, Frank Poitra is my grandfather and if possible I would like to get a copy of that article written about him. I have listened to many artists from the Turtle Mountains and have to say there is so much talent that I would love to go to a jamboree with nothing but the Turtle Mtn Artists. For those of you who do not know me, my father was the late Gary Poitra, he was the youngest of Grampa Franks children and I am so proud of the music played by my father and uncles. I cannot tell you how many house parties, weddings, anniversaries that I have sat and listened to my father and uncles play their hearts out. They were well known around the Rolette County and other counties and played many a nights at many bars and events. Like the Metcalfe’s, the Poitra’s were a talented family and the gift was passed on down to many of the children (Rodney, Ron, Stuart, Daren, Timmy, Gary Jr). For those of you that knew the Poitra music, you can attest to the fine country sound that came out. As they grew older, they did not always play together but when a family get together was in place, you can be guaranteed that their would be some good old fashion music and we love to dance!!. Like the article mentioned, the Poitra family was quite huge and when we got together with relatives and friends it was quite the party. I would also like to mention that my father in his earlier years did play with a band from Bottineau called ‘Cindy and the Turtle Mtn Boys’, they were well known also, and recorded a album which was sold around the area. I did see that there was an article about Scotty Thompson also, his wife Cindy and Roger Thingsvold, along with my father were recorded on this album. At the request of my father I did reproduce this album on a CD so he could share with friends and relatives at their request. My uncle Darrel also recorded a 45 that was very good. I do live in Minneapolis and do get over to see my uncle Francis every now and then, and he still loves to play the violin and sing, so that brings back so many memories of my father and uncles. It can be very comforting to put on “Mule Skinner Blues” and listen to my father sing. I wish I could have taped many sessions of the family get together’s. My hat is off to all those talented people from the Turtle Mountains, their music is and will be remembered for many years to come!

Thank you for bringing back some cherished memories!!!

May the music memories of my father Gary, uncles Darrell, Leo, Irvin, Lloyd (aunt Clarines husband), Dominic (aunt Mildred’s husband), Francis, and uncle Alfred.and last but not least my Grandfather Frank live on forever..

Alan Poitra (class of 76)

Allen, You mentioned Thelma Thompson. Scotty and Thelma were very close friends, for many years, of my Dad’s brother Emil (Lillian) Petterson. Scotty worked for about a half century at the Bottineau creamery. Scotty is deceased, but Thelma is still living in Bottineau. Are any of these recordings or CD’s that you mentioned, available for folks to purchase. My uncle Emil did a little jamming with Scotty/Thelma, Ken Severson and Ole Bursinger over the years too. Gary

Reply from Lyle Olson (75) – Lorraine Metcalfe’s son: West Fargo, ND

Gary:

I sure have enjoyed the many memories of the greatest band to ever come out of Dunseith. I saw Travis Metcalfe’s e-mail about the band and immediately remembered the band singing “It’s a Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Junior. That was Travis’ favorite song if I remember correctly, and the girls would play it as many times as Travis wanted to hear it. My favorite song from the band was “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. Great memories to be sure.

I was surprised to see the newspaper clips of my mother and Uncle Jack. I note that one of the pictures encompassed a time when she played with Blanche Hunt, Lorraine Haggerty, Jack Metcalfe and others. That band’s name was the “Country Travelers” and they focused more on bluegrass. Although my mother played in many bands, my favorite was the “Turtle Mountain Stump Jumpers”. That band included my mother and Ole Bursinger as the corp and many others depending on who was home and available. Ole and Glynnis would always stop at the house for a bite to eat (and other libations) after the band got back to Dunseith and many times the music would continue until late in the morning. I especially remember the house parties at my grandparent’s (Bill and Mary Metcalfe) home. The kitchen table was moved to the corner so people could dance and the grandchildren would gather around an air vent in the upstairs and watch everyone dance and have a great time!

Thanks for all you do Gary!

Lyle Olson

ND Video from Bill Grimme (65):BIRMINGHAM, AL

Gary,

Your friends in the PI will probably enjoy this. Actually, pretty funny.

Bill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6c8bYq9Ve8

Bill, This is very a interesting Video, so I decided to post it for everyone’s enjoyment. The folks here in the PI have no idea what snow and cold is. March & April are the hottest months here. Instead of day time highs near 89F, it’s closer to 92F for these two months. Surprisingly those extra couple of degrees are very noticeable. Gary

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/05/2009

Posted on March 5, 2009 by Gary

Rememberance of the Stickland family from Tom Hagen (51):

Mesa, AZ, Williston, ND & Allegany, NY

Hi, Gary, My sister, Joyce, my brother , Leland, and I along with
Robert Aamodt, Norman Haagenson, and our nephew , Don Nelson lived with
Bob Stickland and his wife Irene for 2 years while I went to high
school, Joyce worked at Hosmers, and Don attended 1st grade in Dunseith.
If you don’t mind I’ll direct this next part to Leland, Darryl and Dean
Stickland.

Greetings Stickland brothers, this is Tom Hagen, who used to live
upstairs at your house in Dunseith. Many times I took care of you
boys, (we won’t call it baby sitting). Your Dad grew up with my
brothers and sisters going to Beaver Dam and our families were
intertwined through the years. He was a great person as was your Mom
and we enjoyed our stay while going to school in Dunseith. You have
our sympathies on the loss of your dad. I would really enjoy hearing
from you . My wife and I are retired from teaching in 1990 and we have
1 son, (9 kids) and 1 daughter (4 sons).

Thanks Gary!!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Condolences to the Stickland Family from Connie Fauske Monte (62): Kalama, WA

My condolences to the Stickland Family. I have good memories of you all. I used to babysat you kids real often, in-fact you were my first “sitting” experience. Dean wasn’t more that a couple weeks old when I sat for him. Leland, I don’t know if you remember this, but one time I was being chased by a dog on my way home from school for lunch, you came running out and chased him away with a stick, whew.

Again, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Connie Fauske Monte

Reply from Verena (Pete) Gillis (65): Dunseith, ND

> Gary,
Thank you so much for the compliment. I enjoy being able to make someone
happy and love what I do and will keep on a’truckin’ until my body says,
“hey girl, time to slow down.” lol

Reply from Les Halvorson (Former DHS Teacher): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary and Everyone,
In response to Verena’s note regarding the District 11 Boys BB
tournament held at Dunseith ; I announced all 11 games of the
tournament on KBTO ..Sunny 101.9 and Verena was right…the Dunseith
School and community did a super job of hosting this tournament. I
have covered hundreds of tournaments over the past 30 years and the
Dunseith folks can be very proud..every aspect of putting on a
tournament was done to perfection.

The hospitality room Verena referred to was the best I’ve ever seen.
I learned years ago that when it comes to food no one does it better
than folks from Dunseith. I made it an appoint to get to the gym
early on Monday, the final day of the tournament, so I could stop in
there and sample the stew, home made pies and all kinds of other
goodies. I had to go on the air at 2:45 on Friday and Sat. and at
4:15 on Monday so would not get a chance to get back in there as I did
4 games back to back the first two days and 3 in a row on Monday but
each day at 6:00 up would come Jimmy DeCoteau with a platter filled
with all kinds of delicious goodies from the hospitality room. Thank
you ,Jim, and thanks to Cheryl LaFloe, Verena, Gladys Azure, and to
all those who made and brought in all that great food.

Thanks to tournament manager, Jorgen Knutson and his sec. Cheryl
Norquay,… Dunseith school administrators..Lana DeCoteau, Pat
Brenden, and Rebecca Bliss, Dunseith school employees and community
members and to everyone else who helped make this tournament the great
success that it was.

When I left the gum on Monday evening there were Rolette County police
officers directing traffic at every inter-section leading out of
town. I thought to myself..I bet Dunseith has not been this busy
since the big celebration a couple of summers ago.

Anyway, GREAT JOB DUNSEITH on hosting a great tournament in a fine
facility. You all can be proud of the job you did. I know that
everyone that was there from the other 7 schools and communities would
all agree…you were a great tournament host.

Thanks, Gary, on the great job you are doing with this Dunseith blog.

Les Halvorson,
Sports Director…KBTO
Former DHS staff member

Les, I am proud to say “I am from Dunseith”. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us. We all know the great hospitality that the folks from Dunseith have to offer. They are great people.

Folks, Les is married to Myra Henning (72). Les & Myra live directly across the street from my brother Darrel and his wife Debby on Vera street in Bottineau. They have lived there for many years. Young Art Rude and Les are good friends from way back too. I’m not sure if Art realized Les lived across the street from Darrel/Debby, when he visited us, at their house in 2007, but when Art arrived, Les was outside, so they chatted. It was so nice seeing Art after 40 plus years. Art was included with a lot of the Class of 65 correspondence prior to our reunion in 2007, so he knew we were in town and made a special effort to visit us. In fact he came within about 20 minutes of our arrival from the Philippines. It was wonderful. Gary

Folks,

Mel Kuhn sure generated a lot of interest with the “Tickle Pink” CD. There has been a lot of correspondance going on behind the sceens with this one. We now have permission from all of the “Tickle Pink” band members to publish this CD. Bill Grimme, through his internet provider, was able to set up a WEB site for posting songs from this CD. I have posted his message addressing this subject below. Mel Kuhn is sending Bill a copy of the CD for posting. I have also posted a messages from Travis Metcalfe & Kenny Nerpel (65) addressing this subject. Gary

“Tickle Pink” message from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

Did a little testing today and found I have only 20 mb to play with and the webspace. That’s OK, though. I can post about 6 songs at a time, so, I will put up about 6 once a week. That should be enough for all to hear or download. The quality of a disk copy will not change with multiple generations, but, I talked to Kenny today and he said the original quality is not good. He knows-he made it! It was made with and ’80s era portable tape player and then burned to disk. So, this won’t be like a store bought CD.

Kenny also told me I can go ahead and upload some of his and Sherry’s karaoke. I’ll do that after the Tickle Pinks run out. We should be able to publish a link a week for quite a while!

Bill

From Travis Metcalfe (76) Mesa, AZ

Hi Gary…I just got an email from the person I got the Tickle Pink CD from, Jackie Metcalfe, Daughter of Jack and Mae Metcalfe. She said that it was her Uncle, Kenny Nerpel, that had that CD along with a few more that had Bill and Mary’s kids playing with friends. I have one of the Cds called Turtle Mountain Memories that has The Snake Pit Saloon by I think it’s Larry Metcalfe along with 16 other songs on it….very well done with the tapes they had to work with…I heard the Tickle Pink was recorded on a single head cassette recorder…..anyway..I have talked to Elaine and Shelly was with her and they said they didn’t care if CDs are made and didn’t think Janice would mind…Elaine said someone may want to check with Roberta Hagen Striker to make sure it is OK with her…

So if you ask Kenny he may still have the “Master” CDs.

THX, TRAVIS

Reply from Roberta Hagen Stiker (75): Dunseith, ND

Hello Gary, I just read this e-mail, and yes, this will be fine with me. Playing in the Tickle Pink Band has a lot of good memories.

Reply from Kenny Nerpel (65): Devils Lake, ND

Gary,
I don’t have any of the Tickle Pink music on CDs but I still have the
wav files on my computer. In wav they are about 25 MB for each song so
I would have to use some type of file transfer program to send them to
anyone. They can be made into MP3s which takes them down to about 2 to
3 MBs each. I don’t know how much that effects the sound quality but I
also don’t know if that is much of an issue seeing has how they were
originally recorded on cassettes. I also have some really neat files
that are of music that was recorded by Jack Metcalfe when he was in
Georgia. I could make more CDs but there appears to be a lot of folks
that want these and it might be a better idea to put them onto a Web
site and let them be downloaded and burned to CD by anyone that wants
them. I am confused about the name of the group. Was it tickle or
tickle(d) Pink. I’ve seen it both ways now from folks who should know.
The only Boone’s Farm wine I remember from back in the day was a
wonderful little drink called Strawberry Hill. I’m thinking that the
group was named after the Tickle Pink flavor of the wine, but tickled
pink seems to make more sense.

Kenny

PS: I am not Jackie’s Uncle. I am her cousin.

Follow up Reply from Travis Metcalfe:

Hi Gary…My family is hard to keep track of sometimes….Jackie and Kenny are cousins not Uncle/Neice…anyway…I forgot to include Cheri to ask for permission…It sounds like she would not mind from the email she had a few days ago……as I played them for Elaine and she was identifying the singers….I had Cheri and Shelly mixed up on a few of the songs. I am listening to the CD as I write this….

Travis

Message/Article posted by Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

I could probably go on and on, but I won’t. What a wonderful musical
heritage many of us have that were raised in the Turtle Mt area. My dad
played the guitar and sang and I know many of you out there have a
family member or two that are musically talented. Share your memories.
My dad always sang what he called “plumb pitiful” songs. Lots of
railroad and cowboy songs, where someone was either dying or getting
killed. Little Joe the Wrangler, Old Shep, etc. Paula made us a
wonderful cd a couple of years ago from some old tapes of our dad
singing and playing the guitar. I put it on every once in awhile and
sing and cry and remember all the good sing along we used to have out by
the fireplace in our yard in Dunseith. Cheryl Haagenson always cried
when dad sand Old Shep (ME TOO) Hugs, Susan

03/04/2009

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Gary

Message from Our travel agent about our Alaska Cruise on July 25th.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will take back all Un-sold cabins on: March 19th. For all who book after March 19th, cabins are based on availability and would be added back to the group one cabin at a time.

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

703-580-1190 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

Folks, NCL currently has 100 cabins on hold for our group. We currently have 35 cabins booked. For those of you, not signed up, and thinking of going, you must make your reservations before March 19th to be guaranteed a cabin. After that it’s space available only. Please contact Gina Ford, our travel agent, for reservations. Gary

Ardis Metcalfe Steggall: Whidbey Island, WA

Folks, Ardis Metcalfe Steggall is now on our daily distribution. Ardis and her husband plan on attending our Dunseith reunion in Seattle on July 24th. The following is a reply I got from Ardis. She initially contacted Bill Grimme asking about the reunion dinner.

Hi Gary,

Thanks for getting in touch with me. Yes I have many relatives in the Dunseith area. My father was Lucky Metcalfe (brother to Margaret’s father, Jim Metcalfe), and my mother was Jennie Nelson (sister to Mildred and Marie Parrill, maiden name Nelson). Mildred is LeaRae’s mother. I have traveled to North Dakota many times over the years to visit with relatives and look forward to seeing some people I know at the reunion. I have passed on the information about the reunion to some cousins in the Shoreline, Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Monroe area, as well as to Ivan Christianson in the Renton area. Ivan is the brother of Arlene Wensted (sp?) who passed away many years ago. Her children are Gary Wensted and Karen Wensted (don’t know her married name). He is also related to the Haagenson’s.

I have lived all my life in the Shoreline area and then moved to Coupeville, WA (Whidbey Island) about 16 years ago. I think there was a family named Stokes in my neighborhood in Shoreline many years ago.

Looking forward to meeting you and Bill at the dinner.

Regards,

Ardis Steggall

Reply from Paula Fassett(71): North Branch, MN

Hello….

I loved Art Rude Sr.’s remark about the cold weather – and I can picture his face as he said it. I remember my Dad repeating a story from Kenny Morgan once upon a time. Kenny and Margie wintered somewhere warm (my guess is Texas). Anyway, someone asked Kenny what people do in North Dakota is the summer. His reply was “well, if it falls on a Sunday, we have a picnic”.

I love the memories of Tickle Pink. Those gals had a great sound – and it’s true, Janice CAN harmonize to anything. My favorite was when Elaine would sing “Blue Bayou” – it would have made Linda Ronstadt jealous!

Paula Fassett

Reply from Ivy Eller Robert(74): Everett, WA

Gary……..
I didn’t have the pleasure of ever hearing “Tickle Pink” with all of the Metcalfe girls & Shelly. Correct me if I’m wrong, but if my memory serves me correctly, didn’t Lyle Olson’s Mom Lorraine sing in a band at one time? (I just don’t recall what band) If I also remember, she had a great voice and could really pack them in as well. Wasn’t she a Metcalfe? I would say that family is quite talented and the Dunseith & surrounding communities should feel very honored to have had them entertain us!
Ivy Eller Robert (74)

Ivy, I think you are right about Lorraine, but we’ll have to let Lyle or someone else confirm all the details. I agree with you, the Metcalfe’s are very talented. Kenny Nerpel (65) falls in that group too with his mother being a Metcalfe. Gary

From Verena (Pete) Gillis(65): Dunseith, ND

Hey Everyone,
Just thought you might like to know that we made it to Regionals to be
held in Minot beginning on Monday of next week.

Dunseith held the Districts in our new Elementary Gymnasium and we
serviced a little over 3000 during this time. All staff and many
community members participated and it was a huge success! In fact, we
received so many compliments that they want to have it here every year,
lol. I’m laughing because I worked in hospitality for 3 days-this was for
visiting coaches, officials, security, janitors, entertainment
supervisors, the Turtle Mountain Community High School director, Mr.
Derrick Dixon who played all 3 days! and of course the media. We were
busy, busy, busy! I got to make my gullet and biscuits not to mention 16
pies and Mrs. Cheryl LaFloe made the stew for yesterday’s game. We had
chili and bangs + meat and cheese and fruit trays for all 3 days. One of
our cooks, Mrs. Gladys Azure made the chili for Saturday’s game. Then all
staff and community donated bars and cakes, etc. to our hospitality room.
It was very much complimented and busy at all times! We were very happy to
be able to help and very proud of the many compliments we overheard.

Anyway, enough of that, they will be talking about this tournament for
days to come. Will try to get some paper coverage and will send as soon
as I can.

Verena, With your hospitality skills, I can see why this event was a huge success. You and Pete were the key players with the logistics of our class of 65 reunion, in 2007, that was a big success as well. You covered every last detail, leaving no stones unturned, with that event. You are GREAT!! Gary

03/03/2009

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Gary

Happy Birthday Kathy (Barbara) Kalk Lopez (65): Inver Grove Heights, MN

Barbara (Kathy), a little bird in the sky told me you have birthday today, March 2nd. I understand that you are 62 years old today. I’ll catch up to you in July. You realize that the majority of us from the class of 65 will be eligible for Social Security benefits this year. I hope you had an enjoyable birthday. It’s still your birthday in the states as I’m writing this, but it’s nearly noon on March 3rd here in the PI. If you have a chance, please fill us in with things in your life. Gary

Reply from Cheri Metcalfe Evans (74): Dunseith, ND

Hello Gary-
I was lucky enough to have been part of the Tickle Pink band. It was so fun. I was always amazed (and thankful) for the support we received from the community-It was always great when Dunseith folks would show up, even if we were in Cando or somewhere outside the area. Kathy was a great singer and guitar player. She also took care of the bookings-pointed us in the right direction each week end-and took care of the finances-making sure the bank and individuals who helped us get started were repaid. Elaine had a beautiful voice-she was our “cheerleader” She was always telling us to “get bubbly!” I had never played bass before and with her incredible patience, she taught me enough to get by! “Bert” was a great drummer, Shelley had such a sweet voice-I always think of her when I hear “paper Roses”-Janice was so good on the keyboard and could harmonize to anything (even the ten o’clock whistle-right Bev!) ANYWAY-I remember when we were deciding whether or not to try getting the band going, we decided we would rather “do it and wish we hadn’t, than not do it and wish we had. Great memories I wouldn’t trade for anything!! Thanks for the kind words. As far as permission about the CD’s-Please go ahead (I guess I can only speak for myself though)
Trish-I do remember those songs about rats and bats!!! Mary Margeret Truman etc.-swingin on the outhouse door!
Also-George Gottbreht asked me to see if anyone has any pictures of some of the old businesses in Dunseith. He has matted and framed some and has them in the cafe. He mentioned Snow White Bakery, Joe Morinville’s store.
Thanks for everything you do Gary-like everyone else, I’m hooked!!
Cheri (Metcalfe) Evans ’74

Reply from Ramona Thiefoe LaVallie (66): Dunseith, ND

I would sure like a copy of the Tickle Pink CD when it becomes available

Reply to Gary from Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND

When I called my Dad the other morning, I thought he had a pretty good one. I usually call him on the way to work, and when I did the other morning it was about zero with a 20 mile and hour wind. When I asked Dad how the weather was, he said, “Well the air is a little fresh, but there are no mosquitoes”.
I’m glad his sense of humor is still intact, it sure brought a laugh and a smile to my face.
Art

Peace and Power, Art Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions, webpage address: www.artrude.com call and leave a message anytime at 800-XRT-RUDE

Art, most everyone knows your dad, so I wanted to share this. We are glad to hear that your dad is doing well. He was sure going strong in 2007 when we were there. He manages to keep up with all the community events. It’s wonderful. Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (Mid 60’s HS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX

“Tickled Pink” sounded great. They would be a hit in the clubs on 6th Street here in Austin.

Margaret Metcalf Leonard retiring? Impossible! She’s too young. It seems like just yesterday she was in my typing class.

Bob Lykins

Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Thank you so much. How in the world did you know that? What a lovely surprise. By the way, Paulette LaCroix Chisholm celebrated her birthday on February 26th.

Gary, you provide such a wonderful service for all of us who have reserved a very special piece of our heart for Dunseith, San Haven and the surrounding areas. Thank you.

Greenville, SC had its first, and I hope, only snowfall of the year last night. Five inches were predicted, but it looks like an inch or two. My husband Dave and I were not impressed – we’ve only lived here since last July, so would still rather look at winter photos than actually experience it – unlike neighbors who were in awe at the unusual event.

Brenda

Brenda, a little bird in the sky tells me all this stuff. Isn’t it nice? Gary

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Gary,

You asked about my husband’s uncle who played with the Lawrence Welk orchestra–His name was Clifton Warcup. He was born and raised on a farm near Larimore, ND. He was the youngest of 4 boys. He played saxophone & clarinet. During WWII, he was in the navy and played with the Great Lakes Naval Band that broadcast nationally every Sunday. After his playing days were over, he retired to Corpus Christi and worked in a music store. He died several years ago in Corpus Christi.

Ron and his brother Alan went there to make funeral arrangements because he had no children and his wife preceded him in death. Ron said Clifton played for another nationally known band before he went into the Navy, but he can’t remember which one. He had also been married once before to the lead vocalist of that band. They were later divorced. I’m sorry to say Clifton is the one Uncle I never met.

Shirley Olson Warcup

1928 Post card from Sharon Gottbreht Shen (1959): Everett, WA

Interesting Penny 1928 Post Card. I Remember the Sisters across the street from us had a Model T!

Sharron

Sharron, This is really interesting. Chester Bjorngaard’s history is listed on Page 256 of the Bottineau Centennial book. Gary

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

03/01/2009

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Gary

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula, MT

Condolences to the Stickland Family, especially Dean. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

From Dave Slyter (70): Fargo, ND

To the Stickland family,

Gary and Lee,

I too remember Bob driving the mail route up in the hills and even down at the house just a half mile west of Dunseith by Clifford Halvorson and Erling Bergs place. We were all neighbors along with the Darrell Getzlaff family. I could never figure out (when I was young) how one man could put on so many miles in one day. You had to be a special driver in those days during the winter months to get to all those mail boxes. But Bob was very good at what he did. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The attachment of the tickle pink was just a teaser, but enough to get my toes tapping. Please send me a copy of the full CD. It would be much appreciated. I remember one time up at Kelvin when the tickle pick was playing they asked me to play drums for them that evening as Roberta could not be there. I was very nervous but not as much as when they wanted to play “wipe out”. Then it was pure panic. When it came time to play the drum solo I just started pounding any drum and cymbal that came into reach. It sounded “TERRIBLE” I was pretty much embarrassed. ha But all in all I had a great time.

Thanks for the memories

Dave Slyter (70)

Email update for Manuel (Manny) Cuadrado (63): Omaha, NE

Hello Gary,

Well, I am now a Cox Communications customer. Just got my email account set up.

My new home email is:

Please update your address book.

Thanks.

Manny

Manny, It’s great hearing from you. I have a question for you. Have you had the opportunity to visit your home country of Cuba since fleeing from there to Dunseith in the early 60’s? I’m kind of thinking that probably has not been possible though. Gary

Reply From Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Replay to Gary Metcalfe & Gary Stokes,

Thanks for the information about the Chase family. I’m amazed at the knowledge so many of you young\younger people have of the Dunseith community. My world during the first 10 years of my life was our immediate neighbors, relatives and classmates. I don’t think I knew anyone who lived more than 5 miles away. During the first 6 years of my life, I remember going to Dunseith only a few times and to Bottineau, even less–usually to see a doctor. Finding out more about local families and finding that I’m related (by marriage) to many of them is a joy.

I enjoyed the Tickled Pink recording–I grew up with music like that–and married a man who grew up with classical music. Our tastes don’t always coincide!! He went to Interlocken National Music Camp–for vocal and instrumental and has been involved in music all of his life. Last summer he sang at the funeral of a 101 year old man. (Ron, by the way, is 81 years old).

Once again, thanks to all who contribute to this “blog”–It brings back good memories.

A P.S.here–Ron’s uncle played with the Lawrence Welk orchestra for many, many years. Ron’s father and his three uncles were all involved with music.

Shirley Olson Warcup

Shirley, What was Ron’s uncle’s name that played with the Lawrence Welk orchestra? Please tell us a little bit about him. Gary

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

I agree with your correspondents…Tickle Pink was probably the best band to come out of this area for many years. The variety of music they performed was awesome to say the least. My personal favorite song was “Splish Splash”. I too would like to have a copy of the CD..just let me know what it will cost and where to send the money.

The last time I heard them play was at Kelvin Klinic 17 years ago on the 15th of Feb. Why, you ask, do I remember that date so well? They played for Cam and Sherri Millang’s wedding dance. Sherri is our daughter. I think that Cam and maybe Glen had to do a bit of persuading (begging) but they talked them into playing that night and I will be forever grateful that they did, as Kathy was not with us too much longer after that. What a tragic loss of an angelic voice when she left us. Elaine, Janice, Roberta and Shelly were there that night also and they did a wonderful performance as always. I wish Cheri could have joined also for that last bash.

PS They packed the bar that night..there was standing room only and to get a drink you had to elbow people out of the way…I even saw people standing outside waiting or trying to get inside…what a crowd!!

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

The song ‘Long Tall Texan’ on the CD was one of my favorites the gals
did. Another was a Hank Williams song, ‘Kawliga’– they got all the
Cajun yips and ya’s in the right places. They played for dances at the
city hall and a few at the AC Bar and packed the house! The dance floor
was always crowded whenever they played and everyone was having a good
time! I’m glad Lyle mentioned that Roberta Hagen Striker played the
drums, and did a nice job. Thanks to the ladies of Tickle Pink for great
memories! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, I got a message from Mel Kuhn telling me there are 29 songs on the Tickle pick CD. That’s way to many to be sending via email attachments. We/Mel are working out a plan to make these available to whoever would like a copy. We need to touch base and get permission from the Tickle Pink gals before doing this though. Gary

Qestion from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Question for whomever:

I need help on a couple of people from back when….Cliff Howery and his beautiful wife, name ?? Cliff rode back from Seattle with us in the 40’s and I have him placed out on old #5 north a little ways. He was an outstanding personality as I remember. Also Sam Howery.

Leroy Aftem still rings a bell. Didn’t his folks have a confectionery in Dunseith? Art Seim used to live down by the Lake Sisters and ran a confectionery for awhile.

Gary Metcalfe

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

02/28/2009

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Gary

Bob Stickland passed away – Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

GARY,

Wanted to let YOU know that my Dad, BOB, passed away on Wed evening about 9 pm.

Dad suffered from many maladies that could have contributed to this final exit.

My girl friend, Gloria, and I were at the local Perkins sharing a bran muffin when I received the call that Dad’s vital signs were upside down. The ambulance was summoned but he was gone a few moment later.

Dad was 87, born on July 6, 1921, ‘near Dunseith ND’.

His parents were Edward Lee Stickland and May Striker Stickland. They lived near the Beaver Dam school, below the hill and to the north of; down the lane from Iver Larson.

My brothers, Darrel (Doc) and Dean will arrive FR for the Sat funeral here in Dickinson. Mom passed away in April of 2002; now Dad and she will be beside one another. again.

It is one thing to have had a career in nursing homes where I witnessed many deaths but YOUR own Dad passing is much more striking.

Dad and I had good visits about the mail route, the roads, the snow, the people on the route and the such.

-21 degree wind chill here right now. 3-5 inches of snow forecast for FR by pm.

Thanks, I read and enjoy each entry by all. Lee

Stickland	Darrel	3242 90th Curv NE	Blaine, MN 55449	(763) 786-2582	doc@tcinternet.net	67
Stickland	Dean	9542 MARLBROOK CT SE	OLYMPIA, WA 98513	(360) 459-4566	mail@sticklandbows.com	73
Stickland	Lee (Leland)	1520 W Villard St	Dickinson, ND 58601	(701) 483-3709	lee_stickland@yahoo.com	64

Lee, Darrel & Dean: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was an icon, especially for those of us rural folks he delivered mail to for so many years. He is the only mail man that I ever remember us having for all of my growing up years until leaving the area. Lee, I had a nice visit with your dad about a year and half ago when I was locating you. He was of very sound mind. He gave me your phone number and that is how I got in touch with you. Our condolences are with you guys and please keep us posted. Gary

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

I remember hearing “Tickled Pink” at Robin and Bernard Morin’s wedding dance. They played “Mama, He’s Crazy” and it sounded every bit as good, if not better than the Judd’s. Appropriate song for the occasion, right, Bernard?

Reply from Trish Clayburgh (73): Fort Collins, CO

Hi Gary,

I really enjoyed reading the blog this morning – I loved the stories about Tickled Pink. I missed that era because I was already off to college, but I remember singing many songs with Cheri Metcalfe …..In fact she taught me the complicated words to “I’ve Been Everywhere Man” and I’ve been known to pull that song out at campfires ever since.

“I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota……..”

Anyhow – we sang a lot of songs huddled together against those freezing nights as we drove to whatever game in whatever town…..some of them were a bit more colorful –

Maybe Cheri remembers the one about Rats**, Bats***, gobble nibble nibble chew-

Oh yes – we just laughed our heads off. Who made up that stuff?

99 bottles of beer on the wall – I used to work in Chicago?

Throw em out the door head first, eh?

That should stir some memories…

I WOULD LOVE A COPY OF TICKLED PINK! What fun!

Trish

Reply from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): Rolette, ND

Hi Gary

It totally amazes me that each day there are messages to read from
Dunseith folks. This has become a ritual…it’s like a lifeline to the
past as well as the present. I have learned so much about life in
Dunseith from so many different perspectives that it’s like reading a live
account of small town North Dakota. (reminds me of the Mitford Series)

Tickled Pink was pure fun. Cecile Berube Reynolds would tell us that
there was live music at the AC, Fortune’s bar, and we would come from
Rolette to dance to Tickled Pink’s music. I can still hear Kathy singing
Kalijah. I would love to receive a copy of that CD, a treasure to be
sure.

Thanks,
Margaret

Folks, Bill Grimme, with his elite computer abilities was able to shorten and reduce the file size of this CD to an acceptable size to be included with this message. For your enjoyment, please click on the attachment.

Margaret & Trish: I will send both of you the full size electronic copy of that CD that I received from Mel. It sounds like Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson has an original CD that she gave a copy of to Mel Kuhn. I’m sure Mel shortened the CD version considerably for sending as an email attachment.

Margaret, whether you realize it or not, you are a major contributor to the development of this daily blog. Had it not been for you and John Bedard contacting my brother Darrel in Bottineau to get in touch with me for the 2007 Q-centennial, I would have never been inspired to locat and contact our 65 classmates. You were also one of the major contributors with the planning of the very successful class reunion we had in 2007. The rest is history.

Margaret, You mentioned in a message to me a while back that you are retiring from teaching the end of this school year. With all your years of teaching at the Belcourt High School, now teaching 3rd generation students, you have created quite a following. Folks are saying, “Margaret can not retire until my kids finish HS”. That in it self says a lot about you and also your teaching abilities. You will be missed by students, parents and staff alike. Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Shirley Olson Warcup

Too answer your question Shirley, George Chase, a first class painter and contractor, trained his sons, Clyde and Fred in the trade and they were professional painters. Clyde Chase was on the scene through the 50’s for sure, he had about 13 children and lived very near the San. No wonder they called it Chaseville.

By the way, one of Dale Gottbrecht’s main men, Andy Gunville, was Clyde’s brother-in-law, married to Clyde’s only sister.

Vickie Hiatt, Norman and the boys episode reminds me of Lee Striker and Lee Smith at the wood pile where the fiddler at the house party hid his jug. Lee took a big drink and Lee asked, “how is it?” Lee said, “goooood” as he handed it to Lee. Fast thinking on Lee’s part, I don’t think #2 Lee took quite as big a swig… they’d been set up!!!

Gary Stokes my dad always carried his wallet in his front pocket. I think that came from running some plastering jobs in Juneau, Alaska during the war. A rough town at the time, he just never changed pockets.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

02/27/2009

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Dick

Folks, Mark your calendars. This will be a fun event every month. I wish I could be there. Gary

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Shirley is Dick Johnson’s aunt – sister to his mother

Gary,

Was the Fred Chase Vance Baily mentioned in his letter a painter? Two brothers who were painters painted our house when we lived on a farm west of Dunseith. Shortly after they finished the job, one of them was accused of murdering someone at San Haven. I was perhaps 8 years old at that time–I don’t remember their names. I do know that my parents were surprised when they heard about the murder and arrest. Both of these brothers were apparently very satisfactory workers and very polite men. I know my parents were skeptical that one of them could have done something like this, however, if my memory is correct one of them was convicted of the murder. Perhaps someone with a better memory than mine knows if our painter was Fred Chase.

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Vance Bailey’s letter

Here is some input about Jules Waldron, Vance mentioned the boys left town. In a letter from Bing Evans to his mother dated October 20, 1941, Bing was in training at Ft. Lewis, Wa. Bing says, ” I spent the last weekend in Seattle, John Schimitz and his wife came over to Jim’s (Metcalfe) and we played cards and drank beer. Had a great time. I visited for awhile with Albert Aubrey and Fred Waldron. Fred told me his brother Percy, was in the Army a year and spent 280 days of that time in the guard house. Albert is working in an electrical shop for at $10.00 per day and Fred works in a service station.”

Albert was known as Monk. Who knew his mother and step dad, Tom and Maggie (Aubrey) Cassidy? What a pair. Maggie and I had asthma together. We went to Bottineau one fateful day to see a new young dr. in town, Dr. Bray. An old lady and a kid. The dr. used a syringe that was designed for a draft horse….it was memorable!!

Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Lyle Olson (75) – Son of Lorraine Metcalfe: West Fargo, ND

Gary:

I read Bev Morinville-Azure’s e-mail the other day wherein she mentioned the band, “Tickled Pink”. She forgot to mention that Roberta Hagen (now Striker) was the drummer for that all girl band.

The band was formed in the mid-70’s. I was in the USAF at the time and literally made weekend trips home from Scott AFB in Illinois to see them play. They had an enormous following, young and old alike. I’ll never forget their biggest fans seemed to be Kenny and Nettie Tooke. In fact, Kenny and Nettie even developed “fan wear” for the band in the form of Black Windbreakers (to make Kenny look skinny) with the band’s name emblazoned on the back. They were quite the picture twirling around the dance floor, dancing two-steps to the Eagles and John Fogerty.

As many of you know, the lead singer for that band was Kathy Metcalfe. She was the best singer I have ever heard, as she could sing anything from Fleetwood Mac to Johnny Cash. Her voice was strong and pure, and she was great musician as well. I remember sitting on the porch at David Fugere’s house one summer night and we could hear Kathy singing all the way down the block. Her voiced filtered through the air as if delivered to one’s ears by angels. I really miss her.

Now, I want to take some credit for how the band got its name. You see Janice, Kathy, Elaine and Cheri Metcalfe and I were all driving around one night drinking a little wine in the winter of ’74, co-incidently named “Tickled Pink”, a delightful wine with no cork and less than $3.00 a bottle, and singing songs. It seems you can never get Metcalfes together without a little picking, grinning and drinking — but that is another story all by itself. The band “Pink Floyd” was popular at the time and we were all listening to them on the only radio we could get at the time, KFYR out of Bismarck. Well, lo and behold in the back of the car we were driving around in was a pink Frisbee and a pink scarf. Well to be funny, and after way too much wine, I used the scarf to tie the pink frisbee on my head and “PINK FLAUD” – the counry-bumpkin version of Pink Floyd – was born!! I couldn’t sing “Dark Side of the Moon,” but I was “Comfortably Numb” and having the time of my life with my favorite cousins.

Well we eventually made our way up to a party at Brian Fauske’s place in the hills. I remember it was a great party but it ended late. As we made our way back to Dunseith, I remember starting to get sick on the way down San Haven hill. How we made it to the little mobile home we lived in at the time without any regurgitation is beyond me. In any event, out of the car and into the house I bounded to get to the only bathroom in the house, which was right next to my mother’s bedroom. Well, she heard me get sick and she rushed in to see what was wrong. Well, I must have drank a beer with a cigarette put out inside as I brought up some tobacco with my wine. My mother screamed, “Oh my god, he is on marijuana!!!!!” I spent the rest of the night trying to convince her otherwise by incoherently telling her about Pink Flaud and Tickled Pink wine, and how it was those damn Metcalfe girls that led me astray!! Well, when I told the Janice and all about this story, they had no choice but to name the band “Tickled Pink.” Now you know the rest of the story.

{The above story as to the naming of the greatest band to ever come out of Dunseith is pure fiction and is not to be believed by any party, living or dying}

Lyle O.
Class of 1975

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

to bev mornville: i truly do remember the tickled pick girls, they played for mom and dads 25th wedding anniversary party at the ac bar. good bunch of girls and great music

JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS

Bobby, Mel Kuhn just sent me a song from this group. I am going to send it to Bill Grimme to see if he can reduce the file size enough so we can post it with these daily messages. Gary

Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND

In reading todays stories it made me think of the dances dad and mom [ Norman and Irene Hiatt] use to have in the quensat [unsure of the spelling sorry] I was probably 5 years old. I remember the music, it was Norris and Bud Knutson and I believe Gary Olson. One of my fondest memories is doing the butterfly with Sharon and Jim Hansen. I remember mom making big kettles of sloppy joe and going to town to get the buns from the bakery. I also had a bed made for me under a counter. I remember dad telling a storie about my brother Jim and our cousin Clifford, apparently it was their job to pick up the beer cans and bottles the next morning, well I guess dad caught them poring all the cans together so theycould have a little refeshments after their work was done. I guess dad told them be careful drinking from those cans boys people could be peeing in them. I don’t remember if that stopped them or not. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine

Vickie, I remember really well when your folks had those dances every Saturday night. We could see your house plain as day one mile to the east of our place. You guys sure drew the crowds and we could hear the music all the way to our house. Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (mid 60’s DHS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX

Gary,

Ah, the PI. You gotta love the place. I recall a time when I was working the schools at Subic Bay Naval Station. In the evening I went into Olangapo (where the sewer meets the sea) to have dinner at a reputable resturant that I knew. I was alone and sat down in a booth putting my camera bag beside me. I never went anywhere without my camera (the original OM-1). A fellow came up to me and starting talking. He was friendly and, as I recall, we had a great conversation. Unbeknownst to me, his accomplis while I was distracted, had reached over the back of the booth, unzipped my camera bag, took out the camera, removed the camera from it’s case and replaced the case back into the bag zipping it back up. Since I had other items in the bag and the camera didn’t weigh that much, I never missed it until I got back to my quarters on base. Slick as a whistle it was. Naturally I had to report it for insurance purposes. Needless to say, nothing came of the investigation and I can only hope that the sale of the camera brought some poor family additional food and clothes.

Fond memories.

Bob Lykins

Bob, Events that draw a lot of people here in the PI also draw a lot of professional pick picketers from other areas of the country. One has to be careful. When ever I’m in a crowded area, even in the malls at busy times, I always place my wallet in my front pocket. Living in the heart of a true Filipino community with many very poor neighbors, we have never had anything stolen from our place. Because we have folks (helpers and some relatives) living in our compound, we never lock the gate into our place. We feel very secure. On the other hand, if someone tried to take anything, they’d have to go past many folks to get out of our area and believe me, these folks would tackle and catch who ever was running. A month or so ago a large truck had an accident on the main road that caused serious injuries to several folks riding motor cycles. Before the police arrived, the bystanders beat up this poor truck driver so bad that he had to be admitted to the hospital. Gary

From Mel Kuhn (70): Saint John, ND

Gary,

Here’s one for Bev Morinville Azure from back in the OLD DAYS. To make a long story short, after a conversation with Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson a while back, she dropped me off a CD of Tickle Pink. Crank up the speakers.

Rolette County Historical Society will be holding its Fun Night on April 18th at the Senior Center in St. John. We had a real good turn out last year with lots of great music from area talent such as “Hwy 43” and lots more.

Mel Kuhn

Mel, I forwarded “Tickle Pink” to our computer expert, Bill Grimme, to see if he could reduce the file size for group sending. He was able to reduce the file size considerably, but I feel it’s still a tab bit large to be included with one of our daily messages.

Folks, if you’d like a copy of “Tickle Pink”, please request a copy from Mel or myself and we’ll gladly forward you an electronic copy. Gary

Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) reply to Bernard Morin (76): Dunseith, ND

WOW , Bernard I didn’t hear a thing I am sure if I would have heard it I would have been dancing in the street after all they were the best band to dance to if I remember right. Those were the days and if I remember right Bernard it was whiskey not beer lol seems like forever since those days . If anyone knows where I can get a cd of Pickled I mean Tickled Pink please call me and let me know my number is 244 0775. Bernard as I remember these were the day when u learned to park in my drive way back in those days we didn’t have DD.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

02/26/2009

Posted on February 26, 2009 by Gary

Folks,

Bill Grimme has provided us with an updated report of those that have signed up for our Seattle reunion banquet and dinner. If you plan on attending, please send your payment to Bill. If for some reason, you are unable to attend, Bill can refund your money up until the time he has to make final payment to the Best Western on or before July 21st.

Gary

July 24th Seattle reunion update from Bill Grimme (65): BIRMINGHAM, AL

Folks,

Just a reminder-dinner reservations and payments postmarked in February will get 4 raffle tickets for each dinner. In March, it drops to 3 per dinner. So far, we have received a response from the following people:

Chuck Munro 2 dinners

Robert Hosmer 2 dinners

Gary Stokes 2 dinners

Nancy Baldwin 2 dinners

Diane and Scott Sjol 2 dinners

Randy Flynn 6 dinners

Gary Metcalfe 3 dinners

Bill Grimme 2 dinners

So, we have 21 diners at our reunion dinner, so far.

Hope to see a lot more folks there.

Drawing for free dinners will be in mid-June

Dinner Sign up form.

8:00 PM

-Served Dinner

Harvest Salad Greens

(with Tomato, Cucumber, Carrots, Red Onion and Croutons, served with our House Dressing)

-Pan Seared Chicken Breast @ $24.90 (all inclusive including tax and gratuity) OR

(served with a Madeira/Port and Green Peppercorn Demi Glaze and Rice Pilaf)

– 10 oz. Certified Angus Beef New York Steak @ $34.10 (all inclusive including tax and gratuity)

(served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Side of Béarnaise)

FreshGarden Vegetables

Focaccia Bread/Butter

Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea

APPLE PIE FOR DESSERT

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.

NumberEntréePrice

Extended price

______Pan Seared Chicken Breast$24.90___________

______Angus Beef New York Steak$34.10___________

TOTAL FOR YOU PARTY ___________

Send Check to Bill Grimme,

3117 Memory Brook Circle,Birmingham,AL35242

.Phone 205-991-6512.

Hope to see you all there. Thank you.

Bill Grimme Class of ‘65

Reply from Bernard Morin (76):Dunseith, ND

I just read Bev’s comment on “Tickle Pink” which brought back a lot of memories, most of them kind of fuzzy. You see Tickle Pink was very conducive to beer drinking, come to think of it everything was conducive to beer drinking back in those days. Anyway back to the band, in my opinion they were the best band around as they always packed the house wherever they played. I’m not sure but I think that somebody made a C D of some of their music. Last summer Travis Metcalf came roaring into my driveway on his Harley with Tickle Pink jamming on his radio, I don’t know which was louder, the Harley, the music, or the neighborhood dogs. I can’t believe Bev didn’t hear it, as we only live a block away from each other. Maybe Trav or Janice would have some info on wheather there is a C D available.

Thanks. Bernard

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Gary, Dick , Thanks for the correction, The Senior Center in Dunseith I presume. Please Correct me If I am wrong. Also I apologize for forgetting to mention, the Song about Pierre Bottineau that was written by Ron Hett. as I had intended too. (Guess I had a senior moment there. Not the first one I assure you!, and probably more to come along.)

I especially enjoyed this as it was the first time I heard the song.

Being a Mary Robbins fan, I believe this song would have greatly been appreciated the famous Ballad singer (deceased). If memory serves me, Many of Marty’s Older Ballads, came from his Grandfathers time. Stories and Songs played. Hence the gunfighter ballads etc, for the 19th Century.

Great suggestion from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

I was just thinking that we must be nearing the anniversary of Vance Bailey’s passing. I think it would be neat to post some of his stories in remembrance of his time he spent with us. In fact it would be a way to honor all of those that took time to join us and that have left us. What do you think?

Larry

Larry, This is a wonderful suggestions. Vance Bailey actually pasted away December 22, 2007. Vance is the pioneer that energized these daily blogs into being. The memories and tributes of his passing are far too many to list in a single email message, however I will post the last letter that he shared with us just prior to his passing. What a remarkable man he was. He possessed a wealth of history & stories for the Dunseith and Rolette county areas. He and his wife Doreen collected and recorded a lot of the history of the area with their genealogy interests. One of the things they did was make a recording of all the local cemeteries listing all those that are buried in each of them. Gary

Vance’s wife Doreen is on our distribution. Her email address is Tempe, AZ

Vance Bailey’s letter that he wrote at 2:00 PM on December 21, 2007, just eleven and a half hours prior to his passing.

Gary,

I spent an hour or two last night talking to Carol Watkins and Emory Carbonneau in Bottineau. I read all the correspondence that you have been posting.

Some things that have come to mind that we discussed. Mac McHugh. He and his wife owned the Dakota Hotel that was directly north of the Drug store where Glen Shelver was the druggist and I am sure later owned. In the mid forties Shirley Sunderland worked there as a “sodajerk”.

There was an old Socony Vacuum (later Standard Oil) filing station in front of the hotel that had gas pumps that had a glass tank that held 10 gallons of gas at about 18 cents a gallon. The guy that operated the station would let us kids pump the gas up into the tank once in a while.

There was a row of rooms along the north lot line of the Hotel and the one facing main street was the U.S. customs office manned by Henry Sunderland. When you crossed the border in those days you stopped in Dunseith to declare anything you brought across the border. I’m not aware of anyone ever stopping to declare anything.

We did have some excitement in those days, a nurse up at the San was murdered by Fred Chase and the trial was held in Dunseith. Carol tells me that our teacher got permission to take our school class to watch the trial. My most outstanding memory of the murder was the first night they had him locked in the Jail located in a long low building just north of the skating rink. Several of us kids were there until the crowd broke out a rope and threw it over the crossbar on the streetlight, then they made us all go home. We were all sorry to miss the hanging, but the adults chickened out so we did not miss anything.

How many of you remember the Waldron that was the Dunsrith policeman that caught a thief coming out of one of the buildings north of the bank one night. Carol reminds me that he was chasseing him down the alley and as he came to the fence back of the bank Jules Waldron fired over his head to stop him. The trouble was that the robber jumped up to go over the fence and stopped the bullet with his head. Jules had two boys in school and they left town. No good deed goes unpunished!!

For Collette,

The Baileys and the Hosmers intermarried a couple of times (that’s cousins) in the late 1600s and early 1700s in the New England Colonies.

Vance Bailey

Bailey Family Research
1418 E Gemini Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283

Doreen’s message:

Vance passed away this morning at 1:30– Dec 22

Doreen Bailey, wife

Tempe, Az

Vance’s obit.

Note we are having a service in Tempe, AZ, Dec. 29th, but his final resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery in Dunseith, ND. A grave side service will be planed around Memorial Day. His parents and sister are there, he always said that’s where he wanted to go.

—- Thank you all for the prayers and condolence messages. I am still in shock of the suddenness of his passing. I have had his love for more then 55 years.

I’ve enjoyed the emails along with Vance, we even had our daughter with us at the 125th Celebration. She was ready to move to ND, she really enjoyed the towns of Bottineau and Dunseith. There will be memorial site of picture on www.mem.com by Thursday and anyone wishes to add their though-it can be done on the site. Search by name, Bailey, then Vance Allen… Thanks for caring Doreen Bailey

Obituary: Vance Allen Bailey

1928 – December 22, 2009

Picture taken 2006

Born in Bottineau North Dakota on February 8, 1928 to Virgil and Marie Bailey. Vance passed away December 22, 2007 at his home in Tempe, AZ.

His service record is long: He was in the Navy at the age of 16 and the last phases of WWII. Joined the Air Forceafter the war, attended college inMinotND. then was on Military Sea Transport in the Merchant Marines for the Korean war. He sailed on many ships and visited many ‘far away places.’ Vance met his loving wife Doreen in Seattle. They married is 1952.

After that he settled down, they did many different things before coming to Arizona in 1980. Vance was employed at Boeing Aircraft for 15 years. Then went into free enterprise: Real Estate, owned a Tavern and Bowling Ally in Ephrata, Washington.

In Phoenix he worked for the Maricopa Highway Department doing appraisals for right of way. Later he went into Appraisal /Analyst of Real Estate contract and property values for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Real Estate Department and retired from that department in 1993. He loved his job.

He read when he wasn’t listening to the news or on the computer, loved old LP records. Vance was a news/political and history junkie.

During his retirement he ventured into Genealogy and now has over 9100 relatives in his records. Some going back to the 1500’s in England.

Vance’s passions, other than his family, were old cars, motorcycles, reading, current events, politics, history and lively conversation.

His parents Virgil and Marie Bailey and sister Ardis preceded him in death.

Survived by his spouse Doreen Bailey, daughter Dayna Rasor, grandson Colin Rasor, daughter-in law Donna Rasor, sister Sharon Conn, brothers Wayne and Gary Bailey.

Memorial Service Will be held December 29 at 11 AM at the Carr-Tenney Mortuary 2621 south Rural Rd, Tempe.

In lieu of flowers /donations maybe made to the American Heart Association

If you are unable to attend, a slide show will be available on www.Mem.com and you will be able to leave your condolences.

Vance’s burial will be in Bottineau ND in the spring of 2008

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

02/26/2009

Posted on February 26, 2009 by Gary

Folks, The TV Cable sales man was just here and returned the money from yesterday’s story. Because of this, he lost his job. We just talked to the supervisor that I was dealing with at the Cable company and he said there is a big, in house, investigation going on because if this incident. They discovered that there were quite a few folks involved from different deparments in the company with this under the table deal they made with me. This is the only TV cable company that services this Island, so they are quite large.

Request from Martha Lamb Schepp (68): Newburg, ND

Hi Gary,

We are enjoying the service you provide to all of us who enjoy the times of days gone by. Shane Lester would like to be added to your list serve. Thanks for all that you do.

Martha Lamb Schepp, Newburg, ND ’68

It is my pleasure to add Shane Lester to our distribution. I believe Shane is the guy that is related to the Cook’s and House’s from Little Prairie. He would also be related to some of the Espe’s, Millang’s and Salmonson’s. I believe you mentioned that Shane works with your husband in the Newburg area. Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

I am not sure if you know this or not but back in the 70’s there was a group of gals from here that were all the rage. The groups name was Tickled Pink and it was one of the best bands around here. The members were Janice, Kathy, Elaine and Cheri Metcalfe and Shelly Fulsebakke. They played all over and we had a blast when they would be at the AC or up at Kelvin. They played country plus oldies these were a talented bunch of woman . Anyone have any memories they can share about the band . I do remember they walked into the AC bar with the idea of forming a band and walked out with enough money to start. Alot of people supported them.
GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hey Gary, Dick Johnson, his wife Brenda and Ron Hett played for us at the Good Sam’s Nursing home on Sunday in Bottineau. In celebration of Mid’s 90th Birthday. The room was large, packed, and short of chairs. The music was grand, They played a song “Chancellor Ville” from the Civil War era, a blue grass tune from the movie “Oh! Brother where art thou?” , some Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Charlie Prides “Crystal Chandelier”, Cashes, Folsom Prison and Haggard’s, The Bottle let me down. The Music was preformed with a guitars, a banjo and large base guitar played by Brenda, Ron Hett switched back and forth from his guitar to his banjo as Dick Johnson set the lead.

There were a lot of smiles on the residents and visitors faces and wondering expressions of days gone by, countenanced on the faces of many of the elders. Dick and company were to play for an hour, however, they were asked to stay another hour and they gladly accepted the invitation to the great delight of all in attendance.

Shortly after the first hour Gary Fulsebakke arrived and joined in for a short time to sing Happy Birthday to his Mother and all joined in. Gary then Borrowed a guitar and moved to the south wing where the special celebration was given for his mother where she lauded with songs and remembrances of days gone by and serenaded by Gary with gospel music she loved to sing all her life. Gary had some cute stories about the early days at home and I hope to get him to share them with us.

I have been informed that on March 8th 2009, Dick and Friends will play at Good Sam’s , and every 2nd Sunday of the Month. there after. This is the plan according to Dick.

Thank you Dick, Brenda and Ron, and Gary for the great music. You all put a lot of smiles on the people Sunday and I know some really felt alive again and left that home for a couple hours in their minds, lost in time following the sweet music you all played and if they don’t remember much, I am sure the music will not be forgotten. Music soothes the soul.

God Bless you all, and keep up the gallant work as long as you can.

mschimetz@msn.com

Dick Johnson’s (70) reply: Dunseith, ND

Gary,

Thanks for the advance copy of Mark’s nice write-up. The name of our
group is ‘Highway 43’, we felt it was fitting as most of the musicians
we have in this area live on or within a couple miles of 43. It seems
it’s always been that way, if you think back. Ole Bursinger, Lorraine
Metcalfe, Jack Metcalfe, Carl and Shirley Melgaard, Hank Salmonson, Pete
Berginski, Sharon Albertson, Kenny Sivertson for a few from back in the
day. It’s somewhat the same now with just a few more names thrown in the
mix. I never considered the idea of so many pickers and singers along
‘ol 43 until someone asked us to pick out a name for the group. We sure
do have fun doing these little ‘gigs’ and if folks like our music, that
is an added bonus! Thanks Mark and Gary!

Dick

Gary,

I just reread Mark’s story and need to enter a correction. We are
jamming at the senior center every second Sunday–Mark said Good Sam.
Thanks!

Dick

Dick, I’ll bet you will draw quite a crowd too, of all ages, when folks know you are going to be there. It’s wonderful that you are doing this for the community. Gary

02/24/2009

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Gary

Note of appreciation to Dick Johnson from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Just a note of appreciation. Perhaps I have missed it, but I was unaware that Dick Johnson and his wife sang. My mom lives in Oak Manor in Bottineau, and several of the ladies there say that they sing very well. I just want to say thank you to Dick and wife, because those senior ladies enjoy and appreciate it so much when people take the time to share their talents. So thanks for your kindness. Sharon Gerdes

Sharon: Dick & Brenda have a band, I believe along with Keith Smith and a few others.

Dick: Can you please fill us in with a few more details of your band?

Don Boardman along with Dan & Tina Pladson also have a gospel band. Can you guys fill us in with some of the details of your band too.

Sharon: I did not realize that your mother lives at Oak Manor. There are a number of the senior Dunseith Alumni living there. It’s a neat facility. They have a really nice common area for everyone’s enjoyment that alleviates a lot of loneness and boredom for those living there. Gary

Cancer update from Dwight Lang (61): Tucson, AZ

Hi there Friends,

Finally getting around to checking my email. 500 plus in the in box. Been out of commission with my colon cancer surgery thing.

Enjoyed the wild life pictures compliments of cousins, Rod and Brian. Lucky I never met the little squirrel looking fellow while carrying my trusty 22 through the foothills some forty years ago. And Dick J., enjoyed your addition to the Martin story and especially the picture of those super bar tenders. I was a bit young to be a customer but I did poke my head in the door from the bowling alley side many times. Usually to hit my Dad up for a few quarters to play the pinball machines while I was waiting for his card game to end with Johnny Hill, Don Darling and the other regulars.

Well the operation went as good as to be expected. I spent five days in the hospital (without a smoke) and then was sent home as soon as I had bowel activity. It was no fun. But, after a few days home I got a call from the surgeon and he told me that the lab results were all good (no cancer in lymph nodes, etc.). Had the staples pulled last Thursday and he told me to come back in a couple months for another look see. He also mentioned that I should have another colonoscopy next year as well. Guess I can handle that. Oh by the way, the chimney is smoking again.

Would you believe today it is supposed to be in the upper eighties down here in Tucson. That’s a bit too soon for me. I’m looking forward as usual to spending my summer back at Lake Metigoshe but I’m hoping the Tucson heat holds off for at least a couple more months.

Well, take care and thanks to all for your concern. Francie Gottbreht (63) told me it would all be OK.

Dwight

Cancer Update from, and Neola Kofoid Garbe’s reply to Gary: Bottineau/Minot ND

Mom/I are back from Minot; it took longer than I thought it would. I knew I wouldn’t be going back to Minot tonight. Wally says the weather is bad for tomorrow, so after Mom’s appointment, I rescheduled by radiation appointment. I scheduled it for next Monday at 2:00. I’ll be in Bottineau until Sunday. The surgeon got all the cancer. The area around where the cancer was, is “clean”. The treatments are for cautionary reasons, not to kill any cancer that’s there. I started taking anti-estrogen pills a few days ago. I haven’t had any side-effects from them.

Neola

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

Gary,
Our friend, Betty (Allard) Heinz, class of 1960, married Ron Heinz, is also a daughter of Olivine Allard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Betty and Ron and their family. Betty is flying home from Mesa, AZ tomorrow. We are with them in thought and prayer, even though we cannot make the trip back home.
Geri Metcalfe Munro, class of 1959; (Betty was class of 1960) and Chuck Munro–Fargo, ND.

Note: Gary, it would be nice sometimes if folks would state their current city and state. I have not saved nor could I download all info re: addresses.
Where does Gary Fulsebakke live now; I remember that he was a very accomplished singer and my sis, Marg Metcalfe Leonard said he read a note I sent Gary F. (at Mid’s birthday party–I never even knew her name was Mildred). lol

Geri, I will start adding the city and state for our folks. That’s a wonderful idea. I too did not realize Mid’s name was Mildred. She was always Mid in my growing up days. Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Bonnie:
Rural schools were not as boring as home schooling, but we lost a year or more with eight months school and staying out to harvest and haying. I remember the first day, Dad hooked up to an honest to goodness buggy, with springs and all, naturally he took a short cut to save a mile or so through Erman Striker’s pasture. The water came right up to the floor boards, so we went via the road the next six years. We had three and a half miles, so did Faye and Doris Honsey. Horses are all about competition and old Dewey did very well keeping up that one mile straight north where we parted company with the Honsey girls. It was all bare back in those days and when it would rain, that big mud puddle in the road did me in a couple times, riding double. Dewey would shy around the puddle and I never could be sure which side he would take. Fanny and Dusty were spirited horses of the Honsey girls and Bernice Jasper. The girls were excellant riders.

Alas, the buggy was short lived, Martin Evans hooked Dewey up one morning and the barn door was open about two feet, Dewey decided to go back in the barn. Viola…that was the end of the buggy.

So now we got a cart with straight schaves and no springs, then a Ford tractor. Sometimes when the weather was favorable they took us to school and we would walk home. As if three and a half miles one way wasn’t enough, we took turns carrying water for school use a half mile. We put a stick through the handle of a 3 gal. pail, with a kid on each side.

On Monday morning that three and a half miles was actually four miles, for Dewey had a thick hide and had to go about a fourth of mile and come back home and get a good spanking from a grown up. Then the rest of the week, he was o.k. over the weekend he would forget and have to be tuned up again.

A typical lunch pail was a one gal. pail with nail holes in the lid for air. In hot weather, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches became soggy, for variety mustard or a dill pickle sandwich was good.

Most teachers had it worse than the kids. Clara Weaver had at least three miles because of no roads and I know Mrs. Graybill stayed at the school lots of times. Enough of that for now.

Age 14 life changed. Paved streets, hot lunches and a great job setting pins to pay rent with. Too bad Bertha Vanorny, Bertha Myer and Myrtle Hoopman got a part of that hard earned money. But I did finally learn to hold my own in a game of Smear. Life was great and still is.
Gary Metcalfe

Reply/Picture from Kenny Nerpel (65): Devils Lake, ND

Gary,

Regarding Rabbit City Lake:

The enclosed photo is of my Grandfather, William Bryan Metcalfe.
It was taken in 1919 and the lake in the background could very
well be the Rabbit City Lake that has been discussed. It took
awhile to find it. It sounds like there are others out there who
file like I do. A scoop shovel and four or five unlabeled
garbage bags.

Kenny

William Bryan Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I found this article amusing! Just about every move was covered by the
Dunseith Journal in the mid ’30s! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, I’ve got a little extra room today so I want to share a story with you. Gary – Philippines

We currently have a satellite TV dish here in the Philippines, but would like to have cable service too. We are several hundred feet beyond the allowable distance for getting cable. Last Friday I called the worker bee lineman, who had been to our house, to discuss how we could get their service. Following my conversation with him, I called his boss to discuss this topic in more detail for us to be able to get their cable service. The boss told me he would send a field engineer out to our house on Monday. Lone behold, on Saturday we got a visit from one of the cable salesman. I was surprised to see him. I said “did Tony (the Boss) send you” and he said yes. He was a very nice gentleman. He looked everything over and said the extra cost for materials would be $250. He said if I gave him the money then, he’d be able to install the service Monday morning. Knowing he was from the cable company and thinking the boss had sent him, I gave him the money. On Sunday this salesman comes back with the worker bee lineman, I had called on Friday, to get everything set for the installation the next day. Monday morning rolls around and no one is here to install our cable, so I called the boss. The boss says I didn’t send that salesman to your house. In fact he said I sent my field engineer out to your house early this morning to look things over and we can provide you service with no extra material costs like we had discussed when I called him on Friday. He was very surprised when I told him I had given his salesman $250. He said you will get your money back. The salesman did not know I had been talking to his boss. He was trying to give us service under the table and got caught. When they came Monday morning to install the cable, they saw the field Engineer at our house and ran. The worker bee lineman called the salesman and that is how they got involved. They pocketed the $250. They also involved one of the other engineers of the company too. I am currently waiting for the salesman to return the money. I think he has probably spent the money, so he’s probably trying to borrow the money at this time. All three of these guys have been working for the cable company for a number of years. At the moment their jobs are on the line and will for sure be fired and possibly go to jail if the money is not returned. The salesman sent me a text message telling me he is very worried about loosing his job. He said he has 5 children to support. These guys make good wages too, but greed got in the way when they saw this American guy. They didn’t realize that I’m seasoned to their shenanigans. Gary

02/23/2009

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Gary

Olivine O. Allard’s Funeral notice:

OLIVINE O. ALLARD, 90, Bottineau, died Friday in a Bottineau nursing home. Funeral Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Bottineau. Visitation Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau

To the family members of Olivine Allard. My condolences are with you with the loss of your mother, grandmother & aunt, Olivine. Larry, I remember you from our high school days before you guys were redistricted to Bottineau. Mary, I don’t really remember you, but I know your Husband, Laurel Hiatt, well. Carol, you being a class of 65 gal, I/we have gotten reconnected well the past several years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gary

Standing: Lillian Allard, Alice Kuhn & Evelyn Senechal

Sittiing: Adeline Allard & Olivine Allard

Reply from Tom Hagen (51):

Hi, Gary, just a quick reply to you about Wetheralt School. I had the
3 summer months when we were first married and it was really hot and
rainy that summer (55) When it got too hot we would have school in the
shade beside the school. We swept the room every day (mostly the kids
did it ) and used compound (reddish material to hold down the dust)
which had fallen off the kids legs who had walked to school in the muddy
roads. Isn’t that right???? Tom Anderson kids, Bud Anderson kids,
Obert Medlang, Susie Knox, Strong kids, Larry Metcalfe, Larry Hall, Eva
Eurich, (Hope I didn’t leave anybody out) That summer I took a bunch
of the kids to see Gone With the Wind , now can’t remember who !!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Reply/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Rod Hiatt’s picture of a pine marten is neat! The sightings of the
little animals have been increasing over the last couple of years. I saw
one about 3-4 years ago and had no idea what crossed the road in front
of me. Some college researchers set up cameras in the hills around here
and were able to photograph several in the wild. They baited an area in
front of motion detector operated cameras and got some nice pictures.
Last summer I saw one get hit by a car on Highway 3 by Rose Lake, north
of Dunseith. It wasn’t physically damaged and I picked it up and froze
it and sent it back to the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, with my
son-in-law who works there. They didn’t have any specimens, alive or
dead, to necropsy (autopsy) and study so were very interested in getting
one. They are bigger than a large squirrel but smaller than a small
racoon. They kind of resemble a fox with their ears and face. I’ll
attach some pictures from the motion cameras and one of the one I found.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

02/22/2009

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Gary

Olivine Allard Passed away.

I recieved a message from Mel Kuhn that Olivine Allard passed away Friday evening at 8:00 PM. She is Carol, Larry & Mary Allard’s mother. She was also a sister to Mel’s mother. We will post more info later. Gary

Reply from Rita Carbonneau Anderson (Former Gamble store owner):

I am one of those who started school in about 1930. I went to a country school in Lordsbrg Township, there were 11 of us in the whole school. I lived just about 3/4 of a mile from school. We started school about the first of April and went to the first week of November. If the weather wasn’t too severe we would go to Thanksgiving. In the summertime when it was too warm to have school inside, we would go to the north side of the building and thats where the teacher would teach the classes. How about that!?

Email address change for Beth Fauske Duncan (67):

Dear Friends and Family,

I have come into the technology age and am now on high speed internet so have changed email addresses.

Please email me at :

Feel free to forward onto other family members whose address is not included above.

Thank you!

Al and Beth Duncan

Tickled pink

Clarence ‘Alfred’ Satrang

Robert Elmer Stickland

The Dickinson Press Published Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Dickinson Press
Published Saturday, February 28, 2009