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02/20/2009
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02/19/2009
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Reply from Bev Morinville Azure:
First I would like to tell Neola I wish you luck on the radiation it can be rough but your spirit is such a go get em spirit you will do great , the radiation team in Minot is wonderful they treat you very well and always encourage you as the treatments get tough. I will keep you in my prayers. Second Marilyn is in the hospital as far as I have heard in Minn. still, I talked with her sister Bernie just the other day and Marilyn is not well she has a lot of aneurism’s and Bernie said she is now in God’s hands Please keep her in your prayers . I had my yearly Ct scan and check up and so far no more cancer I am starting to feel great again. I thank you all again for your support and prayers in the last year I will ask you to please continue to pray for me and my family, Debbie is home and is working hard on getting her speech back it is a long road for her I call her once or twice a week and talk to her. Happy Birthday to Mrs. Fulsebakke. and Art I am so sorry your have lost your wife. I only talked with her one time but she was such a friendly woman we visited at the Bottineau Fair she was sitting behind me and I was telling someone I had graduated in 72 from Dunseith and she tapped me on my shoulder and said then you went to school with my husband Art so I got to tell her all kind of stories about you Art. May God Hold you and your family close during this time of sorrow. But know she is now healed and dancing with the angels.
Reply to Marilyn Peltier Allery’s condition from Judy Allery Azure (65):
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GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV
02/18/2009
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02/17/2009
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02/16/2009
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02/15/2009
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Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
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02/14/2009
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From Vickie Metcalfe (70):
GARY, ART HAGEN POSTED THIS ON CARING BRIDGE YESTERDAY. WE HAVE LOST A WONDERFUL PERSON AND GREAT THIRD GRAD EDUCATOR. VICKIE
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. To Let you know that Mavis lost her battle to cancer at 5:14PM Feb 12 , 2009.
Love you all Arthur, Devonne, Jon, Jarik, Joashua, Keisha and Keiandra
Condolences to the Art Hagen family from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):
Message from Erling Landsverk (44):
HI GARY!
I HAVE BEEN READING THE DAILY DUNSEITH ALUMNI NEWS AND MEMORIES. I AM AWARE THAT MY AGE PREVENTS ME FROM ASSOCIATING FACES WITH THE FAMILY NAMES I READ. I COULDN’T HELP BUT HAVE MY MEMORY JOLTED WHEN BUTTE, ST. PAUL APPEARED IT SO HAPPENS THAT MY FATHER GUNDER LANDSVERK BUILT THE CAIRN MONUMENT ON TOP OF THE BUTTE, AND OUR FAMILY ATTENDED THE STATE CELEBRATION THERE IN 1933 I BELIEVE. I REMEMBER ACCOMPANYING MY DAD, ALONG WITH MY BROTHERS WHO WERE OLDER, AND HELPED DAD BY MIXING MORTAR, AND CARRYING STONES, I REMEMBER ROLLING A COUPLE OF STONES DOWN THE SOUTH FACE OF THE BUTTE UNTILL MY DAD CAUGHT ME, AND SCOLDED ME FOR DOING THAT. HE REMARKED IN NORWEIGEN” STOP THAT, ITS HARD ENOUGH TO GET THE STONES UP HERE, WITHOUT YOU ROLLING THEM BACK DOWN” I REMEMBER THE STONES WERE HAULED UP ON STONE BOATS WITH HORSES. THE WORK WAS DONE BY MY FATHER, SOME OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS, AND NEIGHBORS WITHOUT COST EXCEPT FOR THE LIME AND CEMENT THAT WENT INTO THE MORTAR, AND I AM NOT SURE THAT THEY DIDN’T ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THAT AS WELL. . I LAST VISITED IT IN 1992, AND I WAS ADVISED BY MY UNCLE THAT HE HAD TO REPAIR SOME DAMAGE CAUSED BY VANDALS, AND I NOTICED THAT A FENCE HAD BEEN INSTALLED TO PROTECT THE MONUMENT TO EARLY MISSIONARIES, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS FATHER BOTTINEAU. SUSAN MARTEN’S ACCOUNT OF SOME OF HER CHILDHOOD WAS FASCINATING, SINCE WE VISITED KOTSCHEVARS DEER HEART LODGE QUITE FREQUENTLY, AND I STILL REMEMBER SOME SUVENIERS THAT MY PARENTS HAD. THE MINERAL SPRINGS ADVENTURES SURELY RING A BELL FOR OUR FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS AS WELL. ALTHOUGH SUSAN IS YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE A DAUGHTER OUR MEMORIES OF THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS(HILLS)ARE STRIKINGLY SIMILAR. I SURELY REMEMBER LLOYD AWALT, I SHOULD, WE WERE CLASSMATES, UNTILL IN 1943 HE JOINED THE NAVY, AND OUR FAMILY MOVED TO WISCONSIN, AND I LATER ENTERED THE ARMY AND SERVED IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ IN THE E MAILS, LLOYD APPEARS TO BE JUST AS GUNG HO AS EVER.. I COULD GO ON AND MENTION LOTS OF FOLKS, AND ALL THE MEMORIES, BUT I BETTER STOP AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE AN OPPORTUNITY. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY GARY. HAVE A GREAT VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!
ERLING LANDSVERK
Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):
Thank you Dick for the pictures…I remember going to Deer Heart Park every summer, just as we went to the Peace Garden every summer for a picnic. It was a magical place to me. Seeing all the animals and bridge, cabin and flower beds tucked into the trees as if they had just sprung up right where they were. Everything sort of fit into the way the trees grew. And you never knew what new sight was going to greet you around the next corner. I wish I could take my kids and grandkids to see it in person instead of trying to tell them about it and show them pictures.
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):
Hello Gary and Friends,
About Morris Azure, if I am not mistaken, Morris was part of a unique family. His parents, Fred Azure’s ran a very homey type store up on the Reservation for many years. His sisters were rural school teachers, Ackworth for one. Viola married Hartley Carlson from Bottineau.
For what it is worth….I don’t claim to be an authority on world cruises, but Bruce Williams may be. If you don’t know who Bruce Williams is ask Billy Grimme, he seemed to also be a fan of Bruce. Bruce claims to have been on many world cruises and says if you only do one cruise in a lifetime, it has got to be an Alaskan Cruise.
Gary Metcalfe
PS Gary told me that the story about the horse races/foot races that the Native American in the story with the ponytail sticking straight out was ON FOOT, NOT A HORSE. Sue
Reply from Paula Fassett (71):
My sisters both wrote, so I’d better get my two cents worth in, too! Cheryl Kester mentioned the ‘quaking bog’, which was at Mineral Springs. As kids we used to hike up there every now and again and the bog was always fascinating! In another stage of my life, old Louie Racine (grandfather to Vincent “Vinnie” Racine, for those of you who know him) talked about it and called it “mushkeg” – which I think is a Cree word – or variation of one – for that kind of area. It’s moss, dead plants, etc., that are more or less suspended or floating on water that seeps from – in this case – the spring and is between that mossy crap and hard ground – voila – quaking bog. There’s probably some fiction mixed in with my fact, but that’s my story. Crystal, I’m glad you added in the part where Susan fell off the log and into the creek – we’ve teased her about that for about 40 years now!!!
Paula Fassett
Reply to Lynn Henriksen (64) from Bill Grimme (65):
Lynn, This is my Valentine to you. Nice article. I enjoyed reading it very much. Bill Grimme Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Reply from Trish Larson Clayburgh (73):
Hi Gary, I was really surprised to see an “entry” from my cousin Linda this morning. I haven’t been keeping up with the Dunseith “blog” lately – I’ve been too busy. But I have saved them all and will catch up later on a rainy day… I wrote an email to Linda, and when I was done, I realized that my memories of those North Dakota summers might stir up similar memories for others, so I thought I’d send it to you to post it if you want to. Linda’s parents were wonderful North Dakota farm people – with big hearts and big laughter. I always enjoyed our summer vacations there, before we moved in 1969 to finally live in North Dakota, near where my mom had grown up. Here’s what I remembered today, and thanks Gary again for all that you do.
Message/Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):
Frozen Fingers Festival posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
From Mark Schimetz (70):
Above will get you to various links in the ND Legislators assembly. There is Video access to the floor but none to the 23 standing committees at this time, however hearing schedules are available on the web site
INFORMATION IS FROM AARP.
att: Gary Stokes. You may publish this on in your blog if you wish. I am sure many will be interested in the health care legislation alone this session.
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02/13/2009
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Mavis Hagen’s passing posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
This came from my friend, Ruth Gust.
From Lynn Henriksen (64): Hi Gary, I gave so much thought yesterday to old friends and what they mean to me, so I wrote the attached post for my blog & published it just now – thought you’d appreciate it. <<…>> Keeping Spirits Alive, Lynn Henriksen Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com
Be Mine, ValentineFebruary 12th, 2009
I was raised in a wonderful place in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota at a little country store, Kelvin, just 4 miles south of the US-Canadian International Peace Gardens and 9 miles north of Dunseith, pop. 800! We, kids, were the Dunseith Dragons, “Blue & White Dynamite, Fight Team Fight.” Yes, I’m reminiscing way back to my formative years where a “man’s” handshake was his word, where the work ethic was not asking, “what’s in it for me,” but rather, “what can I do for you,” where the community came together for what we called a ‘building bee’ if someone lost a home or barn or store to a fire, where we could wander the town without fear or supervision and swim in the lake without life guards (luckily, no one drowned). Of course those were simpler times then everywhere, but I cherish my childhood where Turtle Mountain Memories are irreplaceable. A huge piece of my heart lies in the Turtle Mountains and Dunseith, especially Kelvin. I’m thankful for the Face Book link and Gary Stokes for consciously reconnecting me to that time and place and to those good people. I joined Face Book just last weekend – had my arm twisted, heels dug-in not to go that route, but I have to say it was a very good thing I joined, because Gary Stokes, the Dunseith Alumni guru with a mighty following for his email Blog-blasts, found me and lured me in. He then blasted my unassuming response to that message he sent to me literally all over the place! Little Valentines have been blowing my way the past few days through direct emails and website contacts reawakening in me tender memories, friendships, and ties. What’s more, many people are interested in writing a bio-vignette about their mothers and sending it to me – others have subscribed to my Blog feed – Wow! I hope they know I feel that the inspiration they say I’ve given them to write a “Mother Memoir” is truly a gift they’re giving me. Harking back, once again, to school days, when Valentines were a really big deal, I remember we were allowed to build elaborate hearts and houses and chambers to place on the ledge under the windows inside our classrooms, hoping to attract as many Valentines as possible. It was a creative time filled with hopes for love and friendship, as well as dashed dreams, if Mr. or Mrs. Right-for-me didn’t deliver the longed-for “Be Mine.” Politically correct wasn’t even dreamed-up back then, I don’t think; we weren’t expected to give a Valentine to everyone in the class, and each of us knew we wouldn’t get one from everyone else, either. Most of us had our feelings hurt occasionally, but isn’t that real life? Expectations weren’t such that we believed attention, awards, friends, college, or jobs were a given – we knew we had to work for what we got, in return we learned to value what we did receive. I value my Valentines past, present, and future. Thanks for being in my life. I used to think online cards were not sincere enough or the easy way – but I roll with the times and blogs. Lois Hiatt Fugere’s Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Arnold Wenstad family posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Folks, I don’t have an email address for either Gary or Karen. I’m hoping that someone can pass this message along to them if you/they should happen to see them. Gary is living in the Willow Lake area and Karen is living in Kansas. When putting their class lists together, I had a nice visit with both Gary & Karen. Gary
Karen, Gary Arnold & Arlene Wenstad
Winthrop/Clara Smith picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Pictures posted by Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends, Here are a few pictures of Deerheart Lodge from the Dunseith History Dick
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02/12/2009
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Request from Shelly Hagel (78):
Hi Gary,
Will you please add my dad (Ray Hagel) to your email list.
I am sure he will enjoy…………………
Thanks so much
Shelly
Reply to yesterday’s pictures from LaVerne (Carrole Fauske 66) Rude:
Hi Gary & Bernadette,
I was just looking at the photos and info on the blog and must say I can’t remember ever seeing the group picture of us all. Sure brings back the memories of those many years ago. Carrole was looking over my shoulder and her comment was, “That Gary sure was a good looking kid”. That picture of the “old man” was one I can’t remeber either. Hope all is well with you guys and I do hope to see you this summer. LaVerne
Reply from Linda Gardner (Bottineau):
It was so exciting running into Jackie at the Elks – I’ve been in the Washington area for almost 40 years (can’t believe it’s been that long) and it’s not very often that I run into someone from back home unexpectedly!
My dad and Trish’s mom were actually brother and sister so Trish is my cousin. I have not heard from her since she moved west to Phoenix I believe.
I got together with some friends (Laframboise family in Rugby) I went to country school with the in the Turtle Mountains last summer and we thought it would be fun idea to have a Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion. I originally contacted the Superintendent of schools (Bottineau and Rolette share the Superintendent) to see if I could get some names but have not heard back from him – It’s been over a year and half since I contacted him. Is there anyone interested in participating in that?
I plan to be in the Bottineau area this summer for the Q-Centennial and hope to get some plans in motion for such a reunion in the summer of 2010.
My mother was a Wenstad so a lot of my cousins on that side of the family went to country school in the Turtle Mountains and then to school in Dunseith. Our farm bordered the Rolette County Line but the farm itself was in Bottineau County even though our address was Dunseith.
As I was reading the messages, I was especially interested in the one about Butte St. Paul. We used to have most of our Country School picnics there and it used to be a “hot” spot for gatherings – I actually climbed up the Butte summer before last. I had been up in the “hills” as we referred to them, visiting Jack & Minnie Flynn. On the way back to Towner, we stopped at the Butte. It was a wonderful view from the top!
The other “hot” spot where we used to spend a lot of family/friends time was Long Lake – fishing, picnicing and playing horseshoe. Bud Hagan used to run the place there (he was my mother’s cousin) and it was always a good time.
Margaret Metcalfe Leonard’s (65) reply to photo posted yesterday:
Hi Gary,
The instructor is Morris Azure. He had a TV business in Rolette at one Mel Kuhn’s (70): reply to photo posted yesterday:
Howdy,
The unknown instructor looks like either Morris Azure or Al Azure. Al worked for Baker Elec. for years. Morris at the Jewel Plant.
Mel Kuhn
Morris Azure
 From Marge Longie Langan-Wilcox (56):
Gary,
I would like to wish everyone on the Dunseith Alumni a Happy Valentine’s Day. marge langan-wilcox t From Susan Fassett Martin (65):
Deerheart Lodge was owned by Henry Kotschevar, who was a brother to Lillie Kotschevar. Lillie lived just south and west of Dunseith on the little farm which we as kids liked to call “the smiling house” . Lillie was connected to the Watkins clan, as Sue (Watkins) Bell lived with her for many years as a companion and housekeeper. Carol Carbonneau may have more information. The following is from an article written in the Minot Daily News from an interview with Lillie when she was 90 years old. She was a sweet lady and was at most of our family functions over my growing up years. I wish that I had interviewed more of the older family members back then and gleaned more information. Here is the excerpt:
“……Lillie’s brother Henry Kotschevar will be remembered by many as the operator of Deer Heart Lodge, a tourist attraction four miles west and two miles north of Dunseith for 25 years. Henry, a graduate of the University of North Dakota, and his wife moved on a quarter section of brush land and pasture about 1935 and developed the area into a fairyland park and home. They showed their home with its furniture carved from native timber and their park to the public until his health failed about 1960………..Their place was sold to Frank, Julian and Joseph Peltier and they in turn have sold the place to Kenneth Hill………Kotschevar had made all the furniture in the house, including a dining room table from plywood and a bed. He carved lamps, lamp stands, vases and picture frames from poplar. Selling these items and other souveniers, along with a 15-cent admission to tour the lodge during the summer months provided the Kotschevars with their only income. They reared four boys and a girl…….. On a Sunday the lodge sometimes had more that 100 visitors. Mrs Kotschevar, who took up taxidermy, mounted deer, birds, chipmunks and frogs for display on the grounds, some in glass showcases. In one area stuffed frogs she labeled, ” Dunseith poker players” were playing cards around a table. On a pedestal enclosed in two feet of glass mounted squirrels gathered for a wedding included one dressed as a priest and a couple in appropriate garb. Kotschevar dug a circular brook which flowed under a stone bridge. Fed by a flowing well, the small brook provided a setting for a large number of flower beds and stone walks. He made one stone flower bed in the shape of a star with an upper portion in the shape of a pentagon. Using stone from the area, Kotschevar built a gateway to the yard and a wall around the trees. Kotschevar and his wife also had a vegetable garden and a garden where they raised apples, plums and strawberries. On the west end of the lodge they provided a picnic shelter for the public. Tours would start and end at their house. ” Can you picture the place?? What a shame that so many of the landmarks around Dunseith have not been preserved. If any one has any pictures of Deer Heart Lodge, please post them or I would like to have copies. Contact me. If anyone would like the entire article I could copy and send. Hugs and Prayers, Susan Reply from Clark Crum (54):
Gary,
The “quaking bog” was at mineral Springs (you could drink the water coming out of the springs. I always thought you were on a big bowl of jello, it was very different. There was a site where we found artifacts on the way up to the springs.
Dick Morgan, Glen Williams and Don Hosmer led the way for Gary Morgan, Jerry Williams, Barry Shelver and I on many a trips to the Springs and the site.
Clark Crum
Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):
Paulette LaCroix asked about the “quaking bog”. That probably was at Mineral Springs just north of town a couple of miles. We used to make a trek up there every summer and bounce on the bog. Crystal has pictures in dad’s old slides of us hiking up there. Maybe she will post them. I remember in High School about 6 or 7 of us got left up there after a school trip by Mr Grossman and had to hike back to town. I know it was me, Phyllis McKay and 3 or 4 others. Anyone remember that from the class of ’65?? I think Kenny Nerpel was in the bunch??
Susan Reply from Bob Hosmer (56):
In reply to Cheryl, I remember something of what you describe being near Mineral Springs. It was a most interesting phenomenon. I was raised and round–maybe fifty feet or so across and, as you said, spongy. Someone else may have a better grip that memory than I do.
Bob
Bob Hosmer, WA Chaplain
Marketplace Chaplains USA Cell: 425-299-0928 Email: rkhosmer@comcast.net Website: www.MChapUSA.com Message/Pictures from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):
Frozen Finger Festival posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe
Hi Gary,
I sent this awhile ago, but I’m resending it, as the “BIG EVENT” is this weekend! It should be lots of fun. I hope the weather co-operates. Last year, it was so cold it wasn’t fit for anyone to out and about.
Neola
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02/11/2009
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02/10/2009
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02/09/2009
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Lynn Henriksen (64) Reply to Gary:
Hi Gary, Thank you for your kind words about my site – I’ve worked very hard on it, to say the least. Yes, you can post my website on your blog (I’m so snowed under with getting my website platform robust, that I seldom get a chance to read your blog – sorry, but I just can’t do it all). Thought you’d enjoy this bit of info: the picture I have up of the book cover I designed for TellTale Souls: Keeping Spirits Alive One Story at a Time is Mom on board the SS Aleutian on her way to Alaska, pregnant with my brother, Rick. You probably saw it when you looked at the site. If you do link my site, I’ve found it’s best to just paste this:http://www.telltalesouls.com. Also, since I’m hoping to get TTS published this year, I’m beginning work on my next book, which will be the male voice on mothers. I’d love it if you’d write a bio-vignette about your mother or another important woman in your life. I’d be pleased if you’d put it out there that I’d be interested in hearing from any or all of you reader with a story for possible inclusion in my next book. That would be so great to have Dunseith-rooted people included in my book – I’d be thrilled. Both Colette & Janet (Hosmer) and Dana (my sister), as well as Sam (Colette’s daughter) and both my daughters, Jennifer & Samantha, have stories in the current book. It is important to note that when someone submits a story it needs to through my site – it’s easy by clicking on “Submit Your Story” so their “Mother Memoirs” won’t go to spam and I won’t lose them in the avalanche of daily emails! Hope you’re well & happy! You always sound so positive and upbeat… Keeping Spirits Alive, Lynn Henriksen Website: http://www.telltalesouls.com Blog: http://www.thestorywoman.com
From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Lloyd Awalt’s comments on the “smokers” made me think of Deer Heart Lodge.
I remember visiting there when I was quite young. There was a carving a four “frogs” in a poker game. The older folks seemed to know the inside joke that they represented certain town men. ( Maybe I have this mixed up and someone can shed some light on other details of what seemed like an enchanted spot.) Deer Heart Lodge was located on the Willow Lake Road and that place is currently owned by Kenny Hill. I remember alot of taxidermy, full size deer standing around the yard. Also, the furniture was hand made out of logs. I wonder what happened to all of the mementos that were there. Lots of tourists visited there and we would often have strangers drive in our yard looking for it, We had to tell them they were one mile off.
“Smokers” were used by the Jaycee’s in the late 60’s to raise money to buy bleachers for the gym. The Dunseith Jaycees of that era were very active and achieved #1 in the State Parade of Cities two years in a row under the presidencies of John Morgan and Terry Espe. The guys really pitched in on community projects as well as participating in state and national events. Rodney Armentrout flew a few members to the National Jaycee Convention in St. Louis. The convention was held under the “Arch” and one of the speakers was President Richard Nixon.
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02/08/2009
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Reply to Allen Richard (65) from Kay Hosmer (77):
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Richard – from Kay Hosmer (77)
Allen Richard
Email address change for Marge Landsverk Fish (57):
HI GARY, Feb. 7
I have been without a computer for 3 weeks and now have a new one.
My new e-mail address is:
I have been missing your e-mails and will have to get back on track now.
The weather in Horicon Wi. today was in the 40’s, just beautiful for Feb. I took my dog for a nice long walk, she gives me a reason.
Thanks for all your work on the e-mails.
Marge(Landsverk) Fish
Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):
Good Morning Gary: Questions for Sharren and answers to some of her questions in message #361.
Sharren Gottbreth Shen (59) Yes,Sharren their was a Dunseith Livestock Exchange it was a long narrow building sandwiched between the Peace Garden Cafe and Ray Wilson’s Law Office. Yes, it had pictures of dogs playing cards and it was a place where the guys played cards. This group of men celebrated their birthdays together playing cards and having a dinner, these celebrations were held at the depot. Later on the Livestock Exchange became Marie’s Beauty Shop.
The “Smokers” poker card games were big poker games where men from all over came to gamble.
The money raised from holding these games was used by the city to purchase the new fire engine. It was used for other big ticket items needed by the City. These games were held in the basement of the Dunseith City Hall.(I remember there was a disagreement about whether or not it was legal or morally right to hold these games and one of the pastors of the community had them raided.) Hopefully someone can give us more input about this.
The pictures you sent I think were labeled wrong. #2 is a picture of Dale Gottbreth. #3 is also Dale, I do remember when Dale rolled the livestock truck. In 1942 Dale Gottbreth built a warehouse across from our home in Dunseith. The warehouse was used to manufacture Water Pumps and Whet Stones used for sharpening knives etc. This building was later moved out to where Dales is now and is part of the original cafe.
Lloyd Awalt
Hertha Egbert Photo posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Gary,
I’m not sure if Hertha is a Dunseith or Kramer Egbert. I just happened to see this picture last night.
Neola
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02/07/2009
Request from Rod Kalk (61):
Hi Gary,
Please add Lisa Williams Mastvelton to your emails-
to your emails.
We’re enjoying great temperatures in ND.
Thanks, Rod Kalk Class of 1961
Please add Lisa Williams Mastvelton to your emails-
to your emails.
We’re enjoying great temperatures in ND.
Thanks, Rod Kalk Class of 1961
Rod, it is my pleasure to add Lisa Williams Mastvelton (82) to our distribution list.Lisa, you were quite young when I left the Dunseith area, so I don’t remember you all that well, but I do know the Lagerquist’s and the Knutson’s, both extended relatives of yours. Your sister Lori is married to Ray Lagerquist and your daughter, Jenna, is married to Toad Knutson. I don’t know Toad, but I know his grandparents, Norris & Arlene Knutson, well. Toad’s dad, Roger, was just a little tite when I left the country. It’s hard for me to believe, in my mind, that Roger is all grown up and has grown up kids of his own. I guess things didn’t come to a stand still when I left the country. Rod Hiatt filled us all in, with message #333, with the wonderful wedding and reception of your daughter Jenna & Toad. My brother Darrel and his wife Debby told me they also attended their wedding and reception. From all reports, it was a wonderful affair. Gary
Reply from Pam Wenstad Lane (78):
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Hi Gary,
Fisrt of all, I would truely like to tell you how much I like this site. I don’t know most of the people,but I like to read all of the history.Thank you for all of your work.I was wondering how I could get ahold of the Prairie Past and or Mountain Memories to read about Fred Morin.Maybe Gary Metcalfe can help me out. I would be grateful.
Pam Wenstad Lane “78”
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Reply from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
In reply to Ginger’s question of a family from Dunseith’s Main Street
that drowned, it was the second wife of Carl Watschke and her son. They
were fishing on Long Lake and got caught in a sudden storm with strong
winds which overturned the boat. Mabel and Larry Nordquist drowned. Carl
managed to keep afloat and Larry’s sister Joy Nordquist swam to the
shore, although she was not a swimmer. The reason I am aware of what
happened that day in 1957 is that Joy later married my dad’s brother,
Cliff Johnson, in 1960. The terrible tragedy of that day has haunted my
aunt throughout her life. She and Cliff don’t have email and hopefully
won’t even hear about this message from those of you who do. I hope this
answers your question. Thanks Gary!
Dick
From Marth Lamb Schepp (68):
Hi to all,
We were just to Minot last night to meet our newest Gandson. Daxton Edwin Schepp, son of Karson and Kristen Marie Casavant Schepp also the grandson of Rick and Denice Casavant of Rolette. Daxton was born on Feb 4 at 6:40 P.M. 8 lbs. 3oz. and 201/2 inches long. He is our 7th grandchild, 3 being boys and 4 girls. The oldest will be 9 in March and until Wed. the youngest just turned 2. They are so fun. We have two grandsons from Rugby staying for 2 nights this weekend. Best say goodbye as we have a game of Yahtzee waiting. Thanks for all that everyone has does, especially Gary for keeping this going. Martha Lamb Schepp (68)
Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):
Dear Gary,
Your web sight sound fascinating, you are so intelligent, you and Billy Grimme. Too bad Conley Grimme isn’t still around he too was very intelligent with all this tech stuff.
I have let my secretary job slack off as I’ve been running around with my Grandkids at NDSU, had a grand time, but now it’s back to getting Lloyd on line again.
Bonnie, Thank you so much for the nice words, however, Bill is the guy with all the smarts. I discovered that it takes more time than brains to put together a ‘simple’ WEB page. Gary
Lloyd Awalt’s (44) reply:
Hello to Gary Metcalfe,
Gary mentioned the time my Dad was up at your place and came across the field carrying a child piggy back. It wasn’t me it was my brother Bill. Everything else you remembered was correct. Keep the messages coming.
Lloyd Awalt
Reply from Diane Berg Rheault (79):
Gary, the picture of the soldier in this email……… When I looked at it, at first glance, it reminded me of one of the Tooke kids (of Kenneth and Nettie(Knox) Tooke). Wondering if it could be some relative either on the Tooke side or the Knox side.
Just a thought….Diane (Berg) Rheault
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Folks, Justene Metcalfe’s parents are Shannon & Debbie (Salmonson) Metcalfe. Her grandparents are Cliff/Lottie Metcalfe & Harlan/LaDonna Salmonson. Gary
Posted by Glen Williams (52): junnermt@msn.com
| Dear alumni and friends,
The entire University of North Dakota alumni family is grieving the loss of one of our most beloved members. Thomas J. Clifford, one of the University’s and state’s most iconic and dedicated alumni passed away in his home on February 4. He was 87 years old. My heart goes out to Tom’s wife, Gayle, and the entire Clifford family during this difficult time. As a UND faculty member, the youngest-serving dean and longest-serving president, Clifford touched the lives of nearly everyone he met. On a weekly basis, I never fail to meet or visit with someone who has an inspiring “Tom Clifford” story. In having many of these memorable conversations with the young and old alike, it’s clear Tom’s impact spans generations. He was a caring and compassionate man who took chances on students and inspired people to succeed. Serving as one of the University’s greatest presidents, the “Clifford Era” from 1971-92 was a time of steadfast growth and success at UND. Clifford was a mentor, a confident leader, a savvy businessman, and, more than anything, a loyal friend and alumnus of the University. No one in our illustrious 125-year history has positively impacted more lives in a variety of ways. He was our “renaissance man”, a war hero and a leader across several disciplines. It is an understatement to say Tom’s passing leaves a void that cannot be replaced. He will be dearly missed on so many levels, both professionally and personally by thousands. Please keep the Clifford family in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time. I am certain many of you have stories and memories about Tom you would like to share. Please visit www.undalumni.org, where we have set up a tribute in his honor. Some of these stories may also be included in the May Alumni Review, which will include a tribute to Clifford’s life. You may also contribute a story about Clifford for inclusion in the Alumni Review by sending it to alumnireview@undalumni.net I know his family and friends will enjoy reading your fond memories of their loved one. Sincerely, Tim O’Keefe, ’71 |
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UND Alumni Association |
02/06/2009
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Dunseith Alumni WEB site:
Folks,
I am in the process of developing a Dunseith Alumni WEB site. This WEB site is not intended, in any way shape or form, to replace our daily email dialog. In doing that I think we’d quickly loose the comradery that we have developed. We still prefer for folks to request to be added our email distribution, rather than just going on line to view the posted daily messages.
I am not posting any personal info on this site. I strip all the email addresses and other personal info when posting the daily messages. I will post each days message as we go along and back fit all the others as time permits. I have posted the Alaska cruise and the Seattle Dunseith Alumni reunion on this sight as well. Please provide me with any items you’d like posted.
Gary
Thank you from Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette), Bryan Schimetz’s aunt:
Thank you to everyone who sent birthday cards to Bryan Schimetz at the Good Sam in Bottineau. He was quite surprised, and appreciated them very much. It was a day brightner for him to know that so many people cared.
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):
Gary,
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. Ginger(65) Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):
It doesn’t get any better, town kid with farm experience. That old machinery had a lure for a kid that was all consuming and there were lots of three legged dogs. I knew it was Joe Lagimodiere when you mentioned the bib overalls.
Dunseith seemed like a larger town to me when you had shanty town and I do remember some the people who lived there. Joe, also Louis Bergan, Ann Grady, Slim Wallin, I am not sure when Axel Johnson moved there, Tommy Counts, Van Counts and many more. When we talk about people like Fred Morin, we can’t completely appreciate what a job that was, he had to know and understand the bootleggers and the people that were not allowed to drink in public. Not much backup for a law man in those days. By all means like Wyatt Earp, a hero. Great job on the pictures Sharren Shen. Correction to yesterday’s picture posted by Kenny Nerpel (65):
Gary,
The picture was actually taken in Denver. I forgot to include Kenny |
02/05/2009
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From Ginger(LaRocque)Poitra (65):
Gary,
I didn’t receive e-mail number 359. I sure have been enjoying all the stories of times gone by. We all need to remember and pass our memories on to our children and they to their children, and so on. My son who lives in Texas was telling me how he tells his sons his remembrance of his grandparents, whom he loved so much. I had said to him we live and we die, no one remembers. That isn’t true is it? You all have proved that here on this blog. You all remember a lot of people and the stories you all tell are so invigorating to read. We owe Gary Stokes so much for starting this, and including us all. Thank you Gary you are one of a kind! and you are appreciated. Many Many thanks.Ginger(LaRocque)Poitra (65)  
Reply from Marge (Longie) Langan Wilcox (Ron, Willy’s & Wally’s sister):
Hello from Washington state
Gary I certainly enjoy your tidbits everyday. I remember Elaine Watkins very well. that’s the year the boys were burning the girls dresses. margelanganwilcox
Reply to Gary from Eileen Egbert Spitzer (Adrian Egert’s Granddaughter):
Thank you for the information on my father. It was very interesting. Since so many are gone, so much
will have been lost. The date of my fathers death was listed wrong in the chart. He was killed in
Germany May 2, 1945. WWII. My mother never remarried and raised my brother and I alone. She
died in October, 2007 at the age of 94. Eileen Egbert Spitzer.
From Kenny Nerpel (65):
Gary, It ain’t Paris and it ain’t Hong Kong, but it ain’t bad! There Kenny
Kenny Nerpel in Denver, Co.
Bill Grimme in Paris France Gary Stokes in Hong Kong
Reply & George Gottbreht pictures from Sharren Gottbreht Shen (59):
Two for Lloyd Awalt, Gary. I sure look forward to his every entry; such fantastic recall that awakens so many happy memories. George Gottbreht had an office on the east side of Main St: Dunseith Livestock Exchange. I think it must have been located near or in the Wilson Law offices? I believe the title was lettered on the window. Today I think of it as his private card room! Every time I would stop there looking for a nickle or dime, Grandpa and company would be playing cards. I can still smell the smoke of his cigars. The walls had several prints of dogs playing poker, some had expressions of chagrin, some sniggering, some surprised. The dogs were all smoking cigars too! Grandpa was there from early 40’s till his death in ’51. Jim Gottbreht told me of the Exchange sales ring and stock pens where Dale’s is today and I presume that is where most of their business was conducted. Jack Hosmer told me about the Business Men’s Meeting held every month on Main St. I thought it might have been at Kadry’s. Any member celebrating a birthday that month would receive a new Stetson. Perhaps Lloyd or others could expand on this club. I remember dad going to every “Smoker” held in town. I have the impression that these games were held in winter. I know my Uncle August Dionne would come from Thorne so I surmise all players were welcome. I wonder where they were held? My picture is rather dim but I will post it anyway. Sharron
Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Gary,
I’ve been meaning to send an email, thanking the person who sent the pictures of Minnie Flynn’s birthday party, to you. Alice Vandal Leonard planned to attend, but because of the weather, she didn’t make it. I forwarded your newsletter that included pictures of Minnie’s birthday, to Alice. She was so happy to receive them. As you know, Alice doesn’t care to receive all the newsletters, so I try to forward the ones I think she might enjoy seeing. Alice was one of the four ladies who wrapped caramels to set on the registration desk at Frozen Fingers Festival, Sleep Inn in Minot on February 13-15. Dick and Brenda Johnson/Ron Hett will be performing at this event.
Thanks again.
Neola
eBay info for Bill Hosmer’s friends book “The Birds Were Silver Then” posted by Neola Garbe:
In a riveting collection of first-person accounts, The Birds Were Silver Then captures the idealism and tragic missteps of America’s earliest air missions over North Vietnam. Told in revealing detail by the pilots who survived, the book is both a testament to their heroism and a cautionary tale for our nation.
Read what people are saying about Lowell Peterson’s new book…. “Dr Peterson’s collection of essays and first-person interviews provides a clear overview of our nation’s often misguided Vietnam policies and a detailed account of the bravery of those charged with carrying our those policies – often to tragic ends. Whether you lived through this era in our history, or were too young to remember it, this book brings to life a critical juncture in the air war and honors those who served its cause.” Melvin R. Laird
“The Viewtnam War waas a political disaster. Lest we forget, this book remimds us that those who served in that war served honorably and heroically.” Robert F. Froehlke
“Those of us who were venturing into a new ear of pain and destruction grew closer together and gained stupendours respect and trust for one another. That is the underlying lesson I became aware of while we were losing our virginity in combat and experiencing the exhilaration which come from being shot at.” William J. Hosmer
eBay URL link for the Book “The Birds Were Silver Then” |
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02/04/2009
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02/03/2009
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02/02/2009
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From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51):
Hi to all: We are home from visiting children and grandchildren during December and from Costa Rica during January–where we studied and lived with a family.
We had felt some small rumbles in the earth a few times before the big earthquake occurred (6.2) and we ran out of the house to the back yard, where we swayed back and forth with the earth for a short time, I even felt nauseous. North of San Jose at Volcan Poas occurred massive damage and some people have never been found and several communities were wiped out. The T.V. news, of course carried it constantly and the people of C.R. came to the rescue as best they could. I even saw a large monkey run into the arms of an animal rescuer. It was very touching. Volcan Poas is again open for visitors, but the devastation of the roads and beautiful mountains and streams is great–just in that area. The rest of C. R. is okay. About 30 volcanologists were studying Poas in the crator when it cccurred, but they all came out unharmed. Happy New Year to all! Lois Lilleby Fielding Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):
Hi Gary, Here is my answer to Dick.
Hello Dick Johnson,
1960 is when Bill Teal retired from the depot, Bill Teal almost never drove, he always got someone else to drive for him.. Bill and Irene moved down next to Jack and Minnie Flynn. Ray Hagel took his place as depot agent. Yes I remember putting pennies on the train tracks and having the train flatten them, so you weren’t the first to do that and you sure weren’t the last. Doing that sure made a penny look like it could be worth more than one cent didn’t it!
My Dad John Awalt bought the Dray Line in 1931 from Ike Berg. We used horses to haul the freight, we hauled everything, coal, ashes, and ice besides what came in on the train. During the Christmas Season is was not unusual to haul as many as three truck loads of mail up to the San Haven. Coal was a big part of the business because almost all homes, stores and the school was heated by coal. The coal had to be pushed from the train cars into the coal sheds and later loaded onto the wagon or truck and hauled to it’s destination. The bucket you pushed it with by hand was no easy chore, and sometimes if you hit a nail in the floor as you were pushing it was a bugger of a quick stop. Dad sold the Dray Line in 1943.
Lloyd Awalt
Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56):
Hi everybody, hope you all are getting ready for spring. Surely it must be on the way!!!
Elaine Watkins died just 1 month after my sister Corinne. Both were mentally challenged. It was interesting to hear of Elaine’s ability to remember things,
because Corinne could also. She remembered all the relatives’ birthdays, anniversaries, and she could also tell you how old people were. My mother used
to say, if it weren’t for Corinne, nobody would have gotten birthday cards from her. Corinne did not attend public school, although that was tried and failed, but she did have a
tutor come to the house for a time. That was Elinor Fuchs and she made a big improvement in Corinne’s life. Elinor taught her to read enough so she could find things in
the newspaper. Especially she would look to see who was in the hospital from Dunseith. As Mom was writing the news for the TMS, that was a big help. One of the things
about Elaine, when we were younger, was that we would sit together at the movies, way down in front. She wasn’t always as friendly as she was as she got older, but
mostly we managed to get along. She and Corinne were much more compatible. I don’t remember Bud so well, but I knew his folks better as they were often in the Crystal
Café when I worked there. Bud was pretty quiet, but friendly.
I really think Gary Metcalf gives Bonnie and I a lot of credit as I see our names in his messages pretty often. Thanks, Gary, you are alright!!!
Adrian Egbert was a character around town. He was the father of my aunt, Margaret Lilleby who was just the best aunt to have in this world. She and Louis drove a
taxi in Dunseith for a number of years before moving to Washington. They lived in the house the Dick Johnson’s folks had before moving to their farm. Eventually my
brother Lowell owned that house. The house was right across from Adrian’s Northern Hotel. Adrian’s woodpile was always a temptation on Halloween, and my
friends were involved in several “tricks” there. Dorothy (Adrian’s second wife) and my mother were friends and visited often. When Mom wanted to sell the house we
had lived in (get this, which was built by Adrian) Dorothy bought it for $2000. What a deal!! Donald and his wife lived in the last I knew.
Enough for now. Take care. Janice Leonard Workman, class of 1956 rules!!!!
Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57):
Re: Modeste Lagimodiere
Modeste’s homestead was about 1 1/2 miles south of Rapid City Lake and one mile off #3 highway. Louis Riel Jr. was son of Julie Lagimodiere and Louis Riel Sr. If Alice Bergan doesn’t have a picture of Alcide, what with Alcide babysitting her kids all those years, then I guess we are out of luck. People reading this would get a lot more out of it if there was a picture. Melvin Cook, someone out there may know what family brought him to the area. I am guessing maybe the Anderson’s. On those swimming adventures on Rabbit City Lake, they would look way over on the other side of the lake, and say “there he is”. Melvin swam like a duck, staying under water so long, they wondered where he was at. I think he had some other talents too. About 1947 Dad introduced me to a man named Fred Morin. He had a big star, a big hat and he was a rather striking figure of a man, this was up on the Jack Rabbitt Trail north of Dunseith. As I read his story in Prairie Past and Mountain Memories, one could easily write a book on his life of 104 years. I thought Fred did a lot of his duty on foot? For sure Wilbur Hall did his work on horseback on the Canadian Border when we first came back to the farm. Things really were changing fast in the 40’s. Reply from Colette Hosmer (64):
Cousin Bob,
I liked your memory/letter which included Elaine Watkins very much. I have added this image of you to my file of “cousin Bob Hosmer memories” in my head. That’s one of the great things about this communal “blog”. It enables us all to build a more complete picture of those who contributed to our lives.
Thanks to you, the “Fassett Boys” and others, my memory of Elaine has filled-out considerably.
Colette
Susan, I forgot to attack the pictures when I posted the following message with #355. Sorry about that. Gary
Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):
Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins. She was born Jan 1st 1938 to
Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins. She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine Robert, and Carol Carbonneau. She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at home on the farm north of Dunseith. She never fully developed mentally beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance. She loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan Fassett, and all our siblings. We used to tease her unmercifully when we were kids, but she loved us anyway. Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine squeal. She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when she came out of the house. I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about her and also Murl and Jeannine. These pictures are in my collection, of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2. The one of her dancing is with my mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin. Mom was teaching her to dance and that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the couch.) We had lots of good times with her. I like to think that she and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who have gone home ahead of us. God Bless, Hugs and prayers, Susan Irene Fassett & Elaine Watkins Dancing – Paula Fassett on couch
Elaine Watkins – 1940
Elaine Watkins – 1940
Elaine Watkins – 1940
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02/01/2009
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01/31/2009
Bernice Belgarde (72):
Bernice, Enabling folks can contact you, I forgot to post your email address with yesterday’s blog. Sorry about that. Gary
Folks, I recieved the following messages from Vickie Metcalfe that Denise Lajimodiere sent to her, Dick Johnson & Ginger LaRocque Poitra. Bernice Belgarde forwarded Denise the daily blog messages with the stories of Alcide Lajimodiere. Gary
Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie, Ginger & Dick: deniselajimodiere@hotmail.comHi you all!Berniece Belgarde has sent me your emails and information you wrote about Alcide Lajimodiere. His grandfather, Modeste Lajimodiere had three wives and 21 chlidren. I have all the family geneaology – if I can find the folders, I’ve moved and packed them safely away, and can tell who his parents were. My father, Leo Lajimodiere, called him his cousin, and never seemed to have much to do with him, so I never got to know him. Modeste was first cousin to Louis Riel, of Canada fame. His father, Joseph had to flee Canada when Riel was hanged, and that is how we migrated to Dunseith area – Modeste took out a homestead north of Dunseith.
Alcide is buried with the other Lajimodiere’s in Dunseith.
I love the stories you have told, thank you so much, keep them coming if you have others! So many of the Lajimodiere men here in the states and in Canada never had children. With my moving to Fargo there are now no one living in the T.Mts. with our last name. There are many that live in Winnipeg and Wallhalla.
Does anyone have a photo of him?
Denise K. Lajimodiere
2219 4th Ave. S
Moorhead, MN 56560
Vickie Metcalfe’s reply to Denise:Denise, Over the years I have asked lots of folks about photos of
Alcide but no one has a photo. Thank you so much for sharing your
information information. I will keep you in my address book. If I
hear anything more.
I recalled you telling me about the Lajimodere connection to Louis
Riel. Two cousins and I about 4 years ago visted the Riel house in
Manitoba while we visited St. Agathe where my great grandmother
Celina Morin LeDuc was born.
Is it ok if I send your information in to the Gary Stokes website?
Thanks so much! I hope you’re having a good life. Vickie
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Vickie L. MetcalfeDenise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie:I am currently in a dream job as professor in Educational Leadership at NDSU Fargo. I don’t like Fargo, but I love my job and my house in Moorhead. I head home to Belcourt/Dunseith as often as I can. I got my doctorate in 2006 from UND.Please send any info anywhere – the more the merrier. Who is Gary Stokes? I have long contemplated doing a little chap book on the Lajimodiere history here in the states. We fled Manitoba after Riel was hanged. Some returned but my family decided to camp in the Turtle Mountains. At the 200 year anniversary bash of Jean-Babtiste Lagimodiere and Marie-Ann Gaboury in Winnipeg in 2006, most Lajimodiere’s there did not know there were a lot of us in the states.
The historian there said I had the most complete family history of any he had seen. He is doing a huge book on the 20,000 current descendants of JB Lajimodiere.
What are you up to?
Happy Birthday Brenda Hiatt from your brother Bobby Slyter (70):
Gary: today is my sister brenda’s birthday (1-23-55) could you possibly post this for me, thanks for all that you do for us, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS LOVE YA
Happy Belated birthday Brenda. We are hoping you had a good one.Bobby, For some reason this message went into my spam folder and I didn’t catch it until today. Sorry about that. Gary
Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69) reply to Leroy Burcham’s picture posted by Randy Hiatt:
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Enjoyed the pic very much. Leroy looks so very much like Norman to me as he ages. The Birklands and my Dad were cousins and I try to stay in touch with Jim and Ruby as they are living closest to me, but I’m afraid I don’t do a very good job at it, as we usually see each other either in the grocery store or clinic. Richard and I get teased a bit about being related BEFORE we got married because Leroy was married to Delores Hiatt. Such a small small world.
A little winter humor, for all the snow this year, From Julie Hiatt Bonebrake (81):
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01/30/2009
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Email address change for Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
Today we got hooked up to DSL, so things are good! My new email address is :
With the many folks reading this blog, I thought it would be a good
place to post this change. Please change my address folks so I don’t miss your individual messages. Thanks! Dick
From Bernice Belgarde (72):
Hi Gary,
I cannot find the newsletter that told the story of Alcide Lajimodere. It might have been #347 but I cannot retrieve it because my delete file cleared out my deletions too soon. Can you resend me the article on Alcide? Denise Lajimodere would like to know who wrote the article. I sent her the story but did not put in the email the narrator of this story. I just want to say chi mii-gwitch (a big thank you) for providing us the history of Dunseith, ND. I lived a different life in Dunseith coming from a native american home and I know a lot of the people there. My life as a youth and teenager does different from what the white students and people did there. Yet it is very interesting to see how they seen life in Dunseith. Bernice Belgarde – Class of 1972
Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):
Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins. She was born Jan 1st 1938 to
Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins. She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine Robert, and Carol Carbonneau. She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at home on the farm north of Dunseith. She never fully developed mentally beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance. She loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan Fassett, and all our siblings. We used to tease her unmercifully when we were kids, but she loved us anyway. Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine squeal. She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when she came out of the house. I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about her and also Murl and Jeannine. These pictures are in my collection, of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2. The one of her dancing is with my mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin. Mom was teaching her to dance and that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the couch.) We had lots of good times with her. I like to think that she and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who have gone home ahead of us. God Bless, Hugs and prayers, Susan Reply from Paula Fassett (71):
Hi All… Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins, so I decided to add my two cents. Elaine was my cousin – actually my Mom’s first cousin. My mother was Irene (Watkins) Fassett. Her mother – Gudrun Amundson – and Helen (Amundson) (Watkins) Nelson were sisters. Helen is Elaine’s mother – and mother of Murl Hill, Carol Carbonneau and Jeannine Robert. ( I hope my sister Susan replies, too – she is the historian of the family.) Helen worked at Hosmer’s for many, many years so I’m sure a lot of you remember her. Elaine, in this day and age, would most likely be diagnosed “developmentally disabled”. Although that is the way the medical profession most likely saw her, to our family she was most certainly a treasure. And Elaine was smart in many, many ways. She rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary. She could probably have told you the family lineage of most of the people in the Turtle Mountains. And clever – man, could she tell the jokes – some that would make you blush!!! AND she could play the harmonica!! In her later years, Elaine resided in Minot and I’m sure that many Dunseith residents who were at one time or another hospitalized in Minot can tell of Elaine coming to pay them a visit!! She kept an eye on the patient list in the Minot Daily News! She missed very few weddings, anniversary celebrations and/or funerals. Elaine loved to chat on the phone, and although Aunt Helen would tell her not to make so many calls every day, sure enough the phone would ring and after you said hello, there would be a pause, then Elaine’s throaty voice, saying “Mother just went to the barn, so I can’t talk long”. One of my favorite Elaine “tales” is of Tim Hill (who is her nephew) at a time he was going to school in Grand Forks, I believe it was. Elaine was probably in Grafton? Tim wouldn’t give her his phone number for fear he would be inundated with calls, but he would pick her up on weekends that he was going home and take her along. Well, Elaine wasn’t satisfied with that plan – and she knew the street address of where Tim was renting. So she went through the Grand Forks phone book – line by line – until she found the address and Voila! Tim got a phone call! THAT is perseverance! Elaine passed away a few years ago – I think she was about 65 years old. She was quite a character. I think you could ask anyone who was related to her – or a friend or a neighbor who knew her – and they’ll have a humorous tale of Elaine! Paula Fassett
Reply to Gary Metcalfe from Jerry Williams (54):
Yes Gary I do remember Elaine Watkins. She was what in today world be would termed as mentally challenged. Back than we unfortunately had much more derogatory terms for her. She was teased by many of the students back than. I believe that in today’s world with the classes that we have for the mentally challenged she could have fit into our society.
There has been allot of talk about the past teachers from Dunseith School System. The one that I remember the most was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Conroy. I had the greatest respect for her and she will always remain “Mrs.” Conroy to me. Of all the teachers that I have had in the past, both in Dunseith and in college Mrs. Conroy was, to me, the most outstanding and she had a profound impact on my life. Even though she has passed on thank you Mrs. Conroy from the bottom of my heart.
And yes Gary I am about 3 or 4 years older than you and I still remember you. If I remember right you were on the football team the fall of 1953. Am I right? You may have been on the basketball team as well, however my role on the BB team was bench warmer (at best).
Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew):
I’m sure you’ve covered the Peace Gardens in some of the earlier posts. My Dad, Don Aird Sr., helped build the Peace Gardens with the CCCs. Every Memorial Day we would come to Dunseith to put flowers on the Carlson graves at the Little Prairie Cemetery. Then we would go to the Peace Gardens. Dad would spend most of a day just going back to the places he remembered. One story Dad told me that you may not have heard had to do with Kelvin and the switchboard. Everyone was on the same “party line”. Ease dropping was common. The commandant for the CCCs had to make a report once a month to Washington using the phone. When he called Washington lots of folks picked up their phones to listen in. When they did that they drained the electricity powering the system so the report couldn’t be made. The commandant finally rang up everyone on the line and told them if they would wait he would call them all back and give them the same report he was making to Washington. So every month there were two reports one, to Washington and one to the ease droppers on the line.
Sybil Johnson’s reply to Gary:
My birthday is July 2 and I also have 2 family members in July. My cousin is 6 days younger than me and we were
raised almost like sisters. Sybil
Reply/picture from Randy Hiatt:
Gary, I have attached a picture of my step father Leroy Birkland and his wife Alice, and one of Wades sons so some of the folks can see. This was taken when I was back last December to visit him in Bottineau. I hadn’t seen my step dad in many years so it was really nice getting back and visiting with him. I took dad for a drive up in the hills and stopped to see Freddy Hiatts old farm by Willow Lake. A lot had change with that farm from the way I remember it when I was a kid visiting. The big red barn was gone and a lot of the out buildings as well.
I am still trying to figure out how this blog works in regards to what I type and what is posted. If I post a few things I will get the hang of it. I have lots of other pictures that people would probably be interested in seeing so let me know which way would be the best way to post them.
Thanks for everything Randy Hiatt
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01/29/2009
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01/28/2009
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Folks, with yesterday’s message we (I) skipped message 351, so there is no message 351. Gary
Correction to Jerry Williams message posted with message 350.
Folks, I miss read Jerry’s message thinking, in my mind, that he had been back to Dunseith many times since 1954. I sent Jerry a message telling him I was going to edit out the word ‘not’ in his message. I told him if it was wrong, I’d post a correction. Well I was wrong, so I’m posting the correction below. Gary
Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher – mid 60’s):
Herzlich glueckwunch zum Geburtstag, Allen!
Speaking about collecting Social Security. A little bit of information for those retireing from Federal Service. I started collecting full Social Security benefits when I turned 65. My 10 year old son (at the time) started collecting an amount equal to half of my benefits because he was under 18 and (get this) my ex-wife, because we were married for more than ten years, also began collecting benefits amounting to 50% of my benefit. My current wife doesn’t get anything which is a bone contention on occasion. When I retired at age 68, because I am under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) The Social Security Windfall Act applied to me as it does to all Federal employees under CSRS. As a result, just when we really need full Social Security benefits when we retire, they are cut, in some cases, by as much as 75-80%. The rationale being that we have been working all these years and paying into another retirement plan and not paying in to Social Security. I wonder if this also applies to people in private business and industry? It has taken the Social Security Administration a full year to catch up to me as I have been receiving full benefits during my first year of retirement and not eligible to do so. I lucked out in that they only cut me about 45% but I have to pay back what they overpaid me this past year. Not a problem since I knew this was going to happen and with each monthly payment dropped 50% into a savings account. In other words I had a nice loan for a year from Social Security. My son and ex-wife also have to pay back. Good luck on them getting money back from the ex. It’s no wonder that outfit is going broke.
Again, Allen, Happy Birthday.
Bob Lykins
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01/27/2009
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Please note there is no message 351.
Reply from Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (48):
Well, I certainly remember Miss Ewen. She had us totally under her
thumb and we’d better not ask “why.” I did my practice teaching in a one room rural school south of Minot (one of te lucky ones to be assigned to this situation) with Jim Bowles who also belonged to the Rural School Teacher group. Miss Ewen, it seemed, was observing us every day. I have had a wonderful teaching career– Since then I have taught in Worcester, MA, Sutter Creek, CA, and Kent, This must be thanks to Miss Ewen who had us cutting pictures out of Tommy Hagen can relate to much of this early training, I’m sure. Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Rita Gable called me. I had sent pictures of her to the Dunseith School, as someone had written Rita teaches there, which she does, except this year she is in Minot. She was wondering where I had found the pictures–I hadn’t taken time to write a note to send along with the pictures, so I was hoping she was in your lists and knew about the pictures. She isn’t and didn’t, but it worked out fine, as we had a nice visit. Also, she would like to be included in your Alumni news letter: (I hope I have that right; I sent a test email to her, but haven’t received a reply.). She asked if I had seen pictures of Keplin’s. I know I have seen some with the Keplin name. I’ll send them to her and see if they are her relatives–I hope so.
I plan to go to Bottineau tomorrow and stay until about February 7th/8th. I have an appointment with my oncologist on February 9, so I need to be back in Minot then. All is going well.
Later tonight, I hope to scan Frozen Fingers Festival tentative schedule; Dick, Brenda and Ron Hett are performing this year.
I’m attending a meeting at 8:00, so I’ll quit for now.
By the way, I loved seeing the picture of “the Morinville kids”.
 I need to respond to other comments sometime, too, but thought I’d mention this picture now.Neola
Jarilyn Hiatt’s photo posted by Noela Kofoid Garbe:
Jarilyn is the daughter of Wallace & Arla Hill Hiatt. Does anyone know if Jarilyn has email? I do not have Jarilyn listed in any of my files. Gary
Posted by Neola Garbe:
Does anyone know where this property is located?
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01/26/2009
Email address change for Armand Mongeon (40):
Gary my email address has changed from I really enjoy the email I do hope this goes through. Armand
Armand, this came through just fine. I have updated all of my files with your address change.Armand, most all of us remember you, your family and you working at the hardware store. Several years ago you told me you have been working at the same hardware store in Dunseith for over 60 years. That is remarkable.Folks, with your visits to Dunseith, feel free to stop in the hardware store and say hi to Armand.
From Dave Wurgler (64):
Gary: Good Day to whoever reads this. First of all Happy Birthday to Allen Richard, maybe one of these years you will catch up with me in age as you couldn’t do it with the cars we had back in the good ole days. lol. You were talking about retirement and Soc. Sec., so I will update my life,as of June 30th 2008 I retired from my service station business after 42 years of service. I liquidated my inventory and sold out the equiptment and as of Jan. 5th I sold the building and property. I am now working partime at the Tesaro Convenience Store and collecting that big Soc.Sec. check, plus I am shuffling cars around to different cities for the Ford dealership her in Rugby on my days off. (enjoying every bit of it) Char and I will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary in Nov. and raised three children, Lisa,(41) Teri,(39) and Chris.(34) and they made us proud Grand Parents of 8 Grand Children and we love and spoil them all. In Sept. we took our long awaited vacation and traveled to Calif. for three weeks to be with Char’s family and had a great time. What I really enjoyed the most was all the golfing we got in and all the beautiful courses we got to play the game on. We even golfed on the course Tiger Woods grew up on and learned the game of golf in his home city and also toured the three million dollar rec center he built next to the golf course for the city and he completely rebuilt the golf course by making the fairways longer and more difficult with sand traps, water traps, more trees and huge rolling greens. We had a blast golfing that course but as I am not a par golfer I shot a lot more boogeys than I did pars. lol. Well, I better quit boring your clients and sign off for now, but keep up the good work you are doing on this blog which I enjoy very much and I don’t miss a day, Thanks.—————–Enjoying my life and retirement, God Bless all of the Alumni of DHS and bless all with health and happiness. Dave Wurgler (64).
Reply from Bill Hosmer (48):
Lloyd Awalt’s reports alway seem to stir up a memory I had about our town. With the mention of elevator fires, I was reminded of a building on main steet between Billy Wright’s, later, Joe Morinville’s store and Floyd Nelson’s barber shop there was a building in the thirties which included the Dunseith Journal, a jewelry store, and maybe Judge Ray Wilson’s office where he and Ovila Laumoureux played chess for hours. When I was in the 3rd grade, and Miss Drege was our teacher that building burned. On the south side of the aforementioned store was the house where the Deeters lived. Mrs. Deeter was our telephone operator. She had two girls, Ruth and Carol. I was having a crush on Carol who was in the 4th grade, so she and the other girls never paid attention to “lower graded guys” So we came back from lunch on a school day, and Carol was crying because she was worried about her home burning. It was a very big fire. The teacher hadn’t come into the room
yet, so I stood in front of the 4th grade rows and waived my arms around and said that everything was going to be ok. I knocked over a can of full length chalk, and the sawdust they were packed in and made a hell of a mess, just before Miss Drege walked into the room. The good part was that Carol laughed, the bad part that I had to clean up the mess, and we never had a whole length of chalk for the rest of the year. Bill Hosmer
yet, so I stood in front of the 4th grade rows and waived my arms around and said that everything was going to be ok. I knocked over a can of full length chalk, and the sawdust they were packed in and made a hell of a mess, just before Miss Drege walked into the room. The good part was that Carol laughed, the bad part that I had to clean up the mess, and we never had a whole length of chalk for the rest of the year. Bill Hosmer
Reply to the 1949 snow storm from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew):
I started grade school in Wahpeton the fall of 1949. My Mother, Clarissa Carlson Aird, took my 2 year old sister Christine to the Carlson homestead for Christmas. Dad and I stayed in Wahpeton. That Christmas the Turtle Mountains had a huge snow storm. My Mother and sister were snowed in. For two weeks I ate canned tomato soup and toast, all Dad knew how to fix. Finally Grandpa Pete got tired of the company. Pete hooked up his team of horses to his hay wagon, bundled my Mother and Sister up in quilts and took them to Dunseith to catch the train. Pete would have been in his mid 70’s.
Reply to 1949 snow storm from Gary Metcalfe (57):
Reply to Lloyd Awalt
Winter of ’49…yes, Lloyd we had our hands full to say the least. We had lots of cattle, all housed in the barn. It was definitel the only winter we had to make a pass or two with the team and hayrack to make a road before we loaded the load of hay. Then we had to haul the whole six ton stack that day or lose it to the elements. There were deer in the one side of the stack that had a crevice, they were too weak to run. Always more snow up there on top of the Turtle Mts. But, I guess we were prepared, always had a top team of horses, the super hired man, as Alcide was. Elwood Fauske became very popular that winter. I have pictures, but am hard pressed to get words out let alone pictures.
Lloyd those orphan lambs always became pests. Art Seim, sheepman, always found a home for some of his. They would lay by the door you used, so you couldn’t get out until you begged for mercy. One morning Alcide came in and said, “I saved Baby.” The ’49 Chevy pickup had rolled from the house to the barn, Baby was pinned but not hurt in the least. These were the kind of happenings that gave Alcide yet another story to tell all visitors.
Lloyd, just tell me I had a dream if you don’t remember this. Had to be between ’46 and ’49, you and your dad, John were at the farm. I must have been busy with chores that winter day. You and John came from the east, we had some old machinery 1/8 mile east, but John had you piggy back. It was cold and the snow was deep. You may have twisted your ankle. Again, I could be dreaming.
Yes, there sure were a lot of real adventure stories from that winter. Yes, the prairie too if you lowered all the road and grades one foot or two like they were in those days. Winter would take on a new look again. The people involved were people from the great depression, they took it in stride. The good part and I remember it well, grain and cattle were top price that year. Almost all our neighbors bought a new Chevy pickup, green or black. Dad sold a red pole bull to Al Houle for $500.00–that was a lot of moola in those days.
Thanks, Gary Metcalfe
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
Lloyd (and his ‘secretary’ Bonnie, I suppose), posted another great
story from the old days! I too remember the elevator fire of ’54. It is
listed in the Dunseith history book as June 1954, so I would have been
just a month from my fourth birthday. The flames are still clear in my
mind. Speaking of the train, did anyone else put pennies on the train
tracks for the train to smash? I still have one that I did in the ’50s.
It smeared it pretty flat! Bill Teal would go home for lunch and would
drive his two tone green ’56 Chevy past our house, so I knew when we
could mess around at the depot! Can anyone remember the coal bins by the
elevator where you loaded coal in your pickup with a two wheel cart?
That was where we got coal for quite a few years until Dad converted our
old furnace to fuel oil with a burner he bought from Herman Martinson at
the bakery. It was a relief to not have to haul coal and put it in the
basement! I also remember how the freight came in to the depot on the
train for most of the businesses in town. John Awalt and later Johnnie
Myer were the dray men who delivered all over town. They hauled a lot of
loads past our house on their way uptown. The good old days! Thanks Gary! Dick
story from the old days! I too remember the elevator fire of ’54. It is
listed in the Dunseith history book as June 1954, so I would have been
just a month from my fourth birthday. The flames are still clear in my
mind. Speaking of the train, did anyone else put pennies on the train
tracks for the train to smash? I still have one that I did in the ’50s.
It smeared it pretty flat! Bill Teal would go home for lunch and would
drive his two tone green ’56 Chevy past our house, so I knew when we
could mess around at the depot! Can anyone remember the coal bins by the
elevator where you loaded coal in your pickup with a two wheel cart?
That was where we got coal for quite a few years until Dad converted our
old furnace to fuel oil with a burner he bought from Herman Martinson at
the bakery. It was a relief to not have to haul coal and put it in the
basement! I also remember how the freight came in to the depot on the
train for most of the businesses in town. John Awalt and later Johnnie
Myer were the dray men who delivered all over town. They hauled a lot of
loads past our house on their way uptown. The good old days! Thanks Gary! Dick
Birthday reply from Allen Richard (65):
Thanks for the well wishes. I planned to retire soon too but that got complicated with the economy. My stock comeback is that the announcement of my retirement will appear at the same time as my obituary.
Message/picture from Jerry Williams (54):
I graduated with Viola with the class of 1954, a graduating class of 8, I think the smallest to ever graduate from good old DHS. Anyway I have been back to Dunseith many times since 1954 myself and Viola is one of those people that I have not seen in now 55 years. I don’t know if our class is going to get together for a 55 year reunion this summer or not but it would be fun to get to see her again. How about it class of “54” are we going to have a class reunion this summer?
Jerry Williams class of “54” with wife Kathy
1/25/2009 (349)
Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):
I had another birthday announcement come across my computer screen telling me Allen Richard (65) has a birthday tomorrow, January 26. Happy Birthday Allen. Coming from the class of 65, I think you’ve got about 6 months in age on me. I’ll be 62 in July. We can start collecting SS. Being a retired Federal Employee, My SS will be reduced to almost nothing, but that’s OK. Gary
Allen Richard
Request from Jeff Evans (73):
Hi Gary,
Could you please add my brother Jon (85) to your mailing list? I’m afraid he’s feeling a little left out when Mom or my other siblings refer to a story from the blog. His e-mail is: Thanks.
I really enjoy this service that you provide for all of us. I save them and then go over them with Mom when I visit. Thank you, Jeff Evans (73)
Jeff, It’s for sure not a problem adding Jon to our distribution. With your mother being a Hagen and your dad an Evans, you guys come from good stock. When I talked to your mother, Joyce, she told me you take your computer over to her house and share these daily’s with her. She really appreciates you doing that too. Gary
From Lloyd Awalt (44):
1948-1949 was the year of the “Big Snow” in North Dakota. I’d like to hear memories from those of us that remember then or remember hearing stories told by others about that time.
When the snow started coming it didn’t know when to stop. It covered the fence posts, drifted up to the rooftops of the buildings and in the case of Billy Lawrence’s Blacksmith Shop it covered the shop enough to make it possible for my sister Eleanor and I to walk all the way over it. We could walk up the snowdrifts to the lower part of Hosmer’s Store, take a hop and we were on the store where we could walk to the Main Street side and look down on Main Street. The snow was packed so tightly across the streets that no one could drive anywhere. The city was not equipped to handle removing all the snow and so the National Guard was called in. There were four ways out of Dunseith but you could only travel about 5 miles North before snowdrifts stopped you. The Guard would go out to the area farms use a dozer to get to the hay stacks, throw a log chain around the haystacks and pull the haystacks up to the barn so the farmers could get hay to their animals. The Guard stayed through the months of February and March.
I wonder if everyone remembers the “4th of July Fireworks” held every year. It was held on the top of the gravel pit on the north east side of town. Everyone drove into out pasture and parked so they could see the display. The reason it was held at the gravel pit was so that the patients from the San Haven would be able to watch. (We had to make sure the cows were all into the barn as we left the gates open so people could just drive right into the pasture.)
As a young man I had a black pony named “Star”. I could do anything with Star. I would put my little sister Bonnie on Star’s back and she would walk all around the yard, no problem. ( Bonnie was 3-4-and 5 at the time) But Star would not let anyone else ride her if she could see me. One day my Dad rode Star out to bring in the cows for milking. When they were coming back Star looked up and saw me feeding the pigs, She bucked Dad off and took off to come to me. I could hear Dad Beller as he hit the ground and expected to catch heck when he got back to the barn. That didn’t happen, instead Dad just shook his head and walked past me to prepare to milk the cows.
When I first returned from the war I went to work for Edgar and Rita Anderson at the Gamble Store, (at that time 1947, it was located on the corner where the AC Bar is,.) It burned down and they moved over to Myres Clothing Store spot in mid main street. Iver Lo rebuilt the building and it became a gas station with the creamery in the back and a Tastee Freeze ice cream parlor along side. I worked for the creamery for two year before moving to South Grove Minnesota. Later on Iver Lo sold the station to Jack Flynn and Joe Evans and they turned it into the Ameri-Canadian Bar.
The elevator in Dunseith burned down two different times. In 1942 (about) it burned and was so hot you could feel the heat all the way to our home. The elevator was full of grain so burned a long time. In 1954 another of the elevators in Dunseith burned, Dunseith had a newer fire truck they were better equipped to fight the fire.
Lloyd Awalt
Reply from Bill Pritchard (Bottineau):
Bill is the son of Corbin (Deceased) & Doris Smith Pritchard. Beverly & Lois are Doris’ sisters. The Pritchard’s owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years.
Gary,
These two pictures are definitely of Beverly, or Patsy as we called her. Beverly died several years ago from cancer. I asked my mother about the other picture last night. I had printed it out to show her. After the picture is printed, the word Lois in the upper corner is easier to read. So the picture is definetly Lois. I’m going to send the picture to some of her family. They will really get a kick out of it. Lois has a huge family and they are all in the Shreveport, LA and Dallas, TX area.
Bill
Lois Smith
Beverly Smith in 5th grade
Beverly Smith
Article posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Charlene is married to Michael DuBois, Wade’s brother. Wade & Michael are nephews of Dennis DuBois (63).
Charelen DuBois
Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 
01/25/2009
Happy Birthday Allen Richard (65):
I had another birthday announcement come across my computer screen telling me Allen Richard (65) has a birthday tomorrow, January 26. Happy Birthday Allen. Coming from the class of 65, I think you’ve got about 6 months in age on me. I’ll be 62 in July. We can start collecting SS. Being a retired Federal Employee, My SS will be reduced to almost nothing, but that’s OK. Gary
Allen Richard
Request from Jeff Evans (73):
Hi Gary,
Could you please add my brother Jon (85) to your mailing list? I’m afraid he’s feeling a little left out when Mom or my other siblings refer to a story from the blog. His e-mail is: Thanks.
I really enjoy this service that you provide for all of us. I save them and then go over them with Mom when I visit. Thank you, Jeff Evans (73)
Jeff, It’s for sure not a problem adding Jon to our distribution. With your mother being a Hagen and your dad an Evans, you guys come from good stock. When I talked to your mother, Joyce, she told me you take your computer over to her house and share these daily’s with her. She really appreciates you doing that too. Gary
From Lloyd Awalt (44):
1948-1949 was the year of the “Big Snow” in North Dakota. I’d like to hear memories from those of us that remember then or remember hearing stories told by others about that time.
When the snow started coming it didn’t know when to stop. It covered the fence posts, drifted up to the rooftops of the buildings and in the case of Billy Lawrence’s Blacksmith Shop it covered the shop enough to make it possible for my sister Eleanor and I to walk all the way over it. We could walk up the snowdrifts to the lower part of Hosmer’s Store, take a hop and we were on the store where we could walk to the Main Street side and look down on Main Street. The snow was packed so tightly across the streets that no one could drive anywhere. The city was not equipped to handle removing all the snow and so the National Guard was called in. There were four ways out of Dunseith but you could only travel about 5 miles North before snowdrifts stopped you. The Guard would go out to the area farms use a dozer to get to the hay stacks, throw a log chain around the haystacks and pull the haystacks up to the barn so the farmers could get hay to their animals. The Guard stayed through the months of February and March.
I wonder if everyone remembers the “4th of July Fireworks” held every year. It was held on the top of the gravel pit on the north east side of town. Everyone drove into out pasture and parked so they could see the display. The reason it was held at the gravel pit was so that the patients from the San Haven would be able to watch. (We had to make sure the cows were all into the barn as we left the gates open so people could just drive right into the pasture.)
As a young man I had a black pony named “Star”. I could do anything with Star. I would put my little sister Bonnie on Star’s back and she would walk all around the yard, no problem. ( Bonnie was 3-4-and 5 at the time) But Star would not let anyone else ride her if she could see me. One day my Dad rode Star out to bring in the cows for milking. When they were coming back Star looked up and saw me feeding the pigs, She bucked Dad off and took off to come to me. I could hear Dad Beller as he hit the ground and expected to catch heck when he got back to the barn. That didn’t happen, instead Dad just shook his head and walked past me to prepare to milk the cows.
When I first returned from the war I went to work for Edgar and Rita Anderson at the Gamble Store, (at that time 1947, it was located on the corner where the AC Bar is,.) It burned down and they moved over to Myres Clothing Store spot in mid main street. Iver Lo rebuilt the building and it became a gas station with the creamery in the back and a Tastee Freeze ice cream parlor along side. I worked for the creamery for two year before moving to South Grove Minnesota. Later on Iver Lo sold the station to Jack Flynn and Joe Evans and they turned it into the Ameri-Canadian Bar.
The elevator in Dunseith burned down two different times. In 1942 (about) it burned and was so hot you could feel the heat all the way to our home. The elevator was full of grain so burned a long time. In 1954 another of the elevators in Dunseith burned, Dunseith had a newer fire truck they were better equipped to fight the fire.
Lloyd Awalt
Reply from Bill Pritchard (Bottineau):
Bill is the son of Corbin (Deceased) & Doris Smith Pritchard. Beverly & Lois are Doris’ sisters. The Pritchard’s owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years.
Gary,
These two pictures are definitely of Beverly, or Patsy as we called her. Beverly died several years ago from cancer. I asked my mother about the other picture last night. I had printed it out to show her. After the picture is printed, the word Lois in the upper corner is easier to read. So the picture is definetly Lois. I’m going to send the picture to some of her family. They will really get a kick out of it. Lois has a huge family and they are all in the Shreveport, LA and Dallas, TX area.
Bill
Lois Smith
Beverly Smith in 5th grade
Beverly Smith
Article posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Charlene is married to Michael DuBois, Wade’s brother. Wade & Michael are nephews of Dennis DuBois (63).
Charelen DuBois
Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
01/24/2009
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Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Dick Ziegler (Viola Hobbs Ziegler 54) message below:
Dick,
Yep, Vi’s dad, Allen Hobbs, did buy scrap iron, along with hides
and fur. I can remember when Vi and I were going together, Allen
showed me a few of his muskrat hides he had stretched. I had never
before, or since, seen so many hides in one place. He had quite a
business going, and seemed to be liked by most people.
Don’t worry, you’re not being a pest. It’s nice to communicate with
someone from Vi’s old stomping grounds. Are you still living in
Dunseith? The last time we were back there, I believe was the year we
retired, 1996. We stopped in for a nice visit with Rodney and Marlene
Armentrout. (Not sure of that spelling.) Vi is still in contact with Marlene’s
sister, Bertha Kraft, who lives in Pocatello, Idaho.
We would be interested in visiting Gary Stokes’ site, but don’t have the address. Would appreciate it if you would send it to us.
Thanks,
Dick
Reply from Dick Ziegler (Viola Hobbs Ziegler 54):
Gary,
Vi says the Leroy mentioned in the article was Leroy Afton, to
the best of her recollection. She said they didn’t live in Dunseith
very long, maybe two or three years. I didn’t put Leroy’s last name
in the article, as I didn’t know it, and I couldn’t ask Vi, as she didn’t
know anything about the article. I wanted it to be a surprise to her,
if the article was ever published. Was it ever a surprise to her.
We belong to a senior bowling league, and last week I was down
with a cold and didn’t bowl. Someone in the league happened to
subscribe to Reminisce Extra, and received his copy on the day
the league bowled, just one day before we received our copies.
He brought his copy to the bowling alley, and showed everyone
there. It caught Vi completely off guard, and I couldn’t have planned
it better if I had tried. She was totally surprised, and received many
very nice compliments from the people there. When she came home
and told me about what had happened, it surprised me too, as I
hadn’t been made aware the article had been published. Pretty
neat, huh?
Dick Ziegler
P.S. Thank you for putting us on your mailing list. We really
appreciate it.
Reply from Dick Johnson (68):
Gary and Friends,
I have to apologize for calling Arvilla Hobbs, Viola, as I know better. Dick Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):
Gar;y: Our cottage was not very far from the Metigoshe Store (Hobbs),
perhaps a mile, and we went there often. If we were working on the boathouse or something and took a break, Chuck, Ross (our son) and I would go for a snack, and this is where we met Sylvia Bergan, as she worked for them and she baked the BEST frosted ginger cookies that I have ever tasted. Ross just loved them, and was raring to go when we said we were going to the store. Harvey & Arvilla were so well liked at the Lake and ran a good business, and would help you in any way they could. We missed them when they moved away. Mona Dionne Johnson, ’48
Reply from Ruby Krause (former teacher):
Thank you for the birthday greetings! What a surprise to see that message at the top of your daily letter. I enjoy these very much, even though I don’t know many of the old timers. We moved here in 1970. Ruby Krause
Reply from Edna (Susie) Millang (60):
Gary – Happy birthday Ruby. January 24 is also Minnie Flynn’s birthday. Also Dorren – I did not know that Allen Hobbs name was Harvey. Maybe Viola could bring us up to date on this. Thanks again Gary for all that you do. Susie Millang (60)
Message from Lloyd Awalt (44):
Hello Gary,
In 1941 my parents, John and Gertrude Awalt built their home down by the Depot. Art Sime and Oliver Handland helped Dad to build it.
Living so close to the depot had it’s draw backs. One day Irene Teal came over to inform Mother that one of the hens from the barn had gotten over to the depot and sat on the undercarriage of the train and rode to Thorne before getting off. The train crew returned Mothers hen that evening on their return to Dunseith.
One Spring Earl Fassett had a mother ewe that died giving birth to a baby lamb. Out of the kindness of his heart, he gave the lamb to my sister Eleanor. The lamb was a PAIN! It was the lamb from “Mary Had A Little Lamb”, it followed Eleanor everywhere. To prevent that it was tied to the clothesline. The crazy lamb fell in love with the train, every evening when the train came in, that blasted lamb would try everything to get loose and run to the depot and crawl under the train. The train workers had their hands full whenever it got loose. You could find conductors, engineers, Bill Teal, Irene Teal, Mother, Emma and Bonnie crawling around under the train trying to catch the lamb. (Lucky Eleanor was always at work at the Drug Store so she didn’t have to crawl under the train.) Bless their hearts the train crew would always leave the train sitting still until the lamb was caught and returned home. Then they would take the train into the round house. This went on all summer and into early fall until Eleanor finally shipped that lamb.
Lloyd Awalt
Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (73):
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