3/11/2008 (41)

Posted on March 11, 2008 by Gary

Patti Metcalfe Woods (67) reply to the bowling picture:

Gary,

Thank you so much for adding me back in your mailing list. My computer is still not 100%. I bought a new computer but still get messages saying my

email is full. Sooooooo next step is having a computer guru take a look at it.

The picture of the 1st place bowling team was a treasure. In the early 70′s Fred and Margo Hiatt invited Dwain and I to bowl on a mixed bowling league with them.

Little did we know that they were pros and we were novices (to say the least). We had lots of wonderful times. Margo had the cutest giggle. As I remember Fred and Margo took us fishing to WaterHen and taught us their fishing tips. I couldn’t believe we actually got up before dawn so we could be out on the lake by sunrise.

Bing Evans was my Uncle (Mom’s brother), Bill Fassett and Edgar Anderson were our friends parents, Don Johnson was my favorite Choir teacher.

What a wonderful childhood we all had in small town USA. I enjoyed it so much I stayed. I love to travel but there is no place like home…

Patti

Picture Patti references From Crystal Fassett Anderson (70):

Hello It’s me again! Would the people to whom we send our contributions to help with the cemetery upkeep, please post their mailing addresses. My husband, Dale & I are both retired postmasters, so like to have proper addresses!! Thanks & just for fun I am attaching a picture of the 1955 Dunseith Men’s bowling league 1st place team. Freddie Hiatt, Bing Evans, my Dad Bill Fassett, Don Johnson & Edgar Anderson with Galen Olson on next alley (he was on the 2nd place team.

From Randy Flynn (70):

Gary,

Once again thank you for your time as well as providing this
platform for Dunseithians (?)to reminisce. As I try to catch
up on your daily missives I have discovered 3 missing from the
past couple of weeks. They were found in my SPAM account,
every third message, #32, 35, and 38. I await #41 to determine
if this is a continuing pattern. Do others have a similar
problem? Is there a fix on my end of the message. Since I
receive most of the messages, I do not believe I have added
your name to my SPAM list?

Mel Kuhn, in your earlier messages you mentioned the play with
the Genie and your fire extinguisher prop. I think the play
was called MAX or was it MAXX. I remember being the genie and
wearing satin pants and slippers with curled up toes. I am
certain my children would love to see a picture of me in that
attire.

As I remember the fire extinguisher prop, it was a great idea.
I thought it was Duane Sebelius and you, who came up with the
original idea of handling the fire extinguisher. The fire
extinguisher used for the rehersals was a CO2 type from one end
of the high school building. Art Martel, the director of the
play, was not overly thrilled with it’s use but the noise and
fog caused by the CO2 expanding had a nice effect. The CO2
evaporated without a noticeable residue. Many of us wanted to
play with the prop after play practice and we emptied the CO2.
The Office did not want to refill the fire extinguisher so Mr.
Martel said we could do without the prop. Being the ingenious
fellow that you are, you procured a fire extinguisher from the
other end of the building in the Junior High School. Thinking,
correctly, that Mr. Martel and the Office would be watching the
High School end of the building where other CO2 fire
extinguishers could be found. The fire extinguisher for the
night of the play was a dry chemical extinguisher fully
pressurized. Without any practice I think you held your hand
on the lever a bit longer than normal. It was quite a sight.
If EPA knew we were shooting a corrosive residue in the air for
all to breath, the school would have been closed and probably
fined. I guess dry chemical is like lead based paint, a little
bit won’t kill you. But I am sure Art Martel or the Office
wanted to kill us.

Stay well, Stay warm.

Randy Flynn

Reply from Dave Slyter (70):

Gary:

What a way to start a Monday morning. I got to work and I was bogged down with phone calls and employees calling in sick and was way to stressed. I sat down read a couple of letters and laughed until I was almost sick. ha The story Dick told about his dog and fish was hilarious and the story about the grave falling in was the highlight of my morning. Thank you folks for all the great stories.

To Dick and Crystal. Thank you so much for the very nice pictures of our parents. Was really great to see them in their younger days. The last pictures you sent of your folks and the Evans and Dion’s was really nice. Thanks for all the great pictures and memories.

Dave Slyter : )

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Dick, I am glad I made your day with the story of you and duke, and the pic u sent is great . Thanks for all the memoies u all bring back it is the newpaper I wake up with each am. thanks alll Bev

Susan Fassett’s (65) reply to Pete (65) & Verena Gillis:

Congratulations to Pete and Verena on their newest grandson. They are so precious. I have two –ages 1 1/2 and 4 years and they live just 45 minutes away, so we spend lots of good times together.

John and I are heading south on Wednesday for a couple of weeks. We will be attending a wedding of a niece in Sierra Vista AZ and then up to Mesa to spend Easter weekend with our kids.

Love all the memories and pictures.

Hugs and Prayers, Susan

Reply from Paula Fassett Pfuhl’s (71):

On Crystal ’s photo: the boy in the cage w/blue shirt is Albert Johnson. I think he represented whoever the ‘opposing team’ was for the homecoming game. I don’t know who the boy in front is, but the girl in the polka-dot dress is I believe, is Sharon Longie.

Paula

I think the guy in front is Allen Houle? Gary

This is the picture that Paula is referring to

Folks, I was going through some of the pictures and I noticed this nice picture of the LaCroix Family.

Some of you have seen this picture before, but a whole lot of you have not. This is a beautiful

Picture of Lydia (Fauske) LaCroix and the girls. Gary

3/10/2008 (40)

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Gary

Blog (40) posted on March 10, 2008

Bill Hosmer’s (48) reply to Flavia Moraes (73):

Gary and Flavia. It was interesting and joyful to read the mailing
from Flavia. You may not remember, but one time in the late 70s or
early 80s I contacted you in Sao Paulo.   I was staying at the Maxsud
Plaza Hotel. Alan Campbell gave me your number because he knew I would
be travelling there. Certainly it would be understandable for you not
to remember it, but it was an event that I’ll not forget. I was a
demonstration pilot flying the Cessna Citation business jet in those
days, and spent many trips and days landing at all the major airports
of Brazil. Even some minor ones. Anyway, you came to the hotel, and
we had dinner in one of the restaurants, and talked about Dunseith and
all the people we both knew. I was so proud to be dining with such a
beautiful woman, and knowing how much the Campbell’s loved having you
with them made it a special occaision. Most of the time we dined late
and left in early hours to get through the day, but for some reason
that day’s flying was over early, so I had an unforgettable dinner date
that stays with me.   Wonderful, Flavia, to hear from you through this
magical circuit which Gary has made possible. Undoubtedly, you would
be a most welcome visitor to Dunseith, but as you may have read, the
town is not the same, and yes, we senior citizens who gather there now
and then talk about those other days and those who shared our time in
those eras of innocence and small town wonderment.    Cheers and
greetings to you, Bill Hosmer

From Florence Pladson Sime (62):

Gary, Bonita Enno would like a update on the cruise as she thought that
sounded like it would be fun. She was a class mate of my daughter. Her
email address is, shopping101@aol.com. I sure enjoyed all the info that
you send. It is quiet interesting what people remember about Dunseith. I
remember when the snow wa so deep on main street that you couldn’t see
the drug store from Hosmers store. That was in the early 1964. I was
working at hosmers store at that time. That storm happened over night.
There were cars completly covered with snow on the north side of the drug
by the hotel.

Florence, I will send Bonita the preliminary info about the Dunseith Alumni Alaskan Cruise that I sent out a while back that is being planed for the 3rd week of July 2009 departing from Seattle. The 2009 Alaskan Cruise schedules are not out yet. When they are available April/May and Sandra Trevers Llewellyn (60), our travel agent, gets a cruise in place, we will be sending out detailed information so folks can start booking. For now folks can be planning. The earlier folks book, the better (more) cabin choices they will have. This will be a fun trip for all. Gary

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Gary and Friends

Bev Morinville Azure’s memory of me and my dog Duke made my
day! It sure sounded like something he would do. I had that dog
from the time I was eight until I was in my mid twenties, 16 or
17 years! He was a character. One time we came home and someone
had left a cleaned, frozen, and wrapped, Northern Pike fish on
our doorstep. We asked the usual people who might have left us
this present but everone said “not me”. We had a great fish
supper from it anyway. At bowling one night a while later Dad
was telling this story to the bowlers. Joe Evans said “that was
YOUR #*^&%(@@_(&%^ little brown dog”!! Duke was out making his
rounds and Joe had laid his fish out on his picnic table to
freeze it when he saw Duke grab it and take off. Joe ran out
and chased him but the more he yelled the faster Duke ran! Joe
didn’t know it was my dog and we didn’t know it was Joe’s
fish!! The guys all had a good laugh, Dad said, when he told
Joe, THANKS!! Thanks Bev and Gary.

Dick

Connie Peterson Lagerquist’s (74) reply to Gary Stokes’ (65) question asking about Terry Counts (74):

Hi Gary,
I’m really enjoying your e-mails. As for Terry, he is
alive and well. He works at the Belcourt hospital. I
see him now and again. He is married. His wifes name
is Norma, but not sure of her maiden name.
Connie

Bobby Slyter’s (70) reply to Crystal Fassett (70) (pictures):

reply to crystal fassett, thank you so much for the pics of homecoming especially the one with my big bro richard, used to be such a handsome chap wonder what happened, now i am glad that i live in kansas, kind of far for him ti come kick my behind teee heee thanks again p.s. bet they don’t do homecoming like that anymore

Story from Larry Hackman (66) – Dunseith Cemeteries:

Gary,

Weighing in on the care of the Dunseith cemeteries. I agree most could use some TLC. I to travel up north once or twice a year to stop in at the cemeteries and to quench my craving for a jumbo burger. Dick you and your group have Little Prairie Cemetery looking nice. Good job.

My brothers and I use to take care of St. Louis and Riverside cemeteries back in the sixties for Harry Douglas. The cemetery supplied three push lawn mowers, of which usually two would run and hand operated grass clippers, plus a couple of spades and wheelbarrows. We supplied the labor. Mowing that hill was a real job. Clipping around the grave stones was always slow and time consuming. The wheelbarrows and spades were used to haul topsoil from a stockpile at the southwest corner of the cemetery, to fill in over the graves that had settled. We soon tired of the wheelbarrows. My oldest brother attached a hitch to his car bumper and went got a two wheeled trailer we had on the farm. We then used it to haul topsoil to the grave sites. This method was a lot faster and whole lot less work. Wheelbarrows still had to be used to get into the tight areas but we didn,t have to push them as far. It would take us 3 to 4 days to do both cemeteries and we would have to get them done a week or more prior to each holiday and sometimes in between holidays if it rained. Pushing lawn mowers up and down that hill was a real job.

I remember one of my brothers was mowing along when all of sudden he let out a yell. A grave had caved in, and he had went down with it. He thought something had a hold of him? He did not know whether to shit or go blind? Thank heaven he did neither. After all, we all had to ride home together in the same car and with three brothers that were both tired and hungry, was enough of a struggle.

I remember Harry Douglas explaining to us that each grave usually settled three times. First when the wooden vault would give way, then when the casket gave way and then the body. The concrete vaults that are now required to be used by state law, solved most of this problem. Aren’t we lucky?

My older brother use to also accompany Harry Douglas to Devils Lake whenever he had to pick up a new grave stone. He had to do the heavy lifting for Harry. He said, He never did enjoy the trip, as Harry would drive all the way there and back on the shoulder of the road and at a speed of 35 mph. He still remembers hitting and crossing every road approach there and back.

In the later sixties toppling over grave stones became popular among the younger people. Us cemetery people were sure glad when they moved onto cow tipping. I’m sure that this cow tipping activity ticked-off the udder guys. I just want you to know I’m against tipping of any kind, except for a beer or two.

larry

Picture provided by Dick Johnson (68):

Pete (65) & Verena’s Gillis’ new grandson:

To:	Gary
From:	Verena
Message:	Gary, Here is our little addition to the family. His nails were so long! His mom cut them now so shouldn’t be scratching his face up any more, lol. He is so sweet!

3/9/2008 (39)

Posted on March 9, 2008 by Gary

Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) reply to Dick Johnson (68):

Since Dick likes to remember all those old times here is one I remember of DIck….. Colette Hosmer had made the coolest igloo , A lot of us were playing ( I think over at the Campbells) and we could hear someone yelling, we followed the sound and when we looked in the igloo there was Dick on his hands and knees trying to crawl into the igloo but his dog Duke wasn’t going to stand for that and had Dick by the seat of the pants. we laughed so hard. When I think of u Dick this is the memory that stands out. Bev Morinville(azure)

Dick Johnson’s (68) Reply to Ron Longie (65):

Ron and All Friends

I think we played dodge ball with those old red Voit rubber
balls as they were not to hard if you got hit! The
animals “sculptures” we made were hand formed and mine was
supposed to look like a horse. It didn’t seem to resemble any
known creature so it wasn’t kept.
The changes you mentioned about Dunseith are noticed by many.
It is called “progress” and Ron, I think although there are new
schools and new businesses with new buildings, the town has
lost the character it had in the old days. Things have
certainly changed and I guess that is inevitable, however, my
memories haven’t and maybe this is why I cling to those
memories so desperately. I will be sending some pictures of
Main street that my mom had taken in the mid 1940′s. Most were
with Mom and her friends in front of various businesses. This
really brings back memories of the way WE remember our town!!
I suppose Mom’s friends will read this message and go into
panic, but I’m afraid they coming {the pictures} anyway, gals!!

Dick

Message and pictures from Crystal Fassett Anderson (70):

I am putting all my Dad’s slides onto my computer and thought everyone would enjoy seeing how we did homecoming up right “in the olden days”. That’s Richard Slyter carrying the colors & leading the parade. Patty Metcalfe was Queen,Randy Mongeon & Pam Lagerquist were princesses and that’s our beloved Don Johnson leading the famous DHS marching band…remember carrying the ladder & rope to practice “rank & file”??. If anyone recognizes any one else,please let me know,so I can edit my picture. Oh, on the freashmen float, I know Larry Tooke & Ronnie Houle are of the football players. Enjoy Crystal Fassett Andersen Class of 70

3/8/2008 (38)

Posted on March 8, 2008 by Gary

Blog (38) posted on March 8, 2008

Message from Flavia Moraes (73) – Exchange student from Brazil:

Flavia, I have added you to our Dunseith Alumni Distribution list and I have pasted your address & contact info for the folks below. Gary

Dear Gary

Thank you very much for your e-mail. It is so great to receive news from ND.

I lived with the Campbells for 6 months and you are totally right when you say they are nice folks. They were so nice to me that they made me love them forever. We still keep in touch and I know they are getting old…. so I am always willing to come back to Dunseith to meet them.

I have wonderful memories from the time I spent in Dunseith and I am sure I will never forget.

Did we meet when we I was in the States~

Let´s keep in touch…

Best regards

Flavia

Moraes

Flavia

Est. Carlos Q Telles, 81 apto. 71 Torre Lago

05704-150 Sao Paulo – SP – Brazil

55 11 2125.0216

From Diane Millang Volk (77) – Dunseith Dragons:

Thank you for all the e-mails. They are a joy to read.

Last Tuesday night MLS (Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood); my daughter and son play for MLS; played the Dunseith Dragons in the boys Basketball Regional playoffs. It was one the most intertaining and fun games I have ever seen. The Dragons won by two in double overtime. The compettion was fast and furious, both teams came out ready for a fight. What struck me the most was that even thro the competition was tight both teams treated each other like they were best friends. The Dunseith boys and their coach represented the town very well. They played hard but were still gentlemen on the court. Last night the Dragons played Bishop Ryan for the championship game. The Dragons may of beat the MLS Mavericks earlier in the tournment but the Mavericks were out in full forse hoping that the Dragons were to beat Ryan. The Dragons had won the respect of the Mavericks where Bishop Ryan had failed to do so. As our neighbor sitting next to us said, “We really should cheer for Ryan as they come from our District, but the Dragon players and fans deserve it more.”

Diane Millang Volk ( Class of 1977)

Ron Longie’s (65) reply to Dick Johnson (68): longies@netzero.net

Dick Johnson, when we did our Buffalo it was with plaster of paris, we had rubber molds filled them one day, and the next we painted them. Dick did the guys still play dodge ball or should I say jungle ball very few rules. I was totally taken back with the changes in Dunseith, I kinda felt like a foreigner in my own town. I guess I was kinda expecting my little peace of heaven not to change, but as we know all things change. Take care nice talking at you.

Ron Longie

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe – Thank you Neola:

3/7/2008 (37)

Posted on March 7, 2008 by Gary

Blog (37) posted on March 7, 2008

From Jim Robillard (58):

My heartfelt condolenses to the Millang family.

God Bless Jim Robillard

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary, and Dunseith Friends, Some time back, one of our networking folks
asked about examples of Colette Hosmer’s art. She has a web site:
Colette Hosmer.com       This has examples of her work, pictures of her at
different locations, including China. There are many facets in the site,
biography, philosophy, and more.   I am very proud of her, and there will
be many who will find the site of interest.   Certainly, I find all the
correspondence and lore of our home land fascinating, and go to that
email, before any of the rest I get. Vance Bailey started something very
special, and those who contribute are special in many ways.    Thanks,
Gary, for making life more interesting and bringing this community into
closer awareness, friendship, and appreciation for our common heritage.
Life is great.   Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Bill, As most of us know Colette is back in China this month on a work asignment with her Art.

She said if she has a chance she will send us a message and a few pictures, if she can, while she’s there. Gary

From Dick Johnson (68) – Answers to some questions:

Gary and Friends

Paulette asked about the men dancing at Kelvin. I think it was
a Turtle Mt. Jig, popular in this area. “Little Raymond”
Belgarde was one of the best around.No matter how fast the band
played Raymond could jig, in time, without missing a step!

Ron Longie asked if we remembered the Buffalo from Mrs. Conroys
class. I remember making them from something like sawdust and a
homemade “binder agent” glue of some kind, am I right Ron? I
seem to remember they had an odd smell as we made them.

Diane Larson Sjol said she saw dead cougars by the gas station.
Leo Medrud shot a Lynx in the hills in about 1962 or 1963. I
wouldn’t doubt he had it in town, probably at John Kofoid’s
station to show people. Diane could this be the time frame?
There were more lynx then, than today. What we now are seeing
are mountain lions, a larger animal, as in Glen Williams photo.

In Gary Stokes message #22 he said the rolls at Hermans were
three for a dime and that is correct. Hard to believe. I think
it was mentioned earlier that they were a dime each and even
that would have been a bargain!

Susan Fassett Martin- I want to know when you will be here this
summer. We should get together with others who are interested
in our combined memorabilia. I am kind of a packrat when it
comes to old pictures so I seem to have many of interest not
only to me but to others as well. I would enjoy sharing them
with everyone who is interested.

To the Berubes-Muzette, Angela, or Robert, in a prior message I
said I thought Robert broke his leg while snowskiing in the
ditch, behind a car. Did that happen or was I mistaken? No big
deal but it has been bugging me. Can anyone else remember this
happening?

Dick Johnson

Dick, Ron Longie mentioned that he plans on visiting the Dunseith area again this summer too. It would be nice if Susan was there at the same time. We could put a message out announcing a time and a place for folks to see them whether they are there together or separately. Gary

From Neola Kofoid Garbe (Gary Stokes’ Cousin) – Dunseith Basket Ball:

Dunseith Boys lose to Bishop Ryan 61/48.

This means Bishop Ryan will go to the state tournament. I think these two teams played each other last year at the region also, and Bishop Ryan won then, and went on to state, too. Bishop Ryan had only one loss this year during their regular season–to Dunseith. The games weren’t televised tonight, but on the news, they said Dunseith had 20 turn-overs, which really hurt their score.

I was hoping Dunseith would be the champs tonight. Then we would have seen them on TV next weekend and root for them to win STATE!!!!

Neola

Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Picture from the Courant

August 29, 1919 – February 29, 2008

From Gary Stokes (65):

We’ve seen Raphael Poitra’s name some in the last few days, so I thought I’d provide

a picture of him along with Pete Gillis

Picture L to R: 7/12/07

Repael Poitra & Pete Gillis (Class of 65)

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

This is from a farm directory of ‘Rolette county dated 1948, 5th edition.

3/6/2008 (36)

Posted on March 6, 2008 by Gary

Glen Millang

Oct. 9, 1940-Feb. 29, 2008

DUNSEITH – Glen H. Millang, 67, Dunseith, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, in a Rugby hospital.He was born Oct. 9, 1940, to Carl and Jessie Millang near Kelvin. He married Edna Knox Oct. 9, 1960, in Bottineau.

Survivors: wife; sons, Cam, Dunseith, Kip, Auburn, Wash.; seven grandchildren; sisters, Laurene Olson, Dunseith, Lola Knox, Dunseith, Linda Bostic, Buffalo, Minn.; brother, Dale, Dunseith.

Funeral: Tuesday, 2 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, Dunseith.

Visitation: Monday, 5 to 9 p.m., in the church.

Burial: Little Prairie Cemetery near Dunseith. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

From Ron Longie (65):

Gary,

I talked to Raphael Poitra on Monday 3/3 and he said he was headed to South Dakota to work on a methenol plant, Lola may not catch him at home.

. Ron

Message and pictures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and FriendsWhile looking through some old pictures the other evening, I
found a very odd coincidence. There was one taken of my
grandmother, Cynthia Johnson and my dad, Don Johnson in 1932. I
then found the one of Grandma and me from about 1992. She had
ridden with me in one of my cars, a 1933 Ford coupe, during one
of the Dunseith Days Parades. This was taken near Dale’s on the
corner. Same gal 60 years later, still getting her picture
taken with us by an old car!! She lived to be 89 and passed
away in 1998. Just thought this was kind of interesting.

Dick

P.S. We went to Glen Millangs funeral today, it was
well attended. Actually we played “Mr. Bojangles” for them as
they were going out. Ron Hett from Roba’s Coffee House played
with Brenda and me. He did a great job on the mandolin. Glen’s
nickname was “Bojangie”. We didn’t sing as the song is not
really a church song but the instrumental is nice. It was by
Susie’s request. Thanks again Gary!!Dick

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Ads from the Dunseith Journal dated may 21st, 1936

3/5/2008 (35)

Posted on March 5, 2008 by Gary

Condolences to the Robillard family from Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59):

GARY, I TOO WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENSES TO THE ROBILLARD FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOTHER, I ALWAYS LIKED HER.

GOD BLESS SHIRLEY (LAROCQUE) WENDT

From Floyd (Ann) Pritchard (59):

Gary, Floyd did grow up on the Dave and Winifred Eurich farm. He was raised by Dave and Winifred from the age of 4 until just before he went into the Air Force in 59. We are also the next door neighbor of Bill and Pat Hosmer and Romona Johnson.

Fun with Bill Grimme (65) from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friend

I was thinking about the Grimme clan and remembered this little
episode! Bill Grimme was over at Boguslawski’s one evening
visiting with Alan. I was there hanging out with John. We were
about 13 or so and were really interested in cars and engines,
etc. Bill was driving his dad’s 53 Plymouth car. It was a light
green two door with a small 6 cylinder engine and a straight
stick transmission. I made some comment about hearing my
Grandpa Hans Johnson say how those engines were really short on
power. To this comment, John agreed that he too had heard of
the lack of power . Being that this was the general belief
around the guys in the know, John and I just HAD to find out
how weak they were. Bill was in the house with Alan and the car
was outside with us so——lets see! We carried blocks of wood
from the woodpile by the alley and carefully placed them under
the tires in such a fashion that Bill should’t see them when he
got in the car. We blocked most of the tires on both sides so
either direction he tried to go, he couldn’t unless the car
could climb over the blocks. To us this was a genius plan for
testing the true power of this engine!! Can it climb the
blocks? Well with everything in place, we just sat back against
the wall of their garage and waited for Bill to come out. It
wasn’t to long before Bill came out and got into the car and
fired her up!! He put it in reverse and let out the clutch and
she let out a grunt and died. He fired up again and the same
thing. On his third try he really revved it up and when he
dumped the clutch wood blocks were flying everywhere and the
poor old Plymouth was bouncing over blocks and roaring and
throwing dirt all over!! By this time John and I were laughing
hysterically and didn’t notice that Bill was out of the car and
headed our direction with this look on his face similar to a
lion about to take it’s prey!! We both got a cuff “up side the
head” and I don’t really remember if we decided our experiment
was a success or a failure!!

Dick

From Ann Carbonneau O’Connell:

Thank you for all of the research you have done concerning the Dunseith community. I would like to be included in your mailing list. I have many relatives from Dunseith and enjoy sharing the information with my mother Carol Carbonneau. She was born and raised in Dunseith and is able to identify many of the folks on the pictures that you and others have sent out. I graduated from Bottineau [1968] with your sister-in-law Debby Lee Stokes, however know many Dunseith folks through my cousins the Hills, the Fassatts, Haagensons etc. My goodness, I am even on some of those old photos!! What a hoot!! Thanksyou—Ann O’Connell

Ann, It is my pleasure to add you to the Dunseith Alumni distribution list. Gary

Mr. Lykins (Teacher mid 60′s) Reply to Phyllis McKay (65):

Phyllis,

That’s great to learn that you have applied to DoDDS. Let me know who you
are communicating with. I know many of the people in personnel and, if I
can, I’d like to put in a good word for you. Be willing to go anywhere and
take any assignment even though it may not be the most desirable one. Get
your foot in the door and go from there. No matter where you go it will be
an adventure. Don’t be shy about “tooting your own horn” What ever you can
do or have done, let them know.

As you may know I have retired and I must confess that I am having a more
difficult time than I imagined making the adjustment to living back in the
United States. Even though one of my studies has been the effect on people
living overseas and I had anticipated the problems in making the adjustment,
still I find that I am often times confused by the myriad of options
available for TV, Internet, telephone, and just the plan hard core
commercialism that now exists in our society. I am beginning to resent the
hard sell for extra insurance on everything I buy.

My shipment from Germany arrived today and I am up to my eyeballs in boxes.

I’m doing substitute teaching and I have been hired by Peterson Educational
Inc. to do testing for 11 weeks. So, I am busy and I don’t have any time to
travel around as I had hoped to do. Guess I will have to say “no” to some
things.

I can now be reached at bbplykins@aol.com as I have everything up and
running.

Take care and good luck, Phyllis. Keep me posted.

Bob Lykins

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

In about 1978 I worked on a Black Angus Restraunt near Baseline and Rural Road. I met a man who was laying tile in the bathroom, he said he was from Dunseith, he was interesting man to talk too and we talked mostly about Joe Evans because he was his age. The man’s name was Rob Rohrer His dad was probably a railroad man. He probably still lives in that area.
From reading Vance’s letter, I wish I would have known him. He talked about the kinds of things I like to talk about the kind of things that were happening in those days. Will write more and try to give you a picture of the way Dunseith was in the forties, it was wild, more fun per square inch than any place around! Gary Metcalfe

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary

Jeff Soland is married to Luann Knox, Guy’s daughter, and asked
how they could get on the list. His email address is:
jsoland@srt.com I said I would let you know. Lola Vanorny said
she would take copies to Raphael and Janice, about Elvena and
condolences,etc. Thanks.

Dick

Lola, Thank you so much for offering to print out the condolences and obit for Raphael Poitra’s mother and taking them to him. Please give my regards to Raphael. Gary

Jeff & Luann Knox Soland, I will gladly add you our list and to the Alumni class list of 1980, your graduating year Luann.

From Melvin Kuhn (70):

Gary,

Here’s an ad from The Dunseith Herald, Thursday,March 16th, 1893. I brightened it up some when I scanned it. I will look for more interesting ads in it but I don’t like to handle it too much as it is in kind of delicate condition. Hopefully everyone will be able to read what you could do for half of the price of a tank of gas now days.

Mel Kuhn

3/4/2008 (34)

Posted on March 4, 2008 by Gary

From Carol Watkins Carbonneau (46) Via her daughter-in-law Sharon Carbonneau:

Gary, I got this note from my cousin Charles Carbonneau’s wife. My Aunt Carol Watkins Carbonneau, is the one who knew all the names. She and her husband Emery still live in Bottineau and since Carol grew up in the Turtle Mts. And went to Rendahl church she knows everyone!! Crystal Fassett Andersen

Crystal (Fassett), I emailed the class picture to Ann and she had Carol come over

and they identified all the people on the photo. When I saw Carol in the

first row, I knew she could tell you who they were. I’m not sure who to

send this to so I’ll send it to you. I’ve been forwarding the messages

to Ann and then she shows them to Carol when they get together. They

love it. Thanks. Sharon

Mother[Carol Watkins Carbonneau (46)] has identified all of the people on the Vance Bailey Sunday school class picture.
1941 Sunday school class of Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith, grades of 7 through High School.

From Kathy Salmonson Helgeland (64):

Hi Gary, Would like to keep in touch with classmates and friends from last years reunion and also receive updates on the Cruise 2009. I had to update my computer and I’m back on line. Kathy Salmonson Helgeland

From Floyd Pritchard:

Gary, please place to your mailing blog so Floyd can get the infor and perhaps send in infor. Thanks, His wife, Ann

Floyd, I remember you in my younger days living at Dave & Winnifred Eurich’s. Were you there only in the summer? Did you attend Dunseith for any of your schooling? Gary

From Linda Johnson Juntunen (72):

Don’t know if everybody saw this.

SALUTE NORTH DAKOTA

YOU TUBE ABC NEWS

Subject: YouTube – person of the week…an entire state

Shortcut to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhFcbdpdgUY

Lola Metcalfe Vanory’s (68) Condolences to the Glen Millang family & reply to Crystal Fassett Anderson (70):

lola vanorny, ew
Oh Crystal– it is soo wonderful to get these pictures!!- I can remember
them barely when they were so young–please keep them coming!!_- LolaYes our hearts were saddened by the passing of our next door neighbor–
Glen Millang– what a shock—- it was so sudden. Our thoughts and
prayers h ave been with Suzie and the boys.

I got to see Kip- (he lives in Seattle with his family ) when I stopped in
there Sunday– he looks really good — it’s been years since I saw him.
Too bad it is always these times we get to see neighbor kids and others
that live far away.

Thanks for these wonderful letters Gary. It has turned into a phenominal
thing– unique I’m sure– take care Lola V

Question from Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Bev,
Was not able to attend the benefit but would like to donate…is there
an account set up? Diane Larson Sjol

Bobby Slyter’s (70) reply to Dick Johnson (68):

To Dick Johnson

Thanks for the pic of the bowling team with my mom and yours in it, it was great as our parents spent a lot of time together whether it was coming to the farm on weekends or when they where bowling

Picture identification from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and friendsThanks to Myra Henning Halvorson for the pictures of the
choirs. The one from last summer was taken at the practice,
which I couldn’t make because of other commitments with the
reunion. It was great to sing with you folks on Sunday in the
service dedicated to my dad. Gary did a nice job! I can name
the singers for you as someone had asked.

Greg Hill,Don Berg,
Bob Hosmer, Curt Hagel, Linda Johnson Juntunen, Myra Henning
Halvorson, Cheryl Haagenson, Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson,
Loraine Neameyer Haas, Loretta Neameyer Wall, Ann Marie Boppre Perry,

Brenda Hill Mueller, Deb Morinville Marmon. There may
have been some others on Sunday but these are the ones in the
practice picture. Thank you each and everyone.Dick

Thank you Neolo Kofoid Garbe for sending this to us:

3/3/2008 (33)

Posted on March 3, 2008 by Gary

Reply from Jim Robillard (58):

GARY,

THANKYOU FOR THE KIND WORDS. THEY ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

I READ THE E-MAILS YOU SEND EVERY DAY THAT I’M AT HOME. I HAVE HAVE THEM SAVED IN A FILE. THEY ARE INTERESTING AND THEY BRING BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES.

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT SERVICE FOR EVERYONE ENVOLVED.

GOD BLESS

JIM ROBILLARD

Condolences to the Elvina Robillard family from Mel Kuhn (70):

Gary,

Please forward my condolences to the Elvina Robillard family. Elvina lived at Park View Assisted Living in Rolla for the last couple years where I cook at. I got to know Elvina quite well while she was there. She was a wonderful lady who lived in a lot of pain and never complained. I missed our conversations when she had to leave us and go to Bottineau and was looking forward to seeing her when I would go to visit my mom who is at Good Samariton. Unfortunately her untimely passing prevented me from getting a chance to do this. We had many a spirited conversation about cooking and about the other “OLD” people, as she put it, at Park View. She was one of the very few who would give me compliments on my cooking when I would do good and give me pointers when I would do not so good. She loved fry bread and stew and when I made it just the other day her memory was formost in my mind. I will miss her dearly.

Mel Kuhn

Request for someone in the Dunseith Turtle Mountain area: I don’t have Raphael Poitra on our distribution list. If any of you plan on going past Kelvin and are able to print these condolences & obiturary out from yesterday & today, I’m sure he’d love to see them. His phone number is 701-263-3449. The number for Kelvin is 701-263-4150. Jim & Gloria, I don’t have Robert or Geraldine on our list either. Gary

Bill Grimme’s (65) rely to Dick Johnson (68):

Dick,

Thank you for the very beautiful things you said about my father, Carl Grimme. He could fix about anything. Wish I had been in the habit of taking more notes! But, some of that stuff you just can’t find in a DIY manual. I was particularly impressed with your memory. After you wrote about it, I remembered the ship in the bottle. YOU REMEMBERED IT WAS ON A SOUTH WALL! Amazing. After thinking long and hard, I realized you were absolutely correct!

I enjoy reading everyone’s contributions, and yours are particularly interesting and heartfelt. You reflect the beauty of your parents in your sincere interest in your fellow man and your ability to remember the best things about people.

Thanks, again.

Bill Grimme

Lynn Halvorson Otto’s (75) reply to Phyllis McKay (65):

Hi Gary, I don’t know Phyliss McKay but living in Seoul, Korea there are DOD schools here she may be interested in. Seoul is a nice city with lots to offer foreigners. Guam is also nice, very westernized so everyone speaks English and all the American restaurants. As you probably know, Guam is very small so one may feel very confined there but great climate. Seoul has the four seasons but winter is mild and dry with little snow.

This is just my thoughts. I forward all these responses to my parents, Lester and Dorothy Halvorson who really enjoy them. Thanks for all you are doing. If you ever get to Seoul please feel free to look me up, coffee is always on! Lynn Otto (Halvorson-75).

Message from Arlinda (Lindy) Fauske Vaneynde’s (69):

Thank you Gary so much for sending this information out, I went to school with Mike Evans, this just really touched me. Our family has a lot to face yet in life with the loss of Parents, God has been so gracious to us, to all of us, we have so much to be thankful for, our past, just growing up in a small community and enjoying the little things in life.

I hope all is going well for you and your family, my husband and I are going to go back to ND this summer sometime, we haven’t set a date yet but I can’t wait, I think Carrole and Lavern might also meet up with us, so will be a fun time.

Take care and thanks again for the emails.

Lindy

Message from Joan Wurgler Salmonson (61) – Little Prairie Cemetery:

Hi Gary,

In regards to the Little Prairie Cemetery north of Dunseith, we will be happy to accept any memorials and donations for upkeep to our cemetery. We are an active association with our annual meeting always held on the 1st Monday in April, which will be April 7th this year.Our President is Dick Johnson with Carmen Myer and Deane Striker as directors. A new frontage fence has been a project of the members and is now complete and adds a neat appearance along the Hwy. 43 ND Scenic Byway and is a tribute to those there that have gone before us.

Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please send to: Joan Salmonson

RR 1, Box 130

Dunseith, ND 58329

PS: Thanks Crystal for the great suggestion.

Bobby Slyter’s (70) reply to Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

to crystal fassett

thanks again for the pic of the lady bowlers, have not seen a pic of delores hiatt in years as she died so young, and god will probably smack me but was not my mother (Margo Hiatt) a real looker

Message & Pictures from Myra Henning Halvorson (72):

Request: Can anyone identify the folks in these pictures? Gary

Hello Gary,

We are really enjoying all the Dunseith memories that you are sending out.
Thanks so much!

I recently came across an old band boosters calendar with the 69-70
Governor’s Choir picture which I had to pass along. I am also sending one
that was taken this summer at the reunion church service where some
members of that choir joined together in song one more time. Gary
Fulsebakke was our director. The wonderful memories of band and choir
under the direction of Don Johnson will always be with me. He made a very
positive impact on my life. Does anyone else remember the time he and
Bernice invited his students to their home for a skating party and supper?
What a good time!!

Les and I just returned from Dunseith where we attended the benefit for
Bev Mornville. She was there and doing very well. She starts radiation
tomorrow.

Keep up the good work on this memory hotline!
Myra (Henning) Halvorson ’72

Dick Johnson’s (68) Condolences to the Glen Millang and Elvena Robillard Families, memories & pictures:

Dick, This picture of your dad is a mirror image of the way I remember you. Gary

Gary and friends

Our condolences to the families of Glen Millang and Elvena
Robillard. They were good people and will be missed by all.
Glen and his son Cam helped me work cattle for several years
after Dad was gone. We had some good times. Thank you to
Crystal for the bowling pictures. The old bowling alley was in
the back of the Woodford-Stadheim bar. It was much later
nicknamed the Snakepit. Can you folks remember the little
lunch counter on the north side of the bar? I remember sitting
on the stools and getting a glass of buttermilk from Bertha
Myer. Grandpa Henry Olson got me started drinking buttermilk
when I was two years old and I nearly crave the stuff to this
day!! My mother in law had some in her fridge for pancakes one
of the first times I was at their place. When I asked her if I
could have a glass she got this blank look on her face and when
I drank it she seemed concerned about Brenda’s wellbeing!! Back
to the bowling alley. As I recall there was a row of chairs in
the back for spectators and in the middle of the alleys by the
start line was a tooled wooden post with a large round chalk
ball that the guys rubbed on their hands before they threw a
ball. Is my memory right? I know Bill Fassett threw a hard fast
ball and can remember him yelling “Vince” when Vince Kalk would
jump back down behind the pins to straighten one about the time
Bill let fly with his ball. Vince would cover his head and duck
but I remember him getting pummeled with pins. For the younger
ones, pinsetting was done by hand in those days. They did have
a rack as I recall, but put the pins in by hand. When the
Garden Lanes opened, the pins were set automatically with auto
ball return too!! I believe the bowling alley opened in 1956 or
1957. I have some of Grandpa Henry’s papers on it but don’t
remember for sure. He and Glen Johnson were the first partners
as I recall. Dad [Don Johnson] bowled ALL the time and
eventually taught bowling at Garden Lanes. When I was young I
went with him to bowling tournaments all over the state. It did
get old after a while for a young kid though! Can anyone
remember when the Dunseith guys went to Minot to bowl on TV? I
got to stay home so I could watch it on our big 19 inch, fuzzy,
snowy, black and white TV!!!!The good old days!?!? I was
looking for some bowling pictures and found several but will
include these two for now. Dad is throwing a ball and just
behind him is Edgar Anderson. Sitting is Bill Fassett. If you
look to the left side of the photo,low and behold is the post
with the chalk thing I mentioned earlier! The four gals are
Margo Hiatt, Mom [Bernice Johnson], Joyce Evans, and Joy
Nordquist.The guys are at Woodford’s and the gals are at Garden
Lanes a few years later.

Dick

Picture:

3/2/2008 (32)

Posted on March 2, 2008 by Gary

I just received this Obituary of Elvena Robillard’s from my cousin Neola Kofoid Garbe. Jim Robillard (58) and Gloria Robillard Patnaude (69) are on our distribution list. Raphael Poitra, owner of Kelvin, was in the class of 65 and Geraldine Robillard Volker was in the class of 60.

Elvena Robillard (Obituary)

June 30, 1923-Feb. 16, 2008

DUNSEITH – Elvena Robillard, 84, Bottineau, formerly of Belcourt, Rolla and Dunseith, died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in a Bottineau nursing home.

She was born June 30, 1923, to Emery and Alice St. Claire in Dunseith. She married Joseph “Bill” Robillard Sept. 5, 1941, in Dunseith.

Survivors: sons, James Robillard, Williston, Robert Robillard, Bismarck, Raphael Poitra, Dunseith; daughters, Geraldine Volker, Everett, Wash., Gloria Patnaude, Belcourt; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; stepsister, Cecelia Delorme; stepbrother, Charles Poitra.

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

Burial: St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith, in the spring.

Rosary service: Thursday, 8 p.m., in the church.

Visitation: Thursday, 6 p.m., in the church. (Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

To the Elvena Robillard Family. Our condolences are with you with the loss of your mother/grandmother. Of her siblings I personally know Raphael. He was in my class (65) and of coarse he attended our reunion this last summer. Raphael, you are such a wonderful kind hearted spirited guy and being siblings to you, I’m sure the rest of Elvena’s family are the same. Gary & Bernadette Stokes

Condolences to the Millang family from Dave Slyter (70):

Dear Susie, Cam, Sherri, Kip, Linda, and Dale:

It is a tough time for you, and we will all be praying for you. With Gods help and understanding he will get each and everyone of you through this tough time. He has done his hard work on earth and now he must rest at home with all the others.

God Bless to you all,

Dave Slyter

Phyllis McKay’s (65) letter to Gary Stokes (65):

Phyllis, I hope you don’t mind that I’ve taken the liberty to share your letter with the rest of the folks. I think folks will be interested in what you are doing. With your personality, charisma and dedication I know you must be a wonderful teacher. The DOD will be fortunate to have you. Good luck. Gary

Gary,
I tried to send this e-mail to Bob Lykins but it wouldn’t go through. Maybe I do not have his e-mail in my system. I am at home so sometimes my computer does not work the same as if I were at school. I am hoping you will be able to send the message on to Bob or send me his e-mail address.

As you can see, I am putting in my application for teaching overseas. I have completed most of the application. I am waiting on the recommendations from my principal and former principals and then I will need to send my teaching certificate to DoD. I will also need to be interviewed. I am excited about the possibility of teaching overseas.

Again I want to thank you for all the e-mails. I truly enjoy reading them. I haven’t had much to contribute this year, but feel as if I am getting to know many of the people from Dunseith that I only knew by name. Reading about how so many of us grew up in a relatively safe environment, makes me wish I would have brought up my own children there. But I was brought up thinking that Dunseith didn’t have anything to offer. (Of course I had the wanderlust in my soul even back then.) The childhood that so many of us have in common and the experiences of a small community are a rare commodity of the city life.

I think the idea of sending a donation to help with the up-keep of the cemeteries is a great idea, being we all have loved ones residing one or more of them.

I am amazed at the for sight of the Fassett’s vast collections of our Dunseith history. I am not one for keeping things for very long. They didn’t just keep memorabilia on their own families but also on the community. What a wonderful addition their articles and pictures have made to the e-mails.

Keep the e-mails coming, Gary, I love them. Say hello to Bernadette from me. She is a super person and I feel lucky to have met her. I also am enjoying your e-mails about life in the Philippines. One of the places that I could teach at is Guam. Because of your e-mails, I think Guam may be somewhat like the Philippines and would be a facinating place to go to.

Phyllis
.

Letter to Bob Lykins

Bob, I am in the process of completing my application for employment with Department of Defense schools. I am excited about going overseas to teach. If there is anything you can do to help me with my application or suggestions, I would appreciate the help. Phyllis McKay, your former student

Pictures from Crystal Fassett Anderson (70):

Here are the other pictures that go with the 1955 bowlers. My Dad Bill wrote on them “the support/fan crew”.The 1st pic is Margo Hiatt,Delores Hiatt,Helen Watkins Neslon(my aunt),& Marlys Evans 2nd pic is Marlys,Rita Anderson,my Mom Irene Fassett & Bernice Johnson. These were in the old Woodford bar/bowling alley that I remember being called the snakepit. Crystal Fassett Andersen

3/1/2008 (31)

Posted on March 1, 2008 by Gary

Glenn Millang Passed Away: Messge from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):

Some of you may have already heard, but in case you haven’t, I thought I had best send a note….Glen Millang passed away today. He was being admitted to Rugby Hospital with pneaumonia when his heart stopped. They brought him back once, but not for long. Sounds like the funeral will be held Tuesday…will let you know more as things progress. Ele

Condolences to the Millang Family From Gary & Bernadette Stokes:

Linda, Dale and the Millang Family, You have our Sincere condolences with the death of Glenn. He was such a young guy to have to leave us so early. He will be missed. Gary & Bernadette Stokes

Margaret Metcalfe Leonard’s (65) comments – Alice Berube Funeral – and reply to Bowling picture:

Thanks to Crystal, for the bowling picture… I have very few pictures of
my uncle Bing Evans, so it’s wonderful to see this one.

(Crystal’s note: 1955 Dunseith Men’s bowling league 1st place team.
Freddie Hiatt, Bing Evans, my Dad Bill Fassett, Don Johnson & Edgar
Anderson with Galen Olson on next alley (he was on the 2nd place team.)

By the way, Galen Olson, better known in Rolette as “Chuck Olson” was the
O in R&0 Plumbing, but he loved his farm up in the Turtle Mountains and
told lots of stories about growning up in the Dunseith area.

I just returned from Alice Berube’s funeral. Tom Berube gave a wonderful
Eulogy last night at the Rosary. Alice was so special to so many
people…everyone remembers her as a super cook and as a warm, wonderful
woman with a deep faith. It is truly heart warming to see how the Evans
and Berube families all get along and really care about each other. What a
beautiful tribute to Fortune and Alice.

Margaret Leonard

Lola Metcalfe Vanory’s (68) reply to Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

lola vanorny, ew
Wow– Crystal thanks for the picture– I had seen that picture when I was a
little girl–but I don’t know what ever happened to it — now I have
it-!!!!!- Bing Evans was my favorite uncle and died very young in a
fire– it must have been shortly after this picture was taken because I
remember sitting on his lap and thought he was the greatest guy– he was
engaged to Jay’s Mom’s good friend Marlys Fritzvold . a lab tech at San
Haven–

My folks wouldn’t let me go to the funeral — I was soo upset!!– and I
remember that as clear as day they took me to spend the day at Uncle
Cliff and Lottie Metcalfe’s. I was about 5 –Uncle Cliff told me many
times how I came in the house and sat on a chair and held my little purse
on my lap – until they came back for me. and I do remember doing that–
I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t go to the funeral – in those days kids
didn’t go to funerals very often.

It is so amazing how young all those guys were– handsome bunch huh?–
was that in the Garden tap? or wasn’t it built yet?

Lola

Dick Johnson (68) – Condolences to the Alice Evans/Berube Family – & Remembrance of Carl Grimme:

Gary and friends

We too would like to send our condolences to the families of
Alice Evans Berube. Nice lady. I remember her having extra kids
in for lunch when we were out playing ball in their barn. When
they would ask if that was ok, her answer was always “sure”.
She will be sadly missed by all.

I would like to tell a story about Carl Grimme. He was born in
Germany and came to the U.S. as a young man. He brought with
him the old world ways of doing things exact. We were at Greg
Grimmes often and I was amazed at the things Carl could do. On
the south wall of their livingroom was a handmade ship that he
had made. It was authentic in detail and very intricate. Now
for the amazing part; IT WAS INSIDE A BOTTLE!!! I also remember
his ability to fix about anything that could be broken! He just
looked at the problem and then made a plan and went to work. I
was always impressed. Would’nt it be great if there were more
people like Carl Grimme in todays world!!

Dick

Susan Fassett Martin’s (65) message to many folks:

To Vickie Hiatt: My mom was one of the bowlers on the team with your mom. They had so much fun together–Now they are having a great reunion and probably going bowling again.

To Jim, Frank, Mike, Tom, Pat and Greg– also, Tom, Jim, Cecile and Bill—-condolences on the loss of your mother and step mother. Its hard to lose a parent at any age as you all well know. I miss mine every day and think how proud they would be of the communication of the Dunseith Alumni. We come from great stock and a great community. God Bless you all.

To Dick: I plan to get to Dunseith this summer some time and will bring all the scrapbooks I have. I am working on archiving old newspapers at this point. I have a ways to go to be done. If anyone wants to meet with me, I will let you know when I get a date set. Probably will stay in Bottineau before going on to Walhalla.

To Beverly Azure: So glad you are doing well. If you are interested in anything holistic or in the way of prevention, let me know. My husband is in the holistic field and has many clients who have been battling cancer. Prayers are with you

To Bill Hosmer: thanks for the wonderful reply to the article I sent you.

And to everyone else—-Happy Spring(soon I hope) Hugs and Prayers—Susan

Bob Slyter’s (70) Repy to Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

To Crystal Fassett-what a wonderful picture of dads bowling team, thanks, don’t ever remember him being that young ha

2/29/2008

Posted on February 29, 2008 by Gary

Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine’s (73) Condolences to the Alice (Evans) Berube family:

To the children of Alice Berube, my thoughts and prayers are with you this
morning. In the fall of 1999 we buried both our parents 4 weeks apart and
I still ache for them some days more so then others. I just wanted to share
a story with you about your mom. I never knew your mom very well, but @ a
bowling tournament in Minot one year moms team was @ the state tournament
bowling for their sponsor Wayne’s Jack and Jill. They were to bowl early
shift and as always Irene and her daughters were late. Alice was so
concerned about mom because she was diabetic and they knew she needed to
eat. They made sure she had fruit or some thing. I was so pleased to see
the love these ladies had for her. I made comment about her babysitters and
mom just smiled and said “oh they are so good to me”. After that I had a
real soft spot for all the ladies on that team. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine 73

Dave Slyter’s (70) Condolences to the Evans/Berube families, reply to Margaret Metcalfe’s (65) pictures & Message to Bev Morniville (72):

What great pictures this time around. Especially the albino moose. Jamestown may have the white buffalo but Dunseith has a great white moose. : ) Is that this years picture?�
�
Message to the Evans/Berube families. My condolences to all of you. It is never easy during a time like this but the message of going home to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is always a comforting thought. �
�
Message to Bev Mornville. Glad that the recovery is going great. Keep working hard and keeping the faith and everything will turn out o.k.�
�
The cemeteries idea is a great one. I will be in getting in touch with Rod very soon.�
�
Dave Slyter : )

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Susan Fassett (65) and Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and friends

Thanks to Susan Fassett Martin for the correct story on the
triple anniversary. You guys don’t know of the extent of
collecting of pictures and articles and memories the Fassett
girls and their parents and Grandma Kate have done! When Susan
came to the reunion this past summer, she had the back of her
suv full of scrapbooks, pictures, etc. We spent a couple hours
at the drivein looking at scrapbooks, when I was supposed to be
home working! It was well worth the time, as I can’t get enough
of the history of our area. Many years ago at Kate’s, I read
her scrapbook containing the stories on the blizzard of 1941.
Many people lost there lives. Some were local.She had the
articles from most of the papers and magazines that had printed
it. Amazing to me!
To Bill Hosmer; we would be glad to take a look at your song.
We do Ghost Riders in the Sky already so this should work out.
Our lead guitar player, Jade Mogard, has the instrumental solo
down great. There will be no cost, we usually do these things
for the fun WE have and if others enjoy it that is a bonus.
Send us what you have and we’ll give it a whirl!!
Thanks again to Gary Stokes, great thing!

Dick

From Alan Poitra (76):

Hi Gary, I wanted to add St. Mary’s Cemetery. I do not know who keeps that one up.

Questioin: Who is the point of contact for St. Mary’s Cemetery? Gary

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67):

I just talked to Floyd Pladson and his wife is the treasurer.

If anyone wants to donate to the Rendahl Cemetery it could be sent to:

Pat Pladson

9540 Hwy 60

Bottineau, ND 58318

Bob Bott and his family have been in charge of the mowing and upkeep for a number of years. Volunteers meet in May to do a general cleanup before Memorial Day. Donations are appreciated.

My sister in law, Nora Parrill, is planning to get a sign made for out on the Willow Lake Road.

There is a small one, but she missed it the day we buried Clark.

Thanks, LeaRae Parrill Espe

From Rodney Medrud (71):

HI GARY
�
I AM SENDING YOU ARE MAILING ADDRESS TO POST ON THE WEB SITE FOR ANYONE WANTING
�
TO MAKE A DONATION TO RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.  PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS OUT TO RIVERSIDE�
�
CEMETERY                                                                   THANK YOU
�
�
�
�
                                               RODNEY MEDRUD
                                             �
                                               RR1 BOX 194 A
�
                                               DUNSEITH NORTH DAKOTA
�
                                                                   58329

From Allen Richard (65):

On the Catholic cemetary–Check with Armand Mongeon.

From Crystal Fassett Anderson (70):

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

These are a few ads from the “Dunseith Journal” dated Thursday, April
1st, 1937. Enjoy!! Susan

2/28/2008-1

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Gary

Diane Larson Sjol’s (70) reply to Susan Fassett (65):

I so enjoyed the article about the Hosmer triple wedding…thanks for�
sharing!

Bob Hosmer’s (56) reply to Crystal Fassett (70) – Cemeteries:

Thanks, Crystal, for that wonderful suggestion about setting up some sort of endowment to care for Riverside Cemetary. I’m ready to contribute. Let’s find out how checks should be made out and who would or does manage those funds. I know my brother Bill takes care of the Hosmer plot when he is at Metegoshi late spring to early fall. Thanks for getting this important ball rolling. Bob Hosmer

From Gary Stokes

The Cemeteries are

1. Riverside – Rod Medrud (701) 244-5829 – Work (701) 244-5438 rod.n.mary@hotmail.com

2. Little Prairie – Joan Salmonson (701) 263-4613 – Work (701) 244-5438 salmonso@srt.com

3. Rendahl – Bob Bott (701) 263-4841 brown_wcnd@msn.com

4. St. Louis Catholic – ?????? (Need some help with this one – Gary)

5. Ackworth – Nettie / Martin Peterson – (701) 263-4061 (Ackworth folks [Evon or Glenda] I’m not sure if Nettie is still the treasure – Gary)

Folks, please make corrections to what I’ve listed above so we can publish the correct info. Thanks, Gary

Doreen Bailey’s reply to Gary Metcalfe (57) with pictures:

Gary, The Bailey farm was first settled by Mahlon L. Bailey and Frances Cora Anderson Bailey. They were Vance’s grandparents (came from Missouri). Virgil Bailey (son of Mahlon) and Marie Hobbs Bailey were Vance’s parents. They lived on the farm with the grandparents until Vance and Wayne started school in Dunseith, then they moved to town. Mahlon built the house and barn on the farm.

Reading the Dunseith, memories is my attachment to Vance, he talked so much about everyone, I recognize many, many of the family names that come up in the memories. . I will be in Dunseith the last week in May. Thanks Gary Stokes- Doreen Bailey, Tempe, AZ

2/28/2008

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Gary

Alice L. (Evans) Berube

Aug. 29, 1919-Feb. 25, 2008 Alice L. Berube, age 88, of Dunseith, died Monday in a Dunseith nursing home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church of Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith.

Alice Berube was born to Ernest and Teresa (Murray) Tennancour, on August 29, 1919, on a farm in Currie Township, Rolette County. She grew up in the Dunseith area where she attended grade school at Currie School. In the fall of 1934, Alice moved to town to attend high school and worked for room and board for Mrs. Ole Evans. There she met and worked with her lifelong friend, Lorna (Casavant) Zeiler. Alice graduated from Dunseith High School in 1938. On November 18, 1942, Alice married Myron Evans in Bozeman, MT. They returned to Dunseith and lived in the hills north of town for two years. Then they moved to a farm west of Dunseith and in January 1956 they moved into Dunseith. Myron died on March 30, 1968. Alice then married Fortune Berube on October 23, 1971, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith. Fortune died February 24, 1996. Alice has continued to make Dunseith her home.

Alice was an active member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Happy Homemakers Club and the St. Louis Women’s Guild. She loved to read, play cards, was an excellent cook and enjoyed being with her family and friends. Alice was a woman of strength, faith, courage, love, commitment, a caring person whose foremost focus was her faith and her family.

She is survived by: her sons, James (Cheri) Evans, of Dunseith, ND, Thomas (Jan) Evans of Monticello, MN, Frank (LaRae) Evans of Owatonna, MN, Michael (Patty) Evans of Moorhead, MN, Gregory (Joanne) Evans and Patrick Evans of Owatonna, MN; and a son-in-law, Linton Carlson of Bismarck, ND; stepchildren, Cecile Reynolds of Minot, Thomas Berube and James (Linda) Berube of Bottineau, ND, and William (Sheri) Berube of Laramie, WY; 24 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands, Alice was precede in death by her daughter, Linda (Evans) Carlson; grandson, Luke Gregory Evans; son-in-law, Ronald Reynolds; sisters, Dorothy Harris, Esther Larson, Irene Nicholson; brothers, John Tennancour and Gene Tennancour; and her parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, beginning at 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith.

Arrangements are with the Nero Funeral Home of Bottineau.

2-27-2008

Posted on February 27, 2008 by Gary

Sharon Longie Dana’s (73) Condolences to the Evans/Berube family & question about Bev Azure:

Can someone tell me what’s going on with Clarence and
Bev Azure???/ the medical expenses part??? I have been
out of the loop.
I also send my condolences for the Berube/Evans
families, she was the nicest woman. I always remember
her when we sold Christmas wreaths, she bought one
every year and it was a special time to visit with
her.
Sharon Longie Dana(class of 73)

Sharon, For those of you in the classes of 72 & 73 and a few others that have been added to the Alumni list in the past month, I’ve pasted. at the bottome of this message, a few of the messages explaining Bev’s bout with Cancer. She is one lucky lady to have come out of this whole thing as well as she has. The messages at the bottom pretty much explaine her whole story.

Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine’s (73) reply to Gary Stokes’ phone call:

Next to visting with you last evening this news letter was great. I have
so many fond memories of Dunseith school days and the Turtle mountians. I
think of all the good times in 4-H and those hay rides. I would love to
hear from anyone and everyone. thanks for adding me to your e-mail
address. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine class of 73.

Note: Jim, Marlys, Vickie & Lorie are all siblings of Norman & Irene Hiatt (Both deceased). They were our close neighbors to the east of us up in the hills in the Ackworth community. We did a lot of neighboring back and forth in our growing up days of which I have fond memories of. We now have all four of the Hiatt siblings are on our distribution list. Gary

Diane Larson Sjol”s (70) memory of Jack Hosmer:

I remember Uncle Jack (Hosmer) taking us kids out on the pontoon. We�
had so much fun…it was actually the first pontoon on the�
lake…complete with lawn chairs and a little cooler. He would take�
it out on the lake and let us jump off and swim. He never seemed to�
be in a hurry….When I walked in the store at about age 10, he would�
holler here comes Dinah Shore…don’t know why he called me that but I�
kind of liked the attention. Both Jack and Inie were wonderful�
people. We have lots of good memories of both of them….they are�
missed. Thanks for the picture Dick. Diane

Bill Hosmer’s (48) question for Dick Johnson (68) and others (68):

Gary, and my Dunseith Friends,

Just a quick comment on Dick Johnson’s comments about the triple 50th
wedding anniversary. Dad (Jack) and Glen took their two women to
Crookston Minnesota and had a double wedding. They used Ike Berg’s
car for some reason, maybe because it had front and back seats.In
actuality, Ike and Agnes were married that same year, 1929, but were
already married but could not reveal that fact because Agnes was a
school teacher, and marriage was not allowed in those days unless you
were a male. Some swell rationale behind all that, I suppose.

On another matter for Dick and you other musicians in our readership
I have a favor to ask and pursue, and you may have some ideas how to
approach this task: I wrote some words for a song about a fighter
airplane I flew long ago, for a reunion of a bunch of the fighter
pilots who flew it. It premiered at the first F-100 Super Sabre
Society reunion in 2007. The next reunion will be in the spring of
2009, where I would like to play it on a CD with speakers for the 5
or 7 hundred people who will be there. The two F-100 pilots who sang
it the first time could not be heard, and I’ve been asked to get
different musicians, because the words were well liked.

The words are mine, but I stole the music from an old version of
“Ghost Riders In The Sky” made popular by a vocalist named Frankie
Laine. My version is called “Hun Drivers In The Sky” “Hun” is
the nickname of the F- one hundred.

I heard Dick’s Dad, Don Johnson sing many times while we were in
DHS, and maybe some of those musical genes are maintained in the
musical repertoise of Dick, and others of you who have excelled in
the musical world.

My strategy, if there is any interest in this project, is to email
the words to the piece to appropriate and kind interested musicians
from my home town territory. I would cover any expenses, and
provide an amount of cash to make the time and effort worth while.
Copies of the disc would be available for any performers at zero
cost , as well. With copyright laws in question, I would not
intend on selling any CDs, but just use the one I get to play at the
2009 reunion in Las Vegas, NV.

I will send the words if there is any interest in this matter. I
am looking around the field of guys I flew the Hun with, but one
thing about fighter pilot singing is that it usually done in large
numbers with alot of alcolhol having been consumed, thereby making
the tonal quality “irritating” at best. A North Dakota sound from
the hills and plains would be something special and one I’d be
proud to give full credit to when the event occurs.

Gary and all the rest, all my best. Bill Hosmer

From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

This is the article from the TMS in Oct of 1979. It goes with the
picture that Dick sent. The article is an interesting one, I hope it
comes throught good enough for all to read. Three nice couples, who
added a lot to the history of Dunseith. Hugs, Susan

Bev Morinville Azure’s Cancer diagnosis

Classes of 72 & 73 and a few others of you that have been added to the Alumni list in the past month:

These are a few of the messages in progression that explain Bev’s diagnosis with cancer and her present condition to date.

1/10/08: Message from Deb Morinville (70). Bev Morinville (72) has Cancer:

Hi Gary,

If it’s possible could you pass this along to the classes of 68 through 73? As you know Bev found out that she has cancer in her mouth, under the tongue to be precise. She has to have Cat scans, chest X-rays and bloodwork, but it looks like she will be having surgery on Tuesday. It’s going to be very rough for a few weeks. They told her she will lose about 75% of her tongue and will have to have speech therapy. She will also have a g-tube for feeding and drinking for a while. Also they will remove her bottom teeth because it makes it easier for radiation.

Those of you that have time I know that she would love to hear from you. Her snail mail is

Bev Azure

POB 447

Dunseith ND 58329

1/26/08: Deb Morinville’s (72) Surgery: Report from Deb Morinville (70):

Hi Gary,

Here is the first report after Bev’s surgery today. The dr. said that he didn’t have to take as much of her tongue. In fact he could leave the tip and so she will have way less difficulty talking. She should be able to very quickly. The CAT scan and other tests look like they got everything and the tumor hadn’t spread. We are all so relieved and are cautiously optimistic. When I hear more I’ll let you know. BTW thank you to all who have sent her cards and emails. She is overwhelmed (in a good way) and deeply moved. You have all helped her to face this with a lot of strength and grace. I am so grateful to you all. But what else could you expect from Dunseith’s best?

Deb

2/8/08: Bev Morinville’s (72) update from sister Deb (70):

Hi Gary,

I just finished a short but very happy phone call with Bev! She is doing so terrific that SHE answered the phone. Sent me immediately into a frenzy of crying and laughing! She will be finding out soon about radiation but she won’t have to have chemo and she is speaking so clearly. I was so amazed. She stills tires easily but will return to her computer soon. In the meantime I have forwarded to her all the private emails I have received asking about her. She wants me to tell all of you that she is so grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers that she has received. It really is a miracle and an amazing answer to all those prayers.

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

2/10/08: Message from Bev Morinville Azure (72):

GARY, PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO THE DUNSEITH GANG !!!!!!!!!!! HI EVERYONE FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH OF U FOR ALL THE GET WELL WISHES AND CARDS , E MAILS AND VISITS I HAVE RECIEVED IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS WOW WHAT A BUNCH OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE U ARE. I HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED AND SO MANY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.I HAVE THE GREATEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE WORLD NOT ONLY DID MY CLOSE FRIENDS RALLY AROUND ME AND MY FAMILY BUT FRIENDS OF MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS . AND ALSO THE FRIENDS FROM YEARS AGO I THANK U ALL SO MUCH. WE GREW UP IN A GREAT PLACE AND EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T SEE EACH OTHER OFTEN IT AMAZES ME HOW OLD FRIENDS COME THOUGH WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS A KIND WORD . I AM RECOVERING JUST FINE I WILL NEED RADATION 5 DAYS A WEEK FOR 7 WEEKS JUST TO MAKE SURE NONE OF THOSE NASTY CELLS RUN AWAY WHEN THEY SAW THAT KNIFE COMING LOL I HAD AN AMAZING DOC. I WAS VERY BLESSED IN MANY WAYS YES I LOST 50% OF MY TOUNGE BUT I CAN TALK AND I CAN LAUGH AND AND I THANK GOD FOR THAT. THE CANCER DID NOT MOVE FROM MY TOUNGE . I HAVE A FEELIN MY ANGELS JOE AND FRANCES WERE HOLDING THAT BACK . ANYWAYS I DO THANK EACH OF U FOR THE SPECIAL BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP U HAVE GIVEN ME IN THIS TIME . U WILL ALL BE BLESSED SOMEDAY. GOD WATCH OVER U AND MAY HE BLESS YOU . CATHY IT WAS GREAT TO SEE U THE OTHER DAY WHAT A LIFT U GAVE ME. BEV

2/26/2008

Posted on February 26, 2008 by Gary

From Lee Struck (66) – Condolences to the Evans & Berube families:

Gary –

Please send along my condolences to the Evans and Berube families! Alice was a kind, loving and gentle woman. My memories of her and the men & women she raised and fostered are of sound, strong and good people.

The world will miss her.

Lee Struck

Gary Metcalfe’s (57) memories of Adrian Egbert:

Adrian Egbert, according to my dad, a very hard working man in his earlier years. As I knew about Adrian, he had an old Ford pickup, with no driver door for easy access. He told me one time just how handy he was with the women. Most of you have heard about how he took all bets. He once ate a deck of cards. One day the boys set Adrian up, can you imagine, bet him he could not eat a half a box of Forever Yours candy bars in twenty minutes. Of course they were laced with crotin oil. Adrian gets a call from the San Haven for his taxi service, six nurses wanted to go to Belcourt…..draw your own conclusions. Adrian was not shy, thank goodness. I wonder if Joe Evans had anything to do with that? Adrian really was quite a man, my dad said that Bill Peterson and Clifford Metcalfe had the ride of their life coming back from Seattle. That rope that the old cars had just behind the front seat, had some pure white knuckles wrapped around it. Adrian
was a taxi driver extraordinaire. A big old Buick past them on a curve in the mountain in Idaho, Adrian said, “what was that license number?” The guys said, “We don’t know.” He said, “You will.” He melted a tire about that time, we had butl tubes in those war years. Those mountain roads were narrow and steep then.
His baby sister, Sadie died with my Aunt Lilly in a lake one mile north of the Bailey place. Doreen, if you are reading this, I had a memory jolt, my dad always referred to Vance’s home place as the old Mahlon Bailey place. Was Mahlon a person or what. That picture you sent triggered that memory about a week later. Gary Metcalfe

Note to Stan & Joan Salmonson (61): Is Donald Egbert (65), Adrian’s son, still making his daily visits to your lumber yard store? Gary

Picture provided by Dick Johnson (68):

GARY AND FRIENDS

I ran across this picture while looking for some others. This
is the 50th anniversary of the three couples, Jack and Inez
Hosmer, Ike and Agnes Berg, and Glen and Annabelle Shelver. I
believe they were all married at the same time in Boissevain in
1929. This was not dated but should be 1979 I think. Great
bunch of folks. Please correct me on the dates, if I don’t have
them right. Memories of them would be nice to hear! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Flyer for Bev Morinville Azure (72) provided by Verena Gillis (Mrs. Pete 65): �

From Rodney Medrud (71) – Please add Rodney to your email address book:

Hi Gary just wanted to thank you for the letter that I got from you. It was good to see all of the peoples names on the list. You sure are spending a lot of time on this and I thing it is great
�
We got email address now so you can add it on.�
�
RODNEY MEDRUD

Dunseith News Scanned & Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

2/25/2008

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Gary

From Ele Dietrich Syter (69) – Memories:

Yes, I do remember standing in line on the stairs and in the COLD hallway waiting for my lunch. I also remember (much better I might add) Stella Schmitz doing the cooking. No one, in my opinion, has ever made Chili better than her. To this very day one of my favorite meals is chili and cheese sandwiches.

One other thing that I have been thinking about mentioning here is Herman Martinson’s bismarcks. To this day I am still looking for a bismarck that tastes as good as his did. And the glazed doughnuts also had that same special taste that no one has been able to duplicate. Any chance you might share the receipe for those Tim???

Funny how something like that will stay with you through a lifetime, but that is what this is all about isn’t it—MEMORIES.

From Gary Metcalfe (57) – Memories: moniesue@yahoo.com

Talking about plays there was a production at Peterson Hall south of Kelvin about 1947. My dad, Jim Metcalfe, was on stage with a bouquet of onions, a dress borrowed from Hazel Foss and a pillow under the dress, A BRIDE. The groom was either Ed Walters or Leslie Sime, what their props were I do not remember. They were all pretty good and I don’t think they rehearsed more than once. My dad probably sang, “Those Hillbilly’s Are City Williams Now”. Crazy, huh.??
Now your dad, Gary Stokes, was a one man show at 4H at Floyd Lambs, as I remember.
Peterson Hall was an old CCC barracks moved down from the Peace Gardens. Gary Metcalfe

From Diane Larson Sjol (70) – San Haven:

About San Haven…for those of you that don’t know, Scott Waggert,�
Editor of the Bottineau Courant, did an extensive study on San Haven,�
interviewing the people who “lived” there with TB…I teach at MSU-B�
and he was kind enough to talk to my students about San Haven on�
Friday during our chapter on respiratory disease. I know his work can�
be accessed by computer and I will get the website for you next week�
so you can take a look at it. San Haven was beautiful in its day but�
is now sadly in ruins. Diane Larson Sjol

From Dick Johnson – Memories & Cemeteries:

Gary and friends

When I heard the bike stories and Gary Metcalfe’s question
about Adrian Egbert it reminded me of the story about Don
Egbert and his bike. We lived just across the street to the
south of Ebert’s and when I got my old used bike from Edgar
Anderson, Donnie came over and I told him to take it for a
spin. He didn’t know how to ride but he ran up and down the
alley pushing the bike. Dad came out and said “get on Donald,
and I will help you learn how.” Don handed me the bike and ran
for home! A few days later Don and I and Marvin Kalk were
sitting on the north side of our house in the shade when Adrian
turned off Main Street and drove by with another used bike
sticking out of the trunk of his old 1953 Chevy. Before he even
got stopped, Don jumped up and ran across the street and into
their house. Marvin an I watched while Ol’ Ade took the bike
out and set it up behind the car. He walked into the house and
came out with Donald, pulling him by yhe ear. Ade yelled, ” I
bought you dis bike and by dod you gonna wide it, now dit on”!
Poor Don got on and started south past Kalk’s and peddled
faster and faster until Marvin and got left behind. He got over
to the side of the street and hit the gravel ridge and took a
nasty tumble! I can’t remember what happened to him{ if he got
hurt] but he rode bike after that!!
Crystal Fassett Anderson mentioned our local cemeteries and
memorials. The Riverside Cemetery has several board members, I
think Rod Medrud is one who you could contact. The caretaker at
Rendahl, I heard was Bob Bott. At Little Prairie, we are lucky
to have Joan Wurgler Salmonson as our secretary/ treasurer. Rod
or Joan can be reached at the lumberyard during the day as they
both work there. That number is 701-244=5438. We all have
limited finances and do the best we can with what we have. At
Little Prairie, we just completed a new front fence with brick
pillars and wrought iron railing. It took several years and
lots of volunteers but now it is nice!!

Dick

With Dick Johnson and Diane Larson Sjol having comments in today’s message, I thought I’d share a picture with them, taken this last July, along with Diane’s sister Cheryl, Paulette LaCroix & Toni Morinville. Gary

Picture L To R:

Paulette La Croix, Dick Johnson, Toni Morinvelle, Cheryl Larson, Diane Larson

2/24/2008

Posted on February 24, 2008 by Gary

From Connie Bedard Sullivan (59) – Reply to Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Good Morning, Now I couldn’t pass up replying to Bonnie A., of course I learned how to ride that bike! It did take along time with Dad pushing me down the street, and the first time I was really going by myself I ran into the rope swing in our yard and near killed myself,or at least I thought so. But I can ride even to this day. That darn Lowell I am sure he just slipped on the rail that day and broke his arm. I have pictures of he and I sitting in the mud in the streets before the streets were paved, it was such wonderful mud. I can remember getting our swimming suits on and just sliding around in that slick,slippery mud. Connie Bedard Sullivan

From Gary Morgan (54) – Known facts:

    Hi Gary & All,
     According to my Dad, here are a few little known facts that the Hosmer Brothers (Jack & Bob) had confided to Adrian Egbert:
    (1) During World War II, San Haven would be a prime target if the Germans ever made a night bombing raid but would probably mistake Dunseith for the San so would bomb Dunseith instead.
    (2) Harry Douglas would never be able to find a casket big enough for Adrian so would have to cut off his legs and tuck them in under his arms.
    (3) Harry Douglas never bothered to dress the deceased below the waist. In fact, had occasionally offered to sell new suit trousers back to Hosmer’s store.
    (4) Unless Adrain got a much higher antenna, he could never expect very good TV reception because by the time the signal from Minot got to the Northern Hotel, it would be all used up.
�
Gary Morgan
Class of 54

From Crystal Fassett Andersen (70) – Cemeteries:

Hi Everyone! I am reading most of the letters ,but I am not much of a writer. But the note about the cemetery made me want to add something. I only moved away from Dunseith 10 years ago ,so was and still am a frequent visitor to the cemeteries. My Parents,Grandparents,Aunts,Uncles and many friends are buried at Riverside,Little Prairie & Rendahl cemeteries. I go every May and clean the grave sites and place flowers and flags.We stop and check on the headstones and such, other times throughout the year. I have the luxury of only being 120 miles away but there are many families who are no longer close or maybe not even living relatives left for many of the people buried in and around the Turtle Mts. What I am writing about is, how many of you who are reminiscing, have made a memorial to one of the cemeteries? It is a huge job mowing and keeping gravesites kept up. Just think, if everyone who has relatives and loved ones would send $25 a year(or more) toward the upkeep,how much easier maintenance would be and it is the least we can do for the people who have gone before and given us such wonderful memories that we now share. I know I sound like a telemarketer but at least this will be the only time I mention it. I am not sure who is in charge of the cemetery assoc. Any more.It was Art Rude SR. But I’m sure someone out there can let us all know where to send a donation. Thanks Crystal Fassett Andersen Class of 70

San Haven – Picture provided by Glen Williams (52)

Hannah Higgins Loeb & Mrs. Longie (July 2007): These two ladies worked together at the San. Hannah is the wife of

Dr Loeb (Deceased). Dr Loeb was the Superintendent of San Haven. Hannah lives in Bellevue WA. and Mrs. Longie

lives in Spokane WA. These two ladies have remained in contact other over the years. I believe this picture

was taken in the DHS gym at the “All School Reunion Banquet” on Friday July 13, 2007. Hannah and Art Rude

Graduated from DHS in 1939.

2/23/2008

Posted on February 23, 2008 by Gary

From Connie Fauske Monte (62) – Memories – Mrs. Conroy – John Hiatt:

Gary, you are doing an amazing job with all of this. It is a lot of fun to turn on my computer everyday and find something that I haven’t thought about in years.

I remember Mrs. Conroy so well, they lived across the street from us and I always thought of their home as the Taj Majal, or something close to that, of course I didn’t know anything about the Taj Majal in those days, but anyway. I think I remember our class had her for two years in row. Does anyone remember her reading Nancy and Plum to us. She could really read a story. I think she and my Mom are the ones that gave me my love of reading. Now I have a Library for all of the books I have collected through the years.

Also, thank you Peggy Wurgler for that picture of my Granddad, John Hiatt, it was so great seeing him like that, that’s how I remember him, I loved him so much. He taught me to ride horseback and I still want a horse of my own, much to my husband’s fear. I remember getting bucked off a horse and him telling me to get right back on. I did, but was really scared. He used to buy and sell horses at his ranch, and I would go out there and ride the new ones he would get in. We never really knew the history of the horses, but that didn’t stop me.

I have been wandering on here for awhile, so will I stop for now. Connie (Fauske) Monte

From Don Boardman (60) – Jamming with Dick Johnson (68):

Did you know that Dick Johnson has an addiction? We were down to the Frozen Fingers Old Time Music Festival and Dick and his Turtle Mountain Hillbilly Band played for an hour on Saturday afternoon. They are really great! Later in the evening a bunch of the performers were going to get together and jam. Dick invited us to join in with them so we did and stayed with them until midnight. We decided we had to leave them because we had to sing at noon the next day and if we kept on wouldn’t have any voice left. When we talked to him the next day he said they went until 3. They were jamming that day with other groups in some side rooms. We had breakfast with Wayne and Rosemary Smith, part of his band, and they said the band is getting together at least once a week and that Dick & Brenda do a lot of practicing at home. That is quite an addiction they have. It sure beats a lot of other things that you can have an addiction to. As far as a Frozen Fingers festival goes, it was -38 up here in Bottineau that Sunday morning and -22 in Minot so it lived up to its name. I feel sorry for all of those of you that live in those hot climates.

Don Boardman(60)

Don, It’s currently 88F at 4:00 PM Saturday afternoon here in the tropics of the Philippine Islands. It’s a bit humid, but I’ve gotten used to that. The last time I was back in ND in the winter was December of 1970. The ND four seasons are nice though. Gary

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Don Boardman (60):

Note: I enough time to send Dick an advanced copy of Don’s message so his reply could be included with today’s message. Gary

Gary and allDon Boardman and the Hills and Plains Gospel Group did a nice
job on Sunday at the Frozen Fingers event in Minot. I guess
they are right around the corner from the same addiction we
have! It’s hard to stop once this old time music gets it’s
grip. We were glad they sat in on the Saturday night jam
session and welcome them back.Even though we jammed until 3am I
was up and ready for more by 7am, so I suppose I need
counseling!! It was viciously cold that weekend and many folks
wisely stayed home but there were diehards enough to make about
2/3 rds of a crowd and make the event a success.
On another subject, can you folks remember standing in line to
eat dinner in the basement of the old white school? I remember
the line being so long that it extended all the way back
through the old “breezeway” that connected the two schools.
This corridor looked like the inside of a boxcar and was not
heated so by the time we got all the way to old school building
our teeth were chattering. In those days no one really thought
there was any other way. The milk in the old lunch room sat on
a cast iron hot water radiator so the top cartons were good
cold chocolate or white milk and the bottom ones were hot
chocolate!! I don’t remember a lot of complaining just a hope
of getting there early to get cold milk. Am I alone on my
memories here? Can anyone remember knocking a ball onto the
roof of the newer building. The roof was flat so the ball
stayed up there until somebody went after it. This was a no-no,
but we knew how to boost someone up on the door knob of the
breezway and from there they could get on the roof. Usually
teachers or tattle tale kids would tell Mr. Rude who would come
out to give us heck! If you thought he was on the way the jump
from the roof to the ground didn’t seem high at all!!! Come on
folks, let’s here YOUR memories of days gone by!! Thanks for
the advance notice, Gary.

Again, thank you GARY STOKES!!!!!!!!

Dick, I remember, well, standing in that cold corridor lunch line waiting to eat our dinner meal in the west lower basement of the old school. I remember Mrs. Casavant too, in the kitchen. She was there most all of my HS days. She was such a sweet lady and she raised such a nice family. All sixteen of her children are living, many of which are included with these messages. It cost us a dollar a week for our lunch ticket of which we purchased from Joan Wurgler in the main office. I always had time to go up to the bakery and to top off my lunch with 3 of Herman’s glazed donuts for a dime. Gary

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56) – Memories:

Good Morning Gary,

Bless you for all the time and energy you put into this round-robin message board.

It seems to me that one persons note will jog your memory from so long ago. I remember one day in Mrs. Conroy’s class our Weekly Reader had an article about the invention of the Television. On the way home Janice Leonard and I glanced over the curtain that covered the lower portion of the tavern that was next to Hosmers store. Inside that tavern we could see the “Hamms Bear” on a lamp that circled around giving you different images of the bear doing different things. We told the little kids walking near us that for a penny we would hold them up so they could see the VERY FIRST TELEVISION. We had quite a money making project going until Janice’s Dad came along to see what we were up to. We soon made our apologies and returned the money. Easy come easy go!

I think Lowell Leonard was the Champion Marble Master of Dunseith. He was younger than me but he won all my best marbles. Lowell was with a group of us playing at the Lucien Bedard home. We played tag on the railing of their porch. Connie tagged Lowell a little hard and he fell off and broke his arm. Connie received a bike for her Birthday, she just didn’t want to ride that bike, (scared I guess) Lucien pushed me around until I learned to ride and I think, Janice and Lowell also learned to ride on that bike. I don’t remember Connie ever riding it.

Wonderful memories.

My Best to all

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

From Gary Metcalfe (57) – Comments & Memories of people – ?:

Thank you Bonnie and Marshall so much for the pictures, especially the one with the Bailey kids on it and my dad. It puts the family in better perspective for me. I am kind of lazy tonight but want to toss out a few more names to see if anyone remembers any stories about them, Adrian Egbert, Tommy Counts, Ed Craig, Fred Pete. What did Albert and Leo Vandal call their bar when they were across from the Crystal Cafe south of Hosmers. Really am enjoying hearing from all of you. Gary Metcalfe

From Diane Larson Sjol (70) – Reply to Glen Williams (52) Cat picture:

I remember cats that they shot up in the hills laying in front of the�
gas station on the corner in town, but I have NEVER SEEN a cat that�
big other than at the zoo…that is scary to think that those things�
are roaming around in the state! DianeQuoting

From Dave Slyter (70) – Reply to Janince Workman (56) & Glen Williams (52):

Janice:
�
I thought that was a great gesture on your part to go up to the cemetery and pray over the head stones. I think praying at anytime is a “great” thing.�
�
Dave Slyter
�

�
Glenn Williams
WOW What a beautiful animal and “BIG”. Way to go. �
�
Dave Slyter

2/22/2008

Posted on February 22, 2008 by Gary

Message from Colette Hosmer (64):

Hi Gary,

It’s true, I’ll be on your side of the planet in a couple of days. I’ll definitely send word from China…..and maybe a photo or two if I think you guys might be interested. I’ll only be there for a month this time but, if I’m lucky, I’ll get one of the commissions I’m working on and will be able to make another trip before the year is out.

By the way, Diane’s report of her trip to Santa Fe was accurate but she left something out — that she was a great hit — my friends and family thought she was totally amazing. I always love an opportunity to show off my ND relatives.

Bev,

Speaking of amazing…you go girl!

I do have a website where you can find some images of previous artwork (although it desperately needs to be updated). Thanks for asking.

Colette

Diane Larson Sjol’s (70) Reply to Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Hi Bev and all,

For those of you that want to see Colette Hosmer’s work, go to her�
website: http://www.colettehosmer.com/index.shtml….she has done

some fabulous work. One memory I have of that big old white school

house is being too afraid to go down those rickety metal stairs. I

was in the fourth grade in Mrs. Conroy’s class and we had a fire drill.

The ENTIRE school was outside coaxing me to come down the stairs.

The stairs would wobble and I was a bit on the chubby side and just

KNEW I was a gonner. Don’t know if I ever did make it down those stairs. Diane

Message from Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59):

HI GARY, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING ALL THE MEMORIES ALSO. I WAS LISTENING TO WINTERGRASS ON ON OUR KING 5 NEWS CHANEL, THEY DO SOUND GREAT. THOSE OLD PICTURES THAT WERE SHOWN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS, ROY,ERNEST,RALPH, IKE AND FRANK WERE MY GREAT UNCLES ON MY MOTHERS SIDE. YES UNCLE FRANK COULD REALLY PLAY THAT FIDDLE. THANKS AGain SHIRLEY(LAROCQUE)WENDT SEATTLE, WA,

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68) – Memory with a Question:

I remember going to Kelvin’s one night when I was a girl and watching a large crowd dancing. After one song a hush came over the crowd. With respect the crowd receded allowing these older gentleman in new bib overalls and sunburned shiny faces to step forward. In silence the men formed a circle. When the new music began they did some sort of, physically demanding stomp, clog, or dance. I was in awe and remember tearing up. Does anyone know anything about this? It was one of those moving and vivid childhood memories that has stuck in my mind.

P. LaCroix Chisholm 68

Mel Kuhn (70) – Question with a memory:

Howdy Gary,

I was just wondering, after the talk of plays, if anyone can remember the name of the play that the class of 70 put on? I know it had something to do with a Genie. I remember this because I was one of the prop guys and we thought that a dry fire extinguisher would work great to simulate the puff of smoke for when the Genie appeared. Well after a few puffs with the fire extinguisher the whole stage and everyone on it was covered with about an inch of nice fine white powder. The audience got a good laugh and I think the first front rows were a little dusty also. I know I hid behind the couch with the Genie and my trusty fire extinguisher and maybe got a little heavy with my trigger finger. I’m thinking the Genie might have been Randy Flynn.

Mel Kuhn[70]

Janice Leonard Workman (56) – Memories:

Hi Gary, I remember when we would walk out to Lake Shooty, by way of the gravel pit, to swim all afternoon and hope we wouldn’t have to walk home. Sometimes we could talk Frank Flynn into taking us out in his old pickup. One summer Don Johnson was the life guard and he and the bigger boys built a raft. The boys would take it out so far that we younger kids couldn’t swim to it, or sometimes they would let us on and then throw us off. We would walk up towards the San and pick berries, filling our bathing caps and eating as we went. When we were too young to know better, we thought Lover’s Lane was spooky. Another great pasttime during the summer was to ride our bikes up to the San and then see how far we could coast down the hill. At that time there were two hills, the big hill and then a smaller hill that could get us past Craig’s Corner (?). Our goal was to coast as far as Morgan’s lumberyard. Another great pastime was to “Run the Barrels.” At Lamoreaux’s garage, across from our café, there were 3 or 4 rows of oil barrels laid on their sides. We would run these barrels several times a day and have to jump the places where barrels had been removed. What a challenge! One summer Bonnie and I walked to the cemetery 3 or 4 times, usually a Saturday, pray over the tombstones, and have our lunch. It sounds stupid now but we thought we had done our good deed for the week.

Janice Leonard Workman

Dick Johnson (68) – Memories:

Gary and friends

Dave Wugler asked about the years of the parades. I think the
other pictures we have of the parades put the first in 1976 and
the second {K.C.s 1930 Ford Model A is restored] is in about
1982.Not sure could be 1989, we had another big parade.
Leland said it was his back and not his leg that broke. Time
has clouded my memory on the event. I do remember the agony and
Russell Fauske being there to help. There were several out
there that day. Anybody else remember? I believe another time
while skiing in the road ditch behind a car, Robert Berube ran
into a culvert and broke HIS leg. Berubes is this right? Thanks
Gary!!

Dick Johnson

Picture from Glen Williams (52):

This Cat was shot outside of Mapleton ND. Mapleton is close to Fargo ND about

15 miles west. More Big cats have been spotted in the Casselton area as well as

South of Moorhead MN by the Red River.

2/21/2008

Posted on February 21, 2008 by Gary

From Cecile Gouin Craig (61) – Memories & History:

Hi Gary,
I totallly fried my hard drive about a month ago got it fixed but doesn’t
recognize the scanner. Have to call them. It’s been a zoo here. Jan. 29 my
dad Lawrence Gouin fell off a ladder (age 92) broke his hip was in hospital,
then rehab. We brought him home on Mon. seems to be doing great. He’s a
tough one. He and Mom Jean (age 86) live in their home. Still drive, both
play cards several times a week. They had their 67 wedding anniversary in
Dec.

As for the Home-Ec teacher what popped in my head was Mrs. Allen.

The Morgans story: Mr. and Mrs. Morgan lived next door to us on the NorthSS.
Directly across the street from us on the East corner was an old old house,
shack as Mom called it. The house was owned by the reservation, they
wouldn’t tear it down. On the North side of it was another house, I want to
say they were the Nagels? Anyway one summer afternoon the house was on fire,
Mom saw that plunked on the fromt porch to watch. The phone was ringing of
the hook, she didn’t answer it. Just enjoyed the sight. About that time out
comes Mr. Morgan running with a bucket. Mom yelled at him “don’t you dare
throw water on that!” “Jean be quiet!” He had gotten the gas for the boat
they had in the garage to throw on it. Then grabbed the Nagel’s hose to
water down their house. Until the fire chief arrived. Jr. Melmer. Mom never
asked if Maurice or I knew who started the fire. Years later we found out.
Anyone out there ready to fess up???

Johnny Morgan would get freaked out at scary movies. The eyes got to him,
Vincent Price in “The Fly” was a big one. After the movies Johnny catch me
as we left the theater and ask if I’d walk him home. I’d have to walk him to
his door, then walk myself home. That was our secret.

Mrs. Conroy: She was my 1st teacher (4th grade upstairs) at Dunseith I had
just moved from Ontario, Can. She was a great teacher. My Mom still uses the
onion board with the onion face on it, also the bread board. School started
in Sept. 1952 at the git go I was asked if I liked “Ike” didn’t have a clue
who that was (ask me about the Queen) so I got beat up a couple of times,
decided I did like “Ike”.

Dean Stickland’s (73) Reply to a message Gary Stokes (65) sent him:

Hi Gary,

Can you please add another email address to the ’73 spreadsheet for me? I’m not sure how long we’ll have the “netzero” address, but I hope to have mail@sticklandbows.com for a long time.

I keep pretty quiet in the background but read your emails every morning – thanks for your kind dedication and effort.

There’s a bunch of ND folks who would enjoy a local musical event this weekend. I’ll be spending the next four days at a bluegrass festival called Wintergrass, in Tacoma, WA. Its one of the major musical events in the northwest with about 15,000 attendees. I have a vendor’s booth there where I sell custom-made violin bows, restored older bows and a few violins. My brother Darrel (Doc) will be arriving from Mpls. tomorrow to join me there for the event. Ronnie Kelly from MT is also planning to come out this weekend. Darrel, Ronnie and Ronnie’s brother Randy used to have a band in Mpls. back in the late 70’s. Check out the website http://www.wintergrass.com.

Thanks again,

Dean Stickland (73)

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to Marshall Awalt (51) & Memories:

Gary and friends

Thanks to Marshall for the old pictures. The picture of your
dad, John Awalt, and Louise Johnson [my grandpa’s sister] was
taken in my front yard when the Awalts lived here. I tore down
the last of the old house and built another log home on the
same spot. Your dad told me that the big elm trees here were
just planted when the old house was being built, around 1902.I
think the picture was taken in the early 1920s as Louise was
married and gone buy 1925.
When Bonnie mentioned being pulled on a car hood, I remember
being on a tobaggan behind my old 1947 Plymouth out at the
airport one Sunday afternoon back in 1965. I gave a bunch of
kids rides and then got talked into trying it myself. The
driver was Rich Campbell and John Boguslawski was in the
backseat as a “spotter”. Each time I waved for them to slow
down, John said “he wants to go faster”. I finally flew off the
sled and slid and flipped half way down the airport! When I
stopped my glasses were gone and I tore one sleave off my
jacket! As I recall that was the last time I ever got on a
tobaggan!!
There was another Sunday afternoon maybe a year or so earlier
when we were down in the pasture just behind the park and we
were sliding down the hill on a TOBAGGAN. Each trip down we
went a little farther as the track packed harder. On the final
run we thought we could make it all the way to the edge of the
creek. With four of us on the thing we took off and we not only
made it to the creek but into the dry creek bed and directly
into a big rock! Leland Stickland was sitting in the front with
his legs crossed and when we flew forward we heard a loud POP!!
It was the sound of Lee’s leg breaking!! WE pulled him home on
the sled and they took him to the hospital, as I recall. Am I
correct with the details Leland?? Thanks again Gary..

Dick Johnson

Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) reply to Dick Johnson:

Note: I had time to send this to Lee for his reply before sending this out today. Gary

Gary,

Thanks for the advance copy. I do not recall having ever suffered a broken a leg; although did have adventurous rides on car hoods or toboggans behind a car. I did fracture the third (3rd) lumbar vertrabae of my back on Dec, 30, 1960 while riding on a toboggan. As I recall, Russel Fauske and some others and I were sliding down the slope North of Johnny Hiatts; across the road for the city dump. Hit a rock and landed in a bad fashion. A short time thereafter Russel’s face was badly lacerated when he tangled with a barb wire fence.

I got up and walked home. When I arrived at home, I was not able to take off my own boots. To Rolla hospital, Dr Eylands was there. Traction in bed for some time. I played 5 years of football following that episode, some discomfort(s) ensued. (In later years, former sources of pain do return with a vengeance, seemingly.) Coach Bob Jury would “encourage” me to do better and better, esp, with the 100 yard dash, takeoff, posture while running and last spurt efforts. Have many wonderful memories of Jim Evans and I playing tackle position and doing our best to make a “hole” for Dave Shelver or John Leoanrd to get through.

As it may be, also on a Dec 30, in 1965, was the day that Earl Hiatt and I were struck by another vehicle 16 miles South of Dunseith. Sadly, Earl did not survive.

I received 7 jaw fractures:: 3 of right mandible, 2 of left mandible, broken from hinge joint(s) and pushed back and up against the brain stem. Two basal skull fractures also occured;as I understand. that is the bumps on the back of the head just above the neck. Went from 217 #s to 154 #s in 30 days.

Had many car accidents, I was driving a few times, Had two small planes quit on/for me and survived that. As I ‘figger’, I have one live left.

Gary, FYI and obvious need of editting. I read with great expectation, each of the daily “memories” of Dunseith. No, they c/would not be traded. Thankz for ALL the effort you perform to keep US in touch. LEE

Bev Morinville’s (72) request to Colette Hosmer (64):

Colette I would love to see some of your art. Can u share some pic ‘s with us Bev azure

Marge Landsverk’s (57) Reply to Gary Metcalfe (57):

Hi Gary and all,

Yes Mrs. Ward sounds like the economics teacher’s name. You have a good memory!

I remember the car hoods before snowmobiles only I remember them in the ditches pulled by cars. If my mother only knew!

Marge Landsverk 57

Dear Gary, 02-20-08

I think it is typical of rural N.D. and has a good message.

Marge(Landsverk) Fish

Click here: Dirt Roads

Marshall Awalt’s (51) reply to Gary Metcalfe (57) With Pictures:

Gary,

Yes Gary was right, the Anderson family were neighbors with the Metcalfs. My mother Gertrude Anderson went to school with the metcalf, Potria, Belgarde and Bailey’s. Here is some of the old photos. Hopefully everyone is indentified right.

JIM METCALFE, LUCKY METCALFE,ARCHIE METCALFE AND CHARLES ANDERSON

GERTRUDE ANDERSON, MARY METCALFE, BILL METCALFE, NEALY ANDERSON

MOTHERS FRIENDS

2/20/2008

Posted on February 20, 2008 by Gary

Diane Larson’s (70) reply to Gary Stokes’ (65) question (repeated from yesterday):

Diane, Were you able to make it down to Santa Fe, NM last month to help your cousin Colette Hosmer (64) celebrate her Birthday? Gary

Gary, Yes I did…we had a great time and I will send some photos….just�
stayed at her house with friends and family. She and I hit some shops�
and had a marvelous meal the evening before at one of her favorite�
Mexican restaurants….had all the Mariache (sp) girls serenade her. �
She ended up running into a fellow who worked with her in the early�
days of her art career about 35 years ago. They had a wonderful�
reminiscing and he remembered when she got a job as a clerk in the�
gift shop at the gallery. Colette said she loved that job because it�
brought her closer to the gallery and the art she so loves. What was�
so amazing was that she ended up having quite a successful showing of�
her own art there this past summer…and this fellow she knew happened�
to go there and see her wonderful work. She should be leaving any day�
now for another trip to China. Diane

Colette, If at all possible, we’d love to hear from you while you are in China? I know this is a work related trip with your Art and I’m assuming you plan on being over there for a few months. Gary

Dave Wurgler’s (64) reply to Dick Johnson (68) – KC Sine’s Model “T”:

Reply to Dick Johnson of K C Sine’s model T pickup. That first picture had to be back in 1968 cause the blue chevy parked by the Garden Tap is a 1966 chevy belair and the Ford in front is a 1968 Ford Galixy. We left Dunseith in 1966 so I would not remember the parade. The next picture I’m not sure but the new Security Bank building was not their when we left in 1966. So any one with more info—–GITTER DUN—– Dave Wurgler

From Marge Landsverk Fish (57) – Mrs. Conroy & memories:

Hi Gary and All,

I had Mrs. Conroy in 5th. grade in the white frame school building in the upper floor.

I always liked crafts and remember painting on glass over a picture and then removing the picture and putting crushed tin foil behind it.

I remember also making fall bouquets with dried weeds (milk pods, wheat and etc.) We would put water in a pail and then put oil paint in and dip the weeds in. They were real pretty.

This was probably before spray paint.

I also was friends with Coleen. She was about a year younger than I was.

In Highschool I remember the Home Ec. teacher but can’t remember her name. We divided up the class and made special meals. I learned to knit argyle socks which was real neat.

In the evening we used to sew in the home ec. room and someone would make fudge.

Are there any one out there that remembers the dances at Kelvin? That was some old time music.

Marge (Landsverk) Fish Class of 57

From Gary Metcalfe (57) – Memories:

Hello again, Janice mentioned Ray Wilson which brought this memory to mind. Ray Wilson was Red Wilson’s uncle. Red was married to Helen Myer and lived on Earl Myer’s farm north of Kelvin. Red was a pal of my dad’s so every year we went to the Brandon Fair. Red left his new 1949 Chevy pickup at Kelvin. It was blue, all the others ones were black or green. He was fussy how it looked. At the end of the day we dropped him off at Kelvin to get his pick up. In the two miles between Kelvin and Myer’s farm—Oh-oh, I let fly with my ice cream cone just fooling around, but it came out of the cone and found Red’s windshield!! Two weeks later at Shelver’s Drug….there’s Red. “Hey, Mrs. Shelver or Edna or ?? , give Gary a double vanilla cone.”
�
Does Miss Ward ring a bell for the Home Ec teacher??

George Alvin another colorful friend of my dad’s,. George Alvin was a full fledged Montana cowboy, and he absolutely looked the part. In 1930’s the CCC boys from Kansas, working at the Peace Garden, wanted to go home for the 4th of July weekend,. With a 4 x 6 pickup bed, I am sure they had to stand up, so they stood up in the back of Dad’s new Chevy pickup, then three days later came back. George rode along. After 35 years of cowboying in Montana, I imagine he had a lot of stories to tell. Gary Metcalfe

From Bonnie Awalt (56) – Mrs. Conroy & Memories:

Dear Gary,

Who would have ever believed such a little town could have created such wonderful memories! Hi Gary Metcalfe: the Anderson’s lived not to far from the Metcalfe’s. Charlie played the harmonica and Walter played the fiddle, Walter also called Square Dances. Grandma Anderson could play the pump organ and My Mom could play some also, Mom was pretty shy so didn’t like to play in public. Dick Johnson lives close to where the old Awalt Homestead was originally.

One great memory for me was making home made ice cream at Oliver and Martha Handlands farm in the hills. They took turns cranking the handle and when it started getting harder they would set one of us little kids on top of the freezer. It was really cold on your bottom, but the bonus of sitting there was that when they took out the dasher to see if it was done you were the one to get the first taste. Wonderful tasting, you sure don’t get ice cream like that today.

I remember one day when Mrs. Conroy received some bad news at school. She started to cry, I was positive the person that brought up the news was the reason she was crying and I was so mad at him. Mrs. Conroy later explained why she was crying. She showed her students a great deal of respect.

Gary Cota had an old Model A or Model T, anyway an old car. We went out to DuWayne Langs and using an old car hood were pulled around the pasture at Langs. What a wonderful time, better than riding a snowmobile because we could get more on the hood at one time. Lois Hiatt, and I were on the hood with several other girls and we kept yelling for the boys to stop and they wouldn’t or couldn’t hear us, we were laughing so hard that someone had an accident and froze all of us to the hood. We went into the house for hot chocolate and to thaw out. What wonderful times.

Bonnie (Awalt) Houle

Pictures provided by Marshall Awalt (51):

2/19/2008

Posted on February 19, 2008 by Gary

From Janice Leonard Workman (56) – Mrs. Conroy, history & Memories:

Hi Gary and all, Conroy’s came to Dunseith about 1948 or 1949 when the class of 56 was in 5^th grade. Mrs. Conroy taught 5^th and 6^th grad in the old white building, top floor, east side. She was a wonderful teacher and one of things that we did in art class was to paint on glass. What fun that was. Don was in the 5^th grade and a new person in school. In the other room upstairs was Mrs. Agnes Berg. She had 7^th and 8^th grade. Then things changed and when we were in 8^th grade, we were in the dungeon (basement) with Miss Berg and Miss Beulah Shurr’s freshmen English was right across the hall. These rooms later became the cafeteria (the first ever). Then the year we got out of the basement and out of the white building altogether. There was a room built over the bleachers of the gym and that was where the typing class was. The stage in the gym was a science class of some kind and Mr. Conroy’s office was in a little and I really mean little room off the stage and served also as the library. When the new high school was built in 1954/55 we were really “top notch.” High school was really a fun, fun time!! Another teacher that we “broke in” was our home economics teacher, can’t think of her name, but she came my senior year. She taught us to knit socks and we did some (great??) cooking. I think we did some sewing too. This was her first year teaching, I’m not sure if she came back the second year or not, I think she was pregnant when she left. Better close now. Janice Leonard Workman

From Ron Longie (65) – Mrs. Conroy:

Gary,

When I read Dick Johnson’s memories of Mrs Conroy , my grey matter came to life and all these memories of Mrs Conroy came flooding in. I could not catch on to multiplication at all, so Mrs Conroy had me stay after school and learn this brain cramper, if anyone remembers the “OLD WHITE SCHOOL” and her classroom you will surely remember the size of the blackboards ! maybe having all the blackboards filled with multiplication from top to bottom, and side to side just intimidated the heck out of me, it took a few nights but I got it and have been eternally grateful to her ever since. Dick my Mom still has the buffalo I made in Mrs Conroy’s class, I wonder how many of the class of “65” can remember making their Buffalo?.

From Diane Larson Sjol (70) – Memories & Mrs Conroy:

Deb (Morinville) and all,
do you remember wax lips and pink bubblegum in white paper and coke�
floats from the drug store? Remember when we used to go to the�
Crystal cafe with your dog Tuffy and just walk in the back door. I�
can’t smell garbage burning to this day wthout thinking of Dunseith�
and those garbage cans burning garbage…I remember how I used to run�
past the jail when going to your house so the “prisoners” who were�
looking out of the window with bars wouldn’t see or get me! I�
remember dead cougars in front of the gas station when someone shot�
one up in the hills. Even though we moved all over the world with my�
dad in the Army, my best memories are from Mrs. Conroy. And Don…I�
remember the bean bags and multiplication tables too. I also remember�
sitting on the floor playing jacks at recess…and Crystal Fassett�
reading more books than me when we had a reading contest!! Fun and�
wonderful times….hey what about those wonderful date bars at the�
bakery?

Diane, Were you able to make it down to Santa Fe, NM last month to help your cousin Colette Hosmer celebrate her Birthday? Gary

From Warren Anderson (65) – History & Memories:

Hi, Gary and all DHS

George and Minnie Alvin where our neighbors to the north of our farm and when they moved into town dad rented his quarter of land for many years until Duane Peterson bought it. I remember my mother and dad driving the horses in the winter time going over to their farm and playing cards. Us kids would have to stay home because they never had any young children left at home. Our older cousin would baby sit us. Once Minnie had the creamery mother always took the cream there, she said, “Minnie would always give us a little more than the Bottineau creamery.”——Who knows the truth of that one? Mother would say at times that their boy was so cute. Does anyone know if he is still alive? I do not remember him. The 2nd year after they had moved to town dad hid in the old house and shot 3 deer eating in the yard. It was on a moon-lit night in December. There must have been some good grasses in the yard.

And yes, Ely Demery, he was my mothers first cuz but she would jokingly say she never claimed him because he was to mean. Must have been before my time because I never saw him fight or get kicked out of a bar. He was one of the last old cowboys from the bush that far north. He used to help my father in threshing time when I was real young. If one could get the song about him, I would love to get a copy.

Gary, we did miss out on a lot not attending Dunseith yearly in our School grades but isn’t it nice we did survive with the education we did receive. My 3rd grade we did have 3 different teachers and I feel it was a grade that I really fell behind. Enough for now classmate—Warren 65

From Bob Hosmer (56) – School play memories:

Gary,

I remember this play (Desperate Ambrose). It was done at least two nights and maybe more. I went twice as a youngster, but what was memorable to me was one scene that Dick Morgan and Donna Sunderland played that was different on the second night and Dick had to ablib to cover a bit of mistake. He went over to the couch where Donna was sitting and was to pick her up and carry her off somewhere, which he did the first night. The second night he had difficulty lifting her off the couch and stumbled around. The next thing he did was turn to the audience and say “She’s heavier than she looks, isn’t she.” Everyone laughed at that line and the play went on as before.

Bob Hosmer

From Gary Metcalfe (57) – History & Memories:

Yes, music does make a difference. I can’t imagine my great pal and working partner, Ole Bursinger without his fiddle. He had the ambition and compassion, but the music made the hard work and muddy roads tolerable.
Rabbit City Lake around the 1920’s, about a mile plus NE of the Bailey place, had the Metcalfe’s on the north side and the Evans on the south and Poitra’s all around. Old Frank Poitra was a fiddle man. Metcalfe’s had their own fiddler, Charlie and Grandma Rose called square dances. Emil played guitar, all of the kids sang solo when called upon. Old Lucky Metcalfe, I never heard him sing until the later years when they all came back from Seattle. He had a great bass voice and came out with old friends. One verse I remember was “all down my take of life I find nothing goes right it seems. You’ll always be a pal of mine, though it may only be in dreams. Old friends are always the best you know, new friends you can find every day, but there is nothing so dear to this old heart as the old friends of yesterday”.
They did not call Bing, “Bing” for no reason either. Ole Evans song was, “The Preacher and The Bear”. Martin Evans you could hear him sing and yodel for a mile and Edna was a yodeler too. By the way, my dad married one of those Evans girls and they sang together. Grandma Evans sang me lots of songs in Norwegian.�
They also wore out a couple pair of boxing gloves every winter. I wonder if Leona showed her boxing skills to those town boys when she moved to town, probably not! No, they were not bored. By the way, Bonnie, your mom’s folks must have been neighbors as Walter and Charlie Anderson were regulars at these athletic and musical ongoing events.
In the summer their diving board was Brustos, Grandpa Evans old red bull, probably until he caught them. In the winter they had a wagon wheel frozen in the ice with ropes on it and some ice skates (get it?) Ward Anthony called it a whirley gig!! Gary

From Marge Landsverk Fish (57) – KC Sine and Memories:

Hi Gary and All,

K.C.Sine lived across the alley from us. One day he came over and was very upset as his wife was unresponsive. My mother (Minnie Landsverk) ran over and they got Marge Sine out of the house and walking in the fresh air. It was carbon monoxide poisening. K.C always gave my mother credit for saving her. My mother was always cool in a emergency.

My dad had a model T ford pickup when I was in grade school . He hauled wood in it. We lived only a half block so. of the school and my dad would drive by and I would be embarrassed like kids are. I wish I had it now!

Marlene( Kraft) Armentrout and I took it out for a ride on the town one Sun. when my folks were gone.

When they got home my dad found us. That was one of the few times when I saw his Norwegian temper really riled up. We did’nt do it again.

We continue to have really bad weather in Wi., ever since Thanksgiving. We have had rain, ice and snow the last 2 days. Lots and lots of snow. We usually don’t get much. They do a good job of clearing

which really helps.

I know spring will come soon, after all the robins come back in Feb. They may need coats.”

Sincerly,

Marge (landsverk) Fish

P.S

I remember Miss Harchenco?’

She was a excellent music teacher. I Iearned a lot from her.

From Susan Fassett (65) – KC Sine:

This is the bottom half of a calendar that was in my parents’ things.�
KC and Margie Sine lived next door to the south of my Grandpa (WILMAR)
and Grandma(KATE) Fassett and mother bought several things when they had
their auction. KC always called my sisters and I the Fassett “boys”.�
He loved to tease us.I always loved going in to KC’s store because he had so much stuff
crammed in there. He also always handed us a piece of “penny” candy.�
Can you believe that you could buy something with a penny?

We also got a 50 cent a week allowance, which I always used for a movie
and popcorn and pop and had enough money left over to buy some reading
material at the drugstore i.e comic books or 25 cent books.

We also went to Minnie Alvin’s cream station with Grandma Goodie, as
Minnie and George Alvin were neighbors of the Amundson’s (my great
grandparents) when they lived in the hills. Everyone seemed like family
to me and many were.

What wonderful memories we all have. Keep them coming.

Love, hugs and prayers, Susan

From Dick Johnson (68) – KC Sine:

Gary and all DHSI found the pictures of K.C. Sine’s pickup that I mentioned in
another message. This is the one K.C. used to pick up and
deliver around the area. Most of the older of us will probably
remember it. Martin Peterson owns it now and it runs just as
well as it looks! As you can see, both pictures were taken in
Dunseith parades. Thanks Gary for passing it on!

Dick Johnson

2/18/2008

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Gary

Memories from Deb Morinville (70):

Hi Gary,

Here’s more memories.

David Shelver’s boxer dog named Duke. We were all so scared of him but I didn’t think he was too bad until one day our orange life jackets were hanging on the clothes line and he came over and played a game of “shred the orange things” He totally ripped them right on the line! I think Mr. Shelver must have replaced them because we had more the next time we went to the lake! I also remember that we would look at the paperback books at the drug store (until Mrs. Leonard would chase us out) But we discovered that they would eventually find their way (without covers) out to the big brick garbage bin in the alley and then we would get them for free!

Mrs. Conroy made “hasty pudding” when we were studying about the Revolutionary War. I can’t remember how it tasted but I learned more about that war than anything else.

In jr. high Mr. Klein had us do a mock election that was between Goldwater and some Democrat. I think Randy Flynn was the only Republican in our class. (Hey Randy I’m now a Republican!!)

Whoever sent the picture of Billy Lawrence….thank you! He was exactly how I remembered him. I can still smell the smoke, grease and dirt of the blacksmith shop!

Keep sending those memories. They really are priceless!

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

Dick Johnson’s (68) Memeroy of Mrs. Conroy:

Gary and all DHS

Diane Larson Sjol’s memory of Mrs. Conroy triggered my own
memories of her fourth grade class. Can anyone remember how she
taught us to do mutiplication fast? She gave us bean bags to
throw to each other and we had to yell the answer before we
caught the bean bag. I found it helped to back up and leave
lots of space! She also had what she called “art class” which
was more crafts than art. We made things for our parents like
presents, etc. One item was made by putting the front of a
Christmas card face down in a plate an then filling the plate
with “Plaster of Paris”. We put a loop of wire in the stuff to
hang it up. When it “cured” we took it out and then painted the
front around the card and sprinkled on some sparkles and it was
ready to go. I was a bit gaudy but my mom hung it up
with “pride”. I still have this little piece of Mrs. Conroy’s
art class and although it no longer hangs on the wall, each
time I look at it, I have to smile!

Dick Johnson

Note: Having gone to Ackworth country school for all eight grades, I never had the opportunity of having Mrs. Conroy for a teacher, but with all of your positive comments from a wide range of classes, she must have been one of the all time favorites. I know she was well liked by the class of 65 with the many comments they had with the many messages we exchanged prior to our reunion last July. It sounds like she always taught 4th grade. Gary Stokes (65)

Memories from Bev Morinville Azure (72):

oh the memories of Lorraine are good ones that is for sure what a woman . She had the most powerful voice I think I have ever heard. She would have cousin reunions only thing was it was just cousins she always invited me to them saying well u are like one of the kids , As u all know Lyle was like my brother…. he always introduces me as such. Lorraine was a good friend to my Mom and I have many memoies of them talking at the kitchen table. Now someone talked about Alpine Dion he was my Great Uncle and ended up living with us for a while. What guy he was I remember going into his little shoe shop he had. it was tucked in between the bakery and the red owl store and as all of us Morinville would go and visit him and he would let us smell the glue he used to fix the shoes. the Glue smelled so good. hahaha then one day he got a new bottle in and it had a warning not to smell and he showed it to us. Well that was the end of smelling glue. He was a quiet men and we all loved him dearly…… We loved going to his house just North of town and seeing the baby chicks … Bev

Message from Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): (Dr. Loeb, at San Haven, was her father):

Gary,

I am forwarding this on for Karen (see below). It is cute.

Bill (Grimme) 65

Hello Bill,

I wanted to forward this to Gary for all of us now in our 60’s, but�
can’t seem to get it to go without all of the names of my friend�
Jennifer’s distribution list. I hope you can open it at least and have a�
good laugh! If you can figure out how to send it on so others can see it�
as well, that would be great!

Am in Michigan til tomorrow (with my granddaughter, Fiona) and then home�
for a few days and then to Palm Springs to get out of the cold for a week.�
Oh, and a gal trip to Las Vegas to see the Cirque de Soliel “Love” show�
and the “sites” for three days!

I hope you are enjoying your retirement.

Jim will work at least 5 more years!

Take care,

Karen Mhyre

Hee-hee-hee!

This is funny. Make sure you have the sound on and follow the link below.

Click here: Walt Handelsman

From Marshall Awalt (51):

Marshall, I’ve added who I think the last names are of the folks in the play, in Blue, with a “?”. Please verify if they are correct. Gary

Hi Gary,

Speaking of plays at good old Dunseith sent me looking for my high school play book (Desperate Ambrose).I have all the characters indentified but one so hopefully someone out there can help.

Don (Hosmer?) played Dan’l

Tommy (Hagen?) played Ambrose Groves

Jimmy (?) Played Bert Miller

Norman (Haagenson?) played Sheriff Crandel

Dick (Morgan?) played Hoot Owl Pete

Marshall (Awalt?) played Stinkweed

Lois (Lilleby?) played Nancy Martin

Donna (Sunderland?) played Anne Martin

Joyce (Boardman?) played Poise

Clarice (Olson?) played Mrs Sprool

Carol (Fassett?) played Lena

I have C.C. playing Beth can anyone jog my memory as to who is C.C.

We held the play in the old gym.I don’t remember how the play went over but Ido know we had one great time putting it on.

Here is a few things to help bring back good memories.

Marshall

Marshall, was this Class year 50-51?

2/17/2008

Posted on February 17, 2008 by Gary

Folks, There is a lot of history with these messages today. It’s great! Future generations will love us. Gary

From Ron Longie (65):

Gary,

I too have fond memories of K.C. my kid brother Donnie and I went into K.C.’s store on report card day, Donnie said he had received his report card but didn’t know what all the letters were for so K.C. asked Donnie to see his card, he started off with

A- Excellent

B- Very Good

C- Average

D- Not so good

F- FINE

needless to say Donnie was very excited to show his report card to dad after he got done reading him the riot act my brother couldn’t understand all the ruckus over his grades cause K.C. said the “F” meant fine. We laugh about it now but it wasn’t to funny then.

Ron Longie (class of 65)

From Dave Slyter (70):

REMEMBER WHEN,
Mr. Nagel would yell, Ok please get out your typing books.�
�
Dave Slyter

From Diane Larson Sjol (70):

Remember Mrs Conroy and those arithmetic tests she used to have me�
write out during recess. Then she would put them on the mimeograph�
machine and we would have the test in the afternoon. I never once�
thought about cheating..Mrs. Seim cured me of that in the first grade.�
We had a think and do workbook with three questions at the end of�
the story. I wasn’t sure so I copied Debbie Morinville’s paper and we�
both got it wrong and got F’s….Remember delivring May baskets and�
making bowls out of 78 records and spraying them and cigar boxes�
covered with macaroni with bronze colored spray paint. I can’t�
remember how many macaroni boxes my mom got from us kids. I also�
remember sitting out in the middle of the gravel street in Dunseith�
before the roads were paved making mud pies. I think we lived in that�
green and white barn house by the Fontaine’s and the Sister’s convent.�
I also remember playing with the hoola hoop with the Grossman kids�
and wearing sunsuits when Sister (the crabby one) came out and told us�
we were sinful and were moving our bodies in sinful ways. We didn’t�
have a clue what she was talking about. so next time we played with�
the hoola hoop, we made sure she couldn’t see us so we wouldn’t go to�
hell.

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

The small Creamery on the South end of town was first owned by Clint and Hattie Anderson (Hattie Bailey Anderson Related to Vance Bailey) when they retired and moved to Rockford, Illinois they sold to Minnie Alvin who ran it for many years.

The lumber yard that was behind the bank, hardware store and postoffice, was owned by Mr. Schwab. (We used to crawl under the boards at the bottom of the lumber yard and play on the lumber. Mr. Schwab would chase us off and 10 minutes later we were all back in there again.)

Behind the Hardware store they kept a large flatbed trailer all one summer. We used to play on it like it was a huge tee-ter-tatar we’d run all to one end and it would come down and then we’d run to the other end and let it bang back again, back and forth until someone from inside (usually Bill Evans) would come out and yell for us to scram. He must not have been very scary because everyday we were back doing it again.

Joy Nordquist’s mother ran the confectionary for awhile when they first moved to Dunseith.

Ed and Edna Leonard had the Peace Garden Cafe when it was on the South end of town not far from the little creamery.

Do you remember Jackie Spaeth and his little pony and cart that he delivered the newspapers from?

What about Rowena Godfrey, her dad was the barber next to the Drug Store. They lived behind the Barber shop. I haven’t heard from her since they moved from Dunseith.

Bonnie (Awalt) Houle 1956

From Dave Slyter (70):

I remember Minnie Alvin The sweet little lady that ran the Rugby creamery. She sure was a strong little lady. Always look forward to seeing her farm customers come into town when we had to deliver the cream to her. �
�
Dave Slyter

From Gary Morgan (54):

Hi Gary & All,
In answer to Gary Metcalf, Mr. Schwab was the manager of the Great Plains Lumber Yard, owned by Farmers Union. Apparently, about the time that Mr. Schwab retired, Farmers Union decided Dunseith was only big enough for one lumber yard and brought in Harry Adams to manage
Great Plains. They dropped their prices to rock bottom. I remember for a while they were selling cement for ten cents a bag less than cost. At this time there was a Great Plains lumber yard in about every town (sort of like (Cenex) so they could make up their loss someplace else. One thing we know about Farmers Union….they don’t like private enterprise and will eliminate it anytime they can.
Those were lean years for the Morgan Lumber Co. and the only way my Dad survived was by going into the construction business. By being able to offer the complete package (materials & labor), he was able to hang on. Eventually, Farmers Union gave up and in the middle 50s offered to sell their lumber yard to Dad. Dad bought them out, tore down the lumber sheds and rented the lot to Harvey Hobbs.
�
Gary Morgan
Class of 54

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Hello again, Dunseithers. The names on main street mentioned by Gary
Metcalfe ring a few bells. Pete Richard early on had gas station,
south of Hassen’s store. He had a son Pete Jr. about the age of my
brother Don Hosmer, class of 52 or 53. Later on he had the variety
store a few doors south of McCoys bar wich was just south of Hosmers
Store. I have seen Pete Jr. in Dunseith , probably at the Dunseith
Centennial in 1982.

Bill Schwab owned the lumber yard which was east, across the alley
from the bank building. The current post office is on the southeast
corner of the lot which was included in that property. The building
was shaped like an L. One leg of the L was on the north side of
that lot, and the other leg was on the west side, backed up to the
alley. This structure held most of the lumber stock and was open.
On rainy days, if we had been on that part of town we took shelter
under the roofed areas, until Mr Schwab would politely tell us to
leave. There were not many cranky people, except the occaisional
streak KC had. Kids were all over town and in the hills, and down
at the creek.

One time when we were in our younger teens one summer a few of us were
driving around one night after dark. Went up to the San, and up to
the water tower which still stands there. Three of us guys went up
the ladder to the walk way around the bottom of the tank to impress
the girls that were with us. The guys were Chuck Johnson, Leo Murray,
and me. Then two of us went up the ladder which rolled around the
lower guard fence, and went to the top of the tank where the red
blinking light was installed. Don”t remember who the other high
climber was, but I touched the light, and waited for a cheer, but it
never happened. The girls probably couldn’t see it, or they didn’t
care.

My Uncle Bob Hosmer told me that when he was a kid he did things like
that in the 1920s. He walked around the bottom row of shingles which
were on top of the wooden water tower down by the depot. It was for
watering the steam engine which pulled the train out every morning
enroute to York, and then back in the evening. It was pretty high as
well. Later on we got a diesel engine on that line and we called it the
“Galloping Goose”. We grade schoolers used to ride it to Rolette for
Young Citizen League meetings as well as spelling bees, etc. Al Mogard
was the conductor on that line for along time. His family included
Gerald, Dean, Bob, Wayne, and Marlene (who was at Q125 with Wayne).
Gerald married Miss Evinrude who was my teacher in sixth grade during the
early 1940s. I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world
then. She took away a handful of marbles which spilled out of my pocket
in class, which was a NO NO. I never got them back at the end of the
school year. So I used to tell the other kids “she was Evinrude to me”.
Sad tale.

Sometimes these mailings really trigger a flood of remembrances.
Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Allen Richard’s (65) Reply to Gary Metcalfe (57):

To Gary Metcalfe–

About my relatives on Main Street. The gas station is a very old building. One of the oldest still standing on Main Street–similar time frame as the Red Owl, Gambles and stone garage. I’m not sure who built it, but Dad’s Uncle Joe Richard ran it until his death in the early 50’s. Then Vernon and Norman took it over. Vernon lived in the back part — it was pretty run down even then. Part of it included a couple small apartments, but they were so bad they didn’t rent it to anyone and it was finally torn away from the rest of the building. Vernon left first. He moved with his family to Seattle in the summer between my 2nd and 3rd grade. He had two kids in school at that time, Sandra was a year older than me and Sam a year younger. Ron Richard, Nolan “Skip” Vandal, whose mother Lorraine was Vernon’s sister, and I were all in the same grade. Norman Richard was Ron’s dad and he operated the station until Orphela Robert took it over. Skip’s dad, Norman Vandal ran the dray service.

Dad had two other uncles in the area as well as his grandparents in Dunseith around that time. Pete ran the Dime Store. He moved to Seattle before his son Pete Junior graduated from high school, shortly after his folks died. “Junior” in the Seattle area and is in land investment. He also owns farm land in several areas in ND. I was hoping he was in the market when I sold mine, but it didn’t work out.

Pete’s house was where Roland Mongeon’s house is now–right west of the Stone Church. Between the church and his house was a little house where my great-grandparents spent their last years.

The other uncle, Albert, I think was the maintenance man at the San until Erling Berg took over.

On the other side of the family, My Grandma Pigeon had the little house across the street from the gas station built for her. Unfortunately she died before it was finished. Dad and a couple of my uncles finished the house and it was rented it out for a few years before being sold as I recall

2/16/2008

Posted on February 16, 2008 by Gary

“Thank You” from Don Olson (72), son of Lorraine Metcalfe Somers:

I would like to thank all of the Dunseith people for visiting
about the past expereiences of their youth and adulthood in
Dunseith.

My name is Don Olson. I am one of three sons that Lorraine
Somers raised with the right hand of God on her side. I would
like all of those who knew our mother that she cherished each
and every one of you. She loved making music with her brothers
and great life-long friends that she had the privilege of
playing with in different bands and events. Thank you for
remembering her and her life.

Love to all

Don

Rod Hiatt’s (69) Memories of KC Sine:

Reading the stories about old KC brings back the memory when I went down
to get some candy when I was quite young. I am sure, like most kids, it
took me sometime to finally pick out a nickels worth and when I paid him
with a dime he gave me back a quarter in change. When I got home I was
bragging about my extra money and Dad, Howard, marched me back up to KC
to explain his mistake. Well by the time I left, I had more candy in a
bag for being honest( I think that part was forced on me) than what I
could have bought with the quarter. The candy back then must have had a
special coating on it, as I don’t ever recall germs on that unwrapped
candy that was no doubt handled by hundreds of dirty little fingers as
we all decided on what we wanted.

“Remember When” From Donna Dubois Thomas (72):

I’d like to start a DHS “remember when” dialogue.

REMEMBER WHEN:

Mr. Knight would yell “OK, you clowns!”

Remember ?- from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Good Morning Gary,

I wondered if anyone can remember the music teacher we had that was named Miss Harschanko (Spelling probably wrong). She was Russian I believe we were told. She directed the school in a variety show. The costumes were made out of Crepe Paper.(real flimsy, good thing the wind couldn’t blow in the city hall). Spencer Teal helped her with the lights etc. Some of the songs I remember doing were, Lavender Blue, Winter Wonderland, and something about clouds. She was quite strict, and quite verbal as I remember. She did involve almost every kid in school that she could talk into doing it. It seems some of the boys sang a song from the “Sons of the Pioneers”, called “Cool Water”, Barry Shelver sang the tenor part doing the echo. I think I was in 4th or 5th grade, with Mrs. Conroy as my teacher. Mrs. Conroy was so great to everyone that I would do anything for her.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

Names for thought from Gary Metcalfe (57):

Hi all, I would like to throw out a few names of people who were on main street in the 50’s and see if anyone remembers them or has stories. Alphie Dion, Pete Richard, Vernon Richard and his brother, I seem to remember a Swaub (?sp), he may have owned a lumber yard, if not who did own the lumber yard at that time? Lawrence Gouin (?sp), Clarence Schultz, Erling Sem, Art Seim (confectionary), Minnie Alvin…..for starts. Gary Metcalfe

Message & picture from Melvin Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

I was looking through some pictures yesterday trying to find a picture of my daughter and I found this picture. It’s a picture of Hazel Hiatt, Kick McKay and Hazel’s BIG dog, I think maybe in 1979. I was visiting from Indiana and went to see Kick with my dad for some reason or another and was amazed with the size of Hazel’s dog. There was mention of Hazel just recently so I thought I’d just send it along. Hope it comes through OK.

Mel Kuhn

2/15/2008

Posted on February 15, 2008 by Gary

Vickie Metcalfe’s (70) Memories of Lorraine Metcalfe Somers:

Hi Gary,
Vickie here. I ‘m listening to my cousin, Lorraine ” Roses and
Thorns”. Thank You, Gary for sending this out so more folks can
remember her!
On Boxing Day 2006, I was fortunate enough to spend the day
eating dark chocolate, pumpkin doughnuts and sipping green tea with
Lorraine and her two dogs at her home on Scotch Annie Island.
Lorraine was so looking forward to summer, 2007. She told me she
had hopeful visions of sitting on Don’s deck with her boys in
Dunseith and visiting with folks who came to call.
I was lucky to spend a couple more times with her sipping tea and
laughing together at crazy stories before her passing.
Although, Lorraine’s body was being ravaged by cancer.
Her spirit was the same.
Blessed be the spirit of Lorraine.
My dear cousin, whom, I will always remember and miss as a strong
woman. Lorraine (Metcalfe) Somers the survivor, who always chose to
keep an optimistic attitude, stuck to her “guns” with her honesty,
chose to maintain her dignity & her ready sense of humor.
I will remember and miss her as “my special cousin of the heart”
who embraced and walked through the” ROSES AND THORNS OF LIFE”, the
cousin who wrapped around family & friends of all walks and colours
with hugs and the exuberance of music & food, and her joyous love of
her dear boys.
Sincerely, Vickie L. Metcalfe

—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Memories of K.C. Sine from Diane Larson Sjol (70):

I remember getting up early and asking my mom for money (she was still�
asleep) and she would say “just take the change out of my purse”…she�
had no recollection of telling us that of course and stared at us in�
amazement when she got up and we were all sitting on the floor eating�
our bag of candy….but we would walk the two blocks to KC’s store and�
buy tons of candy. I especially remember the purple bubble gum…it�
was in a container and you just reached in and grabbed some…they�
were two for a penny. When you bit into them they just crumbled in�
your mouth with a burst of grape…but if you kept chewing, you got a�
nice wad of bubble gum…..oh those were the days….:) Diane

Memories of K.C. Sine from Don Lamoureux (75):

K.C. Sine
�
I remember as a little kid, I probably had to be 4 to 5, getting a couple cap gun six shooters and a cowboy hat. So I’m up at Lamoureux Bros. Garage, and somebody must have thought it would be funny if I went in and held up KC. I’m sure I wasn’t smart enough at that time to think of it myself, but I remember going into the store and announcing that “this is a stick up”. KC laughed his ass off, I think he gave me a banana and some candy and sent me on my way. With this positive reinforcement, I did think I had it made with this deal, so I went right back in the next day with the same song and dance. I don’t remember exactly what he said that day, but I distinctly remember it was not funny that day, and beat a hasty retreat to escape the verbal barrage. Guess I learned crime doesn’t always pay.
�
Don Lamoureux (75)

2/14/2008

Posted on February 14, 2008 by Gary

Folks, This song that Mel has provided is the only thing I have for today. Gary

Music from Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Well it was a good day in North Dakota to keep the Brass Monkey chained indoors, -40 wind chills. So I think it’s a good day to send out another song. Lorraine Metcalfe Somers-Roses and Thornes.

Mel

Note: Again, We’ve asked Bill Grimme to compressed this file for group mailing. Please contact Mel or myself if you’d like a copy of the Original. Gary

2/13/2008

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Gary

Folks, This song that Mel has provided is the only thing I have for today. Gary

Music from Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Well it was a good day in North Dakota to keep the Brass Monkey chained indoors, -40 wind chills. So I think it’s a good day to send out another song. Lorraine Metcalfe Somers-Roses and Thornes.

Mel

Note: Again, We’ve asked Bill Grimme to compressed this file for group mailing. Please contact Mel or myself if you’d like a copy of the Original. Gary

2/12/2008

Posted on February 12, 2008 by Gary

From Evie Gottbreht (65):

Hello Friends,

The last email made me think about the day that Charlton Heston came to town…..he landed in a small plane in the Berube pasture…..remember it had a wind flag and that was where little planes would land…..

Several of the Gottbreht kids went to see Mr. Heston arrive, he picked up my sister Lori and gave her a kiss….Phyllis McKay and myself were way too busy playing in the lagoon for that Hollywood “stuff”. Were we really 9 years old playing at the lagoon? What were our parents thinking……all that freedom. We were probably smoking cigarettes.

He stayed at Dales in #9, our family called that the Charleston Heston Suite…..I doubt today you could get an actor to land in a pasture in North Dakota to dedicate anything!

Evie Gottbreht

PS Winter in California has been great. Lots of snow on the mountains that I can see almost everyday, lots of rain so everything else is green, with my work I drive along the ocean to San Diego several times a month. I absolutely love California but the things I like about myself I learned in North Dakota!

From Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

I remember Albert Ledoux well. He lived in Thorne, ND as I did, when I
was a kid I remember he was good to us kids, and when I was 12 or so,
learned to drive while sitting in his lap and then graduating to the
whole bit of driving by myself. He was a very good carpenter. He was
also a Vet of World War II.
I too remember Charlton Heston at the Peace Garden – there with my
family – one hot day !!
Mona Johnson (48)

Message & Pictures from Doreen Bailey, Vance’s wife:

Gary, I have been going through some of Vance’s files (many of his picture are in the Museum at ST John) and I found these two some may enjoy:

One, is of one of his favorite childhood citizens in Dunseith, he was fascinated with the black smith shop,and the other is the Bailey homestead. About 4 miles north of town. Someone mentioned Virgil; Vance’s father & Harvey Bailey his Uncle.- They both grew up on this farm also.

The memorial for Vance @ Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith, will be May 28th, 10 AM grave side. Our family will be there; it is open to friends of Vance and Dunseith. This is what he wanted. Thank you for all you are doing’ bring the wonderful life of a small town, that is what draws so many people back “HOME.”

Doreen Bailey, Vance’s wife

Bailey, Mahlon; home N. Dunseith

Billy Lawrence Blacksmith, Dunseith, ND