From Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62):
Note: Sandra’s parents are Arnold & Lorna (Casavant) Zeiler

Hi Gary,

Had a great ten days with the folks.  We brought them back to ND Fri.   Mom went to Dunseith her Junior & Senior year.

and stayed with the Ole Evans family.  She became good friends with Helen Evans and they remain in touch.  When the folks come to visit, we get together for lunch or coffee.  Rodney Evans, wife Helen (Vandal) & Helen McCrossan were out this past week.  So, it’s a nice family gathering.  Mom enjoyed the time spent with the Evans

family. They had a dairy farm, and helped with that.  Dad met her sometime in those two years, and the rest is history.         Thanks, Sandra

From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaiane (73): 

Good morning all,  I have so enjoyed reading Florence Hiatt Dahls stories of uncle Harry.  I was born 9-30-55 and I remember dad saying that uncle Harry went to my crib and said it won’t be long and I’ll have you laughing.  Well he died 15 days later.  I know by the stories my dad loved him very much.  As far as grandma Margie and all of her baking WHAT ABOUT THE SUGAR COOKIES they were the best with coffee.  As far back as I can remember I would sit on grandpa willies lap and dip those cookies in his coffee.  Of course most of the cookie went in the coffee, so at the end he would drink his cofffee of the top. That is probably why I drink a pot or more of coffee daily.  I also have fond memories of is pipe and of course is dog sheep.  To David Slyter Lets not forget how much grandma margie appreciated Chad and all his hard work,She thought your son was pretty special kid. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine ” 73″

From Keith Pladson (66): 

Gary,

Just a general comment.  I am continuously amazed at all of the inter-relatedness of different families in and around Dunseith/the Turtle Mountains.  Without this blog that you have put together, Gary, I would not have known of most of them.  Like you Gary, I have lived away from the Dunseith/Bottineau/Turtle Mountain area all of my adult life.  Unlike you, I have not kept as closely connected to my past as you have yours.  Thus, I keep finding myself going something like “…oh, so that’s the connection…”
Two that effect me personally come to mind.  I now know I am related to Bev Morinville Azure.  I would not have known that without her input on shingles and her reference to “her” cousin Jean Pladson.  Jean is also a cousin to me through her marriage to Duane Pladson (my Dad’s first cousin).  Likewise, I now also know I am related to Vickie Metcalfe.  She mentioned her connection to Sallie Knutson, daughter of Mary and Leroy (Bud) Knutson.  I am a cousin to both Mary (on my Mom’s side) and Bud (on my Dad side).  Facinating stuff.  (I should point out that some of these cousins of mine I refer to are of those “once removed” types, but never-the-less we are related.)

Also, to Dale Pritchard (another cousin), I sure hope hurricane Ike didn’t get you too bad.  Like you, we live in a hurricane prone area here in Virginia.  Fortunately we live several miles in from the coast so have a pretty good buffer zone to protect us from much of the wrath of the storms.  However, when we bought our current home (seventeen years ago) we wanted water front property so we bought a home on Aquia Creek which is a tributary to the Potomac River, which in turn is a tributary to the Cheasapeake Bay.  It is all tidal water so we can be and have been directly effected by the swells associated with hurricanes off the East Coast.  Twice in the past seventeen years we have had hurricanes that came in near the mouth of the Cheasapeake Bay (1996 and 2005) and thus they pushed a lot of water back up through the entire system and we could only watch and wait and hope and pray that the water would stop rising before it got to our house.  We’ve been lucky.  Both times it stopped before reaching our house – though it wouldn’t have taken much more in either case.  Both times the water level did rise about 6 – 7 feet and did flood many other homes in our development that lie lower than ours.  Unfortunately the last one in 2005 [Izzabell (sp?)] knocked out our power for four days.  Fortunately I have a generator and was able to produce enough power to run some lights, refrigerators, etc. for not only ourselves but for the next door neighbors on both side of us as well.  So good luck with Ike, Dale — I know what you face.
Keith

P.S.  Thanks again Gary for what you have going here.

Keith, I also share Jean Pladson as a first cousin with the Morinville’s.  Jean’s mother Olga Hanson Haseldahl was my dads sister. Jean’s dad, Bert Hanson, was a brother the the Morinville’s mother, Frances.

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I sent this candid story of Carroll Carlson to Vickie and she thought it

might be of interest to the rest of the readers. I need to apologize for
a few ‘off color’ words but this was our old buddy and that was how he
told it. Thanks Gary!

Dick

I THINK OTHERS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN  THIS AS WELL.  VICKIE

Vickie,

I will try to fill the gaps with some of Carroll’s stories. The
story started out that they had traveled for quite a ways one day
and found a house where they decided to rest for the night. Two of
their crew went to the upstairs to sleep. Carroll and another guy
were on the main floor and one or two more were in the basement, One
guy stayed outside to guard the 105 tracked howitzer. These units
were nicknamed ‘Priests’ because the protective shield around the
top resembled a priests collar. They had just gone to sleep when
they heard a low flying plane go over. Then Carroll said he could
hear it coming back and he knew they were about to be shot up or
bombed. He said he ran for the basement door just as the bomb hit
and it blew him into the basement. There was a stone wall down the
center of the house all the way to the roof and the bomb actually
exploded when it hit the top of that wall or he thinks they would
all have been blown to bits! If I remember correctly, Carroll said
that Lewis was hurt and one guy was either killed or had his arm
blown off. It seems to me he said the guy watching the ‘Priest’ was
killed, but I’m not sure on that. The guys upstairs were full of
wood splinters and got Purple Heart medals, but not Carroll. He said
when he landed in the cellar he landed on a sleeping GI and the guy
woke up and started fighting with Carroll for a few seconds until he
realized who it was! Carroll had his little sly laugh when he said,
” The son of a bitch wanted to fight me, heh, heh,heh”! He came over
to our place many times to watch my WWII documentaries. We usually
had him come for supper first and then watch war history. He just
loved it and commented continually about what was right or wrong in
the film. One night I showed a film on Normandy. The narrator said,
“On Omaha Beach there was little opposition and rather flat
terrain”. Carroll sat up on the couch and said, “That dumb bastard
doesn’t know what the hell he is talking about, there was a 100 foot
cliff we had to climb and the Germans were dropping grenades on us
from the top, killing guys on the ropes”! Just a short while later,
the narrator said, “Farther down on Omaha, men were killed by the
hundreds, as they tried desperately  to scale a 90 foot  cliff
directly into a well fortified  German  stronghold”!  Carroll said,
“There  g–d–it’!  He knew the road signs as they passed the camera
and would comment on what happened at most of the places. It was
very interesting to me, as I am interested in history of all kinds
and especially WWII. Carroll gave me a first hand account that was
fantastic. Our WWII vets are leaving us now at a rate of something
like 1500 per day, so these first hand stories will soon be gone!
I’m sure glad Carroll shared as many of them with me as he did. He
was quite a guy!

Dick

Folks, I was very absent minded yesterday and totally forgot to include part 8 of Carroll’s Traveling Years by Vickie.  There are 13 parts in all.  Gary

(Part 8) CARROLL CARLSON’S TRAVELING  YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70):

D-Day

On June  1, 1944. Carroll and his crew boarded a  LCT Landing Craft ..  Batteries One,  Two, and Three were boarded on one landing craft. and Carroll’s Battery Number four,  along with five and six were loaded on another landing craft.    Three tanks, three jeeps and the men rode  across  the English Channel on the LCT’s.

……..They waited.
The LCT’s  traveled the English Channel to the French Coast…….

and waited . ……

Then, they took their role in  D-Day.   The six  batteries fired from the landing crafts over the other ships onto the beach.

The  LCT’s then pulled back….. and waited, “there was dust and smoke and  we couldn’t’ see anything”.   After a time the LCT’s landed.
“The dead, were  laying all over Omaha Beach.’”    “The Medic Section was good. There were  two or three medics assigned to each battery, they did anything they could to help the living.  The dead were left.  No one  bothered the dead.   Another unit, from the back ,  would come up later,  ” a grave registration outfit who would pick  up the dead, identify and bury them.”

While in Normandy, Carroll’s Battery was attached to the 16th infantry of the First . Division.   Carroll’s unit was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation.

Carroll’s Traveling Years will Continue with part 9 tomorrow:

Folks, I talked to Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht (65) today and she said, she and a lot of her Allard cousins hiked up to Butte Saint Paul last week.  She said it was a beautiful day and they really had a lot of fun doing it.  She said Carol Allard (65) was home visiting and joined them on the hike.  This is a picture that Kenny Nerpel (65) provided last year.  That is Kenny standing in the picture.  Gary

From Blanche Wicks Schley (42): 

                            Dunseith High School Class of 1938

Folks, Of the 30 folks in the class of 1939, there are only four I’m unable to locate.  Please let me know if any of you know anything at all about any of these folks.  Thanks, Gary

Class of 1939

Lois Borland

Doris Damstrom

Irene Danstorm

Joseph Smith

From Lee (Leland) Stickland (64):

From Bill Grimme (65): 

Gary,

Got home safe and sound. Had a great time visiting ND. Although I didn’t get to see everyone I planned to look up, I was in the company of  ND friends all my waking hours. I really enjoyed the trip to the Rolette County museum. Dick Johnson and Mel Kuhn gave us a first rate tour. It is clear that they, and others, are working very hard on a worthy effort. They are really saving the history of the area. Of course, they have a lot left to do, but I commend them on the job so far. The museum is really a nostalgic place.

Thanks to everyone for the making my visit so enjoyable.

Bill

From Florence Hiatt Dahl (50):

Since were going down memory lane, remember Uncle Harry?  Harry Hiatt.  I was nunber seven of eight children and Don was number eight.  Needless to say that  with that many children we were pretty much on our own.  When we felt lonely or picked on, we would go to Uncle Harrys.  He two children, Pete and Sally.  They always heard us coming and would hide in the  woods.  Boy were we innocents–I don’t remember how old  we were before we realized there was no Pete and Sally.  He always had chocolate cake etc. and of course of course he shared. Thinking back, he would put up with us for a period of time and then would take us home.  What a wonderful person………..

Florence, I remember your Uncle Harry Hiatt well.  I remember him going past our place everyday with his pickup truck on his way down to Willie & Margie’s.  I was 8 years old at the time of his death, but I remember it well. Margie’s Grandson, Jim Hiatt, was with him, at his place, when he died.  Jim would have only been 6 years old.  Harry collapsed and Jim went running to Elwood Fauske, your brother-in-law, who was doing some brushing near by, with the county caterpillar. They believe Harry died of a heart attack.  I remember your nephew, Dwight Lang, telling me he played the taps at Harry’s burial.  Harry was well known for being a very nice gentleman sort of a guy. The Gilje’s and the Myhre’s from Rolette purchased Harry’s farm with his famous Log house. For years and years, they had huge Deer hunting parties, every deer season, at Harry’s Cabin.  Your brother, Howard Hiatt, was well known for his superior hunting skills.  Gary

(Part 7) CARROLL CARLSON’STRAVELING  YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70):

England

Arriving  in England in December , Carroll was stationed at  Banbarry until March.  They waited for orders, and continued to train.  They would take part in ten mile marches, once a week keeping in shape.  In January,  the guys were anticipating a  week pass.   The passes drawn  would meant the  guys could go to either  to Liverpool or London.  So many men.   Of course,  everyone, including Carroll wanted to draw  London.     Shorty Moore, Carroll’s friend throughout the war and Carroll  both drew Liverpool.  ” We hit the beer pubs and parlors where the action was playing darts.”   “Many men were on leave,  the pubs would serve a ration of  so much scotch whiskey each night.   Then it was back to beer. ”  ” The whole country was sealed up with men.”(Carroll maintained contact with Shorty after the war,   Shorty passed away a few years ago from injuries sustained in an auto accident.)

While in Banbarry the Battalion stayed on an estate.  The men stayed  in little round huts, with a stove and sleeping on cots.  The fare was “army food”, which was  lots  dehydrated food, and lots of spam, once in a while they would get fresh eggs on a Sunday, but  never bread.   (Carroll says the sailors ate better, and whenever he was on a ship,  the last meal before landing was always real good,….the sailors got bread!”).  The middle of  March came and they received orders to move to  a location closer to the ocean.
Carroll’s Traveling Years will Continue with part 8 tomorrow:

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

                                    Tuesday August 12, 2008

Thelma Medlang from the class of 1941 (deceased):

Folks, Many of you are doing research trying to find Thelma Medlang’s (41) married name.  We knew Thelma was diseased and had lived in the Seattle area.  I just got a call from Duane Bjornson who lives in Anchorage, Alaska.  His mother, Inga Medlang Bjornson was a cousin to Thelma. Duane told me Thelma’s married name was Wozniak. I was able to find her death record.  Thelma Medlang Wozniak was born 11/13/23 and died 7/15/98.  Thanks to all, for all your help.  Gary

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

First of all I would like to say that I love the way you write cousin Bill (Hosmer).  You certainly have a way with words that makes the  reader want more!  And thank you to Neola Kofoid for providing the  article about my participation in the 3Day breast cancer walk.  I

would like to thank those of you that donated and enabled me to
participate…and now just a short quick prayer that my feet hold up
(lol)…the ole gray mare ain’t what she used to be….I will keep you
posted and provide some photos upon my return. I leave a week from
today (next Wed. nite) on the train from Minot to Mpls…and will meet
my friend Paula there. We will stay in a hotel that night and then we
are off the next morning and it’s 20 miles a day and sharing with
thousands of others and then a night at camp in our tent (2 to a
tent..we pitch them upon arrival to camp) and start over again no Sat.
and then on Sun. Home on the train Sun. Night …..arrive in Minot at
8am and teach from 10am to 4 at the college…that should be
interesting!!!  Lucky nurses will probably get out early that
day..haha.  Thanks again for all your support, each and every one of
you.

Diane

Message from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

With the interest shown in the James history, I have a couple more

articles some may find worthy of reading. It was said that a family
trait was brilliant blue eyes that most family members had. I read this
and then over the years have noticed that it is quite true and prevalent
down through the generations. One time a few years ago we had a family
reunion at my Grandma’s place in Bottineau. Otto Strietzel, several of
his sisters, and his brother Carl all were there. Otto was sitting out
in the yard with us when his nephew, Clinton Jr. ‘Butch’ Strietzel,
walked up behind him and said, “Hi Otto, I bet you don’t know who I am”?
Otto hadn’t seen him for years,but looked at Butch for a while and then
said, “No, but I can tell by your eyes, you’re a damn James of some
kind”. This certainly ran true with the accounts and stories I had read
and heard for years. Many of the descendants of the James family, who
are around my age, still live in the St. John area. Every time I see
them the first thing that I notice is the steel blue eyes.

Another note of interest is that after Jesse James’s cohort shot Bob
Ford in Colorado, for bragging how he killed Jesse, several folks put
money together and bought a tombstone for Bob Ford. Jesse had lived in
St. Joseph, Missouri under the alias of
J.D. Howard, so the folks who liked him and bought Ford’s stone, put on
it, ‘Here lies the coward who shot Mr. Howard and sent Jesse James to
his grave’. This may not be the exact wording but it is close. Jesse
James lies buried in the yard of his home place at Kearney, MO. They dug
up the grave within the last couple of years and DNA proved it is him
buried there, after a dispute with a family from Texas who claimed they
had the real Jesse James buried there in 1921. Jesse was married to
Zerelda Mimms and had two children, a boy and a girl, Jesse Edward and Mary.

The reason the James family from St. John didn’t acknowledge the
relationship to the James Gang until later, was simple. They moved here
to live normal lives, and remember, this was the NORTH! They feared
reprisal for what their cousins had done in Missouri, not that long
before. I’m sure there were still many Civil War veterans, who fought
for the North, still living in this area. My Grandma used to say that
when, as kids, they would ask their mother about being related to Jesse
and Frank James, she would give them a stern stare and then change the
subject.Grandma said she never said NO, just ignored the subject. I can
understand completely. The first ‘public’ acknowledgment of the
relationship that I know of, was in 1973 in the obituary of Harvey
James, from St. John, where it said he was a  distant cousin to the
infamous Jesse and Frank James. Harvey was a first cousin to my
grandmother, Cynthia Strietzel Johnson. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):V

Hi Gary, Hiatt descendents, and the Slyter Brothers who written in, What wonderful loving memories you,the Hiatt descendents and Ackworth community neighbors hold in your hearts for Willie and Margie.  Dad plastered their house and also enjoyed the gift of working for them so much!  Margie stories were  like Jennie Handeland, stories, “tell it like it is…absolutely….priceless! ”  You guys are wealthy with both the memories, stories to pass on and share, and the knowledge you were well loved by Margie and Willie Hiatt. Later, Vickie

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

With all the talk of Margie ( Mar-Gee not Mar-Jee) Hiatt’s popcorn

balls, I thought I should sent this nice picture of them taken June 30,
1970. I know they were very close neighbors to the Stokes and Pladsons.
Several years ago I was on the same bowling team as their son, Norman,
and we had a blast every Thursday night! Norman was a joker so we pulled
tricks on him all the time. He was a good sport and took it as well as
he passed it out! One cute story he told us was that when he was a kid
and World War II broke, his uncle Harry was staying with them and
helping on the farm. One night at supper, Harry opened a letter telling
him he was drafted. I think he was in his forties so Margie sure
wondered why in the world he would be drafted. They were all serious but
Norman exclaimed, “They probably just want to get the lead out of his
ass for bullets”! He said he thought it was funny but Margie sent him to
bed without supper! Thanks Gary!

Dick

(Part 6) CARROLL CARLSON’STRAVELING  YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70):

                                     MILITARY ACTION
Africa and Italy
This ship was the first troop convoy to  North Africa, landing in Casablanca.  Carroll rode a train over 1,500  miles on to Tunisia to take part in the defeat. and capture  the Afrika Corps.   They moved on  through two invasions;  in Sicily  supporting the 3rd infantry division at LeCata  Beach and across the island to Messina.
Carroll attained the rank of PFC.  And his job was to set the elevation.  Throughout the war he was on a 24 ton S. P.Howitzer  He remained with some of the same men, in the 62nd  Battalion FA B Battery 4th Gun Section.   Carroll says it some ways it was an ideal job,  as they didn’t  have to walk or carry provisions. Carroll continued with the same job/same kind of gun all the way through the war, setting elevation on the big gun.   He was the  number one man and assistant gunner. John Lewis was the gunner who set  the  gun, left to right.  There were usually   three  or four others handling the ammo which was contained in round tubes.  There  was also a driver.   (Another guy in his battalion was, Fritz Iverson from Velva, N.D.  Carroll said Fritz went all the way through WWII, after which he was reading meters for  an electric company when a pole fell on him and he was killed.)

Carroll’s Traveling Years will Continue with part 7 tomorrow:

From Bill Hosmer (48): 

Gary and Friends,  The historical significance of Dick’s latest on the James Clan was not only interesting, but fascinating reading, plus evidence of alot of research.  Excellent.  Also stories of the people who most of us are descendant from have meaningful memory jogging value.  Although most of the writers are younger than I, the names and associations are of high value and stir up memories of my time in our home country.  Gary has created this forum of conversation which has now and probably continue to increase in volume and significance for all of us and our descendants.  That’s what history is all about.
The pocket knife stories are terrific.  The mummely peg was a great game and took care of alot of boring times during hot summers.  Marbles was a game that was the cause of alot of competition.  In my case, I’d invest 25 cents for a bag which included a shooter.  I’d hope it would last until the snow came.  Never did.  There were many great shooters, including a lad called John Satrang, who won the state championship sometime in the late 30s.  The guy who won most of my marbles was Donnie Gottbreht, the son of John who was our policeman in those thirties. Don had been playing on the old merry go round at the school yard and put his finger into the  hole on top of the center post, and it was cut off.  When it healed he had the perfect configuration for marble shooting.  One day I was at his house and he showed me his coffee cans full of marbles.  Told me he had over 3000. They would be worth some money today.

The other day my wife, Pat, Leonard and Eleanor Stickland, and I went to the Rolette County Museum for Mel’s steaks and Dick’s musicians solid music.  My old friend Art Rude was there, of course, and gave me a private tour of the big building with the heavier equipment for later display. There were some fascinating articles with fantastic history, among which was a contraption which Billie Lawrence, our blacksmith used. Also, there was another fascinating machine used by Harry Douglas, our undertaker, located adjacent to the north side of the Althea Theater, to move caskets from the basement to the main floor, etc.  Art was class of 1939, and will be celebrating his class 70th reunion next year.  Hanna Higgins was in that class as well.  Art is really a Dunseith Man, and instrumental in getting our museum established. He still wears his ball cap in a decided slant over his forehead and is recognizable from a great distance because of it.

There are not accolades strong enough to measure the power of folks from  a rural community talking freely with one another and entertaining us with their experiences in a way that everyone, and I mean everyone can relate to and share. Gary, if the right words ever come to me, I’ll send them. In the mean time, know that your contribution to this effort is a dramatic lesson in dedication and friendship.  Thankfully, Bill Hosmer

Bill, having mentioned Hannah Higgins & Art Rude, I have included several recent pictures with them. I couldn’t find one of Art Rude with his cap. His cap and the manner in which he wears it has been his trade mark for as long as I’ve known him. Hannah and Mrs. Longie worked together up at San Haven and have remained friends all these years. Hanna lives in the Seattle area and Mrs. Longie in Spokane.

Willie & Ron Longie, did your mother ever attend school in Dunseith?  Gary

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary & Dick,

My Dad, a voracious reader and listener was another believer that the
“James Family of St John” had connections to Jesse James.
Dick, Wow!  What  fun!  The fun part of  family history is when a
person takes the  family myths ie  the the stories you  thought were
B.S. or Tall tales and then make the  efforts to research find out
they are more truth than fiction.
Happy Trails everyone on your own family history ventures.  Please
share. Vickie
Reply from Dave Slyter (70): f

Gary and all,

There is one thing about Aunt Margie that everybody remembers and that is that if you go to visit, be prepared to stay as you will not be able to leave until you have had lunch or a snack with her.  I remember all the times that we as the Hiatt/Slyter family would go and visit her and Uncle Bill.  The table was always set when we got there and the food was a plenty.  The meals were so good as most of it was her canned goods. And then there was her home made baked pies.  All kinds, apple, cherry, pumpkin and yes even peach.   They were so good with cool whip.

I took care of Margie while she lived on the farm in her later years for approximately 15 yrs.  I would mow her grass, paint her fence and even fix it.  Help her put her car away for the winter (put the cars on blocks the tires didn’t touch the ground) as she never drove in the winter months.  Each time she would call and I went up to help her with something, she would always reward me with a good lunch.  I always looked forward to it.  She was quite a women.

And she always had time to tell a short or long story (depending how much time you had) about something in the past that had happen he her life.  Some of the stories were very interesting.

One Sunday afternoon I received a call from her son Norman saying that they tried to call Margie and she wouldn’t answer. He asked if I would mind going up and seeing if she was alright.  I was thinking if I know Margie she would be outside working in her yard. When I entered her yard I didn’t see her.  I went into the house and called out to her.  No answer.  I went back out and looked toward her fence line and barn and there she layed.  She had fallen the evening before and couldn’t get back up.  Margie always loved what she was doing and I could tell she passed away very happy as she had her arms and hands around a bowl of juneberries, that she was preparing to can after washing them.

She was a wonderful lady with a mind of her own.    I miss and loved her dearly.

Dave Slyter (70)

Dave, I knew that you were the one that found Margie when she left this world. Within a few hours after you discovered her, my dad called me out in Washington. Margie would have been very happy to have known that you were the one that discovered her.  You did a lot of things for her, for a number of years, and she truly appreciated everything you did. She mentioned you, many times, the last years of her life.  She was sharp as a tack, right to the end.  I learned a whole lot of Stokes history, that I would have never know had she not told me.  Gary

Reply From Bobby Slyter (70): 

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

                     Diane Larson Sjol from the Dunseith High School class of 1970

Marlys Hiatt’s (71) reply to Florence Hiatt Dahl (50): 

Hi Everyone,

I remember those popcorn balls at my grandma Margies too.  They were the
cooked sugar kind that she colored red.  I did have the chicken poxs and
maybe that’s where I got them, from her popcorn balls.  If you have had
the chicken pox can you get shingles?  If so I am running to get the shot.
My mother, Irene Hiatt, got shingles at least a couple of times.  The
first time it was around her eye and the second time it went around her
abdomen.  The second time it lasted for at least a year and she really
suffered with tremendous pain.

Marlys Hiatt
Class of 71

Marlys & Florence, I remember those Popcorn balls, really well, of your Grandma & Aunt Margie’s.  At one of her Christmas party’s, when I was a kid, I remember eating so many of those popcorn balls and other goodies she had baked that I actually got sick. They were so good.  She was sure famous for all of the good stuff she baked with that original wood cook stove. She was very famous for her flavored popcorn balls. She always canned a lot of good canned goods too.  With each of my annual visits back to visit, I always visited Margie. Right up to the time of her death, she always had lots of baked and canned goods that she served for lunch. She did not believe in using paper towels either. She could not see wasting her money using paper towels when rags were available. Margie usually had a pretty good handle on the neighborhood gossip too.  She wasn’t afraid to call a spade a spade either. I always enjoyed my visits with her. She knew my Dad from early childhood and of coarse my two brothers and me as well, our entire lives.  There will never be another Margie Hiatt like the Margie we knew.  She was one of a kind.  She thought the world of you Slyter boys.  You guys were tops in her book. Believe me, with her critical standards, it wasn’t easy reaching the top of her book. She was an aunt, great aunt, great great aunt, grandmother and great grandmother to many of you folks out there. Margie was a good family friend. Gary

From Janice Leonard Workman (56): 

Hey Gary, I haven’t heard from you since Saturday, today is Tuesday.  I pray that you are alright and maybe it’s only copper that has been taken.

I attended a funeral today and ran into Bernard Hiatt and Mary (Tootsie Peterson).  We had a good visit.  Bernard looks really good and Mary looks like she did in high school, not even a gray hair.  Bernard lives in Enumclaw, not far from Auburn and Mary lives in Algona, not far from Auburn either.  I did play whist with a group that Mary was in, so saw her every month until December 2007 when the group stopped playing.

Anyway, again I hope all is well, Gary.

Janice Leonard Workman, Class of 56

Folks, With these messages coming from overseas, they are screen more critically, by some of your email providers, for spam.  If they get rejected by your email provider they will not get delivered.  Most of the time I do not get a message telling me they did not get delivered. Please let me know if you don’t get some of these messages so I can resend them to you using one of my other email accounts. That often times works.  Gary

From Crystal Fassett Andersen (70): 

From Sybil Johnson: 

Thank you Dick, for that story about “pa’s” brother Hans. Do you remember,
when Axel and Bernice lived on the Island? According to how Augie told it,
Pa would take a swim every morning. Then I remember Bernice telling me about
her brother Raymond. How their father told him to go and get potatoes and he
came back 10 yrs later, with a sack of potatoes on his shoulder.
Thanks again everyone. I love reading these old stories.
Sybil Johnson

(Part 4) CARROLL CARLSON’S TRAVELING  YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70):

CARROLL AND THE SHILLING BROTHERS  IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA  AND  A  DAY  THAT  CARROLL NEVER WILL  FORGET, ………….or, TJIUANA, MEXICO

Carroll and his friends, the Shilling brothers, fellow ranch workers, left Chinook in the fall of 1941 driving in the Shilling brothers automobile.  They were off to better pay/big money at factory positions in defense work and see sunny California.  Jack and John Shilling and Carroll arrived  in  the San Diego area in November of 1941,  where   the  defense jobs were only paying  the sum of   $.50 an hour.    The three  worked and continued to travel around and see sights.  One morning  in December they decided to head south of the border  to Tjiuana, Mexico.  After arriving  Mexico,  ready to see the sights, they heard the news.  “The Japs had bombed Pearl Harbor”!

The date, December 7, 1941.

The three  got back in the car and headed  over the border.  Carroll, Jack and John went back to work on the defense job.  But, it was becoming  clear,  able bodied  men would be  needed.   The US was at war on two fronts. If the draft was to take him  Carroll  wanted to have a choice of where he would be drafted from.  So he headed back to his adopted home town.  Chinook, Montana.  (“Carroll is an independent  person that likes the freedom to choose. ” vm.)

Carroll’s Traveling Years will Continue with part 5 tomorrow:

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson(68):

Gary and Friends,

Gary Metcalfe mentioned that Otto Strietzel was a spittin’ image of
Jesse James. There is a connection. Otto Was one of 11 children (
including my grandmother Cynthia Strietzel Johnson, his sister) of Paul
Strietzel and Della James. Della was the daughter of Joshua King James
from Lincoln County, Missouri. Joshua’s father was Jacob James. Jacob
James was a brother to Jesse and Frank James’s father. I guess we all
share some grandparents! I did a research paper in college on the life
of Jesse and Frank, for a history class. There were several stories that
I had heard about them that were totally false, others were closer to
the fact. Now a short history lesson. The Civil War divided Missouri
into two factions, Northern sympathizers and Southern Sympathizers. The
James family were southern Baptist and stayed loyal to the South. The
North raided and killed and burned the farms of the Confederate
sympathizers, this caused hatred of the North among the James families,
especially Frank and Jesse. They decided to join Quantrill and his
raiders to exact some revenge on the North. After a few raids, Jesse and
Frank became wanted outlaws in the eyes of the North. Northern Railroads
were a target of the James boys and so the railroad hired the Pinkerton
Detective Agency from New York, to take them down. One night when Jesse
and Frank were gone, they threw a smoke bomb through the window of the
James farmhouse. Mrs. James kicked it into the fireplace and it
exploded,. killing Jesse and Frank’s little brother and blowing off
their mother’s arm! When they got back and found out what had happened,
they cast off any pity or reservation they had up until then, and really
went out to settle the score! Any Northern bank or railroad was now fair
game. While I’m not attempting to excuse or justify their actions, I can
understand somewhat, the hatred they carried on their raids. They gave
most of their plunder back to their friends and neighbors, so the home
folks thought of them as war heroes and helped to keep them from being
caught. They continued to raid for several years until that fateful day
in Northfield, Minnesota. The town found out the bank was being robbed
and was ready for them when they came out. The Younger brothers, cousins
of the James boys were shot to pieces in the street.  Cole, Bob, and Jim
Younger were caught by the posse later that night after they split up
near Mankato, Minnesota. Jesse and Frank went through Dakota Territory
and eluded capture. Both were carrying bullets in their legs but made it
back to Missouri and healed their wounds. They then hid out in different
places around the country and in time had families and gave up robbing
for good. Jesse was shot by his cousin, Bob Ford, for a $10,000 reward.
He moved to Denver and bragged about what he had done, to the wrong man!
The man was a friend of Jesse’s and sent young Ford to an early grave.
Frank was eventually pardoned and lived to an old age in Lincoln County,
Missouri. It was said, that old Mrs. James went around and bought up all
the used pistols she could find and then sold them, one at a time, to
visitors for a big price–telling them,” This was Jesse’s own gun”! Not
so dumb! Attached is a picture of my great-great grandfather, Joshua
King James and his second wife, Helena. More later! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Louise Pigeon Horsman (43): Tohorsmans @AOL ..com

Thelma Medlang lived in Seattle. Eileen Tennecour Korbol and I drove to Thelma’s house one day for lunch.

She passed away several years ago.

Folks, We have now found all of the folks from the classes of the 40′s.  Thank you all for the info you provided, enabling us to locate all of these folks.  I will be making a formal distribution of those class lists shortly to the respective class members.  I will also incorporate their class lists into the big combined class list. After I’m finished with the 30′s classes I will be sending a copy of that combined class list to all of you. Gary

Message from Blanche Wicks Schley (42):

Congratulations Gary on finding all the alumni of DHS!  This a very neat project that you have taken on.

Thanks for the phone call.  Even though I did not graduate from DHS…my brother,Henry and sisters, Marjorie, Gwendolyn and Gladys did.  We left Dunseith in 1938 and moved to Wahpeton.

I graduated from high school there and Henry and Gwendolyn attended Science School.   After attending Minot State (now University) I finished my school at Jamestown College.

Did you find Margaret Ann Myhre and Barbara Nelson?  I called Charles Emerson Murry and I guess you had already located him.

It is so very interesting to find out what has happened to everyone. I have kept in touch with Dorothy Schneider.

I m enjoying your web pages.   Keep up the good work!

Enjoy your retirement!  When did you retire”

Blanche Wicks Schley

Yes Blanche, With your help, I found Margaret Ann Myhe , Barbara Nelson  & Emerson Murry  all of whom are included with these distribution.  Thank you, Gary

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

First I have to mention that it was nice that Dick Johnson included me in the meeting up with Bill Grimme along with Ken Nerpel, John Bedard and their wives in St. John yesterday. I really appreciate the fact that they didn’t bore me with any farfetched stories of yesteryear. HA! A BIG thank you to Bill for his donation to our cause at the museum.

Another great story from Larry. Only thing is that he didn’t mention any of those pocketknife games. Being afflicted with CRS I have trouble remembering names of these games. There was one called mumbely peg, mumbittley peg, mulberry peg, ahh whatever peg. Should have been called-make sure everyone is wearing shoes peg-because you might perform some unnecessary medical procedure on someones toes. Also the stick a knife in a tree game in a crowd of people, that was a good one. I hope someone can answer Larry’s question about the pocketpool game cause I’d sure like to hear more about that. I’ve heard of it before but don’t know anything about it. Is there like a list of rules that I can get somewhere?

Mel Kuhn[70]

Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I have yet another old car story–but wait ladies–there are a couple
pictures of interest to you too! Back in April of 1965, John Boguslawski
bought an old 1938 Oldsmobile from my Grandpa Hans Johnson, for $10. We
aired up the tires and pulled it out from the place it had sat for
several years. We had to clean out grain sacks and twine and other junk
that Grandpa had saved for later use. We towed it to town and John
started working on it in their back yard, close to the alley. Before he
could get it started the town cop or city council said he could not have
it in town unless it was licensed or garaged. We didn’t want to buy a
license unless it would run and we hit a ‘catch 22′. One night just a
few days later some kids, in the alley, broke out the windows so we
pulled out the engine and transmission and towed the rest to Albert
Roussin’s Junkyard on the San Hill. We were kind of disgusted with the
entire episode and just cleared our slate and chalked it up to our
ongoing education, I guess! The two pictures are of  Kate Fassett,
holding Crystal (or Patty ?), Susan, Pam, and Dorothy, taken in April
1952. The old car to the left is John’s 38 Olds. My grandparents were
still driving it until 1954, when they got the 47 Plymouth that I
eventually had ( the one Paul Grossman and all the other kids remember).
Anyway, the other picture is of Toni Morinville, at Boguslawski’s, in
front of the same car some 13 years later. This picture is from Paulette
LaCroix’s collection which she sent a couple years ago, and I
reproduced, completely without her consent! Oh, and Paulette, play nice
with the other boys and girls!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Kate Fassett, holding Crystal (or Patty ?), Susan, Pam, and Dorothy Fassett

                                   Toni Morinville

Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): 
Gary and Friends,

A couple days ago, I sent some old pictures of my grandmother’s uncle,
Herman Strietzel, who had homesteaded in Saskatchewan, Canada. While
looking through more of Grandma’s pictures, I found two more. The
writing on the back of the first photo says–’Sept. 1962, the day Uncle
Herman left for California’–( then added later ) ‘He passed away July
24, 1964′. In this photo is Herman, Cynthia, and me. This was the time
he came to say goodbye and gave me the old shotgun. The next picture was
taken by my mom, in California, in early August, 1964. I remember the
woman in this photo, being the one who rented the little shack behind
her to Herman. She told us she was sorry we hadn’t heard that he had
died just days before we got there. Maybe when we are finished with
Vickie’s well done stories of Carroll Carlson’s life, I could send a few
of the stories from the autobiography that old ‘Uncle Herman’. wrote.
That is if there is any interest from the readers for this.Thanks Gary!

Dick

       Top Picture: Dick John, Cynthia & Herman Strietzel
                         Bottom Picture: Unknown name

Folks, our search is now narrowed to one person to find from the 40′s classes.  Reading through some of the achieve Turtle Mountain Star papers from 1940, I noticed where Irene Nelson (41) had a brother named Rollie. I found a Rollie Nelson living in Leeds ND. When I called him, he was the guy from Dunseith with a sister named Irene.  He said Irene passed away about 10 years ago. Rollie was with the class of 46, but his family moved from Dunseith in his Junior year.  I have added him to the class of 46 and will be sending him a hard copy of his class list.

That leaves Thelma Medlang, from the Little Prairie community to locate.  She was with the class of 41. In the Bottineau 1984 centennial book, I found an Inga Medland, originally from Rolette county that married Arnold Bjornson.  I think Arnold and Inga are both deceased, but I found Arnold Jr. living in Alaska. No one was home when I called. I hope Thelma was part of his mothers family.  Gary

Request for Dick Johnson (68) from Colette Hosmer (64): 

Dick,

Would it be possible to post a copy of Herman Strietzel’s life history?  Maybe it’s too long — too much to scan — but if not, I think most of us would enjoy reading it.

Thanks,

Colette

Request for Dick, Reply to Vickie & Message to Allen Richard from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):

Hi Gary and all……I love hearing the stories about the early days in the area. I am looking forward to reading more of Vicki’s installments on Carroll Carlson and also Dick, if you would care to share any of your Uncle Hermann’s manuscript, it would be great. To Susan (and Allen)  Richard, it’s so wonderful to hear you’re doing well in your treatment. Our prayers are with you in your recovery. Hang in there.

Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71)

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

From Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Hi everyone,

First of all, thank you to those of you who have donated and are
making my participation in the Walk for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day
walk possible.

Just a reminder….to those of you who are planning to donate but
haven’t, time is drawing near. I leave in 1 1/2 weeks (Sept. 17) and
still need $1100 to meet my goal of $2200.  Each participant has to
raise a minimum of $2200 to walk the 60 mile walk. So, please take a
moment and go to http://www.the3Day.org/ and make a donation.  Click
on “donate now” and then type in my name and state. When my name comes
up, click on it and the rest is self explanatory or you can mail a
check made out to Breast Cancer 3 Day and send it to me at 712 South
Main St., Minot, ND 58701.  No amount is too small. It all adds up.
The money goes to breast cancer research in attempt to find a cure.
Imagine if they find a cure for breast cancer, what that will mean for
finding a cure for other cancers.  Most of us have been touched in
some way by cancer, so please take a moment and make a donation.  When
you do, email me the name of a person you want me to walk for or to
remember and I will write that person’s name on my shirt.

Again, thank you for making my participation in this walk possible.

Diane Sjol

(Part 2) CARROLL CARLSON’S TRAVELING  YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70):

                      SUMMER OF 1937,  CARROLL AND ARCHIE  AS RANCH HANDS  IN CHINOOK   #2
Five o’clock a.m. the daily routine would begin.  The crew would eat breakfast prepared by the ranch cook  at the ranch house.  Usually,  the cook was married and her husband was called a “chore boy”.    The chore boy milked four or five cows and did the chores which needed to be done to aid the cook in her job.  Carroll and Archie’s first  job was to help with the lambing.    After a ewe lambed, she and her lambs were taken out to a  “bunch”.     Carroll tended a bunch herd, accompanied by, ” a good little, well trained,  sheep dog,( “English  Shepherd, or some such thing.”    “Old John Lind”  was also a bunch herder.   (John Lind  was  a former early  rural Dunseith farmer,  who  lived in   a little apartment in  downtown Chinook during the winters  and work  seasonal work for Miller Brothers.)    When  the  “bunch” grew to about  fifty ewes,  four bunches  would be combined together.  Then, added to a bigger herd. And finally to the open range for the summer with a sheepherder.”

The Sprinkle Ranch Site was  managed by MacIver.   The Sprinkle Ranch held the access road to the Druniak farm.  The Druniak’s lived about  a mile  from the Sprinkle Ranch,   up a dirt trail which wound itself around the  slightly rolling hills  and through the Sprinkle Ranch yard. The Druniak’s,  were  Mick’s  (Gary Morris’) grandparents. The Druniak’s had a small farm, raising pigs, chickens, and milking cows  The family  came  through the  Sprinkle Ranch  to  the main road into town where they sold their cream.  Mr. Druniak also cut hair for the area ranch hands.     They were  among the first people Carroll and Archie met.  The family included, Mr. and Mrs.Druniak and their three  children,  Beatrice, Monica, and Francis.  Beatrice was the  mother of Mick.

When springs work was completed, Carroll and Archie found themselves  laid off  for a week or two  before haying season.    Carroll and Archie were not known for idle moments. They made the best of their time off by site seeing.  Together, Carroll  and Archie made a down payment on an old Model A, and pooled their  finances to continue the payments. The two ranch hands,  with  Archie driving most of the time toured the Bears Paw and local establishments.   Carroll recalls that Archie “liked to drive fast and get places.”  They  saw the area  sites ,and  went to picture shows  or dances in Cleveland,  Montana double-dating.
Close to Chinook, Montana   is the Chief Joseph National Battlefield.   Chief Joseph a brilliant military strategist led his people  on foot and by horse over a thousand miles of the tough terrain of E. Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, pursued by the military.  It was near Chinook, the Nez Pierce people fought their last battle,  less than sixty years previous to  Carroll and Archie’s traveling to the area via Model A.   Carroll says, “he toured the site , but never found any interesting souvenirs.”

When haying season came, Carroll remained at the Sprinkle Ranch working for MacIver ,   Archie went a few miles down the road to Cleveland, Montana,  to the  Chris Miller Ranch which  also ran sheep.   The Chris Miller ranch was located within a mile of Cleveland.

The summer work ended.  In the late fall of ’37,  Carroll and Archie sold the Model A and hopped a train back to the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota  where they wintered

Carroll’s Traveling Years will Continue with part 3 tomorrow:

Another “GREAT” story from Larry Hackman (66): 

The pocketknife story

Back in the day everyone carried a pocketknife.  For those that don’t know what a pocketknife is. It is a knife with blades and other type metal items such as leather punch, or cork screw. or bottle opener, that fold into the handle, and it is small enough to be carried in your pants pocket. At one time almost every man carried a pocketknife.  Even the young boys had a pocketknife in their pocket.  I suppose it became a necessity, pretty much like most farmers carry a plier and now everyone carries a cell phone.  A plier was a necessity for a farmer to carry because if something broke while running a peice of equipment you could tighten a bolt, turn in a screw or take a plier and a piece of wire to hubble the broken item together to make it through the day or complete a project.  You wouldn’t have to shut down.  The pocketknife became the tool of choice during the leather age.  When animals such as horses were fitted with leather hanesses to perform such tasks as towing  hay rakes, mowers, plows, and pulling out tree stumps. Horses were used to do just about everything that is done with a tractor today   It seems like a long time back, but it is less then a generation a go.  What would we all do if we suddenly lost all electrical power and there was no gasoline.  We don’t want to go there do we, after all, this a pocketknife story.

The pocketknife became a handy tool to have when them leather harnesses broke, you could cut off a leather strap, punch some holes and make a repair to the harness on the spot, and continue working.  Just like the plier when something broke on the equipment you were using, you could walk over to the neighbors (you wouldn’t want to take it off your own fence, would you?) adjacent barbeb wire pasture fence and using the plier to cut one strand of wire from that two strand barbed wire,perferably the strand without the barbs (little harder to work with the wire when its got them barbs on it) and go back and make the repair by wiring it together with the aid of that plier.  The boys would use them pocketknives to make sling shots, and harass frogs and snakes.  I remember using them to strip bark off a birch bark tree to make tepees and canoes.  I remember it was either Mrs. Strietzel or Mrs. Halvorson up at Hilltop School where they had one or two of the classes build a relief of a Indian Village in a sand box.  They used birch bark to represent the hide of animals and willow branchs to construct all the items in the box.  I remember that they even colored the sand to make it look like the village sat on the edge of a stream, and with mountians in the background..

You remember them bib overalls all the farmers use to wear and the kids always refused to wear?  They had the pocket for the plier and the loop for the hammer along side the leg.  They had the pockets just below the waist two in front and two in back. In front you carried your pocketknife. Remember the old timers saying to always close the blades of your poketknife before putting it into your pocket.  You never asked why. You just understood why.  The back pockets were used, one for the grease rag and one for the snot rag, and yes, they did pull and use the wrong rag for the right thing once in awhile. You remember seeing people with grease on their nose and __.  You get the idea. The bib of the overalls had two pockets with a pencil holder between them.  One pocket was used for their billfold and the other for Prince Albert in the can or a bag of Bull Durum tobacco and their cigarette rolling papers.  Oh, yes the other pocket below the waist and in front is where they put there cigarette lighter.  If they didn’t smoke, and they had nothing in there front pockets, but their hands.  They would be accused of playing pocket pool.  Must of been some type of game?  Maybe some old timer will reply, and explain what that was all about?  Do they still make bib overalls?  What a good ice breaker?  Everyone on the cruise should or could wear bib overalls to dinner the first night and bring yourselves along a pocket knife for whittling.  Old timers use to say that your mouth works better, when your hands are busy.   Did somebody else already suggest this about the bib overalls?  Maybe they wern’t going on the memory cruise, neither?  Just kidding.

The pocketknife was a mighty handy instrument, not only was it used to repair harnesses it was used to cut off corns, trim toe nails and finger nails and to clean the fromunda from beneath them nails.  The old timers were mighty proud of their knives.  Whenever they sat down to take a break in the shade of some old oak tree or on the step of the house in the evening, they would bring out their pocketknife and their pocket emery stone and start sharpening their pocket knife. They would sharpen and sharpen until the blade  was sharper then a razors edge.  My dad would always say that a sharp knife will not cut you but a dull one would.  A sharp knife will go where you want it to cut.  You have to force a dull knife and if you have to force it, you do not have it under control and you are bound to cut yourself and the other lesson was to never cut toward your body, always cut away from yourself.  I still have a couple of my dads old pocketknives laying around here somewhere.  The cutting edge of the blades are worn into curves from being sharpened. That was the way a lot of the old timers relaxed after a hard day, sharpening their pocketknives and listening to the radio.  I think a lot of the pocketknives went dull when people started watching television.

Another reason them pocketknives were kept so sharp was that they came in mighty handy when taking care of the male calfs and pigs. A farmer just never knew when it would be time to perform surgery on a critter. They say the testicles must be removed to keep the meat from tasting and smelling strong when cooked and that the animals do put on weight faster if they don’t have these. It must be the results of that damn testosterone?

Now to get to the real meat of this story.  No pun intended!  I was a young fellow about 13 years old up in the Turtle Mountians visiting my three uncles when this subject came up.  Apparently Uncle Guss had bought a male pig (bore) for butchering in the fall.  This was no small pig, I’m guessing that it weighed around 250 lbs.  Back in them days not to many people had a squeeze chute to immobilize a critter.  They didn’t, and probably wouldn’t have taken the time to use it anyway.  Anyway, these three, 60 year old men crawled into this pen with this hog, I stayed on the outside of the pen. I guess I was being held back in reserve in case they needed someone to tell them how to get out of the pen. Sounds good to me.  Anyway, Uncle Guss in the pen with his two brothers, grabbed this hog first and using his shoulder pushed it up against the side of the pen.  Uncle Bill the oldest of the three got a bear hug on the mid section of that hog and together they forced it over onto its side with its back up against the pen.  Guss then changed his position to actually sitting on the pigs head.  Then uncle Bill changed his position to actually sitting on top of the pigs mid-section. Do to this tag team match-up in no time they had that pig under complete control.  Uncle Frank got out his razor sharp pocketknife made two slits and removed that hogs package so efficiently and fast that after he was released that bore was walking around like he was still master of his domain.

While walking back to the house from the barn yard and while discussing the medical procedure that was just used without the benefit of anesthesia, Uncle Guss started complaining that he thought that damn hog had bit him on the butt.

Apparently that hogs teeth wern’t as sharp as that pocket knife?  We all started to chuckle a little as Uncle

guss reached around to his back-side and started complaining about that hog tearing the right back pocket off his bib overalls and also getting a piece of his hide.  I took a couple of steps backward and reported to uncle Guss that he had a pretty big strawberry on his right butt cheek.  Uncle Guss asked if it was bleeding?  I said, no it wasn’t, but that it looks like it wants to. He said, that he would put some horse linament on it, and it would be alright.  Seems like them old timers used that linament for everything.  I remember my dad using that stuff on his legs when they started giving him problems from MS.  I remember that it smelled terrible.  I wonder if it was made for horses, or humans?

So, after making you all aware of how to tackle a hog and remove its package.  Is there any of you fellows willing to tackle a 250 lb. bore.  I’ll volunteer to stay outside the pen and give pointers as you request them.  Remember you need a very sharp pocketknife.  I remember them old timers saying, when discussing someone that had done someone wrong, that they ought to be castrated with a dull knife.  Apparently that would really hurt.

Dick, Do you have any Idea where Randy lives?  Hee, Hee, Hee.

I don’t know what he said that made me think of this story? Maybe he remembers.

Remember, Laugh and the whole world laughs with you!  Cry and you cry alone!

Larry

Folks, I got a call from Bill Grimme (65), midnight Dunseith time, last night (Friday).  I think I understood him to say he arrived in the Dunseith/Bottineau area Thursday.  He is staying at the Super 8 in Bottineau. He has been on the go, non stop.  When he called, we were headed out the door to a wedding, so we had to cut our conversation short. I am including a picture of Bill, so you folks in the Dunseith/Bottineau areas know what he looks like if you happen to see him. This picture was taken in Paris, France about 6 weeks ago. Bill will probably be surprised when he sees this message posted with his picture. With the short time he will be in the area, I know he wants to see as many folks as possible. Bill is living in Birmingham AL. Bill is a very friendly sort of guy and he does not bite, so if you see him don’t be afraid to introduce your self. Gary

As I’m writing this, I just got a message from Dick Johnson informing me that Bill just called him and they set up an appointment to tour the museum in St. John today (Sunday) at 5:00 PM.  Kenny/Shari Nerpel & possibly John/Margaret Bedard will be joining him. I’m sure when Dick has the Museum open, it’s open for all to enjoy. For some of you guys, that would be a nice Sunday drive over to St. John.

         Bill Grimme

Reply for missing 40′s folks, from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): 

My husband, Chuck, and Leo Murray were very good friends.  We stopped to see him in Spokane on a trip west.

Leo has since passed on.  His sister, Mary, as I recall him saying lived in California.  Their father was the janitor at the school for many years, and all of us in the 40′s classes can well remember John’s smiling face.  I don’t remember hearing Mary’s married name.
Mona Dionne Johnson (48)

Reply for missing 40′s folks, from Margaret Myhre Lary 

Note: Margaret Myhre is a cousin to Carl Myhre, (Bank) from Rolette. I called Carl to get her contact info.

Mary Murray was a very good friend of mine.  She was a nurse and married Paul Torrell, who was “Man of the Year” in Idaho.  Mary died in the late 1990′s. She was the 1943 graduate.

Lona Lund Swant (class of 44).  I last heard from her in the late 1990′s.  At that time she was living at 764 Crestview Place, Walla Walla, Washington 99362

Margaret, I was saddened to find Lona Lund has passed on too.  I found death records for both Lona Lund & Mary Murray. Thanks for providing this info.  Gary

Folks, we have only two folks remaining to be located from the 40′s classes and they are both from the class of 1941. Please help if you know anything at all about either of these folks.

Class of 1941
Thelma Medlang – she was from the Little Prairie area
Irene Nelson

Folks, with all the positive responses we got with the story that Vickie Metcalfe provide about Carroll Carlson, She has agreed to share a series of traveling stories she has written about Carroll.  I did not know Carroll, but with her stories and others provided by Dick Johnson, Carroll was a very interesting sort of a guy. Many of you did know the Carlson family and Carroll.  They lived south and east of Kelvin up in the Turtle Mountains.  We will be posting some of Carroll’s traveling stories, each day, for the next few days. We will sequentially number each days posting. Carroll is now deceased.  Gary
(1) CARROLL CARLSON’S TRAVELING YEARS, BY VICKIE METCALFE (70): 
SUMMER OF 1937, CARROLL AND ARCHIE AS RANCH HANDS IN CHINOOK MONTANA

The thirties were tough years economically, and those dry years were tough for agriculture in ND and on the youth who were seeking jobs.

Carroll and Archie Metcalfe, were neighbors and about the same age.   Carroll grew up on the Carlson farm about 2 miles north of the Metcalfe’s at Rabbit City Lake. Carroll’s sister, Ursella, Luella Cote and Leona Metcalfe were also friends who rode horse together.

Carroll had completed High School at Dunseith in 1934.    Archie had worked for area farmers and FDR’s, CCC program.  Archie’s father passed away in July of 1935.  And his mother moved to Dunseith, with the younger children.

With the scarcity of work Carroll and Archie decided to relocate to the West Coast in early spring/summer of 1937.  They found their way to Minot and discovered they did not have enough money to get all the way to the coast.   So they decided to buy tickets with all they had, about $10.00 apiece, and caught a west bound train.  The tickets would take them as far as the middle of Montana.

Kelso Graham had worked two or three years for the Carlson family, in the early 20′s for the Carlson’s. After a time in the twenties, he and Clifford Medlang, son of Ole and Christine of the Little Prairie area decided to head west into Montana.  Clifford was the younger of the two, and didn’t tell his parents he was leaving fearing his mother would not allow him to go.  The two young men went to work for the Miller Brothers Ranch located in North Central Montana.  The Miller Brothers Ranch was one of the largest privately owned ranches in Montana at that time.  There may have been some bigger, but generally run by a corporate style operation, owners living in the east and with a manager running the ranch.

Well,  when they didn’t  have the fare to go to the West Coast, Carroll remembered,Kelso Graham  was  living in Chinook, Montana.   Upon arriving in Chinook the next morning, they got off the train, with just the clothes on their backs.   They went to seek out Kelso.  At that time Kelso was working at a gas station.  Carroll and Archie told him they were looking for summer work.  With Kelso’s help, by the same afternoon, they both had found employment as ranch hands.

They were going to work for Mr. MacIver who owned a sheep ranch, called the “Sprinkle Ranch”.  Carroll and Archie were asked about their equipment.  Their answer,  “What equipment?”   Carroll said,  “We did not have anything except the clothes on our backs.  The necessary equipment included a bedroll.  So, MacIver loaned us the money to purchase what we needed, the expense was taken out of the first pay check.”

Folks, With all the input and help from you guys, we have narrowed our search down to 4 folks we are trying to locate from the 40′s classes.

If any of you know anything at all about these folks, please let me know. Thanks, Gary

Class of 1941:

Thelma Medlang – She was from the Kelvin Little Prairie community

Irene Nelson – She was listed a number of times in some of the archived Turtle Mountain Star papers.

Class of 1943:

Mary Murray – She was related to Roy & George Murray. I Think her sister was married to Roy Kuhl who lived in Grand Forks & Dunseith

Class of 1944:

Lona Lund (Swan?) – Someone mentioned she was married to a Swan. Not sure of the spelling.

From Wendy Strietzel (Daughter of Dorothy Eurich 75): 

Gary,

Thanks for the e-mail today.  I was so surprised to open it up and see my last name there as I scrolled down.  I showed it to my folks (Art and Dorothy Eurich Strietzel) and my dad was surprised as well.  I heard about my great-aunt Cynthia but had never seen a picture of her. It was nice to finally put a face to the name.  Thank Dick for me as well.

Take care,

Wendy Strietzel

From Florence Hiatt Dahl (50):

Do you remember getting chicken pox as a child?I couldn’t.   But I remember going to Aunt Margies for dinner–oops, I forgot it’s supper back there.  And she haId the most wonderful popcorn balls AND I could eat as many as  I wanted, and I did……….The next morning I awoke with mumps andI just knew it was those popcorn balls.  But no memory of chicken poz.  So when some friends told me they were having the vacination for shingles, why bother.. Did you know that after you have c. p. you carry THE virus in your body from then on? This a painful rash on the torso on one side of the body only.  Wrong…..It can be in your scalp, face, ears and a eye.  And it can strike as early as the early fifties.  Why am I writing this?  The first week in May, My right eye felt funny, then a film covered  it………..I had shingles.  I won’t go into all the medical terms, but puttin it simple,  talk to your doctor, get a prescripion and get the vacination.  I wish I had.  I,m just getting over it….Four months”””””

Thank you Florence for this wonderful advice. I know shingles can be very painful. Believe me, I am going to take your advice. Thank you, Gary

Clipping from the Bottineau Courant provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Allen Houle – Dunseith High School class of 1967

Allen Richard’s (65) reply after asking if we had located Emerson Murry (42): 

Emerson and I got to be good friends when I was in the legislature.  We shared the honor of being the only two graduates to come back and give the commencement addresses to the Unset graduating classes.  I still don’t know if we are still the only two.  I need to thank Ben Grossman for my speaking/debating/drama skills.  I don’t know where Emerson got his, but he was certainly no pushover!

As to Susan’s cancer issues — she is doing very well with an excellent prognosis.  We went the aggressive route with double mastectomy and reconstruction plastic surgery due in large part to her family history.  Of her three aunts, three uncles two parents and one sister—only two have NOT had some type of cancer — do the math.  With that in mind she decided to go with chemotherapy even though half the doctors thought she didn’t need it and the other half was moderately in favor of it.  Thankfully no radiation was involved.

It has been a roller coaster for quite some time for more reasons than cancer.  We are in the middle of a multiyear era of difficulty that overshadows anything we have encountered in our 21 year relationship — including 2001 and 2002 when both of our fathers passed away.

But we will make it.  What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I was borderline suicidal before I met her — so I don’t complain much.

Allen Richard’s (65) Reply to the KC’s Picture: 

KC’s class of 1960– I think that is the year my father joined, but I’m not sure.  I think I have their “class picture” at home.  the problem with identifying people in the pictures stems from the fact that in those days the Dunseith KC’s were almost regional in scope–members in the picture you have could have been from Dunseith, Rolette, Rolla. Bottineau, Rugby and everywhere in between—maybe more.

Correction from Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Everyone,

First of all, I want to thank those of you who have donated on my
behalf to the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk I will be participating in on
Sept. 19-21 in the Twin Cities.  I will be walking 60 miles over the
course of three days to raise awareness on the fight towards curing
breast cancer.  I want to make a correction to the website if any of
you want to make a donation.  There was a word left out of the website
and if you went to the one I listed, you were probably wondering why
you were reading about window blinds.  So, the correct website is:
http://www.the3day.org/  Go there and click on “Donate Now”. then type
in Diane Sjol and ND and hit enter.  My name will come up.  Click on
that and then you will be taken to another page with directions.  If
you choose to send a check, please make it to Breast Cancer 3 Day and
mail it to Diane Sjol at 712 South Main St. Minot, ND 58701.  Please
submit a name with you donation and I will put that name on my shirt
and walk for that person.  The person you choose can be battling any
kind of cancer, be a survivor, or be deceased….it doesn’t matter.
Remember, no donation is too small. It all adds up and my goak in
order to be able to participate is $2200.  So far I have raised about
$700.00.  Thank you in advance and I am sorry for giving you the wrong
information.

Randy Flynn’s (70) reply to Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

OK Vickie.  You can keep the memories going.  You have done the DHS class of 1970 proud.  Your story of Carroll Carlson has surpassed all Dick Johnson and Larry Hackman stories.  Not that theirs were not good, you just kept me wanting to learn more.  Please share all of those memories when you have time.

A question for Vickie and Dick about Carroll Carlson.  Vickie mentioned Carroll had cousins in Canada.  Do either of you or anyone for that matter, know the connection between the Turtle Mountain Homesteaders and those who moved to Alberta.  Was it the second generation looking for farm land of their own, was it a religious connection, or did it occur in the 30s.  I was told Carroll had relatives in North Central Alberta, one lady was named Hazel, I believe.  She was married to a gentleman with the last name of Sather but I do not know if he was from the Turtle Mt area.

Vickie Metcalfe’s (70) reply:  

Vickie, this is another great message of yours, that I have chosen to share.  Gary

Randy, Gary, Dick,

I believe it was a second generation of homesteaders.  My dad’s  Aunt
Anne (Metcalfe) Eccles ,daughter Jim &Mae (Eccles) Smith ( no
relation to Wayne)  moved up to Medicine Hat area in the early 1900′s
also. It was soemtime, after the tragic  time of my aunt Lillian’s
murder which happened on the Eccles place.

Picture this  in your minds eye….. Old High Way #3. You’re driving
north on the old highway #3, around the lakes close to the old Oliver
Handeland place ( their great granddughter Pam (Anderson) Defender
lives there now) going up a steep  hill then the Seim/Metcalfe
meadow….ya got it pictured ?  Well that big hill was called by my
dad and old timers”the Jim Smith Hill” .  I believe Mae Smith sold
that piece of land to Pete Carlson in the 30′s while she was living
in Alberta.  George Cota’s brother used to pass through that area of
Alberta to visit former Turtle Mtn folks.  I believe his name was
Alfred.  Old Mrs. Cota was a sister to Randolph Keeler who was
married to one of my dad’s cousins on the Metcalfe side.. He was
about muy Uncle Luckys age. …..Enough pondering back to work I ‘ll
do some more thinkin over the weekend.

Gary, Is there any interest..in me to just send pieces of CARROLL’s
TRAVELING YEARS so you can just fwd  installmentss on through your
blog?

Til the weekend. Vickie

Message/pictures from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Carroll Carlson had cousins at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Their last
name was Halvorson, if I remember correctly. I believe they were all
women and were his first cousins. Some of them were here not too many
years ago and Carroll brought them over for me to meet. I just can’t
remember their married names. My Grandmother Cynthia Strietzel Johnson,
had an uncle that left the Turtle Mountains to homestead at Crane
Valley, SK. He stayed there nearly all his life, but moved to California
when he was quite old and lived out his life there.I think there was
good land available on the prairies in Saskatchewan. Here in the hills
it was a big job to clear trees and brush, so many folks headed north.
Grandma’s old uncle was a character. He was a scrounger and a pack rat.
We called him ‘Uncle Herman’ and when he came to visit, his old 51
Pontiac was so full of junk he only had a place to sit to drive. Once
when he was here at the farm, he gave me an old double barrel shotgun
with a homemade latch to keep it shut when you fired it. I was really
proud ( I was about 12 ). I showed my prize to my dad after Uncle Herman
left. Dad saw the lock contraption and said, ” Don’t ever shoot that,
you’ll blow your head off”! For once I listened, or I probably wouldn’t
be typing this email! I’m attaching two pictures of Herman Strietzel.
The first is of him in front of his ‘claim shack’ at Crane Valley, SK.
and the second is of he and my grandmother, Cynthia Strietzel Johnson,
taken at our farm in 1952. He was down visiting family on one of his
excursions. When Randy Flynn asked if people went to Saskatchewan for
religious reasons, I thought of Uncle Herman! He didn’t go there for
religious reasons, not the way I remember him! He taught himself to read
and write, and then found an old typewriter and wrote his life history,
of which I have a copy. He said he was born in a log house and was
delivered by a neighbor woman (midwife). To this he remarked, “I spent
my first seconds here on Earth in the arms of another man’s wife”! The
rest of his ‘manuscript’ is equally interesting! He spelled words the
way they sound and this makes the reading hilarious! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): 

Obituary provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

FLOYD W PRITCHARD

6 BIRCHWOOD HEIGHTS RD S

Bottineau, ND58318-8020

(701) 263-4964

Provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Arliss is married to Kevin Fugere (76):

Folks,  Please see list of the 1940′s DHS class folks remaining to be located at the bottom on this message.  Gary

Karen Loeb Mhyre’s (65) reply to Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Hello Vickie,

Thank you for the corrected information on my mother’s cousin, Carroll.  I am in Michigan right now visiting my daughter and her family but will be home on the 15th (Bellevue, Washington).  The book you mentioned sounds wonderful.  Do you have one or two copies I can purchase?  My mom would love it.  I was so glad to read your comment about Leonard and his visits.  Mom had said he “left home when he grew up and never came back”!!!

When I get home the week of the 15th I will print your letter and take it to my mom.  She does not do email!!  She is 87! She lives in Bothell, Washington.   I do remember the Aird name and she will be interested in that information as well. We did visit a cousin of hers once who lived in Marysville, WA but I am not sure how she was related.  Will ask my mom about who this was and get her name.  I think her husband was a fisherman.

Do you know who is farming the Carlson farm now?

Thanks again for writing about this part of our family.

Keep in touch!!

Karen Loeb Mhyre (daughter of Hannah Higgins Loeb, granddaughter of Alida Olson Higgins who was sister to Christine Olson Carlson – mother of Caroll!!!)

Vickie Metcalfe’s (70) reply to Karen’s message above: 

Actually Karen,  what I wrote is about 15 pages typewritten. Are you still interested?  If so, I will mail  a couple copies to you at your home address.
If you so desire, after receiving  and reading.  All I ask is ,make a  small  donation to Little Prairie Cemetery Association in Carroll’s memory.  That’s where Carroll’s remains are along with the Carlson family. ………………And, He’d smile at that!
Every 1st weekend of  May is the clean up for that little cemetery. I think all the siblings including Leonard are there too. I remember Leonard well.  He made his last journey to ND when my dad was still living, and walked over the pastures east to our family farm to visit.  I think he told my dad that he was dying.
Carroll when not farming worked with my dad mixing mud for sheetrock.  Then my dad lost his vision and that ended.  But Carroll was always a good neighbor.  Geographically…..On that road,the Carlson farm, the Seim farm, the Metcalfe farm, the Smith farm,the Johnson farm.  We were all neighbors and all belonged to each other as friends.
Christine (Carlson) was married to a fisherman and last address was Stanwood WA, I met her when they buried Carroll the June after his passing. . She and her husband would send Carroll  caps with fishing logos.
I have  a cousin Ken Oswell in Bellevue, another Ron Oswell in Shoreline. There mom used to ride with Ursulla as teens.  Ardis Steggall belonged to Uncle Lucky lives  on Whidbey Island and Dianne ( Jean’s daughter) a teacher in Monroe.  So I know thhe area of western WA well.

Do you have the book written for the Dunseith Centennial in 1982, “Prairie, Past and Mountain Memories”? If not obtain one for you and your mom they are about $30.00 . That book you will find the family story of about every family.

Later. Vickie Metcalfe

Dick Johnson’s (68) Reply to Vickie Metcalfe (70):

Gary and Friends,

I enjoyed Vickie’s story about the trip and memories of my old pal,
Carroll Carlson. That was him, exactly! He often said, “I would change
things, but I gave him my word”. If he told you this was the way he
would do something, that was the way he did it! He also told me many
times, the reason our country is going the way it is–is because,
“People ain’t got no shame”! It may sound simplistic, but the underlying
fact is that he was right! Carroll was a man of high moral fiber, and
trusted his fellow man. This at times cost him, as some of the people
took advantage of  his trust. Even that didn’t cause him to be less
honest or trusting. I think he just felt that they would have to answer
for it someday. On a lighter note, when he was having heart problems, I
drove him to Minot several times to see the doctors. He didn’t like to
drive in Minot and wouldn’t have been able to find his appointment or
hear what they wanted anyway. On one occasion, the doctor was telling
Carroll, in technical terms, what he was to do. Carroll didn’t hear a
word, so I said, “Tell me and I’ll see he does it”. The doctor then
understood that Carroll couldn’t hear. He asked what I knew about
Carroll’s history? I explained about him being in North Africa and Omaha
Beach on D-Day, and that was Carroll’s big event. The Doc put his hand
on Carroll’s shoulder and said loudly, “I understand you were in World
War II”! Carroll said, “That wasn’t too hard to get into”! The Doctor
laughed and left the room still laughing! Months later after several
more visits, Carroll finally got the word that he no longer had to take
most of his meds and could just go back to his normal routine, he was
nearly skipping down the hall. When we were walking across the parking
lot, he turned to me and slyly said, “I think I’m going to start smoking
again”! I said, “Go ahead.” He was 88 at the time! Thanks Gary!

Dick

 Message to Gary from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Vickie, I hope you don’t mind that I’m sharing this message.  Many of our folks can relate to and know the folks you are talking about.   Folks, Bradley Salmonson (61) is Hank’s son. Gary

Now I consider it a treat when Hank Salmonson shows up for lunch at the Family

Bakery.  For me, he’ll share chocolate!  He’s another good buddy of
Dick’s.  Hank recently with friend Jade Mogaard released his Cd
entitled “88 years of Hank”.  Yes, he’s an uncle of Wayne Smith and
Dennis and Terry Espe also my sis in law, Debbie.( Harlan’s daughter)
and Salmonsons.   A couple summers ago Bradley and his son came back
and painted Hanks house.  Hank will go pick guitar with Dicks group
when  they are together at Wayne  and Rosemary Smiths……..He’s
also got a wealth of stories to tell.  Right now, his great – niece
Shari Honsey June’s daughter( from Seattle) is in the area and they
hang out together.  Hank  was   a brother in  law to Albert Hiatt and
married to Maybelle Smith, who has passed away.  Back at ya.Vickie

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Hurricane Gustov from Dale Pritchard (63): 

Hi Gary,

Hurricane Gustov come in out of the Gulf just a little West of New
Orleans Monday forenoon.  It started past my place, to the East, about
10:00 Monday night, with the entire eye between here and Alexandria,
which is only about 45 miles further East.  It’s better to be on the
West side of a hurricane.  The East side is the “big trouble” side.  The
wind blew many hours with a steady howl that works on one’s nervous
system.  I stayed up till 2:00 AM Monday night just in case the roof got
damaged and rain started in.  I finally gave up and went to bed until
8:00.  By that time it was past but dumping rain pretty hard.  Between
downpours, I checked outside and crawled up on the roof to see what was
gone (or left).  It was all OK and I still have a hard time believing we
came through it with no damage.  Alexandria on the other hand, had
houses damaged, trees down, trees on houses, flooding, etc.  We’re
already looking at four more on the way.  It’s pretty certain the first
the first one will head North on the East side of Florida but it’s too
early to tell anything on the other three.

In Sep 05, a hurricane came in on the Louisiana/Texas state line, about
20 miles away, and took some of my shingles with it.  I was on the East
side that time and paid for it!!  We spent about four days without power
that time.  This time, it was only off about seven hours.  I feel for
those in Florida who get some effects from almost every one that goes
by, and more than their share of hits!

Dale

From Sybil Johnson: 

Ive gotten to looking forward to receiving your emails and all the information from others. I noticed a mention of Hazel Hyatt and I remember her well. She used to come to Bernice’s house all the time. She sure was a worker, as I remember on her farm. I do have a picture of her and if I can find it, I will put it on here.

Sybil Johnson

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Daughter of Sandra Zeiler (62) & Mike Vandal

Daughter of Sandra Zeiler (62) & Mike Vandal

Marlin Williams (55 – Deceased) – Doris Peterson Williams (53)

Does any one recognize this picture?

Folks,

Below, I have listed the remaining folks that we have not located from the 40′s classes. Thank you very much for all the feed back you provided with the last request asking for help locating  these folks from the 40′s classes.  With your help our list has gotten much smaller.

Please provide any info that you know about any of these folks. Please provide names of relative or friends that may know and Married names of the gals

Thanks,

Gary

Class of 1940
Lucina Bahl

Class of 1941
Kenneth Christianson
Thelma Medlang
Irene Nelson

Class of 1942
June McDermott

Class of 1943
Mary Murry

Class of 44
Lyle Johnson
Lona Lund (Swan)

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69):

Betty, Yes, this is a fun and rewarding hobby.  About Floyd Dion being in your class.  Floyd told the reason and I forgot, but he was not able to continue school.  He said had he continued he would have graduated with the class of 45.  Gary

Reply from Jeff Skjelver(Dave Shelver’s son): 

Question Jeff: Is Tom Hepper’s father Gene (Deceased) the former teacher from Dunseith that many of us remember so well? Gary

Jeff’s reply: Yes, Tom is the middle son of Gene and Patricia’s three boys.  Tom and his wife have been out in the Green Bay, WI area for the past 13 years or so.

Gary’s Reply: Jeff, Mr. Hepper has been discussed several times in the past year with pictures. Does Tom remember much of Dunseith?  I had Mr. Hepper for World History.  Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher Mid 60′s): 

Gary,

Great wedding photos.  It reminds me of the time I was invited to a wedding in Olongapo City (Subic Bay) and ended up taking a ton of photos because I was the only one with a camera.  Congrats to the happy couple.

I am off to Germany for two months.  That is if Hurricane Gustov will allow us to get off the ground.

Bob

From Janice Workman (56): 

Hi Gary, I saw in the TMS that Darrell Haberstad died. Do you know any details??? His family has my sympathy and prayers.

Joyce Martinson had a daughter, Martha Rae, that I babysat.  The going rate at that time, about 1950, 51 sometime in there, was 25 an hour.  In 1952 I worked at the Crystal Café for 35 cents.

The sign in the picture I think is Garden Lanes.  It would have been taken after the creamery burned and the Garden Tap was built.  The Crystal Café is right next door.

Janice Workman Class of ’56.

Janice, All I know is that Darrayl had a stroke at a young age and was pretty much bed ridden for the rest of his life.  At the time of his death he was living in a nursing home in Glasgow, MT near his sister Lona. His other sister Lorraine lives in Vista, CA.  I have pasted their info below.  Gary

Reply  from Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): 

It would be fun for all of us in the Seattle area to get together and we hope many of the cruisers would be in Seattle a day or two early to join us.  We will have to figure out the time of our gathering when you know your exact itenary.  Just let me know the date that will work for you.

Karen

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks,

This is the picture that came in yesterday when I was sending the daily message. Neola was asking me if I knew who L. Rude would be. One look at this picture and I knew right away it was Carrole Fauske Rude (66), Laverne’s wife.  Neola and Laverne have known each other most of their lives, so when I replied, she was shocked.  At the moment, when she sent the picture, she had Leroy Rude on her mind and not Laverne.

Because I have a little story to tell, I cropped another of picture of Laverne and added to the Bottom of Carrole with their children,  I think Melissa & Brant.

In a sense, one can say Carrole (Fauske) and Laverne Rude are kind of special to me.  From the very day I was born, I have known them both pretty well. Laverne’s family and our family were very active members of Salem Lutheran church.  In the coarse of a week we were together often.  We were very close. We knew Carrole’s family well too, with her mother, Eleanor, being a Hiatt.  Laverne’s parents were Albert & Gladys Rude.  They lived about 4 mikes west of us in Bottineau county. Laverne graduted from Bottineau HS in 1963.

Now for the story and you will see why Carrole and Laverne are kind of special.

In the school year of 64/65 Carrole was a Junior at DHS and Laverne was a Sophomore at the Forestry. I was a Senior at DHS. Living way up in the hills and with cows to milk and chores to do, we were seldom able to attend any school activities outside of the school day. Every now and then, but not often, my folks would allow me to attend some evening school activities. Because we had to get up early to milk cows before going to school, we had to be in bed at 9:00 PM.  Laverne, like most guys was interested in girls.  He had heard that Dunseith had some really nice good looking girls and he wanted to check them out.  He asked me if I would accompany him to one of our Dunseith high school basket ball games.  My folks said it was OK.  He picked me up in his dad’s white and green 57 Chevrolet and we went to Dunseith.  I remember it being very cold. During the coarse of the basket ball game, Carrole came over and asked me who the handsome blue eyed fellow was with me.  I introduced the two of them that night and they have been together ever since.  I believe they were married in 1967, after Laverne graduated from NDSU.  With the union of Carrole and Laverne, I think (know) there were several broken hearts in Dunseith.

I remember after the Basket ball game, Laverne and I got back into his dad’s 57 Chev. Laverne was driving and in the coarse of backing up to get turned around on ice, we backed/slid into the side of Virgil/Jay Vanorny’s car.  So that was a memorable night for Laverne. He had met his future wife and had an accident to boot.

Carrole and Laverne are currently living in Vancouver WA.  Laverne became a pilot and made a career of the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force he was a pilot for Verizon air lines, part of Alaskan Air lines, for a number of years.

Now as Paul Harvey would say, you know the rest of the story.

Gary

        Carole Fauske Rude (66) with I think, Melissa & Brant.

Laverne Rude

Reply from Judy Allery Azure (65): 

Gary,

This is a picture of my oldest brother Hubert Allery, he resides here in Fargo, ND.   It would be nice if Neola would be able to mail it to me.   Then I could pass it along to him.  I believe you have my address.  Thanks!   Wonderful job you are doing.  Read your e-mail on a daily basis sure nice to read, about so many people  I know.

Thank You!

Judy Allery Azure

Folks, don’t miss the Knights of Columbus picture, with explination From Bonnie Awalt Houle,  at the very bottom of this message.  Gary

Mel Kuhn’s (70) reply to the “Historical Society” Steak Fry last Saturday: 

Howdy Gary,

The turnout for the Historical Society Steak Fry was overwhelming. We got caught with our pants down. I know I never imagined the people would come in so fast and all at one time. We kind of started out pretty confused and had trouble keeping everything straight and some steaks went out to the wrong people and cooked the wrong way. We finally got a list going and almost got organized by the time it was done. A lot of our steaks hadn’t gotten thawed all the way and that was creating quite a problem for those well done folks. I ended up recooking several which I have to apologize for and for some of the people that had to wait so long. We ended up having to raid my freezer at home for more steaks when we ran out and still didn’t have enough. We went through a 101 steaks and a couple dozen burgers and some hotdogs. This all happened in an hour and a half. None of the workers[7 of us] and several of the band members never got a steak. I know I ended up with a cold wiener at about 9:30. Lots of the people there I did not know and they were there because of this site and we have to thank you for that. I got to visit with Ele for a while so that was a good thing. She informed me that she is having a 60th. Birthday party for Richard next Saturday and invited us to attend. Someone told me of people there from the old Dunseith days and the only name that I can remember is Nancy Hosmer but there were several others. Maybe Dick can pass along some names. Well, I hope everyone’s food was OK and no one got sick. I didn’t get to listen to much of the music but what I did hear was great. We’ll have to try it again next year and see if we can to a little better job. I forgot to mention that the banter between myself and Chicken[Henry LaRocque] is just something we do, we weren’t really arguing. It was great seeing so many people and I hope to see you all again.

Mel Kuhn[70]

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Thank You. Gary for #210 this am was awaiting me.  So great to hear that even as a high school student you were helping “Cupid” with the Rude/Fauske romance. Years later, as the world turned you and Bernadette  continued to do so with your young friends this past summer.
Reply to yesterday’s message from Judy Allery Azure (65): 

Hi Gary,

I must inform you that my brother, Hubert Allery, is a DHS graduate but the year should read 1962 not 1952. This was a good laugh when I informed him of the year you had above his picture.
Thanks again for all the hard work you do.

Oh, by the way the picture of the two little boys with Debbie Dubois’ name are actually from Belcourt.  Debbie’s maiden name is Allery, her parents were relatives of my family.  Her mother is Rosemarie Allery of Belcourt, ND.

Judy Allery Azure

Judy, That was a typo. I do know that Hubert graduated in 1962. I should have caught that one before it went out. Sorry for the mistake.  Gary

Three replies from Dick Johnson (68): 

Two replies From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary and Friends,

Rod Hiatt wanted me to elaborate on events at the sporting goods store

in Bottineau. I can do that. It was in the early 80′s that Henson’s had
a sporting goods store in the old Stone Hotel. Gary
Mortenson worked there with Don Bunce, as I recall. One day a man named
Dodgion and his wife, Florence were in the store. He was handling a ..22
Magnum when it discharged and  took her life. She was the daughter of
John and Helen Gunville and this was a very sad incident for all the
family and for all those who knew them. I do remember that after this
happened, Don Bunce really lost interest in the business and before long
closed his store and moved, I believe to Minot, but I’m not sure of
that. Florence was in the DHS class of 1967 and was well liked. Her
brother, Mark, had worked for me here on the farm for a while just
before this happened, so I felt connected to this tragedy. If I have any
details wrong, I apologize, but this is how I remember it. Feel free to
correct anything I write at any time, as we need these articles  to be
as close to the facts as is at all possible. Thanks Gary.

Dick

Gary, A side note.. In one fwd. Rod Hiatt mentioned a shooting at a sporting good store…….Gary, I wonder if the young mother who lost her life was Florence Gunville, daughter of John and Helen.  I believe, John and Helen raised Florences’ young son on the former Kavali farm after they purchased it from Leonard and Dot.  Another tragic blow to an old Dunseith family. Sometimes all that gets folks through  the tragedys are  good  friends , strong family and enduring Faith.Vickie Metcalfe

Gary,

That is the Garden Lanes sign on the picture. The cars appear to be mid
60s. I’m sure someone will recognize the bride and groom, but I don’t
right now! Thanks.

Dick

Gary, I’m sure Dick has corrected the notion  that Carroll Carlson ever lived in the Dunseith Nursing Home..NO NEVER…….Carroll, after leaving the Carlson farm moved to the Hazel Hiatt farm stead (just south of Kick McKay’s)  on Willow Creek just n. of Dunseith. Carroll was mentally capable. Dick Johnson assisted Carroll  get medical attention when so needed. Don Aird, Carroll’s nephew was in contact frequently with Carroll via telephone and came to spend time with him at least once a year. Vickie
Gary,

Short note–Vickie Metcalfe is right, Carroll Carlson never was a day in any nursing
home! He took care of his own business right up to the last day! He was
also sharp as a tack! He came home after driving uptown for Senior Meals
and died while walking across his kitchen, exactly the way he would have
chosen, I’m sure!

Dick

Reply from Jeff Skjelver(Dave Shelver’s son): 

Gary’s Reply: Jeff, Mr. Hepper has been discussed several times in the past year with pictures. Does Tom remember much of Dunseith?  I had Mr. Hepper for World History.  Gary

Oh sure he does.  He used to pal around with John Morgan’s (61) son, Mike, when they were kids.  Tom speaks fondly of his days in Dunseith, especially negotiating the aisles of Shelver Drug.  He moved with his family to Rugby when he was about 7 years old.  That would have been around 1973.

Tribute to Scott Nadeau from Dave Slyter (70): 

Tribute to Scott Nadeau

Born on earth  2/10/73

Born to heaven  8/28/08

I was so sorry to see the passing of a good friend to me and to just about everyone,  Scott Nadeau.   I remember Scott from when I worked at the DunseithHigh School back in the early 90’s.    He was a very polite, smart and down to earth young man.   His smile would shine like the bright sun and his mannerism was unbelievable.   He would spend a lot of time after school just hanging around and every once in a while he would come and visit while I was doing my daily routine work and ask if he could help.   I never turned down any kind of help.   When he got a little older he got very interested in sports card and I told him he should go and see my sister Brenda and her husband Paul as they owned the trophy shop in Rugby.  They were instant friends of each other.  They too will tell you that Scott was the most pleasant person to be around.   We will certainly miss him.

Scott fought a long hard battle with his cancer and even when I remember when he got it, his positive attitude brought him a very long way thru the years when he was fighting this horrible disease.

Today I will say a special prayer for Scott as he goes home to his final resting place.   I know he will be welcomed with open arms and be a friend to everyone, just like he was here on earth.    God Bless you Scott and we will be seeing you later when we all go home to that special place you are now,  Heaven.

Dave Slyter (70)

Obituary from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

SCOTT NADEAU

Feb. 10, 1973-Aug. 29, 2008

DUNSEITH Scott Nadeau, 35, Dunseith, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, in a Belcourt hospital.

He was born Feb. 10, 1973, to Roberta Nadeau in Belcourt.

Survivors: mother, Dunseith; brothers, Jamie Nadeau and Roy Poitra, both Dunseith; sisters, Melissa Beston, Donna Beston, Angel Beston and Stephanie Beston, all Dunseith.

Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith.

Burial: St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith.

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

Wake: Today, 4 p.m., in the church.

(Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary,  I understand  a cousin mentioning  her relationship to Carroll Carlson. Attached is a letter I sent to his nephew, Don Aird the son of Clarissa (Carlson) Aird, which you may share if you wish. (Although, I’m still a computer novice, when I first began writing remembrances, I started saving all kinds of stuff on the computer and have some letters and Carroll’s 1937—- history. )Carroll also said one time he was somehow related to the Martinson’s out of Landa ND………Carroll was very close and fond of his sister Clarissa’s children. Don and Christina Aird .

Carroll also chose and counted Dick Johnson among his
friends many friends.
I do have Mrs. Carlson’s recipe for Cardomom Cookies!
Gary, I am getting e- mails infrequently.  Missed a quite a few, But
I was happy to get #209.  Because I  always delight in sharing my
fond remembrances of the folks of “Snuce Box Junction Road” . As
ever. Vickie

Attached Letter:

May 14, 2004

Dear Family of Carroll,

Just  a couple weeks ago on May 1,  2004. Little Prairie Cemetery had the annual spring clean up.  Carroll was there with his rake. Imagine that at …89 years old recovering from cataract surgery and heart complications.

I knew Carroll, all my life  growing up 1/2 mile east. There was a big generation gap.   He’d tell people, “This is Vickie, I’ve known her all her life.
I remembered Mrs. Carlson as a kid, and her wonderful Cardamom Sugar cookies. . And I remember Carroll’s brother, Leonard.

Whenever Leonard came back to visit Carroll, he (Leonard) would walk through the fields and visit my folks, sometimes pulling up a milk stool at the barn,or walking into the  unlocked house and have coffee.  Carroll,  in contrast, was more than quiet.   He was one person that people would often miss or overlook in a group.  He was  reserved.

As a kid, I always wondered. “What the connection was with the Metcalfe’s?” For many years, Carroll would come and get a bucket of drinking water every week at our farm, never stopping at the house. Or driving down the road on his tractor pulling some piece of machinery. He was very quiet. Except with, Dad when he was around, who would engage him in conversation.  Dad had said that his brother,  my Uncle Archie and Carroll had traveled to Montana as young men.  My dad had the highest regard for him and would say about him, “Carroll is a true American hero.”   And, Dad also said, “If it’s not any of your business when you ask him about something, Carroll will tell you. “It’s none of your business.”  Carroll also moved stealthily.  My dad said, “Carroll had  a hunting prowess,  you wouldn’t even know he was around when he was hunting in the woods.”

We,  Metcalfe kids respected the “generation gap”.  So as a kid, I assumed Carroll wanted to be left alone.  As an adult, I found out differently.  In one conversation  with my mom about 4 years ago, Audrey Smith(another neighbor) told mom that Carroll told her, “Vickie always says hello when you see her.”  So, I took that as affirmation that it would be o.k. to approach him.

Three years ago, Mick (Gary) Morris came to Dunseith on his  own quest. In the early 90′s, his mother  told him that his birth father was Archie Metcalfe of Dunseith ND.  In late July 2001, Mick contacted our family. For me, and Mick Morris there was, some kind of immediate emotional bond.  I remembered and loved my  Uncle Archie Metcalfe in my childlike memories.  A gregarious, fun loving , favourite doting Uncle who loved kids.  I shared what I remembered  with Mick.

And I knew, what dad had said about Carroll and Archie in Montana.  I also remembered what Dad had said about Carroll and “minding one’s business”  but I  took a first big risk with Carroll.

I told Mick, not to expect anything. But, I wished for him to meet two people who had known my Uncle Archie (on their level), as men. Carroll and Art Seim.  We drove my blazer to Carroll’s in north Dunseith.  I got out and  cautiously approached Carroll, I told him I had a visitor from Chinook, MT.   I told him that Mick was from Chinook, MT  who believed he was  Archie’s son.  Then,  I asked if he’d be willing to talk to Mick.  Carroll moved with alacrity and said most definitely that he would.  I asked where he’d like to visit?  Carroll said Dale’s. ( I’ve since learned that Carroll does not frequent that business).  Carroll crawled into my blazer took one look at Mick and  laughed, that little  unique laugh that he had, said.  “Yep,  You’re a Metcalfe.”  Carroll could not stop talking with Mick.  Betty  (Mick’s wife)  and I just sat quietly and smiled at the two of them.  I asked Carroll, if he thought it would be appropriate for me to take Mick to meet Art Seim.  He said yes.

Carroll and Art Seim were kind enough to visit with Mick, and share what they knew.  ie. Carroll and Archie Metcalfe, as friends  rode the rails to Chinook, MT together in 1937 and worked on the Miller Ranch.
Carroll,  the quiet, non-pretentious,elusive person, and I began  to visit frequently.  I think our friendship was cemented when Carroll and I had an adventure to Chinook, MT.  I was so grateful, that he was open and kind to Mick.  When I asked if he’d like to go to Chinook he responded affirmatively.  I was to  drive, but he insisted on paying for the gas and eats…. At service stations, Carroll would jump out and start filling the car with gas. He would not nap on the road. He said he had to stay awake to keep an eye on my driving.  But, as we drove I realized his eyes were darting everywhere, taking in every speck of scenery, making comments.  He  pointed  out road signs,  towns visited, and also to a sign toward Canada where he had cousins at one time. He even tolerated my dogs!

We visited Fort Peck Dam, Mick and Betty in Chinook, the Miller ranch, Nez Pierce National Battlefield, Cleveland MT, and the Bears Paw.

While in Chinook, Betty and Mick opened their  beautiful home to Carroll and myself. In the mornings, Mick would drive Carroll to the cafe for breakfast. And,  one day took him to visit to see an old friend, a veteran,  Carroll served with. This was  difficult for Carroll since they were both hard of hearing and  talking at the same time!

Mick introduced Carroll to the grandson of one of the Miller brothers, Carroll had worked for.   Mick and Carroll also went to the bar in the afternoons to visit  the locals.  Ha, so much for me being….. “one of the boys”.  :>)

They finally,  :>) did let me and the dogs go along on the road trip. Which is much better  to me than the thought of golfing.  We spent an entire day  in Mick’s truck 4-wheeling throughout the Bears Paw.  At one point,  Carroll was hanging on to the handles while Mick drove almost vertically down a mountain. Carroll laughed his little laugh and told Mick he’d never been on top one of the Bears Paw, in all the years he worked for the Miller brothers.

Me, and the dogs sat quietly in the back seat.  (I felt like a little kid… excited about being allowed  to go along with adults on a grand adventure.) We stopped at different ranches, found a sheep shed Carroll remembered.  (After a fire in the early ’90s many building were destroyed in Blaine County.) Carroll  delighted Mick and I with  stories.  We ate lunch in  Cleveland, MT where Carroll recalled stories about himself, and Archie, and the ranch hands at the Saturday night dances.  We ate hamburgers and drank a beer at that little Cleveland bar.  Before we ate dinner, Carroll locked himself in the  mens’ bathroom when the door knob came off the door.  I giggled,  quiet Mick smiled, Carroll  took the ribbing good naturedly.  Although, he did get the last laugh, when the same thing happened to me,  the handle came off the womens’  room door.   We had  brought the dogs in and kept a close eye on them after the proprietor told us she had killed a rattler inside the place the week before.    I  was trying to get out of the bathroom, taking slow deep breaths all the while imagining snakes.  More stories and reminiscing.

Carroll shared the story of his first plane flight with Archie over the Bear’s Paw and Chinook, of hard work, moving sheep, haying and moving horses to the reservation wintering grounds and of the fun, site seeing with Archie.  Mick and I shared our delight at Carroll’s enthusiasm and delight.

Carroll was always a gentleman.  As a Metcalfe, I am big, I towered over Carroll and I am quite capable of taking care of myself.  But he’d open doors, insisted on gassing up the car, and  try to beat me to a ticket.

Carroll was also person of tact.  One evening, Carroll and I were to take my car and meet our hosts for dinner at a swanky place in Havre.  Carroll said to me when we we alone,  “What does Mick do?”  (He was very impressed with Mick, and Mick’s home).

One disappointment, ( I  regret this)of Carroll’s that he had on that trip.  I did not find out until later was, he did not see not  an old acquaintance, Monica (Druniak) Conrad.  The Druniak family were among the first people Archie and Carroll met in Chinook, of course after Kelso Graham.   He didn’t ask me about why Mick did not take him to see her until we were miles away from Chinook.
Carroll really loved those Bear’s Paw.  When driving over the Mouse River,  the Turtle Mountains  came in sight I asked him if he’d was happy  to get back in view of the Turtle Mountains.  He  regretfully replied,  “I like the Bear’s Paw Mountains.”

I asked Carroll if I could write down the stories he told me on the trip.  (Of course, he was shy about it.) “Huh,Why would you want to do that?” he responded”.  I told him because I love stories, and you have a story to tell, one I want to remember.  He, then started bringing me stuff and telling me more stories. I believe he was pleased to collaborate.

That Christmas, Carroll suggested that I send his story to Monica. That was how he introduced me to Monica (Druniak) Conrad via  the US mail and telephone.

Carroll really wanted me to know his story, and his friends, and understand  to not forget the lessons of W.W.II.  An example, He’d bring me newspaper articles.   And , last summer 2003, he called me up asking me to stop in and meet his niece in Camano Island when I was in Washington. I was a bit embarrassed to do that.  Now I wish I had. (another regret)

At least once a month Carroll and I  met for 11:30 dinner, the  Saturday lunch special, at the Bottineau Bowling Alley.  Carroll  and his friends  shared so many interesting stories of life experiences,opinions of  current events, news,  and common interests.  I thoroughly enjoyed the  knowledge, uplifting humor and teasing among Carroll and his Saturday dinner friends.

As I came to appreciate Carroll more and more as a person,   I realized he was of the same caliber, kind of man that my dad and so many folks of that generation were ie. Patriotic, strong work ethic, honest,  fair, trustworthy, positive, well read, and  knowledgeable.  Carroll could discuss  many issues , ideas, and  politics as well as regional history.  Maybe, that’s another…why?.. I liked hanging out with him.

The only time I saw Carroll really angry and swear (not quiet) was a discussion  about the possibility of war.  He had a very strong opinion, in opposition to it. Something like , “we don’t belong over there in that damn place.”  We were eating lunch at the Bowling Alley, Angus and I were surprised at (normally quiet) Carroll’s outburst.  Angus and I looked around,  everyone was looking.  Then,  we shrugged it off.  Heck, Carroll earned the right to any opinion he wished to express.  Another time when I was writing his remembrances he said  “war is not glorious, it’s hell!”

One characteristic Carroll really exemplified, modeled, and valued was, “His Word.” When Carroll gave someone his word, it was mightier than a written contract or gold. It meant something!  Others, who he entered agreements with him sometimes weren’t as forthright, broke contracts or let him down.  But Carroll never, ever wavered on where he stood.  I’d say , “Why Carroll?  When the those folks don’t keep their end of the bargain? ”  He’d say,simply,  “I keep my word.”

Carroll  talked fondly of his family.  He liked to share what they were  doing and talk about  a painting,  article, book, picture, or  gift  that was sent to him.  He spoke affectionately of his siblings. He never mentioned  the word,…. love.  But, I could just see a glow, when he was talking about  one them,  that he loved them.   On that May 1, 2004 cemetery clean up day, he spent some time  standing in silence at the Carlson family plot.

I consider myself privileged to have known him.

Sincerely,
Vickie Metcalfe

Follow up message from Vickie:

Gary, Someday, would you like me to mail you a hard copy of ” Carroll’s Traveling Years”?  I had  the most wonderful ,great time writing/collaborating with Carroll.   Once finished, he shared with many of his friends at Dunseith Senior Citizens.  He also  sent copies to family members ie. his sister Ursulla in Virginia……..Ursulla’s husband, Donn  a few years ago wrote  and published a book about his life of…. “arms dealing” , he was originally from Overly.  Ursulla  painted, continued with her love of horses and they were both very interested in national affairs.   Upon Carroll’s death one of Ursullas paintings is on display at the Dunseith Senior Citizens.  Carroll’s niece, Christine lives on Camano Island WA, her husband is a commericial fisherman.  Don Aird  retired from the Food and Drug Administration lives in St. Louis.   They frequently  sent Carroll books on WWII, and “The Greatest Generation”, which he’d in turn  would  share.  Don and  Christine have Aird relatives in St. John they continue to correspond with. I’m sure Dick would know  this too.

I think Carroll kind of adopted Dick and Brenda.  He loved them. And , They were wonderful to him! And as you probably have realized by now, Carroll enriched many, many lives.  We, continue to validate his.  Vickie

Bev Morinville’s (72)reply to the mens picture posted yesterday:

Ithink that   man on the  far  right is  Warren Johnson     I will ask  Linda   also   someone  said they thought   that was  rich  campbell  if  it is K OF  C   that wouldn’t be  Rich,    this one is  still a  mystery  ..    I still think it is the  K of  C’s but   maybe  that is    rich’s   twin  lol    Hey  rich  how about it is that you  or not ?

 GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Reply Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

When the first pic was sent, it was enlarged and did not include the

whole bunch apparently, so when I said it was a Casavant sencond  from
right in the middle row , it now becomes 4th from right in the middle row.
Mona Dionne Johnson (48)

Reply from  Linda Johnson Juntunen(72): 

Aunt Mona, I think so far so good.  Warren Johnson on the middle row far right.

The floor looks like the basement of the St LouisChurch so I think some KC thing also.

Also Gary, my Dad, Joseph Warren Johnson passed away in 1992 and is buried in the St. LouisCemetery. My Uncle Robert (Bob) Johnson is out in Frederick, Maryland. These were two of the names on your 40’s list

LindaJ.Juntunen

COO

Microlap Technologies, Inc.

ph  701.477.3193.ext 18

Reply from Don Martel (Former DHS Principal):  

Gary, again thanks for keeping this going.  In regards to the picture, third from the right, front row is Terry Scott (deceased) from Rolette, and second from the right, second row is my father, Albert Martel  (deceased) from Rolette.  I would guess this was a Knights of Columbus event.

Don
Reply From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

Hi Gary,

Concerning the KC Picture:  Joe Morinville was the first person from Dunseith to join the Knights of Columbus.  He had to go to Rugby because Dunseith didn’t have enough people to have their own council.  The picture was taken before 1958 in Rugby.

Keith Houle, Darryl Fugere, Raymond Cote, joined in 1958.  When they joined Emile Cote, Al Houle and several others were already members.  Lloyd Awalt didn’t join until 1959.  Joe Morinville was the driving force behind the success of the Knights of Columbus in Dunseith, he worked very hard and convinced many young men of the importance of the good works they could accomplish.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Thank you Bonnie for the explanation of this photo.  I know many of you folks have probably been trying to identify those in this picture or been waiting for someone to come up with the identities. With what Bonnie just said, Many of these folks are probably not from Dunseith.  Thanks to all of you that replied identifying those that you knew.  I thought it was strange when Dick Johnson (68) did not know many of these folks and now we know why.  Gary

                      Knights of Columbus picture taken in Rugby.

Folks,  As I’m getting ready to send this message, I got a surprise picture from Neola that will have to wait until tomorrow.  We’ve got lots of stuff with some new folks in today’s message.  It’s wonderful!  Gary

From Erling Landsverk (44):

HI GARY!

AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THE E MAIL MASS COMMUNICATION THAT YOU HAVE MAGICALLY CONJURED UP, I AM STRUCK BY THE CONTINUING INTEREST.

I PROBABLY SHOULDN’T BE SURPRISED SINCE I KNOW HOW NORTH DAKOTA PEOPLE ARE.  I REALLY DON’T WANT TO SOUND PATRONIZING, BUT THE FOLKS  AT THE DUNSEITH, TURTLE MOUNTAIN REGION ARE A SPECIAL BREED.  THEY ARE VERY CARING, SENTIMENTAL, SUPPORTIVE OF EACH OTHER, AND A PROUD, AND STRONG PEOPLE.  I MUST SAY THAT I FEEL VERY PRIVELEDGED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THESE GREAT FOLKS, EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY FOR THE SHORT, BUT GREAT 16 YEARS THAT I LIVED THERE.

I WANT TO ECHO THE APPRECIATION THAT SO MANY  HAVE EXTENDED TO YOU.  YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE STRENGTHENING OF TIES AMONG THE CITIZENS OF THIS    REGION IS REMARKABLE!

YOU HAVE RENEWED THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT THAT EVOLVED AFTER THE CRASH IN “29″, THE ENSUING DROUGHT, DEPRESSION, AND WORLD WAR II, WHEN EVERYONE DEPENDED ON EACH OTHER FOR SURVIVAL.  THAT SPIRIT HAS APPARENTLY CONTINUED RIGHT UP TO THE PRESENT TIME.  THANK YOU GARY FOR YOUR FINE WORK, AND I SALUTE ALL OF YOU FOLK . IN THE TURTLE MOUNTAIN, DUNSEITH AREA.

ERLING LANDSVERKS

From Matha Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

I am home starting my 4th week since rotator cuff surgery.  I had to

practice a bit with my left hand and the mouse, but I really wanted to
get into your site and keep up on the journals.  Being a lefty isn’t so
bad especially when I get read a little home town history.  You do a
great job keeping everything in order.  Thanks!

Martha Lamb Schepp

Martha, I’ve been a lefty for over 61 years.  It’s not so bad.

Dwight Lang, your mother, Charlotte, tried to make me right handed in first grade, but she was unsuccessful.  Gary

Message from Marlene Henderson from Rolla: 

Gloria Plante (45) was married to Everett Henderson of Rolla, ND. I am married to Everett’s youngest brother Alfred (Fritz) though I was married to Fritz before Gloria and Everett married.

I also have a brother, Clinton, who must have also attended Dunseith School.

I do remember some Casavants, Berubes, Barbots and Vandals from Dunseith.

Request from Dave Shelver (63): 

Hi Gary,

Thank-you for doing such a great job of sending out the e-mails each day, I truly enjoy reading them.

I have a favor to ask of you, could you add my son to your e-mail list?  His name Jeff Skjelver and e-mail is

Yes, the last name is spelled correct.  He changed it back to the Old Norwegian spelling.

Thank you,

Dave

Quick Reply from Jeff Skjelver(Dave Shelver’s son): 

I look forward to Dunseith news. A very good friend of mine, Tom Hepper, comes from there before his family moved to Rugby.

Question Jeff: Is Tom Hepper’s father Gene (Deceased) the former teacher from Dunseith that many of us remember so well?

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): 

Evie … what an absolutely sweet photo of your Mom and Dad!  I had to print it out to put on my fridge — I love it, especially your  Dad’s cute haircut.

Colette

Marlin William’s picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Marlin was married to Doris Peterson from the DHS class of 53.  Doris does not have email.

 Picture/message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

I don’t know what group this is, but I’m guessing it’s a Rolette County group, but that’s just a guess.

I recognize Joe Morinville (top, left).  Howard Lemieux (Middle row, second from the left), Rich Campbell next to Howard?.  Joe Lemieux (fourth from the left in the front row).  The first man in the front row is VERY familiar, but I don’t recognize him.

It doesn’t matter to me if the men aren’t identified, but I thought your readers might recognize/enjoy seeing some of the men.   There’s no date on the picture.

Neola

Can any anyone identify this group of guys?  What is the occasion?  Gary

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Does anyone recognize this little Hiatt girl? 

She would be nearly 40 years old now.  Gary

Need help Locating:

Folks,  I need some help locating a few folks from some of the 40′s classes.  Any info that you can provide for anyone of these folks will be extremely helpful. For the ladies I need married names.

Class of 1940

Lucina Bahl

Robert Johnson

Geogeina Maginel

Class of 1941

Kenneth Christianson

Thelma Medlang

Irene Nelson

Class of 42

Jean Braaten

Warren Johnson

June McDermott

Margaret Ann Myhre

Barbara Nelson

Class of 43

Mary Murray

Evelyn Goodsell – her sister Artis Johnson lives in Bottineau

Class of 44

Ursell Carlson (Grand Pre)

Lyle Johnson

Lona Sund (Swan)

Delphine Wentland

Class of 45

Joyce Martinson

Georgia Merrick

Betty Watschke

Class of 47

Gloria Plante

Class of 48

Bonnie Haines

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44):

HI GARY:

OF COURSE I KNOW OSWALD LANDSVERK, HE IS MY BROTHER.  SADLY HE PASSED AWAY ABOUT  9 YEARS AGO. I MISS HIM VERY MUCH AS DOES MY OLDEST SISTER BORGHILD. OSSIE, AS WE CALLED HIM, WAS CHRISTENED HAROLD OSVALD, BUT SINCE THERE WAS ALREADY ANOTHER HAROLD LANDSVERK, OUR PARENTS CHOSE TO USE HIS  MIDDLE NAME TO AVOID CONFUSIO . MY OLDER SISTER BORGHILD AND I ARE THE ONES LEFT IN OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY, SHE LIVES IN COLORADO  MY KID SISTER THELMA ALSO ATTENDED DUNSEIT H HIGH,AND IF THE FAMILY WOULD HAVE REMAINED THERE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CLASS OF “46″. MY OLDER BROTHER ROLF AND MY SISTER BORGHILD,(BORG FOR SHORT) BOTH GRADUATED FROM DUNSEITH IN 1938. I WROTE A BOOK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES AND MY FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS, AS WELL AS OUR FRIENDS, THE BOOK WAS WRITTEN ORIGINALLY AS A STORY FOR  OUR DECENDENTS    , BUT I AM TOLD THAT THERE  HAS  BEEN SOME INTEREST IN THE BOOK, SINCE IT COVERS A TIME PERIOD FROM THE MID TWENTIES, THE DROUGHT, DEPRESSION AND WORLD WARII

I HAVE A LOT OF MEMORIES OF THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS (THE HILLS), DUNSEITH, AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.  THE MEMORIES ARE ALL  GOOD AND RESPECTFUL,OF ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE I WAS PRIVELEDGED TO KNOW AND ASSOCIATE WITH.

THANKS FOR ASKING GARY!

ERLING

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

I don’t know that saying I’m going to be the Chef for the Rolette County Historical Society steak fry is a plus or not. You may be chasing people away. For 10 years of running Mel’s Diner in St. John, I was known as the Crabbiest Cook in town. I don’t like cooking a steak past medium rare and most of these old Hillbillies like ‘em turned into shoe leather. HA! HA! It should be a good time with some good music if Old Dick’s hand gets healed up so he can play. On Sunday afternoon the City is sponsoring a Mud Run and we’ll be there cooking burgers, brats and dogs. I’ve been collecting dogs for the last week and have a few really nice one’s [been trying to stay away from road kill] so they should be good too. So if your looking for something to do this weekend come on up. Hope to see lots of you this weekend.

Mel Kuhn[70]

Picture/Message from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): 

Picture was sent to me today from my cousin’s wife Tangee Brunsell of Bottineau, guess there are free Wondrasek photos at the museum in Bottineau.   Rachel Berube’s wedding 1965

Evie Pilkington

             RACHEL BERUBE, CECILE BERUBE, AND EVIE GOTTBREHT 1965

Picture/Message from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): 

Hi Gary,

I wanted to share this picture of my Mom and Dad, thought my old friends would enjoy it. This was taken, summer of 1938, in Thorne, ND – my Mom was raised in Thorne.  This was the summer before they married.  I especially miss them the month of August.  Dad died suddenly Aug 29, 1961, 45 years old and Mom died Aug 15, 2005, 88 years old.   They produced 8 children, 35 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and counting……

Thanks Gary

Evie

                         Alma and Dale Gottbreht1938

Reply from Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62): 

Hi Gary,

I’m up at Nancy Hosmer’s place. She showed me the picture
taken so long ago. The kids names’ are from left to right are
Dawn,Teri, Kelly and Todd. Order of birth, Todd, Dawn, Teri and
Kelly. When Kelly was five, we had Heather. Who knew way back
when we would have twenty grandchildren and one great
grandchild. Mike remembers your Dad having to pull him out of
the ditch, once. I think he had to pull Dad out, too. Folks are
coming to Mn. with us for a few weeks. We will enjoy catching up
on the e-mails. Thanks a lot, Sandra

Pictrue L to R:
Back: Sandra & Mike
Front: Todd, Dawn, Teri & Kelly

Toni Parisien has identified these 2 photos

                       Fabian and DeDe (Agnes) Azure

Peter J. (Butch) Azure, DeDe Azure (Agnes), Fabian Azure,
Francis (Sam) Azure, Agnes (Dolly) Plumage, Caroline Davis

Folks,

After a bit of a break, I have gotten back into putting a few more class lists together.  I am working with the 40′s classes.  For your interest, I have listed below all those that I have made contact with in the past week or so.  Even though I did not call Marie or Mildred Nelson Parrill, I have also listed them for your info.  LeaRae, Mildred’s daughter keeps me posted with them.  I have had some very interesting conversations with all these folks. I have learned of the close relationships that many of you are with a lot of these folks.  I was surprised.

Some of the 40′s folks are a real challenge to locate or get info on.  In a few days I will be sending out a list of those that I am having problems finding asking for your help in locating.

Gary

Class of 45

Class of 44

Class of 43

Message from Sybil Johnson: 

In just the short time I have been included with this great site, I surely enjoy reading each and every email. Im sure Augie would also enjoy them, if maybe Dick can get ahold of him and get his email address, for I dont have it–of course. Update on our daughter, Beckie. I talked to her about 2 hrs yesterday and she is doing great. Expecting to go back to work on Sept. 17th. Thanks again for making me a part of this site, Gary.

Sybil Johnson

All of today’s pictures have been provided by Noela Kofoid Garbe: 

Mike & Sandra, this is a beautiful picture of you guys with your family. I don’t believe I have ever met your children. They are great looking kids. Can you idientify them for us?

For those of us from up in the hills, this picture brings back a lot memories with youhaving been our bus driver, Mike.  I think you drove the first year that we were redistricted to Dunsieth. I was a Freshman. I remember Sandra’s dad, Arnold, filling in several times for you driving the bus too.

Sandra, we could see your house, 4 miles acorss country, from our house. You guys lived on the very SW corner of the Peace Garden.

I just got a message from Neola and she said she has tracked you guys down in Bottineau this week end.She wants to give this picture and several others to you too.  Gary

                         Mike & Sandra (Zeiler 62) Vandal Family

Toni Parisien has identified those in the Azure Family Portrait:
The Azure Family Portrait:

Back Row – Toni (Azure) Parisien, Denise (Azure) Marcellais, Agnes (Jerome) Azure, Wade (LaBoy) Davis – deceased, Marla Davis, Francis (Lito) Davis – deceased, Becky (Davis) Bliss, Terry (Tooners) Plumage, Keifer Plumage, Joseph (Chick) Plumage, Joey Plumage, Lyle Davis,

Middle Row – Peter J. (Butch) Azure – father of Toni and Denise, married to Agnes Jerome, Caroline (Azure) Davis – deceased mother of Wade, Marla and Becky, married to Francis Davis, Agnes (Decoteau) Azure, Fabian Azure, Agnes (Dolly Azure) Plumage – mother of Terry, Keifer, Joey and Kevin, married to Joseph Plumage, Francis (Sammy) Azure, Lila (Davis) Gourneau,

Bottom Row – Travis Azure – son of Denise, Ron Davis – son of Marla, Levi Davis – son of Becky, Kevin Plumage – son of Dolly, Sam Azure, Jr. – son of Francis

Hi Gary,

Debbie Champagne has identified this lady.  I had saved her picture as “Pottery Lady”.  Beautiful lady/pottery.

This lady is Louise Crosby originally from Dunseith.  She now lives in the Retirement Home in Belcourt.

Neola

Diane Larson Sjol(70) walking 60 miles in Breast Cancer Walk.  Please help:

Everyone,

I am going to use this forum because it reaches so many people and
because this request is for a good cause.  On September 19-21 I will
be participating in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day in the Twin
Cities.  I will walk 60 miles over the course of three days with
thousands of other men and women.  The net proceeds will support
breast cancer research, education, screening adn treatment through
Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust
Breast Cancer fund.

In order to participate I have to raise a minimum of $2200, so I am
aksing for your help.  Would you please consider a donation?  Whatever
you can spare would be helpful.  I am employed as faculty at MSU
Bottineau and will wear a college shirt with the names of those I am
walking for written on.  Eveyone who donates can give me a name to put
on the shirt.  I will wear the shirt for the duration of the walk.  If
you would like to donate, you can go to http://www.the 3day.org/ and
click on “Donate Now” and search for my personal fundraising page.
Just put my name Diane Sjol and the state in which I live ..North
Dakota….my name will pop up and directions will follow.  Just a
note, according to the foundation, more than 200,000 American will be
diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 will die from
it.  That is why I am walking so far…to do something about it…so,
I hope you won’t feel offended about me using this forum for this
cause.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.  If you do decide to
donate, you can email me your name and the name of the person you want
me to walk for at diane.sjol@msub.nodak.edu.  Thank you in advance for
your generosity and for supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Diane Larson Sjol (70)

Do any of you recognize any of the folks in these three photo’s?

Condolences from Brenda Hoffman (68):  

For the Ann Pritchart family. I am so sorry about your loss. I never met Ann but your family updates and the messages from people who did know Ann indicate she must have been a lovely and loving person. Brenda Hoffman

Condolences/Message from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): 

Wow…so much news. My heart goes out to jAnn’s family. I know she will be missed greatly by so many.

The wedding pictures were really fun to see. Congratulations to the new couple. I watched Bill Grimme’s Youtube posting. How fun.

Also, to Ivey Eller Robert…congratulations on your son’s upcoming wedding. Our family all got together in Minot in May for my niece’s wedding and we had such a great time. My greetings to Duane and his family. It was 1968 (OMG!!) when we hung out. Bev, I’ve been keeping you and Deb and your families in my prayers. And Diane…..save me some chokecherry juice!

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Message from Wilma Fiske (43): 

Folks, Putting the class of 43 together, I had the pleasure of talking to both Wilma Fiske and her sister Catherine. They are living together in Billings Montana. This is Wilma’s reply to my message.

HI    GARY………………GOOD TO SEE YOU ARE REAL………………FROM OUT OF THE PAST TO NOW……………BUT MY SISTER GRAD FROM RYEGATE HI SCHOOL MONTANA IN THE 30S….BUT JUST HANG IN THERE…..I LEFT NDAK IN 44 AND NEVER WENT BACK….MY FOLKS LEFT NDAK IN 46 AND CAME TO BILLINGS MT……AND HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A LONG TIME………….HAVE A GOOD DAY AND THANKS FOR HEARING FROM YOU……WILMA

Message from Dale Pritchard (63):

Gary,

That was a very good picture of Allen and Leola.  I haven’t seen Allen
since ’63′ and Leola since ’94′.  Leola had my Mother, my brother
Darold, and I over for supper (dinner?) the day of the farm sale after
my Dad died.  I was home from Memphis three times that year; first for
the funeral, second for a regular vacation at which time I started
putting stuff together for the sale, and again for the sale itself.

Thank you Neola, for sharing your archives for the rest of us!  And you
too Gary, for helping make this possible.

Dale

Folks, The Prichard farm (Dale’s Parents) is located one mile south of the Ackworth cemetery.  After Robert passed away, Dorothy sold their farm to the Lagerquist’s. Evon Lagerquist is currently living on that place.  Dorothy moved to Bottineau and is currently living at the Oak Manor apartments.  Dorothy recently celebrated her 95th birthday.  She may be moving a bit slow, but she has a good sound mind and is still living alone.  Gary

Message from Sharon Peterson Harmsen (63): 

HI Gary,

Once again, I marvel at what you do.   Like everyone else on your “lists” I look forward to my daily fix of Dunseith news, whether old or new.  I am missing email # 200 unless you chose to skip the # 200 when you decided to change your subject line?    Anyway, I don’t have a 200 in my folder.

Thanks for all you do.

Sharon Peterson Harmsen (class of 63)

Sharon, You and several others had indicated that they did not have #200.  I went back and reviewed my sent files for #200 and discovered I had sent it twice to group 3 and not to you guys in group 1, so I just forwarded it to you guys.  I have you guys divided up into 7 groupings for this daily distribution. I am limited to 99 folks with each sending.  Again, folks, if you don’t receive one of these daily messages, please let me know.  Gary

Message from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Message from Sybil Johnson: 

That was an interesting article on the original Farm Stead Act of ND. As many years I lived in Minot, I had never seen it before. Augie would remember many of those faces of the ’65′ class; I would send them to him, but he doesnt have his computer set up yet. If I may take the time and give an update on my daughter, Beckie; she is finally home and recuperating greatly. She will be going back to work in about a month and half.

Sybil Johnson

Picture/Message from Muzette Berube Fiander (74): 

Hi Gary –

I thought I would send some pictures from the wrath of Fay.  The pictures from the first website are all very close to my home in Melbourne.  Fortunately I didn’t have theflooding that a lot of areas had.  I had driving rain come in the front door, but nothing serious.  The Space Center was shutdown for 3 days so we didn’t have to report to work.  There has been a lot of damage throughout Brevard County and many other areas of the state, it’s very sad.  She was quite a storm for never making it to hurricane status.  I’m also including a picture with my sister, Angela, and our mom, Fern, taken Thanksgiving 2007.  The other is with my daughter, Renee, on Mother’s Day.

Thank you for keeping everyone in touch – you’re doing a great job!!

Muzette (Berube) Fiander (74)

http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A9&Date=20080821&Category=BATTLEBOXGALLERY&ArtNo=808210805&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=9

http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=A9&Date=20080821&Category=BATTLEBOXGALLERY&ArtNo=808210803&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=25

                          Fern, Angela and Muzette Berube

                    Muzette Berube with her Daughter Renee

Folks, I had a nice long visit with my very good and very close friend Bill Grimme yesterday.  Bill is planning to visit the Dunseith/Bottineau area arriving, probably Friday the 5th, next week.  He plans on staying at the Super 8 motel in Bottineau.  So folks, keep your calendars open.  I know Bill would like to see as many of you as possible.  He will only be in the area a few days. Gary

 Condolences from Meryle Hoopman (74): 

The Hoopman Family would like to send their condolences to the Pritchard family, our prayers are with the family.

Meryle Hoopman (74).

From Louise Pigeon Horsman (43): 

Gary,

This is all so interesting to me, what a great hobby that you have. I see the picture of Fern Cote and Muzette—Fern is my cousin and I haven’t seen her in several years. I haven’t called Doris Halvorson yet but will as soon as I can.

Louise Pigeon Horsman
Folks,

I tracked down Louise when I was putting the class of 43 together. We had several nice chats.  I had to call her back because I got her email address wrong the first time and also the 2nd time, so I emailed Allen Richard, her nephew, to get it right. I was forgetting the “s” on the end.  Louise is related to and is an aunt to many of you folks out there.

I also had a nice visit with Doris Halvorson (503-656-8501) from that class too.  Doris does not have email.  She lives in Oregon City OR.  Doris too is related to and is an Aunt/sister/sister-n-law/cousin to lots of you guys also.  Doris will be visiting the Dunseith area very shortly.  She will be staying with her sister Luella and her husband Floyd Dion in Dunseith.  She said they give her the royal treatment.

LeaRae Parrill Espe, your mother, Mildred Nelson Parrill and your Aunt Marie Nelson Parrill were also in the class of 43.

Gary

From Mavis (Mrs. Art 72) Hagen (udated report Lung Cancer):
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mavishagen

I am so glad to be back home. I would like to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, prayers, and love. Without you I would not have the strength to do what I am doing. I truly appreciate all the you have done for Art and I over the last three weeks. I am feeling better each day and hopefully getting stronger. I know I still have a long road ahead of me. This Friday will be another stepping stone to get my staples out-YEAH. I feel like there are about 50 of them poking me. I will keep you informed on my progress and thanks again. I am looking forward to leaving the house and getting out and about soon. Thanks again for everything what a great community to live in.Thanks Evette for keeping up my journal you did a wonderful job.

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

In the OJ Robert family picture, back row-Duane, Russell, OJ. Front row-Carol & her son Mike, Diane, Darla, Dorothy. I spent a lot of time with the Robert family in the middle and late 60′s. I worked for OJ out at the farm on & off and he always said I ate more than I was worth. Duane,Russell their uncle Robin and I did a lot of chasing around back in those days. OJ was a good old guy that showed me a lot of tricks about welding that I still use today. I believe that Dick has the old air jack that came out of OJ’s old Mobil station. I ended up running that old Mobil station for about a year sometime back in the early 70′s. I haven’t bumped into any of the family for some time now but would like to hear from them.

Mel Kuhn [70]

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Gary,

The O.J. Robert Family Picture, front row: Carol with her son Mike on her lap, Dianne, Darla, & Dorothy. Back row: Duane, Russell, & Orphula “O.J.” Robert.

Thanks,
Ivy Robert

From Linda Johnson Juntunen (72): 

Duane, Russell, Orphela
Carol, Dianne, Darla, Dorothy
Mike, Carol’s son

Linda J. Juntunen
COO
Microlap Technologies, Inc.
ph  701.477.3193.ext 18
fx   701.477.6579

O.J. Robert Family L to R:
Back: Duane, Russell & Orphela (O.J.)
Front: Carol holding Mike, Dianne, Darla & Dorothy

Azure family picture provided by Neol Kofoid Garge: 

Do any of you recognize any of the folks in this picture?

Picture/message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Iris’ name was on her picture, but I didn’t know where to mail it.  Ron Peltier said Iris is his sister, so the picture goes into “Ron’s box”. 

Neola

Ron,  This is a beautiful picture of your sister Iris.  I see she graduated from DHS in 1983. Where is she living now?  I’m assuming she is married and probalby no longer going by the name Peltier?  Gary

                            Iris Peltier

Condolences/message from Dan McKay (69): 

My condolences to the Ann Pritchart family.

I know many of you have close experience with military proceedings but a first for me came Friday when I went to my son Chris’ graduation form basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  My daughter Naomi (15) and I drove down and got to spend most of three days with him before we had to leave and he was shipped out for more training in Texas.  The military was very hospitable and gave us demonstrations about their training and allowed us to see much of the base.  We got to see many of the shooting ranges and watch new soldiers going through their training exercises.  Armadillos and snakes made their presence known also.  Their training gas chamber was still nasty after days of not being used, my throat still hurt the next day! I can’t imagine what it was like for the guys when they were in there with the cs gas!! Graduation was very “starchy” as the military calls for but yet the Brigade commander was ushering people up front so they could take pictures of their soldiers.  Of coarse the soldiers didn’t smile or look right of left or anything, signifying their training and that they knew how to follow orders! Very impressive and Yes, I’m proud of my son.  Thanks Gary, looks like a beautiful wedding.

Dan

Jim Metcalfe Family Photo provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, I am going to take a stab at identifying this one.  With the exception of Patti, you gals all have your hair done differently than I remember you from the mid 60′s.  Other than for the parents, the only two that I for sure recognize are Patti and Margaret.  Here goes and don’t be afraid to correct me if I’m wrong.  Gary

Back L to R: Patti, Margaret, Gary, Jim Jr. Geri & Lola
Front L to R: Ella, Helen & Jim Sr.

Jerome LaRocque family names provided by Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): 

Gary, this is in reply to the LaRocque Family. Top row Boys are Curtis, Richard, Ronald, Sylvester, and Brian Middle Row Linda, Bernice, Alice (mother), Jeanette, and Joy Bottom Row Debbie, Annette, Sherri, and Jackie< I named them from left to right. These LaRocque’s are my first cousins Their dad was Jerome. Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

Jerome LaRocque family picture L to R:
Top row: Curtis, Richard, Ronald, Sylvester, and Brian
Middle Row: Linda, Bernice, Alice (mother), Jeanette, and Joy
Bottom Row: Debbie, Annette, Sherri, and Jackie

Pictures Provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, If you recognize any of the people in these pictures, please let us know.  Gary

Condolences from Sybil Johnson: 

Very sorry to hear about Ann. I didnt know her, but my heart goes out to all

who knew and loved her.
Sybil Johnson

From Gary Morgan (54):

Gary & All,

Darrell Fassett probably remembers this better than I do but in answer to Dick’s query about the hole across from the lumber yard:  The baker at the San for years, was a fellow named George Pudenz.  In the late 40s, after WWII, George decided to build a hotel in Dunseith.  He bought the lots across from the lumber yard and excavated the basement for his hotel.  I don’t know if he ran out of money or just changed his mind but that was as far as the project ever progressed.  I don’t know who it was that coined it “Pudenze’s Canyon” but that was what it was when I was growing up.

Gary Morgan

Mavis (Mrs. Art 72) Hagen’s udated report (Lung Cancer):

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mavishagen

Last night Art left the hospital about 8:40pm and thought Mavis was settled for the night.

At 9:15 respiratory therapy was in for a treatment by 10:00 the nurse and aide were in trying to help Mavis cough. Guess this is quite a process with broken ribs and only 1 lung.

At 11:00 the plumbers came in. The bathroom sink was plugged and they were there to unplug it. I can’t believe they didn’t have time during the day, they knew it wasn’t working when she moved in this room from ICU. Oh well! Anyway, they were there until after midnight. Ok finally she can get some sleep. Nope, 3:00 the nurse is in to get her vitals and weigh her. I wonder if you weigh less in the middle of the night? 5:20 the lab lady was in to get some more blood. Guess it’s morning, now why try to sleep?

When Mavis called this morning she sounded good. She was waiting for the antibiotic to get done, which takes about 45 minutes, then into the shower. Then maybe she can have a nap.

She said once she gets home she will be able to rest. She can kick us out, but a little hard to do with the hospital personnel.

Art is planning to go the lake with Dorvin and Judy tomorrow. This will be good for him to see something other than hospital walls.

She is just overwhelmed with the support, prayers and well wishes. THANKS!!
Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks,

Many of you have asked about my brother Allen also known as Big Al. He stands 6′ 4″ tall.  He reached this height by the time he was in 7th grade.  Neola has found a picture of him taken with Leola Lagerquist.  This picture was taken up at the Ackworth Cemetery, the day of our mothers burial in July 2004.  Allen and Leola are facing the Cemetery looking west with the Stokes farm trees in the back ground.  Our former farm buildings are about 200 feet behind and to the left of this picture. Leola still lives on the original Lagerquist farm located 1.5 miles east and 1/2 mile south of this picture. The John Hiatt farm, now the Fauske Farm, is located about 1.5 miles north and about 1/2 mile west of this picture.

Allen & his wife Janet have lived in San Diego, California since about 1992.  Allen is the maintenance man for a larger apartment complex located in the heart of SD.

Gary

Reply from Gaillord Peltier (80): 

Hello Gary,

My name is Gaillord Peltier, 1980 graduate of DHS. Your website sure does
bring back alot of memories. I know that I was very young in the mid to
late 60′s, but I do remember alot of the stories that are mentioned here.

The Dunseith Dragons boys basketball picture of 1983 from message 198 is
filled with many relatives and my brother. The first one from the left #40
is Gerald Counts, my 1st cousin, son of Gary and Theresa Counts, #24 is
Mark Peltier, 1st cousin, son of Edward and Madeline Peltier, #14 is Roger
Cree, my relative, son of Henry and Loualla (Herman) Cree, #44 is Pat
Peltier, my brother, son of Joseph and Delores Peltier, #42 is Travis
Davis, my relative, son of Alfred (Damion) and Leona Davis, #32 Mitchell
Cree, relative, brother to Roger Cree, #30 is Brian Azure, relative, son
of Vincent and Janice Azure, #12 is George Bruce, I don’t know who is
father is but is mother is Rita Champange, #34 is Dean Gillis, relative,
son of John and Karen Gillis, the little  student manager to the left is a
brother to George Bruce, the one to the left is Gilbert Peltier, another
relative, he is in the Doris Peltier photograph. The head coach is James
Keating, I believe that coach Keating was in Dunseith for 3 years, this
was his 2nd year.
It is amazing of how many conections there are in the hills of Dunseith.

The Doris Peltier family is Valerie, Quintin, Shawn, Arlan and Gilbert.

Keep the memories coming and the pictures.

Class of “80″

Gaillord Peltier

              Doris Peltier with Valerie, Quintin, Shawn, Arlan and Gilbert

1983 Dunseith Dragons Boys Basket Ball Team L to R:
Back: Brother to George Bruce, #40 Gerald Counts, #24 Mark Peltier, #14 Roger Cree, #44 Pat Peltier, #42 Travis Davis, #32 Mitchell Cree, #30 Brian Azure & Gilbert Peltier
Front: #12 George Bruce,Coach  James Keating & #34 Dean Gillis

Folks, This is a correction to Message 197. In that message, I listed this reply as coming from Roberta Hagen.  It actually came from Kim Hiatt.  Sorry Kim & Roberta for the mistake.  Gary

Reply from Kim Hiatt Herman (77): 

Yes it is me and Roberta Hagen I haven’t seen this picture for years. Oh my gosh, it brings back some wild memories.

Back: Roberta Hagen Striker (75)
Front: Kim Hiatt Hermann  (77)

Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Thanks to you, Vickie Metcalfe, and Ron Peltier, I just received an email from Amy, the daughter in this picture.  I now have her mailing address and will get the pictures mailed to her soon.  I happened to have these pictures all together in an envelope, which isn’t the case with the other pictures I have.

Thanks again for all you are doing to see these pictures get delivered to people who want them.  I’m thrilled to get the pictures to people, as they are too nice to eventually be destroyed.

Neola

Folks, Starting today I am only going to list the message number along with “Dunseith Alumni” in the Subject block.  I think the long subject titles may be one of the problems for some of these messages not going through to some of you folks.

Please don’t miss the email list update info at the very bottom of this message  Gary

Condolences From David Slyter (70): 

To the Prichard family:

My condolences to you all with the passing of your dear mother and wife.  God has taken her home and now she can rest and watch over all of you from there.

I always remember when going to the Birchwood, that big welcome she would greet everybody with and make them feel that way when you walked thru the door.  It certainly will be missed.

God’s Blessings on all of you.

Dave Slyter (70)

Condolences from Bobby Slyter (70): 

My condolences to the prichard family, I am praying for them at this time.

JUST LITTLE OLE  ME FROM KANSAS

Condolences/Message from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

First I would like to offer my condolences to the Pritchard family, on
the loss of Ann. We know she will be missed by all the folks at the lake.
I would also like to thank Gary Morgan for sending the explanation  for
the large basement dugout across from the lumberyard. I never heard the
name ‘George Pudenz’ ever mentioned before. This is a new one for me. I
remember how the snow would blow over the edge of ‘Pudenz’s Canyon’ and
make a snow cliff for us to dig in and jump off! In the summer it was
just a place to explore and goof around, and we did plenty of that!
Thanks Gary Morgan and thanks Gary Stokes!

Dick

From Gary Stokes:

Folks,

With connections made through this sight, we just had a big wedding here in Cebu, Philippines.  Jared Steele who works for Terry Moe (73) at T’s Yamaha in Bottineau got in touch with me after I had gotten in touch with Terry putting his class list together.  We introduced Jared to several nice young ladies and he connected well with Geraldine. Geraldine is a very nice pleasant charming young gal.  She’s a recent college grad with a degree in teaching. After many phone conversations and email messages, Jared came to the Philippines in mid June.  He and Geraldine were married in a beautiful ceremony with a reception that followed, on July 28th, with nearly 200 guests. Jared has returned to Bottineau, but plans to return to the Philippines to accompany Geraldine back to Bottineau when her visa is processed and ready.  This process takes 6 to 8 months.  Jared stayed with us when he was here.  We really enjoyed having him as a guest.  He is a very nice pleasant young man.  Geraldine is currently staying with us while she is processing her paper work for her visa to go back to Bottineau.

If you guys are in the Bottineau area and for those of you in the Bottineau area, stop by and see Jared and Terry at T’s (Terry’s) Yamaha.  They’d love to sell you some Yamaha machines too.  I understand that those 4 wheeler ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles) are a hot item and selling like hot cakes.  From what I was told, they are located out by Theels.

I have pasted some pictures below of the Wedding day.

Gary

                           Mr. & Mrs. Jared Steele

    Gary Stokes, Geraldine & Jared Steele  & Bernadette Stokes

This picture was taken in our office the day of the wedding. We had professional beauticians come to our house for the hair and make-up of the girls & ladies that were in the wedding. 

I was busy putting out the daily blog to you folks before going to the wedding. Gary

                                  Gary & Bernadette Stokes

Folks,

I will be putting out another revision to our email list after I’m finished with the 40′s classes. I think I will go back as far as the class of 34.  That was Clarence Hagen’s class and he is still going strong.  He and Mary Ann are now living in Bottineau.

Listed Below are the email addresses of folks that have been added to our list since I posted the last update.

Recently, putting together the class of 44, I had some really nice visits with Bob Boardman, Oscar Hagen & Howard Landsverk. They all have email and their email addresses are list below.

Gary

Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Thanks to those that supplied info for the pictures – for the LaRoque family, too.  If the people are identified at a later date, I’ll add the names and resend it.

Thanks to everyone for all information.   If Mel Kuhn has any extra memory pills, I can use some!

Neola

Reply from Tim Martinson (69): 

Hi Gary, You probably have gotten a response on this picture, but as I remember, Arlinda is on

the left and Beth is in the middle. I lived one block south of their home in Dunseith. I sometimes

wonder if the boys still ride the dirt bikes as they and theLaugerquist boys had a lot of fun in

the mountains. They probably have switched to riding hogs instead, as in Harley Davidson, and

travel on the pavement rather than the country roads and trails. There were many times in the

early 70′s that I would run into these mud splattered guys cruising on their bikes. What a sight

to see a group out having fun their way. Take Care, Tim

Tim, you are right.  I got Lindy & Beth reversed. Knowing that Beth is the older of the two, with Arlinda being the taller of the two in this picture, I got them reversed.  Taking a closer look I can tell I listed them wrong. You Fauske kids are just too polite in not telling me I screwed up.  I think Beth got a growth spurt later on.  Gary

Elwood Fauske Family:
Back L to R: Carrole, Russell & Connie
Front L to R: Eleanore (Hiatt),  Arlinda (Lindy), Beth,  Brian & Elwood.

Message/Picture from Phyllis McKay (65): 

Hi Gary,

I returned from Florida the evening of August 10th. My sisters Patsy and Minnie Mary went on a cruise to Mexico and spent several days in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area. It has taken me until now to get caught up on all the summer e-mails! I have enjoyed reading all of them! I seem to be missing 191,194,and 195.

I spent most of July in Europe with my 18 year old grandson, Derek Sims. He graduated from Milnor, North Dakota in May. We were in London for about a week. We visited the Tower of London, cruised the Thames, went to West Minister Abby and saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. We ate at the original Hard Rock Cafe and in the Crypt of Saint Martin in the Fields next to Trafalgar Square. We went to the National Art Museum and spent time in Trafalgar Square with the pigeons. We met many interesting people as we traveled on the city buses and the “Tube” (London’s underground subway system).

We rode on the high speed train from London to Paris using the tunnel under the English Channel. The machine that dug this tunnel came from Seattle. In Paris we visited Notre Dame, cruised the Seine River, and went to the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. We ate on the 400 foot level of the Eiffel Tower and of course the Hard Rock in Paris. We dined in several Parisian sidewalk Cafes. We looked at great works of art in the de Orsay, the Orangerie and the Louvre Museum. We found our way to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery and saw Jim Morrison’s grave. (He has his own guard!) Derek soon learned enough French to navigate around the city of Paris. When we were on the top of the Eiffel Tower, (1000 ft) we could see the city stretching out in all direction with no end in sight. Derek could not believe his eyes! Going with an 18 year old, we climbed the stairs to the top of any monument that allowed it. Of course he would be waiting for me at the top as I huffed along behind him.

It was a trip that will always be remembered as not only a time to see far away places but also a time for me to get to know my grandson as an adult. I could not have asked for a more kind, considerate traveling companion, of course I am tremendously prejudge!

Thank you again, Gary!
Phyllis

Phyllis, You’ve got a very nice looking grandson.  His Grandma is looking pretty sharp too!  We don’t look a day over 61, do we?  You could pass for being much younger though. Gary

Pictures of Phyllis McKay & her grandson Derek,in Europe

Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

Thanks to Mel Kuhn for the identifications and the information about the families.  Olivine either is/was across the hall from Mom at Good Sam.  Mrs. Senechal is a couple doors to the west.  I usually see Evelyn/Mrs. Senechal  when I visit Mom. When I say, “Hi, Evelyn”, or “Hi, Mrs. Senechal”, she gives me a big smile and says something, so we sometimes chit-chat a bit.  She and her walker “get around”.   Keith/his wife have been visiting his mom a couple of times when I’ve been there.

Neola

Carol Fauske Rude’s (66) reply to her family photo posted yesterday:

Gary,

I don’t think I remember ever seeing this picture before.  Great Picture!
We have a granddaughter that looks so much like Lindy here unbelievable.
Thanks for your great work.  I like so many others I look forward to this each day.
Carrole

Allen Richard’s (65) reply to the Bedard picture posted yesterday: 

Great picture of Rene Bedard.  Mom used to refer to “Uncle John” — not sure how that connection worked.  Same with John Bedard.  Maybe John knows or Colette Schimetz.

Mavis (Mrs. Art 72) Hagen’s udated report (Lung Cancer): 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mavishagen

On Monday, which was the first night in ICU, the power went out, not sure what happpened to cause this. The backup generators kicked in, but when they did a fire broke out. Sounded like the nurses were bustling around pretty quickly to find flashlights and make sure all the pumps and machines were running. Mavis remembers all of this and wanted to pass it on. Never a dull minute.

She also said to express her thanks for all of the support, prayers and love. It truly is an inspiration to read all of the messages and know so many people care. I’m sure once she is up to it, she will take over updating her journal.

She is doing well, the morphine is taking care of the pain for now. She was even up a couple of times today and walked around ICU.

Thanks to everyone!!

Updated reports for Ann Pritchard (Lung Transplant) posted by her Family:

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:00 A.M.

Posted 1 hour ago

We received a good report from the doctor this morning. Mom had a stable night and they were able to decrease her support from the ventilator. They have also been able to decrease some medications. Today the plan is to continue to pull fluids from her as she allows and to rest most of the day. Dad inquired about decreasing sedation. They will try to bring her up a bit to see how she handles it if the team of doctors are in agreement. Physical therapy has been started for passive range of motion exercises to keep her joints from locking up. God Bless you all, Gina

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:00 P.M.

Posted 4 minutes ago

Praise God, mom had a good day today. She stayed stable throughout the day. They were able to reduce some of her support. This afternoon, her hemoglobin dropped so they had to give her blood. The plan is to continue to reduce her support and see how she handles it. Keep praying for her. God Bless, Gina

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

The family picture is of John and Olivine Allard. Back row Larry, Kenny, Clayton, Center row, Mary,Olivine, John, Karen, Front row, Betty, Duane,Carol.

There were at one time 5 of the Cote sisters living at Good Sam at one time. Evelyn Seneshal, Adeline Allard (Deceased), Olivine Allard, Lillian Allard & Alice Kuhn.

Evelyn Seneshal [I think I’m spelling that wrong] Married to Philip farmed at Overly for years. Now 3 married to Allard brothers, Adeline [Fred] I’m sure you know some of the kids, Alden & Merle for example. Olivine [John] Carol’s mom and dad, Larry married to Dawn Gregory from St. John. Lillian [Bill] Their daughter Judy lives in Botno. Lillian and Bill are both in Good Sam. My mom Alice [Marvin] Kuhn. The 5 sisters were all at Good Sam at one time, Adeline passed away, I believe it was last year. My memory is such crap that I can’t even name off all of my own cousins. Once the big old family picnics kind of quit and everyone kind of grew away into their own lives we kind of lost touch. I really envy guy’s like you and Dick with your memories and details. I have just about lost my memory of my youth and even high school unless prompted by someone or some thing. Even my first marraige is a blur. .Keep on eating those memory pills.

Thanks Gary

Mel Kuhn

PS. Evelyn is like 95-96 and as far as I know doing pretty good. Olivine & Lillian are physically good but their minds are gone. My mom is still pretty sound but just had to have some surgery and is recovering really slow. I guess 81 years old having some of that female type surgery can take a lot out of you, and she just can’t understand why she had to get put on a bag, which hopefully after some healing might be able to be removed.

Mel

The John and Olivine Allard Family L to R:
Back: Larry, Kenny, Clayton,
Center: Mary, Olivine, John, Karen
Front: Betty, Duane, Carol

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 
Can any one identify those in this picture?

                                  Dunseith Dragons – 1983

Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Ron Peltier (70) identified this fellow as Gary Nadeau.  Ron/Gary were friends. Gary moved to the west coast years ago and passed away about 3 years ago.  I was sorry to hear about his passing, even if I didn’t know him.

As you can see, I changed the text.

Thanks again for including Gary’s picture in your email.

Neola

From Sybil Johnson: 

That picture from Dunsieth/Belcourt isnt from the Gagnon family is it? It
kind of looks like Arnie when he was younger. There is no update on Beckie’s
condition; hopefully she will be able to go home soon.
Sybil Johnson

From Evon Lagerquist (77):

The last picture looks like it could be the LaRocques, not sure of their names, tho…

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

The very bottom picture is the LaRocque family, I see Debbie, Joy,Jeanette and Jackie, thats some of the girls, unfortunately I don’t remember all the others names. I tried to help.

Sharon Longie Dana

     Can anyone identify the folks in this LaRocque family photo?

LaRocque Family

Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

It says “Doris Peltier Family” on the back of this picture–darling kids.  I think I can locate someone to send the pictures to, as I’m getting a few names from the Dunseith/Belcourt area.  However, if someone would like to provide a mailing address, that would be great.  Just mention the pictures is the “Doris Peltier Family”, picture. If you want to post the picture, please do.  If not, no problem. As always, I leave it up to you. 

Neola

Message from Art Rude:

I was in the hills most of the summer, staying in the farm house as I was between renters at the farm.  Duane Mornville bought a house in Dunseith, so I was sad to lose him as a renter.  I didn’t put in any phone for the summer, so haven’t had internet.  I see I have some reading to do.  I didn’t know Dwight Lange was at the lake, I would have looked him up.  Visited him in Nashville one time, and enjoyed the visit.

Art

Updated reports for Ann Pritchard (Lung Transplant) posted by her Family:

Monday, August 18, 2008 4:00 P.M.

Posted 13 hours ago

Mom came through surgery for the tracheostomy tube well. They also were able to place the feeding tube in the position they wanted. We did not get to confer with the doctor after surgery and will probably not see him until morning. Mom is resting well and they are continuing to pull fluids off her body. The A.M. x-ray showed slight improvement again. Mom continues to make steady progress. Thank you all for your continued support, thoughts and prayers. When mom is well she will be able to look back at these notes to her. GOD BLESS!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:00 P.M.

Posted 8 hours ago

Mom had a very difficult day today. It is only through the grace of God that she continues to fight her way through this. Keep praying, I cannot stress it more. She is fighting hard and your prayers are reaching our heavenly Father’s ears. She has been stable now for the past 5 hours. They changed some medications and modified her treatment. She will continue to rest through the night. God has a purpose in everything. He will not give us more than we can handle and we all take comfort in that. Thank you all for your prayers and support. God bless you, Gina

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Something that just crossed my mind today, does anyone remember the huge
basement hole that was on the west side of Main street across from the
lumberyard ? We used to play in it summer and winter. Stan Salmonson of
Northland Builders put up a big green storage building on the spot where
this dugout was. I was told that someone was going to build a hotel
there but never got it done. This was back when I was a kid, so I don’t
even remember who said it! Can anyone fill us in on what this was for?
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Elwood Fauske Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

Is this the Elwood Fauske family?  I don’t recognize anyone, but the mom resembles Mrs. Fauske as I know her.  I just met the M/M Fauske about ten years ago, or so.

Neola

Yes Neola, This is the Elwood Fauske Family.  This is one family that I do know well. Great folks.

I think this must have been taken in the early to mid 60′s. Gary

Back L to R: Carrole, Russell & Connie
Front L to R: Elenore, Beth, Arlinda (Lindy), Brian & Elwood.

Message/Picture from Don Lamoureux (75): 

Gary:

I’m going to try to attach a scanned photo of my grandfather Rene Bedard, and great grandfather John Bedard on John’s 85th birthday.  I’m a neophyte at this game, so please tel me if I made it impossible to download, I read that you are having internet issues as it is.

Don Lamoureux (75)

                        Rene & Father John Bedard

Reply from Roberta Hagen Striker (75): 

Yes it is me and Roberta Hagen I haven’t seen this picture for years. Oh my gosh, it brings back some wild memories.

Back: Roberta Hagen Striker (75)
Front: Kim Hiatt Hermann  (77)

Message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Would Dave Slyter mind telling his sister (Kim Hiatt)  I’ll be mailing the pictures to her?  I could type/send a letter with the pictures, but I’m trying to keep the envelopes as light as possible–less postage.   I don’t care to write notes to send with the pictures, as my fingers are a little stiff.  For the most part, typing is no problem–thank goodness!!

Please thank everyone who has provided information/names/addresses/etc. that pertain to the pictures I’ve sent. This includes people who have sent the info to you to forward to me, and those who have sent emails directly to me.  I’m slowly, but surely, making a little headway with the pictures.  Maybe I should have only brought 1000 of them home! Ha!  No, it isn’t quite that bad!  As you can tell, though, I do have a lot of pictures to deliver to many people in many locations.  As you can tell from what I send to my “Bottineau Bunch” list, I’m working on other pictures, too.  I also have a “Kramer” list, and I’m delivering some pictures locally, too.  It’s a great project; I’m enjoying it very much.  It would impossible to deliver the Dunseith/Belcourt pictures without your/your list members’ assistance.  THANKS AGAIN to everyone!

Neola

Reply to yesterdays message from Sybil Johnson: 

Hey Gary, that sounds like here in the states, not in the Philippines. I
would like to give an update on my daughter, Beckie. The blood clot she has
is located in the artery between her large intestine and her liver. Until
that clot dissolves by itself, she will not be going home soon. But, she
does have great doctors. The hospital she is in, is a branch from the Mayo
Clinic. Like she said, she didnt expect to spending her birthday in the
hosptital(yesterday and she turned 41).
Sybil Johnson
 The following unidentified pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Do any of you recognize any of these pictures of folks from the Dunseith/Belcourt area?

Reply from Sybil Johnson about Axel Johnson: 

Gary, that’s funny about “Pa”. He was a great man in my eyes and always will be. He loved his family and did whatever he could for each and everyone of all of us. I remember Bernice getting after him, because he wouldnt wear his hearing aids. He would only say, talk louder! And when Bernice would yell at him for one thing or another, he would just walk outside until she cooled down. Dont get me wrong I loved Bernice and I learned alot from her, while Augie and I was together.

Sybil Johnson

Comments on the Cliff Metcalfe Photo below:

When Neola sent me this picture, I could not figure out which Metcalfe family this could be.

Vickie, I know you and Cyndy, but I didn’t recognize you guys in this picture.  You would have been Just graduated from HS when this picture was taken.  Thinking this could possibly be one of Jim Metcalfe’s family, I sent this picture to Lola.  I have pasted her reply below.

This is a beautiful picture!  Gary

Lola’s Reply: 

HI Gary!!–  I just enjoy this “blog” soo much-
I’m really glad you sent me this picture- it is my Uncle Cliff’s family
(Dad and Cliff were brothers)
Back Row: Nancy, Vickie and Cliff
Front row: Cyndy, Archie, Shannon and Charlotte (Lottie).
That is a wonderful picture of them!!-  Thanks for all you do Gary!-
Regards,  Lola

Pictures provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:    

Clifford Metcalfe Family:
Back Row L to R: Nancy, Vickie & Cliff
Front Row L to R: Cyndy, Archie, Shannon & Charlotte (Lottie)

Back: Roberta Hagen Striker (75)
Front: Kim Hiatt Hermann  (77)

Question from Sharon Longie Dana (75): 

Does anyone know how Mr. Hepper passed??? He was our neighbor for years.  He was always such a nice man.  Did he leave Dunseith???

Reply to Bev Azure:  All of our prayers are being heard. Her road to recovery starts now and we will still be praying for her and all of her family and  extended families.

Take Care Bev!!!

Sharon Longie Dana

Reply from Sybil Johnson:  

Thank you so much for those pictures of Axel, Gary. I, myself have never seen them before and I know Augie’s family will enjoy them also. I have downloaded some pictures of Augie and the family and will send them later.

Thanks again and Dick I loved the stories you told about “Pa”, they were
funny.
Take care,
Sybil

From Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Updated reports for Ann Pritchard (Lung Transplant) posted by her Family:

Sunday August 17, 2008 11:45 A.M.

Posted 9 hours ago

Mom had a good night last night and is stable this morning. They reduced her sedation this morning at 5:00 but she is still on the pain medication which does cause some sedation. The nurse stated that it can take some time for the medication to get out of her system. She is moving her arms quite a bit but hasn’t started to move her legs. They are removing 3+ liters of fluid these past 2 days and the chest x-ray showed great improvement this morning. Air is getting deeper in the lung which is very good. The surgeon will evaluate tomorrow if she is ready for the tracheostomy tube.
This is a critical week as they will be reducing her sedation which may cause some anxiety for mom. Pray for her to be comfortable and not resistive as this occurs. Also pray for the doctors and nurses caring for mom. They have a wonderful staff here. We are grateful for all of your prayers and support. God Bless, Gina

Folks, I thought I’d include several pictures of some of the Class of 65 folks.  Gary

                             Margaret Metcalfe (2007)

                  Margaret Metcalfe, Susan Fassett & Carol Jasper

Folks, To enable better delivery of these daily messages, I have acquired another email address from Yahoo.  I have been having delivery problems with Globlines and Hotmail limits the number of folks I can send messages to in a 24 hour period.  That left Gmail. Larger Gmail group messages are often times a pain to send.  Often times they will sit in the out box for a long time before being sent.  Hopefully I will have better luck with Yahoo.  We will see.  My email addresses are

I consider Hotmail as my primary account, but you can use any one of the four addresses when sending messages to me. Using Outlook express, messages sent to any of these addresses are all displayed on the same page.  In fact I have to go into the properties of each message to find out which address each message was sent to.  Note the ph on the end of the Yahoo address. Gary

Reply from Joan Wurgler Salmonson (61): 

Thanks Gary,

Happy to hear you got my message. Hope I didn’t mess things up too terribly. Which e-mail address do you suggest using when forwarding messages to you?

Today (Friday) was the Special Memorial Service for Hope Bedard. We send our condolences to her family, Gayl, class of ’56; Lynn  ’58; Twins-Nicole & Nik ’61 and Triplets James, Jean & Juay ’62. Their family will be missed but we hope they will continue to

keep in touch and come back for visits.

Thanks again,

Joan

Latest update for Deb Morinville’s stroke from Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary, everyone   first of  all would  love to tell u  all thank you  for your prayers and  personal e mails to me.  Deb  wasn’t  doing very good yesterday and Kenny  just about called me to  come to  Montana. But  today  she made a remarkable  turn around and is doing  better.  Kenny and I have been  talking each day  but yesterday ..cause  I was  gone .   But the  minute  i walked into the house today  called and   Kenny said she was better  so he put the phone to her ear  and I told her  we  were all praying for  her  and  that  u all  are  asking about her and praying for her.   told her all about  your e mails  etc.  and when   I told her  so long,  I will talk to u tomorrow  and kenny took the phone  from her ear  she  grabbed it  with her  good hand and put it to her heart. So  I am  sure she is  trying to  tell us  she  is  there  and   I know  she  heard me. thank u all will  keep u informed  sorry  I thinking I …..rattled on just so  excited.  Garys  thanks for all u do   Bev

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Sybil Johnson’s Reply to forwarding her Axel Johnson messages: 

Gary, that would be great. Augie and the rest of the family would really like to see them. “Pa” was a great guy. I remember how he would get down on the floor with not only my kids but all of his grandkids and play with them. Then there were times when I would put my kids down for a nap and there was “Pa”, sitting on the bed and feeding them cookies dunked in his coffee.

Neola, that’s a great picture of you. I would recognize you anywhere.
If I may, would like to give an up date on Beckie(my daughter). She is back
in the hospital. They found that she was accumulating blood clots and air
pockets. They have her on blood thinners and will be there for a few days.
Take care everyone!
Sybil

Updated reports for Ann Pritchard (Lung Transplant) posted by her daughter Pam:

Saturday, August 16 10:55AM

Posted 8 hours ago

Once again everything went well overnight. They removed 4 liters of fluid yesterday and today, that’s a little over a gallon. In other words she lost about 9 pounds of water weight. The chest x-ray was about the same today as yesterday. She is still tolerating the ventilator well. Today her heart was beating a little out of sync and a bit fast. They were not too concerned about it, they said many people are fine with slightly irregular beats. They eventually got it back into a strong, normal but slower beat.

Dr. Peters gave us a little insight into their plan for next week. Assuming all is well this weekend, they want to remove her breathing tube early next week and replace it with a tracheostomy tube. This has many advantages over the normal breathing tube; it’s a shorter less obstructive route to the lungs, the tube is actually shorter and easier to manage, it will be more comfortable for her, it will allow them to slowly wean her off the ventilator, and it will allow her to be much less sedated. While they are doing this he thinks that the surgeon will use a scope to go inside the chest wall, through the spot where the chest tube is now, to examine the outside of the new lung. They think that a portion of the fluid we see on the chest x-ray may actually be clotting/puss/blood on the outside of the lung. If it is there he will remove it and that will allow the lower part of the new lung to work more easily.

This blog entry wraps up my time here in Rochester, I am very happy to have seen Grandma make such great improvements over the past 9 days. Gina is coming in this evening and will be here with Grandpa and Grandma through next week.

Question from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): 

Gary, would you by any chance know if Ben Grossman is still alive and what he did after leaving Dunseith? I recall him vividly, and some of the teachers I have difficulty remembering.  I recall  Mrs Conroy and a few others.  I love the messages you are receiving, what wonderful memories.  Sharon

Sharon, Mr. Grossman died in 1996.  I have pasted, below, the deceased Dunseith teachers that I have in my files.  Gary

Pictures/Message from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

The other night I ran across some pictures I took in 1968. We had a bad
storm with hail, that completely wiped out our crops! And if that wasn’t
bad enough, it then rained several inches and flooded all our hay ground
and flattened that too! I remember driving up highway 3 and coming over
the last hill before we turned east toward the farm, only to see the
entire flat south of Kelvin under water! I had my camera along and took
these pictures. What appears to be a lake is actually the big hay meadow
that Art Seim and Cliff Metcalfe owned, and of course were planning to
hay! Our crops were pounded right into the ground! The water had gone
over the roads in several places and left floating debris everywhere. It
was a mess and a very defeating feeling when we looked at all our hard
work that was basically for nothing! I remember Dad and Duane Fugere and
I went to see the damage. Duane said something that has stuck with me
for 40 years. He said, “Playing poker isn’t gambling, this is gambling”!

Dick

PS- The storm was in 68 but I had the film developed in March 69.

Photo provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

                        Bernard & Betty Kavi Family – 1972

From Curt & Ann Rotto (Former Peace Lutheran Paster): 

Gary and all,

In response to the picture of Peace Lutheran Church members (in #173). Lawrence Struck was in the middle of the bottom row. I believe he was teaching the Bethel Series and this may have been his first class.

For two years, as pastor of Peace Lutheran, I trained 10 persons from the church to prepare them to teach the Bethel Series to other lay people.  I am not sure if any other of the ten persons taught the Bible Series to others….Murl Hill may have information on this matter.

The following persons were trained from 1965 to 1967: Lawrence Struck, Murl Hill, Edna Leonard, Bennie Frovarp, Ken Sebelius, Ann Rotto, Barbara Schlacht, Marjorie Lillico, Orvin Hagen, Eva Struck.  They met for two hours every week for nine months for two years, along with “homework”.

Re: the naming of Peace Lutheran Church. In 1965 Little Prairie Church voted to close and join Dunseith Lutheran. Any confirmed member of either congregation was eligible to vote…(young people included.)  It was a consensus that a new name would be appropriate in forming a new congregation.

It has been over 40 years since we left Dunseith for Fergus Falls, where we still live. Our three children and 10 grandchildren live in other states.  Ann and I have enjoyed reading the many comments of Dunseith people, some who we know well…some who I had in confirmation classes.  It brings us many happy memories!  Thanks, Gary, for all your work on keeping the information and memories alive for many of us.
Curt and Ann Rotto

Curt, I recognize most all of the names you listed above.  Orvin Hagen was and still is a very close family friend of ours.  I talk to him frequently.  He lives in Kindred ND.  He is 87 and going strong.  Orvin was a 4 H leader, for many of the folks on this distribution list, for many years.  Orvin does not have email but his phone number is 701-428-3125. I’m sure he’d love to hear from any one of you.  If you call him be prepared to visit. Gary

Reply from Sybil Johnson (Augie Johnson is a cousin to Don Johnson, Dicks Dad): 

Thanks to Trish Larson (73), we now have Sybil on our distribution list. From what I understand, they just ran into each other out of the blue and discovered they were both from Dunseith.  Thank you Trish for passing Sybil’s info onto us.  Gary

I didnt know Hope Bedard, but my heart goes out to the family and their time of mourning.

For those who remember Augie Johnson: He just got back from Chippewa Falls,
Wis, where our daughter went through colon surgery. He is doing great, but
anyone who remembers him, can you imagine him weighing over 250 lbs? I was
married to him for 30 yrs and he never weighed that much. But, he is doing
better.
Our daughter came thru her surgery great and they expect a full recovery.
The cancer had been contained only in her colon.
Have a great day, everyone!
Sybil
Cecile Gouin Craig’s (61) reply to missing message: 

Hello again, are you ever on top off it! I just sent that message. As you
know the Morrinvilles are important to me, or I should should say us. my
parents included. So yes I did get the 190 message I was missing. Thanks so
much. Cecile

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Vicki,

I am sitting here after reading your post with a great big lump in my
throat and tears waiting to spill.  You are so articulate and have
reminded me of memories that I hold very dear.  Angelina was such a
great friend.  She told me how she hid her rosary in her sandwich when
they left Cuba and how the soldiers tried to take her mother from the
plane as all the kids wailed.  Finally they let her stay on the plane.
What a brave family.  I hope we can reconnect with her somehow.  As
for Mrs. Conroy…she was and still remains one of the most
influential people in my life.  Her classroom was always one of
activity.  Remember playing jacks on the floor?  The macaroni boxes we
painted bronze and the records we somehow melted and spray painted
into beautiful bowls?  I do remember the weekly reader and how much of
an impact it had on our lives.  As for the different cultures in our
classroom…there were many….and we all got along as we merged into
learning…helping each other succeed.  School was fun at the same
time.  I remember she liked my handwriting so she would have me stay
in during recess and write out the math test which she would later
copy on the mimeograph machine and lo and behold, there was our test.
I never thought about cheating…I just wanted to get the copying done
so I could scoot outside.  Anyway, thanks for your wonderful
words….and also everyone…keep Debbie Marmon in your prayers.

Diane Larson Sjol
Reply from Bob Lykins (Former DHS teacher in the mid 60′s): 

To Diane Larson & Bill Grimme,

Diane, I remmeber all of the places you mentioned and, like you, camped extensively throughout Europe.  At first I had a Dodge Cobra Van and then I went to a pop-up trailer tent and finally, toward the last, I just traved with a tent.  It was every weekend and vacation on the road.  We even did some winter camping.  We were real hard core.

As for your old friends, you could probably make contact with them through the alumni organizations such as the BRATS organization.

Bill, correct me if I am wrong but in answer to Diane’s question, that looks like the GUM.  Under the communists it was the main shopping store in Moscow.

Bob

Reply from Bill Grimme (65): 

Diane,

In fact, the building was used for something besides a grocery store and  a wine market, but that was over 200 years ago. The building was constructed by Catherine the Great’s State Secretary as a palace for his wife. Upon her death, the building was purchased by a St. Petersburg millionaire named  G. Yeliseyev. He converted it to a food emporium and a wine market for very wealthy folks. The store has operated in this manner ever since, surviving revolution and war. The wine market is in the back of the store and it is huge. Originally, the wine was in the front, as you entered the store. But, apparently, that caused Yeliseyev some problem with permission to open a wine market. So, the store was re-arranged and the wine was moved into a separate room in the back, so, when one entered, the first place you came into was a “grocery store”. This satisfied the law at the time. Remember, this was in the early 19th (yes, 19th) century and this business still sits there. The art in the place is from the original palace, at least that’s what I am told.

Here is a website about the area where the store is located. If you type it in to Google and then click “read this page in English, you will get some info. The translation is not very good, though, and it is hard to read.

www.tversk.ru

Bill
Updated reports for Ann Pritchard (Lung Transplant) posted by her daughter Pam:

Thursday, August 14 2:45PM

Posted 6 hours ago

Last night was a good night, she got rid of a lot of fluid and was stable all night. The x-ray also look a tiny bit better. This morning we were not able to meet with the main doctor. I briefly talked to the ECMO doctor and he said they were all very happy with her progress at the morning multidisciplinary rounds. They were hoping to do another bronchoscopy, but the surgeon got tied up in surgery, they may do that later this afternoon or tomorrow.
At 11:45am they started the process to wean her off of the ECMO machine. as of 1:30 everything was going very well and she still have 100% oxygen saturation with no help from the ECMO machine, meaning her lungs were doing all of the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange work. This afternoon sometime they will take her into the operating room briefly so they can remove the large catheters that provide blood to and from the ECMO machine.
Then we start another process of healing, making her lungs do the work they need to be doing, with just the help from the respirator.
She is still very sedated, they need her this way to minimize movement but she is still able to follow commands when she becomes a little more lucid.

Thursday, August 14 4:00PM

Posted 4 hours ago

Grandma is on her way to the operating room to have the ECMO machine removed. With the ECMO oxygen contribution at 0% for 4 hours and the ventilator only at 50% capactity, she was able to maintain 100% oxygen saturation and her blood gas values were very good. They believe now is the time to remove the machine, and they have room to give her more oxygen by the vent if they need to. That procedure will take less than an hour.

Thursday, August 14 9:45PM

Posted 26 minutes ago

The ECMO removal was a success. They had no complications and her oxygen levels were great after the removal. While they were in the OR, the surgeon performed the bronchoscopy, the new lung continued to look good and there was very little junk in the lung to be removed. After the procedure the surgeon was very optimistic and happy with the progress she has made. She has quite a bit to go but today was a fantastic step. The doctor said that if everything goes well she might have the breathing tube taken out next week, wow that would be a big turn around. Now that she is off the ECMO they can really start to get a lot of fluid off of her…
She is still heavily sedated, but even I can tell that she is trying to breath for herself some times, that is also a great sign.
Again, we look forward to seeing the x-ray tomorrow morning.
She does continue to have one or two nurses with her at all times to monitor her status.
Everyone agrees that she has made huge progress today

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

From Stan & Joan Wurgler Salmonson (both class of 61): 

Subject: Artist Janet Haagenson Sedlacek ’61′

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Do any of you recognize any of the folks in these 2 pictures?