LaMoure County cBicenteiyyal Celebtalion

JULY 2, 3, 4, 5, 1976 MEMORIAL PARK — GRAND RAPIDS, N.D. •-:i

DEDICATION To the men, women and youth who founded, united, de­ fended and built this country and our communities this celebra­ tion and publication are dedicated.

PREFACE The LaMoure County Bicentennial Celebration being held at Grand Rapids Park is a rather unique event in several ways. First it is noteworthy because it is a countywide cele­ bration calling for the good will and cooperation of people from all parts of the County and some of the nearby towns and cities. Getting this many people and communities to work together even on a common patriotic program, is a noteworthy achieve­ ment. It is also significant because it presents a variety of his­ toric and patriotic events at a time when it has become popular to downgrade our past and belittle the efforts and sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. We have a glorious past and a rich heritage and we are glad to have the opportunity to present some of it. It was thought that something should be placed in writing about LaMoure County in 1976 and of some of the events that have led up to this Bicentennial year. This booklet is not in­ tended to be a history of LaMoure County or its communities. Nor is it a narrative of the families of LaMoure County, inter­ esting though they may be. Many excellent historical books have been written about various communities and families of LaMoure County and we do not wish to duplicate those fine works. Our intention is to just give a few brief glimpses of life as it is here in 1976, with some articles touching upon the work and sacrifices that went into these accomplishments. We recog­ nize that this is not a full review of life in this area at this time, but just enough to give people 25, 50 or 100 years from now at least an idea of our present thinking, way of life and ambitions. F NORTH DAKOTA NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY BOOK OR AUTHOR CONTENTS Education in LaMoure County 2 How Many Flags Over LaMoure County 4 Agriculture in LaMoure County 5 Columbus Had His Problems Too 7 The Birth of a Nation 7 Pioneer Life in LaMoure County 8 LaMoure County Settlements—Then and Now 12 Churches _ 14 Sacrifices 15 The LaMoure County Picnic 16 What Is the Omega Station? 17 The Arts & Clubs of LaMoure County 18 Soil Conservation Program Changes LaMoure County 19 The James River 20 This Place Called Memorial Park 21 Bicentennial Celebration Program of Events 22-23 Honorary Grand Marshal of Parade 24 Care of the Elderly 26 What—A Lake in LaMoure County 27 The Rural Mailman 27 It Takes Concern and Leadership 27 Farmsteads in LaMoure County 28 Acknowledgments 30 Kutschenreuter Early LaMoure Blacksmith 31

North Dakota State Library ABOUT THE PUBLISHERS Bi*marck, N. D. 58505 Usually not much is said about the publishers of a magazine or booklet, other than their name and address. We feel that there is something special about the publish­ ers of this booklet. It is done by LaMoure Chronicle and Kaye's Inc. of Fargo. The LaMoure Chronicle is owned and operated by Theo. Bradbury, a very public minded person, ABOUT THE COVER who bought out Glenn Dills of the well-known Dills Family and who was preceded by H.R.S. Diesem, an outstanding You perhaps wondered about the significance of the newspaperman. drawings on the cover of this booklet. Most of it is self- explanatory as it depicts various things that represent Kaye's Inc. of Fargo is owned by Richard Kaye, life in the county both past and present. It was well whose name was formerly Richard Keutschenreuter. We explained by the Kulm Messenger in an article appearing don't blame him for shortening the name, especially with in their newspaper on June 3, 1976. It stated that the his being in the printing business. Richard operates a very poster "features the county both past and present. The successful printing plant in Fargo, with Richard Witt, Omega Tower is the central figure with drawings of a formerly of LaMoure as one of his associates. Other mem­ steam locomotive, a cream can, an elevator, a rural mail bers of the Keutschenreuter family are Mrs. Melitta Nel­ box, a horse and wagon, the pavilion at Grand Rapids son, a popular organ and piano teacher in Fargo and Memorial Park, the heads of a homesteading couple and Robert, who holds a very responsible position with the heads of wheat arranged within a circle." The poster was U. S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C designed by Crystal Flegal of Kulm, the daughter of Mr. These three were the children of Mr. Robert and Melitta and Mrs. Lyonel Flegal and a 1975 graduate of Kulm High Keutschenreuter, long time and well liked citizens of La­ School. Miss Flegal is an art student at the Bismarck Moure. Both of the Keutschenreuters were active church Junior College. She is off to a flying start with her having members here in LaMoure. So when the publishers' name designed the posters for both the LaMoure County Cele­ is shown as Kaye's, we in LaMoure feel it should be shown bration and that for Whitestone. with very much of a capital K. EDUCATION IN LAMOURE COUNTY The people of LaMoure County have always drying nearby), tin pail lunch bucket, water pail been believers in and supporters of education. They with one dipper, recitation bench, oil lamp, out­ believed in it because they felt it provided a means door privy, school bell and then adjoining the of youth developing their talents. An opportunity school, the wood or coal shed, and always the for an education was something which had been flag flying in good weather. denied to many of the settlers and immigrants. Thus One big event for both teacher and pupils it followed that wherever there were children in the was the visit of the county superintendent of county, schools were established. Free public educa­ schools. In the early days this trip was made by tion had its beginning under federal laws, which team and buggy. provided for the establishment and maintenance of political control. This was also included in the North Highlights in the school and community Dakota Constitution. were the programs for Christmas, Thanksgiving, graduation and the last day of school. Later a Provision was also made in North Dakota for a county graduation program was held in Memor­ Superintendent of Schools in each county. LaMoure ial Park, near Grand Rapids, for rural and small County has had able superintendents. Miss Jessie town graduates. Pupils who attended this gradu­ Schmoker served this office well from 1944 to 1972. ation had written and passed state examinations. She writes on this subject: Play Day, in which all LaMoure County Schools participated, started in 1909 and con­ RURAL SCHOOLS OF tinued until 1971. These were held in Memorial Park. On Play Day, pupils tried their skill in athletic events, declamation contests, sang the LAMOURE COUNTY songs in a county chorus, and ate a community picnic. The first rural school established in La­ Moure County in the early 80s was located in The Young Citizens League program, spon­ Wano School District, near the former town of sored by the Department of Public Instruction, Medberry. The first teacher was Lura Perrine. was started in 1931, and had as its aim the de­ Miss Amy Towl was the first County Superin­ velopment of good citizens. It was an important tendent of Schools, her term of office 1881-1883. part of every rural school program. The opening of the first rural school was fol­ In 1924 LaMoure County had a few Consoli­ lowed by many more until in 1924 when 95 rural dated Schools and 95 rural schools. In 1945, there schools were in operation. were 57 one room schools, but in 1976 there were The rural school term varied, as did the en­ no rural schools. From 35 school districts in 1924, rollment (from nine or ten to forty or fifty), we now have seven. school attendance also varied as older boys and Rural schools lacked many of the tools girls were often needed at home to help with skills, trained teachers and the broad curriculum seasonal farm work. One teacher taught all the needed for training in today's technical society. grades and older pupils often assisted in the There were too many pupils and grades for one teaching of the younger pupils. The rural school teacher. Textbooks were limited, resources few, was a sort of a family relationship, with the but each teacher gave her best. And still some­ teacher in the role of mother. Many of the small how, as many a rural pupil will say, the rural towns in the county also started with a one room schools "left their mark"—a mark of doing inde­ school, and one teacher. pendent thinking, being original, of planning and Familiar sights in the one room school were utilizing that which they had on hand and doing the organ, round potbellied stove (with mittens their best with it; they helped one another, practiced honesty, learned to Jove nature (those The youth from our county reflect their parents long walks to and from school probably helped and their heritage. They have been given much in this appreciation), and learned to have respect opportunity to develop their individual potential. for self and others. Now they serve well in a very challenging world.

As we celebrate this, our bicentennial year, Of course the primary purpose of our schools has it is well to remember that the rural school been the general and academic training and educa­ served, and served well, the children of yester­ tion of our youth. Included in this educational pro­ year. The rural school was the foundation for cess has been a variety of extra curricular activities the fine, advanced school systems we have today. in which they participate. Among these is music, —Jessie Schmoker, both vocal and instrumental. Youth are given train­ Former County Superintendent of Schools ing in these fields beginning in the early grades and during the course of the school year excellent con­ certs are given by choruses, bands and other groups. Several individual outstanding musicians have been developed in LaMoure County of late, especially in Edgeley, who appear to have a great future for themselves in the music field.

Dramatics continues to take an important place in the activities of most schools, and grade and high schools of the County present plays and other pro­ ductions in their communities which are well done and received. A number of plays were given in 1976 relating to the Bicentennial which the viewing public especially enjoyed.

Of course athletics in its various forms continues to hold an important place in the activities of all schools. These activities include wrestling, football, Jessie Schmoker basketball, track and others. Development of grade County Superintendent of Schools 1944-1972 school programs has given more youth an opportuni­ ty to participate. All of the high schools of LaMoure County have had outstanding athletic teams at one In 1948, reorganization laws passed by the 1947 time or another in recent years. Kulm High School legislature, made it possible for districts to organize Boys Basketball team won the State Class B Basket­ into larger units. Reorganization had for its central ball Title several years ago, as did the Marion Girls purpose the improvement of educational opportuni­ with the Marion Boys taking second the same year ties for children and youth, a higher degree of in the State. LaMoure High School had the distinc­ uniformity of school tax and a wiser use of school tion of winning second in the State Class B Tourna­ funds. Reorganization also seemed imperative since ment in Football in 1975 and First in Basketball at many districts could not provide the educational the State Class B Tournament in 1976, with their programs needed to deal with the complex problems coach Terry Olson being named North Dakota Class of present day life. B Coach of the Year and their cheerleaders receiving the State Class B Tournament Spirit Award. A result of reorganization was the need for buses and good drivers. There were no buses in 1935. Now There have been many years when individual each of the five schools (with high schools) has fleets athletes from various LaMoure County schools won of buses. Driver education is now necessary. La­ top honors in wrestling and track events and when Moure County has had the benefit of many well FFA representatives won high honors in events that trained and dedicated teachers and school adminis­ they entered. trators. A testimony to them and to the school boards is the youth who have gone from our schools to In closing this article on Education in LaMoure distinguished achievement in many fields. While the County it might be observed that there is a great cost of education, whether for salaries or for ade­ difference from the one-room rural school to the quate buildings was high, yet it received the support modern school building. The schools of Verona, Mar­ of the citizenry of the various communities because ion, LaMoure, Edgeley, Jud and Kulm have excel­ of their belief in education. Certainly all of the dedi­ lent buildings, faculties, staffs and programs. No cated school board members of the County deserve longer is the tin lunch bucket a part of the school honorable mention. scene. In its place they now have a well planned and delicious hot lunch program. But like pioneer child­ Superintendent of Schools for 31 years and Mr. Har­ ren sometimes questioned what Ma packed in their old Wakefield served as LaMoure Superintendent of lunch bucket, some of today's children question some Schools for 32, both serving with ability and dedica­ of today's highly delicious hot lunches. In that re­ tion. LaMoure County is proud of its accomplish­ spect, things may not have changed so much. ments in Education and its people at this Bicenten­ nial time, and we are grateful to everyone who has Mr. Emmett McKenna of Edgeley served as its contributed to it.

Emmett McKenna Harold Wakefield Superintendent of Schools in Edgeley 1905-1941 Superintendent of Schools in LaMoure 1929-1961 HOW MANY FLAGS OVER LAMOURE COUNTY During its history, LaMoure County has been a of Iowa on June 12, 1838. It became part of the part of many different governments. Territory of Minnesota on March 3, 1849. On October What is LaMoure County, North Dakota, in 27, 1849, it became part of Mahkahto County, terri­ 1976, was claimed by LaSalle for France in 1682 and tory of Minnesota, until 1851, when it became part called Louisiana. France ceded Louisiana to Spain of Pembina County, Territory of Minnesota. On March 4, 1852, Pembina County, Territory of Min­ in 1762 by a secret treaty. Spain, in 1800, by another nesota, was organized secret treaty transferred Louisiana back to France. Louisiana was acquired by the United States by the Minnesota was admitted to statehood on May 11, Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 1858, and the area which is now LaMoure County LaMoure County, of today, became part of the was left as unorganized country, without any form District of Louisiana on October 1, 1803, and the of county or territorial government. President governing power was vested in a governor and judge Buchanan signed into law the bill creating Dakota of what was then known as the Indian Territory. Territory on March 2, 1861, which included the area On July 1, 1805, the District of Louisiana became the which is now LaMoure County. territory of Louisiana with the legislative power in LaMoure County was organized on October 27 the hands of a governor and three judges. On De­ 1881, and created on January 4, 1873, with an area of cember 7, 1812, the name of the territory was 1,147 square miles. North Dakota was admitted to changed to "Territory of Missouri", and limited pow­ statehood by President Benjamin Harrison on No­ er was granted to people residing therein to elect a vember 2, 1889, and LaMoure County's Territorial legislative body. days thereby ended. On June 28, 1834, what is now LaMoure County became part of the Territory of Michigan and on We forgot to count all the governments of which July 3, 1836, it became part of the Territory of Wis­ LaMoure County was a part, but it is quite a few consin, followed by becoming part of the Territory more than we first thought. AGRICULTURE IN LAMOURE COUNTY The story of Agriculture in LaMoure County is a few people wanted it at any price. Then as prices story of change. The only thing that has remained for livestock and grain increased, land values went the same is the land, and even that has changed in up. During 1975 and 1976 some land sales have been some respects. The following information about La­ made in LaMoure County for $400 per acre or more, Moure County tells the story of some of these the highest in its history. changes: While the last few years have experienced high­ 1900 1920 1974 er farm prices for what the farmer has to sell, it No. of farms 906 1,503 950 should also be noted that his cost of production has Acres per farm 384 443 760 increased dramatically. Forty and fifty thousand Horses 7,200 17,000 600 dollar tractors take some good crops and high prices Cattle 11,500 29,000 62,000 in order to pay out. Government price support pro­ Dairy Cattle 2,000 4,700 grams have had a beneficial effect in maintaining agriculture prices in periods of adverse prices. Also Crops helpful to agriculture has been the Soil Conservation Oats 19,000 50,000 program with its recommended conservation prac­ Wheat 104,000 275,000 tices. Barley 8,000 27,000 It will be noted from the above chart that the Rye 2,000 9,000 size of the average farm in LaMoure County was 760 Flax 23,000 25,000 acres in 1974. This has been increasing each year of In its early days and even up through the 1930's late. However there are many individual farming the agriculture of this County was quite diversified operations that handle 2, 3, or 4 thousand acres. No with both a variety of grains and livestock. No longer doubt the development of large and powerful farm is this the case as most farms specialize in either machinery has had much to do with the increase in grain alone or grain and only one kind of livestock. the size of farms. The market price has been an important factor in the shift from one commodity to another. For example the higher grain prices beginning in late 1972 did much to cause the shift from dairying to grain farm­ FARM ORGANIZATIONS ing. LaMoure County has three active farm organi­ zations within the County, each of which is affiliated with its State and National offices. All three of these PRICE EXTREMES groups works conscientiously for the advancement of farmers of the County and State and they have Agriculture has also been characterized by ex­ worked together in many activities. A further ex­ tremes, including great variation in prices. In 1932 planation of their work and programs follows: farm prices were 360 per bushel for wheat, 140 for The Farmers Union is primarily operative as a barley and 90 for oats. In that same year beef cattle service organization providing co-operative advan­ sold for as little as $3.30 per cwt, hogs for $2.65 per tage through the purchase and sales co-ops. They cwt. Since then and especially since 1972 farm prices also are involved to a large extent in central market­ have improved considerably and at times in recent ing through GTA (Grain Terminal Assoc.) and vari­ years wheat has sold for between $4.00 and $5.00, ous organized livestock commission firms. The Farm­ durum around $8.00 and flax over $10.00 per bushel. ers Union has advocated controlled parity price The price of agriculture commodities has had a direct supports for agriculture. They have been strong bearing on the market price of land. Back in the spokesmen for parity. 1930's when farm commodity prices were very low land sold for as little as $5.00 per acre. In fact very The National Farmer Organization (NFO) works primarily on the marketing end of agriculture. They tilizer, insecticide and herbicide. The use of fertilizer strive through bargaining to secure a fair contract resulted in agronomists developing new varieties of price direct with processing-distribution firms. grain that would respond to this commercial nutri­ ent. Semi-dwarf varieties and varieties with extreme­ The Farm Bureau in LaMoure County provides ly strong lodge resistant straw were developed that insurance and other services. They are influential in allow maximum fertilization which could result in many parts of the country in areas of purchase- more than doubling annual yield. Research has sales cooperatives. Politically they emphasize the developed many new and improved grain varieties. laissez-faire free market philosophy. County Agents have been helpful in education and These organizations have provided necessary information programs. Practices of intensive culti­ services to LaMoure County farmers and have pro­ vation have since changed to soil and moisture vided valuable inputs in terms of supporting the cultivation through minimum tillage methods result­ farmers cause in this region. ing from herbicide weed control methods.

Farm Investment Machinery and equipment investment has risen RURAL markedly over the last 10 year period. Inventory for example 10 years ago for the average farmer would ELECTRIFICATION have been about $20,000. Today, 1976, the same farm­ er's investment will be nearly $75,000. One of the great changes which has come into farm life has been as a result of electricity coming Land valued at $5 per acre during the depression to the rural areas of LaMoure County and America. years was valued at about $100 per acre in the late This program began in earnest in this area during 60's and current value for good farm land is in the and shortly after World War II, with the farms of $400 per acre area. Farm investment in terms of LaMoure County being served by James Valley operating costs has risen over the last 15 years from Electric Cooperative of Edgeley. Its first farm to $22 per acre to about $60 per acre. receive electricity from its lines was the August Due to the tremendous investment requirement Frauenberg farm, southeast of LaMoure, which was in capital and operating for today's farmer, credit energized in December, 1947. Farmers have made requirements become increasingly important and good use of electric power and its use has increased nearly a necessity for the majority of area farmers. each year since its inception. The availability of each year since its inception. The availability of The primary sources of agricultural credit are electricity on farms has lightened the work load, the Production Credit Association for short and in­ and brought all of the conveniences of modern living termediate range credit, the Federal Land Bank for to the farms. At present all farmers who desire elec­ long term land purchases, and of course federal tricity are being served. funds for emergency and starting farmers through Farmers Home Administration. Local and area banks It might also be observed that town and farm also provide helpful credit. According to local PCA people of LaMoure County have embarked upon a authorities, the average farmer uses approximately program of home remodelling and new construction. $50,000 in short term credit per year for operating There are very few cases where older houses in the and machinery financing. County have not been extensively remodelled to make them more comfortable and convenient. Fam­ It is estimated the average area farmer has 75% ilies of both town and rural areas have built many equity in his land which would allow about $75,000 beautiful new homes, of which any family could be debt on land per 800 acre unit. justly proud. Farm homes and buildings have been The hazard regarding farming is evident with extensively landscaped with tree plantings around cost of operating plus high capital requirements most buildings, making most of them beautiful nearly all supplemented by credit. A failure in one sights. year may require 4 years or more of good years to make up the loss. A failure in successive years may result in insolvency. HAZARDS With all of the changes and improvements that have been made in agriculture to this Bicentennial TECHNOLOGY year of 1976, it should be pointed out that great With modern agriculture resulting from inten­ uncertainties and hazards still exist.There can be sive mechanization came technology in areas of fer­ hail that can wipe out a crop in a few minutes. There can be too much water, which does not happen very Next to the weather hazard is the uncertainty of often in this area, although in June of 1975 some prices and one's not knowing what his produce might portions of the County received up to 12 inches of be sold for. Political decisions, conditions and crops rainfall in June and drowned out up to one-third of in foreign lands can have major influences on his their promising crop. prices, and here again the farmer has no control over these matters. Then there can be drouth, which frequently happens for different periods, that can lessen or de­ teriorate a crop to nothing. At the time that this article and booklet goes to press, in mid June 1976, SUMMARY most of LaMoure County has not had a substantial In spite of all its hazards and obstacles, the story rain for at least two months. What started out as a of agriculture in LaMoure County in recent years is beautiful crop has now deteriorated to half a crop one of economic success. This has been due to the because of drouth, and hot windy days, and if sub­ natural resources with which we have been blessed, stantial rains do not come very soon grain crops and to the foresight, knowledge, hard work and deter­ feed crops will lessen to little or nothing. Of course mination of our farmers and the rural community. In this is something over which no farmer has any spite of adversities which might turn back a less control, regardless of how well he farms, and La­ determined people, they faced all of these obstacles Moure County has mostly good to excellent farmers. as have their forebears, and they keep moving ahead It has got to be the most hazardous of all occupations. in the best tradition of America.

COLUMRUS HAD HIS THE BIRTH OF A NATION PRORLEMS TOO When the colonists were ready to draft the declaration which would separate them from Eng­ When the curtain rises on the first scene of the land, they named a committee to draft this docu­ LaMoure County Bicentennial Pageant in the Me­ ment. On this committee they named Benjamin morial Park Auditorium at Grand Rapids, it will Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger relate to the mutiny faced by Christopher Columbus Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The committee on October 10, 1492. entrusted the actual drafting of the document to young Thomas Jefferson. Taking the part of Thomas Looking back on the life and accomplishments Jefferson in the Pageant is Mr. Richard Jackman of of Christopher Columbus from our time, his life Bismarck. might appear to have been enjoyable, fascinating and even thrilling at times. Actually his life was a This was a truly divided nation in those days. difficult one, beset with hardships, disappointments Only about one-third of the colonists wanted to form and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. a new republic, about a third wanted to remain with People of his day thought him odd for believing the British crown and the other third cared little one there were new lands in the world that he might way or another. Fifty-six men placed their signatures discover. It took years of perseverance to convince on that historic document and by so doing, con­ the leaders of Spain that they should outfit his ships firmed that they were committing an act of treason so he could try to reach India by sailing West. Even to the English crown. raising the $14,000 to fit out the fleet for his first To indicate the extent of their sacrifice, one man voyage required much determination. had 11 children and all 11 lost their lives in the years While the scenes in the historic pageant will to come because of that signature. Charles Carrol of center on the mutiny which Columbus faced, yet Carrollton, Maryland, was, perhaps, the wealthiest that was only one of several problems he encount­ of all the signers ... it is estimated that he was worth ered. Lack of knowledge about the new world, about a million dollars; a princely sum in those days. inadequate ships, spoiled food, frightening storms He said he would more than likely lose everything and indifferent rulers were but a few of the obstacles he had .. . and he did. He was a pauper when he died. that Columbus faced. So the next time when you There are many similar stories among the 56 names think you have problems think of Christopher Co­ on that revered document we call the "Declaration lumbus. of Independence." r*

PIONEER LIFE IN LAMOURE COUNTY

LaMoure County was named for Hon. Judson Life for the single girl in a tar papered shanty LaMoure of Pembina, one of Dakota Territory's was less monotonous than for the wife of a home­ prominent settlers. It was made of parts of Buffalo steader. She could go riding in a wagon, buggy, or on and Pembina counties, organized in 1880 by Legisla­ horseback with an attentative escort. She danced in tive Act at Yankton, S. Dak., capital of Dakota Ter­ a shanty or out on the grass to the music of a fiddle, ritory. Almost a century ago one saw nothing but accordion or mouth organ. She might take a teacher's endless expanse of rolling prairie, dotted with a few examination and earn a teacher's salary while she buffalo, perhaps, and marked only by the mounds of stayed on her claim. ancient Indian tribes. Few trees except along the rivers. Loneliness For the average homestead mother, life was "Wind-swept and sun-baked and dark with likely to hold more loneliness, hardship, and worry. bitter rain, Her husband was more free to work with his neigh­ The prairies lay before them as they crossed bors and was not compelled to stay home with small the unmapped loam— children in a primitive dwelling. Arriving on the Beautiful and desolate, a silent-fateful plain, claim her husband had selected, the wife did her first housekeeping in a tent or beside the wagon. Being Holding somewhere in its heart the precious bound to a house for weeks or months without thing called home." visitors could cause a woman to do strange things. "And so they came, from Denmark, Holland, Those who understood what loneliness could do, and Norway, Sweden, Germany, Russia—sometimes stop­ saw a woman's hasty retreat into the house—did ping in the states to the east and to the south of not knock at the door, but waited in the buggy or Dakota Territory, some had been born in these on horseback for the woman to gain her composure states; but on they came, the pioneers, to establish and come out on her own accord. that "precious thing called home". Types of Housing Few homesteaders came in covered wagons. Most took a train as close to the unclaimed area as Now let us see what type of housing these rug­ possible. Some hired a livery man, or a professional ged individuals had to live in. Lacking funds, most land locater, to show him the available land. All homesteaders built their first dwellings of the ma­ wanted to stake claims on land and many stayed and terials available. It could be a dugout in a hillside, made it their permanent homes. Those not of pioneer a sod house or a tar paper covered shanty. durability soon forsook the homesteader life. Many One woman housed in the dugout type, awoke single women took up homestead claims and found one morning to find a cow's leg dangling and kicking themselves in communities largely male and bache­ through the sod and pole roof. The hurried outside lors a-plenty. to help Bossy to firmer footing, and while waiting for the stray cow to be claimed, she milked her. A Single Woman's Paradise For a sodhouse, the builder spaded or plowed up Many lady homesteaders married as soon as they strips of well-rooted sod, cutting them into two or proved up; others quit their own claims to get mar­ three foot sections, laying them into walls about ried and kept house in another 9x12 shanty. Eligible three feet thick. If he had access to trees, he built ladies, however, were so scarce on the North Dakota the earthen walls around a log framework. Other­ prairies that numbers of men went "back east" in wise, he simply built sod walls, putting in a framed winter months. One lady homesteader, though, found door and window or two. For the roof he covered it necessary to put this ad in the local paper: "I mean the house with rough timbers, laid with heavy tar business. If there is a young man in this country paper, slough grass and sod, or perhaps shingles. It that has as much sand in his as a pound of plug proved cool in summer and warm in winter, and tobacco, I want to hear from him. I have a tree claim, impervious to prairie fires. Heavy rains, however, a homestead, am a good cook, am not afraid of work, were disastrous, soaking through the sunflower and and am willing to do my part. If any of you young grass grown roofs and dirty water dripped into the men with a like amount of land, a decent face and household below. Vermin were attracted to sod carcass, wants a good wife, I can fill the bill." houses and when the wife in one "catless" sod house found herself unable to sleep with mice scampering They plowed "fire breaks" around buildings and hay about, her husband contrived a cheese baited device stacks, but with a strong wind the fire would jump which dropped the mouse into a tub of water and the "breaks" and the settler would lose the little automatically reset itself for the next victim. The that he had. One that swept in from the south, with first night over seventy mice plopped to a watery a 40 mile an hour wind back of it, and took all in its death, and neither of them got much sleep. path, is told of by many early settlers.

A shanty covered with heavy tar paper held in Blizzards place by laths, housed hundreds of North Dakota homesteaders. Newspapers pasted layer upon layer Next to the prairie fire came the blizzards; they served effectively to make the single walled dwelling came so fast and without warning. Three days they wind tight, but still scant protection against subzero were shut in their homes. They ran out of fuel, faces weather. A shanty could be bought for $2.50 to $5 in and hands were frozen in trying to get to the fuel some areas. pile near the house. When the storm was over many had lost the few cattle they had. Barns and haystacks Sodhouse walls cut smooth with a spade were were under the drifts, and long poles were needed to spastered with a mixture of clay and ashes, or just locate them. Then to dig down and get hay, feed gumbo. They could be covered with cotton sheeting and water to the hungry stock. Some people froze or layers of newspapers. Many homesteaders could to death, being caught in the storm while getting entertain themselves by reading the walls. A few hay for fuel from a stack a half mile from home. In sodhouses were whitewashed over the clay, and such 1896 snow began falling in October and lasted all houses were palatial. White curtains at the windows winter, with storm following storm until all build­ and a plant blooming on the sill, made the home ings were under snow or nearly so. beautiful to the early settler. Grasshoppers Hospitality Another scourge for the pioneers to experience Open hearted hospitality characterized most was the invasion of grasshoppers. They indeed came homestead homes. The early Mrs. Sodbuster learned so thick that in 1883 the N. P. locomotive wheels to entertain overnight company in her one room slipped on rails greased by mashed grasshopper house. If the weather was favorable, the men folks bodies. A Dakota farmer described the pests: "The slept in the barn or in a stack. If it was cold, the grasshoppers invaded the field like a living river hostess simply instructed the men "Please turn your pouring upon it. They literally covered the corn. faces to the wall. We ladies would like to undress". The stream stretched away to the south and west as The ladies got into the one bed and the men slept on far as one could see in either direction and the flutter the floor. of their wings created a roaring noise that was almost deafening. Not a ten-thousandth part of the Money Scarce stream lighted on my field, but covered the country for miles and miles. They devoured the tender Money was scarce and many a homesteader leaves and newly formed ears of corn and never without savings had to supplement his crop incomes ceased their feast until the stalks were as bare as by working in other ways. He might gather buffalo bones to sell, go to Minnesota lumber camps to work tent poles." in winter months, trap furbearing animals, hunt coyotes and wolves on which there were bounties, Limited Means of Transportation snare gophers for the 3 cent bounty per tail, or work Means of transportation were very limited at in railroad construction. He learned to dig wells, first. While a few had horses, most went with oxen, build shanties to sell, build dugout stables, even to wagon, on hay rakes or on foot, to haul their sup­ tan hides from which to make harnesses, to rope and plies that were necessary. One pioneer carried a brand cattle, butcher a steer and dry, salt or smoke hundred pound sack of flour on his back from Grand its meat. The settlers exchanged work among them­ Rapids to his home near Benson Corners one winter. selves and no cash was necessary. Another pioneer near Benson Corners walked to Lis­ bon after having done his chores, carried back 50 pounds of flour and a bag of groceries. A young girl walked to Verona nine miles one way to mail a letter HARDSHIPS when she was twelve years old. At 13, she walked to Prairie Fires LaMoure to sell the tails of gophers she had caught for 2 cents apiece. Later they paid a 3

The Country Store In thus sharing, they enjoyed life. People were apparently more content than they are today. A pioneer history without a mention of the country store would be incomplete. It was more than "How can we fail these pioneers, a general merchandise store. It was a place to spend your time while waiting to bring the children home Who blazed a shining trail? from school. It was a place to discuss politics and to How can we tear their altars down hear all the latest news. Each customer was waited And raise none of our own? on individually, in turn. All the items purchased O sheltered people of today! were written out on the store bill. The coffee, sugar, We must not, dare not fail etc. was weighed out carefully and put in paper bags. The bravest, strongest people that Crackers came in a barrel, as did apples, and herring The world has ever known." 11 LAMOURE COUNTY SETTLEMENTS-THEN AND NOW ADRIAN the first settlers in LaMoure County in Grand Rapids in 1875. In 1880, he rafted lumber down the Settlement began here in 1885 by Canadian and James River from Jamestown and erected a store. Michigan emigrants in anticipation of the construc­ The post office was established in 1907. tion of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It was named the following year by J. N. Graham, superintendent In 1923 a general store under the name of Wilke of the railroad, for his former home, Adrian, Michi­ and Boardman was established which sold general gan. The post office was established in 1887. merchandise, machinery and cars. One of the owners, Carl F. Wilke, owned a four passenger Stinson plane. ALFRED The specials of the week were printed, wrapped around a candy bar and dropped over farm areas by This village was founded and promoted by town- plane, bringing in customers from all over the coun­ site owner Richard Sykes, a titled Englishman, real ty. estate dealer and early rancher. He named the vil­ lage for the great Anglo-Saxon king. All the streets DICKEY have English names, such as Stamford, Winchester, Warwick and Avon. The post office was established Originally known as Saratoga when the post in 1904. office was first established here in 1881, the city was named by its settlers from Saratoga, New York. BENSON or BENSON CORNERS Like its namesake it has mineral springs. In 1884, the name was changed to Dickey, for Alfred Dickey, This was a shopping center on homestead land who owned the original homestead of the site. Dic­ on which Peter E. Benson filed in 1882. The settle­ key was its largest in 1940 with a population of 203, ment grew as Griswold declined. The post office was according to the 1970 census; there are now 118 peo­ established in 1905 and continued until 1909. ple living there.

BERLIN EDGELEY John Young, owner of this townsite platted and The first post office here was established in 1884 named it for Berlin, Germany, to honor his father under the name of St. George. In 1886, it was re­ and other early German settlers. The post office was named Edgeley by Richard Sykes, townsite owner established in 1892. The first postmaster was the and promoter of agricultural and town interest for father of our United States Senator, Milton Young. his birthplace in Chesire, England. In 1910, Berlin's population was 137, the largest it has ever been. According to 1970 census, the popula­ It was the meeting point of three railroads—a tion was 76. This is the birthplace of U. S. Senator branch line of the Northern Pacific and a branch Milton R. Young. of the Milwaukee and the main line of the Midland Railroad. COLBEN During the time of the early settlers, Judson A shortlived county post office near the center Bowen brought many settlers to North Dakota in of the county established in February 1902, and dis­ carriages drawn by 6 horses. Every 25 miles, the continued November 15, 1902. travelers would have a rest stop at a company owned ranch house. One such house was in Edgeley, just east of the Presbyterian Church. The driver would DEISEM take the travelers to what was then Mr. Sturgeon's This village was named for Christian S. Deisem, Drug Store (where Edgeley Drug is now) and impress territorial merchant and politician who served in the them by going into the back room, turning on the legislature and also as North Dakota Railroad Com­ artesian water tap and lighting it. The gas in the missioner. He came to Dakota with the Northern water would burn off. Several farms east of Edgeley Pacific Railroad surveyors in 1871 and was one of in those days burned gas separated from artesian 12 water in their ranges. Sturgeon's Drug Store and the then to Independence by local settlers from Inde­ Grand Pacific Hotel had gas lights from the well gas pendence, Wisconsin. There are or have been 27 until the flow failed and the wells were plugged. other cities and towns in the U. S. with this name. The post office was established in 1910 and discon­ Edgeley has grown in population from 306 in tinued in 1919. It was the home of a patriotically 1910 to a high of 943 in 1950. In 1970, 888 people named person, John Liberty Freeman of Indepen­ lived there. It serves the business needs of a con­ dence. siderable area, and its businesses include two ele­ vators, three implement dealers, two auto shops and IONE is also the headquarters for a GTA feed plant and for James Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. A rural post office near the Stutsman County line established in 1902 and discontinued in 1911. FLOYD JUD A rural post office established in 1899 and dis­ continued in 1911. Originally named Gunthrop for Charles Gun- throp who owned a trading post there. The Smith FRANKLIN Land Company promoters of the townsite platted it and gave it the unofficial name of Fox. The post A Midland Continental Railway loading station office was established in 1904. In 1906 when the in Glenmore township named for Franklin, in Oak­ Northern Pacific reached here, the name was land County, Michigan by local settlers from there. changed to Jud for Judson LaMoure, a prominent territorial settler and politician. In 1910 Jud had a GRAND RAPIDS population of 99. In 1940 the population was its The first settlers here were mainly from Michi­ highest at 202. Jud was near the site of the famous gan and they named this town for the city in their Jud Gold Rush which took place in Raney Township own state. It was the first organized town in the in 1899. Jud keeps doing things; it recently installed county. The post office was established in 1880. water and sewer lines, reopened its cafe with its It was designated the county seat October 27, 1881, popular Sunday Smorgasbord, and is presently build­ which it retained until the people voted to move it ing an eight-plex apartment center for its citizens. to LaMoure in 1886. There is a cataract in the James River at this point and in the early days was referred KULM to as "The Rapids" and in times of low water it was known as "The Stepping Stones." The Soo Line Railroad purchased this townsite to be the terminal of this branch of its line. It was named to honor local settlers from Kulm, Russia and GRISWOLD Kulm, Germany. The post office was established in An inland shopping center near the source of 1893 and Kulm incorporated as a city in 1906. Its Bear Creek where H. W. Griswold operated a store. population has remained about the same over the The post office was established in 1866 and discon­ years. In 1910 there were 645 people there; in 1930 tinued in 1909. there was a high of 742. The 1970 census listed 625 residents. Kulm has been a grain center for a con­ In 1883 Griswold discovered particles of gold in siderable area and it is known as the "Flax Capitol the rocks along the Sheyenne River on his land in of the United States." Ransom County, which caused an influx of gold- seekers to file claims in that area, but they were LAKEVIEW soon abandoned. The name is descriptive of the location of the HAMLET post office in view of Cottonwood Lake which was established in 1884 and discontinued in 1887. A rural post office established in March 1911 and discontinued in November of that year. LAMOURE IBSEN Named for Judson LaMoure, noted pioneer, poli­ tician, businessman and member of the territorial A post office established in a small country store and state legislatures. The post office was established in 1899 and discontinued in 1900. in 1882. The town was built on both sides of the James River, but most of it was on the east side. INDEPENDENCE West LaMoure was platted but never developed. The railroad station established here was first According to census reports, LaMoure's population known as Valley Junction, then Oakes Junction, and has always been around a thousand. In 1970 there 13 were 951 people living there. LaMoure is the county 1886. The name was either selected by the Postal seat of LaMoure County. Department or it was named by a local settler for his former home Verona, Michigan. The village was MARION incorporated in 1905. In 1920 according to census This town was platted by Northern Pacific Rail­ figures, 258 people lived here. In 1970 the population road officials and named for a daughter of Charles was 140. S. Mellon, president of the railroad at this time. When the post office was first established in 1901, WANO the town was known as Elmo. The name was A country post office was established February changed to Marion in 1902. The village was incor­ 1886 in the home of the postmaster Wells Wano Wil­ porated in 1910. Marion's population has ranged cox and discontinued in September 1886. from 241 in 1910 to 309 in 1960. According to the 1970 census, the current population is 215. Marion has historically been a large grain and elevator center with the Marion Equity Elevator and the J. C. Miller CHURCHES Elevator. It continues to be an important center North Dakotans have always been a religious although in 1968 the J. C. Miller Elevator burned people. The church has been a spiritual and social down and again in 1974 fire destroyed the main center in their lives. This is a significant fact for elevator but that company through its owner, Dean religion helps to mold the lives and culture of peo­ Mclnnis, continues to operate in the sales of seed, ple. We see this in our LaMoure County churches. feed and chemicals. Many of the early churches were organized in rural areas and small towns. As the rural population MEDBERRY declined, some rural churches consolidated with The post office was established in 1883 in the others in town. There are now only three rural farm house of a farmer by the same name only to be churches remaining. They are at Benson Corners, discontinued in 1886. The Northern Pacific Railway North LaMoure and Griswold. There are now more put up a station there. In 1906 the post office was churches in our towns. Kulm leads the way with reestablished. seven churches. LaMoure and Edgeley are next with six each. Other smaller communities have three or NEWBURG less. It has been interesting to read histories of churches. Some were organized as early as 1883. A rural community center where a post office Places used for organizing were scnools, boarding was established in 1888 and discontinued in 1892. houses, homes and even a barn loft. Some of the churches were rebuilt and many were remodeled. NORTONVILLE In some cases their former building proved to be This settlement was named for one of the found­ inadequate for their larger congregation and new ers of the Midland Continental Railway. The post edifices were built. There are many beautiful and office was established in 1913. In 1962 its population inspiring church structures in LaMoure County in was approximately 100. both the smaller and larger places. In spite of the high cost of modern construction, our churches have not spent large amounts on their church buildings or RUSSELL parsonages to the neglect of other concerns. In fact, A rural post office named for Russell Root, an some of the most mission-minded congregations to be early bonanza farmer. The post office was estab­ found are in LaMoure County. lished in 1884 and discontinued in 1899. In 1910 161 people lived here. The worshippers of the various faiths are finding that they have much in common with each other. Joint church services are becoming more prevalent STEIDL in LaMoure County. Church history was made in A rural post office established in the home of a October 1975, when the LaMoure County Inter- man by the same name in 1893 and discontinued in church Singspiration, representing many Catholic 1896. and Protestant churches of the Country, held its annual program in the Transfiguration Church of VERONA Edgeley with Father Cote bringing the message. In 1883 the Northern Pacific Railway station The Christian Church has an important place established here was named Matson. The name was to fill in the lives of people, and the LaMoure County changed because another town in the Dakotas had Churches are seeking earnestly and prayerfully to the same name. The post office was established in meet that need. 14 1880's by boat it took at least 3 weeks to reach the Transportation and Communication United States. Recently tow supersonic jet planes One of the factors which made life difficult in from Britain and France flew the Atlantic in 4 hours. the early years of LaMoure County was the difficulty What an improvement—from 3 weeks to 4 hours. We of transportation and communication. Early travel challenge someone reading this in the year 2076 to was either by foot, oxen or horse. It was not unusual compare their progress in that 100 years to the im­ for persons in those days to walk 10, 15 or 20 miles at provement which we have achieved in the 100 years one time, often carrying groceries. All forms of just closing. Bet you can't beat it. travel were very slow, especially by our present standards. Communication among people, particular­ ly in rural areas, was rare, and the distances which SACRIFICES separated farm homes caused them to live very We talk quite freely about the sacrifices that the much alone. In fact, lonesomeness often became very servicemen of our Country have made on our behalf much of a problem and some people just could not in the wars in which the United States has been stand it. So unbearable did the lonesomeness, hard engaged. Most of us are not aware of the large num­ work and adversities become that a considerable ber of men wounded and killed. When the exact percentage of the newcomers did not stay here for numbers are brought to our attention, it gives us a very long, and they returned to the "East." new sense of appreciation of the sacrifices that have been made for us. These casualties are as follows: Of course these conditions changed with the coming of improved methods of travel and communi­ CASUALTIES IN PRINCIPAL WARS cation. The building of railroads provided personal OF THE UNITED STATES transportation and a better means of moving freight. Wounds Much of the early travel was accomplished by rail Battle Not after it became available, both within the County Wars Deaths Mortal Total and to outside points. Revolutionary War 4,435 6,188 10,623 But the advent of the car and truck was respon­ 1775-1783 sible for many important changes. They necessitated War of 1812 2,260 4,505 6,765 the building of roads of all kinds and to every area. 1812-1815 They brought people together as they had never Mexican War 1,733 4,152 5,885 been before. Add to that the telephone and radio and 1846-1848 you have a people with modern methods of transpor­ Civil War 140,414 281,881 422,295 tation and communication. The people of this county (Union Forces only) have been willing and even anxious to adopt new 1861-1865 and better methods of communication and travel. (Confederate forces) 74,524 59,297 133,821 LaMoure County has long been known to have 1863-1866 one of the better County highway systems, with Spanish-American War 385 1,662 2,047 much of its present mileage being hard surfaced. 1898 There are excellent County and State hard surfaced World War I 53,513 204,002 257,515 highways running both East and West as well as April 6, 1917 North and South, and none of its people live very far Nov. 11, 1918 from a hard-surfaced highway. The availability of Korean War 33,629 103,284 136,913 good roads has been a great help to the Citizens both June 25, 1950 in their business life and their personal travel. Air July 27, 1953 travel has not been neglected as there are airports World War II 292,131 670,846 962,977 in both Edgeley and LaMoure. For persons desiring Dec. 7, 1941 to use commercial airlines, it is but a short distance Dec. 31, 1946 to either Aberdeen, Jamestown or Fargo where Vietnam 45,937 303,622 349,559 transportation facilities are available for those de­ Jan. 1, 1961 siring air travel to the large cities of our Country. Jan. 25, 1973 This is no longer an isolated community but it is Men from LaMoure County participated actively very much a part of the State, Country and World. in all wars from the Spanish-American through the Our people travel as easily and often to Washington, Vietnam War. Judging by their loyalty and patriot­ Dallas or Hawaii as our forefathers did to Aberdeen, ism one would almost get the impression that the Jamestown or Fargo. outcome of those wars depended on them. No doubt improvements in the field of transpor­ The scene of the Pageant entitled Military Con­ tation during the past 100 years have been as great tribution will be conducted by the military groups as any other field of human progress. When immi­ of our county and it will relate to the contributions grants came over here from Europe in the 1870's and made by the military on our behalf. 15 THE LAMOURE COUNTY PICNIC

When the LaMoure County Picnic is held at park, which once was his, and in his address at that Memorial Park on Monday, July 5, 1976, it will be a time told of the foregoing events, and marked the case of history repeating itself in some ways. Folks changes that had taken place. He spoke of the of this area began holding picnics in this very park passing of the ox team of yesteryear, the lumber area as soon as white men came here. This is what wagon and the top buggies, once so elegant, and Laura Sanderson says in her book "IN THE VAL­ pointed out the hundreds of beautiful automobiles LEY OF THE JIM" about the first LaMoure County parked around the grounds; but he declared that Picnic, and others since that time: "On June 17, 1881 people are no happier nor half as contented now as occurred the very first picnic ever held in LaMoure in those strenuous, lean years of the pioneer." County, and one of the first in the James River Val­ The records indicate that annual LaMoure Coun­ ley. Every man, woman and child in the county was ty Picnics were held from 1881 to 1929. A picture of present, and if I am correctly informed, there were the 43rd Pioneer Picnic held on June 26, 1924, is just seventeen. shown. Apparently the custom of holding this an­ This took place in Cap Elliott's grove, since 1920 nual picnic at the park lapsed for a period. Thus the known as Memorial Park. Mr. Elliott's rowboat was holding of the 1976 Bicentennial Picnic is a renewal drawn up out of the water, turned over, and served of one of the pleasant traditions of the people of this as a table. Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Boise cooked a six- County. It will bring together not only residents of pound jar of beans and these were sufficient to feed the different communities of this County, but former the entire company. residents are also expected to be in attendance and renew former acquaintanceships. The International In this connection I might say that the above Smorgasbord will feature foods of different national­ Mrs. Allen became Mrs. H. T. Elliott on January 11, ities including German, Irish, Swedish, Italian, and 1882, and this was the first wedding ever held in the Norwegian. Preparing and serving the German dish county. Judge C. W. Davis was one of the guests and of weiners and sauerkraut will be Mr. & Mrs. Jake claimed that it was the very first wedding he had Steinwand of Kulm and Mrs. Lyle Bethke. Following ever witnessed up to that time. the serving of the food will be a time for visiting C. S. Diesem, the first merchant in LaMoure with acquaintances and then a program at 2:15 p.m. County, prepared the oyster supper for the occasion. on things of interest about LaMoure County. The event will be concluded with the singing of several In 1929, just forty-eight years after the first pic­ patriotic numbers by the Oakes Bicentennial Mens nic, Cap Elliott attended a Pioneer Picnic in this Chorus.

AJ^orrU^. PA

16 WHAT IS THE OMEGA STATION? Persons travelling west of LaMoure on Highway 13 have seen the very high tower and the set of buildings about two miles west of LaMoure and they have no doubt wondered just what it was all about. They may have heard that it was the Omega Naviga­ tion Station operated by the United States Coast Guard. Then they perhaps wondered what the Coast Guard was doing out here in the middle of the North American Continent. They never expected to find them out this way. Briefly and simply the purpose of the Omega system is to provide global all-weather navigation and location information. The one located in La­ Moure is one of seven Omega Stations that are in operation. The others are located in Norway, Liberia, Hawaii, La ReUnion, Indian Ocean, Argentina and Japan. These stations send out Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio signals that travel great distances. The signals sent forth by three or more stations are re­ ceived by aircraft, submarines, ships and other exotic vehicles and the recipients' computers will then be able to determine the location of that ship, aircraft or submarine. The design of the 1200 foot Coast Guard tower has been shown on the cover page of this booklet. It is lighted at night and the bulbs need replacement periodically. Anybody want to offer to change the bulbs for them the next time? This is a far cry from the method of navigation used by Columbus, which was by dead reckoning, or sailing by the seat of his pants. But then Christopher really did not know where he was going or where he had been. Then too, he did not have many other craft to watch out for. The location of this facility in LaMoure in 1971 was due partly to the financial and other contribu­ tions made toward its costs by the people of the LaMoure area through LaMoure Enterprises. One of the objections to its construction was made by the environmentalists of this area who insisted that the high tower would cause the death of many water­ fowl and other birds. Subsequent experience and tests of bird loss, conducted by the environmental groups themselves, indicate that their predictions are without foundation in fact. 17 THE ARTS & CLUBS OF LAMOURE COUNTY Some say progress in the arts in North Dakota by the casts. The place seats about 900 people. has been a rather slow process. Real progress is how­ The County Summer Musical Theatre is jointly ever, evident in 1976. LaMoure County is a good supported by a grant from the North Dakota Council example. on Arts and Humanities, and the National Endow­ Before we go to the present, we should remem­ ment for the Arts. ber that making a living was the big struggle in the The "Megatones", named for the Omega Naval early years. Yet we have proof that people appreci­ Station at LaMoure are a popular group singing at ated and valued art. Our courthouse when it was state conventions and at local events in different built, had a painter include in its dome and the areas of the state. They are a group of women from County Commissioners' office five excellent oil paint­ the LaMoure area who "Sing notes with precision" ings. These should be better known and observed by and excellent harmony. Their director Mrs. Ronald our people and others who come to LaMoure. Nelson achieves success with the group because of Oil painting is being done by many. They have her own musical background, good voice, and in­ learned from artists from different areas of the state sistence on regular practice. and from Mrs. Roy Holand, who has taught for Another use of drama, has been in our historical several years in LaMoure. Much talent has been dis­ pageants. Those done at Edgeley, Kulm, and La­ covered and developed. They enjoy painting and do Moure at the time of their Diamond Jubilees are ex­ it largely as hobbies. Many are showing their work amples. Others were those done to honor "The Rib- at the art shows in Bismarck, Jamestown, Edgeley, bles of LaMoure" October 15, 1960, and Harold Wake­ LaMoure, Oakes and especially at the Art Festival field for his thirty-three years in the LaMoure Public at Fort Ranson. They also display their work at Schools. fairs, business places, and in homes. Some homes have paintings done by early artists. The Finch At this Bicentennial time many pageants are home, now George Berry's, has paintings on the din­ being presented including the LaMoure County Bi­ ing room walls. The artist was from Minneapolis and centennial celebration at LaMoure County Memo­ the same one who painted those in the court house. rial Part at Grand Rapids, July 2, 3, 4, 5, 1976. A leader in the pageant form of drama has been Roy Music and drama have been a part of life in La­ A. Holand, a LaMoure attorney. Moure County for a long time. A drama club was organized in 1897 by J. M. Divine, who became Lt. Fame has come to a few from LaMoure County Governor of our state, and for a time was acting or nearby area. They are Angie Dickinson of Kulm, governor. actress; Peggy Lee, Nortonville, singer; Lenus Carl­ In 1923 there was also a Music Club. That year son, opera soloist, and Lawrence Welk, orchestra the LaMoure High School presented an operetta. leader. Rodney Anderson of LaMoure, writes for television and lives in New York. Much has been done in drama and music throughout the county, by groups, and our schools. Clubs have been a means for organizing people The LaMoure County Musical Theatre is a combina­ with a common interest. It is interesting to read that tion of both music and drama. The LaMoure County as long ago as January 1, 1884, a group interested in Summer Musical Theatre is now in its fifth season. literature was organized by F. M. Kinter and was The first season, 1972, the theatre attracted atten­ called the Philolectian Literary Club. Quite a few dance from forty North Dakota communities, twenty- teachers were members of this group. The Philolec- five states, and four foreign countries. The atten­ tians may have been the forerunners for similar dance continues to increase each season and from groups that followed in the county communities. more places. Some have had study and civic clubs for many years. Kulm, Edgeley and LaMoure had such groups. Typi­ The casts for the productions utilize the talents cal of them perhaps the LaMoure Fortnightly Club of many area adults, college, high school and grade which was organized in the home of Mrs. J. A. Frank students. The casts with outstanding directors and in 1916 with ten charter members. Five others soon musicians combine to make the musicals fine enter­ joined. They studied International Relations, art in tainment. industry, Oxford Movement, Consumer Education, The musicals are presented in a rustic, old biographies, music, plays, etc. They started and staff­ barn-style theatre with a semicircular stage. They ed the first library in LaMoure, sponsored youth are held at LaMoure County Park near Grand Rap­ poster and essay contests, and contributed to chari­ ids. The auditorium has been extensively renovated ties, drum and bugle corps, parks, and cemetery. In 18 1917 the club joined the Federated Women's Club, a Recreational clubs were also begun. Among national group. LaMoure women who served as state them the LaMoure Golf Club started in 1924 by C. officers from Fortnightly Club were Mmes. W. C. F. Young, E. Coyne, O. M. Ellison, H. L. Cole and Taylor, Paul Adams, Henry Nevermen, Jr., J. A. Clyde Robideau. Edgeley also has its own golf course Frank and Mrs. H. L. Junod. and club house. Kulm is in the process of building its golf course. The Wild Life Clubs are active in the Fraternal groups have been organized and active communities, doing much to preserve and protect for years in LaMoure County. They have been the wildlife. They also promote recreation and the beau­ Masons, Order of Eastern Star, Chapter M, P.E.O., tification of our surroundings. Lake LaMoure is one the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. The Degree of Hon­ of their proudest achievements. or, American Legion Clubs and V.F.W. The Masons celebrated their seventy-fifth anniversary in 1960. To protect our communities against fires, and hazards, are the firemen. Edgeley, Marion, Kulm, The O.E.S. of LaMoure celebrated their eightieth LaMoure and Verona have their volunteers who are birthday in May of this year; and Chapter M, P.E.O. organized and have equipment in readiness at all had its 50th birthday in May, 1975. Involving the times. Recently ambulance crews have been organ­ youth there have been Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H ized. They are in Kulm, Edgeley and LaMoure. Each Clubs, Campfire Girls, Rainbow and many other community has its own ambulance. For these crews groups allied with the churches and schools. and firemen LaMoure County is extremely grateful!

North Dakota State Library Bismarck, N. D. 58505

Soil Conservation Program Changes LaMoure County

The inception of the Soil Conservation Service was originated by the Soil Conservation Districts of (SCS) came in 1935 during the dust bowl days. Pri­ North Dakota, was funded in 1972. Since that time vate citizens as well as congressmen urged President LaMoure County farmers have voluntarily placed Roosevelt to form an agency to deal with the gross 5844 acres of wetland and adjacent upland in the waste of one of our most precious natural resources, program. soil. Initially, named the Soil Erosion Service, it was Today, the SCS is playing an ever increasing later called the Soil Conservation Service by which role in the conservation of all of our natural re­ it is known today. sources and will continue to do so in the future. In 1947 LaMoure County farmers petitioned the Below is a picture of Seefeldt-Limesand Dam, SCS to establish offices in LaMoure County. Two built in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Ser­ offices were formed, one in Edgeley and one in La­ vice, Wildlife and other Conservation groups, as well Moure, both of which continue active today. as the landowners. Since 1947 the SCS has assisted farmers in in­ stalling many conservation practices. Most noticeable is the 5,180,000 trees planted on LaMoure County farms. Fifteen million feet of single rows were plant­ ed to protect land from blowing. For the protection of farmsteads and feedlots, 2953 acres of trees were planted. 1244 stockponds have been constructed to pro­ vide drinking water and better grazing distribution in pastures. Of these ponds, six are sizable dam impoundments which provide recreation and fishing. Pollution has been lessened in the county by the construction of 104 pollution structures. LaMoure County wildlife, which has dwindled to dangerously low levels, has been greatly helped by the Water Bank Program. The program, which 19 THE JAMES RIVER The history of the James River and its valley is There was a stage route that came from Jamestown a very interesting story. If this winding old river to Huron, South Dakota. They crossed the river at could talk it would say that it had its beginning made Dickey's landing which is the site of Dickey, except by a glacier that left the whole valley a lake. The when the railroad came they moved the settlement river, as we know it today, begins in Wells County, across the river. Central North Dakota and courses generally south­ In the year 1912-1914 there was a pleasure steam­ ward across North Dakota and South Dakota. It is er operating on the river in the LaMoure area. The about 490 miles long and flows into the Missouri boat was built by Captain Alex Anderson. He did River near Yankton and has the dubious distinction not get enough to pay for wood and coal used as fuel. of its being the longest non-navigable river in the The river was also fished by commercial fishermen. world. Its upper course drains several small lakes One can imagine many happy times along the river and the major tributary streams are the Maple and in boating, swimming, picnic and camp fires and Pipestem Creeks and the Turtle River. Principal singing. towns along or near the river are Huron, South Da­ kota and Oakes, LaMoure, Jamestown, and New The future of the James River will undoubtedly Rockford in North Dakota. be quite different than its past since it will become an important part of the Garrison Diversion Project. The James River as it is now called had many Under this program, part of which is under construc­ names in the early days. The old Indian name was tion, the James River will carry a full flow of water Chan Sauson. The Indian tribes roamed up and down during the summer season to provide water for ir­ the valley. Recent diggings near the river have found rigation which will be conducted in LaMoure, Dickey many artifacts, Indian pottery, and signs which show and Sargent Counties. us there has been farming going on in the Valley for at least 700 years. The French fur traders moved in the bartered with the Indians. Then the river was called Jacques. This was the name known to Lewis and Clark when they passed its mouth in 1804. The first settlers called the river Dakota after the Indian tribes living in the valley. Two explorers, J. N. Nicollet and Fre­ mont were given the credit for mapping it when they reached the James on July 6, 1839. The early settlers were very dependent on the river for food and transportation. Lumber and sup­ plies were brought down the river for the first set­ tlements. Many towns had their beginnings along the bends of the river where there were fording places.

i^m

A Problem of Communication Colonizing Was Not Easy Too bad we did not have television back in 1492 when Columbus came ashore on the new land for The first settlers from England who attempted the first time and met the Indians. Neither Columbus to establish a colony in this new country found it to or the Indians had ever seen such different looking be very difficult. During the winter of 1609 and people; neither could understand the other's lan­ 1610, two-thirds of the settlers in Jamestown, Vir­ guage and neither knew what the other was doing ginia, perished. Things did not improve too much in there. Judge Tom Nielsen plays the part of Columbus and Tom Katelle and Mary Katelle the parts of the that respect when the Pilgrims settled at Plymouth Indian Chief and his Squaw, as they try to com­ Rock in 1720, as many of their people did not survive municate with each other. the first winter. 20 THIS PLACE CALLED MEMORIAL PARK

The site of the LaMoure County Bicentennial J. M. Divine, himself a pioneer and one of the Celebration is in what is known as Memorial Park early county officials, in speaking to a pioneer picnic and is located two miles north of Grand Rapids. As gathering a few years ago, said: "I should like to see explained by Laura Sanderson, "Cap Elliott's grove, a statue to the pioneer mother erected in Memorial the picnic spot of pioneer days, and the scene of so Park. A sturdy, erect mother, leading a boy and girl many pioneer gatherings down through the years by the hand. A face showing the tenderness of the was donated to LaMoure County as a memorial to pioneer mother, and yet with the strength and reso­ the boys who served in the World War. This park lution that carried her through all the struggles; a nestles in a wide, sweeping curve of the James Riv­ face with vision—vision that is now justified in a er, about half a mile north of the little town of great, developed state, with churches, schools, and Grand Rapids, also a historic spot, and is a recreation opportunities enjoyed by the present generation as spot not only for the people of LaMoure County but their rich legacy from the revered pioneers." those of the surrounding counties as well. Who knows but this hope may be realized in the future, a worthy project for the descendents of those The county commissioners donated $15,000 to courageous pioneers. improve, beautify and maintain the park. It was planned and laid out by a landscape gardener, but Many activities and programs have been con­ retains much of its wild beauty. Practically all the ducted in this park. Chautauqua programs have been large timber has been saved but the underbrush held here, among them the famous orator William cleared away. It was formally dedicated September Jennings Bryan. Many exciting baseball games have 20, 1920, in the presence of thousands, including quite taken place at this park in former years, but of late a number of the early pioneers. very little use has been made of the baseball dia­ mond. The driveway follows the curve of the river, flanked on either side by flowers and green lawns The park is regarded as one of the beauty spots with stately trees for a background. of North Dakota. It has been well maintained and made beautiful through the respect of the public, In the open center is a baseball park, while the interest and support of its Park Board and the horseshoe courts are scattered about. Permanent LaMoure County Commissioners and because of the fences have been erected to keep automobiles from devotion and hard work of the Park Superintendents encroaching on the space set aside as a playground and their wives who have been the following since for children. This is supplied with sand boxes, 1920: swings, teeters, giant strides, and slides, a veritable paradise for children. To the north are the perma­ Park Superintendents for nent rest rooms for women, all nicely equipped. Modern camping facilities are located on the East LaMoure County Memorial Park: end of the park. A. C. Parker — June 1920 to October 1922 Henry Pals — October 1922 to December 1937 Beyond a lovely ravine, in a spot set apart, is a Part time employees — 1938 to December 1946 modern auditorium seating about one thousand peo­ ple. Oliver Johnson, Jr. — January 1947 to June 1950 Albert Ness — June 1950 to June 1962 Thousands of people during the summer avail Nick & Freida Lutgen — June 1962 to March 1966 themselves of its beauty and facilities for relaxation Douglas Daugherty — March 1966 to September 1967 and pleasure. It is indeed a playground, a fitting Ervin Weber September 1967 to February 1971 memorial not only to the boys who wore the khaki, Daniel D. Larson — April 1971 to July 1972 but to the pioneers who played here in the long ago. Walter Fetzer — July 1972 to present 21 LAMOURE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION MEMORIAL PARK, GRAWD RAPIDS, NORTH DAKOTA JULY 2, 3, 4. 5, 1976

The schedule of events is: Monday, July 5 12 Noon LaMoure County Picnic. v Nationality Smorgasbord ^o/ya^ Friday, July 2 8:15 p.m. Historical Pageant in Dinner in Auditorium, Auditorium featuring foods of Germany, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Ireland Saturday, July 3 2:00 p.m. Children's Parade, followed by Informal visiting to follow program in Auditorium 2:15 p.m. Program in Auditorium on 8:15 p.m. Historical Pageant in interesting events in LaMoure Auditorium County's history and introducing outstanding Sunday, July 4 10:45 a.m. Memorial Service in visitors. Music by Oakes Auditorium, with North Bicentennial Men's Chorus. Dakota Army National Guard Band and Chorus

12 Noon Re-dedication of Memorial SCENES OF LAMOURE COUNTY PAGEANT Park Dedication Plaque Part I: 12 Noon Noon Public Barbecue served 1. Columbus Faces Mutiny by Edgeley Organizations 2. Indians Meet Columbus 3. Revolution Problems 1:00 p.m. Bell Ringing Ceremony 4. Lewis and Clark Return 5. Gettysburg Dedication 1:30 p.m. LaMoure County Bicentennial 6. Nationality Music Numbers Parade 7. The Railroad Reaches LaMoure County 8. Pioneer Home Scene 3:00 p.m. Pageant in Auditorium 9. Local Scenes Outdoor entertainment in park 10. Meditation and review of exhibits and antiques THEME: "OUR GRATEFULNESS" 8:15 p.m. Historical Pageant in Part II: Auditorium 1. Beard Parade 10:30 p.m. Fireworks Display in Memorial 2. Americas Farming—Yesterday and Today Park 3. Clothing of Yesteryears 4. 100 Years of America 11:30 p.m. Entertainment and Paul Revere 5. Military Contributions ^0/H3\T^ Dance in Edgeley Armory 6. Modern America Music by Bubbling Quintets 7. Finale Honorary Grand Marshall of the Bicentennial Parade U. S. Senator Milton R. Young of Berlin has devoted a lifetime of service to his State and Nation. He served in the North Dakota Legislature and has been a member of the United States Senate since 1945 where he has served with ability and distinction. Upon completion of this term he will have served longer consecutively than any other Republican in the history of the United States Senate. The Bicentennial Parade is expected to be the most outstanding parade ever held in LaMoure County. Units will be on hand from all parts of LaMoure County and from neighboring communi­ ties as well. Through the cooperation of other parades to be held about the same time, floats ap­ pearing in the LaMoure High School Reunion Pa­ rade on June 26, and those from the Whitestone (Dickey County) Parade will also appear at Grand Rapids. Among the honored guests will be com­ munity leaders from various parts of LaMoure County who will ride in antique vehicles or in horsedrawn buggies. Following the parade, various MILTON R. YOUNG units will be placed on display for public viewing. Honorary Grand Marshall Other participants will conduct concerts and exhibi­ of the Bicentennial Parade tions for the enjoyment of the people.

EDGELEY CREDIT UNION MATT'S GARAGE NOT FOR PROFIT — NOT FOR CHARITY Matt Scherr - Owner BUT FOR SERVICE! Marvel Isaacson, Manager Edgeley, N. Dak.

VERONA GRAIN INC. DAGEN'S GROCERY STORE GOLD LABEL FEEDS Deanna Dagen - Owner Austin and Marvin Jud, N. Dak. Verona, N. Dak. IN BUSINESS FOR 3 GENERATIONS —SINCE 1911

ROYAL FARMS SAURRGE MILK HAULING ASSOCIATION JSURGEJ "You Call—We Haul" SERVICE ^HHH r Local Cooperative Dairymen Dairy Farm Equipment and Supplies Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley, N. Dak. PRIEBE TRUCKING EDGELEY BODY SHOP Harry C. Priebe Glass Installed - Towing Service Edgeley, N. Dak. Complete Body & Fender Repairs & Painting "HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA" Clarence Meidinger - Owner

24 PRESCRIPTION SHOP L. D. (Bud) Hebl Construction

Located at Area Medical Clinic DRAGLINE - DOZER - SCRAPER WORK

Edgeley, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak.

STEELE CONSTRUCTION FIRST STATE BANK

Jim Steele YOUR HOME OWNED BANK Edgeley, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak. "HAPPY BICENTENNIAL"

ED BRUNNMEIER ASPELUND LUMBER CO.

"In Business Since 1929" LaMoure, N. Dak. BLACKSMITHING — WELDING Building Supplies - Kitchen Cabinets

Jud, N. Dak. Paints

JUD BAR DICKEY BAR Leonard & Edna Anderson Jim & Ramona Haakenson LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Dickey, N. Dak. Jud, N. Dak.

RODE'S SERVICE L & L CONSTRUCTION Wallace Rode, Mgr. - Jud, N. Dak. Lawrence Liebold We're glad to have been a part in the NORTONVILLE OIL CO. growth of LaMoure County! Ronald Berg, Mgr. - Nortonville, N. Dak. Dickey, N. Dak.

LaMoure Building Materials SCHWIND AND SONS & SUPPLIES WELDING LeRoy Alber - Larry Pluever - Willie Dunn See us for your building supplies! LaMoure, N. Dak. If we don't have it — we'll get it! LaMoure, N. Dak.

MERREL'S MACHINE SHOP LAMOURE DRUG STORE Merrel Haakenson GIFTS - VET SUPPLIES - CANDIES LATHE - MILLING - MODEL BUILDING CAMERA SUPPLIES Dickey, N. Dak.

Charlie's Plumbing & Heating Production Credit Association SALES and Service of Fargo Charles Podoll Offices in LaMoure & Edgeley

LaMoure, N. Dak. MGRS. — Tom Kettelle and Bill Weiland

25 CARE OF THE ELDERLY

In recent years, the needs of some of the elderly cles. The pastors of the local churches alternate in members of a family have been changing. In many presenting worship services, local people teach class­ instances the elderly persons have been able to reside es and lead study groups, plan Friday afternoon either with other members of a family or by them­ games and activities and aid the church groups in selves. People did not live as long years ago as they providing a birthday party every month for those do at present. One of the sons frequently built a born during that month. The Auxiliary has planted house for himself and his family on the farm and a vegetable garden and through fund raising projects took over more and more of the work. Young fam­ have provided the home with such things as a porch ilies watched over the grandparents when necessary swing, and projector and screen. and they could count on their advice and help. We still care for our elderly, although now in a Now with older people living longer and young different manner. families moving away from the farm to seek em­ Another form of entertainment and activity is ployment elsewhere, facilities for caring for the provided for the elderly through recently established aged have had to evolve. local community clubs for the elderly and the for­ In LaMoure County, we are very fortunate to mation of the LaMoure County Citizens for the have several fine facilities for our older citizens. Elderly. It provides leadership, and assistance in the conducting of local and county-wide activities and Those who are still able to take care of them­ directs tours to different parts of the United States, selves, but prefer the companionship of other people all of which the participants find to be informational their age, live in Grand View Heights in LaMoure. and worth while. This government facility, is designed for people with low income. There are 30 units occupied by men and women or couples over the age of 65. One meal a day is provided in a spacious community center. The residents prepare their other meals in their own kitchenettes. "A home for the care of the aged and infirm" is Manor St. Joseph in Edgeley. Five Sister Servants of Christ the King led by Sister Mary Cecila care for 50 residents there. The cost of this care is adjustable to the amount of care required. This home was start­ ed in 1936 as a maternity home. It was known as Bethany Nursing Home for maternity cases and the aged from 1938 until it burned in 1946. Between the loving care of the Sisters and the fine concern and Manor St. Joseph, Edgeley, N. Dak. aid from the people in Edgeley, the residents receive excellent care. The present staff of Manor St. Joseph, in Edgeley are: Sister Mary Joan, Sister Mary Mi­ chael, Sister Mary Madaline, Mother Superior Mary Rose, (Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin) of the Order Sister Servants of Christ the King, Sr. Mary Cecelia, and Sr. Mary Martha. For those who need intermediate nursing care, Colonial Manor is maintained in LaMoure. Since its first patient was admitted October 3, 1972, the Manor has been able to give licensed nursing care 14 hours a day seven days a week to a capacity of 60 patients. There are 7 professional nurses employed there as well as a professional dietitian and 30 other semi- professional workers. Colonial Manor has a very active auxiliary of ladies from the LaMoure area. They visit the Manor on Saturday morning with a grocery cart containing snack foods and toilet arti­ 26 WHAT-A LAKE IN LAMOURE COUNTY? Believe it or not, but there is a fine lake in have been planted. It was opened for fishing in 1975 LaMoure County. It is not one that Mother Nature with trout and walleye being the main species. It placed there, but one that mankind built. The idea has rapidly developed into one of the most used originated in 1970 by the James River Sportsman's recreational facilities in the State of North Dakota. Club of LaMoure, and 1,780 acres of land were pur­ In the fall it is a major holding area for ducks and chased for it in 1971 from George Fenno, Walter geese. Ubben, M. H. Steffes, Art Arndt, Harold Gleesing, The building of this fine lake was very much James Valley Lands, Inc. and Ed Steffes. The total cost was $676,000, of which the City of LaMoure of a community effort, but here too it required contributed $78,000. Construction began in 1972 and dedicated leadership to bring it into being. We have was completed in 1973. tried to restrict the use of individual names in this booklet because there are so many persons who It contains 500 surface acres of water with a should be mentioned as having made significant maximum depth of 40 feet and with more than 8 contributions; but at the risk of offending some of miles of shoreline. It is constructed on Cottonwood Creek, four miles south of LaMoure where the creek many persons who worked on it, we might say that enters into the James River Valley. The area con­ the lake is also known as Splitt Lake in recognition tains complete camping, picnic and boating facilities of Ronald Splitt who devoted much of his time to together with a swimming beach. Over 150,000 trees its being built.

THE RURAL MAILMAN IT TAKES CONCERN On the cover of this booklet is a sketch of a rural mailbox. The story of the rural mailman would make AND LEADERSHIP a fascinating one if we had the time and space to tell about it. In the early days there were all kinds In reviewing the populations of the various of problems: routes often followed prairie paths, communities of our County shown elsewhere in this rains usually meant mud holes, and when they got booklet, it is obvious that their total population has stuck it meant walking to the nearest farm house for declined considerably in the past few decades. This help. But farmers were always glad to help. The is also true of the overall population of LaMoure pleasant days helped make up for the bad ones. County which stood at 11,564 in 1920 and has since dropped to 7,117 in 1970. Various towns find that it The early carriers used horses and buggies or is important to keep life attractive in their communi­ sometimes small wagons especially made for carry­ ties and to do whatever they can to hold and attract ing the mail. In the winter it was sleighs. Back in new people and businesses. Most towns have at least the days when the mail was brought in by train, one organization working to keep things active and their winter schedules were sometimes unpredictable do what they can to develop new businesses. In and it sometimes meant starting out in the afternoon. some communities it may be the Lions Club, or a There also were times when the rural carrier would Civic Club or some other group. In the case of La­ get stranded during a blizzard on a farm and stay Moure it has been the LaMoure Enterprises which there for several days until he could return. has done much to attract new business into the Of course conditions are considerably better for Community. There are a good many men and women the modern rural mailman, but routes have been in each community who devote a great deal of their lengthened by two or more times, and we still have time and money to serving on these Boards or Clubs, blizzards and blocked roads. Both the early and and who work actively in promoting their town or present day mailman follow a great tradition: that city. It still takes concern and sustained leadership the mail must get through if at all possible. to get things done. 27 The following are a few examples of the very beautiful farmsteads to be found in LaMoure County.

Farm of Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Moench Farm of Albert Domine Located northwest of Edgeley Located southeast of LaMoure

Farm of Henry Hoffman Farm of Dennis Wendell Located north of Berlin Located north of LaMoure

Farm of Kenneth Haugen of Verona Farm of Leppert Brothers

Located northeast of Edgeley Located south of Edgeley Farm of Dennis Liska Farm of Earl Schlenker, Jud, N. Dak. 28 Picture of Berlin. N. Dak. taken about 1910. Included are 19 business establishments, church and school.

JUDGE THOMAS W. NIELSEN

Thomas W. Nielsen became LaMoure County Judge on February 17, 1976. Judge Nielsen lived in LaMoure from 1926 to 1932 before his parents moved to Bismarck. He again enjoys his old hometown of LaMoure where he lives with his wife, son and daughter. Judge Nielsen has taken an active part in the LaMoure County Bicentennial Celebration. He has assisted with the preparation of this booklet, and he plays the part of Christopher Columbus in the Historic Pageant. One of the early business buildings in LaMoure County, located at Grand Rapids, occupied by the following businesses: Diesem & Frank - Pence & Vogelsang, Cunningham, Lindberg - Amundson - Henry

How Much Did We Help?

Now and then one hears a speaker who deflates our ego. Most of the time they tell us what we want to hear. This speaker asked the question of how much we have done individually to develop and earn the things we enjoy. He pointed out that the land we use was discovered, broken and developed by others. The food we eat was grown and processed by someone else. The roads, cars, homes, churches, ROY A. HOLAND schools, in fact almost everything was provided for us by the dreams, planning, work and sacrifices of Roy A. Holand of LaMoure is the Chairman of others. It was a rather humiliating thought that the LaMoure County Bicentennial Committee. He speaker presented, but it puts our real part and con­ assisted with the Historic Pageant, Parade and this tribution in a more realistic perspective than we Booklet. Mr. Holand has been active in other com­ usually see it. munity and state activities.

29 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There are many people to whom we owe our We are thankful, perhaps most of all, to the men thanks for their part in making this Bicentennial and women who down through the years and cen­ Celebration possible. Planning for this occasion turies have dreamed, worked, struggled and sacri­ began in December, 1975 and it was obvious from the ficed that we can have such a wonderful life and beginning that not all Americans are interested or country to claim as our own. enthusiastic about celebrating this birthday of our ROY A. HOLAND, Chariman country. It was encouraging that there were people in communities who were enthusiastic enough about LaMoure County Bicentennial Committee the United States to make a major undertaking of this kind possible. Since planning is an important part of any event, we appreciate the persons from so many communities taking their time to attend plan­ WELCOME BACK ning sessions. For those who participated in any One of the pleasant events held occasionally in aspect of the Historical Pageant, we are grateful, the respective communities of LaMoure County is and especially to Mrs. June Lundgren, Richard Jack- the High School Reunion. Edgeley holds such an man and Mrs. Sue Podenski, who helped direct it. event each year; Marion had a very successful one last year and LaMoure is planning an All-Class Re­ To those who helped plan the parade and who union for June 26 and 27. It is good to see these fine participated in it, we owe our thanks. A special persons develop into pleasant, responsible and out­ thanks also to the Legions and their Auxiliaries and standing persons. It is good to have them come back. the V.F.W.'s for the important part that they played Our only regret is that there are not enough places in all events of the celebration. To the Berlin Legion and job opportunities in LaMoure County to attract and Auxiliary, especially, for the handling of the and retain more of these well trained and desirable fireworks. Mrs. Harriet Kartes also deserves our young people. gratitude. We are also appreciative to the persons who in any way helped with this booklet—to the writers, Mrs. Laura Sandness, Mrs. Roy A. Holand, Mrs. JMj^ COMMUNITY Thomas Neilson, Gerald Buck the LaMoure County Agent, Mr. Thomas Ketelle, Wesley Ewine of the Soil C3P CREDIT UNION Conservation Service, Roy A. Holand, Thomas Niel- son, Mrs. Gilbert Hanson; also to those who assisted "Savings and Loans For All Seasons" in the typing—Mrs. Ruby Klima, Mrs. Joyce Bolme, Mrs. Irene Dohn, and Debra Bolme; to the LaMoure Chronicle and Kaye's of Fargo for printing and pub­ Box 1725 Jamestown, N. Dak. lishing. Then too we must not overlook the persons who so cheerfully solicited the ads, Mrs. Alice Hum­ 'Happy Bicentennial 1976" phrey, Mrs. Rose Quast, Mrs. Georgine Pollert, Mrs. Gretchen Albert, Mrs. Larry Feist, William Gackle, Ronald Brost, Art Weber and Mrs. Jean Weber, AI Anderson, Mrs. Marie Scheibe, Tom Shockman and to the supporters and advertisers whose interest and Jamestown Clearing help have made this booklet possible. We appreciate the interest of Mrs. Gayle Kaftan House Ass'n. and Mrs. Jeannette Paulson, the cooperation of the LaMoure High School Reunion committee as well as First National Bank the Whitestone Battlefield Celebration Officers, Me­ morial Park Superintendent Walter Fetzer; the Park Jamestown National Bank Board, the LaMoure County Commissioners, and the other officers of the Bicentennial Committee—Ron­ Stutsman County State Bank ald Brost, Vice President, of Kulm; Mrs. Shirley Busche, Secretary, of Verona and Mrs. Joyce Bolme, Jamestown, N. Dak. Treasurer, of Adrian.

30 Kutschenreuter Early LaMoure Blacksmith

Robert H. Kutschenreuter, LaMoure blacksmith from 1902 to 1945. He was born in Sabow, Germany, March 16, 1882. He came to the United States in 1900 and lived in Edgeley for two years. He then moved to LaMoure in 1902 and bought the black­ smith shop. He married Melita Drews November 14, 1914. Mrs. Kutschenreuter took great pride in gardening and fancy work. She won many prizes at the LaMoure County Fair. Her real pride and joy was entering a handmade rug in the New York World's Fair and won first prize. She also played the guitar and entertained for many of the local functions. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kutschenreuter

Mr. Kutschenreuter became an American citi­ zen in 1914. He worked his blacksmith shop until 1945 and retired and moved to Fargo where he worked for his son, Richard, who operates a printing BERLIN FARMERS UNION firm. His son, Robert, has been a government em­ ployee since 1937. He started as an engineer on the ELEVATOR CO. Alaskan Highway, became chief of traffic manage­ Seed-Grain-Fertilizer-Chemicals-Twine ment in the Atomic Energy Commission, and is now Director, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety in the De­ partment of Transportation. His daughter, Melita, John Cisinski, Manager lives in Fargo where she teaches piano and organ. Berlin, N. Dak. Mr. Kutschenreuter was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. His hobby was reading Happy 200th Birthday, America history and the Bible. He had no formal education, learned to read and write English by studying the Bible. He loved the American Flag and worked for God and Country. He wrote a poem, "A SALUTE TO OLD GLORY." His son sent it to Martin Buxbaum BOOSTERS who published American contemporary poetry. The poem was selected for the book, "The Unsung."

OLD GLORY, thou art so true, so dear — HARLAN VOLK Almost in part divine; PETE STEINER And under thy protecting care, We'll sure contentment find. VERONA CAFE May God so grant wherever thou goest — In righteousness but stern — HEIDINGER IMPLEMENT That all the nations of the world, Will respect for thee learn. 31 TRAPP INSURANCE SERVICE AUCTION CITY SALES INC. Phone 845-2732 Myles Trapp - David Trapp, Agents 1240 W. Main - West on Business Loop 94 Valley City, N. Dak. INSURANCE AT A SAVINGS

Valley City, N. Dak. ERNIE MIEDEMA, PROPRIETOR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! "Never Undersold"

CONGRATULATIONS HAUGEN BALDWIN

LAMOURE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL FUNERAL HOME SERVICES FOR ALL FAITHS

Fidelity Federal Taste - Understanding - Integrity Savings and Loan Association We can arrange dignified services, individually suited to each family's beliefs. Valley City, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak. — Oakes, N. Dak.

^ •% CONGRATULATIONS <**"• "*•» |<&|p| LAMOURE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL f**?5?J

Memorial Park - Grand Rapids, N. Dak. July 2, 3, 4, 5, 1976

VALLEY CITY RETAIL AUTO DEALERS

Casey Stoudt Ford Miller Motors

Giesler Implement Christianson Motors

McCurley Chevrolet-Buick Farmotors

32 BICENTENNIAL GREETINGS COLVILLE'S From FURNITURE—CARPET—DRAPERY 301 North Central Avenue THE KULM MESSENGER Valley City, North Dakota 58072 RAY COLVILLE

KULM CREDIT UNION COUNTRY STYLE SHOP HAIR STYLING FOR MEN AND WOMEN The Best Place To Save And Borrow Vi Mile South of LaMoure on Lake Road "It's Where You Belong" Sara Lee Freier - Owner

SANDERS REXALL DRUG BERTSCH'S FAIRWAY Purveyor of Fine Foods and Meats Thanks for Your Support for Over 30 Years Kulm, N. Dak. Oakes, N. Dak. Salutes the LaMoure County Bicentennial

HIRD & SONS, INC. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA Today, as in the past, we are always KULM CIVIC & ready to serve you, our Customer. IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION SERVING THIS AREA SINCE 1935 Darrold G. Engel, Manager Edgeley, N. Dak. Kulm, N.Dak.

KDDR - 1220 RADIO

GOOD MUSIC RADIO

AIR FORCE

BILL ZANDER

JOHN LEE

TOM HUFF

SERVING THE DAKOTAS FROM OAKES, NORTH DAKOTA

33 LaMoure County East & West GACKLE BROS., INC. Soil Conservation Districts Hardware-I implements-Furniture

Working with others to conserve Automobiles and Livestock and develop our resources.

Kulm, N. Dak. CONGRATULATIONS LAMOURE COUNTY!

LAMOURE COUNTY N.F.O. LaMoure County Farmers Union

WORKING TOGETHER

Serving The Needs Of Farmers TO SERVE THE FARMER

We Salute Our Country On Its 200th Birthday HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Happy 200th Birthday America! CARLSON AND SJOSTROM

KULM STATE BANK Complete Line of Case, Hesston, For All Your Banking Needs New Holland, Farmhand & Melroe Clark Savings-Checking-Loans-Safe Deposits SALES — SERVICE FULL SERVICE BANK — FDIC Check Us First For Used Machinery

Kulm, N. Dak. Kulm, N. Dak.

Farmers Union Oil Company DALY-PETERSON-THORNBY

"Where The Customer Is The Company" FUNERAL HOME

On The Farm Tire Service

Fertilizer-Chemicals-Petroleum-Tune-ups Jamestown, N. Dak.

Kulm, N.Dak. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA"

34 ROY'S U-SAVE GLENN ELLINGSON Roy - Henrietta - Cindy - Tammy STANDARD SERVICE STATION GROCERIES—MEATS—LOCKER PLANT ATLAS TIRES — 38 YEARS EXPERIENCE Litchville, N. Dak. Berlin, N. Dak.

C. H. CARPENTER OASIS BAR LUMBER CO. BEER — WINES — LIQUORS Newell Hackey, Mgr. Paint - Lumber - Insulation - Hardware Berlin, N. Dak. Litchville, N. Dak. BEITZ PUMP SERVICE LITCHVILLE BULLETIN & WELL DRILLING Robert & Norma Miedema - Publishers Arthur Beitz We join in wishing the best to our "LET'S SAVE OUR WATER" Berlin, N. Dak. country in the future!

CONGRATULATIONS BOOM OIL COMPANY Jobber LaMoure County Bicentennial Loren & Loraine Boom Litchville, N. Dak. MSB) Products ART AND JEAN WEBER BEST WISHES TO THE COUNTRY!

Farmers Union Oil Co. BEST WISHES FROM Bjffl Clifford Klundt, Mgr. For All Your Farm Needs Litchville, N. Dak. JAMESTOWN AUTO DEALERS Greetings From ASSOCIATION WENDELL SIEDSCHLAG BALING—COMBINING—SILO FILLING CORN PICKING—GRAVEL HAULING Frederick, Inc. Berlin, N. Dak. James River Motors LITCHVILLE STATE BANK Lloyd's Motors BEST WISHES AMERICA! Melland, Inc. A FULL Litchville, N. Dak. SERVICE Walt Sanders Chevrolet BANK' Midwest Motors STRINDENS OUR OWN R. M. Stoudt, Inc.

SINCE 1912 JAMESTOWN, N. DAK. 1 JOHN DEEHE Litchville, N. Dak.

35 Edgeley Plumbing & Heating STATE BANK OF MARION Jim Mathson - Bill Zottnick STATION AT DICKEY

Residential & Commercial "Working Together To Help Our Community Grow' Contracting & Work

Farm Water & Sewer Systems Marion, N. Dak. Estimates & Planning Service

ANDERSON BROTHERS Gentzkow Trucking Service, Inc. Rounders For Sale

hsz! S^9©

Box 98 Inquire About Our Leasing Plan LaMoure, N. Dak. 58458 Edgeley, N. Dak.

GREETINGS FROM

THE LAW OFFICES OF SECURITY KESSEL-SPLITT-KESSEL NATIONAL

In This Bicentennial Year BANK Theodore F. Kessel

Ronald G. Splitt FULL SERVICE BANK Theodore Kessel Jr.

Locally Owned Bank

Serving Edgeley and Surrounding Area Vermeer Baler & Equipment

SALES —SERVICE INSURANCE OF ALL KINDS

Since 1921 Raymond Skattum - Dealer

Adrian, N. Dak.

Edgeley, N. Dak. "The No. 1 choice of the big round balers"

36 AREA MEDICAL CLINICS PC LaMoure County Farm Bureau EDGELEY, '^$fH^P ELLENDALE, N. D. 58433 'SB' N. D. 58436 Ph. 493-2216 W Ph. 349-3666 Salutes America

Dr. Eugene Bollinger Dr. Ronald Brown Dr. Eugene Byron On Its 200th Birthday!

BEST WISHES NORTHWESTERN BELL A SALUTE TO A GREAT COMMUNITY! TELEPHONE COMPANY

A Citizen Since 1903!

Serving the Area of LaMoure County HERMAN STERN

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA"

JUD FARMERS UNION OTTER TAIL POWER CO. GRAIN COMPANY Business Office at Oakes, N. Dak.

DeVern L. Hess, Mgr. "Serving Customers in LaMoure County"

"We Are Here To Serve You"

Jud, N. Dak. TO AMERICA'S FUTURE!

McKay Water Treating Inc. HOLTE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.

Earl Frydenlund — Harold Kurtz

Ellendale, N. Dak. "Your Locally Owned Soft Water Service"

RENTALS —SALES Edgeley, N. Dak.

Ashley, N. Dak. VjyyV Edgeley, N. Dak.

37 GOOD OIL COMPANY FARMERS UNION GRAIN CO.

LeRoy Good John A. Kubat- Manager LaMoure, N. Dak. For All Standard Oil Products

JORVE'S SMITH'S CLOTHING

Coin-operated "The Store With A Heart"

Dry Cleaning - Laundromat Verona, N. Dak.

LAMOURE DAIRY BAR ROBERTS IMPLEMENT Adolph Robert - Owner Dallas & Lois Willey Massey Ferguson - Morris - Badger Home Cooked Meals & Pastries Shaffer Discs - Bush Hog Meet your friends at the Dairy Bar We Sell Beauty Log Homes

CHAR'S CUT & CURL N & J TAVERN

REDKEN RETAIL CENTER On & Off Sale

Complete family hair and skin care Beer & Liquor Tuesday night — Men's night Nick & Judy Meisch

JAY TEE ELECTRIC HI-WAY SERVICE STATION LaMoure, N. Dak. — Bill Boyle, Prop. Firestone & Goodyear Tires Electrical Contractors Air Conditioning Complete on the farm tire service Insulation LaMoure, N. Dak. — Norm & Ron Heyd

MAIER BUILDERS SUPPLY LAMOURE LOCKERS

Your Complete Building Center Meat Processing - Locker Service

LaMoure, N. Dak. Bill & Lu Hanson - Dick & Karen Hanson

GREETINGS! ART'S SUPER SERVICE C. W. Hocking VERONA OIL CO. &

R.J. Ireland Warren Tang

FARMERS CORNER FEEDS DICK'S CAFE

Purina Chows - Health Products Where friends meet to eat.

If you've got it — We can feed it! Millie & Richard Banderet

38 LAMOURE AUTO & IMP. CO. DANIEL PEKARSKI'S REPAIR

John Deere - Chevrolet - Oldsmobile Welding-Machine-Mechanics

LaMoure, N. Dak. — Ph. 883-4280 Dickey, N. Dak.

GRAND RAPIDS BAR BOB'S BAR On & Off Beer & Liquor Liquor-Beer-Pool

Refreshments — Relaxation On & Off Sale Jim & Lotte Verona, N. Dak.

Wynne's Department Store LEE'S REPAIR SHOP

Wynnie & Lowell Bierman, Owners Lee Richards, Owner

LaMoure, N. Dak. — Ph. 883-5323 AUTO TUNE-UP, REPAIR AND SERVICE

MARION CAFE VERONA FARMERS HOME COOKED MEALS COOP GRAIN CO. Lois Church, Manager Dennis Johnson - Mgr. Marion, N. Dak. Grain - Fertilizer - Feed

DEB'S BEAUTY SHOP GRAND RAPIDS Hair Styling - Hair Shaping FARMERS ELEVATOR Mark Nelson, Mgr. Permanents - Tints Cleaning-Feed-Seed-Grain-Chemicals Come in and see Deb & Connie Twine-Fertilizer

Adrian Equity Elevator Co. Miracle Water Sales & Service

Darwin Bossart, Mgr. AI Anderson

Adrian, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak.

ERBELE'S K & R CAFE

Channel Master TV Antenna Installations WE SPECIALIZE IN GOOD FOOD.

LaMoure, N. Dak. Walter & Donna Kratz

VALLEY FUEL COMPANY SOLINGER'S LUMBER, INC.

John Goehring — Mobil Bulk Agent Lumber - Paint - Hardware

Dickey, N. Dak. Nortonville, N. Dak.

39 Marion J C Miller Elevator NORDLEY ELECTRIC

Dean Mclnnes, Manager Commercial & Residential Wiring

FERTILIZER - SEED - CHEMICALS Edgeley, N. Dak.

Riley's Jack & Jill Food Store MARION EQUITY ELEVATOR

The Home-owned Store That Saves You More "Operation Since 1916"

Edgeley, N. Dak. Marion, N. Dak.

FARMERS UNION GRAIN CO. NEIS MOBIL OIL OF EDGELEY W. F. Neis, Owner James McColm, Manager Edgeley, N. Dak. Grain •• Cleaning - Grinding "We've Been Here Since 1939" "26 Years of Service"

OUR PLACE EDGELEY BAR & LOUNGE "OUR PLACE IS YOUR PLACE" Serving All Your Favorite Beverages Carleen Syverson, Manager Entertainment

Edgeley, N. Dak. Kenny Taszarek, Manager

EDGELEY AUCTION SALES UNITED BUILDING CENTERS Complete Auction Service Ralph Wilson, Manager for the past 20 years

Harold Ellingson - Lie. & Bonded PAINT — LUMBER — HARDWARE 25 Years of Auction Service Edgeley, N. Dak.

LEO & DELLA'S RED OWL G.T.A. FEED PLANT Clayton Keifer, Manager GROCERIES — MEATS — PRODUCE Mfg. of All Types of Livestock Feeds Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley, N. Dak.

Edgeley Drug & Jewelry, Inc. Kludt's Coast to Coast Store

Phone Edgeley Milola "Where The Dollar Does The Most"

49 Years of Service Edgeley, N. Dak.

EDGELEY V STORE EDGELEY DAIRY

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA" Home Deliveries or Find It At Your Favorite Store

Bob & Edna Mathson Merritt Ogren

40 LAMOURE IMPROVEMENT HIRD IMPLEMENT CO.

On & Off Sale LaMoure, N. Dak.

Wine-Liquor-Beer-Pizza Phone 883-5288

LORAK, INC. PAULINGS STANDARD LaMoure, N. Dak. Tires - Batteries - Lubrication - Tire Repair Hydraulic Implement Transports You Expect More From Standard And You Get It

Big Bale Loader — 4 or 7 Bale Edgeley, N. Dak.

MARY'S FASHIONS Pratschner Electronic Service

Celebrate America's Birthday With Lifetime Resident of LaMoure County The Latest Fashions in Sportswear! Serving Edgeley Area Since 1950

Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley, N. Dak.

EDGELEY LIVESTOCK TR SUPPLY CO. AUCTION MARKET AUTOMOTIVE JOBBERS Sporting Goods - Gift Items - Vets Supplies Evert L. Christians, Owner Phone 883-5331 — LaMoure, N. Dak. 58458 Certified Livestock Auction Three Generations of Parts Experience Sales Every Monday

HAM'S MOBIL SERVICE FARMERS UNION INSURANCE HAM'S LAUNDROMAT Floyd and Reed Fredenburg

Edgar J. Ham "See Us For Good Service" Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley, N. Dak.

EDGELEY MAIL PRIEBE'S TASTEE FREEZ

In Our 90th Year of Publication That's Where The Good Things Are.

Official Newspaper for LaMoure County Call in Your Order For Quicker Service

Kenton Buchholz - Editor Edgeley, N. Dak.

HARMSEN'S GREENHOUSE James Valley Motor & Imp. LaMoure, N. Dak. Larry Harmsen, Owner Pontiac - Case - G.M.C. LaMoure, N. Dak. Sales & Service

ELMER'S BAKERY GREETINGS!

Breads, Pastries & Cake Decorating CHARLES & ELAINE WINSLOW

LaMoure, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak.

41 LAMOURE SUPPER CLUB GO GAMBLES Tops in Food and Entertainment HARDWARE AND PAINTS Private Meetings — Banquet Facilities HOUSEWARES AND APPLIANCES Dennis & Jeanne Paul LaMoure, N. Dak.

EVELYN'S SHOP CARROLL'S TAVERN For the Best in Drinks LaMoure, N. Dak. Cigarettes - Beer - Cigars Ladies & Children's Clothing - Gifts LaMoure, N. Dak.

GREETINGS D. SPORT SHOP

from Lund Boats - Johnson Motors

ROY A. HOLAND & BETTY Kawasaki Motorcycles - Lawn Boy Mowers

and from

ROY W. - MARY - DONALD LaMoure, N. Dak.

North Dakota Farmers Mutual LAMOURE CHRONICLE Tornado and Cyclone Your Best Advertising Medium Insurance Co. Job Printing - Wedding Supplies

D. J. Robideau

LaMoure, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak.

LAMOURE GRAIN & FUEL ART'S RED OWL Rodney Pithey, Owner

Art and Maxine Lapham, Owners Feed - Seed - Grain - Coal - Grinding

LaMoure, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak.

42 YOUNG FURNITURE Best Wishes For The

Complete Home Furnishings Bicentennial Year Appliances - Furniture - Carpet

Draperies - Wallpaper

Carpet Steam Cleaning - Service Dept. MILT AND PAT YOUNG

FEDERAL LAND BANK ISAKSON OIL CO. OF LAMOURE R. E. Isakson, Owner Serving LaMoure, Dickey, Ransom & Sargent Counties

Paul Thielges, Manager Gasoline - Oil - Fuel Oil LaMoure, N. Dak. LaMoure, N. Dak. LONG TERM REAL ESTATE LOANS

JAMES VALLEY ELECTRIC STANDARD OIL Blaine Horsager - Jobber COOPERATIVE, INC.

Pioneers In Petroleum Development SERVICE — Our Only Product In The Nation And North Dakota

Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley, N. Dak.

EDGELEY & JUD KIPP CHEVROLET, INC. FARMERS UNION OIL CO. Chevrolet - Allis Chalmers Sales & Service GAS — FUELS — FERTILIZERS C B Radios "Where The Customer Is The Company"

O. W. & C. E. Kipp — Edgeley, N. Dak. Edgeley-493-2221 In LaMoure County for 51 Years Jud - 685-2669

43 GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS Earlier in this booklet we commented about the drouth which this area was experiencing. This drouth was referred to as the worst since 1936 and had it continued for another week, it would have meant little or no crop. Since that writing, and on Monday, June 14, most of this area received a three inch rain, the first appreciable moisture in two months. This means the farmer may get a half crop if conditions remain favorable. Now for the bad news: All they have to worry about now to get that half crop are floods, recurring drouth, insects, hail, high winds and then low prices. Farming remains one of the most hazard­ ous occupations to be found. STANDARDS OF LIVING Every now and then one comes across some information that jars one into realizing what a high standard of living we Americans have, and how grateful we ought to be for the privi­ lege of being an American. One such article came to our at­ tention just as we were considering whether we should cele­ brate this national birthday. It pointed out that over 300 million of the people of the world have an annual income of less than $300 a year. We had to read it twice to comprehend it. Compar­ ing theirs with our very high standard of living makes citizen­ ship in this great Country very much a privilege. We don't mean to imply that we have conquered all of our modern frontiers or that all Americans have it good. There still are many problems, and millions of Americans, many of whom are well trained and anxious to work, but cannot find employment. We do have it good in this Country and we can still work in our Democratic way to make for better opportunities for more of our Countrymen. WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE This has been a booklet about LaMoure County in 1976 with some observations about previous years. We will not at­ tempt to forecast the future, but will leave that to you, the reader. We will make only one observation: with all the work and progress of the past, the future is sure to be easier and hopefully more enjoyable than the past.

44

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota, Our prairie home We love you for the bounty of this place, Your wide horizons, Fertile soil, Your gently rolling, ample living space.

We love you for Your varied scenes; Your valley flatness and your rolling plain, Your sculptured badlands, Flat-topped buttes Your pasturelands, your rippling fields of grain.

We love you for The mineral stores That lie beneath the fertile surface soil, Your seams of coal, Ceramic clay And deeper still, your precious pools of oil.

We love you for The pioneers Who boldly matched their brawn against your strength; Who broke your sod And faced your storms And proved themselves as worthy of your wealth.

We love you for Your varied clime; Your storms, your dazzling sun, your bracing air. Winter blizzards Rage at times But nowhere else are heavens quite so fair.

We love you for p Your solid worth, • 542 Your whimseys and your generosity; . L3 Your gracious present, L35 Rugged past; 19 76 For what in future years you're yet to be. c. 1

S. O. KOLSTOE