•£^J^^ Y^^^^i NORTH DAKOTA STATE LIBRARY

^.b^e 75 YEARS 1906 -1981

Diamond Jubilee Pek'm, North Dakota

NESS PRINTING CO., DEVILS LAKE, ND North Dakota State Library 604 E 8ou!evard Avenue Rkmairk til) <#V&JWM • COMMITTEE COMMENTS - ficmiMflOftoca For this, our Diamond Jubilee Booklet, the entire 1956 Pekin Golden ( ubilee Booklet has been reprinted. Included are recent additions to the history, businesses, organizations, churches, post office and city improvements. In the family section, pictures of the next generation have been added where available. To those who gave us their biographies with pictures, bits of information and other help, we thank you. Pekin Pioneers Committee Minnie M. Polis Alice Stahl Benora Stenslie Gordon Raaen Arnold Molmen

- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - 1981

JULY 10 - First Night Dance in Pekin Auditorium Music by Cliff Foreng's Orchestra

JULY 11-Second Day Parade, Food Stands and Other Amusements

JULY 12 - Third Day Sunday Services

Commemorative Caps, Buttons and Cups Are For Sale

— 1956 Golden Jubilee Booklet Dedication —

To the courageous and hardy pioneers who braved the bleak, desolate Dakota prairie to homestead Osago Township and the surrounding area; and who later founded the village of Pekin we proudly and respectfully dedicate this book. It is the hope of the committee that this brief history will give a concise, factual report of the progress of Pekin and community and that it will be regarded a proper tribute to the memory of those to whom this book is dedicated. As a fitting memento of this 50th anniversary celebration of the Village of Pekin, we the Pekin Jubilee History Committee, after considerable effort do herewith submit this treatise as our final effort to accurately trace the history of our own small portion of the world — Osago Township and the Village of Pekin. — HISTORY —

Prior to the coming of the homesteaders the only inhabitants of this area were a village of "breeds" of French and Indian extraction who were located in the clearing along the Sheyenne River just east of the present Peterson Dam. There were also a few Indian stragglers who occasionally passed through on their journeys to and from the reservation which lay some ten miles to the west of this Indian village. The Sibeley Trail crossed the river at a point five miles west of Pekin near the Bjorn Tollefsrud farm. Wheel tracks of this famous trail can still be seen today at various points along the trail. These tracks in the soft virgin soil were left by the heavy freight wagons as they transported supplies from Valley City to Fort Totten and U.S. Army caravans traveling from Fort Abercrombie and Fort Ransom to Fort Totten where General Sibeley had troops to protect the settlers and to police the Indian reservation. The first white settlers in the Pekin community were emigrants from Norway who made the final push toward Dakota Territory from various points in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. In their drive westward to free land they passed through the Mayville trough, commonly known at that time as the Goose River Prairie, which was already pretty well settled by other homesteaders so there was no choice but to go further west for a choice piece of land. Two prime requisites of a good homestead were ample water and timber for fuel and building purposes; consequently land along the Sheyenne River was among the first to be claimed.

Peace Demonstration - April 1916

The first homesteaders to arrive in Osago Township arrived in the spring of 1881. It was quite a common practice at the time that the man of the family came first to select a homesite and the family made their appearance at a later date. As the first settlers arrived they learned that the nearest town for their patronage was Larimore and the courthouse at which they transacted the necessary business of filing their homesteads was located in Grand Forks. The majority of these hardy pioneers had to walk or drive a team of oxen as very few could afford the luxury of owning horses. Since travel was so slow a trip to town was quite an ordeal and usually required several days planning least something be Welcome to Pekin forgotten. Many of these early settlers learned the near tragedy of coming home to learn that some essential had been forgotten and of course an immediate return trip to town was out of the question. There were no roads or trails to guide them and there were very few landmarks on this great expanse of prairie other than an occasional tree, bush or hill rising out of the distance by which they could plot their Pcki course on these treks across the plains, consequently many a traveler found himself wandering a considerable distance out of the way and in winter and the resulting blizzards many became lost and many perished. To relieve the hardships encountered by these pioneers and of course with the thought of capitalizing on the great opportunities of this territory, the Great Northern Railway began pushing their tracks westward from Larimore in 1883. They reached the town of Bartlett that first year. Now these early farmers had two closer points at which they did much of their trading. Michigan City, a distance of about 30 miles, and later Lakota, a distance of about 20 miles. Living conditions in general received a great boost from this closer proximity to a ready market and life on this western prairie became a good deal more bearable and pleasant. In 1896 the Great Northern Railway built a road from Fargo as far west as Aneta and the Northern Pacific built a railroad to what became known as Cooperstown. Photography business, about 1906 The Great Northern stopped at Aneta for a period of ten years and the Northern Pacific stopped at Cooperstown for four years, then pushed on to Binford and later McHenry which became the end of the line and still remains so today. The people of this area did much of their business in Aneta, Lakota and Cooperstown and were happy with the thought that now they were in a position to bargain for the marketing of their produce and the buyers began to feel the competition and had to cater to the farmer a little or his business felt the result of not dealing fairly. With the coming of the railroad in 1906 through the site where the village of Pekin now stands, the first order of business was to survey and plot the site for laying out the town. They made a wise choice of location and a very orderly arrangement of the layout as a whole — firm soil and good drainage which has proven very essential to good streets and good building locations. Although the soil is on the light and sandy order, it has proven its ability to grow trees, lawns and gardens that are a pride to any town and community. The town of Pekin is located in the heart of a good trade territory overlooking the winding Sheyenne valley with New Housing Unit -1980 Stump Lake Park with recreational facilities a short distance to the north and a few miles beyond the Sheyenne River to the south is the beautiful fresh water lake of Red Willow, with its fishing and other recreational facilities.

-1- Pekin through the years has been a great town for celebrations and the June 7 ffUtfir- ft'i !V*S V celebrations were held each year from the first years until these were transformed by the A. L. Gulbro Implement Co. into the famous Chevrolet Days. Each year a Chevrolet automobile was given to the holder of the lucky ticket. These celebrations lasted for 3 days and no one complained about not having time to attend and capacity crowds came to celebrate each day. The nucleus around which these festivities centered were the famous "North Dakota State Band" and a ball team which was practically undefeated — both products of Pekin and of which the Pekin community were and still are justly proud. The village of Pekin was founded and built on the SW V* section 44 in Osago Township on land owned by the late Trong (Tom) Alstad who also served as the town's first mayor. The town was incorporated in 1906, grew and prospered by leaps and bounds and soon many flourishing business places were established. Traveling by covered wagon Trond (Tom) Alstad, first mayor of Pekin arrived in ?ffi/iV WHISKER CLUB Osago Township in the spring of 1881 in the company of six other land seekers — 30year celebration, June 2-3,1937 Bernt Opoien, Nels Hagen, Lars Loe, Halvor (A.T.) Johnson, Paul Vrem and Ole Vrem. This trip was planned with the thought of looking over the land and selecting a good home site. Of this party only two, Tom Alstad and Lars Loe, were family men, so they chose their land, built their long cabins and went back to Minnesota to get their families. They returned with their families to their homesteads on November 20, 1881 and took up the serious task of making a living. T. J. Alstads homestead was located just south of the Sheyenne River about a half mile west of Ingvold Hoibergs farm on land presently owned and operated by Wallace Opoien. Married in 1874 to Miss Annie Hagen in Chippewa County, Minnesota, Tom Alstad, emigrant from Norway, took up life in America. To this marriage was born two children. The first daughter Jette (Mrs. Nels Forde of Hamar) and secondly a son James, killed at Ottofy Lake by lightning at the age of 16. In 1894, Mr. Alstad lost his homestead an preemption and so bought Ottofy post office from Mrs. Vagness. He served as postmaster until 1897 when he bought two quarters of land just south of what later became the village of Pekin. This land today is held by the village of Pekin and Andrew Avdem. In 1906 the present townsite of Pekin was sold to the Tollman townsite company for the sum of $2,000. All lots not sold by this company were repurchased by Mr. Alstad who sold then in turn as occasion demanded. Mrs. Alstad passed away in the year 1939 and Mr. Alstad passed to his reward a Main Street -1980 year later at the age of 84.

A CONTINUATION OF PEKIN HISTORY IN 1980 IN ANTICIPATION OF OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY The history of Pekin has been well written up to our fiftieth anniversary in 1956; now we are fast approaching our seventy-fifth or diamond year of existence first as a village, in later years through legislative action our village was converted to a city. As a village we were governed by a three-man village board; after becoming a city our town has been governed by a five-man city council. Since our fiftieth anniversary much change has been taking place in our community which will require another chapter be added to the previous episode. A committee has been appointed to do this with only one member of the former committee retained for this venture. In amending past history it is quite possible that there will be some repetition in the writing of this effort. Each member was assigned a different category or subject on which to concentrate and write. Many buildings built in the early history of Pekin have become vacant several times and have been converted to other purposes for some utility or other. The building built by Scott and Barret, housing and connected to their lumber yard bearing that name, later taken over by the Atlas Lumber company which was operated by B.K. (Bennie) Enstad until that company took over the Bovey Shutte Well-kept railway sign lumber yard which stood on property now owned by Vernon Ensrud, formerly managed by O.S. (Ole) Houge. The Atlas buildings and yard stood vacant for some years until converted to "Flying Dutchman" an implement firm managed by Gilderhuis and Johnson. This firm did business there until some years later they were bought out by Shaw Bros, who did not stay very long until converted into a Creamery by the then Bergen Community Club, supposedly the first Creamery Nelson County organized by the county's first County Agent, T.T. Christianson of Icelandic origin. This man starting from scratch aided by farmers in the community, who were loyal and devoted to Pekin and the surrounding community who were not only interested in their own welfare but the community and their fellowmen as well. Christianson organized many things of great benefit to our town and community. The Pekin bank during the dirty thirties, closed its doors breaking the whole town and community. The creamery, which was so dependent on the bank, soon closed its doors as a community enterprise. It was later operated by other owners but Pekin's N.D. State Band, 1910 or 1912 "This too had to pass away." Near Great Northern Hotel, Devils Lake, N.D. After being idle for some years the Highway employees converted it into a shelter for their equipment, after housing the equipment in the snow bank for thirty years, later the building was purchased by Fredrick who owned the bar adjoining, a short time later the old building burned ending another Pekin enterprise and much proven landmark. The Johnson store, built long before Pekin was founded but later moved into Pekin after the town was platted, and remained under the management of J.O. Johnson until illness forced him to close, when it was sold to J. T. Knold, who operated it for several years. He sold out to Clarence Messner of McHenry who operated it until his demise, when it was later operated by Don Messner, a son who later sold the store to the Fredricks family who operated it for some years when it was taken over by the Robert Ensrud family who later closed up, never to open again at this writing. Since then Pekin has not had a grocery store. But there may still be hope that Pekin will have a store as we now have a development committee who have recently been instrumental in the building of a low rent housing project. So, if the present store does not open, this committee may build one. The Pekin Bank served the community well and proved a great factor in the early development of the Pekin town and surrounding territory until the depression that broke so many banks in the nation when depositors lost their money, land, and most of their possessions as a result. After the bank had gone out of existence it remained in limited use as an exchange bank still having in possession the safety deposit boxes where people could keep their valuables or maybe the few dollars and cents that they had salvaged or later accumulated. This also had to pass after which it stood idle for a few years until it was converted to a restaurant for many years under as many owners or managers and it too closed after it had been extensively remodeled and enjoyed good business. Pioneer Park -1980

The evolution of the elevator business dates back to almost medieval times although not as complicated as we see it today. In the pioneer days it was often said of grain buyers: "You are lucky to get your wagon back." This was not always in jest as there was no grain grading equipment as it is today. Today the grain is graded electronically where grain is graded in seconds, where a few short years ago it would take several minutes. It used to take four hours to load a car; today much larger cars are loaded in thirty minutes. In the early days of marketing grain there were no mechanical means of grading the quality of the farmers grain; the farmer was at the mercy of the buyer or elevator manager who would simply reach into the wagon box to get a hand full of grain, then would scan it, probably stir it around a bit to check the color or the dockage content according to his personal judgment or whim, and the farmer had no recourse but to accept what he got for what he had and be satisfied. Since that time grain grading equipment has been improved, crude at first, but has slowly been improved until today one man in an elevator can do what it required five men to do when first elevators came into being. Pekin, since its inception, has had three elevators, all doing good business, requiring several men in their operation. Today, due to improved methods of operation and modern equipment to handle grain, we have only one elevator handling many times the volume in a given time due to improved farm operation, much larger farms worked by much less personnel, manning combines and large trucks to deliver the much larger volume of grain due to fertilizer and spraying to rid the fields of energy consuming soil and energy consuming weeds. In the early days of farming the farmers would have to use many different equipment or devices to clean their grain for seed. This was an all-winter job using hand operated fanning mills, etc. Today the elevators will do the same work in a few minutes, at the same time treat the grain for smut and other fungus that may linger in the seed grain. The elevators today will also dry grain with too high moisture content, although the individual farm now has equipment to dry their own grain as it comes from the fields. This allows the farmer to get at the harvest of field grain sooner after morning dew or rain which could delay harvest for several days during the season.

As history goes, the original livery barn that was built in the early days of Pekin, built to shelter farmers horses that came a long way to conduct their business in town, also mail carriers and dray horses that were used in those days. In the late 1920's although horses were much in evidence and much used to haul grain, coal and many other commodities of that time, the old livery barn was sold and demolished as it did not have enough business to justify operating any longer. So Pekin lost another enterprise to modern development as cars and other transportation replaced the horse as, well could be, as the horse was much abused and suffered much at the hands of men who did not realize the limitation of living flesh in the heat or cold. Then the farmers still realized that there should be some shelter provided for the horses that were left and still served the community. So in the mid-thirties, the community farmers contributed funds towards building a shelter for people with Bill Kling and his team of horses horses who wished to come to town to do their business. This barn was also Pekin Jubilee Parade • 1956

-3- forgotten and neglected until it was restored by CETA government workers in 1979 and serves now as it has for years as a warehouse for city equipment. It was shingled, painted, and new sills installed and other necessary repair, and will stand as a memorial to those faithful farmers who saw a necessity and did something about it for a long time. Plumbers in any community has not always been a household word - one could never be found when wanted. Pekin, on the other hand, always had craftsmen for every business enterprise; carpenters, masons, mechanics, electricians and laborers for any vineyard. So it was with plumbers. Pekin had two licensed plumbers capable of any plumbing work that was required and available when needed, but like most all of the businessmen and tradesmen of Pekin, they either retired and left or passed to their reward. So it was with our plumbers who died young not to be replaced ever again. They were Henry Bergstrom and Eddie Polis. The Sewer was installed in about 1961 and water installed in about 1971. Park improvement has been going on for many years, the biggest in 1976 in anticipation of the school reunion, sanitary facilities, tables, etc. In 1979, two shelters were installed and water and barbeque grills have also been installed making Pekin Park the best equipped and maintained in the area. After the Pekin Budget, news publication was discontinued. It was converted to many different business operations until 1956 when the first history of Pekin was written, the building stood idle until 1971 when Pekin installed a city water system. The building was demolished to make room for the city water control plant, with John Holden and Francis Stahl two wells directly behind it supplying the city with sufficient water until 1978 when Pekin's 50th Anniversary -1956 the well failed to produce sufficient water to supply the town. In 1980 a contract was let to pipe in water from a source one and a half miles north of the city. BY ARNOLD MOLMEN — FIRST STORE — The building now standing next to Siedlinger's Bar on the south was the first store building built in Pekin. It was built by Eidsvog and Gunderson on the site presently occupied by the Pekin Fire Hall. After they built the building now occupied by Johnson Hardware store, it was moved to its present location. It was then purchased by Albin and Obert Bergstrom who converted the building into a meat market which they operated for a few years. It continued to be used as a meat market through the years, begin operated by Thompson and Gronvold of Aneta, followed by Anderson and Erickson, and for several years thereafter by George Erickson as sole owner. George Erickson then purchased a meat market in Finley, North Dakota, and sold his business in Pekin to C. H. Morken who for several years operated a combination meat and grocery store. In 1929 the building and stock was purchased by J. J. Elsaas who moved the stock and fixtures to Elsaas Store and this building was left vacant. After a short vacancy it was converted to use as a barber shop and was operated as such for a time by Henry Hier, followed by Jack Jondahl. Thelma Parmer also operated a beauty shop here in connection with the Jondahl Barbershop. In 1936 it was changed to a hardware store which was operated by J. T. Elsaas until 1943. In 1945 the building was purchased by Arnot Tangen from J. J. Elsaas and has been occupied for a time by Mrs. Delia Walhood operating the Pekin Decorated for a celebration • 1976 Variety Store and later by the Pekin Farm Electric. In 1956 the lower floor was vacant and the rooms upstairs were the home of the owner, Arnot Tangen. It was sold to the Seidlinger Brothers, who sold it to Dean Ensrud. Today it is Deano's Bar.

Elsaas Store 1910 Elsaas Building is coming down -1980 J. J. Elsaas — Sam Elsaas — Mandus Isacson Elsaas Store was founded in Pekin by J. J. Elsaas in 1906. J. J. Elsaas had been in business before 1906 in Manfred, North Dakota, in partnership with Otto Sletten. Upon learning of the starting of a town here, the partnership of Sletten and Elsaas was dissolved at Manfred, Mr. Elsaas buying out the interest of Mr. Sletten and then shipping the stock of merchandise to Binford, North Dakota, from where it was hauled by wagon to Pekin by Sever Hoiberg, Christ Jacobson and Thor Arlien. Upon coming to Pekin, Mr. Elsaas built a store with a twenty foot front. In 1914 an addition of 55 feet was added to the original store giving the store a 75 foot front on Main Street. During the first few years the telephone exchange was in the store, and the switchboard was operated by Mr. Elsaas. Later the central was moved upstairs over the store with full-time operators. Some of the clerks who worked in Elsaas Store at various times through the years were: Amandus Isacson, C. H. Morken, Bennie Bakken, Clara Forde, Olive Quam, Iver Hoiberg, Simon Simonson, Mathilda Rust, Ole Berg, and Oscar Elsaas. In 1917 C. H. Morken, who had clerked in the store for several years, purchased an interest in the stock and the firm was known as Elsaas and Morken. In 1922 Mr. Elsaas purchased the interest of Mr. Morken and again became sole owner. In 1945 a cold storage locker plant was built and added to the store operation. J. J. Elsaas died in 1948, and the operation of the store has continued under the ownership of two sons, Sam J. Elsaas and Clarence Elsaas who started working in the store about 30 years ago. This is the only business started in Pekin 1906 still operated on the same place under the same family ownership. The boys, Sam and Slim, continued until June 1970, when they closed the store. They had a large auction sale in September 1970. The building was sold to Cherry Johnson Store in 1980 Munson in 1978 and she is having the building torn down in 1980.

— JOHNSON STORE — Johnson Store was established in Pekin in 1906 by Mr. J. O. Johnson. Prior to 1906 Mr. Johnson had operated an inland country store at a site on the banks of the Sheyenne River near the farm presently occupied by Orris Urvand. Mr. Johnson continued the operation of a general store in Pekin until ill health forced his retirement. In 1928 Johnson Store was sold to Mr. J. T. Knold who had been in the general store business in Petersburg for many years. Mr. Knold continued the operation of this store then known as Knold's Store until his death in 1938. After the death of Mr. Knold the store was operated by three sons of Mr. Knold, namely Arthur, Raymond and Vernon Knold. In 1940 this store was purchased by Clarence Messner of McHenry, North Dakota, from the Knold family. The store then became known as Messner's Store, and was operated by Clarence Messner until his illness ^iojjbmytL and death in 1948. Management of the store was then taken over by a son, Donald Messner, who at the time was a student in Pekin High School. Donald sold the store to Isabelle Frederick. She had it a few years and sold it to Robert and Joly Ensrud. They closed the door and left Pekin in 1978. There was no store until 1980 when it UlA- Ufa was opened and managed by Mr. and Mrs. E. Johanneson. Blacksmith Shop in 1980 — BLACKSMITH SHOP — Mr. Olaf S. Quam was Pekin's first blacksmith having learned the trade at Michigan City, N.Dak., under Frank Verious, pioneer blacksmith. In 1889 after having learned the trade, Mr. Quam started a shop at what is referred to as old McVille which was located on a corner two miles south of present McVille where highway 15 turns south. This shop was destroyed by fire after a short while there and Mr. Quam moved to Binford, N.Dak., which was an early day boom town. Here Mr. Quam again started business, Binfords blacksmith shop in 1901. He plied his trade until 1906 when he moved to Pekin and built one of the state's finest blacksmith shops which still stands today. Mr. Quam was a master of the trade and could do the seemingly impossible with the hand tools, most of them made by his own hands, as tools in those days were expensive and not so easy to get. When the railroad was being built through Pekin, Mr. Quam shod horses for railroad contractors. In 1912 Olaf S. Quam left Pekin when the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation was opened for homesteading and filed on a parcel of land. During his absence the blacksmith shop was rented to Otto Flohr now of Tolna, N.Dak., until 1914, when Mr. Quam again returned to Pekin to resume blacksmithing. Mr. Quam worked his shop until 1935 when his eyesight failed and he was forced to retire. In 1936 the shop was sold to Oscar P. Saugstad, a master blacksmith and craftsman. Mr. Saugstad has been a great asset to our town. His fine workmanship has attracted business from great distances which has been a great factor toward the North Dakota winter, 1966 style! welfare of our great little town. Failing health caused the eventual closing of the Blacksmith shop, and in 1977 the building was sold to Allen Ensrud, the present owner. — SLETTEN BUILDING — Between the Budget office and the meat market stood the Pool Hall, built by Otto Sletten in the early years of Pekin. This building also served as Cooly Foster's pool and recreation hall and Olaf Kolden's tavern; the first in Pekin since the dry laws were repealed. This building was later moved to the site where the old Scott and Barrett lumber yard once stood. It was then transformed into the modern and well equipped "Village Cafe," under the management of Mrs. Bennie Shelstad. Bertha Boyles and Mrs. Herman Jacobson rented the cafe from Shelstads for a few months. It was later sold to Leland Halstenson of Petersburg, N.Dak., who had the place for about a year. The building was then bought by Vernon Ensrude and converted into a tavern. This in turn was bought by Clarence Pearson who operated the business for about two years. In the spring of 1955 the building was purchased by Albert Enstad, who also had a bar there. Arvi Koski later bought the building for the same purpose. On June 1, 1965, Mrs. Isabel Frederick Urvand purchased the structure and a tavern was operated there until December 20, 1970, when a fire Sletten Building in 1980 partially destroyed the building. Since that time it has been used as a garage.

— GULBRO IMPLEMENT — The building known as the Gulbro Implement was built in 1906 by Harris Oakland, Ole Walhood and John Walhood. By the time it got well under way as an implement and automotive business, Mr. Oakland sold out his interest to A. L. Gulbro. Some time later, Mr. Gulbro became the sole owner of the concern, and gave it the name of Gulbro Implement. This concern became known as one of the biggest automobile and implement concerns in the country. At first this firm sold Deering implements and parts. In 1916 farm light plants became popular and were sold to hundreds of farmers within a radius of fifty miles around Pekin. Home heating plants were sold in like numbers. Mr. Gulbro became a dealer in Chevrolet cars, and he and his sales force sold automobiles in great quantity. The cars were delivered to Pekin in carload lots. This firm also maintained a modern garage with the best equipment and mechanics. As the business grew, more room was required, so Mr. Gulbro acquired the building formerly built and owned by 0. S. Houge. This second building housed the automobile business and the implement and hardware business occupied the first building. Fire destroyed the implement shop in 1939. In 1941, Mr. Gulbro sold out to F. O. Walhood and his son, Cyrus. They became known as F. O. Walhood and Son Implement Company. The A. L. Gulbro family moved to California, and have since resided there. F. O. Walhood passed away in September, 1950. Cyrus Walhood moved to Portland, Oregon. Cyrus passed away in May, 1980. Walhood Implement & Sons in 1980

PEKIN POOL HALL The pool hall was a high two story building, housing the Opera house or dance |-JL *.-«• and show hall upstairs. This place stood directly east across the street from the present post office and was built by Carl and Helmer Stenslie and John Clausen. Later Carl Stenslie took over the entire business and remained in this place until he • > /v3»bsr • traded buildings with Scanson and Rickford who had bought out the hardware <*-• business from Edward C. Brekken. Needing larger quarters for their business, this firm traded with Mr. Stenslie for the large pool hall building. Scanson and Rickford operated this hardware store many years, until they sold their place to Ole Lund who again made the place into a pool hall. Mr. Lund operated the place until 1927 when he sold out to E. A. Dunskie who was also an auctioneer. Mr. Dunskie conducted a few auction sales aside from his pool hall business. After about two years the place was again sold, this time to Dave Steinmirer who was also a barber and operated a barber shop in connection with his pool hall business. M?'A Ole S. Larson of McVille served his apprenticeship here after having completed a course in barbering at a college. Mr. Steinmirer sold his business to Barney Thorson who continued the pool hall until the fall of 1937 when the building burned to the ground. It was in this building that I. W. Maulsby, Pekin's first barber, also had his shop; this was while Mr. Stenslie had the place. After the pool hall and opera house burned Mr. Thorson moved to the Budget Base of Flagpole in Pioneer Park office where he again started a pool hall. SEIDLINGER'S BAR The building now owned by Seidlinger Brothers, who operate a liquor store, was the P. C. Vernon drug store in the early years of Pekin; upstairs was the office of Dr. Currie who practiced in Pekin for several years. Vernon drug store was later sold to O. A. Otteson, a druggist. The drug store was later converted into a restaurant operated through the years by Mrs. Carl Stenslie, Mr. and Mrs. John Jacobson, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Paulson, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Erickson, Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Simonson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Parmer and Mr. and Mrs. Julian Morken. Jack Jondahl purchased the building in which he later operated a liquor store and barber shop. The upstairs was made into living quarters. Johndahl sold out to Treffreys from New Rockford who in turn sold to Seidlinger's in 1946. Joe passed away Dec. 21, 1973. Ray sold it to Dean Ensrud in 1975. It is called Deano's Bar.

Soren Eliason, who operates the Standard Service station on Highway No. 15, came to Pekin in 1926 and worked as a mechanic for Gulbro Chevrolet Service, as has been mentioned in the chapter of that firm, that only the best mechanics were hired; Mr. Eliason was rated as one of those. He continued with that firm until 1936 when Mr. Eliason purchased Pekin's first fire hall and converted that building into the service station he now operates.

PEKIN BARBER SHOP South of the hotel stood the barber shop built by H. D. (Bert) Eagle who together with his brother-in-law Bert Klindworth bought out Pekin's first barber, I. W. Maulsby who had operated a barber shop in Carl Stenslie's pool hall from the beginning of Pekin. Mr. Eagle continued the barber shop business until 1918, when Elmer Randklev of Pelican Rapids, Minn., bought out Mr. Eagle. Mr. Randklev had served his apprenticeship under Mr. Eagle and had been associated with him for several years. This shop was moved to a place near the post office. April 14, 1956 • late spring

-7- Olson residence -1970 Olson residence -1980

Clarence Brekken sale -1980 Ladies Aid selling lunch at Brekken sale -1980

OLSON RESIDENCE The building now occupied by Mrs. Olaus Olson was moved to Pekin from the Otto Brekken farm which was located south of the Tangen schoolhouse to be used by the Rowden family as a restaurant in 1906. The building was also used by Dr. Davenport who was a dentist and farmer, as a dentist office. , . „ , Mrs. Walquist also operated a millinary shop in this building tor a tew years. Later, or about 1910, Dr. Christian Jhelstrup moved to Pekin from Petersburg, N Dak., and set up his practice in rooms above the Elsaas store, but later moved his office to this place. Dr. Jhelstrup was a big heavy-set man and would in the winter time wear a heavy coonskin coat which made him look even bigger than he actually was. He was very interested in sports and was very often with the young folks on the ski hill, and often took some real tumbles going down the hill on skis. Mr. Olaus Olson operated a harness and shoe repair shop there since he bought the building. Having his shop in front and residence in the back part. Mrs. Olson still resided there in 1956. Mr. Olson passed away in 1951 and Mrs. Olson in November, 1968. The building was vacant for some time. Then Edith Tangen bought it and in 197U it was moved out to present place. In 1980 it was sold at Clarence Brekken's sale. -8- OLE HOUGE SHOP ? Ki4^oi,/2y After the Atlas Lumber Company bought out the Bovey-Schute Lumber Company who had their yards where Brekken Electric is now located, Mr. Ole Houge, who for several years had been manager of that yard, built the building now occupied by Walhood Implement Company. As Mr. Houge was a carpenter, this building became his wood working shop. He manufactured bob sleds, hay racks, and sled cabs which made winter driving for the farmer more pleasant. He also made very good furniture, some of which still exists in the community today. In 1915 Mr. Houge purchased a large diesel engine and generator, giving Pekin its first electric light and power. This plant was installed in the back part of the building so that it did not interfere with his wood working shop. Mr. Houge was a zealous booster for his town and was never afraid of work or expense when there was anything to be done for the good of the town and his fellow men. It was this spirit that prompted him to build the large mansion now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James Brude and family. With men like Ole S. Houge, and there were several like him, the town grew and prospered. Those pioneer businessmen took great pride in their town! Ole Houge's Carpenter Shop. He built houses and furniture for the homes in the early days of Pekin. In this picture, he is moving Helmer Stenslie's cook car, 1908. Ole Houge commenced work on his new carpenter shop 50' x 60' one story cement block building with a 6 ft. solid foundation of rocks and cement, October 1913. Ole Houge built himself and for his family the largest house in Pekin which is still High water in 1965 standing in 1980. A reminder of the great builder he was and many homes are still using the furniture he constructed of everlasting wood material, which will never wear out.

JENSON SHOP To the east of the Houge shop stood the shoe and harness shop of C. L. Jenson, another pioneer businessman of Pekin. Mr. Jenson lived at a time when it was considered good taste to patch and half sole shoes, and in his time repaired countless thousands of shoes and harnesses which were a necessary article, as horses were used exclusively during the many years he was in business. Harnesses had to have their seasonal repair and oiling to keep them in good shape. There was also good demand for new harnesses and horse collars which he also had for sale. The Jenson shoe and harness shop was a popular meeting place for the old men and some of the young folks. Many issues of the day were emphatically discussed and discussions sometimes became quite heated. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson were very interested in community and church work. They donated the first bell for the Pekin church. This called people to worship for many years, until it developed a crack rendering it useless. But in respect to the Jenson's, the bell was converted into a large flower pot near the church where it still serves as a memorial to a pioneer family who gave unselfishly to the betterment of the community. First house in Pekin now is Carmen Ensrud's "DOORKEEPERS IN GODS HOUSE" is an article printed in the Lutheran Herald (now Lutheran Standard) some years ago. It was written by Pastor Bernhard H. J. Habel. former pastor of Pekin congregation where Mr. Jensen was janitor. CarlL. Jensen was born in 1854 and died in 1930. Mr. Jensen is grandfather to Bert Jensen, a member of Sheyenne congregation. DOORKEEPERS IN GOD'S HOUSE ... "Old Man Jensen" By Bernhard H.J. Habel "Old Man Jensen" is not a particularly dignified name, it is true. But everybody used it. "Jensen" would have been enough, for there was no younger man by that name in the community. "Mr. Jensen" would have been more respectful. But everyone knew him as "Old Man Jensen," and nobody meant to show any disrespect. The name seemed to fit him. "Old Man Jensen" had always been a poor man. In his younger days he had sailed the seven seas. After that he bought a little farm in North Dakota, and when he could no longer till the soil, he bought a little harness and shoe repair shop in a near-by town. When he had built a humble home, his money was gone. But he eked out a simple living from the shop. It was a hand-to-mouth existence, for he was old and could not work as hard as he used to; and when somebody came into the shop he had a tendency to lay down the tools and talk. Sometimes he would talk about his experiences when he visited many ports in his sailing days; at other times he would speak about the great experience that was coming when he should begin the last journey, with Jesus as the Captain of the ship, to sail into the harbor of eternity. Pioneer Park When he was elected custodian of the church, he reached what was to him the height of attainable position among mortals. The few dollars the work brought him meant little. But the chance to serve in God's house meant a great deal to him. He was old, and his vision was not as good as it used to be. But every Sunday morning the church was dusted and clean and warm and cozy, and the glow in "Old Man Jensen's" eyes competed with the brightness of the altar candles. One day he told me he wanted to speak with me in private. It was very important that no one should overhear the conversation, he said. When I had shut the door and assured him that no one could hear us, he told me his secret. He had saved some money, he said, and would like to buy a bell for the church. Would I help him to buy a bell? But nobody must know about it... My first impulse was to tell him that he needed the money for his own living, and that it would be foolish for him to buy a bell for the church. If the congregation wanted a bell, the members could afford to give a few dollars each, rather than Jensen pay for it. That was my first impulse. But then I remembered another "foolish" giver, a poor widow who had given two mites, which was all her living. "Old Man Jensen" was ready to give as great a gift to the Lord. What right had I to prevent him? In a few weeks the bell was installed. Then on Sunday morning came the great moment in "Old Man Jensen's" life, when he grasped the rope and sent the bell's message ringing throughout the community. "Come to Church! Come to Church!" the bell seemed to call. He could never have entered the pulpit to invite sinners to come to God. But the tongue and the lip of the bell sounded the message that was in "Old Man Jensen's" heart: Come to church! Come today! Come to pray! Come to hear! God is near! Come to church! Come today! Into homes and hearts went the call of the bell. People heard it, and the house of God was filled. From that time "Old Man Jensen" lived for the moment when on the Lord's day Church and School Bell he should again be privileged to ring the bell, calling young and old to worship God. Many years have passed since "Old Man Jensen" set out on the last long journey, of which he so often had spoken. Some Christians believe that in Heaven we shall be permitted to carry on the work we most liked to do on earth. If that be true, I know what "Old Man Jensen" will be doing. He will be one of those who shall make the bells of Heaven chime! (This bell, from Pekin Lutheran Church is in the bell tower in Pekin across from the Pekin Post Office.) By Gordon Raaen

Left to right: Allen Stahl, Freddie Walhood, Keith Loe, Lynn John Quam, his dog & threshing rig, Sept. 23, 1953 Stahl and Francis Stahl, enjoying the little threshing rigs at Pekin's 50th Anniversary, 1956.

-10- ADVERTISEMENTS Before the railroad came through to Pekin in 1906, Oscar Idsvog moved the house and barn from Sever M. Quams into the townsite of Pekin and converted them into a store building known as the Idsvog-Gunderson Store. Its location was on the present fire hall site. Isvog and Gunderson were the first merchants in Pekin. Oscar Idsvog tended this store, sleeping in a back room at night and going to the Alstad Dr. A. N. Currie farm south of town for his meals. Their merchandise was hauled cross country from Binford on horse drawn wagons. Sever Hoiberg was among those who helped haul Physician and Surgeon for them. The firm bought out the stock of the Ottofy store, then operated by John Office and Residence over Iverson. In 1907 Idsvog and Gunderson moved into the building now occupied by Johnson Hardware, which they built. This store they operated until it was sold to Drug Store Ole Walhood who operated it for a short time. Oliver Walhood also had an undertaking business in the rooms above the store. Walhood traded this store to Ole Forde for a farm Mr. Forde owned in Bergen Township. Mr. Forde, together with his daughter Clara (Mrs. Julian Tangen) operated the store for several years, until they sold out to Rood and Knapp who operated the store until they went out of business some years later. The building remained vacant for a time until a farmer from Nesheim Township, Willie Ryan, MaxwelI-1916-$655 together with Wm. Randklev, started up a hardware store. This was during and after World War I and the boom that followed. Mr. Ryan did a very large business Electric Starter selling heating and electric light plants which there was a great demand for at that time. After the death of Mr. Ryan's wife he discontinued the store business. Albin Bergstrom and Wm. Randklev took over the hardware business and operated it until Henry Bergstrom took possession and started a Gamble Store. A short time later the store once again became vacant for a time. Later Kinsley and Quam * * * operated an implement (selling the Ford line of machinery), and the garage in connection. At this time C. A. Johnson, who until this time had been employed by E. A. Lunde hardware store at Lawton, N.D., was interested in a place for himself, so he started a hardware store in the front part of the building. Kinsley and Quam continued business in the garage portion of the building until they discontinued their Ford dealership. They then turned the business over to the Brekken Brothers who together with Mr. Johnson today occupy the building. Brothers Clarence and Rudolph Brekken began and operated part of the hardware store and operated the garage together. They worked on tractors, lawn mowers, and sold Gulf gas. They also handled LP Gas. Rudolph Brekken passed away March 22, 1966. Clarence continued on by himself. Neither one ever married. He was born August 23, 1910 at Hamar, N.D. He worked on as long as he was able, until he got so poorly that he went to Grand Forks and stayed with his sister Mildred (Mrs. Alfred Butenhoff) for two months. He passed away at the age of 69, in the spring of 1980, having served the Pekin Community for 30 years in his shop and service station. Art Johnson left Pekin Hardware Store on January 1, 1964. He started S. & J. Hardware store with Vernon Sletten at Garrison, N.D. The Pekin Bank was built in 1906 by W. C. Hagler of Lakota. The late Mr. Hagler Hardware Store was a banker and financier. The bank's first cashier was Albert Lonson. Also serving as a cashier for the Pekin Bank for many years was Mr. P. A. Lee. The Lee family later moved to Grand Forks. Mr. Obert Bergstrom was assistant cashier with Mr. Lee. Mr. T. P. Bye became cashier of the Pekin Bank, and served until the bank was merged with the First National Bank of McVille in 1932. Mr. Bye was assisted by Mr. Oscar C. Berg who is now with the Internal Revenue Office at Devils Lake, North Dakota. A short time after the bank merger, Elroy Gulbro began and operated an exchange in the bank building. This exchange was operated later by L. O. Fredrickson. In more recent years the bank building was transformed into a restaurant by Vernon Ensrud and today is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Anderson. When Oscar and Petra quit it was operated by Clarence and Ethel Halvorson. Then Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sigette bought and remodeled it and operated it for a few years. When they quit, Mrs. Alphid Jobe ran it for awhile. Then Ellen Cook and she was the last one. Pearl Sigette is the present owner, and it is closed.

Next to the Johnson hardware store stood the restaurant and confectionery store which was built in 1906 by Carl Moen, who also served as Pekin's first postmaster. His store also housed the post office. Others who were in business in this building were August Wallett, Lewis Bakke, Otto Sletten, Carl H. Morken, John Person, James L. Bergstrom and Wm. Randklev who had possession when the building burned on December 11, 1942. In 1914 the Atlas Lumber Company, located at the time on the spot where Albert's tavern now stands, had their office in the building now occupied by the North Dakota Highway Department which had previously housed the Scott-Barrett Lumber Company. It was in this same year that the Atlas Company bought out the Bovey-Shute Lumber Company who had their yards where Brekken's Electric Snow again in 1964 Company is now located. The Bovey-Shute manager at this time was Ole S. Hauge.

-11- Some of Pekin's early lumber dealers were Tom Reep, a man named Wehee, Bennie Enstad and James Haukland. Mr. Haukland was manager for the Atlas Company at the time they sold to the Peavey Elevator Company, who in 1956 sold out to the Pekin Co-op Elevator. When the Atlas Lumber Company moved their business to the Bovey-Shute location, the place vacated by this firm was taken over by Gilderhus and Johnson Implement company who handled what in those days was the popular "Flying Dutchman" line of machinery. In 1916 this firm sold out to Shaw Brothers who handled various makes of machinery, the most common being the Monitor drill and the P and 0 plow, also the Demster line of windmills and pumps. A cream station of the McVille creamery was operated by C. 0. Skaalrud in the Atlas Lumber Yard building during the 1940's until the death of Mr. Skaalrud in 1955.

Pekin Cafe EXCERPTS FROM PEKIN BUDGET RAILROAD The Great Northern railroad came through to Pekin in 1906. Ladies Aid Sale, Nov. 23, 1912, was a The first passenger train came through Pekin in late August 26, 1907. great success, clearing SI90.35. Supper This called for a celebration, and large crowds of people were on hand to welcome amounting to $47.85. Crochet spread the first passenger train. The Pekin band that later became the "North Dakota $56.15. Sale $107.95. State Band", was there to welcome the new arrival. Severt Opoien was the first passenger to board the train. He rode to Tolna to join the other members of the Burreson-Opoien bridal party in Tolna to have the wedding pictures taken. Ladies Aid met at Mrs. Otto Sletten's In 1896 the Great Northern railway company built a railroad up to the place that Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1912. Sum of $4.60 became known as Aneta, this remained the end of the line for ten years of what was taken in. became known as the "Short line" or the "Aneta line" of the Great Northern, being the shortest route from Fargo to Devils Lake and points west. Why the road stopped there for that length of time is not definitely known. It is believed that the company was undecided as to where to go from there to best serve the new land. A Dr. Christian Jelstrup, physician and drastic change in plans at this point could have greatly changed the destiny of our surgeon. (March 1911) town of Pekin. This railroad was well constructed and was built of heavier steel than the other roads of that time, so became the mainline where the coast trains could make the best time. And this road carried the best trains of the Great Northern. Such as the Pete Vernon in Minneapolis purchasing "Flyer" the forerunner of the Empire Builder, Western Star and the Red River. It more new fixtures for his drug store. was also the route of fast mail now number 27 and 28 which now runs on the New (March 1911) Rockford line or the "Surry cutout" which was completed about 1910. This road took the large trains away from the Aneta line. As none of the fast trains stopped in the smaller towns, so there were "Locals or so called Dinkeys" to give service to the smaller towns.

EXCERPTS FROM PEKIN BUDGET

Mr. 0. A. Otteson, druggist in Pekin in April 1914, married Clara A. Morken that year.

Mrs. A. Walquist has opened her fall millinery establishment in the Rood and Knapp store. (Oct. 1911)

In December 1911, a new newspaper in the state was the Pekin Herald, run by W. This band met the first train that came to Pekin. Members were Obert H. Williams. Bergstrom, Nick Nelson, George Walhood, Otto Sletten, August Rickford, Melvin Quam, Albert Draxton, Oscar Stromme, Hartvig Evenstad, Carl Moen, Ole Houge, Bennie Enstad, George Enstad and Roy Gratias.

The above mentioned "Fast Mail" was the fastest thing on wheels in those days. Its cars were painted yellow, as it sped along its track in a cloud of dust and cinders, the mail bags were dropped from the moving train and would sometimes roll off the Bovey Shute Lumber Co. depot platform from the speed. O. S. Houge, Mgr. (1912) The railroad business was booming and continued to be so until the early forties when improved roads, automobiles and trucks have cut deeply into the railroad business. Since then the railroads have been on the short end of the transportation

-12- EXCERPTS FROM PEKIN BUDGET business. In later years the steam locomotives have been replaced with diesel power as an economy measure. So the cheery sound of the steam whistle has gone Pekin Farmers Elevator struck by from the prairie, replaced by the gravelly voice of the diesel air horns. lightning, July 1913 and fire started. Bert The last spike on the "Short line" was driven May 23, 1907. It is ironic that in Eagle turned in the alarm. Oscar Bue, that short period of fifty years the railroad business has dwindled down to two small manager. mixed passenger and freight trains a day, the passenger business has disappeared entirely on the small trains. As has been mentioned before, the "flyer" and the through freights, or coast trains, were taken off the line in 1910 when the New Rockford line of the Great Pekin Drug Store P. C. Vernon. Northern was completed, as this then became the shortest coast route. But records (Nov. 1911) show that the "Fast Mail" continued on the Aneta line until 1915 when it too was taken from us. Every town had railroad stock yards in which to concentrate live stock for shipment to markets. But since 1950 the stock yards in small towns either have Oscar Bue, musical genius in Pekin, is been sold or are being sold and moved out due to lack of patronage. Livestock is giving piano lessons to young ladies on a now being transported to market in fast modern trucks. Most rail lines have even new piano he won in a contest in taking lost their government mail contracts which was a big source of revenue to the orders for a Twin City publication. railroads. The mail contracts have been given to "Star route" (truck) carriers who can handle the mail service much cheaper than the railroads. In the earlier days of railroading the station agents commission on express and freight shipments was more than his salary. This business has dwindled down to a mere trickle today. Bert Williams. Tolna, a printer, at work Many rail lines want to discontinue their service entirely. for Budget. The railroad company built the depot at Pekin in 1906, and the first agent was Mr. Albert Phillips. Very little is known about the man, and it is believed that he was just a temporary operator and did not stay here very long. Mr. Phillips was replaced by Lawrence Johnson who served as agent for a number of years. Mr. E. M. Stringer, Audobon, Minn., is the Johnson later married Miss Sophie Enstad. He was also in the lumber and new hotel landlord. (Sept. 1913) hardware business in Pekin. The Johnsons have lived in California for many years since leaving the community. Johnson was replaced as agent by Mr. Schroeder who served as agent for a number of years. Mr. Schroeder was interested in winter sports and was down at /. W. Maulsby sold his interest in the the ski hill with many others from town almost every evening after their days work restaurant to August Wallet, and the was done in the winter time. Wallets moved from the rooms above the Mr. A. M. Gasad who is now agent at McVille, N.Dak., served as agent at Pekin drug store to the rooms back of their when he first came to this community, served until he was called into the service of restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon will his country in 1918 during World War I. While at Pekin he married Miss Ragna occupy the drug store rooms. (Feb. 1911) Molmen. After Mr. Gasad left Pekin, Mr. Otis S. Berger came to Pekin and took over the duties of station agent. Mr. Berger had no intention of stopping in North Dakota at all, but was on his way to the west coast to seek his fortune. But the company insisted on his staying at Pekin, and after seeing the opportunities for duck and goose hunting around Stump Lake he decided to give it a try, and has served Pekin continuously with exception of a few months at Hannah, N.Dak. Mr. Berger served Otto Flohr Pekin as depot agent very faithfully from 1918 until 1957. The Flying Dutchman Then Rodney Brotten became a station agent until about 1961 when he went back to farming. Erv Wencil succeeded Rodney Brotten and served as agent until his General Blacksmithing death. Service was then discontinued at the depot. Horseshoeing a Specialty The depot building was purchased by Frank Olson and moved from Pekin to his farm in 1973.

— ELEVATORS — The early settlers having hauled their grain twenty or thirty miles to market for twenty-five years were most interested in grain markets. In the winter of 1905-06 Henry Deehr bought grain in bins west of the present town site of Pekin. After the trains brought box cars, this grain was hauled into the cars for shipment. Martin Fredrickson bought grain at this time which was loaded directly from the farmers wagons into the box cars. The grain was weighed on the scales of the Bovey Shute Lumber Company. The first grain elevator built in Pekin was called the Osago Farmers Grain Company. The first manager was Martin Fredrickson, with Cyril Turcotte as second man. The first load of grain hauled to this elevator was brought in by Andrew Tangen. Some of the managers of this Farmers Elevator throughout the years have been: Martin Fredrickson, Otto Sletten, Oscar Bue, Albin Bergstrom, Melvin Tangen and Oliver Sundre. The present manager is Edward J. Bina. Later in 1906 two more grain elevators were built. One of these, built by the Northwestern Elevator Company is now known as the Peavey Elevator. The first manager of this elevator was Fred Leutcher. Some of the managers of this elevator through the years were George Bushnell, Oscar Bue, Martin Fredrickson, Bennie Bakken, Tennis Frosaker, Norris K. Larson, and Vernon Braaten. This elevator was purchased by the Pekin Cooperative Elevator Pekin Elevator Company from the Peavey Elevator Company in August 1956.

-13- The other elevator was built by the A. O. Cornwall Company. The first manager of this elevator was Jack Torrence. Other managers for this company were Peter Knapp and Otto Sletten. In 1916 this elevator was sold to Henry Highum who operated it for about two years. Mr. Highum sold this elevator to a firm at Inkster, N.D., and managers for this firm were Otto Sletten, John G. Johnson, Miles Fairbanks and Martin Fredrickson. During this period it was known as the Pekin Grain Company. In 1941 this elevator was sold to the Peavey Elevators at Pekin. It was dismantled and rebuilt as an annex to the present Peavy Elevator. Ed Bina passed away and his son, Duane took over and became manager. He resigned and moved to Aneta in 1978. Robert Fredrick was manager for a time and in 1980 Lloyd Paulson was appointed manager and Jeff Avdem is his assistant at this time. Pekin Co-op Elevator Co., 1920

MARKET PRICES 1912 1913 1956 Wheat Northern . . .69 .78 2.16 SHEYENNE TELEPHONE COMPANY Durum No. 1 70 .84 2.30 Barley 31 .37 1.10 The Sheyenne Telephone Company had its origin at a meeting held in school Oats 21 .25 .54 house number 1 in Bergen Township on October 28, 1905. Rye 43 .45 1.02 At this meeting the first officers were elected. They were S. H. Bjorlie, Flax 1.12 1.18 3.00 President; O. J. Hanson, Vice President; Ole Walhood, Treasurer; B. K. Enstad, Eggs 30 .15 .25 Secretary; the directors were Christ Jacobson, Ole Walhood and Nels Vettern. Butter 30 .15 .70 At a meeting held on January 6, 1906, it was decided that the first line should be built from Sampsons west and follow the public graded road west to a point just east of M. R. Brekken's place. The first lines of this company were built in 1906. Bert Eagle, who has been conducting The company was incorporated April 19, 1907, with Pekin as its principal place of the Hotel, has disposed of his interests in business. The following men were the first directors of the corporation: John O. that business and moved his barber shop Johnson, Pekin; E. C. Olsgard, McVille; Ole O. Forde, Ottofy; Ole Walhood, back to the old location, the Budget McVille; Knudt Fredrickson, Pekin; and James Murchinson, Tolna. Building. The Budget moved its plant into a part of the Pekin Garage operated The Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws were drawn up by F. W. by O. E. Olson. Moore (publisher) says it McDougall, E. C. Olsgard, H. H. Kniefel, and F. T. Mark. was the only building available at On July 26, 1907, J. O. Johnson resigned from the Board of Directors, and J. J. present. Later in September, E. C. Elsaas was elected to fill the vacancy. J. J. Elsaas then served as a director Brekken assumed management. (Sept. continuously from July 26, 1907, until he resigned in 1944. He served as president 1913) from 1911 to 1944, and for several years was also the manager. B. M. Burreson became secretary of the company in May 1915, and served in this capacity until forced by illness to retire in 1941. Another long-time officer of this company was Martin Flom of McVille who was Atlas Lumber Co. sold their lumber elected director in 1909 and served until he resigned in 1949. Mr. Flom also served yard and office (Bennie Enstad, Mgr.) on as manager for over 20 years. Main St. to Luckasen and Johnson who This company has grown from a few subscribers along the Sheyenne Valley in will use it for their implement business. 1906 to a firm now serving about 800 subscribers in McVille, Pekin, Tolna, Hamar, The Atlas Co. will headquarter at the old Warwick and the adjacent rural communities. place ofBovey-Schute Lumber Co. which The present officers are E. D. Beckman, Tolna, President; Sam Lofthus, McVille, they have taken over. (Sept. 1913) Vice-President; S. J. Elsaas, Pekin, Secretary-Treasurer; Casper Braaten, McVille, Manager.

The following are the present Board of Directors: Conrad Morken, Pekin; S. J. New building erected by T. J. Alstad Elsaas, Pekin, R. R. Lofthus, McVille, E. D. Beckman, Tolna; J. J. Anderson, on Main St. on the former site of the Hamar; Carroll Anderson, Warwick; Sam Lofthus, McVille. Gilbert Dahl and barber shop. Will be rented to the Budget Casper Braaten are the present linemen. for a print shop. Casper Braaten was born in Norway on December 18, 1888, and came to this country as a young man, working in different parts of North Dakota. He married Clara Slettem at Moorhead, Minn., October 7, 1919. She was born at Badger, Minn., April 19, 1893, and came to Lakota, N.D., in 1909 at the age of 16, and to McVille in 1915. Cap was manager of the Sheyenne Telephone Company for years, Dr. Currie leaves Pekin for Nashua, and she was chief switchboard operator for nearly 30 years. She passed away Mont. His wife is visiting with her folks at suddenly on February 1, 1952. He married Edith Connor September 14, 1955, at Sharon until the doctor can find living Moorhead. In 1967 he retired and moved to Devils Lake where he lived until 1973 quarters. (March 1914) when he became a resident of McVille Friendship Manor and died there May 26, 1980. He had a step-son, Dr. T. Dwight Connor, Denver.

-14- EXCERPTS FROM PEKIN BUDGET NEWSPAPERS "The Pekin Herald" was Pekin's first newspaper. Dan Williams, also first band director at Pekin, was the publisher. Since he had no printing equipment, the paper McVille Auto and Supply Co. (F. P. was job printed at Binford. Binford's printer owned a linotype machine for setting Lippert and M. K. Klemesrud) purchase type. the Pekin Auto Garage and Martin The printing business was later taken over by Edward C. Brekken. The name of Frecrikson will be the manager in Pekin. the publication was then changed to "The Pekin Budget," and an office was built in (March 1914) which to print the paper. The type was set by hand. Mr. Brekken discontinued the printing business in 1926. The print shop was then put into use as a clothing and grocery store by C. H. Morken. When the pool hall and opera house burned, Barney Thorson moved his Confectionery and lunch business ofF. pool business to the Budget office. P. Lucas sold to Harry Johnson of McVille Other business places to have their home in the same building include Jack who assumes immediate possession. Jondahl's Barber Shop and Liquor Store; Thelma's Beauty Shop, operated by Thelma Parmer, and Mrs. Jack Jondahl's Cafe. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Treffery, Virgil (April 1914) Carter's Clarence Halvorson's, James Enstad's, Miles Burthold's, Henry Ensrud's, Henry Brekken's, and Milo Oakland's have since operated a cafe in the former "Budget" building. 1956 finds this building unoccupied.

ELECTRIC LIGHTS Pekin began the use of electric lights in 1916. Ole S. Houge installed an engine and storage batteries in the rear of his woodworking shop at that time. For about two years Pekin had 24 hour electric service, but then the storage batteries wore out and Mr. Houge then put the service on a limited basis. The town had electricity from dusk to midnight and on Monday and Tuesday forenoons to take care of washing and ironing. J. L. Bergstrom operated the light plant for Mr. Houge at this time. In 1919 the Village of Pekin built its own light plant with the installation of two Fairbanks Morse engines. The village bought the pole line system from Mr. Houge. J- L. Bergstrom operated the light plant for the village for several years, followed for a short time by O. S. Quam and E. W. Loe. In 1932 the village installed a 55 horsepower Fairbanks Morse engine and 0. C. Brekken took over the operation of the plant until the village sold the plant to the Otter Tail Power Company who has been furnishing light and power for the village since 1938. The Otter Tail Power Company dismantled the engines and the building was then purchased by Roy Polis who has been operating a garage in the old power plant building since 1940. Prior to this time Roy Polis had operated a garage at other locations in town for several years. Roy's Garage 1980 Roy Polis started his garage work in a building owned by Andrew Ensrud in 1934. In 1940 he bought the old power plant and still has his garage work there in 1980.

Roy and Nels

-15- DRAY LINE LIVERY BARN Pekin's first dray line was owned by Peter Arlien. He was succeeded by Lewis Otto Brekken built and operated a large Bakke who was drayman for several years. In 1913 another dray line was started by livery and feed barn in 1907. This was one James and Arthur Bergstrom who continued to operate for many years. Since 1920 of the largest livery barns in this section dray lines have also been operated by Simon Simonson, Joe Parmer, Dick Orr, of the country. During many years of its Morris Foley, Walter Eskildsen and Emil Morken. At present the dray is operated operation it was used by the mail carriers by James Enstad who started July 1, 1956. He operated a few years and then it was for the housing of their teams. discontinued. It was also used at various periods by draymen in their operations. Some of the operators of this establishment at various times through the years were Elias Otteson, James and Arthur Bergstrom, Andrew Avdem, Joe Parmer, Henry and Adolph Jensen and Dick Orr. THE NORTH DAKOTA STATE BAND This barn was sold in the 1920's to Paul Vrem and dismantled and the lumber used to build a barn on what is now the farm of Alvin Vrem. Later this was built again and used as a warehouse.

On April 4, 1911, the band filed articles of incorporation and chose as their name "The North Dakota State Band." Mr. W. H. Williams was the musical director of the group. At this time, T. J. Alstad donated the business lot upon which the bandstand was erected. The first officers of the corporation were: Bennie K. Enstad, President; P. A. Lee, Vice-Presi­ dent; Obert E. Bergstrom, Secretary; and Ole S. House, Treasurer. Oliver C. Enstad, Bennie M. Burreson and Edward C. Brekken were the first trustees. The North Dakota State Band traveled far and wide, to the state fairs in North Dakota, and journeyed to Brandon and Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada, to play at provincial fairs. They were invited to Devils Lake to welcome Senator Robert M. LaFollete of Wisconsin, who was then running for president of the United States. On June 4, 1913, this band played at a large Sons of Norway festival at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They were also con­ tenders for a trip to a big festival in Norway in 1914, but a Canadian band won by a narrow margin of points. The director of the band during these years was H. E. Bilden of Hope. In the year of 1906, an energetic group of young men decided to organize an After twenty-one years of providing instrumental band. Among the first members were Obert Bergstrom, Nick Nelson, communities, both far and near, with George Walhood, Otto Sletten, August Rickford, Melvin Quam, Albert Draxton, music for a wide range of celebrations Oscar Stromme, Hartvig Evenstad, Carl Moen, Ole Houge, Bennie Enstad, Roy and festivals, the North Dakota State Gratias and Sever Enstad. This band was on hand to meet the first Band decided to disband in April of 1927. passenger-bearing train to come to Pekin in 1907.

-16- EARLY POST OFFICE AND COUNTRY STORE In the years prior to the coming of the railroad to Aneta and Cooperstown, this area was served by several inland country stores and post offices. Some of the post offices in this area were at Harrisburg, Bue, Ottofy, Dissmore, Deehr, and Bolkan. The postmaster at Harrisburg was John O'Brien. Harrisburg also had several business establishments at that time, but passed out of existence when the railroad came through where Lakota is now located. At the Bue post office there was also a blacksmith shop operated by Tobias Holm. There was also a creamery operated by a man called Johnnie Buttermaker. This creamery was later moved and now serves as the barn on the farm of Ole Tandberg. Ottofy was the post office address of many of the people residing in what is Bergen Township. Postmasters at Ottofy included S. D. Wagness and John Iverson. They also operated a general store in connection with the post office. When Pekin was founded Mr. Iverson sold his stock of merchandise to Eidsvog and Gunderson. J. O. Johnson operated a general store for several years prior to 1906, on the Flying Mail, 1949-1950 banks of the Sheyenne River near the farm now occupied by Orris Urvand. Jim, Henry, Lars - pilot Upon the founding of the new town Mr. Johnson dismantled his store and moved his stock of merchandise to Pekin and started business anew. John Holden was one of the early mail carriers in this area. He "bid" on a Star Route and used to start from the Bue post office at 6 a.m. picking up mail at Ottofy, Crosher (which later became Tolna), at Harrisburg, and then into Lakota by noon. He would then leave Lakota at 1 p.m. delivering mail to Harrisburg and be back to the Bue Post Office by 6 p.m. He frequently carried passengers on these trips.

PEKIN POST OFFICE

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Miles and Henry, mail carriers Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Burreson -He was Postmaster for 33 years, 1909-1941. Mrs. Burreson was Clerk for 26 years.

The Pekin Post Office building was built by Bennie Burreson in 1910. Prior to 1910 Carl Moen's Confectionary housed the post office with Carl Moen serving as postmaster from 1906-1908. Bennie Burreson was appointed postmaster December 29, 1908, and served in this capacity for 33 years until ill health prompted his retiring in July 1941. Bennie served as postmaster through Republican and Democratic Administration; a fitting reward for a job well done. Mrs. Burreson served as clerk for 26 years retiring June 30, 1955. After the death of her husband she was appointed acting Postmistress and served in this capacity until our present postmistress Edith Tangen was appointed. Mrs. Eddie Polis is the clerk at present. (1956) The rural community has been well served by rural carriers. Until about 20 years ago there were 3 carriers — 2 with daily routes and one with a tri-weekly route. At the present time we have 2 carriers, Miles Burthold and Henry Bergstrom. Ludvig B. Holden was the first rural carrier. Other rural carriers were Oscar Holden, Mr. Laithy, Bennie C. Fredrickson, Olaf Ramfjord, Lars Paulson, Robert Broste, Edwin Smaaland, Berge Larson, Oscar Solberg and Mrs. Oscar Solberg. James Bergstrom, Morris Foley, Osborne Brekken have served as substitute carriers. The mail must be delivered. This is the challenge of every mail carrier and employee of the postal system. Pekin met this challenge in 1949 and 1950 when snow prevented delivering mail by cars or horses by summoning planes into service. Every farmer watched the sky anxiously as the hour for the plane's arrival drew near. Finally you heard the roar of the engine, the plane circled your farm EdithS. Tangen, former postmaster yard. The roll of mail was sighted as it was dropped by the carrier from the mail plane and joyfully retrieved by the news hungry farm family. Pilots were Lars Hildre and George Hovel. -17- Come rain or shine, come fair or foul weather, we know we can depend on our mail service. Edith Tangen served as postmaster 28 years but retired in May 1970. Then Minnie Polis served as officer in charge until March 2, 1972 and she was appointed post master. Virginia Enstad as sub. Due to age limit, Minnie Polis retired Nov. 25, 1974. Then Virginia Enstad was appointed postmaster and Betty Bina sub. They are serving at the present time, 1981. Henry Bergstrom, a mail carrier, passed away March 11, 1966. Then the routes combined into one and Miles Burthold is the present rural route mail carrier. James Bergstrom, substitute carrier, passed away Feb. 1, 1972. Then Osborne Brekken was appointed sub carrier and is at present time, 1981.

ENSRUD AND RUST ELECTRIC COMPANY Andrew J. Rust and Peter R. Ensrud were the early electricians of Pekin. From 1916 on when the Delco plants sold by A.L. Gulbro and the Lalley Plants sold by William Ryan were introduced to the Pekin farm community these two electricians were much in demand. 1974 - Retiring Postmaster Minnie M. Polis; Since these farm light plants required storage batteries this firm also was called Present Postmaster Virginia Enstad; Rural upon to rebuild and repair storage batteries. mail carrier, Miles Burthold and substitutes Betty Bina and Osborne Brekken.

OIL BUSINESS In 1916 the Bartles Oil Company installed the first bulk oil station in Pekin with James L. Bergstrom as agent. In 1920 the Bartles was bought by Cities Service Oil Company. James Bergstrom was again made their agent and has served in this capacity up to the present time (1956). The Bartles Oil was owned and operated by one man, Charlie Bartles of Grand Forks, N.Dak., who made his fortune by selling gasoline and oil from door to door in the early history of the oil business. The Standard Oil Company installed their bulk plant in Pekin in 1917 with Olaf Olson as their agent. Since this company did not keep their agents very long during the first years it is difficult to give an accurate account of the succeeding agents. However we link these names in connection with the Standard Oil of Pekin; Hilding Olson, Simon Simonson, Sven Haugsjaa and James Elsaas. James Elsaas was the agent in 1956. He quit and moved to the state of Washington where he passed away in 1977. The corner service station on Highway 15 was built by Sever Quam of Warwick, N.Dak. It was later purchased by James Elsaas who is the present owner. It was for some years operated by Birger Anderson who later moved to Washington. In the spring of 1956 this station was taken over by the Equity Creamery Co. and is managed by Melvin M. Quam. John Torskie had a wood working shop there in the winter of 1943-44 having come to the Pekin community as a carpenter contractor after the tornado had demolished most of the barns within a fifty mile radius in the summer of 1943. Gena and Sophie Droivold from Spring Grove, Minnesota, conducted a dress making school in Pekin in the early years of the town.

Pekin Fire Department The new firehall is located just back of the old hardware store and was built in 1971. Besides firemen's meetings, it is also used as a senior citizen center.

PEKIN FIRE DEPARTMENT The Pekin fire district was organized in 1968. The original board of directors were Irvin Enstad, Fyllis Burthold, Richard Morken, Clarence Elsaas and Gordon Flaagan. In 1971 a meeting room was added to the north end of the fire hall. The room is presently used by many different organizations. 1953 - Pekin Volunteer Firemen

-18- PEKIN AUTOMOBILE GARAGE, J. ODEOARD. Proprietor. jgiHNjaD))^ Automobile Supplies at Prices that are Right. I do all Kinds of Auto Repairing & Lathe Work. Stiam Engine and Bollwr Work a Specialty. Automobile Garage and Pekin. N. D., . 191 — M Account ; ! Reg. No _ ri,ri Forwarded ;! Repair Shop ' ! !i i 1 • " Engine and Boiler Repairing. : " 1 Experienced Workman. Gasoline and Motor Oils for Sale. PEKIN N.D. I .mm EARLY POST OFFICES AND COUNTRY STORES In the years prior to the coming of the his store and stock of merchandise into railroad to Aneta and Cooperstown, this the new town and started business area was served by several country anew. The present store is owned by stores and post offices. Some of the post Mrs. Isabel Frederick Urvand and was offices in the Pekin area were Harris­ the original J.O. Johnson store. burg, Bue, Ottofy, Dissmore, Deehr and Ottofy was the post office address of Bolkan. many of the people residing in what is The postmaster at Harrisburg was Bergen Township. Postmasters at Otto­ John O'Brien. Harrisburg also had fy included S.D. Wagness and John several business establishments, but Iverson. They also operated a general they passed out of existence when the store in connection with the post office. railroad came through where Lakota is When Pekin was founded, Mr. Iverson now located. sold his stock of merchandise to Eidsvog John Odegaard, Blacksmith, Thresher Bue Post Office was established in and Gunderson. May of 1882. There was also a small grocery store located here to which eggs and butter were brought and traded for LODGES groceries. A blacksmith shop operated Among the various fraternal organizations which have proved popular with the by Tobias Holm and a creamery people of Pekin, the "Sons of Norway" (Luren) Lodge was first to be organized. operated by a man called Johnny This lodge was exclusively for people of Norwegian extraction, and had a very large Buttermaker, were established near this and active membership. When Mr. Hartvig Evenstad discontinued his photograph post office. The building housing the studio, his place of business was purchased by the lodge to serve as a place to hold creamery was later moved and now meetings and social activities. serves as the barn on the Jerry Sand The second lodge organized was the "Modern Brotherhood of America," farm. organized by Mr. M. B. Anderson of Fargo. It proved to be a popular organization, Johnny Holden was one of the early with a very interesting initiation program for new members. The "Modern mail carriers in this area. He bid on a Brotherhood of America" also dealt in life insurance. Star Route and used to start from the "The Modern Woodmen of America" was later organized with membership Bue Post Office at 6 a.m., picking up available to men only. This lodge enjoyed popularity and considerable activity for mail at Ottofy, Crosier (which later many years. Although this lodge had its own degree team to conduct the initiation became Tolna), and Harrisburg, making of new members, they held some of their initiations at Brocket, North Dakota. This it to Lakota by noon. He would leave neighboring lodge had one of the best degree teams in the state. At the present Lakota by 1 p.m., delivering mail to time, "The Modern Woodmen of America" can claim several members of the Harrisburg and be back to Bue Post original group as members. Office by 6 p.m. He frequently carried passengers on these trips. In the year 1981 we have many organizations, including the American Legion, J.O. Johnson operated a general Legion Auxiliary, Senior Citizens, Firemans, League Bowlers, Senior Citizens store for several years prior to 1906 on Bowling, the Ladies Aid and Pekin Rod & Gun Club. the banks of the Sheyenne River directly east of and across the road from the The A.L.C.W. meet once a month at the church. Betty Bina is the president, Urvand farm buildings. Upon the Ellen Burthold is vice-president, Betty Brekken is secretary and Minnie Polis is founding of Pekin, Mr. Johnson moved treasurer.

-19- PEKIN SOCIAL CLUB PEKIN SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB AMERICAN LEGION The Pekin Social Club has 15 mem­ The Pekin Senior Citizens Club was The Morken Christensen Post No. 182 bers at the present time. They meet being formed in the fall of 1975 through of Pekin was reorganized on Oct. 30, once a month at the homes, except for the efforts of Emma Loe and Josie 1945. Members present were Arnold the Christmas party which is held in the Hanson. The subject of a Senior Club Holm, Henry bergstrom, Orville Tand- Pekin Church parlors. was brought up by Edith Tangen a few berg, Bernard Opoien, Allan Opoien, Shut-ins and elderly are remembered years before, but could not get enough Sam Howell, Clifford Lien, Oscar John­ with cards and gifts at Easter and people interested to get it going. son and Edgar Skaalrud. Christmas. Our organizational meeting was held Arnold Holm was elected Commander Mrs. Helen Jensen is the current Dec. 18, 1975. Twelve people attended. and Henry Bergstrom adjutant. The president. The first official meeting was held at post has been active ever since taking the Pekin Fire Hall on Jan. 21, 1976 part in many local activities, especially with 19 people joining. The officers Memorial Day with its colors, color were president Leonard Stenslie, vice guard and firing squad, visiting local president Emma Loe, secretary Crystal cemeteries and honoring past veterans Kinsley and treasurer Oscar Morken. as well as at funerals of veterans. The regular meetings were set for the They have supported Boys State by third Wednesday of each month. At one sending many local junior high school time the membership totaled 43, but at students to Fargo for one week each present has decreased some. year. The Senior Citizens Club of Pekin was incorporated on Oct. 18, 1976. It turned out to be a real success for the elderly of The Pekin American Legion Post #182 the community. With the help of Eva and the Pekin Legion Auxiliary meet once Quam, area Social Service Center of a month. Every Memorial Day services Grand Forks and Peggy Johnson, are held at the soldier's graves and the Nelson County Co-ordinator, we now Auxiliary maintains a memorial plot in have a real good bus service in our honor of deceased members. A program county and have also received help on and dinner is served at the church. winterization and fuel expenses. The following are 1980-81 officers of We also have two representatives the Legion: Post Commander, David A Christmas gathering of the Social Club from our county known as Silver Haired Foreng; Vice Commander, Carmen Ens­ Legislators to represent us at the State rud; Adjutant, Mario Rogness; Chaplain, Legislature in Bismarck, to be present Pastor A. Tastad; Sgt. of Arms, Norris to help pass bills to help all senior Messner; Service Officer, Leonard Stens­ citizens. Now serving in this capacity lie; Finance, Gorden Flaagan. PEKIN ROD & GUN CLUB are G. E. Mclntyre of Kloten and The club had an early start in the Francis Sears of Petersburg. It is a 1930's but was inactive for a few years. proven fact that it pays to belong to a Thorman Olson and Ray Seidlinger Senior Citizens Club. reorganized it in 1946 with about 40 The next staff of officers will be: members. Thorman Olson was president Leonard Stenslie, president; Crystal and Ray Seidlinger secretary at that Enstad, vice president; Benora Stenslie, time. The club was formed for conser­ secretary and Myrtle Stenslie, treasur­ vation of natural resources and wildlife. er. (A good staff) The site at the Tolna Dam was bought The Senior Citizens currently have a from Sivert Opoien, and picnic shelters membership of 33 and meet once a month AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY were built in 1970 by the club. Materials at the Fire Hall. were furnished by the Nelson County The Pekin American Legion Auxiliary Water Management Board, except for of the Morken Christiansen Post Unit the cement. 182 was reorganized on Dec. 19, 1950 The club bought land from Albert with 19 members. Kling west of Pekin, and in 1975 built a The auxiliary maintains a memorial trap shoot there. plot for deceased members and a floral The shooting range was dedicated to plot around the flag pole in the the memory of Oliver Twete for his children's park. great work for the club and for Members in 1980 included Marie conservation of wildlife. It was named Sletten, Clara Burthold, Buelah Burk- the Oliver Twete Rifle Range in 1975. land, Doris Halvorson, Mae Polis, Sally That same year the club boasted 92 Johnson, Minnie Polis, Olive Olson, members from Tolna, Pekin, McVille Marvis Messner, Mary Ann Flaagan, and Hamar areas. Astrid Burthold, Betty Brekken, Crystal Two meetings a year was the original Enstad, Allie Bergstrom, Emma Loe, plan for the club, but later changed to Josie Hanson, Alice Foreng, Kathy one meeting a month, the third Thurs­ Rogness and junior member, Audrey day. The club was very active during the Messner. winter of 1977-78 in the "Save the Deer" project by furnishing grain and The Legion Auxiliary has the following hay for the starving deer and receiving officers: President, Marvis Messner; donations to help do that. First Vice President, Crystal Enstad; Second Vice President, Olive Olson; More recent presidents of the club Secretary, Betty Brekken; Treasurer, have been Ray Seidlinger, Leroy Snyder, Astrid Burthold; Historian, Minnie Polis; Dan Schwab, Lynn Johnson and Orville Chaplain, Mae Polis and Color Bearer, Engel. Doris Halvorson. The Pekin Legion Auxiliary, Left to right, Front row: Vera Bliss, Thea Brekken, Marie Quiam, Marie Sletten, Clara Burthold; 2nd row: Margaret Olson, Buelah Burkland, Doris Halvorson, Mae Polis, Minnie Polis, Marvis Messner, Pearl 50 Year Jubilee for the American Legion, honoring Andrew Omlie, Betty Brekken, Crystal Enstad; 3rd row: Sally Avdem and Obert Enstads. Arnot Tangen was commander Johnson, Olive Olson, Mary Ann Flaagan, Astrid Burthold, and Morris Messner as President. Manilla Brekken, Allie Bergstrom. (1969)

Pekin American Legion, Memorial Day about 1950. Note Bergen School #7 and Sheyenne Church in the background.

Senior Citizens of the Sheyenne Ladies Aid - 1958 Left to right, Front row: Nettie Loe, Guri Raan; Back row: Anna Brekken, Marie (Odegaard) Stenslie, Mrs. Simon Tangen. Marie Odegaard was one of the officers of the first Pige Forening (Girls Society) when it was organized, of the Sheyenne Church and later became Young Peoples Pekin Lutheran Church Society. THE LADIES AID The first Ladies Aid was organized August 14, 1907, at the home of Mrs. Tom Reep; Rev. S.S. Wold presiding. Their aim was to help build a church in Pekin and do other missionary work. First officers of Pekin Ladies Aid 1907: Pres. Mrs. Tom Reep; Vice Pres. Mrs. J.J.Elsaas; Sec. Mrs. B. Steen; Treas. Mrs. A. Draxton. The aid was reorganized on February 11, 1908, at the hone of Mrs. C. Rowden. The name Pekin Ladies Aid was chosen. Membership list in 1908 included Mrs. Carl Stenslie, Mrs. Carl Jenson, Mrs. C. Rowden, Mrs. J.O. Johnson, Mrs. T.J. Alstad, Mrs. J.G. Scansen, Mrs. E.C. Brekken, Mrs. Otto Sletten, Mrs. B. Steen, Mrs. Olaf Quam, Mrs. John Kling, Mrs. Fred Anderson, Mrs. B.M. Burreson, Mrs. Cyril Turcotte, Mrs. B.K. Enstad, Mrs. Carl Moen, Mrs. Tom Reep, Mrs. A. Draxton and Mrs. Ole Brude. There are 46 members in the Pekin Ladies Aid in 1956. President, Mrs. Vernon Braaten; Sec. Mrs. Bill Rogness; Treas. Mrs. Art Bergstrom.

-21- Of the 19 charter members, Mrs. Otto Sletten is the only living member at this writing. The first Ladies Aid supper was a lap supper served at the Opera House in 1908. PEKIN LUTHERAN CHURCH This was served for 15c- per plate of 256 per couple. Total proceeds from the supper were $72.90. The first church services in Pekin The Pekin Ladies Aid became affiliated with the Women's Missionary Federation were held in the attic of the Elsaas store in 1930 and then in 1960 it was changed to the American Lutheran Church Women. in 1906. Then as residences were built Aid meetings are the first Wednesday of every month and in December we have a the services were held in various homes pot luck supper for the congregation. and in the first school house which later General upkeep of the church basement has been taken care of by the A.L.C.W. was the Ole Berg home. including remodeling of the kitchen area, serving area, back entry, new windows, The first child baptized was Elsie tables, folding chairs, stoves, dishes, refrigerator, silverware, cleaning equipment, Steen in 1907, and the first couple etc. married were Marie Bakken and Otto Our regular functions include serving for funerals, community doings — such as Sletten in 1907. auctions and meetings when asked. We put on a program at the McVille Friendship Mrs. Otto Sletten is the only living Manor once a year for their monthly birthday party. charter member. During the winter months we quilt and have made up as many as 50 quilts. These The Pekin congregation was organ­ are given to Lutheran World Relief or local nursing homes. We sponsor the Bible ized in April 1910, and incorporated in school teachers, pay for the material and also the Sunday school. The Aid also helps August of 1912. Pastor S.S. Wold the congregation meet their budget when there is a deficit. served as minister from 1906 to 1916. A different parsonage was purchased and dedicated on September 9, 1973, by The cornerstone of the present church Bishop Nelson Preus. We were joined by the Lutheran Church Women from Sigdal was laid in 1913. Pastor Wold preached and Sheyenne serving a dinner following the Tri-Parish service and also served the the first service in the church in the fall tea at the parsonage. of 1913. C. L. Jensen gave the first bell Since 1971 our main money making project has been an annual bazaar in the to the church. Spring. All the congregation including many men and children have taken part. The first child baptized after organi­ zation was Seymour Houge in 1910. The Sunday school was organized in 1910. In 1920, 37 children were enrolled. In According to the records the first couple 1922, the records show an enrollment of 63. married in the Pekin Church were Mr. H.X. Hansen was Supt. during the 1940's and also Mrs. A.O. Lee. Henrietta Bjorlie and Ole Lysne in 1916. The Sunday school meets in the church basement from September through May. The minutes of the Pekin congre­ During the 1950's, Mrs. S.J. Elsaas was the Supt. with an enrollment of 60, with gation were recorded in Norwegian until 11 teachers. Mrs. Clarence Ruud was Supt. from 1953 to 1963; 42 children attended 1927. and there were 11 teachers. The present parish, consisting of In 1958 the Sunday school began to give out Bibles with names engraved on them Pekin-Sheyenne and Sigdahl congre­ to the Jr. Confirmation classes. gations was formed in 1939. Mrs. Oscar Saugstad was Supt. from 1963 to 1969; 38 children, 10 teachers. The pastors that have served the Mrs. Osborne Brekken served as Supt. from 1969-1974 assisted by Mrs. Frank Pekin Lutheran church from 1906 until Olson for three years. Enrollment was 38 with 9 teachers. the present time are: Rev. S. S. Wold, Mrs. George Beckman, the current Supt., began in 1975. Mrs. Fyllis Burthold 1906-1916; B.H.J. Habel, 1916-1918; plays for the Sunday school each Sunday. At present we have 3 children in nursery T.S.Hanson, 1919-1928; M.B.Ordahl, class, one in 2nd grade, one in 5th grade, two 6th graders, three Junior 1928-1929, temporary; Rev. Sahl, 1929- Confirmants and three Senior Confirmants with three teachers. 1931; H.E. Everson, 1932-1938; B. Ostrem, 1938-1942; Oscar Rude, winter of 1942; R. K. Malde, 1942-1945; T.K. Spande, 1946-1952; Clifford Ritland, 1953-1956; Albert Tastad, 1956 to present.

You will find the following permanent memorials in our church: THE AMERICAN FLAG, in memory of Osborne Bergstrom given by Mr. and Mrs. Art Bergstrom. THE CHRISTIAN FLAG, in memory of Mrs. Alice Bliss, Dick Orr, Mrs. Andrew Tangen, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Bergstrom, Herman Jacobson, Ona Fairbanks, Vivian and Bennie Burreson. A TRACT CASE, in memory of Mrs. Olaf Christianson. THE ALTAR CROSS, in memory of Marlowe and B.K. Enstad by Mrs. Regina Enstad Fredrickson. THE ALTAR BIBLE, in memory of Bennie Burreson by the Sheyenne Telephone Company. THE AMPLIFYING SYSTEM, in memory of Clayton Polis by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Polis. THE SILVER COFFEE SERVICE to the Ladies Aid, in memory of Wm. Randklev by Mrs. Wm. Randklev. THE WORLD MISSION MAP to the Sunday School, in memory of Wm. Randklev by Mrs. Wm. Randklev. A BOOK CASE, in memory of Lars Fredrickson by Mrs. L. Fredrickson. THE CHIMES, Fund was started by memorials for Mrs. Edyth Elsaas and later completed by donations from church members and memorials. Lutheran Church, Pekin, N.D. THE LITURGICAL SERVICE of the Lutheran Church Book and Stand in memory of Peder A. Tangen by Mrs. P.A. Tangen. Our church membership at the present time 1956 is approximately 250 Baptized members.

-22- The following organizations are activ ein our church: L.D.R. — Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation for girls from confirmation age on upward to high school graduation age. L.C.R. — Lutheran Children of Reformation made up of boys and girls of grade school age. FELLOWSHIP GROUP — Takes the place of Luther League. Composed of families of the congregation who gather for an hour every month and enjoy a social hour. LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD — men of the church. Hl-LEAGUE— composed of both boys and girls of the church from confirmation age to 21 years. Credit is due Pastor Ritland for introducing the last three organizations in our church and keeping them active.

OTTOFY CHURCH

The Homesteaders and Pioneers a- long the Sheyenne River and prairies were very close to nature and their love for God. Traveling over the wide open prairie valleys and over the rough desolate land, with visions of the new found land they were helping to settle and homestead on. Breaking up the fertile ground so they could raise grains and food for their families. Build their homes and a church to worship their Savior. There were very few Catholics settled here so they had quite a distance to go to get together. For Sunday mass once a month the families would take turns having mass in their homes. The train came as far as Michigan City so Father McDonald would come to Hope; the pioneers took turns picking him up with horse and buggy and bring him down to the Sheyenne settlement. Marriages, Baptisms and funerals were held in their homes at this time. Some of the pioneers who would gather were Michael Deerhs, Oscar Deerhs, William Breckheimers, Ed­ mund Stahls, Frank Stahls, Peter Burns, Martin Burkes, John O'Brians and Frank Lipperts. Then in 1901 the first Catholic church was built on a hilltop overlooking Ottofy Post Office and the wide open surround­ ing prairies. Under the supervision of Father McDonald, the pioneers turned out from every direction to help; at last one more dream come true. The pioneers donated the furnishings for the church - chairs, pews and the altar. Charlie Goffe, son-in-law of Frank and Pauline Stahl, was very good at crocheting and he made the foot or more wide lace for the altar cloth on the altar, which has still been in use at St. Joseph's church at Tolna. Many a new linen top it has worn out over the years and has been added since it was made. More families homesteaded and settled on the prairie and came to church on the hill, which was named St. Johns of Ottofy. The John Boule's, Eugene and St. Johns Church of Ottofy Edward LaMottes, Dan Donahues, the Moores and Turcottes. brought their young children for bap­ whispers so softly in the breeze. God is Later, Fr. McDonald turned the tism; and also many a sad occasion as truly here. Then the birds fly so gently pastoral care of St. John's over to goes with life. Many a loved one had over, singing their cheerful songs. Father Hart of Hope, N.D. By this time been laid to rest beside the lovely little Tornadoes and high winds were very St. John's church had housed many a church on the prairie with its huge rough on St. John's on the hill. It was happy marriage of pioneers who later evergreens standing tall as the wind damaged in 1916 but was restored at

-23- that time. Some years later it was hit After six years he was offered a move to For quite a few years they were again, this time quite badly. It was time Fargo to work with youth. Fr. Snell without a choir, but with Fr. Pfau for a change. The church was sold to replaced him. This was Fr. Snell's first strumming his guitar, he encouraged Joseph Quam who lived close by. parish and he remained nearly two Monte Breckheimer to bring his guitar Tolna was sorely in need of a church years, until July 1980, when changes and with his wife Betty at the organ, St. also at this time. They had been having again were made. St. Joseph was Joseph's were 'Praising The Lord' with masses in halls, homes and school temporarily put under the wing of St. music again. The younger girls of the houses. This was when St. John's of Mary's of Lakota. Fr. Jim Lauriman parish are now helping play the organ Ottofy went together with Tolna and cares for the church now until a priest is with their families in charge certain became a Mission of Lakota. Father available. Sundays of the month, which relieves Ulric Proeller, P.S.M., was the priest In 1979 St. Joseph's Church was Monte and Betty some of the time. there and also to care for us. Under his remodeled and a choir loft was added in So nice to see the church with so leadership, plans were made for a new the entrance above where the choir many families and their young ones. If church to be erected at Tolna. On May room used to be. Some extra, unused families increase at this pace, St. 28, 1939, the new church (which was to space was found and this gave the Joseph's will have to add on to their become the future St. Joseph's of entrance a larger space for different church, which would be wonderful, Tolna) was erected. The combined purposes. In 1980, wall-to-wall carpet­ wonderful. membership of St. John's of Ottofy was ing was laid by Tom LaMotte. Slowly about 50 families in number. but surely, things have progressed for Though obstacles were great, causing St. Joseph's at Tolna. lots of hard work, none did shirk, with Fr. Proeller with his overalls on and spade in hand, everyone knew there was work to be done and anything was EXCERPTS FROM 1956 HISTORY BOOKLET possible. St. Joseph's was made a frame and stucco structure. It will seat 200 or more South of the Johnson store stood the Pekin hotel built by Bernard Steen in the people. Everything was moved from St. early days of the town. As in most small towns the hotel business was not very John's into St. Joseph's at Tolna. The successful. The hotel was later taken over by Mr. and Mrs. Halvor A. Johnson who altar, pews, chairs, etc., to help defray were not in business more than one year when he moved back to his farm by the expenses. Sheyenne River south of town. After that the hotel changed hands several times. Dedication of the new church was Andrew Ensrud bought the building and moved it to the farm now owned by Einar held on May 27, 1941. With the Most Engebretson, where with its high store front has served as a dwelling and in recent Rev. Aloisius J. Muench, D.D., Bishop years it has been remodeled. The store front has been removed and has been of Fargo, present. Welcome and thanks­ transformed into a modern home. giving were spoken by Fr. Proeller and Mrs. Ida Olson now residing in Pekin, was the first hired girl to be employed in a short program was given. A dinner Pekin. She was employed by Pekin's first restaurant owned by Mr. Bernard Steen. was served in the city auditorium. Mrs. Olson was also the first customer to buy dry goods at the Elsaas store, buying Members and friends gathered from far a pair of black cotton stockings. and wide to help celebrate, which marked another great achievement and Mr. Amund Pederson or generally referred to as "Lappen" which was a fulfillment of another dream. nickname for a Laplander, the land from whence it is believed he came. Mr. It was at this time the Edmund Pederson was a painter also, and a master at the trade. An artist who, while doing Stahl's families, which were Joseph house painting could blend house paint to make very beautiful pictures - some of Stahl family and Martin Stahl family, landscape scenery, others of ships and ocean liners. One of these pictures can be transferred to St. Lawrence Church at seen on a hay chute in George Hovel's barn which Mr. Pederson once painted. Jessie, N.D., being closer for them to go there than to Tolna. The Frank Stahl Lars Bergsrud who for many years farmed west of Pekin, but in later years has families, Thomas Stahls, Francis Stahls, retired and moved to Pekin, has been one of many carpenters in the Pekin and William Stahls, Clifford Breck- community. Mr. Bergsrud farmed and did carpenter work on the side, and has built heimer's family and other families that many houses and other buildings in this area including all the buildings at his lived west of St. John's joined St. former farm home. He built a new home in Pekin, and it was sold to Arnot Tangen Joseph's and helped build the new in 1962. Then in 1979 it was sold to Ha Halvorson. She lives there. church at Tolna. Father Proeller entered the U.S. Pekin has also had its share of other contractors and craftsmen such as Lewis A. Army as Chaplain in the Officer's Walquist, a mason who for many years ran large crews of men, doing concrete work Reserve. He had served for seven years of all descriptions. The Walquists later moved to California where they continued at Lakota and Tolna. Fr. Miller became the mason trade. While in Pekin they built the house now occupied by Iver Hoiberg. the new priest at Lakota for a few years. Then Father Hasey came to serve the Sundveis Johnson and Gilbert Bjorlie were building contractors. This firm built parish. St. Joseph's had been a Mission many of the finest homes in Pekin and surrounding communities, employing large of Lakota until 1954; then St. Joseph of crews of men which in turn made Pekin a mecca for the working men. The well built Tolna became a parish with St. Peter's communities surrounding Pekin required the skill of many craftsmen and the help of Aneta and St. Paul's of McHenry, of countless numbers of workmen. N.D. became her Mission Churches. Olaf Harven, our present Mason, began his trade under the before mentioned Father Hasey remained for 10 years. L.A. Walquist firm and worked there for many years until Walquist moved away, It was at this time, in 1955 and 1956, a then Mr. Harven took over the business and has been here ever since. rectory was built and Father had a new John L. Quam who lived in Pekin for many years, was an expert painter, and has home. Fr. Hasey was transferred in some time or other painted almost every house in the community inside and 1962. outside. He was for many years associated with Sever S. Quam, also an expert in Fr. Alvin Kartas was sent to serve the the trade. These two men had the same name but were not related to each other. In three churches for nine years until 1972. the early days the painter had to compound his own paint as ready-made paint was He served so very faithfully until again not yet invented, yet the paint in those days seemed to endure very well. it was time for a move. Fr. Bernard Pfau Oiuf Simonson, a life-long resident of Pekin, followed the line of carpentry came to serve; this was his first Parish. through the years until his death in 1948.

-24- F.O. Walhood operated a photographer shop in 1907-10. Hartvig M. Evenstad was a photographer, at first going from place to place taking pictures of farm homes and family or individual pictures. In almost every home photos bearing his name on the corner may be found. In 1914 his picture business had grown to such proportions that he felt the need of a studio, so Hartvig and his brother Anton, a mason, built the building now known as the Pekin Variety Store. Mr. Evenstad operated this studio for many years, at the same time taking up watch repairing, a business which he continued for several years. He sold this building to the Sons of Norway Lodge. The lodge later dissolved and sold the building to Peder A. Tangen, or what was later known as Tangen electric. Mr. Tangen had possession for several years until he traded the place to Mrs. Delia Walhood who started the Pekin Variety Store. This business, Mrs. Walhood operated until July 5, 1956, when she sold the building to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Mjolsness, who now operate a barber and beauty shop in conjunction with a line of "variety" merchandise. This building was torn down in 1979.

PEKIN AUDITORIUM The Pekin Auditorium was built in 1927. It was built by the Village of Pekin with funds received through a bond issue by the village. The contractor was the firm of Roel and Berg of Fargo. The auditorium has been used throughout the years for various community activities. Soon after its completion the village purchased movie equipment and movies have been operated by the village through the years. Operator was Eddie Polis. As the Pekin School does not have an auditorium or gymnasium in the school building, it has been used frequently for school plays and entertainments. It has also served as the school basketball gym. In 1981 it is still used for card parties, bazaars, banquets and dancing. THE PEKIN AUDITORIUM

THE PEKIN AUDITORIUM By Cliff Foreng

There is a building standing on the capacity crowd for the performance Arnot Tangen was on the drums. They main street of Pekin, a town in Osago produced and performed by a handful of played for big crowds with everyone for Twp., Nelson County, North Dakota, that Pekin housewives. It was like a Broadway miles around coming for the $25 drawing I personally feel should be enshrined. production and just fantastic! given away every Wednesday and Satur­ That building is the Pekin Auditorium The Pekin Co-op Elevator held all their day nights. I'll never forget the night that and I'd like to share with you some of my annual meetings at the auditorium and I Orpha, who was later to become my wife, memories which have helped make it remember political meetings, auction drew my name for the big prize. There such a special place, not only for me, but sales, wedding and anniversary dances. were over 900 people and each had paid for many of us who grew up in this But most of all I remember the music 10c' for a chance on the $25. That money community. — the bands and the orchestras. The lasted me from the last week in May If it's walls could talk, we'd hear of the sound of those bands remain vivid in my through August. I bought clothes for celebrities, of the many governors of our memories. Appearing at the auditorium school and the Saturday night parties that state who appeared here; of the vaude­ were the professional bands such as these year of 1940. It would be great if $25 ville acts, magicians and home talent popular names from the Omaha booking would go that far today! plays that took place on its stage. There agencies including such bands as Allan were class plays, 8th grade and high Castle, Jack Kane, Carl Colby, Whit school graduation until the closing of the Thoma and Lon Breeze. Also appearing Pekin School in 1964 - and, of course the were names such as Big and Little Ole, Al WHERE IT BEGAN basketball games. Pekin played all their Wencil, Bennie Pesek, Myron Pecka, the In addition to all the mentioned bands home games within these walls and in the Clemenson Band of Lawton, Kermit there were the beginners, among them late 30's and early 40's there were the Myhre and Doc Short of Devils Lake, the bands I played in — The Royal Pekin Invitational Tournaments held Vern Malafa and Olaf Roisum of Grand Scandinavians and the Playboys. That during the Christmas holidays. Forks and many others too numerous to spring of 1941 began a new era in the I recall the time our Pekin team was mention. Pekin Auditorium. The Royal Scandi­ clobbered by the state Class B champion­ I can also recall hearing Sam and his navians, a new dance band, was born. In ship team from Lakota. The score was City Fellers from Bismarck and Thorstein the band were Frank and Kenneth Olson, something like 58-4. The year was Skarming, a Norwegian Royal from Harvey Hoiberg and myself. Our first 1937-38. That was a sad night. But there Minot. My former sax man, George dance was one sponsored by the firemen. were happy times when our boys won the Hovel, used to play with Thorstein and We did our practicing at the home of district and regionals and went on to with Stromdahls of Stump Lake and Frank and Kenny's mother, Ida Olson, in represent us well in the state Class C Lakota. Pekin. Here we spent hours creating tournaments. The auditorium walls shook The Albert Enstad Band of Pekin chord structures and practicing with no with cheers and applause at these times. played more dances than any of the complaints about the noise from Mrs. One of the classic events I like to others. Al played the sax; Olien, Al's Olson. In fact, she made sure we had reminisce about in the old auditorium was daughter was on the piano and James plenty of coffee and cookies. the fine pageant presented at the 50th Enstad, Al's nephew was on the trumpet. We had the opportunity to play for a Pekin Jubilee in 1956. There was a Orlando Martinson played banjo and few dances in the auditorium after World

-25- War II. Frank left us, soon followed by a move by Kenny and Harvey to Binford. I gave up the accordian because Orpha and I had married and, somehow, band work had lost its appeal for the time being. But my love of band music did not lay dormant for long. While in the Army Frank had learned rhythm guitar playing and when he returned the two of us got together to play for our own amusement. When Elmer Bjorlie came home from the service the three of us teamed up and after a few practices, we decided to get back into the band business. Two accordions and a hollow-body guitar just didn't do the trick and we added Sherman Hoiberg on the drums, Jim Loe and George Hovel on the saxophone. A new band - The Playboys - came into being. Cliff Foreng and Harvey Hoiberg (guitar), entertaining at San Haven Almost overnight we were in demand. Elmer changed to an electric chord organ and after several years when Jim and Sherman left they were replaced by James Enstad and Leonard Stenslie. Frank and I were doing a lot of duo work for dances and other social functions such as reunions, anniversaries and church gatherings. What has happened to these bands and their members as the years have passed? After moving to Devils Lake, I organized the Cliff Foreng Combo in 1967 and I continue today to do what I like best — play the accordion. Frank plays his guitar and bass with dance groups in Grand Forks, Binford and McHenry. I'm sure the others are still playing, at least for their own enjoyment, because we never quite get over our love of band music, nor do we ever lose our memories of the sound of the big bands echoing in the Pekin Auditorium. No wonder I always tell people, "I'm from Devils Lake, formerly of Pekin." There are so many fond memories of the community, the people and that Pekin Auditorium! Cliff Foreng and the band - "The Playboys" WHEN IT BEGAN based on an autobiography written by Dianne (Foreng) Walsh of Osakis, Minnesota. Remember When ... the depression of the 30's gripped our land ... FDR was President of the United States (1932-45) . . . America became engaged in World War II . . . and you could hear the sounds of big bands and country music on your radio almost anytime of the day or night — seven days a week ... if you had a radio! Whether or not you remember, this is a brief picture of how the world looked when Cliff Foreng first began having dreams of listening to all the then great sounds of music, including the pop music with its songs and the great harmony that went with music in those days. Cliff was born at McVille, N.D., and raised in Pekin, N.D., Nelson County, Bergen Twp. As a very young boy, interest was instilled by his father, Casper, who was a button (2 row) accordian player from Norway and frequently Grandpa Casper and Uncle Clifford would visit Grandpa's uncle, Anton Gjestvang, who also played a 2-row button accordian. The two would have a jam session with two accordians and Cliff sat by and became very interested in the "sounds of the 30's". His sisters Mabel and Olga and brother Howard were playing the old parlor pump organ at home, but it all seemed far fetched for 10-year old Clifford. Brother Howard teamed up with two neighbors, Andrew Avdem and Iver Hoiberg, and these three were busy playing for the then common "local house parties" and Cliff started insisting on tagging along with Howard and Olga. Later on, in the early high school days, Grandpa Casper would take Clifford to the orthodontist, Dr. Hocking, in Devils Lake. It became a habit to take in the Saturday night amateurs in the old Grand Gardens Theatre produced by Bert Wick of KDLR Cliff Foreng, accordion and Frank Olson, Radio, Devils Lake. Being too young to dance, Cliff would just sit on the stage of the guitar, in front of Pekin Auditorium. Grand Gardens Ballroom and listen to the popular music of the Kermit Myhre dance band.

-26- REUNION NOTES & ACTIVITIES Pekin High School POEM: PEKIN PUBLIC SCHOOL

"P" is for Pekin Public School where we all studied the golden rule. "E" is for everything, including edu­ cation. We giggled when we studied and cried at graduation. "K" is for kindness, kitchen, key and kids. Kind cooks in the kitchen served food from steaming lids. "I" is for the interest showed, the ink we spilled, the industry chosen. We hope all are happy in each his own vocation. "N" is for noon hour when it was time to eat. We marched down the steps very nice and neat. "S" is for smiles, serenity and sin. Sex Prior to the late 30's and early 40's, there did not happen to be a radio yet at the wasn't taught by teachers then — was Foreng farm so he walked across the hills to the neighbors, Albert Sand on the learned from next of kin. Ottofy Farm, and listened to WLS Chicago and WSM Nashville radio stations. "C" is for community — Ours is the When Cliff was 14, he was able to save his money and purchase his first accordian . best. The pioneers, the in-betweens, . . a two-row from Edward Halvorson of Tolna. By then Grandpa Casper had bought the present youngsters with their zest. a 32 volt radio from the Gamble's Store at Devils Lake. "H" is for hurry, home, hope and hall There was a neighbor, Hartvig Evenstad, a watch maker and jeweler, who was — We hurried home with hope to win a also a violinist, organ player and writer of music who insisted that Cliff learn the game of basketball. difficult "chords" of the organ. Hartvig would teach Cliff one complete chord "O" is for obedience, order with cause. progression a week on the familiar "old fashioned" pump pedal organ. After No need for arguing — We knew wearing out the family's heirloom, a full sized piano key accordion was purchased teachers were boss. from an accordion retailer from Chicago in 1940. At 17, together with three very "0" The second O is for the obituary of good high school friends, Frank and Kenneth Olson and Harvey Hoiberg, they our school. In 1907 it was born. In 1965 played for several local social functions besides playing for house parties and it was down it was torn. from this group that the first public band became known as the "Royal "L" is for a lonesome, loving lot, Scandinavians." Henry Jacobson of Bergen Twp. became the 5th member of the Where our school house used to stand. group being the drummer, the driver and the "off age" musician. But it will never be forgot. During the World War II conflict, Clifford teamed with Pekin's former local band Put these all together they spell leader Al (Albert) Enstad and Kenny Olson and whoever was available to play in PEKIN SCHOOL. Where we all did towns like Pekin, Binford, McVille and Aneta. Cliff even received extra gas and study and did learn the golden rule. tires for the extra traveling as they played the USO club which was started at McVille. After the war and the society returned to a normal situation, the orchestra called "The Playboys" came into being. This organization started with George Hovel and James Loe as the sax players, Frank Olson on guitar and Sherman Hoiberg, drums SCHOOL SONG as well as Cliff on the accordion. Pekin High School Later James Enstad, trumpet, joined the band and played for several years. Well Hats off to thee known local boys from Pekin and surrounding areas who also played with the To thy colors true we will always be "Playboys" were Arnot Tangen, Leonard Stenslie and Albert Olson, drums; Firm and strong united are we Severin Enstad, sax and clarinet; Raymond Lilleoien, sax and trumpet; Monte Rah - rah - rah Breckheimer, guitar and bass; Earl Rickford of Binford on banjo, piano and bass; Sis - boom - bah Monte McDaniel of McVille on sax and clarinet; Lowell Peterson, drums and Rah for the Pekin team. vocals; Bob Hedstrom of Cooperstown, saxophone and Doug Wonder of McVille on the trumpet. There were also others who from time to time played with Cliff's band. Cliff and his wife Orpha, moved to Devils Lake in the summer of 1966. He decided to organize a group in 1967 where he played a steady, local location job at the 313 Club, from mid-April through Dec. 31, 1967. This band was then known as the Cliff Foreng Combo, the name he still uses today. Musicians working with Cliff THE FAMILIAR PLACES were and are: Dave Johnson, sax and clarinet; Bill Haugen, drums; Bob Thornton From time to time I long to see...the old of Esmond, sax and tuba; Reg. Connelly of Lawton, trumpet; Lloyd Zacher from familiar places...that used to be my Devils Lake, guitar and Clarence Ulness, Devils Lake on bass. stomping grounds... where childhood "The Music Man" which he is so commonly called, remains active in music- ran its races...I like to wander through today. Besides playing his accordion with the Combo, Cliff solos and entertains for the streets...where once I used to many special events. He is called on many occasions to entertain at the homes for play...and reminisce about the past... the aged, senior citizens centers, for birthdays and anniversaries and has when I was young and gay...I got a thrill performed for fund raising activities at the local radio station, KDLR, besides in passing by...that certain corner store playing for local parties with former hometown musicians. where I made lasting friendships that Lowell Peterson, school superintendent at McVille, N.D., and a fellow musician I'll think of evermore.. .And when I view friend once said, "Cliff would play in a snowstorm in the street if he thought my former home 1 feel a glow inside... someone would come." And I am reminded of some lines — "Let Me Entertain for many were the joys I knew when You, Let Me Make You Smile," because as Cliff says in his published "Sing Along there I did abide...and that is why from Book" - not everyone plays an instrument and most everyone can sing, but time to time my memory retraces...and everyone enjoys listening to their own types of music. So as long as he can play, I long to go back again to old familiar there's no doubt Cliff will always be playing for an audience of some kind. places.

-27- OSAGO TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT The Osago Township School System was organized on April 20, 1886, at a meeting held at the residence of Josiah Pierce who farmed northwest of the present town of Pekin. The following officers were elected: Moderator, J.T. Alstad; * Treasurer, Ole H. Bjorlie; Clerk, John W. Bliss. On July 8, 1886, an election was held for a bond issue to build two schoolhouses, the Tangen School, which was located about V* mile west of the Simon Tangen farm home (this building is now used as a shop on the Lloyd Peterson farm), and the River School which was located atop the north hill east of Highway 1 on land owned A TRIBUTE TO THE by P.O. Enstad. The bond issue carried. The first bonds were issued July 30, 1886, for $1,200.00 at 8Vi% interest, due July 30, 1901. PEKIN SCHOOL HOUSE On August 21, 1886, a contract to build the two schoolhouses and furnish WHICH MY FATHER, SIDNEY QUAM, material for same was let to Robert Grant, the lowest bidder, for $885.00. ATTENDED Enough money remained in the treasury after the completion of this project to maintain each of these schools for two months paying the teachers a salary of $30 By Robert S. Quam, D.C. per month. School was in session during the summer months. October 1968 Santa Barbara, California The earliest Teacher's Final Reports on file are for School No. 1, for a term of four months (November 8, 1886 to February 25, 1887) with W.C. Fairbanks as teacher High on a gentle rise in a quiet gentle and School No. 4 for a term of four months (November 10, 1886 to March 11, 1887) town, sits a part of America. Fading and with Archibald C. Leslie as teacher. In one school there were ten pupils, three girls broken now, but still fiercely proud. and seven boys, ranging in age from 5 to 18. In the other there were 23 pupils, 6 With a noble heritage, to wear like a girls and 17 boys, ranging in age from 6 to 21. Studies pursued were Reading shroud. For this is where dreams and (Appleton's Reader; Spelling, Appleton's Speller; Arithmetic, Robinson's; ideas are learned, where forthcoming Grammar, Whitney's; History, Ridpath's; Geography, Appleton's and McGuffey's, history may suddenly be turned. and Civil Government was taught orally. Teachers' salaries were $40.00 a month. Yes, an era is dying, yet nobody's School No. 1 also has a report from May 25, 1887 to August 2, 1887, taught by Katie crying. She stands there in silence while E. Allen for $30.00 a month. wheatfields are sighing. Where goest? Dame schoolhouse where our fathers Districts number 2 and 3 were referred to as sub-districts and as yet did not have laughed? Do you smile sadly now, that school houses built in them. your moment has passed? In 1886 the school mill levy was 15 mills, and in 1888 it was 10 mills. This left a Please forbear we mortals who do this balance in the treasury in 1888 of $270.00. to you? On July 9, 1889, a contract to paint the two schoolhouses was given to Sever S. America is grateful for immortals like Quam for $27.50. you. We know in your wisdom, that A sinking fund of $75 was established in 1892. you'll understand, a part of America has passed from our land. The building of a schoolhouse in District No. 3 was opened to bids on May 20, 1893. Two bids were submitted: L.S. Scott, $399.00 and W.C. Fairbanks, $382.00. The contract was let to W.C. Fairbanks. This schoolhouse was built on land owned by Arnt Ronning, at present owned by Osborne Brekken. Bonds were issued for $600.00 at 6'/2% interest on July 1, 1893, to finance the above building. On July 26, 1907, residents voted to move School No. 4 into the townsite of Pekin. The one-room rural school was moved into town that year. This is the one built in * the vicinity of the P.O. Enstad farm south of Pekin on Highway 1, now the Douglas Messner residence. Anna Enebo was the first teacher and Florence Cooley was her early successor. On July 13, 1908, an election was held for the consolidation of schools in the Osago School District. Voters approved this issue. Two rural schools then sent their pupils to Pekin.

PEKIN SCHOOL A one room rural school was moved into the townsite of Pekin in 1907 from the vicinity of P.O. Enstad farm south of Pekin on Highway No. 1. We salute Anna Enebo as the first teacher in Pekin with Florence Cooley as her early successor. In 1910 the rural area in Osago consolidated with Pekin. Two rural schools now send their pupils to Pekin. Children from the following families of school age continued their school work in Pekin, namely: Bergstrom, Broste, Opoien, Paulson (of District No. 3). The Brekken and Johnson children attended the 1907 Pekin school. The first 8th grade graduation in Pekin was a memorable occasion typical of the present high school graduation exercises. They were the class of 1912: Edwin Quam, Albin Ensrud, Gunnar Aim, Oscar Quam, Jim Bergstrom, Mayme Opoien, Lydia Oakland, Ragna and Clara Molmen, Mabel Scansen, Jeanette Hagen, Sophie Morken, Anna Tangen, Myrtle Nelson and Lillian Jenson. High school work was offered to 8th grade graduates in 1914. By 1918 three years of high school work was offered in Pekin. Pekin High School The first graduating class of Pekin High (1924) boasted of three members, namely Minnie Tangen, May Tangen and Sam Elsaas.

-28- Sam Joseph Elsaas, May Gertie Tangen, Minnie Manilla Tangen, Supt. And. Simonson

Pekin Public School The County Superintendent's report for 1910-1911 lists one schoolhouse built for a graded or consolidated school. Bonds amounting to $9,500.00 at 4Vi% interest were issued for this purpose. At that time there were three ungraded schools and this graded school (two departments) in the district. There were 102 children enrolled in the district with 46 of them in the graded school. The first 8th grade graduation in Pekin was a memorable occasion typical of the present high school graduation exercises. The members of the class of 1912 were Edwin Quam, Albin Ensrud, Gunnar Aim, Oscar Quam, Jim Bergstrom, Mayme Opoien, Lydia Oakland, Ragna and Clara Molmen, Mabel Scansen, Jeanette Hagen, Sophie Morken, Anna Tangen, Myrtle Nelson and Lillian Jenson. The report of 1912-1913 lists seven pupils as pfreshmen doing high school work. In 1913-1914 there were eleven 9th graders, and a third teacher had been added. High school subjects taught those first years included physiography, algebra, agriculture, English, ancient history, German and Norse. By 1918 two years of high school were listed, and 1921-1922, three years. Additional subjects taught included geometry, political science, physics, Latin and bookkeeping. The first graduating class of Pekin High School was that of 1924. This class had completed four years of high school and boasted three members. They were Minnie Tangen, May Tangen and Sam Elsaas. Their commencement exercises were held on Thursday evening, May 29, 1924, at the Opera House. Andrew Simonson was superintendent; 0. E. Olson, assistant principal, and Vera Bliss was the commencement speaker. Additional subjects taught that year were commercial law, social problems and Caesar. The last class to graduate from Pekin High School was the class of 1964 with five Pekin School, 1936. graduates. These students were Jeffrey Avdem, David Brude, Patti Brekken, Note School Barn in back. Denise Brekken and Leslie Morken. The elementary classes continued one more year with Mrs. Nellie Elsaas and Mrs. Ruth Martinson as the last teachers. The largest classes to graduate from Pekin High School were the classes of 1935 with 17 graduates and 1941 with 16 graduates. The smallest class was in 1927 with one graduate, Mildred Enstad. Altogether, Pekin High School graduates number 326. The building which was the setting for the enhancement of knowledge for over forty years was sold in 1968 to Norman Rude of Tolna and was torn down in the year 1969. The school building, though of modest size, was always well kept up and a variety of practical courses were always provided for the students. The community can well be proud of the active participation of the students and faculty in the county events, such as Play Day, Track Meets, Basketball Tournaments, Spelling Contests, YCL Activities, Reading Circle, Hot Lunch Program and PTA Council. Many trophies were won. Special pride can be taken in the later achievements of many of the Pekin High School graduates. A very successful school reunion was held the year of the Bi-Centennial.

The first graduation class of Pekin High held their Commencement Exercises Thursday evening, May 29th, 1924, at the Opera House. The class motto was "Not Evening, But Dawn." Class colors were Purple and Gold; class flower, Lilacs, and Class Roll: May Gertie Tangen, Minnie Manilla Tangen, and Sam Joseph Elsaas. Andrew Simonson, Superintendent; O. E. Olson, Asst. Principal; Vera Bliss Commencement Speaker. Looking over the records of the graduating classes from Pekin High we find the largest classes to the class of 1935 with 17 graduates and 1941 with 16 graduates. The smallest class was in 1927 with only one graduate, Mildred Enstad. As we look at the trophies won by Pekin School, we look with pride at the Sportsmanship Trophies awarded Pekin in 1937-38 and 1938-39, remembering: When the Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks not if you B. M. Burreson, new post office. 1910. won or lost, but how you played the game. -29- Pekin School, 1924-1925, 3rd, 4th, 5th grades. Teacher: Miss Julia Opoien. Top row: Oline Enstad, Evelyn Gulbro, Margaret Morken, Orvella Ensrud, Mildred Ensrud, Sidney Quam, Kermit Gulbro. Center row: Leona Erickson, Gladys Braaten, Benora Stenslie, Inga Enstad, Madeline Rust, Ruth Ensrud, Myrtle Stenslie Seated: Harold Sletten, Harold Quam, Oscar Elsaas, Stuart Enstad, Jerome Erickson, Leland Bye, Lester Olson

*

Following are listed some of the trophies awarded Pekin School: Jr. Championship Trophy — 1938, 1941, 1949 and 1955; Junior Second Place, 1953; Pekin Business Men Tournament Traveling Trophy awarded McVille 1939 and Pekin 1940; Play Day Champs 1941; N.Dak. Consolidated High School League Dist. Champs, 1944; County-C, 2nd Place, 1950; C-District, 2nd Place, 1951; Nelson Co. 2nd place, 1951; Nelson Co. Champs, 1952; C. District 8 Consolidated, 1956. We can't boast of a large modern high school building in Pekin, but we can be proud of the achievements of our graduates. We are grateful to the faculty members for offering a variety of practical courses in the curriculum in spite of the shortage of high school teachers. The taxpayers of Pekin School District have carried an additional burden since the northern part of Osago withdrew forming the Divide School District. We the alumni of Pekin High gratefully acknowledge the privileges extended to us by the taxpayers of Osago school district who provided us with the opportunity of John Odegaard Shop and Ole Houge obtaining a high school education by attending a high school in our home Carpenter Shop looking east from the community. south corner of Elsaas store. Early teachers of Osago township: W.C. Fairbanks, 1886; Frank Collins, 1886; John Odegaard in his new automobile Charles Leslie, 1886; Harris Oakland, 1887-88; Katie E. Allen, 1888-~89; Molly in 1912 on the snowy streets of Pekin near Moran, 1889-90; Agnes Heiherlon, 1892; Mrs. James Cornwell. Later teachers from his shop. 1893-1907: Mrs. Simon Clement, Mrs. P.C. Hammond, Dora Hall, Anna Groves, L.L. Mastad, Jonas Burreson, Maggie Hetherton, George W. Martin, Grace Wheeler, Indora Moen, Fairy Ticknor, J.O. Johnson, Hulda Tornlund, Henry Bjorlie, Sivert Enstad, J. K. Enstad, E. C. Brekken, Carrie Bjorlie, Ragna Bjorlie, Bennie Burreson, Violet Burreson and Ole Houge. r

/ ft''t/vu

-30- BASEBALL From the early days of this community and long before the founding of Pekin, baseball has been a popular pastime. Before the towns came with their well-kept ball diamonds the early inhabitants played baseball in some fairly level pasture or meadow. There were several teams scattered throughout the settlement such as the Bue Post Office team. Neighbors and friends turn out to help The players on this team were Sever Brekken, Carl Brekken, Oswald Brekken, put in the crop for Francis Stahl who was Otto Brekken, Beorge Enstad, Bennie Enstad, Oliver Enstad, John Bjorlie and laved up with sciatica in the spring of Laurice Quam. 1950. Since the founding of Pekin the town has had ball teams, the greatest of these was from about 1914, when the Pekin team had several hired players, among them was Big Christ Christiansen, who stood well over six feet tall, as pitcher. If Christiansen were in his prime today he would be a strong contender for the big leagues. Martin Fredrickson (now of Lakota) was Pekin's first baseball manager. Other players of early baseball were Candy Knauff, Otto (Sledgehammer) Hanson 3B, Melvin Quam IB, Oscar Bue SS, CF, Laurice Quam 2B, Nels Bue LF, Sandford IB, Anderson RF, Ringlie C, Guliver P, Ivar Raaen, L.A. Walquist SS, Gilbert Bjorlie SS, August Rickford P, Bublitz, Sigurd Enstad, Albert Enstad, Leo Boe. In the 1920's the management was taken over by Joe Parmer. The players on this team were Nels Bue, Leo Burke P, Earl Burns IB, Tim Sample SS, Bert (Grassy) Kabeary 3B, Sam Elsaas RF, Oscar Morken CF, Carl Morken LF, Leo Burke IB, Burton Burreson IB, Bill Kniefel P, Milton Kabeary P, Mansfield Smith C, and Bunny Running P. Left to right: Bill Stahl, Bert Jensen, Baseball is still popular in Pekin, along with skating and bowling. Oscar Mueller, Obert Enstad, Leland Hanson, Jerry Hovel, Clarence Overby, Bud Paulsrude, Jarl Hegvick, Ole Lysne. LADIES BASEBALL TEAM There were others who did not get on the Friday, June 13,1913 picture but did their 'good neighbor' deeds. A good contest put up by both teams on local grounds. This first game of the season was played here last Friday between the Pekin Bloomers and the Country Stars, the former turning the game over the Stars in an interesting well played contest the score being 17 to 19 in favor of the Stars. Sophia Johnson did the throwing for the Bloomers and Lena Nesheim was behind the bat and those that saw the game were well pleased. Battery for the bloomers was Sophia Johnson and Lena Nesheim for the Stars were Clara L. Morken and Rosella Tangen. JUNE 4, 1913 The Editor left Wednesday with the band for Eau Claire, Wis., where they have been engaged to furnish music for the big celebration of Sons of Norway that meets there on June 5 to 7 and Mrs. Moore has been left in charge of the office. ALL NATION BASEBALL TEAM AT PEKIN June 24, 1913 Admission .35—Grand Stand .15 (Benefit Sons of Norway)

The Pekin Budget of June 20, 1925 gave the following accounts of 2 baseball games. East Grand Forks vs. Pekin. Score 6 to 9 in favor of East Grand Forks. Ronning and Smith were the battery for Pekin. Pekin and Omemee will cross bats at the Pekin Diamond on Sunday. An exceptionally hot game is anticipated. Omemee is a town in Bottineau County. There are 7 Brant Brothers on this team and they gave the Pekin team their toughest competition through the years. 15 innings were played. Score was 2 and 3. Playing in that Omemee-Pekin game were: Bunny Ronning, pitcher; Mansfield Smith, catcher; Burton Burreson, 1st base; Leo Burke, center field; Percy Sessions, 2nd base; Bert Kabeary, 3rd base; Carl J. Morken, left field; Joe Parmer, Sam Elsaas, right field and Tim Semple, short stop. Some of the tractors stopped for lunch. Note Milton Quam's plane which he had flipped in Francis Stahl's field. At this CELEBRATION OF JUNE 1914 time there were a lot of the young sports who owned their own planes and flew Celebration a success. In spite of the heavy rains Friday night and Saturday around. \1950] morning and in spite of the fact that the committee of arrangements had been disappointed in the speaker for the day, still the celebration was pronounced a success by many from far and near who attended. The rains made it impossible to carry the program out as scheduled for the forenoon but every number was on in the P.M. The parade at 1:30 which might have been much larger, was one of the most impressive performances of the day.

-31- Led by the N.D. State band the procession formed north of the post office and MIKKELSON PIONEER CABIN marched through the principal streets of the town — lastly coming down the main RESTORED - PIONEERS HONORED street the Sons of Norway members next to the band, officers in full regalia, 1879-1931 followed closely by the many school children who all carried American and Norwegian flags, the whole procession headed by banner carriers. The procession By Mrs. Francis Stahl [Alice Stenslie] marched directly to the ball ground where the game between Hamar and Warwick Pekin, North Dakota was called. Immediately after the game, the crowd marched back to the grand The Torger Mikkelson Log Cabin was stand, where the band gave the selection. In viking domain, after which Rev. H. O. built in 1880 and was one of the older Bjorlie of Hills, Minnesota was introduced as speaker of the day. Senator Gronna log houses left standing in the Sheyenne who was to speak found it impossible to get away. Community, which later became known The band concert in the evening closed the celebration for 1914. as Nesheim Twp. and Nelson County. Eight children were born to the CELEBRATION OF JUNE 7,1915 Torger Mikkelson family: Olina (Mrs. Parade Lars Bue), Emma (Mrs. Henry Pear­ U.S. Flag carried by H.G. Scansen, followed by N.D. State Band, then the school son); Sophie (Mrs. Kolbin Grindland); children headed by the 8th grade graduates of the term carrying a banner of their Martin, Ida (Mrs. Joe Thomson); Thea Motto "Ever Onward". The rest of the school carried a banner "Let us have (Mrs. Eric Orvid); Edward, and Ann Peace''; float of small children, Watch Pekin Grow driven by 4 splendid horses with who died in infancy. Martin Fredrickson in charge of the nursery; Gulbro Imp. Co. with a float of After some discussion as to preserv­ washing machines Severt Opoien was the washer woman. ing the cabin, the people of the Bergen Pekin Band displayed an appropriate banner — Safety First. Last and always the Community Farmers Club decided to garage had the Chevrolet auto properly decorated. start the great undertaking of restoring The Home Talent Play — "Tompkin's Hired Man" was played for two packed it at the Enstad Grove along the side of houses. the Sheyenne River, not too far from Highway No. 1, where a lot of picnics were held during the summer as well as Electric Lights by November 1, 1915. Nine street lights will be installed. The church services, showers, wedding plant will be put in and controlled by O.S. Houge. anniversary parties, family reunions, etc. Oct. 15, 1915, I.W. Maulsby of Malta, Montana, greeted friends in Pekin. He One of the specialties of the picnics was a barber in Pekin in the early history of Pekin. was the delicious home made ice cream and lemonade that was usually on hand 1906 -1916 to quench our thirst. Remarks were Tenth Anniversary of Pekin and Norway's Independence Day often made that sometimes the lemon­ will be fittingly observed at ade was made from river water when they ran out of water; if so, it never Pekin, June 7,1916 harmed us as no one got sick. In the Under the auspices of The Pekin Commercial Club middle of the winter, ice would be cut at Address—E.G. Quamme of Finley Red Willow Lake and stored in straw or 10:00 A.M. Parade—Business Men's Floats. hay in some old buildings for use in the School children Sons of Norway Members etc. summer to make the ice cream and to led by N.D. State Band. keep things cool. I wouldn't be surprised 11:00 A.M. Baseball—Aneta vs. Pekin if it was washed off and used to cool the 4:00 P.M. Baseball—Pekin vs. Binford lemonade also. Francis, my husband, Music by Band—Moving pictures etc. used to tell how the men of the community would turn out to help cut COMMITTEE: the ice. He said many noses were frozen -Secretary; white and his was one of them. O.C. Bue—chairman; P. A. Lee—President of the day; E.C. Brekken- Handling the cold wet ice made hands F.P. Lucas, Carl Stenslie, Lewis Bakke. freeze, also. It was heavy work but very rewarding when the hot summer days could be spent eating ice cream. The Red Cross was very active at this time. The ladies would knit and make articles for sale and shipment to the boys overseas in service. One auction sale stands very clear in my mind that was held here, when mom and dad asked us to give up one of our ponies. It was a sad group of us kids around our house for awhile. Jip was his name, but we still had his driving and riding mate, Johnny. The folks told us we had to learn to give up things we loved and do our part for our country. In the evening after the sale, a dance was held at Matt Hovel's barn to raise more money for the Red Cross. Then the day came when everyone who had trucks came to help and others also. My father, Helmer Stenslie, also a member of the Farmer's Club, came with his truck. After weeks of work, the cabin having had its white wash, Torger Mikkleson 's old log house moved to Enstad's Grove picnic grounds. showed up so shining in its setting of

-32- green trees to the passers-by on the highway, it was a reminder of pioneer days. The next step was to furnish it with table and chairs. Benches found in most of the cabins were made from rough lunber they cut from the trees along the river. Beds and baby cradles were brought in for the day, all hand made. Home woven shawls, quilts with every stitch made by hand, clocks, iron kettles, coffee mills, etc. The coffee was made from roasted barley prepared by Mrs. Frank (Pauline) Stahl, who some years later became my mother-in-law, who also was a member of the Farmer's Club and Homemakers Club from the beginning - pioneers. Oxen yokes and deer heads were an added attraction. Mrs. Thomas (Gertie Brekken) Stahl, Above: Mrs. Melvin Quam and mother Mrs. This Homemakers picture was taken Rev. S.S. Wold, also a pioneer, spoke Helmer Stenslie (our mother), were in 1954 and most of the members were of his pride in the Sheyenne Community some in charge of getting pioneer the original members who helped with and blessed everyone for the work they articles together for the cabin and the preparation of the "Pioneer Day" had done and for the people to have helped among many others. June 28, 1931. turned out so well and making this such Approximately 90 invitations had They are standing, left to right: Mrs. a memorable occasion and success. He been sent out to pioneers of Nelson Martin Stahl, Mrs. Harold Molmen, recalled some of the hardships as a County to come to the Pioneer Day, Mrs. Nels Bue, Mrs. Soren Eliason, minister of God, to visit the pioneer which had been set for Sunday, June 28, Mrs. Jonas Enebo, Mrs. Andrew Klef- homes over the prairies and the storms 1931. A number of pioneers were stad, Mrs. Lars Bergsrud and Mrs. Pete he often weathered, to visit the sick and unable to attend, but 70 of the men and Holm. Seated left to right are: Mrs. shut-in. The horses always found their women who had helped mold the way of Arthur Bergstrom, Mrs. Oliver Enstad, way home. civilization in the country turned out for Mrs. Sven Haugsjaa, Mrs. Obert En­ A boys choir, under the direction of the event. Many came from distant stad, Mrs. Helmer Stenslie, Mrs. Oliver Klara Larson (Rev. Wold's grand points out of state. They had been Skaalrud and Mrs. Frank Stahl, the lady daughter), sang several songs. The former residents of the county and had who roasted the barley for coffee. Pekin School band also entertained. helped in the settlement of the com­ Professor A.G. Arvold, manager of munity. The Little Country Theater at the Rev. Henry Bjorlie of Fairbault, Agricultural College at Fargo, N.D., For many of the pioneers the clock of spoke on "Our State", and mentioned Minn., a pioneer of the community history was turned back 40 or 50 years having come with his parents when he the wonders of the talent of this that day, and some even more, as they community and all that the Farmers was very young, was invited to be recalled the hardships that were met master of ceremonies for this very Club and Homemakers Club have special day. and conquered in the early days of their accomplished over the years. For in­ log cabin homes on their claims and Congressman O.B. Burtness was the stance the plays that were put on so homesteads. Many of them no doubt, re regularly at Matt Hovel's barn and principal speaker of the day. He membered the day a half century ago expressed his belief that the oppor­ some given at The Little Country when they first set foot on the virgin Theater. He expressed how grateful he tunities for advancement during the prairie and after long hours of hard next 50 years would be just as good as was for having been invited to be they had been during the past half labor, succeeded in breaking the sod present on this memorable day. century. He urged the young people to and planting their first wheat crop. have faith in the state and take advantage of the opportunities. Some of the pioneers were called on for remarks. While some were reluctant to get up before the large crowd, a number told of some of their experi­ ences in coming and how they got their start here. Some spoke in English and some in Norwegian, but in every case the information given was of interest to the audience. Some of the pioneers called on were P.E. Bjorlie, John Bue, Matt Rogness, O. H. Larson, Harris Oakland, Tom Alstad and Ingatus Bjorlie. Theodore Sampson was introduced as the first white child born in the county on June 26, 1882, in a dugout on the side of the bank of the Sheyenne River, where the Sampson bridge now stands. He was born to Brita and Sammuel Sampson. Theodore has been honored Pioneers: John Bue, Obina Bue, Minnie Nesheim, at many a county pioneer celebration. Tonita Bakke and Kari Nelson Vettern. June 28, 1931

-33- Rev. Haatvet of Lakota, also a pioneer, expressed his thanks to the descendents of the pioneers who had contributed so much of their time to make this day possible. He urged the young people to carry on the work started by their forefathers and carry it on with the same spirit for generations to come. This was truly a memorable day for everyone present. It was estimated that 3,000 people attended this event to pay tribute to the pioneers who had done so much to make Nelson County what it is today.

Some of the pioneers honored on June 28, 1931: Martin Stenslie, Martin Helgeland, Wm. Mueller, Lars Loe, Minnie Nesheim, Olina Bue, Emma Pearson.

Boys Chorus, June 28, 1931: Arnot Klefstad, Orville Enstad, Sidney Some of the homemakers club who helped at Quam, Harold Quam, Oran Walhood, Klara Larson, Knute Haugshag, the cabin: Mrs. Helmer Stenslie, Mrs. Thomas Orel Bjorlie, James Loe, Cyrus Walhood and Henry Larson. Stahl, Mrs. Melvin Quam.

PEKIN BICENTENNIAL A HUGE SUCCESS By Mrs. James Enstad PEKIN — Friday afternoon, June 25, cars, trailers, and campers started rolling in to Pekin with friends coming home to celebrate their school reunion. This continued through Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27. Our city was bursting with excitement, enthusiasm, hugs and kisses, with tears of joy as old acquaintances were renewed. Registration began at 10 a.m., June 26, in the city hall which was decorated with 40 class mottos, colors, flowers and pictures. There was a large drawing of the Pekin schoolhouse, drawn by Cecile Haugsjaa Ophaug. The registration tables were decorated in red, white and blue surrounded with friends enjoying it all. Coffee and doughnuts were served in the Pekin Church parlors where more displays of school pictures, play books, trophies and souvenirs of the school and Pekin Golden Jubilee, 1956: Ida Bergstrom, Bertine Burreson, community. Oletta Erickson, Julia Loe, Pauline Stenslie

-34- Friends were milling between places The next event was the pot luck remarks by past students and teachers. until 5 p.m. when about 1200 hiked to dinner at Stump Lake. We have no way Minnie Polis, member of the first the Pioneer Park of Pekin for a delicious of telling exactly how many were graduating class, 1924, read part of her barbecued meal catered by men from served, but we think the same or more salutatorian speech. Mrs. Crystal Lisle the Warwick Rod and Gun Club. The as in Pekin on Saturday evening. The Cook, first primary teacher of the new set-up for serving this crowd was food was efficiently served from the school in Pekin 1911, was here with a perfect, and by 9 p.m. all had been fed. cafe windows in 2 lines by a group of the few of her pupils. We were proud to The clouds did nothing but threaten and Tolna Summer Recreation Club. There have her with us and to say a few words. added to the beauty of the surround­ was lots of good food, pop and coffee Others that gave remarks were Alton ings. The American flag and Bicenten­ and comfortable places to sit and enjoy Stenslie, Gordon Walhood, Philip Peter­ nial flag, which have been donated by the meal. Outdoors, with the flag flying son, Phil Berger, Seymour Houge, Minnie Polis in memory of her husband above the Memorial Marker, at 2 p.m. Mildred Enstad Eckhoff, Ida Enstad Edwin, and Harold Enstads donated the the program was called to order by Mrs. Grotenhuis and Roland Enstad. flag pole, waved in the breeze as we sat Crystal Tangen Enstad, announcing The registration committee reported in comfort, enjoying it all by one of the classes were to begin. The Pledge to the about 1500 had signed the register with 50 tables in the area. The evergreen Flag was said in unison followed by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Walhood coming trees recently planted on the east singing the first stanza of our National the furthest. They came from Berlin, border of the park are doing real well. Anthem. Crystal was the M.C. for the Germany, where Wes is in the armed The cooks remarked about the pleasant following program: forces. He told about their journey surroundings and the pleasant people to Songs, accompanied by Mrs. Fyllis home which had not been very pleasant. serve, while the people remarked about Burthold, Pekin school song, The More They also thought the most unusual the good food and the cleanliness of the We Get Together, Hail, Hail the Gang's occupation was the cotton-picker, Vilas cooks who served it. All Here, were sung. Welcome and Walhood. This Vilas explained. After a brief rest the cars drove to the farewell by Pekin City Mayor, Duane Roland Enstad threw out a challenge "Old Settlers Park" at Stump Lake to Bina. A speech by Attorney-at-law, of class attendance — 5 out of 6 of their enjoy an evening of dancing to the good Owen Petersen. class of 1953 were present. He was music of a 7-piece band led by Cliff In his speech Vera Bliss, who has defeated by 2 classes — the class of Foreng. Cars were parked all over the taught in Pekin for 20 years, was 1927 with one member and the class of place and dancers ranged in age from 4 honored by a standing ovation. The 1944 with all 10 members present. and up. As nobody was operating the school history was written and read by It was announced there still was Park at this time, the grounds, cafe and County Superintendent of Schools, coffee and eats at the cafe for anyone pavilion had been previously cleaned by Grace Carlson. This fall, Grace will have interested. So no one went home local people. A big job well done. Lunch served 50 years in the education hungry. The program was closed by was served this evening by a group from system. Crystal Enstad giving thanks to all for the Tolna Summer Recreation Club. Vocal music by a group of "Pekin- coming and wishing them God's bless­ ites" now living in Grand Forks. They ings and guidance on their journey On Sunday morning our churches sang 5 songs: "Memories", "High home. were filled to capacity. Services were Ways are Happy Ways", "Paul and His There will be a follow-up meeting of held at Tolna St. Joseph, Sheyenne Chickens" was soloed in Norwegian by this reunion at the Pekin church parlors Lutheran, and Pekin Lutheran. Special Alpha Tangen Dezotell and two songs, on July 18 at 7:30 p.m. All interested music was held at both Lutheran original by their pianist, Dagney Enstad please come. churches by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Capes. Souvenir spoons are still available, Ensrud and the Sheyenne Ladies chorus from the American Legion Auxiliary. at the Sheyenne church. Some interesting and appreciated

1956 — READY FOR PEKIN JUBILEE Mr. and Mrs. Francis Stahl and Mrs. Helmer Stenslie (Marie Odegaard) in the dark dress, was Pekin's first Milliner. Wearing a dress she had sewed for her mother (Mrs. Iver Odegaard) which was 56 years old in 1956. Note her hat with plumes were of a bright blue and original from her Milliner Shop of Pekin in 1906, and the gold watch and chain she is wearing was EARLY RESIDENCES a gift from her brother John, who also was one of Pekin's first. Marie was 81 Otto Sletten's residence was the first house built in Pekin. It was built by years old in 1956 when she came back to Lawrence Nelson, a carpenter from Wisconsin, in 1906. He planned this house for celebrate Pekin's Golden Jubilee. his own residence but North Dakota's severe winter weather prompted him to offer The dress Alice is wearing was one of the house to Otto Sletten at a satisfaltory price in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Otto Sletten Marie's Sunday dress-up dresses made ire living in this house at the present time (1956). with lace trim purchased from gypsies The Carl Stenslie house was the first residence in Pekin. It was moved into the who used to travel the countryside and present town of Pekin 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brekken are living in this the hat is one of Marie's creations, also. residence at the present time (1956). Carmen Ensrud lives there as of 1980. Francis is wearing his favorite suit (a Olaf Quam's house was built in 1907. new overall). We are ready to go to B.M.Burreson's house was built in 1909. (See photo page 9, Ensrud home) Pekin's celebration, 1956. -35- BUE'S FIRST ORCHESTRA Photo at left: Pioneer William Rickford came to Bergen Township and homesteaded. His family was very musically inclined. He formed the first orchestra in the community, playing far and wide. Left to right are William Rickford and son John, Albert Rickford, and William's son, August Rickford.

BERT EAGLE & OSCAR BUE Showing some of the shells fired from the blinds around Stump Lake, N.D.

SHEYENNE JOURNALISTS Photo at left, left to right, standing: Isidore Moen, Bennie Enstad, Sam Anderson, Tobias Holm, Knute Bjorlie, Otto Gratis, Emil Loe, James Alstad, Robert Mueller, Peter Bjorlie, Bennie Martinson, Adolph Erickson, Sever Quam, Theodore Quam, Carl Stenslie. Seated in front: Albert Stenslie, Ingebret Roan, Ed (Ingebret) Hougen, Ben Roan.

OLE HOUGE Photo at right: Picture taken in 1900, showing Ole Houge moving Helmer Stenslie's cook car.

(This picture was inadvertently omitted from the story on page 9.)

-36- The latest Pekin Family Histories have been combined with those printed in the 1956 booklet. They are now in alphabetical order, Pekin as near as can be managed, and families are together wherever possible. In some cases, daughters who have married may be listed under their husband's name, rather than their maiden name. We hope that this will serve to Family Histories make location simpler and reading more interesting.

OSCAR & PETRA ANDERSON

B'-m. —IMjk • M^I^M

David Aaser with his wife Bonnie and daughters Karissa and Melissa. Dec. Oscar Anderson, born Nov. 11, 1897, 24, 1978. came to the Pekin area in 1927 settling in Osago Twp. His wife, Petra, was born BERGER ANDERSON FAMILY in Pekin on Nov. 26, 1897. Oscar worked Berger Anderson was born on a farm in the garage for 18 years and did dray six miles north of Pekin, near Stump work at the same time. He was on the MORRIS AASER FAMILY Lake. In March 1937 Berger took over village board for 12 years, town mayor Morris and Alpha Aaser are parents the Standard Oil Service Station in for 6 years. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson of two sons, David and Donald. David, Pekin, N.D. He married Jeanette Mor­ operated the Pekin Corner Cafe for 6'/j married to Bonnie Jordan of Rugby, ken in November of 1937. They lived in years. Since his retirement, Mr. Ander­ N.D., took over the farm in April of a small house near the station. son has been doing carpentry work. 1977. They are the parents of two A son, Wayne, was born in 1941. In Mrs. Anderson sews, crochets, and daughters. the fall of 1942 the family moved to takes care of the housework. Donald Aaser married Polly Ann Vancouver, Wash., where Berger work­ The Andersons celebrated their Gold­ Zazula at Grand Forks, N.D. in 1971. ed as a foreman on a welding crew at en Wedding Anniversary on July 22, They also have two daughters. Capt. the Kaiser Company Shipyard during 1979. Donald Aaser is stationed at Korea and World War II. A second son, Jerald, The Andersons have one daughter, his family is living at Maple Grove, was born there in 1943. The family Mavis (Mrs. Willis Johnson) of Valley Minn. Polly teaches school there. moved to Longview, Wash., in 1946 City. Her children include Roberta where Berger had a Chevron Service (Mrs. Gary Seigal), of Valley City; Station. A third son, Berger II, was born Kathy (Mrs. Mark Nordean), of Bis­ in 1947. marck; Terrylann (Mrs. Jeff Mathison), They lived in Longview until the of Bismarck, and twins John and Jeff, summer of 1960, when Berger bought a living at home. The Andersons also Phillips Petroleum Jobbership in Crook- have five great-grandchildren. ston, Minn. Berger and Jeanette still Related photo on next page live in Crookston.

Donald Aaser, wife Polly and daugh­ ters Katie and Liz. Nov. 24, 1978.

Berger Anderson had the Standard Gerald, Berger, Jeanette, Wayne and Oil Station in Pekin from the spring of Berger II. Nov. 25, 1962. 1937 to the fall of 1942. -37- Photo at left, John Arlien Family. Left to p—r- right, front row: Tilda, Oscar Anderson Family John, Inez, Marie, Anna. Back row: Mabel, Ed­ win, Alf, Melvin, Inga.

Below: John Arlien farm taken in 1920. John has a coyote on a leash.

John Arlien and Marie R. were married Dec. 1892 and settled on land across the road from his father's homestead. They had six children: Ida, born 1893, died 1912; Tilda born 1895, married George Walhood June 10, 1916. Edwin born 1897, married Inga Moldahl July 1923. He died in 1950. Mr. and Mrs. Bertheus A. Anderson Anna born 1899, married John Ander­ Bertheus A. Anderson was born at son in 1920. He was born 1892, died in Nordland, Norway. He came to Grand 1964. Inga born 1902, married James Forks in 1882. Later he farmed in Clauson Feb. 24, 1923. He was born Hamlin Township. Anne Ofte was born 1899 and died in 1974. Melvin was born at Coon Valley, Wisconsin in 1866. She 1903, married Ruth Simonson June 10, filed as homestead on the SE % Section 1926, died in 1979. 1, Osago Township. Maria passed away in August of 1904. ANDWER & MABEL AVDEM Bertheus and Anne got married and John married Maria Simonson Arlien settled on the homestead in 1890. In family. Alf born Dec. 30, 1901, married 1918 they moved to Pekin, N.D. Edith Carlson in 1933 and he died in Bertheus died in 1939 and Anne died in 1976. 1941. Mable born Feb. 1906, died May 1907. Second Mable born 1908, married Severin Aamodt in 1928, died in 1968. Inez born 1913, married Olaf Snortland in 1936. Aster, born in 1910, died 1911. John lived on the same farm until he ARLIEN FAMILY passed away in 1928. Thore Arlien, born Nov. 15, 1815, married June 9, 1847, to Anne Snokol, born 1826. They emigrated to America in 1868, and lived in Huston Co., Minnesota, until 1882 when they came to Dakota Territory. They homesteaded Andrew Avdem was born Sept. 16, in what became Bergen Twp., Nelson 1893. Mrs. Avdem was born June 3^ County. 1898. Andrew came from Lesjeskogen, Their family consisted of three daugh­ Norway, at the age of 17 years. He ters. Tonitta was born in 1850, married arrived in Pakin on March 14, 1911. He Andreas Bakke, born 1851. Gina was worked at different places in the Pekin born in 1960, married Anton Raaen, vicinity as a farm laborer. born in 1858. Mina was born in 1960, Andrew was drafted and served four married Knute Nesheim, and three TILFORD & VIVIAN AVDEM months in the army in World War I. He sons: Mathias, born 1857, married Tilford Avdem was born in the Pekin married Mabel Ensrud on Sept. 24, Gertrude Raaen, born 1860; John born area on Nov. 8, 1922. His wife Vivian, 1919, and then started farming on his 1866, married Marie Raaen who later was born near Binford in 1929. Tilford own. He also worked for the highway died, and he married Maria Simonson works for the State Highway Dept., and department for 23 years until he retired. who was born in 1874, and Peter, born Vivian works in a nursing home in Mrs. Avdem grew up in the Pekin 1872, never married, and died in 1948. McVille, N.D. The Avdems celebrated vicinity and has been here all her life. Thore died in 1888, his wife in 1911. their Silver Wedding Anniversary in They were the parents of two child­ Their children: Tonitta in 1934 and her 1971. ren: a daughter, Marcella (Mrs. Stanley husband in 1897. Gina in 1936 and her The Avdem children include Terrance Thorson), deceased, and Tilford, who husband in 1908. Mina passed away in Pamela (Johnston), Jeffrey, Keith, Ro­ lives in Pekin. 1936. Mathias died in 1929 and his land and Duane, all of Pekin; Michael of wife in 1948. John in 1928, first wife Peyton, Colorado and Patricia (Oien) of Marie R. in 1904, Maria S. in 1935. Binford, N.D. -38- TERRY & KRISTINE AVDEM MR. & MRS. GORDON K. BERG Terry Avdem, born in Devils Lake, Marise and Gordon Berg presently and his wife Kristine (Tena), born in live in Osago Township where they farm Fort Totten, arrived in the Pekin the land his father began farming in community in May of 1971, and settled 1923. on the Tilford Avdem farm in Bergen Gordon was on the Sheyenne Church Twp. Terry is involved in farming and Board, and is Treasurer of Osago trucking. Township Board. The Avdems have three children: Kerry Ann, Rae Ann and Terry Dean.

OTIS & EDA BERGER

LARS BERGSRUD FAMILY Lars Bergsrud was born in Gran Hadeland, Norway, on August 22, 1883. He came to the United States on March 22, 1903. Caroline Klefstad Bergsrud was born May 4, 1890 in North Dakota and lived her entire life in the Pekin community. Lars and Caroline were married Jan. 11, 1921, and they farmed just west of Pekin. The Lars Bergsrud dairy supplied milk for Pekin and McVille for many, many years. Lars was a carpenter and barns in the Pekin and surrounding area, as well as homes, were built by him. Their family is one son, Arthur, and Otis and Eda (born on a farm near three daughters, Ada, Lorrine and Wauzeka, Wisconsin Jan. 5, 1883), Vernita. Berger were married in September In 1949 Lars and Caroline moved into 1911. They arrived in Pekin in 1918 Pekin to retire. Caroline became a lefse where Otis was the depot agent. He maker for everyone at Christmas. She served on the City Board, she on the also was a seamstress for her many Social Club. They were good supporters friends. of the Pekin Community. Otis and Eda Ole H. Berg was born in Trondhjem, Caroline died Jan. 11, 1962 and Lars celebrated their Golden Wedding Anni­ passed away on Feb. 4, 1970. Norway, on Sept. 7, 1884. He came to versary in October 1961. Otis died July Lakota in 1902 and settled soon after 18, 1965 and Eda died March 3, 1980. that in Pekin. Mrs. Berg, (Emma Their son, Phil, graduated from Pekin Bjerke) was born in Brown Co., Minn., High in 1939. He is a doctor in St. on April 3, 1878. She came to Pekin in Cloud, Minnesota. 1913 from Hatton. They were married in December 1929. Mr. Berg was a meat cutter at Pekin and Cooperstown. They had no children. Ole Berg died at McVille Hospital on June 2, 1962 at the age of 77. Emma Berg died at Northwood Deaconess on March 21, 1969.

MAGNUS & RAGNHILD BERG Born in Norway on August 20, 1889, Magnus Berg arrived in Bergen Town­ ship in 1907. He married Ragnhild on June 30, 1920. She was also born in Norway on Dec. 31, 1899, arriving in the U.S. in 1903. After their marriage they Dr. Phil Berger moved to Osago Township where they lived all their lives. Magnus spent several years farming in Canada, but later returned to farm in the Pekin area. Magnus Berg died on Sept. 29, 1962. Pam, Kevin, Art, lone Bergsrud Ragnhild is presently living on the farm in Osago Township. Their son, Gordon, ARTHUR & IONE BERGSRUD is presently working the home farm. Arthur Henry Bergsrud was born in Magnus and Ragnhild had two sons, Pekin on Arpil 12, 1924. lone Ruth Gordon, and Ole E. Berg, who now lives Anderson Bergsrud was born in Brock­ in Grafton, N.D. et, N.D., on Nov. 1, 1927. Contd.

-39- Art and lone were married June 19, OLE A. BERGSTROM FAMILY 1948, at Brocket Vaage Church. They purchased the home dairy farm and sold it in 1956, moving to Phoenix, Ariz. Art is a supervisor with Washington Elementary School Dist. #6 and this is his 24th year with them. lone works in a home for the elderly. Their children are Kevin Arlan, born Nov. 23, 1960 and a student at Arizona State University and Pamela Renae, born Jan. 27, 1963, a senior at Alhambra High School.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole A. Bergstrom and Children ALBIN & IDA BERGSTROM Albin, Obert and Arthur Taken in 1893

Ole A. Bergstrom was born January 19, 1854 in Vermeland, Sweden. He migrated to the United States with his parents in 1876 and lived in the Montevedio, Chippewa County, Minn., area for a number of years. In 1885 he moved farther into the west by covered wagon train, in company with Mr. Sivert (Sam) Thorson and others, when he took up a homestead and settled in Nelson County, North Dakota, two miles west of Pekin. In 1886 he married Eli Hagen, who migrated to this country from Norway with her parents at the age of 3. They crossed the Atlantic in a sail boat; the trip took 14 weeks. They migrated to this territory in 1885 from Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Bergstrom shared the hardships of the times along with the other pioneers. He is remembered as being owner and operator of a steam-operated Mr. and Mrs. Albin Bergstrom were threshing rig in his community. He farmed until 1913, when he moved to the united in marriage in the Pekin vicinity Village of Pekin, where he lived with his children until death claimed him in in the year 1907. Both of them were December, 1939. born in Nelson County and Osago Township. Mr. Bergstrom and his brother Obert organized the first meat He was Hattie Bergstrom Foley: Morris Foley market business. From 1916 to 1929 he married to Eli Hagen, born Jan. 22, was born in DeLamere, North Dakota in managed the Farmer's Elevator. He 1865, died Apr. 10, 1918. Sargent County. He married Hattie was also engaged in the hardware The Bergstroms had eight children. Bergstrom on May 24, 1928. They lived business with William Randklev. Albin (history follows), born July 16, in Pekin where he had the dray line and 1896, died Feb. 4, 1940; Emma, born substituted as a mail carrier. Later he Albin Bergstrom was the elevator Feb. 5, 1898, died March 27, 1889; worked for J.L. Bergstrom who was an manager in Pekin. He died on Feb. 4, Obert born June 12, 1890, died April 15, agent for the Cities Service Oil Co. 1940. His wife, Ida, passed away in 1975; Arthur, born Sept. 23, 1892, died 1973. Feb. 23, 1970; James, born May 18, Hattie taught school in North Dakota They had two children, Evelyn and 1896, died Feb. 1, 1972; Elvira, born for 16 years. They moved to Havre, Henry, born 1912 and 1910. Henry Feb. 23, 1898, died April 10, 1968; Mont, in 1954 where Morris was a served in the army during World War II Hattie, born May 1, 1901 (history custodian in the Havre School and a bus and was a rural mail carrier in Pekin follows), and Selma, born Jan. 20, 1908 driver for the school district. She until his death in 1966. Evelyn gradu­ (history follows) continued to teach there for 15 years. ated from Trinity Hospital in Minot in 1932 and now lives in St. Paul, Minn. Jorgine Enstad, a cousin of Evelyn, Albin Bergstrom: came to Pekin from Morris died on April 12, 1967. The lived with them from age 2 and on. She Hamar in 1910. The Bergstroms had Foleys had a daughter, TeOlah Eileen. married Earl Swenson and they live in two children, Evelyn, born 1910 and She married Peter R. Peterson on July Crookston, Minn., with their four sons. Henry, born 1912. Albin Bergstrom was 12, 1958. They have three children, an elevator manager at Farmers Eleva­ David, Karla and Kent. tor. Henry was a rural mail carrier for several years after serving in the army Hattie Foley is retired and living east in World War II. Evelyn graduated from of East Helena. She enjoys doing some Trinity Hospital in Minot in 1932. painting; water colors, acrylics and oil SELMA GURINE BERGSTROM HOWE for her own pleasure. She reads a lot, Selma was born Jan. 20, 1908 in The family moved to Thompson in crochets and knits some. She is a Pekin, N.D. She is a registered nurse 1936, and then to Climax, Minn., where member of the Retired Teachers' Assn., who enjoys reading, dancing, senior Albin died in 1940. Mrs. Bergstrom Senior Citizens and belongs to the St. citizens activities and knitting. She was died in 1974 and Henry Bergstrom died John's Lutheran Church in Helena. married to Elmer Howe who died on in 1967. June 7, 1968. Jorgine Enstad came to live with the Selma Gwine Bergstrom Howe: Selma The Howes had one daughter, Bar­ Bergstroms at age two. She is now was married to Elmer A. Howe who bara, who married Marvin O. Granath. married to Earl Sevenson and lives in died on June 7, 1968. She is a registered They have three children, Nicholas, Crookston, Minn., with their four sons. nurse, enjoys dancing, senior citizens' Sally and Alec, and live in Minnetonka, Evelyn Bergstrom Sebring is a widow activities and knitting. Selma left the Minn. and lives in South St. Paul, Minn. Pekin area in 1927.

-40- JAMES & ALLIE BERGSTROM James Bergstrom and Allie Restad were married at Pelican Rapids, Minn, on May 18, 1922. They resided in Pekin throughout their entire married life where Jim was employed by the Bartles Oil Co. who sold their business to Cities Service Oil Co., who in turn sold their holdings to Citgo Oil Co., and finally it was purchased by Gulf Oil Co. Jim continued in this work for 54 years until his death Feb. 1, 1972. Jim and Allie are the parents of two children: James. Jr., who married Jeanne Lund of McVille, on Nov. 7, 1948. James has been employed by the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. (3M) for 29 years, since his graduation from UND on June 15, 1951. Yvonne married Dick Stang on Sept. 4, 1948, at Pekin. Dick is in the funeral Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bergstrom supply business and Yvonne is the Henry Bergstrom of Pekin married manager of a housing complex in Fargo. Viola Ringdahl, McVille, on June 19, They now reside in Moorhead, Minn. 1933 at Fargo, N.D. Henry and Viola lived their married life at Pekin where he was a rural mail carrier, a master plumber and heating man.In the 1930's they owned a Gamble Store agency and Ford dealership. Henry served in the army in World War II. He died March 11, 1966 and is buried at Pekin. Henry Bergstrom Family Viola and Henry had four children, all graduates of Pekin High School. Alan was born Nov. 11, 1934 at McVille. He married the former Astrid Slettemoen (now divorced) from Norway in 1970. They have one child, Ida Marie, born Jan. 3, 1971 at Asmara, Ethiopia, where Alan was serving in the Foreign Service. He now resides in Washington, D.C. Mary Jane was born Oct. 18, 1937 and was married in 1957 to Howard Knutson of Devils Lake. They now live in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Carmen Suzanne, born Aug. 28, 1939 was married in 1960 to Rodney Noel Thorpe of Grand Forks, N.D. Rodney works for Rockwell International and they presently live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with their two sons, Noel and Eric. DAVID C. & DEBRA K. BINA Sylvia Bergstrom Kane Hagen was MR. & MRS. ED BINA David C. Bina was born at the born April 30, 1943. A graduate of McVille Hospital on Nov. 7, 1950, the U.N.D. she is now employed in Bis­ Ed Bina was born in Lankin in 1914 son of Ed and Solveig Bina. He and his marck where she lives with her two and his wife, Solveig, was born in wife, Debra, were married on July 15, daughters Jennifer and Marin. Adams, N.D. in 1917. They came to 1972. They are the parents of one son, Pekin in 1942 and lived here 27 years. David William, age 2. Mr. Bina was manager of the Pekin David was confirmed in the Pekin Co-op Elevator. Lutheran Church, and graduated from The Binas had two children when the 8th grade with the last graduating they came to Pekin and were blessed class of Pekin High School. He is an with two more after their arrival. They instrumental music instructor at the celebrated their Silver Wedding Anni­ Larimore Schools in Larimore, N.D., versary on Oct. 12, 1961. Mr. Bina died and his wife teaches at the Northwood on Aug. 20, 1968. Solveig remarried and Schools. He is band director of one of left Pekin in 1969, now Mrs. Hennings- the most outstanding bands in North gard, residing in Tolna. Dakota. The Binas four children are Duane of Now residing in Larimore, the Binas Aneta; Beverly (Mrs. Tom Engen), left the Pekin area in 1968. David is a Tolna; Judy (Mrs. Don Loe), Cokats, graduate of the University of North Minn., and David of Larimore. Dakota, Grand Forks.

-41- DUANE EDWARD BINA FAMILY il

Duane Bina was born April 18, 1937, at his uncle's farm near Lankin, N.D. Mr. and Mrs. Amund Bjorlie and Family He came to Pekin in 1942 with his Mr. Amund Bjorlie was born January 15, 1858 in Gudbransdalen, Norway. In family. He attended grade and high 1879 he married Kari P. Bjorlie also of Norway. They came to Freeborn County, school, graduating in 1955. He attended Minn., the same year. In 1882 they came with their two year old son Peder Julius the University of N.D. for Wi years, and homesteaded in Bergen Township. When Mrs. Bjorlie died in 1883 he took his and then started work at the Pekin 3 year old son to Norway where he was brought up by his grandparents. In 1886 he Co-op Elevator as second man. married Ann Bjokne and lived on the farm until the early nineties. He was part In 1959 he married Betty Ann owner of a butcher shop in Devils Lake and passed away in 1918. A daughter Elise Klefstad. They are the parents of three (Mrs. E. C. Knutzen) and a son John live in Seattle, Wash., and Peder in Pekin. children: Darrel, Elizabeth and Edward. Duane managed elevators at Poplar, Mont., Wimbledon, N.D., Pekin, N.D. and is presently at Aneta, N.D. where they moved in 1978. While living in Pekin, Duane was an Alderman, Mayor, Fire Chief and MR. & MRS. OLAF BJORLIE church custodian, a job he still has. Betty Ann Bina was born in McVille, April 10, 1942 to Mr. and Mrs. Arnot Klefstad. She attended grade school at Bergen No. 1 and high school in Pekin, where she graduated. She started working at the Pekin Post Office in 1970 and is still a clerk there. She is also the Food Service Supervisor at McVille Friendship Manor and one of the church organists in Pekin. Darrel Duane Bina is in the U.S. Olaf was born in Nesheim Twp., rural Marine Corps and is stationed at Cherry Pekin on Nov. 5, 1889. He married MR. & MRS. OREL BJORLIE Point, North Carolina. Louise Enstad, daughter of Mr. and Elizabeth Ann Bina is working at the Orel was born Apr. 9, 1915, in Mrs. Ole Enstad on June 10, 1914. Nesheim Twp., rural Pekin. He married McVille Community Hospital as a lab Louise was born in Bergen Twp. on Jan. technician. Myrtle Delfs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 11, 1892. Olaf served as Bergen Twp. Marcus Delfs on June 1, 1947. Myrtle Edward Arnot Bina is employed at clerk. They both took part in church and was born Oct. 27, 1918, at McHenry, Aneta Meats as a butcher. community activities. They had three N.D. Orel was Bergen Twp. treasurer children: Orel, Kermit and Helen. Olaf for many years and they both took part died on Oct. 21, 1939. in church and community activities. Their children are Richard Allen Bjorlie and Ruth Ann Bjorlie. Richard was born Jan. 11, 1950. He married Rebecca Ann Erickson, daugh­ ter of Mr. and Mrs. William Erickson of New Richmond, Ind., on Nov. 6, 1976. Rebecca was born May 21, 1953, at Anoka, Minn. Becky is employed as a receptionist at the dental office in MR. & MRS. KERMIT BJORLIE McVille, N.D. They are farming in Kermit Bjorlie was born April 3, Bergen Twp. 1919, in Bergen Twp. He married Alma Ruth Ann was born Aug. 21, 1952. Ruth Lewis of Waco, Texas, on August Ruth Ann is employed as a dental 30, 1947. Alma Ruth was born on Dec. hygenist at the Honkola Dental Clinic in 4. They live in Zumbroto, Minn., and Bismarck. She married David Sundlie of have three children: John, Mark and Rutland, N.D., on Oct. 4, 1975. David is Carol (Mrs. Steve O'Niel). Kermit employed at the Butler Paper Co. They Bjorlie is employed at the Soil Conser­ live in Bismarck. David was born Sept. Lewis, Helen, Ruth, Kermit vation District in Zumbroto, Minn. 6, 1947.

-42- Elmer, Laura, Seymour, Arnold Bjorlie (The men are sons of Peder Bjorlie) SEYMOUR BJORLIE FAMILY LAURA BJORLIE Seymour Bjorlie, son of Pedar A. and Laura (Quam) Bjorlie, was born near Laura was born in 1891 on her father, Pekin, N.D., on July 29, 1922. He Sever S. Quam's, farm. In 1919 she was attended grade school at Bergen No. 2 married to Peder Bjorlie, who ran a and graduated from high school in dairy farm south of Pekin. They moved Pekin. into town in 1948 and Laura has lived On Oct. 24, 1948, he married Dorothy there ever since. Her husband, Peder, Rorvig at Binford. She is the daughter died in 1957. of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Rorvig. She Laura has been active in the com­ graduated from Binford High School munity, the Sheyenne Church choir, and attended Valley City State Teachers ALCW, Homemakers Club and Senior College. Citizens. She has 12 grandchildren and Seymour and Dorothy are grain and 9 great-grandchildren. Her oldest son, Grade A dairy farmers. They live on the Arnold, works as the N.W. regional "home farm." director for A.S.C.S. and lives in They have three sons: Sidney Claire Bethesda, Maryland. Seymour, her was born April 11, 1952. He graduated second son, took over the family dairy from Tolna High School and UND. He is farm and Elmer works as an insurance presently a geophysicist for Amaco in adjuster and lives in Billings, Mont. Denver, Co. He married Alicia Gail Mr. and Mrs. Sever Bjorlie Sutherland of Midland, Texas, on April 10, 1975. They have one daughter, Sever H. Bjorlie was born in Lesjas- Andrea Michelle, born Oct. 29, 1978, kogen, Gudbransdalen, Norway, on and arc expecting another child soon. November 5, 1854. Russell Dean was born April 16, 1954. He came to Albert Lea, Minn., in He graduated from Tolna High School Mr. and Mrs. Ole Bjorlie 1872. In 1881 he came to Nelson County and spent three years in the armed Ole Bjorlie was born in Norway in and filed on land in Nesheim Township. forces. Following that he attended UND 1850 and settled at Silver Lake, Iowa. Later he returned to Albert Lea and was and graduated from NDSSS. He married In 1876 he married Karoline Loberg married to Karen Oien Johnson at Silver Paula Jean Krebsbach on June 16, and to this union were born three sons, Lake, Iowa, on March 6, 1882. They 1979. They are both electronics tech­ Henry, later Rev. Bjorlie; Lars and resided in Nelson County thereafter. nicians and live in Loveland, Co. They Sigurd of Albert Lea and two daughters, Mrs. Bjorlie was born in Romsdalen are expecting their first child in Randine and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Norway, on December 25, 1863. November. Bjorlie helped organize the Sheyenne Seven children were born to them. Kevin Neil was born Feb. 6, 1962. He Congregation in 1882. Mr. Bjorlie died They are Regina, John, Henrietta, Olaf, is presently a senior at Tolna High in 1889 and in 1895 the family moved to Gilbert, Arthur, and Sidney. They also School, and was recently crowned Iowa. Mrs. Bjorlie died some years ago. reared a foster daughter, Ragna. Homecoming King. They came to this community in 1881 In 1914 they moved to Pekin where Both Seymour and Dorothy arc active and were one of the first settlers here. they lived until their deaths. Mr. Bjorlie in church and community affairs. They were active church members. passed away June 28, 1931 and Mrs. Bjorlie on February 17, 1940.

JOHN & ANN BJORLIE CASPER & CLARA BRAATEN John and Ann Bjorlie moved to Pekin in June of 1979. They came to stay with Casper Braaten was born in Norway Cap was manager of the Sheyenne Laura Bjorlie, John's grandmother. on Dec. 18, 1888, and came to this Telephone Co, for years and she was Their first child, Hannah Jean, was country as a young man, working in chief switchboard operator for nearly 30 born in McVille on Aug. 20, 1979. different parts of North Dakota. He years. She passed away suddenly on Another baby girl, Ruth Louise, was married Clara Slettem at Moorhead, Feb. 1, 1952. He married Edith Connor born Dec. 15, 1980, also at the McVille Minn., on Oct. 7, 1919. She was born at on Sept. 14, 1955 at Moorhead. In 1967 hospital. Both John and Ann are from Badger, Minn, on April 19, 1893, and he retired and moved to Devils Lake Valley City, and they were married in came to Lakota in 1909 at the age of 16, where he lived until 1973 when he June, 1978. and to McVille in 1915. became a resident of McVille Friendship John is a writer and illustrator for the Manor and died there on May 26, 1980. Gospel Folio Press, which publishes He had a step-son, Dr. T. Dwight Bible related materials. Connor, of Denver.

-43- Mrs. John W. Bliss Mrs. Wm. C. Fairbanks John W. Bliss Wm. Cowles Wm. C. Fairbanks Mr. and Mrs. Carl Brekken John W. Bliss was born in Ohio in 1859, of English lineage, and in the spring of Carl Brekken born March 30, 1875, 1882 came to Moorhead, Minn. There he met William C. Fairbanks, who was also died April 2, 1951. Mathilda Forde born in Ohio in 1857, and they came together to North Dakota, to take up land in became the bride of Carl Brekken on what became Osago Township. Before leaving Ohio they had become engaged to December 28, 1907. They lived on the sisters. They expected the income from their 1883 crop to finance their return to reservation for a few years after they Ohio to marry the girls they had left behind. were married. They moved to Stump Their crop that year was harvested by a hailstorm! In order to "get their men", Lake in 1912. In 1947 they retired and Alice Cowles and Eva Cowles, accompanied by their father, traveled by train from moved to Pekin. Ohio to Michigan, N.D., which was then track's end, where they were met by Mr. Children: Lloyd, Kermit and Etta Bliss and Mr. Fairbanks. Then they proceeded by ox team to Harrisburg P.O., at (Mrs. Pete Stein). the east end of Stump Lake, where, on November 16, 1883, just before midnight, Alice L. Cowles and John W. Bliss were married by John Hennessy, Postmaster and Justice of the Peace. Eva Cowles and W. C. Fairbanks were married just after midnight in the early hours of November 17, 1883. The Cowles were of English descent. The sisters had promised some Ohio friends that they would not be married on the same day, as to do so might bring them "bad luck." A wedding supper was served at the Bliss claim shack, where one Jeff LaBeaux acted as chef. His facilities for putting on the supper were limited as to supply, and there was a shortage of utensils, the latter being largely tin pail covers and jack knives. Very shortly after the Blisses were established in their claim shack, it became necessary for Mr. Bliss to go to Michigan, again by ox team, to get the supplies and equipment which had been shipped from Ohio. The bride was naturally somewhat afraid to be left alone, and the unbroken prairie was not reassuring, so her fright knew no bounds when a large man, dressed in a coonskin overcoat, with a coon hat, opened the door unannounced and squeezed into the room. He spoke no English and she no Norwegian. His fright was boundless and his departure sudden, when he discovered a woman in the house. He was a neighbor, and all he wanted was to warm himself and rest a bit; he had not yet heard that John Bliss had a wife. The Fairbanks claim was a mile and a half south of the Bliss land, and the fact that the sisters could visit back and forth was a priceless boon to them, as the two Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Brekken families met the vicissitudes of fortune shared by all as the years went by. In order that his children might have better school advantages, Mr. Bliss and Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Brekken were family moved to Lakota in the fall of 1899. In 1916 he built a modern home on the married December 16, 1897. In 1900 farm for his permanent residence, where he lived for the remainder of his years. they adopted a little girl Olga Morken, In 1894 Mr. Fairbanks was elected clerk of court of Nelson County, and moved to who is now Mrs. Oscar Berg of Devils Lakota where he maintained his residence until 1918 when he went to Fargo to Lake. Mrs. E. C. Brekken was born in establish his home. At Lakota, Mr. Fairbanks held the position of U. S. Land 1878 and died 1921. E. C. Brekken was Commissioner for the time this office was maintained by the U.S. Government; he born in 1868 and died in 1945. was for a number of years actively engaged as a grain buyer for a line of elevators. Three children, Jay W., Vera, and Gertrude, were born to the Blisses, while the Fairbanks were parents of Ruth, Miles and Chester, who died on Nov. 10, 1954. John W. Bliss died on June 27, 1930, KERMIT BREKKEN FAMILY and Alice L. Bliss on April 9, 1943. Kermit Orville Brekken was born Eva Fairbanks died on Nov. 24, 1914, Dec. 19, 1912, died Jan. 15, 1974. He and Wm. C. Fairbanks on March 12, was married to Helen lone Messner 1937. born Oct. 27, 1927, on Nov. 8, 1946. They had five children: Karen, Kath- erine, Clifford, Annette and Rosanne. After Kermit's death, Helen married Elmer F. Aanenson of Ada, Minn., on Jan. 14, 1977. They live on the home farm in Wamduska Twp.

-44- Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Brekken A. Edward C. Brekken was born at % *•• *^B Albert Lea, Minn., Nov. 21, 1868 of if V^w^P parents, Christopher and Marit Brek­ V* ken. In the spring of 1884 the Brekken family emigrated to North Dakota by Mr. and Mrs. Torger Brekken jy^"a /i w prairie schooner drawn by a couple of Torger Brekken was born Dec. 8, v young steers and a pair of young horses, 1822, in Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, .wt J 1 the family seeing the first sunrise in Norway. Guro was born Dec. 4, 1831 in Nelson County, North Dakota, July 1, Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, Norway. 1884. They were married in Norway, he came Here he spent his early manhood, to America in 1866 and Mrs. Brekken in later attending business college at LSH> ^ 1867. Wk.^.' Decorah, Iowa, and college at Devils They lived in Iowa and Albert Lea, Lake. He also taught school for a Minnesota a few years. He came up number of years. here in 1881 with his son Rolf. The Following his marriage to Amalia family came up here in a covered wagon Moen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole in 1882 where they settled on the banks Mr. and Mrs. Sivert Brekken Moen of Nesheim Twp. on Dec. 16, of the Sheyenne River where they spent Married November 10, 1909 in Shey­ 1897, at the Sheyenne Lutheran Church, their pioneer life. She passed away enne Lutheran Church. They moved to a he farmed in Osago Twp. Following the February 1901 and he died Dec. 25, farm 1 mile west of Hamar, N.Dak., sale of his farm, the Brekken's were 1901. later moving to Stump Lake in April residents of Lakota for a few years 1912. Mr. Brekken passed away April 2, where he was employed by the Jorgen­ 1953 at the McVille Hospital at the age son Machinery and Furniture Co., later of 77 years. They had 5 children. moving to Pekin in 1907 where he resided for 26'/2 years. During his residence in Pekin, Mr. Brekken owned and operated the Pekin Hardware Store which he disposed of in 1913, shortly thereafter purchasing the Pekin Budget weekly newspaper in Sept. 1913 and which he operated until 1932 after selling the business. During his residence in Pekin, Mr. Brekken took an active part in the affairs of the town and community, serving as president or chmn. of many organizations, some of which were the Mr. and Mrs. Christoffer Brekken Farmers Elevator Co., Public School They were married April 7, 1863, and Board, Commerical Club, Fire Dept., were blessed with 9 children. They Lutheran Church Board, Sons of Norway adopted two: Jennie Morken and Anton Lodge and the M.B.A. Lodge. He also Brekken. Only living are Mrs. Anna served as Supt. of Lutheran Sunday Tangen, Mrs. Ida Ensrud and Oswald School, was a member of the church Brekken. Marit Brekken, born Dec. 29, choir and was a member of the N.D. 1840 died July 6, 1918. Christoffer State Band of Pekin. Prior to becoming Brekken born Sept. 7, 1829 died July 16, a member of the Pekin Church, he was a 1908. member of the Sheyenne Lutheran Church where he served as organist for a number of years, as well as being a member of the choir and musical groups of the community. During his residence at Petersburg, N.D. from 1932 to 1943, he was a member of the Noronna Mens Choir. Music always interested him, and he always actively engaged in helping to further good music. Mr. Brekken passed away November 4, 1945 at the home of his adopted THIMOR & IDA BREKKEN daughter, Mrs. O.C. Berg at Valley City. Both Thimor and Ida Brekken were born in the Pekin area, he in 1889 and she on Sept. 19, 1901. They began farming in Osago Twp. near Pekin in Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Brekken 1920. He also served for two years in Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Brekken were CLARENCE BREKKEN World War I. Thimor died July 17, married on Nov. 17, 1904. Oswald was 1955. born Oct. 28, 1880. Thea was born on Clarence Brekken was born Aug. 23, The Brekkens had three children: Aug. 9, 1887. They moved to Canada 1910, in Hamar, N.D. He settled in Ruth Urvand of McVille; Orpha Foreng for four years then came back when the Wamduska Twp. (Pekin) in 1912, later of Devils Lake, and Truman, who died First World War started in 1914. They making his living as a mechanic. He was on Feb. 26, 1980. Truman served in then moved to Pekin. In 1954 they had the chief of the Pekin Fire Dept. for a World War II. A granddaughter, Denise their golden wedding. time. Mr. Brekken died May 16, 1980. Brekken Sigdahl, lived with them.

-45- Hi* Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Brekken Mr. and Mrs. Ole Brekken Ole Brekken was born in Lesjeskogen, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, February 8, The Brekkcns were both from the 1861. In the spring of 1867 he emigrated to America, together with his folks and Pekin and McVille Areas. Mr. Brekken sisters and brothers, coming first to Decorah, Iowa. The next year they went to was a painter and employed by the State Freeborn County, Minnesota, where they resided until 1882, when they came to Highway Department. The Brekkens Nelson County, North Dakota, and settled by the Sheyenne River in Osago had one daughter, JoAnn, now Mrs Township. Johanna Bakken Brekken was born in Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, Ardcll Landbcrg. Norway, October 8, 1867. She emigrated to America in 1883 coming to Lakota, North Dakota. In 1886 she was united in marriage to Ole Brekken. They established a home about three miles south from what is now Pekin, North Dakota, and resided there for a number of years, moving to Pekin in the fall of 1922, where they made their home until their deaths. Ole Brekken passed away August 3, 1934, and Johanna Brekken passed away on December 20, 1950. Their union was blessed with four sons and three daughters; Mrs. Oswald Brekken (Thea), Mrs. Peder Ronningen (Gida), Henry, Arthur, and Obert Brekken. Thimor Brekken, who passed away July 17, 1955, and Mrs. Einar Engebretson (Olea) who passed away September 22, 1950.

Patti Brekken Thompson was born on October 29, 1958. She is married to Osborne Brekken was born in Pekin Jeryl (Murph) Thompson, born in on August 15, 1922. He has farmed in Grand Forks, N.D., on June 22, 1956. Curtis & Janet (Brekken) Herman Osago Township all his life. They are both graduates of Mayville He and his wife, Betty, have three State College. Jeryl is a teacher and Janet Brekken Herman was married children, Rodney, Patti and Janet. football coach at Drayton and Patti to Curtis Herman in 1980, at which time works at the Day Care Center in they moved to Tolna. Both are graduates Grafton. They were married in 1980 at of Mayville State College. Curt is a which time they moved to Drayton, teacher in the Tolna Public School N.D. system and Janet is a store clerk at Don's Market. -46- Rodney & Jane Brekken Rodney and Jane Brekken are now farming in the Aneta area. They are the Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brude parents of two children, Kristopher Gerhard Brude Allen, age 6 and Kari Lynn, age l'/j. Born in Pomsdale, Norway, October Born in Romsdalen, Norway and 22, 1863. He came to Osago Township Jane is the secretary of the Ladies Aid came to Osago Township in 1887. He and McVille PTA. Rodney is secretary returned to Norway. He was unmarried. in 1887. Died May 4, 1924. He married of the 23rd District Democratic Party, a Gusta Dyste Nov. 24, 1909. Mrs. Brude member of the Nelson County Farmers was born in Toten Norway in 1883. Union Board of Directors, Secretary of They had five children. Joseph, McVille Farmers Union Oil Co. Board of Adolph, Jalmer, Genevieve (Mrs. Win- Directors, President of the Church field Schley), and James. Council and President of the McVille- Kloten Community Farmers Union Lo­ cal. They left the Pekin area in 1970.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole J. Brude Born May 6, 1861 in Romsdalen, Norway. He came to Osago Township in 1888. He was married to Eli Bjorlie. Eli RolfE. Brenden Bjorlie Brude was born on Feb. 28, CLARENCE & EDITH BUE 1874, in Norway and died Mar. 2, 1946. Clarence Bue was born March 8, Rolf E. Brenden was born in Lesya They had ten children: Anna (Mrs. Gudbransdalen, Norway, December 8, 1904, in Bergen Twp. He started Ole Nesset), Rae Brude, Ruth (Mrs. farming in 1943 and sold the farm in 1861. He came to America, Freeborn Edlund), Joyce (Mrs. Hall), John, Har­ County, Minn., in 1882. One year later 1955. He married Edith Loe on Dec. 9, old, Oress, Sally (Mrs. Oscar Johnson), 1956. She was born Jan. 21, 1907 in he came to Nelson County to visit his Paul Brude, and Jane (Mrs. Hill). brother the late Sever Quam and his Alemaker County, Iowa. She came to wife Cecelia. He later took a homestead North Dakota in the fall of 1927, was in Osago Township 1 mile west of Pekin. married to Bertie Loe that year, and In 1914 he made a trip to Norway to see they had four sons: Bernard of High­ his aged father Ingebrigt Brenden and land, Calif., Roger of Rialto, Calif., his sister and brother John and Inge- Gary of Barstow, Calif., and Dick of Mt. borg. Vernon, Wash. Bertie passed away on In 1918 he moved to Pekin and made Jan. 1, 1954. Edith and Clarence left for California his home there. He passed away on l December 26th, 1945 at Aneta at the in 1956, spending 2 /i years there while age of 84 years and 20 days. Clarence was employed at the Jess Turkey Ranch at Victorville, Calif. They returned to North Dakota in 1959 and purchased the Ludvig Gronaas farm. Mr. and Mrs. John Broste They had a small dairy herd and grain Mr. and Mrs. John Broste came from farm. The cattle were sold in 1967. The Norway to Osago Township in 1883. Mr. Bues spent their winters in Calif, and Broste was born in 1851 and died in returned to put in the crop in the spring. 1912. They had four children: Henry, They are now retired (tired) farmers Paul, Magnus and Robert. residing on the farm.

-47- OLIVER L. BUE Oliver L. Bue was born in Bergen Twp. on Dec. 20, 1898. He farmed this area his entire life until his retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Lars 0. Bue and Family Lars 0. Bue was born in Bergenstift, Norway, April 8, 1861. He came to America with his parents in 1866 locating in Iowa. He came to Dakota Territory in 1880 and located on the farm that he lived on until his death. Bue Post Office was established in May 1882. He was married to Olina Mikkelson in 1883.

LEO & CORA BURKE

Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Burreson

Leo Burke was born in Forde Twp. on June 25, 1901, to Martin and Helen (Ella) Deehr Burke. He married Cora Opoien, born Mar. Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Burreson were 17, 1902 to Bernt and Ragnhild Knutson united in marriage by Rev. S. S. Wold at Opoien, on July 15, 1927. Both are the Bernt Opoien farm home on August members of the Pekin Lutheran Church. 21, 1907. Leo farmed in Dayton Twp. from 1924 Children born to this union are: until his retirement in 1966. They Burton, Vivian (deceased), and Marion continue to live on their farm at the (Mrs. C. A. Johnson). present time. Leo is a lover of baseball. He played first base on the Pekin team when it was in its prime. Mrs. Burke is a graduate of Mayville FYLLIS & ELLEN BURTHOLD State College and has taught in the following North Dakota Schools: Es­ Born at Pekin on Nov. 11, 1926, Fyllis mond, Rolette, Pekin, Whitman and F. HERBERT BURTHOLD FAMILY Burthold has farmed at Pekin in Osago Wildrose. After marriage, she taught F. Herbert Burthold was born Dec. 8, Twp. all his life. His wife, Ellen, was the rural school in their area for 10 1889 in Minneapolis, Minn. He married born Nov. 4, 1932 at Warwick. years. Her church work consists of a local girl, Clara, born July 16, 1889. Fyllis has served on the Elevator Sunday school teacher, L.C.R. Advisor, They farmed in the Pekin area. Board. president of the ALCW, secretary of Herbert died on Sept. 15, 1965 and in The Burtholds had five children: ALC, Secretary of Stewardship and 1978 Clara moved to the Friendship Marcia and Elizabeth, now living in Secretary of Education. Manor. Fargo; Matthew, a student at U.M.C. in The Burkes celebrated their Golden They had three children: Miles and Crookston, Minn.; and Teresa and Wedding Anniversary on July 10, 1977, Fyllis, still living in Pekin, and Mary Rebecca, living at home. at the Pekin Lutheran Church. Ann (Mrs. Gordon Flaagan) of McVille.

-48- James & Inga (Arlien) Clauson Family James was born in Alamekee Co., Iowa, on Feb. 7, 1899. Inga Arlien Clauson was born in Bergen Twp., Nelson Co., on Feb. 27, 1902. They were married on Feb. 24, 1923. Lived in Iowa and Minnesota until 1929 when they moved to North Dakota and bought a farm in Bergen Twp. and later moved to a farm in Osago Twp., where they lived until 1958. They moved to Montana where Inga worked at Rosebid Memorial Hospital until 1967, when they moved to McVille, N.D., where MILES & ASTRID BURTHOLD James passed away in 1974. Born. Dec. 9, 1921, Miles Burthold They had five children: Marjorie, and his wife Astrid, born Mar. 14, 1926 born Feb. 29, 1924, married Jack in McVille, have lived in Pekin all their McGowan. He works for the Whittier lives. Miles has been a rural mail carrier Fire Dept. They have two children, for 30 years. Astrid occupies her time as Robin and Danial. Marjorie is manager bookkeeper at the Farmers & Merchants of the LaUarade High School cafeteria. Bank in Tolna. Irene was born Aug. 1, 1926. She The Burtholds have four children: married Joe Montalbano and they have Ronald of Wasilla, Alaska; Dennis, now one daughter, Sharyn Ann. Irene works living in Bottineau; Peggy (Olson) of for the Insurance Co. of North America. Litchvillc, N.D. and Scott, living in Joe is a barber. Pekin. Vivian was born March 8, 1930 and married Kermit Pederson, works for J.P.L. Laboratory. They have two girls: Jill is a student at UND in Grand Forks and Jody at Pasadena College. Mr. and Mrs. Mikkel Christian (Christ) Christensen Rodger was born Dec. 23, 1934, and married Shirley Schuh. Rodger is By Orpha Christensen manager of the U.B.C. Lumber Co. at Miles City, Montana. They are also Mikkel Christensen was born at years at Pekin. He lived at the nursing foster parents for Custer County, Mont. Denmark May 7, 1888. He has a sister home at Lakota and McVille since 1974. To date they have had over 50 babies in and 2 nephews living at Canada. At one His death occurred Aug. 2, 1978 at their care. They also have four children time his sister and husband, Mr. and McVille Friendship Manor at the age of of their own: Debra Ann, Rodney, Mrs. Jacob Jacobsen and two boys 90. Mr. Christensen's funeral was held John and Patricia. Melford and Arne, lived on a farm near at Pekin. Mr. and Mrs. Christensen are Tolna. Mr. Jacobsen is deceased. Christ buried at Sheyenne Church Cemetery Janice was born Sept. 30, 1938. She is south of Pekin on Halvor Johnson lot. married to Edgar Hoyt. They farmed in has several relatives living at Denmark. Griggs County until 1976 when they Mr. Christensen arrived in the United Mr. Christensen took 9 trips by boat moved to Mayville, N.D. They have 7 States at the age of 19, in the spring of across the Atlantic Ocean, over there children: Yaonne, Brian, Robert, Dale, 1908. He arrived at the Pete Petersen and back, Denmark to Pekin. Gay, Mark and Thomas. Janice works farm, as Christ and Pete knew each Alice Oliva Johnson was born June for Social Service and Edgar is a other from Denmark. He stayed there 17, 1897. The adopted daughter of Mr. mechanic. for some time and was employed there. and Mrs. Halvor Johnson, Alice was a After some time Christ arrived at the niece of Mrs. Halvor Johnson. She home of Arnt and Maren Ronning, the made her home there since she was 2 Ronnings were from Norway, and in years old. The Halvor Johnson farm, 1912 and 1913, Christ made a journey now known as the Lloyd Gjovik farm, 2 back to Denmark and brought back his miles south of Pekin, by the Sheyenne sister Marie (Mrs. Jacobsen) of Canada. River. Alice attended the Pekin Public She was united in marriage to Jacob School, also Norwegian Bible School at Jacobsen in the United States and lived Bergen No. 2 by the Ole Dronen farm, in North Dakota, moving to Canada in known as the Kari Nelson farm. Alice the middle 20's. was confirmed in the Sheyenne Church, Christ Christensen and Alice Johnson by Rev. S. S. Wold. She was confirmed were united in marriage June 20, 1917. in Norwegian, her confirmation date Before settling in Pekin area, Mr. was Sept. 14, 1913. Christensen was employed as a cowboy Alice was united in Marriage to in the heart of the Badlands, Dickinson, Christ Christensen June 20, 1917 at the THE OLE DRONEN FAMILY N.D. While there he hunted timber Lakota courthouse. They lived on a farm Ole Dronen, born May 31, 1904, and wolves, bobcats and rattlesnakes. Mr. west of Pekin. his wife, Florence, born May 15, 1903 in Christensen, his brother-in-law at Ca­ Alice passed away at the McVille Burke County, moved to the Pekin area nada, and several other employed Hospital October 8, 1927. Funeral was in 1944 where they farmed in Bergen cowboys lived in a log cabin. Dickinson held at Sheyenne Church and burial Twp., Nelson County. Ole was also a was 67 miles from this cattle ranch, there. Pastor S. S. Wold was pastor barber. where Mr. Christensen was employed. when Alice was 30 years of age at the They had four children: George and When going to town for groceries, by time of her death. Donald, both now living in Michigan wagon and horses, took 3 days going Mr. and Mrs. Christensen lived on a state; Margaret (Wheeler) of Kenmare there and back. This was in the years farm by the river known as the Arnt and Darlene (Harms) who lives in Kettle 1912 and 1913. Mr. Christensen lived 27 Ronning farm. Falls, Washington. -49- THE SAM JOSEPH ELSAAS FAMILY KENNETH ELIASON Sam Joseph Elsaas was born to John Kenneth Eliason graduated from J. and Julia Elsaas on Feb. 25, 1906, in Pekin High School in 1952. He attended Manfred, N.D. That same year his school at Concordia College and was at parents moved to Pekin and his father the University of Minnesota for a short built a small general store. In 1914 the while. He also completed a four-year larger J.J. Elsaas Store was built, and "hitch" in the Navy. Sam worked in the store when he He married Diana Bowden in 1958 became old enough. and they had four children: Karee Ann, Sam was graduated from Pekin High Dana, Paul and Angela. Ken has been School's first graduating class in 1924. in Richland, Wash., for several years He attended North Dakota State Univer­ and is employed at Hanover Industries sity and Interstate Business College in at Richland, Wash. Fargo. His children reside there except for Sam continued to work in the store Karee who is married and lives in where he had started to work full time in Idaho. Ken Eliason's youngest daughter, 1924. He and his brother Clarence, took Angela, standing. Seated, left to right, over active management of the store in Paul, Ken, Dana. Carlen Skjerseth in 1936. After the death of their father in foreground. 1948, they bought the store and continued in business until their retire­ Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Elsaas ment in 1970. Sam married Edythe Gray in 1937 and to this union three daughters were born, namely Patricia Ann, Diane Kay and Susan Jane. Mrs. Elsaas died in 1955. The three daughters worked in the store while attending high school. Patricia is now Mrs. Jerome Flaagan Ken Eliason's oldest daughter, Karee and they have four sons, Mark, Paul, Ann. Dennis and John, and one daughter, Julie Ann. Pat received her Masters Degree in Library Science from UND in 1974, and is at present a media specialist in the Grand Forks School System. Jerome is employed by UND.

J. J. Elsaas was born in Ottertail County, Minnesota, on August 30, Diane Kay attended Jamestown Coll­ 1868. His family moved to North Dakota ege and married Donald Hoveskeland in in 1890, to a farm about 12 miles south 1957. They have one son, David, and of what is now Pekin. Later he one daughter, Laura. The Hoveskelands homesteaded in Wells County, and was farm south of Tolna, and Diane has also in business there. He married Julia taught piano in the school there for the Omlie at Grand Forks in 1903. They past 14 years. came to Pekin in 1906 where Mr. Elsaas Susan Jane graduated from UND and was in business until his death in 1948. married Larry Keating in 1962. They Mrs. Elsaas was born in Norway on have two children, Tina Lynn and Sean Sept. 18, 1871, and came to the United Brian. While they were living in States at the age of 16. They had five Denver, Sue received her Masters children namely Sam, Clarence, James, Degree from the Univ. of Colorado. At SOREN ELIASON Gladys and Oscar. present they are living in Colorado Springs where Larry is employed by Soren Eliason came from Norway to Texaco. Pekin as a teenager in 1911. After In addition to his work in the store, working on John Arlien's farm for 7 Sam was a director in the Sheyenne years, he went to mechanic's school in Telephone Co. and served as the Kansas City, Mo., and later worked in secretary-treasurer of the company. the oil fields of Kansas. A wide variety of job occupied him in Saskatchewan, Through the years he was active in Washington, California and Minnesota. many community activities, such as the In 1925, Soren returned to Pekin and local school board, the various offices of worked for the Gulbro Motor Co. until the Village Council, and is a 50-year 1936. He then started his own service member of the Pekin Fire Dept. Sam is station. also a lifetime member of the Pekin Lutheran Church where he has been The present west half of his service active in many church offices. station was Pekin's original fire hall. In 1956, Sam married Nellie Gray The east half of the station was added in Wagner, who graduated from Hannah 1946. His first contract was with Cities High School in 1923. In 1927 she Service. This continued for about a graduated from Valley City State, where year. His second contract was with she majored in Art and Elementary Standard OIL He has been associated Education. Later she attended Valley with that company ever since. And now, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Elsaas Since retirement. The Elsaases have City State and the University of Calif. after over 40 years in the same location, She retired in 1965 after 27 years of Soren still maintains service with a spent their summers in Pekin and their teaching. smile. winters in Mesa, Arizona.

-50- CLARENCE G. ELSAAS FAMILY JONAS & CLARA ENEBO "•"H

Clarence Gehard Elsaas, son of J. J. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas H. Enebo and family. Left to right, Front row: Mrs. Enebo (Clara Enstad), June Enebo Nelson, Sigurd Enebo, Jonas H. and Julia Elsaas, was born April 13, Enebo. Back row: Helma Enebo Hermel, Anne Enebo Molmen 1908. He attended the local school and (deceased), Henry Enebo (deceased), and Olga Enebo Oslie, (deceased). graduated from high school in 1926. He attended Interstate Business College, and started working at the Elsaas Store Jonas H. Enebo was born Nov. 29, child baptized in the Sheyenne Church. in 1930. 1877 at Gudbrandsdahl, Norway. Clara Mr. Enebo died on Jan. 2, 1942 and In 1933 Clarence, known to his close Emelia Enstad Enebo was born in Mrs. Enebo on May 14, 1961. friends as Slim, married Amanda Nelson County, N.D. on Oct. 22, 1882. Their children: Alpha, deceased 1919; Orwick. They had one daughter, Janice. The Enebos homesteaded at Edmore, Anne (Mrs. Harold Molmen), deceased Mrs. Elsaas died in 1979. N.D., and farmed until their retirement 1964; Henry, deceased 1970; Olga Clarence has been very active in local when they continued to live in the Pekin (Oslie), deceased; Helma (Mrs. George affairs, serving as secretary of the fire area. The Enebos were active in E. Hermel), Fargo, N.D.) Sigurd, department for 20 years, city council­ community affairs, the Red Cross, and Crosby, N.D., and Junes (Mrs. John E. man, city assessor, and on innumerable were members of the Sheyenne Luth­ Nelson), Des Moines, Iowa. committees for village promotional eran Church. Mrs. Enebo was the first activities. In 1936 he and his brother, Sam, went Juel C. Ensrud • Manser Ensrud into partnership and ran the Elsaas Store. In 1948, after the death of their Juel C. Ensrud was born Dec. 18, father, they bought the store and ran it 1905 in Bergen Twp. Manser Ensrud until their retirement in 1970. was born Aug. 7, 1908, also in Bergen Twp. They lived in Minnesota and Amanda taught school in Pekin, returned to Wamduska Twp. in 1915, Bergen Township, and McVille, and living there until 1940. Juel was a retired after 27 years of service in 1972. farmer and electrician; Manser was Janice is at present living at the State involved in farming. They were part School at Grafton, and Clarence makes owners of Brekken Electric for 10 years. his home in Pekin. In the fall of 1976, Juel moved to McVille. Manser arrived there in 1978, and passed away Nov. 7, 1979. Neither •-".»* was married. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Ensrud Married May 7, 1904. Moved to their farm home 1916. John died April 24, 1935. Children: Juel, Manser, Conrad, Beulah (Mrs. Sidney Birklund), Orpha (Mrs. Iverstol).

BEVERLY J. (BINA) ENGEN Beverly Engen was born in Park River, N.D. on July 29, 1938, moving with her family to Pekin in 1943. She married Tom Engen in September of 1957, at which time they moved to Tolna. She was confirmed in the Pekin Lutheran Church and graduated from Pekin High School. The Engens have two children: Juel C. Ensrud Robert and Steven of Grand Forks. MISS MATHILDA ENSRUD Miss Ensrud, born in Osago Twp., in the Pekin area, has been actively involved her entire life helping and caring for others. Her various jobs have included housework, baby care, assist­ ant telephone operator, helper in cafes, and correspondent for the editor and publisher of the Lakota American newspaper, probably her favorite job. She enjoys the work and finds the people very kind to her. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Ensrud Mathias Ensrud was born at Lesjesko­ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ensrud gen, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, on Dec. Carl and Margrete Ensrud were born 18, 1860. As a young man he left his in Lesjeskogen, Gudbrandsdalen, Nor­ parental home and immigrated to way in the year 1863. Carl emigrated to America, coming to Lincoln County, American in 1885 coming first to S.D., in April 1883. He worked as a Canton, South Dakota and then in 1895 farm hand there for one and one half he came to Nelson County, North years and then came to Nelson County, S.D. in October 1884. Dakota. Margrete Runtum (Ensrud) came to America in 1892 coming first to Mrs. Ensrud was born at Lesjeskogen, Granite Falls, Minnesota, and in 1894 to Gudbransdalen, Norway on Jan. 1, Nelson County, North Dakota. In 1896 1865. She came to this country in April they were united in Marriage at Aneta, 1884, coming to Lincoln County, S.D. N.Dak. They at once established a She worked there for 2Vi years and then home, about 3 miles from what is now came to Nelson Co., N.D. in December 1886. Pekin, N.Dak. Their Post Office at first was at Bue, N.Dak. They lived on this Mr. and Mrs. Ensrud were united in farm all their life. Carl passed away at marriage on Dec. 18, 1886. They filed the young age of 49 years, December on land in Osago Township, where they 11, 1911. After his death his wife built a home and resided until their Margrete continued to live there with deaths. Ten children were born to them, the exception of the last few years when four sons and six daughters. One she lived in Pekin. She passed away daughter, Emma, preceeded them in death. Mrs. Ensrud passed away April March 6th, 1946. One daughter Betsy 17, 1942 and Mr. Ensrud on Oct. 9, (Mrs. Ernest Turcotte) passed away 1944. August 2, 1948. Three other children survive, Marie (Mrs. Allie Hendrick- son), Manilla (Mrs. Henry Brekken), and Joseph Ensrud.

TOBIAS J. ENSRUD FAMILY Tobias J. Ensrud was born in Lesjeskogen, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. He came to America in 1886, settled in Lincoln County, South Dakota, and came to the Pekin vicinity in 1892. JOHN & INGEBORG ENSRUD Anna Mathea Quam was born in John Ensrud was born in Osago Lesjeskogen, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway Twp., near Pekin and his wife, Ingeborg and came to America with her parents was born in Center Twp. They were at the age of three. She came to the married in 1912 and took up farming in Pekin vicinity on June 30, 1884, by Osago Twp. near Pekin. covered wagon pulled by oxen. They and their family were active in Mr. and Mrs. Ensrud were married John & Ingeborg Ensrud's 50th Anniv. church and community affairs. They on Nov. 25, 1897. They homesteaded 5 raised a family often children and have miles north of Pekin. They were blessed 32 grand-children and 53 great grand­ with 5 sons and 8 daughters. Three children; 95 descendents in all. daughters preceded them in death. The Ensruds lived in the Pekin area Mr. Ensrud passed away Oct. 8, all their lives. John died in 1971 and 1938. Mrs. Ensrud passed away June 5' Ingeborg in 1976. 1976. The children include: Mildred (Mrs. Sidney Hoiberg), Pekin; Orvilla (Mrs. Jack Nietz) Underwood, Minn.; Ruth (Mrs. Robert Johnson;, Tolna; Irene (Mrs. Elmer Sateren), McVille; Elmer, St. Paul, Minn.; Doris (Mrs. Gene Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Ensrud Baltes), St. Paul, Minn.; Florence (Mrs. Eddie Thompson), Kansas City, Mo.; Magnus Ensrud was born in Osago Percy, Madison, Minn.; Jervis (Mrs. Township in 1902. His wife, Emma, was born in Bergen Township in 1907. They Children of John & Ingeborg Ensrud George Olson), McVille, N.D.; Wayne, Tioga, N.D. farmed in the Pekin area until retiring to 1976 Tolna, N.D., in 1976.

-52- MR. & MRS. MYRON ENSRUD Myron Ensrud was born in Pekin on March 6, 1926, and lived here all his life except for three years in Devils Lake, 1949-1951. June Ensrud was born at MR. & MRS. JULIUS ENSRUD McVille on June 14, 1929, and moved to Julius Ensrud was born August 6, MR. & MRS. JULIAN ENSRUD Devils Lake in 1934. Myron and June were married in 1949 and moved to 1911 north of Pekin, where he still Julian Ensrud was born in Osago Pekin in the fall of 1951, where he was resides. His wife Ruth, was born March Twp. on March 24, 1896. Mabel was engaged in farming. 26, 1912 in Forde Township near Tolna. Mr. Ensrud has been at the 'home- born at Finley, N.D., on August 24, Myron served on the Pekin School 1900. Julian farmed in the Pekin area all place' in Wamduska Township all his Board, Osago Twp. Board and the Pekin life except for three years. At one time his life. Mabel came to Pekin in 1924 church council. He is the recipient of the where she taught in the Pekin and he worked with a crew painting eleva­ Nelson County Wildlife Habitat Award tors and lived in Seattle, Wash., for two McVille schools prior to her marriage to (1972) and the Nelson County Soil Julian. Conservation Award in 1975. years where he worked in the shipyard. In addition to farming, the Ensruds He served on the Pekin School Board, The Ensruds have three children: Osago Twp. Board and the Pekin raised turkeys for 13 years. Kent of Pekin, is married to Mary Ann Julius served as a trustee in the Pekin Church Council. Wilson from Seattle Wash., (1978); They moved to the Larimore Good Church for three years; was on the Steven is employed by Frontier Airlines elevator board for three years, and Samaritan Home in February 1976. and lives in Fargo. Linda lives in Pekin They had three children: Myron, on and is employed in McVille. drove the Pekin school bus for 6 years. the home farm in Pekin; Arda, (Mrs. The Ensruds had four children. Judy Duane Olson), Minneapolis; and Carol (Rinebarger) lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons. Jean lives (Mrs. Richard Daws), Michigan, N.D. DEAN P. ENSRUD Julian managed a cream station in and works in Minneapolis. Richard and Pekin for quite a number of years before wife, Lana, live in Broken Bow, Neb., retiring. where he is a pastor in the Evangelical Free Church. One son, Phillip, is deceased. His widow, Sonja, and two girls live near Grand Forks.

, ';' r •'"H

Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ensrud Dean P. Ensrud was born in McVille, A fourth generation farmer on the N.D. on Aug. 9, 1948. Norma (Peters) same land, Kent Ensrud was born Aug. Ensrud was born in Rugby, N.D., on 18, 1952, in Devils Lake. N.D. He April 13, 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ensrud married Mary Ann Wilson who was Dean Ensrud is the present owner of Mr. Andrew Ensrud was born in born July 18, 1957 in Renton, Wash. the Pekin Bar. He is secretary of the Gudbrandsdalen, Lesjeskogen, Norway, They are both graduates of the Univ. of Pekin Volunteer Fire Dept., President on August 1, 1876, and came to the North Dakota. The Ensruds lived in of the Pekin Fire District and member of United States when a young man. After Pekin for 7 months prior to moving to the town board. He is also a member of working for a time in the vicinity of the farm. American Legion Post #182, Pekin Wild Canton, S.D., he came to the Pekin Kent served as church treasurer for Life Club, and Veterans of Foreign vicinity to join his brothers who had one year and is a member of the Board Wars Post #756. homesteaded there. He was a charter of Directors of the Pekin Elevator. The Ensruds have five children, all member of the Sheyenne Lutheran They were married March 17, 1917 in living at home: Trina, Shannon, Patrick, the Pekin Church. Tara and Brandon. contd.

-53- Church and took an active part in BENNIE ENSRUD FAMILY township and church affairs. He passed away April 6, 1949. Mrs. Marie Sletten Ensrud was born in Lesjevoak, Norway, March 13, 1867, and came to the United States when a young woman, and was employed as a seamstress in a dress shop in Minne­ apolis. She was united in marriage to Andrew Ensrud in December 1898. They built a farm home in Osago township and farmed there all their lives, and raised a family of 7 children. Mrs. Ensrud passed away July 6, 1946.

JEROME ENSRUD Left to right, Front row: Mary, Marilyn, Bennie, Flora, Paulette; Jerome Ensrud was born in this Back row: David, Dennis, Rodney, Dean, Jerome, Mark, Allan, community on Nov. 27, 1941. He is the Jeff. son of Bennie and Flora Ensrud. He moved to the Olaf Rogness farm and Bennie Ensrud, son of Andrew and Patricia Davidson (1966). They have two started farming in 1959. He married Jo Marie Ensrud, married Flora Turcotte children, Penny and Timothy, and live Ann Locken from Aneta in July 1965. in 1937. In 1949 they moved to the at Richardton, N.D. They bought the Rogness farm in 1970 Arthur Turcotte farm and started farm­ David, born Oct. 7, 1945 married and are still living there. Their children ing. Flora Ensrud died in December of Barbara Roeman in 1965. They have are Janelle, Julie and Jane. Jerome is 1971. Bennie Ensrud is retired and lives three children, David, Robert and presently a member of the school board, on the farm. Bennie and Flora had 8 Daniel. They live at Gering, Neb.; elevator board, township board and sons and 3 daughters. There are 18 Paulette, born April 29, 1947, married church board. grandchildren. They and their families Thomas Hinderschiet in 1968. They are as follows: have two children, Chad and Codi. They Allan, born Sept. 1, 1938, lives in live at Sheyenne, N.D. Minneapolis, Minn.; Dennis, born May Dean, born Aug. 9, 1948, married 16, 1940, lives at home; Jerome, born Norma Peters in 1968. They have four Nov. 27, 1941, is married to the former children: Trina, Shannon, Patrick and JoAnn Locken. They were married in Tara and live in Pekin, N.D. 1965, have 3 children, Janelle, Julie and Jeffrey was born Sept. 22, 1953. He is Jane, and farm near Pekin. presently serving in the army in Marilyn, born April 17, 1943, married Germany. Lloyd Ruud in 1961. They have 3 Mary, born Nov. 15, 1956, married children, Sharon, Deborah and James, Jeffrey Halvorson in 1977. They have and live in West Fargo, N.D.; Rodney, one child, Wyatt, and live at Thompson born June 26, 1944, is married to N.D. Mark, born Nov. 15, 1956, is in the army stationed in California. Jerome & JoAnn Ensrud Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ensrud Janelle, Julie & Jane Born in Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, Norway on Dec. 8, 1856. He emmigrated to America in 1884, came to Lincoln Co. S.D., where he made his home until 1887 when he came to Nelson Co. and took up a claim. He was united in marriage to Marit Brende on Dec. 18, 1887. They had 12 children. He lived on his farm until June 1921 Mr. and Mrs. Kmit Enstad when he retired and moved to Pekin. He passed away on Jan. 12, 1934 at the age Knut Enstad came to America in of 77 years, 1 month and 4 days. 1881 with his family and homesteaded in Nelson County south of Pekin by the Sheyenne River where they lived until PETER A. & OVIDIA ENSRUD 1918 when they moved to Pekin, until his death in 1923. Mrs. Knut Enstad Peter A. Ensrud was born in Osago stayed for awhile with a son Albert Twp. on Aug. 11, 1901. Orvidia Burud Enstad after which she moved and Ensrud was born in Hatton, N.D. on stayed with a daughter, Clara Enebo, Sept. 17, 1905, and came to the Pekin until her death in 1928. They were area in 1927. They were married and blessed with 12 children. took up farming. Peter was trustee in his church, township clerk and clerk of Divide school district. Orvidia was a deaconess and treasurer in the church. Their children include Mayone (Da- los) of Lisbon, N.D.; Lorraine (Von Janelle, Julie, Jane Ensrud Ruden), of Mayville, N.D., and Robert Children of Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Ensrud of Colorado Springs, Colo.

-54- Above: front row, Left to right: Inga, Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Enstad and Family Oliver, Marie, Bergetta Back row: Orville, Ida, Severin, Mil­ Peter O. Enstad was born in Norway, November 20, 1848. He emigrated to Albert dred, Olga Lea, Minn., in the early seventies. He married Inger O. Bakken, also born in Norway, in 1857 and came to America in 1866. They came to Dakota Territory with one son, in 1881 and settled on the banks of the Sheyenne River, 2 miles south of what is now Pekin. Five sons and one daughter were born to this union. Four sons living near Pekin now. Mr. and Mrs. Enstad helped organize the Sheyenne Congregation and were active members of the church all their life. Mr. Enstad was active in civil affairs, like the organization of Nelson County and Osago Township OLIVER C. ENSTAD FAMILY and schools in the district. He was at different times County Commissioner and Oliver C. Enstad was born at Albert County Treasurer. In 1875 Mr. Enstad plied the waters of the Missouri River on the Lea, Minn., on Jan. 4, 1881. He was steamboat "Far West" under Captain Marsh, between Yankton and Fort Benton. married to Marie O. Quam, born Nov. This boat carried the survivors of the Custer Massacre. Mrs. Enstad died in 1916 20, 1880, near Twin Lakes, Minn. Oliver and Mr. Enstad died in 1941. When the tracks came through Pekin Mr. Enstad was arrived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. active in organizing a Farmers Elevator in Pekin. P.O. Enstad in 1881, and settled along the banks of the Sheyenne River, 2 miles south of Pekin in Osago Twp. Marie arrived with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sever S. Quam in the spring on 1882, and settled along the banks of the Sheyenne River, 2Vi miles south of Pekin in Bergan Twp. The families were both occupied with farming. OBERT & AGNES ENSTAD Oliver C. Enstad was active in church Obert Enstad was born Nov. 14, 1880, and community affairs. He served as in Osago Twp., to parents Peder O. and clerk of Osago Twp. for more than 35 lngar Bakken Enstad. He attended years, was president of Pekin Co-op school in Decorah, Iowa, and lived and Elevator, president of Pekin Co-op farmed in the Pekin area all his life. He Creamery, served on the school board, served in the army from Sept. 1918 to was active in Farmers Club, a member Dec. 1918, during World War I. He of the N.D. State Band, Sons of Norway, married Agnes Haugen, daughter of Luren Lodge, and a charter member of Ole J. Enstad Nels and Mary Haugen, at McVille on the Sheyenne Lutheran Church where Sept. 25, 1922. She was born May 12, he served on boards and was a member Ole J. Enstad was born in Lesjeskogen, 1899 in Field Twp. at Sogn P.O. She of the history committee. Marie Enstad Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, on April 17, lived with her parents in Jessie, was active in Ladies Aid, was a 4-H club 1751, came to America on April 25, McHenry and McVille before her marri­ leader, and as a charter member of the 1878, and settled at Granite Falls, age. Sheyenne Lutheran Church she was the Minnesota. He was married to Mary Enstad July 6, 1878 by the Rev. O, She taught rural schools in Bergen, organist there. Wamduska and Melrose Twps. She was Their children include: Ida (Mrs. Nelson Berg at Granite Falls, Minn. Mrs. Enstad was born April 23, 1853, at active in Happy Homemakers Club, Marion Grotenhuis), Albert Lea, Minn.; ALCW of the Sheyenne Church, Legion Severin P. (deceased); Mildred (Mrs. Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, Norway. The couple came to North Dakota in the Auxiliary, and both were tireless work­ William Eckhoff), Ripon, Calif.; Olga ers in community, church and civic (Mrs. Cornie Bothof), Hollandale, Mn.; spring of 1883 and located on a homestead in Bergen Twp., where they affairs. Both were members of the Orville C, Seattle, Wash.; Inga (Mrs. Sheyenne choir for years, and were Kenneth Stormoe), Hatton, N.D. and made their home until their death. They were blessed with five children, namely, members of the Sheyenne congregation. Bergetta (Mrs. Homer Curtis), Stock­ Obert was a member of the Morken- ton, Calif. Jonas, Clara (Mrs. Casper Foreng), Carl, Oluf, Louise (Mrs. Olaf Bjorlie), Christiansen Post of the Pekin American and one foster son, Harold Molmen. Legion. He was very adept with woodworking tools, and was also a They were members of the Sheyenne violinist. They were the parents of one Lutheran Church. daughter, Marvis (Mrs. Norris Mess­ Mrs. Enstad passed away September ner). Pearl (Johnson) Omlie is a foster 16, 1900. daughter. Obert died January 10, 1973, Mr. Enstad passed away June 29, and Agnes passed away Dec. 1, 1966, at 1931 with Rev. Wold officiating. age 67.

-55- KAY CRYSTAL (ENSTAD) WALDO Kay Crystal Enstad married Marvin Waldo, Hamar, N.D., on April 1, 1958. They live on the Waldo home farm south of Hamar. Besides farming, Marvin does grain trucking. They have five children living, and one son who died in 1971 in a drowning. Besides these they have two foster sons. John is in the 4th grade in Tolna dna Bob is attending junior college in Devils Lake. Left to right: Harold Enstad, Doris Randy Waldo married Melane of New Halvorson, Christian Enstad, Irwin Rockford and they live on the farm Enstad, Marie Enstad, Mainard Enstad. where Randy is employed with his dad. Ann Marie, an LPN, is employed at the CHRISTIAN & MARIE ENSTAD New Rockford Nursing Home. Marva Kay graduates from Mayville State this Christian Enstad was born Sept. 18, spring; Todd is a sophomore and Ronda 1893 in Osago Township. His wife, Sue a 3rd grader at Tolna School. JAMES & CRYSTAL ENSTAD Marie, was born May 19, 1898 in Forde Township, settling in Bergen Township. James and Crystal Enstad were both In addition to farming, Christian was born in Pekin, N.D.; he on Feb. 2, 1909 custodian of the Sheyenne Lutheran and she on Dec. 29, 1912. They have Church for 25 years. Marie cooked at JERALD TANGEN ENSTAD FAMILY lived here all their lives and are now the Pekin School for 10 Vi years. Mr. Jerald Tangen Enstad married Patsy retired. Crystal retired after 30 years of Enstad died on July 20, 1970. The Hand from Tolna on June 6, 1961. Both teaching. Jim retired after 8-10 years as Enstads had three sons; Harold, who are graduates of Valley City State custodian in McVille Friendship Manor. lives in Pekin, Irwin, who died on Feb. College. They are living in McVille, The Enstads have three children, 23, 1978 and Mainard who died on July N.D. where both are employed at the Jerald Tangen, Roland James and Kay 23, 1967. They also had a daughter, McVille Public School. Patsy is teaching Crystal Waldo. Doris (Enstad) Halvorson, who resides the third grade and Jerry is Athletic in Pekin. Mrs. Marie Enstad still lives Director, boys basketball coach and in Pekin. business education instructor. They have three daughters, all at home and going to school in McVille. Mary Pat is in the 6th grade, Jill is a sophomore and Jody a senior. The five of them are all very active in community affairs.

THE ROLAND ENSTAD FAMILY After graduating from Pekin High in 1953, Roland worked as an electrician for his uncle, Pete Tangen, for one year. Left to right: liana, Donald, Deloris, After this he went to college and Irwin, Darlene, Debra received his master's degree in electri­ city from the State School of Science, DELORIS ENSTAD Wahpeton, N.D., and continued work­ ing for his uncle until Pete's death in Deloris Simonson Hensrud Enstad 1955. This company was then bought by was born in the Pekin community on a fellow worker, Lloyd Brekken, and Aug. 3, 1928. She attended the Pekin Roland continued working with them School and lived there until teaching until 1966 when he accepted a position school in Forde Twp. where she married with The Grothberg Electric, Inc., at Iver Hensrud. After his death, she Valley City, of which he is now a share moved to Tolna with her children and MR. & MRS. HAROLD ENSTAD owner. worked at the Farmers and Merchants State Bank where she is still employed. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Enstad were Roland married Mavis Flaagen on married in 1945 and moved to Pekin in Dec. 20, 1958. They are blessed with In May 1970 she married Irwin 1946. Harold did carpenter work and in two sons, Gregory and Kendall, and one Enstad of Bergen Twp. and they all 1966 was employed by the State daughter, Lisa. They are all living at moved to his farm home in Bergen Twp. Highway Department. home in Valley City. Irwin had lived and farmed in Bergen Twp. all his life. They became active in In 1964 Virginia was substitute clerk While still in Pekin Roland served on at the Pekin Post Office and in 1972 was the farm community and church activi­ several committees such as School ties. appointed Postmaster. Board, church groups, Village Board The Harold Enstad's have three and Rod and Gun Club. Mavis, a Irwin was township clerk for 17 years; daughters: Karen, (Mrs. Wayne Hjel- graduate of Valley City Teacher's he died on Feb. 22, 1978. seth,) Michigan, N.D.; Darlene, (Mrs. College, was secretary of the Brekken The children are Donald Hensrud, Loren Alfson,) Binford, N.D. and Cathy Electric Co. until they moved to Valley Grand Forks (he has one daughter, (Mrs. Fred Meyer,) Mitchell, S.D. City. Carma); liana Kelly of Fargo, N.D. (she has a son, Sian and a daughter Erin); The Enstads were members of the Darlene Hensrud, Fort Hodd, Texas Pekin Lutheran Church and the boys and Debra of Regent, N.D. went to Sunday school there.

-56- BENHARD & VIOLA FLAAGAN Benhard Flaagan was born in Dayton ifi m Twp., Nelson Co., on April 27, 1914. " ^^Ba^' ^iB Viola Anderson Flaagan was born Oct. 15, 1918 in Forde Twp., Nelson County. Both were raised in this area, settling in Forde Twp., where they made their L ^\lM living grain farming and dairying. T* 1 t^H ! ¥ fl They have a nice farm where Benhard ufv >iU a^K • Jk mi has grown many tree belts that beautify v 9r- \ imMIs M the home site as well as give adequate 1 protection from weather. Benhard has Kr w^T-^' *^ ^aPr ~ —MWW served on the township board and Pekin Mr. and Mrs. Amos Kenneth Flaagan Elevator Board. Viola was a school Ze/r fo «#Af, 5ocA row: Martin, teacher before marriage and has taught Born Dec. 21, 1928, Amos Flaagan is William,i Walter Jr., Richard; Front Sunday School and vacation Bible married to the former Constance Joyce row: Walter

* V ? i I

Gordon, Beverly, Jane, Barbara, Mary Ann MARY ANN & GORDON FLAAGAN THE CASPER FORENG FAMILY Both natives of Pekin, Mary Ann, born Mar. 31, 1923, and Gordon Casper Foreng was born in Gjovik, Flaagan, born Feb. 21, 1918, lived in Norway on May 19, 1883 and migrated Pekin until 1969 at which time they to the United States at the age of 19. He moved to McVille. Gordon is employed settled in the Pekin community where Left to right, Back row: Benhard, at the Finley Air Base and Mary Ann some of his relatives resided. Kenneth, Gordon, Gilman; Front row: works at Friendship Manor. Some years later, Casper was united Irene, Gina, Amie The Flaagans had five children: in marriage to Clara Enstad, a native of the Pekin area. Clara was the daughter GINA FLAAGAN Linda, who died Jan. 16, 1959; Barbara (Mrs. Greg Selzer) of Fargo; Jane (Mrs. of Mr. and Mrs. Ole J. Enstad, born on Mrs. Gina Flaagan was born May 19, Ernest Slaminski) of Park River; Beverly August 27, 1882. The Enstad's family 1889 in Forde Twp. and settled in Pekin in Fargo; and Shari Lynn, who died May home is the one now owned by Payne in 1949 as a housewife. She and her late 17, 1960. Bolken. husband had six children: Gilman, Casper and Clara built their farm, Benhard, Gordon, Kenneth, Irene (Mrs. which is now owned and operated by Ernest Spidahl), Amie (Mrs. Clayton their son, Howard, on land located five Aaser). Another child, Erva (Mrs. miles south of Pekin in Bergen Twp. Arnold Spidahl), is deceased. Mrs. Here they lived until their deaths: Clara Flaagan has 19 grandchildren and 11 MORRIS & HATTIE FOLEY passed away on Aug. 30, 1932 and great-grandchildren. Hattie Bergstrom Foley and her Casper on Apr. 10, 1964. husband, Morris, left the Pekin area in Mr. and Mrs. Foreng were members 1954. Hattie taught school in North of the Sheyenne Lutheran Church and 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Dakota for 16 years and in East Helena, participated in the usual community Ginal Flaagan was honored on her Mont., for 15 years. Morris had the dray affairs. Both were music enthusiasts 90th birthday at an Open House at her line in Pekin and was substitute mail and promoted and encouraged this home in Pekin with about 140 relatives carrier and custodian for the school as interest in their children as well. and friends attending. All six of Mrs. well as a bus driver in East Helena. They had four children. Mabel Mild­ Flaagan's children attended and hosted Morris died on April 12, 1967. red was born July 9, 1910; Howard the event. Two of her sisters, Mrs. Paul The Foleys had one daughter, TeOlah Orville on Apr. 20, 1912; Olga Jeanette Tangen and Mrs. Bergetta Twete, also Eileen (Peterson). She and her husband on June 4, 1915 and Clifford Conrad, attended. have three children. Feb. 1, 1923. -57- HOWARD FORENG FAMILY Howard attended school in Bergen Twp. and is still a member of Sheyenne Lutheran Church. In addition to his farming interests, he has always es­ pecially enjoyed music (as a boy, he played accordian) and the activities that revolve around being an avid horse man. He has actively supported and served the community all his life. On Dec. 7, 1935, Howard married Alice Bolken before the Rev. S.S. Wold. Alice was born and raised at Alexander, N.D., where she also received her education and high school degree in 1933. Her father, Carl Bolken, was born Timothy, Olga, Ted, Sonja Halvorson and raised south of Tolna, but as a young man, left the area to homestead OLGA FORENG in western North Dakota. Since her Olga attended school in Bergen Twp. marriage, Alice has joined in promoting Carl & Mabel (Foreng) Anderson and Pekin High School. Continuing to and actively participating in church and reside in the Pekin community all her MABEL FORENG social affairs of the community. life, she enjoys church and social affairs Mabel attended school in Bergen Howard and Alice are the parents of and her favorite hobby, music and Twp. and was active in school and two children: Dianne Kay was born playing the piano. church activities. She enjoyed music Aug. 2, 1937 and David LeRoy on Jan. On Sept. 27, 1938, Olga married and playing the piano, among other 31, 1940. Theodore Halvorson, son of the Reier interests. Dianne is married to James Walsh Halvorsons of this community. They On Oct. 29, 1929, she was married to from Minneapolis, Minn. They reside in farmed, primarily the Reier Halvorson Carl Anderson from the Hamar area, Osakis, Minn., where both teach in the family farm, until they moved into which is where they lived and farmed high school. They have seven children: Pekin. until their deaths. Mabel passed away Rebecca (Mrs. Albert Emerson), Gre­ Two children were born to Olga and on Feb. 12, 1972 and Carl in May of gory, Randall ( married to Jacqueline Theodore (Ted). Sonja Claire arrived on 1978. Haug), Kimberly (Mrs. Todd Schoeck), Jan. 25, 1939 and Timothy Ross on July Patrick, Stephanie, and Tara Allison. 27, 1947. y Two children were born to Mabel and David is unmarried and lives with his Sonja is married to Dr. Robert J. Carl: Phyllis lone, now Mrs. Wayne parents where he is associated with his Gilbertson of Aneta, N.D., and they Topp of New Rockford, and Carl father in farming. make their home in Phoenix, Ariz., Marvin, who with his family continues where he is a Doctor of Chiropractics! to live and farm in the Hamar area. They have three sons: Randall, Kevin and Shawn. Timothy is married to Sheila Klef­ stad, also of Pekin, and they, with their little daughter, Elise, own and operate the family farm which was formerly owned by his parents and grandparents.

CLIFFORD FORENG FAMILY

Howard & Alice Foreng, 40th Anniv. Cynthia - Cliff- Cheryl Melodee - Orpha Clifford Foreng was born at McVille, N.D. on Feb. 1, 1923. Orpha (Brekken) Foreng was born in Pekin, N.D. on Feb. 4, 1922. Clifford and Orpha were married by Rev. Roy K. Malde on July 7, 1944, at James and Dianne (Foreng) Walsh the Pekin Parsonage. They lived and and family, 1970: Rebecca, Gregory, farmed on the Casper Foreng farm in Randy, Kimberly, Patrick, Stephanie, Bergen Twp. until January 1964. The Tara family then moved to McVille where Clifford managed the Community Bowl- David and Dianne (Walsh) Foreng Contd. -58- ing Lanes until April 1, 1966, at which time the family, now numbering three, moved to Devils Lake, N.D., where they have resided ever since. Clifford works for Schwan Wholesale, Inc., and Orpha is employed by the Devils Lake Public School System. Cliff is well known in the McVille area for his musical prowess, as he has appeared countless times with his bands and combos. In 1979 he published a song book entitled "Sing Along with Cliff Foreng and His Accordian" which is still available. Cliff and Oropha have three girls. Cheryl Lynn was born March 1, 1947. She is married to Harold Brenden and lives in Rapid City, S.D. Cheryl works for Bell Telephone Co. Harold and Cheryl have two sons, Eric and Travis. Cynthia Gail was born Oct. 13, 1949. MARTIN GJESTVANG She is now Mrs. Kenneth Lybeck, Martin Gjestvang, born July 3, 1896, working for Basin Electric in Bismarck. Knute Fredrikson on his riding pony Kenneth and Cynthia have two children, in Norway, immigrated with his parents Rodney and Tanya. in 1901. They farmed in Forde Twp. Martin's parents died about 40 years Melodee Ann was born Oct. 15, 1960. OLE FREDRIKSON She lives in Devils Lake and is employed ago. He never married, and moved to by the North Dakota Telephone Co. Ole Fredrikson was born July 12, the city of Pekin in 1970, and has lived 1846, in Stangvik, Norway. He emi­ there ever since. grated to America in 1880 and to North Dakota in 1882. He filed on land and homesteaded in Forde Twp. He was married to Marit Reinseth, who was also born at Stangvik, Norway LEIV & ANNA GJOVIK FAMILY in 1855. There were eight children: Lars In 1947, arriving by railroad at Pekin, was a farmer in Forde Twp., and served N.D., the Leiv and Anna Gjovik family in the state legislature and on the Board began a new chapter of their lives. They of Higher Education; Martin lived in had made the trip from Norway on an Pekin and later moved to Lakota where American troop transport ship because he was County Treasurer; Fredrik was a commercial ships were not yet available farm laborer; Knut took over the since the end of the way. management of the home farm and also With only two weeks notice, the did trucking; Emil was a salesman and couple, with their three children, Lyder made his home in Fargo; Albert lived at (Lloyd), Aanen and Kjellaug, resettled East Stanwood, Wash., and was a dairy on the Peder K. Holm farm south of farmer; Minda and Emma spent their Pekin, where they still reside. A fourth years on the home farm. Emma is the child, K. Peder, was born at Devils Lake only remaining member of the family. on July 3, 1955. Ole Fredrikson passed away in 1924 Leiv Klare Gjovik, born April 11, 1912 and Mrs. Fredrikson in 1928. in Romsdalen, Norway, and Anna Knute rode his pony in all the Serene Knaben Gjovik, born Feb. 16, celebrations around and was known as 1916 in Knaben, Fjotland, Norway, the oldest rider in the parades for years. were married on June 18, 1937 in Mr. and Mrs. Ole Forde Joftland. Leiv's family moved to Feda, Norway when he was four years old. He Ole Forde was an early merchant in grew up there, his home overlooking the Pekin. Feda Fjord and the North Sea. His inherent love for the sea never died and after over 30 years on the North Dakota prairie, he can find nothing more enjoyable than summer trips to Norway, fishing in the same waters he fished and swam in as a young boy. Anna and Leiv are now retired from Mr. and Mrs. Lars 0. Fredrickson active farming. They enjoy gardening Lars O. Fredrickson was born in and yard work which keeps them busy Standvik, Norway, March 17, 1871, and in the summer. The long North Dakota came to Nelson County in 1887. winters are spent with Leiv reading and He married Gertrude Soiseth in Anna working with her knitting or Lakota July 3, 1903. needlecrafts. All the family has sweaters He was a member of the State and countless other crocheted, em­ Legislature for 20 years and was a broidered, hardanger or other needle member of the Board of Higher Edu­ work items which she has made. cation for 12 years. Lars & Gertrude Fredrickson He died December 30, 1951. Related pictures next pagi

-59- AANEN DAGFIN GJOVIK KNUT PEDER GJOVIK

•'.- 1 — --*=4*

Leiv & Anna Gjovik

Aanen is married to the former Carroll Sobak of Edmore, N.D. They have four children: Anne, Christine, David and Kari. Aanen graduated from Pekin High School in 1960, Mayville State College Peder Gjovik graduated from Tolna in 1964. He taught in Edinburg, Stanley High School in 1973 and Valley City and Maddock, N.D. After getting his State College in 1977. He is married to master's degree from NDSU, he was the former Gail Marchus of Cathay, superintendent at McHenry. N.D. They have two boys, Erik and Evan. Lloyd, Aanen, Kjellaug Gjovik, 1947 After 13 years in education, Aanen entered the Luther Northwestern Semi­ Peder taught industrial education in nary and is presently serving as pastor Newburg, N.D. for two years. They now at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wing, live at Towner, N.D., where he works N.D. for the Mouse River Farmer's Press.

KJELLAUG (GJOVIK) REYERSON

Left to right. Back row: Lloyd, Leiv, Aanen; Front: Kjellaug, Anna, Peder Gjovik LYDER KJELL GJOVIK

Kjellaug graduated from Pekin High School in 1962 and Mayville State Mr. and Mrs. Reier Halvorson College in 1966. She taught for five years in Sharon, N.D. Reier Halvorson was born November Kjellaug married Kenneth Reyerson, 4, 1869 in Goodhue County, Minnesota, a farmer, and they live on their farm of parents Thore and Bergetta Halvor­ Lyder (Lloyd) Gjovik graduated from near Sharon, N.D. They have two son. He was one often children born to Pekin High School in 1958, then children, Jeremy and Laura. this union. He immigrated to North attended Jamestown College for one Dakota with his parents at the age of year. He served in the U.S. Air Force eleven and lived with them on their for four years and then enrolled at farm south of Tolna now known as the Mayville State College and graduated Olaf Halvorson farm. At the age of 23 he with a B.S. in education and a B.A. filed on a claim near Ottofy in Bergen degree. He has taught in Edinburg, Twp. and he proved this land December Hannaford and Alsen. 7, 1899. This is the present home farm After receiving a master's degree which his grandson, Timothy Halvor­ from NDSU, he was superintendent at son, now operates. Alsen, N.D. He is presently Superin­ Pauline Johnson Halvorson was born tendent at Binford, N.D. June 24, 1877 at Hedemarken, Norway, Lloyd married Nancy Kohlmeyer of and came to the United States at the age LaCrosse, Wise. They have three child­ of 16 where she made her home with her ren: Anna Lisa, Craig and Kaare. Lloyd uncle, the late Rev. S.S. Wold at Beloit, has purchased the John Ensrud home Wisconsin. Two years later they moved quarters in Osago Twp. and is in the to Pekin to make their home. She was process of redeveloping the original Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Gulbro married to Reier Halvorson on March farm site. 19, 1903. Contd -60- The Halvorsons had six children: Bertha (Mrs. James Holstein); The­ odore; Jennie, who was employed at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Minneapolis and at St. Luke's Hospital, Fargo, N.D. She retired in 1973 and now lives in Sun City, Arizona. Martin, deceased; Carl, who was engaged in farming in Bergen Twp., retired in 1979 and now resides on the Timothy Halvorson farm; Ruth, gradu­ ated from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in 1938. She served in the Army Nurse Corps for 5 years, later employed by the U.S. Public Health Service in Statan Island, N.Y., and the MARTIN & DORIS HALVORSON U.S. Veterans Administration Hospitals Both natives of Nelson County, in North Dakota and California. She is Martin and Doris Halvorson farmed in currently residing in Sun City, Ariz. Bergen Township. Martin died on Sept. In May of 1953 they observed their 26, 1972. Their three daughters are Golden Wedding Anniversary. married and living in Bismarck - CLARENCE P. HANSON FAMILY Paulette (Mrs. Keith Trego); Minnesota Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson retired from - Cleo (Mrs. Darryl Smithwick); and Clarence Hanson was born in Bergen farming in 1944 and made their home at Washburn - Carol (Mrs. Dale Keiball). Township near Pekin on June 7, 1898. Pekin. Mrs. Halvorson died in January He attended school in Fargo and later 1954, and Mr. Halvorson died in August was a barber. He served in World War of 1960. I, and was a Standard Oil agent in Blanchard, N.D., until his death in ILA HALVERSON 1935. Josie Tangen Hanson was born Feb. 11a Halverson was born at Hamar, 9, 1902 in Nelson County near Pekin. N.D., the daughter of Ingvold and She and Clarence were married on Sept. Sophia Broste. She lived in San Fran­ 14, 1929. Josie attended Concordia cisco for 24 years before returning to College and was a telephone operator Pekin on Oct. 16, 1976. Ida is employed for many years after the death of her as a barmaid at Deano's. husband. For eight years she was a Ida has two daughters: Mrs. Charles counselor at the North Dakota School for (Judy) Lane of Pekin and Mrs. Lloyd the Deaf in Devils Lake and then at Villa (Patsy) Hjelden of St. Michael, N.D. Nazareth School in Fargo, N.D. The Hansons had two daughters, Constance Hanson Flaagan, who is a Registered Nurse at the V.A. Hospital Tim, Olga, Ted, Sonja Halvorson in Fargo, and Jacqueline Hanson Lueh- ring who lives on a farm near Tolna, THEODORE HALVORSON FAMILY N.D. Theodore Halvorson was born Nov. 15, 1905, at rural Pekin to Reier and Pauline Halvorson. He grew up and attended school in Bergen Twp. He married Olga Foreng on Sept. 27, 1938. They have two children, Sonja Clare and Timothy Ross. Theodore farmed the Reier Halvorson farm from 1944 to 1978. Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson then retired and moved to Pekin where they presently reside. Ethel, Harry, Marie, Harriet (Haugen) Sonja Clare Halvorson was born Jan. 25. 1939, at McVille, N.D. She attended HARRY & MARIE HANSON schools in the Pekin area and Interstate Business College. She married Robert Harry C. Hanson was born in Forde Gilbertson on Dec. 27, 1958. They have Twp., Nelson County, on Dec. 21, 1889. three sons. Randall Scott, born Nov. 25, Marie C. Hanson was born in Hamlin 1959; Kevin Jay born June 6, 1961, and Twp., Nelson County, on June 21, Shawn Ross born June 20, 1966. Robert 1893.They resided at the Erland Tangen is a Dr. of Chiropractics and they live in farm home the first five years of their Phoenix, Arizona. marriage; this is the present home of Timothy Ross Halvorson was born Edgar and Iris Tangen. They lived on July 27, 1947, at McVille, N.D. He their farm home in Forde Twp., the original homestead, where Marie Han­ Josie Hanson and daughters Constance attended Pekin area schools and gradu­ Flaagan and Jacqueline Luehring ated from NDSU with a B.S. degree in son still resides. Their lifetime occu­ Agricultural Economics. He married pation was farming. Sheila Klefstad on August 3, 1974. They Harry died on Dec. 17, 1969. have one daughter, Elise Monica, born Their children: Ethel Hanson of Feb. 23, 1978. Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson Fargo. N.D.; Harriet (Mrs. Clarion live on the Ted Halvorson farm, rural Haugen), of Grand Forks, N.D. and Pekin. Robert, who died on Dec. 26, 1958. -61- VIVIAN HAUGEN Vivian Haugen was born south of McVille and settled in the Pekin area, WamduskaTwp., in 1930. Her husband Carl, who died in 1967, farmed in that area. He also served on the Twp. board for 30 years, plus the Pekin elevator Board. At one time he was serving on four different boards. Vivian left Pekin about 6 months ago. The Haugens had two children: Lauren in Grand Forks, N.D. and Landis, now living in Des Moines, Iowa. Lars, Hazel & Scott Hildre

IVER & CLARA HOIBERG Iver Hoiberg was born at Otta, Norway on March 20, 1899. Clara Jacobson was born in Pekin, N.D. on Feb. 11, 1902. Iver arrived in the Pekin area, Bergen Twp., in 1901. Clara was raised in the Pekin area. Iver farmed south of Pekin for many years. He was also the janitor in the Pekin Public Schools for 20 years or more. Clara was a housewife and mother. Iver was very active in public affairs, S. K. HAUGSJAA holding various position in city govern­ ment in Pekin as well as being active in In 1927, S. K. Haugsjaa became the Firemans. Both Iver and Clara were Standard Oil bulk agent in Pekin and members of Sheyenne and Pekin Luth­ was in that job until 1948 when J. T. eran Churches. Clara was a charter Elsaas became the agent. member of the Ladies Aid in Pekin. Mr. and Mrs. Haugsjaa moved into Iver died in May of 1979 and Clara Pekin in 1930 and have lived there died in September, 1979. since. Sever Hoibergs with daughter, Anna The Hoibergs had two children: There were three children: Knute, SEVER & RAGNILD HOIBERG Harvey, now living in Nielsville, Minn., who died in 1959; Cecelie, (Mrs. Ted Sever and Ragnild Hoiberg were born and Ardith (Braaten) of Kirksville, Ophaug of McVille) and Louise, (Mrs. Missouri. Richard Beckfeld of Minneapolis.) in Guldbransdalen, Norway, he on May 19, 1880 and she on April 27, 1870. In 1901 they came to Bergen Twp. to begin farming. They were active mem­ bers of Sheyenne Church congregation. Their Golden Wedding was one of the first celebrations held in the new Sheyenne Church on Oct. 10, 1948. Sever died in July of 1952 and Ragnild died in March of 1954. Three of the Hoiberg children are still living in Pekin: Ingvald, Sidney and Ida (Mrs. Thimas Brekken). Four children are now deceased: Iver, Oscar, Anna Mr. & Mrs. Hollis Hoiberg, Mr. & Mrs. Lars, Sylvia, Scott Hildre and Obert, who was killed in a car Ingvald Hoiberg LARS & SYLVIA HILDRE accident the day of his folks' Silver INGVALD & NETTIE HOIBERG Wedding Anniversary. Sylvia Hildre was born at the Ever­ Ingvald Hoiberg was born Feb. 22, green Farm on April 16, 1927. She and 1904 in Bergen Twp., Nelson County. Lars left the Pekin area in 1950 and His wife Nettie was born Aug. 28, 1905, settled in Bakersfield, California. Lars also in Bergen Twp. They were married worked for the county and Sylvia taught at the Christ Jacobson home in Bergen nursery school. Twp. on Oct. 7, 1925, by Rev. Thomas A 25th Anniversary party was held for Haugen from McHenry, N.D. them in the Pekin Church. They lived in Their son, Hollis Hoiberg, was born Pekin for 1 lA years. Lars had a plane in McVille hospital on July 3, 1927. He and flew the mail to rural routes as well is married to the former Carol Olson of as expectant women to the hospital, or Devils Lake (1948) and they have four whoever needed to get somewhere in a children: twin boys, Dale and Ronald, hurry. Scott, and Lisa. Hollis now owns and Sylvia died on June 12, 1977. They operates an office supply store in Devils had three sons: Donald, San Diego, Ca., Lake. Lionel, deceased; and Scott, a 1981 Sidney, Ingvald, Ida (Mrs. Thimor The elder Hoibergs farmed all their graduate of Petersburg High School. Brekken), Iver Hoiberg lives. They celebrated their Golden Lars is now retired and re-married. His Wedding Anniversary on Oct. 12, 1975, second wife's name is Hazel. at the Pekin Lutheran Church.

-62- SIDNEY & MILDRED HOIBERG Sidney Hoiberg, son of Sever and Ragnild Hoiberg and Mildred Ensrud, daughter of John and Ingeborg Ensrud, were married Oct. 3, 1931, by Rev. S. S. Wold. They are both life-long members of the Sheyenne congregation. To this union five children were born. Sherman of Pekin; Idell (Mrs. Gordon Bjornstad), of McVille; Ruby (Mrs. Jerry Williams), of Milton, N.D.; Larry of Grand Forks, N.D.; and Linda (Mrs. Tim Marquart), who now lives in Sacramento, Calif. All the Hoiberg children are married, and have blessed the family with 16 grandchildren. Of those, five are mar­ ried so the Hoibergs also have 5 great­ grandchildren. They farmed three years in Bergen Oscar Holden Twp., moving to their present farm by Ed & Oscar Holden the Sheyenne River, south of Pekin, in 1934. The Hoibergs experienced seven years of complete crop failure during the drought of the thirties, but the forties brought lots of rain and enabled OLAF & ANNA HORVEN them to buy the farm, where they have lived and farmed ever since.

HALVER HOLDEN Mr. and Mrs. Halver Holden were some of the early settlers and pioneers of rural Pekin. They had six children: John, Edward, Ludvig, Oscar, Sarah and Clara. None of the children married. Halver and John were early mail carriers, hauling from Bue post office, picked up mail at Ottofee (Magnus Ensrude farm), Crowsher (where Tolna Anna J. Bjerke was born at rural was), and Harrisberg (near John O'­ Mr. and Mrs. Peder K. Holm Hatton on Dec. 6, 1896 and came to Brien's), would leave post office at 6 Peder K. Holm was born Sept. 26, Pekin in 1913. She was married to Olaf a.m. and get to Lakota by 1 p.m. and be 1875 at Romsdalen, Norway. Came to O. Horven who was born in Gubrans- back to Bue post office by 6 p.m. this country in 1896 to Bue Postoffice, dalen, Norway on Dec. 24, 1884. He John had bid on the mail route and he worked around for awhile and then came to the United States in 1914 and got it for four years. They made up the homesteaded at Mohall, N.D. He sold arrived in Pekin in 1916, working as a mail route into two routes; Ludvig got out and came back here and bought his mason. Olaf died Oct. 30, 1978 at the route 2 for some time and Oscar then uncle's farm, also another quarter. In McVille Hospital and Anna died on Oct. took route 2 and Ludvig took over route 1909 he married Christine Quam. They 25, 1979 at the McVille Friendship 1. had one foster child, Arnold I. Holm Manor. Halver was janitor of the Sheyenne who was deceased on Nov. 1, 1949. Olaf spent 8 years in the Norwegian church for years. He would go to fire up Besides farming he was very active in Army and two years at a logging camp the coal and wood stoves at 4 a.m. on all township, county, school, club and near Duluth before coming to Pekin. Sunday mornings. church work. He was also State Repre­ The Horvens were married on Dec. 31, John was a thresher and very talented sentative for the 17th District for 4 1934 at the Sheyenne parsonage. carpenter. Many of the area homes and terms. He moved into Pekin in 1945 Their one daughter, Cornelia (Mrs. buildings were built by him. where he passed away Feb. 8, 1953. Roy Sears) lives in Petersburg, N.D.

-63- MATT HOVEL Matt Hovel was born in Alma, August and Jessie Know Rickford Wisconsin in 1874, the son of George and son Arthur lived in Pekin where and Mary Heller Hovel. After the death August operated a hardware store. He of his mother and the remarriage of his was a member of the Pekin Band. From father, the family started for Sumas, Pekin they moved to McVille, where Wn. Matt and John were left in the August had an electrical shop. Cooperstown area. As young boys, they Minnie married Matt Hovel in West started working on farms; Matt for Mr. Prairie Church on April 14, 1903. They Bucheit and John (Jack) for Mr. farmed for Bucheits for three years, Church. Jack's son, Reynold, with his later buying the farm in Bergen Twp. wife, Mary, own the store and postoffice where they lived until they retired to in Jessie, N.D. Pekin in 1947. Matt Hovel died Aug. 26, Minnie Rickford was born near Nora 1949 ; Minnie Hovel died Dec. 12, 1952. Their daughter Estella married Obert Springs, Iowa in 1880. Her parents, Stromme. They farmed west of Red William and Maria Lunzer Rickford Willow Lake. Obert died in 1970 and brought their family to North Dakota in Stella in 1974. 1883. They made their home in Bergen Twp. William Rickford was an accom­ Their son, George, married Sadie plished musician. He, with his sons Knauss inl932. After living in Minot August and John, formed the first several years, they returned to farm in orchestra in this community. William Bergen Twp. Since 1947 they have lived died in 1910; his wife, Maria, in 1941. on the home farm. They have a daughter, Joan (Mrs. Marvin Nygaard), The Rickford children married and and a son, Jerome, both graduates of lived in Griggs and Nelson Counties. Pekin High School; three grand­ John married Lydia Tufteland; they and daughters, Monica, Jerine and Kelly their children Ethel and Vernon lived in and a great-grandson. . •••, Bergen Twp. John and Lydia retired to Pekin in 1945. Grandchildren of William Rickford Wedding picture of Mr. & Mrs. Elizabeth married Emil Ritzlaff of who carried on the musical tradition Matt Hovel, Attendants Elizabeth Jessie. Their children were Vivian, are: Ethel Rickford Paulson, Vernon Rickford, George Hovel, Earl Rickford, Rickford and Jack Hovel Cleona and Harvey. Harvey Retzlaff and Art Rickford. Lena married Ernest Rickford of rural Binford; their children were Hazel and IUM Earl. HOME TALENT PLAY By the BERGEN COMMUNITY FARMERS CLUB u RED ACRE FARM" A Rural Comedy in Three Acts Will be (iT*n at MATT HOVELS BARN Five Miles South ot Pekin FRIDAY JUNE 27TB, C—nm»r.cifit «t 9 o'clock p. ft

CHARACTERS

.IOSIAH ARMSTRONG Leonard I.**. OOLONXL BARNAdY BTBUTT Bury HI-„„:-I. JONAH .(ONES OliTor SkMleriul SQUIBS HAROOURT Tomtw Kuril 1 HARRY HARCOURT Arnold Moltm-i. DICK KANDALL Haverin Afcmodt TOM B'JSBY Albart Mutllpr AMANDA ARMSTRONG Mr. M.rUn HtaLI NELLIE ARMSTRONG Stall* Hovnl LAURA ARMSTRONG Edw. M*.•]],.. MRg BARNABV STRUTT G*rUc Br*ic|.«n "JUNIOR" Esther Lo« TJpbutc i AUDITS 50C; CBILDREH 8 TO 14 25C. GEORGE & SADIE HOVEL IICKWSjjjjICj 25C: DASCE flFTEK SHOW 75C Born in the Pekin and Tolna areas, the Hovels were married in 1932. They Music by snappy orchestra moved to Bergen Twp. from Minot, N.D., in 1947, and settled on a farm Dance After The Show. there. Sadie taught school and George played the trumpet in the orchestra. They travel during the winter months. The Hovels had one daughter, Joan, now Mrs. Marvin Nygaard, and one son, Jerome. They also have three granddaughters and one great-grand- Mr. & Mrs. George Hovel, Joan & Jerry

-64- !•&» *%»»• ^ 1

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Mr. and Mrs. J. 0. Johnson and Family James - Stella - Grace

v CARL ARTHUR JOHNSON FAMILY \^ i«? .sSJM »P^«: MM Carl Arthur Johnson was born at Lawton, N.D. on Oct. 2, 1910. He married Marion Burreson, born Dec. GLENN JENSEN FAMILY 19, 1913, in Pekin, and they moved to Glenn Jensen was born in McVille on Pekin in 1945 where Carl was a Nov. 10, 1948. On Oct. 12, 1973, he hardware dealer. married Helen Wessels at Warwick and Marion grew up in Pekin, graduating they lived south of Pekin until the from Pekin High School in 1931. She spring of 1977 when they bought the taught at Divide School from 1933-1935 house formerly owned by Clarence and then taught school at Lawton. Rude in Pekin. The Johnson's moved to Garrison, Mrs. Jensen was born April 15, 1950, N.D. in June of 1964, operating S & J at Devils Lake, N.D. She graduated Hardware, Inc. from the Lake Region Jr. College in The Johnsons have three daughters: Devils Lake and Valley City State Charlene (Mrs. Hilman Ulland), Gran­ Teachers College in 1972. She has ville, N.D.; Corryn (Mrs. Richard Fix), worked in the Warwick and Lakota Cando, N.D.; and Connie (Mrs. Fred schools. Mrs. Jensen has been township Krueger), of Garrison, N.D. assessor the past 12 years and is a JOHN & PAMELA JOHNSTON member of the Pekin City Council. Glenn is a trucker, hauling grain John Johnston was born in Devils primarily to the Duluth-Superior grain Lake, N.D. on Sept. 22, 1949. Pamela terminals. He's a member of the Pekin was born in Devils Lake on Nov. 10, and Warwick Rod and Gun Clubs and 1955 and raised in Pekin. They married the Pekin Volunteer Fire Dept. They in 1974 and moved to Pekin in 1979 have two daughters, Jody Lynn and where John has his own custom farm Jamie Leigh. service business. The Johnstons have one son, Steven Allen.

Oscar Johnson Family I JCfli

Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Johnson at their farm home Born Apr. 16, 1916 in the Pekin area, A. T. Johnson, 1856-1937. Oscar Johnson married Sally Brude Mrs. A.T. Johnson, 1861-1919. (Born Oct. 18, 1912, also in Pekin area), Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jondahl, Robert & They were married in Chippewa on Nov. 27, 1947. They celebrated their Sharryn. Jack was a barber in Pekin for County, Minn., and came to Dakota in silver wedding anniversary in 1972. many years. Helen was a nurse and took 1881. Children are Mrs. Jorgen Enstad The Johnsons had five children: care of all the sick. Robert, their son, (Tilda), Mrs. Albin Bergstrom (Ida), Keith (deceased); Lynn, who farms in served in the Army. Sharryn Beckman Obert Johnson. Foster children: Herbert Pekin; Elliot, Susan and Robert, all is Helen's niece. Burthold and Alice Vrem Christensen. residing in Fargo, N.D.

-65- Left to right, Seated: Arnot, Mercedes; Standing: Linda, Lanny, Betty Ann, Stuart Judy, Bruce, Sheila, Alan and Marsha.

Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Klefstad and Family Mr. Halvor Klefstad was born Jan. 23, 1833. Mrs. Halvor Klefstad was born February 3, 1850, both in Norway. They came to America in 1880, first to Minnesota and then to Bergen Township, Nelson County, in 1882 where they homesteaded and resided until their deaths. Mr. Klefstad was 85 years old when he died in 1918. Mrs. Klefstad died at the age of 62 years in 1912. They had one son and two daughters. Mr. Andrew Klefstad farmed the home place until his death in May 1948, age 68 years. (Ella) Mrs. Carl Stenslie died in May 1955, 79 years old. The Stenslies were of the first residents in Pekin. Caroline Klefstad married Lars Bergsrud in 1921 and lived on their farm in Osago Township until they moved to Pekin in 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bergsrud now live on the farm. Mrs. Emma Klefstad and son Arnot and family now live on the old Klefstad place.

MR. & MRS. HALVOR KLEFSTAD Andrew & Emma Klefstad Halvor Simonson Klefstad was born and they lived southwest of Pekin. They at Melhus, Trondhjem, Norway, on Jan. had four children: Ada, Arthur, Louine 23, 1833. He died June 15, 1918, at the and Vernita. age of 85 years. Henry, Halvor's son, was born April Anne Krogstad was born Feb. 3, 26, 1897 and died July 16, 1906. 1851. She died Oct. 13, 1912, at the age Arnot, Andrew's son, married Mer­ of 62 years. cedes Messner and they have five girls If ' Halvor and Anne were married on and four boys. * July 12, 1873, in Norway. They came to Betty Ann, cook at Friendship Manor, the United States in 1880 with their McVille, married Duane Bina, and lives • * i fir three children: Simon, Born April 14, at Aneta, N.D. They have two sons and 1874; Eli (Ella), born Aug. 29, 1876; and a daughter, Darrel, Elizabeth and Anders (Andrew), born July 7, 1879. Edward. They lived at Watson, Minn., for two Judy is a case worker, lives at years. It was at Watson, Minn., that Engelwood, Colo., married to John Simon was killed while he was riding on Bata. They have a son Christopher and a wagon with a neighbor. He fell off the a daughter, Lesley. wagon and was run over (July 4, 1881). Linda is a teacher married to Craig Left to right,^* front row: Sheila,s Judy, In 1882 they moved to a homestead Halvorson and lives at Langdon, N.D. southwest of Aneta where they lived for Alan works in a bank at Buffalo, N.D. Betty Ann, Linda, Marsha; Back row: two years. At Aneta, another son, He is married to Gayle Floth and they Lanny, Alan, Arnot, Mercedes, Bruce, Simon, was born, and died in infancy. have three children: Andrew, Justin Stuart In 1884 they moved to a quarter of and Quinn. land south of what is now Pekin, or the Sheila (Mrs. Timothy Halvorson) is a present Klefstad farm where Arnot and teacher and lives at rural Pekin with her Mercedes reside. husband and daughter, Elise. Eli (Ella) married McCarl Stenslie. Lanny is a farmer, married to Tammy They had eight children, three of whom Kelland and lives in rural Pekin. They died quite young. The remaining child­ have one son, Matthew and a daughter, ren were Belva, Hamlin, Emma, Mel­ Nicole. vin, Hilda, Esther, Verna and Laurence. Stuart is with the state highway Anders (Andrew) married Emma patrol, married to Cecilia Zach, and Fretheim on March 16, 1911. They had lives at Devils Lake. They have two two sons: James, born Jan. 15, 1913 and children: Lucas and Connie. died Sept. 7, 1923; Arnot, born Dec. 1, Marsha is a nurse living in Moorhead, 1914. Their daughter, Karoline, was Minn. born May 4, 1890 and died Jan. 11, Bruce lives in Killdeer, N.D. and Tammy, Matthew, Lanny 1962. She was married to Lars Bergsrud works in the oil fields. and Nicole Klefstad

-66- CRYSTAL (QUAM) KINSLEY

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^ " •' s^l • $ 1?£ 1 ass., * «§• 1

Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Kling Gustav Kling was born in Hleby Sweden September 2, 1862. He came to this country in 1883. He worked in Wisconsin for 3 years in a saw mill Here we see Crystal (Quam) Kinsley before coming to North Dakota. He died Crystal (Quam) Kinsley is pictured with her daughter-in-law, Joyce, son Nov. 10, 1951. Mrs. Esther Kling was here with daughter Neva, son-in-law Jack and two granddaughters, Mary Jo born in Vapsata, Sweden, July 23, 1875. Jim Bullington and 3 grandchildren, and Lorrie Ann. She came to North Dakota in the spring Trina, Travis and Kristie Bullington. The Jack Kinsleys now live in Hemet, of 1900. She was married to Gustav California. Kling May 26, 1900 and is living at their The Bullington family resides in farm home at the present time (1956). Everett, Washington. Five sons were born to this union: Wilhelm and Roy at home, Einar of Fargo, Arthur and family in California, Harry deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. John Kling Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Loe Born at Westmanland, Sweden, on Bennie Loe came to this territory at December 19, 1860. He came to Osago the age of seven from Montevideo, Township with his parents in 1886 and Mr. and Mrs. Lars S. Loe Minn., with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Lars Loe. He married Antonette Her- homesteaded. He was married April 17, Lars S. Loe was one of the first 1890. He died April 2, 1933. Ingeborg manson of Decorah, Iowa, September settlers in Nesheim Township. He was 26, 1900. They have six children. They Brude Kling: Born at Romsdalen, born in Arkadalen, Norway, January 8, Norway, Jan. 12, 1852. She came to lived on their farm southwest of McVille 1845, and was married to Ingeborg Loe, until they retired and moved to Pekin in Osago Township in 1888. Died in 1920. April 19, 1870. They settled at St. Peter, They had one child, Albert. 1942. They have resided in McVille the Minn., where he was a shoe maker. past six years. They came to Nesheim Township in 1881. They resided in Pekin for several years.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Loe Former residents of Pekin, Ed Loe vas in the garage business in Pekin.

-67- ADOLPH P. & ANNA MARIE LYSNE Adolph Lysne was born Feb. 7, 1889, near Pekin, N.D. He lived in the Pekin area from birth until retiring in 1944. He was married to Anna Marie Thompson, born Sept. 25, 1893. She was also from the Pekin area. They moved to Fargo when they retired, returning to McVille in 1950. Adolph P. Lysne died on Dec. 23, 1964. Anna Marie Lysne died Sept. 10, 1954. Mr. Lysne managed the Red Willow Bible Camp for many years, was named to Who's Who for North Dakota in 1958. He was the first president of the Nelson County Crop Association and active in DON & JUDY LOE county and city improvements. Mrs. Judy Bina Loe was born in Grafton, Lysne was a faithful member and LEONARD & ELLA (TANGEN) LOE N.D. and is married to Don Loe of worker of the Sheyenne Lutheran McVille. She is a special education Church and the McVille Legion Auxili­ Both born in the Pekin Community, teacher in Cokato, Minn., where the ary. She was famous for her flowers and Leonard (Feb. 19, 1903) and Ella (Nov. family resides. Judy was baptized and rock garden. 14, 1906) farmed in Neshiem Township. confirmed in Pekin, and graduated from The Lysnes had four children: Mrs. Both worked at the Montana State Pekin High School. They left this area in Joseph (Dagny) Panyan, Duluth, Minn.; Training School for the Retarded for 9 1964. Paynee Lysne, Tucker, Ga.; Mrs. years. They moved to McVille in 1960. The Locs have two children, James Morris (Alpha) Aaser, McVille, and The Loe's had six children: Shirley age 12, and Heidi age 10. Mrs. Robert (Mary Ann) Hermanson, Ann (Mrs. Maynard Olson) Helena, San Antonio, Texas. Montana; Phyllis Jean (Mrs. VernAl Kroke) Port Orchard, Wash.; Lois Yvonne (Mrs. Ronald Nesheim) de­ ceased in 1960; Constance LouElla (Mrs. Robert Stenson), Rugby, N.D., Charles Dewayne of McVille, N.D. and Keith Leonard, serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas.

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r i Intlm Jr i »*mL Adolph & Anna Lysne

LLOYD & EMMA LOE The Loes came to Pekin in 1971 where Mr. Loe was in construction work and Mrs. Loe a teacher. They have eight children: Laurel Kokko, Emil (Spud), JACQUELINE HANSON LUEHRING Betty (Anderson). Ellen (Burthold), Jackie Hanson was born in Blanchard, Marilyn (Stenberg), Arvin, David and N.D. on June 22, 1934. She came to the Michael. Pekin area in 1935, married Edgar Luehring on Sept. 29, 1952. He farms in the Tolna area and she is a housewife active in church chorus. She is also a Sunday school teacher and involved with local homemakers, etc. Her special Mr. and Mrs. Peder A. Lysne interest is in sports, especially baseball. Her three sons are involved in amateur Immigrated from Norway. April 1882. baseball. Jackie has two grand­ Came to Larimore and then home­ daughters, one born in 1979 and steaded in Bergen Township on a farm another in 1980. now owned by his son Ole Lysne. They The children are: Terrence, Jeffrey, had 4 daughters and sons, Elsie, Left to right: Alpha, Paynee, Dagny, Brian, Michael and Tami of Tolna, and Mary Ann, Adolph, Anna. Andrew, Ole, Christina, Dina, Adolph, Kathy (Mrs. Tim Johnson) of Rolette, Betsy and John. N.D.

-68- OLE MARTINSON-STENSLIE In 1867 Ole Martinson-Stcnslie, to­ gether with his three brothers and many others from the Aalen, Norway, com­ munity, left for America. He married Dordi Droivold and lived for a time in Iowa and then at Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. There Ole was a worker on the railroads. From Camp Douglas the entire family came in a partitioned cattle car with their live­ stock. Ole's brother, Lars Stenslie, met them at Lakota. At first they stayed with Lars until a dugout was finished. Ole died two weeks after his arrival in Dakota Territory, leaving Dordi with seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Martinson and Family in 1897 Ole and Dordi's children were: Liza­ beth (Mrs. Ole Raaen) 1865-1896; Ole was of poor health when they came to this territory but their desire for new Martin, 1867-1943; Guri (Mrs. Inge- land and adventure was just as great as anyone else. Ole passed away a couple of bright I. Raaen) 1871-1961; Berndena, weeks after they were settled. 1st Row: Lizabeth, Mrs. Ole Raaen, Dina Urvand's 1875-1888; Bennie, 1876-1948; Maggie mother; Marie, Mrs. Oscar Johnson; Dordie, Mrs. Ole Martinson, mother of the Lovisa, 1880-1893; Marie, 1871-1970 family- 2nd Row: Guri, Mrs. Ingebreth Raaen; Dina, passed away; Bennie, father (Mrs. Ingvald Quam; Mrs. Oscar John­ of Obert Jewell, Johnny. 3rd Row: Martin, father of Orlando, Mildred. son).

NORRIS & MARVIS MESSNER ORLANDO & THELMA MARTINSON Born Sept. 1, 1925, to parents Nettie MARTIN MARTINSON FAMILY and Martin Messner of the Tolna area, Orlando Martinson was born in Norris Messner served in Korea during Martin Martinson, born in Alamakee Hamlin Twp. on April 17, 1908. Thelma World War II from January 1944 to County. Iowa, on Dec. 13, 1868, married Martinson was born in Wamduska Twp. December 1945. On June 6, 1948, he Maggie Svien, born at Northfield, Minn. on Jan. 20, 1910. In 1935, the Martin­ married Marvis Enstad, daughter of on June 27, 1869, in June, 1903. Martin sons settled on a farm four miles east of Obert and Agnes (Haugen) Enstad. She arrived in North Dakota in 1884 ahd Pekin in Hamlin Township, spending was born March 27, 1928, and attended farmed 4 miles west of McVille in most of their lives farming. In 1960, one year at St. Luke's School of Nursing Hamlin Twp. Maggie came to the Orlando went to work for the State Highway Dept., renting out their land. and has worked at the McVille Hospital McVille vicinity in 1900. part time since 1947. The Martinsons belonged to Center The Martinsons moved to an apart­ They lived in Grand Forks from 1955 - Lutheran Church before the McVille ment in McVille in 1980, because of 1957, where Norris was employed at church was organized, and since was a Orlando's health. Red River Motors in East Grand Forks, member of McVille Lutheran Church. They had three children: Joette and Marvis at the Deaconess Hospital. He served as a member of the McVille Marback, Fargo, N.D.; Wesley Martin­ They have farmed on Marvis' home school board for 15 years. son, Grand Forks, N.D. and Pauline place since they returned from Grand Martin passed away on May 14, 1943 Elgin, Grand Forks, N.D. Forks in 1967, and have been active in and Maggie died on April 2, 1947. the Pekin American Legion and Auxili­ The Martinsons had two sons, Carl ary, and Sheyenne Lutheran Church and Orlando. Carl lives in Yakima, where Norris has served on the church Wash. Orlando Martinson of McVille, council and Marvis is active in ALCW, had three children: Wesley, Pauline and Norris in Wild Life, and a member of Joette. Wesley, who has one son, Brian. the Bergen Twp. Board, Marvis in lives in Grand Forks. Pauline (Mrs. Happy Homemakers, McVille PTA and Marvin Elgin), has two children, namely Music Boosters. Michael and Marilyn and also lives in They have four children: Douglas Grand Forks. Joette (Mrs. Jim Mar- Nolan, 1966 graduate of McVille High, beck), lives in Fargo with her four married Kathleen Lynch of Dunn Cen­ children, Richard Steven, Julie and ter, N.D., Nov. 1969, attended the State Lori. The Martinsons also had a School of Science at Wahpeton, entered daughter, Mildred (lee) who lives in the service in June 1968, and served in Portland, Ore, with sons Don and Gary. Viet Nam from March 1969 until he was wounded in July 1969, receiving the Purple Heart. He was discharged from the service in 1970 and at present works as a civilian at Grand Forks Air Force Base. He is a drag racer, building his own race cars. Kathleen is a beautician and has her own shop in McVille. They adopted two girls in 1976, Christine and Brandi. Bradley Mark, a 1970 graduate of McVille High is a welder working at Ringdahl Welding for several years after he attended NDSSS, then managed Orlando, Mildred, Carl Martinson Orlando Martinson Family Contd. -69- the shop until it was sold to Mai Bjorlie family from the one Karen Nerison. He is now employed at Twete, OLE MOEN FAMILY Johnson married. There were three Inc. He married Bette Thompson, Ole 0. Moen and Pauline Quam were children, James, Grace and Stella. They Sutton, in 1979. She is a registered married in their native Norway and lived in Pekin. The sister, Karen nurse, graduate of NDSU. came to America around 1870. They Johnson, was married to Sever Bjorlie. Gregory Dean, a 1976 graduate of settled first at Albert Lea, Blue Earth They farmed across the river from the McVille High, attended NDSSS, worked County, in southern Minnesota, where Moen place. Their family consisted of for Twete, Inc. for three years, and now Ole Jr. was born in 1873. One son, Ole, Regina (Mrs. Bennie Enstad), John, lives in Dickinson with his wife, Karla had died in 1871 at age 1. In 1875 Isidor Olaf, Arthur, Henrietta (Mrs. Ole Kopp, daughter of Grace Ophaug and Mthias was born in Freeborn County, Lysne), Gilbert, Ragna (Mrs. Aaron C. Gary Kopp, whom he married in Minn., followed by Magnus Anton in Casad), adopted, and Sidney. After they June 1980, and he works for Matador 1876, also in Freeborn County. They retired from the farm they lived in Pekin Oil Co. moved westward into Iowa. Ole Moen for many years. Audrey lives at home, attends Mc­ was a stone mason by trade, and Of the family of Ole and Pauline Ville High School and will be a 1981 presumably this is the kind of work he Moen, Magnus Anton never married, graduate. did in Minnesota and Iowa. Amalia, but lived and farmed with his brother born in 1878, and Karl in 1879, were Ole. He died in 1946. born at Silver Lake, Iowa, as was Emma Amalia, known as Malla, married in 1881. Edward C. Brekken, Pekin Budget In 1882 the family moved by covered editor, and owner of a hardware store in wagon from Iowa into North Dakota. Pekin. Malla died suddenly in 1924. They followed the Sheyenne River to Their adopted daughter, Olga, married their new home in what is now Nesheim Oscar Berg. There were three children. Twp. about five miles southwest of the They all lived in Pekin. present town of McVille. Karl married Violet Burreson. They Mrs. Moen had 3 brothers who also had a confectionary store in Pekin for settled here: Mathias, John and Paul awhile. They moved to Seattle, Wash., Quam. around 1920. They had three children! Mr. Moen began farming but still did Lionel, Lela and Donovan. Karl died in masonry work. 1944. Albert was the first of the children Albert was first married to Bergetta born in North Dakota. He had an 1883 Enstad. She died after a short time. birthdate. Peder Oscar was born in Later he married Gunda Hoye. They 1885, Julia in 1887 and Petra in 1889. had four children, Ardale, Junice, Avis The Moens were among the first and Warren. Albert was with the First members of the Sheyenne Lutheran National Bank of McVille, and with the CLIFFORD MILLER FAMILY Congregation. The children attended Hartford Insurance Co. He was a Clifford, son of George and Emma school at the Norway #1 school location, member of the McVille School Board, Miller, was born April 25, 1904, grew locally known as the Stenslie school. serving as president for several years! up and was educated in the Aneta area. One of the teachers was a Mr. Mitboe. They lived in McVille and later in He married Delia Odegaard Dec. 9, Classmates were Loe, Bue and Nesheim Fargo. Gunda died a few years before 1927, at Fargo, N.D. Delia, the daughter children, among others. Albert, who died in 1948. They are of Syver and Malina Odegaard was born Emma died at the age of 16 from a buried at Inkster, N.D. Oct. 27, 1906, attended school in Pilot fever. Tragedy struck again at almost Peder Oscar was Nelson County Mound, Griggs County, and graduated the same time when Isidor, then 22 auditor for years. He married Edith from Aneta High School. They farmed years old, went out to close a barn door Noltemier and lived in Lakota. She died in the Kloten area until 1944 when they against a coming windstorm. The storm leaving him with two small sons, Victor moved to a farm between McVille and ripped the door off and Isidor was and Arnold. Later he married Viola Pekin known as the old "Quam" farm. fatally injured. These deaths occured in Larson of Fargo. They had one son, Delia passed away September 4, 1968 1897. In 1889 the father died. Norman. They lived in Hillsboro for a at the age of 62 years. Clifford passed The family continued to farm for a time, then Fargo, and most recently in away Sept. 4, 1975, at the age of 71 few years, but as the boys grew up, they Davenport, Iowa, where he died in years. left for other employment. Ole Jr. and 1948. There are two children in the family: Magnus stayed in the farming business. Julia married Jack Torrance. They Dorothy (Miller) Raaen, McVille, N.D. In 1905 Ole Moen and Julia Johnson moved to Seattle with the Karl Moen and Gerald Miller, Ann Arbor, Mich. were married in Hanska, Minn. Julia family. They had three children, Ernest, Johnson had come to North Dakota in Crystal and Ada. 1903 to teach at the Bergen #4 school. Petra trained as a beautician. She She was a graduate of Mankato College, lived in Chicago and also in San Mankato, Minn. She had a brother, Francisco. She married George Raus- John Johnson, and a sister Karen chenberg. She died in Seattle, Wash., Johnson Bjorlie already in the area. in 1932. They had no children. John Johnson was best known as the Grandmother Pauline Moen died in owner of a general merchandise store in Pekin in 1935. Pekin. He originally had a store and Ole and Julia Moen farmed west of post office at a place called Bue. Bue McVille until his death in 1927. He was located near the Ingbrit Raaen and served many years on the McVille Nels Urvand homes. Mr. Johnson was School Board, and he was active in an attorney, a graduate of the University township affairs. He was supervisor of of Minnesota. When the Great Northern Hamlin Twp. at the time of his death. Railway was built, the possibilities of a He had served as secretary-treasurer general merchandise store closer to the for Sheyenne Lutheran Church. They railroad seemed feasible, so he started had two children: Orville J. and Grace the business in Pekin. He married Pauline. Except for first grade, when Karen Bjorlie - a different branch of the Mr. & Mrs. Ole Moen Orville went to the Pekin School, both -70- Petra Moen Petra Moen Rauschenberg was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Moen of Neshiem Twp., Nelson Co., N.D. She attended school in the Nesheim School by the Sheyenne River. She was a music student of Jonas Burreson, teacher and as a young lady became very efficient as an organ and piano player, as well as a teacher of Orville Moen, Grace Moen Thrailkill music. Being a member of the Sheyenne 'JSkuf __ -.. attended the McVille schools and Left to right, Back row: Mrs. Richard Lutheran Church, she sang in the (Arlene) Morken, Mrs. Miles (Marlys) graduated in 1927 and 1930 respectively. church choir and various musical Orville graduated from the University Ophaug, Mrs. Eldon (Janice) Harve­ groups, as well as being accompanist on land; Front row: Arnold, Myrtle and of North Dakota. He went to work as an other occations. accountant for a coal corporation in Virlyn Molmen. Elkville, 111. Mrs. Moen and Grace Moving into Pekin, Petra became organist of the Pekin Lutheran Church, HAROLD & ANNE MOLMEN joined him in Carbondale, 111. in 1932. and also a teacher of piano, until she In 1938 he married Mary Lucile moved to Lakota where she was Deputy Harold Molmen was born on Mar. 26, Sowers in Myrphysboro, 111. He served County Auditor for many years. She 1900 at Blufton, Minn. Anne Enebo was in the Navy in World War II, and then then went to California where she was born Sept. 23, 1902 at Lawton, N.D. moved to Charelston, W.Va., where he employed, and where on Oct. 19, 1923 They were married June 13, 1922 at became a comptroller for the Thomas at Los Angeles, she was married to Sheyenne Church. Memorial Hospital. Mary Lucile worked George Rauschenberg. as an L.P.N. He retired in 1973, but was The Enebos lived and farmed in retained as a senior consultant until After her marriage Petra lived in Nesheim Twp. until 1926 when they 1977. They are members of St. Johns Chicago and Seattle, Wash., where she moved to Pekin. They stayed there until Lutheran Church in Charleston, W.Va. passed away in 1931. 1935 and then moved to Tolna. Harold They now divide their time between Petra Moen Rauschenberg did much was a Watkin's dealer and contracted their home in Charleston and St. to improve and help with both the turkeys for Kimball Brothers. Off Petersburg, Fla., and traveling. They instrumental and vocal groups of the season he did carpenter work. have no children. early years of Pekin and community. Their three children were Ethel, James and Hazel. Ethel was born July Grace Pauline graduated from S.I.U. 22, 1923. She married Clarence Halvor­ Carbondale. She married Paul Eugene son. They operated cafes and Stump Thrailkill. He was a music teacher and Lake Park from 1950-1958. The Halvor- band director, and later a principal. He was a safety engineer for Ordill Bomb sons had three children: Dixie Lane, and Ammunition Plant in Marion, 111., Tyrone and Sheldon. Dixie Lane married during the war. Then he accepted an R.J. Halton and they live in Blooming- appointment into the U.S. Postal Service ton, Minn., where they own and operate where he stayed until his death in 1972. Russell's Restaurant in Minneapolis. Grace taught school for 25 years in The Holton's have two children in Murphysboro. college and six at home. Tyrone married Marilyn Littleton and There are three children: Margo-Lyn lives in Seattle where they operate the (Mrs. Richard Strothmann), Orland Eugene and Edwin Milton. The Stroth- Wield Norwegian Welding & Contract­ mann's have three children: Jeff, ing Co. with their sons, Donald and married to Jana Dee Snider, Teresa Lyn Charles. A daughter, Penny Lane, is an and Vanessa Kay. They live in Murphys­ elementary student. boro. Sheldon married Diane Kruger and lives in Precott Valley, Ariz. He served Orland Eugene lives in Anna, 111., OTTO ARNOLD MOLMEN FAMILY with his wife Mary Jane (Elkins) and in the Viet Nam conflict as a helicoptor daughter Stephanie Nicole. Arnold Molmen was born near Bluff- pilot. He is now a mechanical engineer Edwin Milton and his wife Patricia ton in Ottertail County, Minn. He designing for an aeronautical company. Ann (Schwebel) live in Sparta, 111. They arrived in Pekin in 1905 at the age of 15 They have two children, David and have no children. months. Debbie, at home. Julia Moen made her home in Arnold was employed by the North Hazel Molmen was born Mar. 30, Murphysboro. She died there in 1956. Dakota Highway Department from 1924 1929. She married Cameron Nerison She is buried at Sheyenne Cemetery. until his retirement in 1969. and they lived at Citrus City, Wellton, Orville and Grace are both retired, Mr. Molmen was active in the Ariz. Their five sons are Clifron (Skip) and spend some time traveling together. organized labor movement while em­ Ginger, Pepper, Cameron and Scott. Orville enjoys sports watching, garden­ ployed SCME, AFL-CIO. His outside Clifton married Lorna Halzworth. They ing, and the Florida sun. Grace does interests included the Wildlife Club, live in Seattle and have one son Corey, some painting, ceramics and gardening. Fire Department, Pekin Commercial and a daughter Dandida. Skip operates She is a member of the First Lutheran Club as well as other civic organizaitons his own body shop. The twins, Pepper Church of Murphysboro, and enjoys the in the Pekin Area. He served as and Ginger, are also married, Pepper to pleasures of a close knit family. President of the Pekin School District Sandra Neilson. They live in Seattle (I hope I have not offended anyone of for 8 years as well as two years as a where he works for Renton School the family if any dates are not member of the Pekin City Board. District. They have two daughters, Shilo absolutely accurate. The name spellings The Molmens have four children: and Nikkie. Ginger is married to and dates are taken largely from the Arlene (Mrs. Richard Morken), Pekin; Lorraine Koefler and lives in Citrus family Bible and church records. One or Maryls (Mrs. Miles Ophaug); Janice City, Ariz. Their three children are two dates had to be reached by (Mrs. Edon Harveland), and Virlyn Cameron (C.J.), Justin and Leah. deduction. —Grace M. Thrailkill) Molmen. Contd.

-71- Ginger owns and operates Steri-Steam commercial carpet cleaning. Cameron Sterling married Ruth Prevo and lives in Tuscon, Ariz. They had two children: Ronald Cameron passed away in May of 1978, and Misty Marie. Cameron Ster­ ling is a mortician. Clarence (Scott) lives in Ynma and works for Exxon. Hazel's husband was an M.S. patient for 30 years. She cared for him at home. He passed away on Mar. 8,1981. Their 3 sons, Skip, Pepper and Ginger, served in the U.S. Navy and were the first 3 brothers ever to serve on the same ship, Julian, Jenevieve, Ardell, Jeanette, U.S.S. Saratoga, since the Sullivan Hilma and Irene Morken. About 1925. Brothers. Harold Molmen passed away Sept. 10, 1956, while visiting Ethel and family, of a heart attack the evening of dress rehearsal at Pekin, the evening before the Golden Jubilee. Anne passed away Dec. 3, 1964, at Glendive Mont. Dorothy - Lois - Donna Both are laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Eugene - Irene - Emil Cemetery, Glendive, Mont. EMIL & IRENE MORKEN FAMILY Emil Morken was born Jan. 6, 1903 in Osago Twp. Irene was born Oct. 4, 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Mathias K. Morken in Rugby, N.D. They were married in Julian Morken. Picture taken in the Mathias K. Morken was born Feb. 3, 1929 and lived in Pekin for 30 years Pekin Cafe about 1935. 1861 at Lesjaskogen, Norway. His wife where Emil was employed by the state Oline Rusten was born January 3, 1863 highway department and worked for the at Lesjeskogen, Norway. As early drayline. pioneers they homesteaded on the SW They moved to Lakota in 1964. Emil JULIAN MORKEN FAMILY V* of Section 2, Osago Township. They passed away on May 3, 1973. Julian Morken was born near Mos- continued to live on the farm and raised The Morkens had four children: joen, Norway, March 15, 1880, died a big family. Donna (Mrs. Harry Franzen), Spenard, Dec. 10, 1964. Julian, at the age of Oline died December 23, 1913 and Alaska; Eugene, Fargo, N.D.; Lois seven, and a brother Axel, four and Mathias died April 3, 1935. (Mrs. Idean Orwick), Michigan, N.D. one-half years old, and his parents Lars and Dorothy (Mrs. Wayne Luehring), and Anne Morken, came to America in Lakota, N.D. the spring of 1887. They stayed witht he Mathias Morken family near Pekin, until Lars could get a homestead at the MISS GLADYS PEARL MORKEN NE corner of Osago Twp. which became the family farm. Gladys Morken was born Aug. 31, On March 12, 1914, Julian married 1903, in Osago Twp., Nelson County. Hilma Pederson on the farm home. She is retired and lives in Lakota, N.D. Hilma was born in Furra, Nordland, Norway on June 29, 1890; died Dec 29 1966. The Morkens had four girls: Ardell, born March 2, 1915, died March 2, 1966. She married James Elsaas and CONRAD MORKEN FAMILY they had two children, John and Ann. Lars K. Morken Next there were twins: Jenevieve was Lars K. Morken was born on Dec. 21, Conrad Morken was born in Osago born Oct. 12, 1916. She married Joseph 1856 at Lesjaskogen, Norway. He came Twp., Nelson County on June 24, 1888. Mclsck and they had one son, James. to the United States in the year 1887 His wife Emma, was born in Center Jeanette was born Oct. 12, 1916. She with his wife Anna and two sons Julian Twp., Nelson County, on Sept. 29, 1981. married Berger Anderson and they had and Axel. Conrad and Emma settled in Wam- three sons, Wayne, Jerald and Berger They first lived at the home of the duska Twp. in March of 1920 on a farm II. brother Mathias Morken for a year. He near Stump Lake where they resided Irene was born Feb. 28, 1918. She homesteaded in the N.E. % of Section until their deaths. married William Gann. 1, Osago township. Two more children The Morkens were farmers and Mr. Julian farmed most of the time near were born to them in this country Morken was active in community affairs Pekin. In 1915 as a farmer he was very namely George and Jennie. The wife and served as school clerk and township active in the Non-Partisan League of Anna passed away on Oct. 21, 1891 at treasurer for over 25 years. He was a North Dakota. He also farmed a few the age of 34. member of what is now the Nelson years near Devils Lake, N.D., and was In 1895, he married Kari Skojolden. County ASCS board for several years in the Elevator at Hamar, N.D. They had three children, Clara, Alfred and was a director for the Nelson In 1931 the family moved from the and Emil. The wife Kari passed away County Mutual Insurance Co. for a farm into Pekin where they operated the March 6, 1930. number of years. "Morken Cafe" until 1940 when they Lars Morken passed away on his 80th Conrad passed away in 1973 and moved to Chicago. Julian worked for the birthday December 21, 1936. Emma in 1967. Merkle-Korff Gear Company as a tool Pictures of the wives were not The Morkens had one son, Omar, supervisor, retiring in 1950 and moving available. now residing on the home farm. back to Pekin.

-72- Prairie Pioneer - Robert Mueller By Louise Mueller Johnson the climate, no one for 50 or 100 miles Robert Mueller was born near Fre- further south and none that far north, donia, Wisconsin, on Oct. 2, 1865, and grew apples. He gave those fruit trees grew up there. A restless young man, special care; he even wrapped their not quite 18, thoughts of his own land trunks in winter and carried water to lured him to North Dakota in 1883. them in dry spells, to help them survive. There, in Nelson County, Bergen Twp., They did, and produced all those years. south of the Sheyenne River, Robert He had cherry and plum trees but found his special place and home­ apples were his pride. He had patience steaded. Some settlers were around and and a magic touch with them. others came through the 1880's and After batching until he was nearly 45 90's. It was flat, even land and solid years old, Robert married Lucinda Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morken prairie. All around were tall grasses Lange White, a widow from Illinois, iwth firm roots, so Robert built a sod Richard Morken, born April 24, 1934 with three children: Dean, Lucille (Cecil shanty to batch in. He broke that virgin was married Feb. 25, 1955 to Arlene had died before reaching age four), and soil, walking behind with a plow that Molmen, born Feb. 17, 1932. They the youngest, Louise, who knew no turned one furrow, working long days settled on a farm 5'/2 miles N. of Pekin. other father nor home. Not long after getting the earth ready to plant wheat, The Morkens have two sons, David they were married, Mr. and Mrs. wheat and more wheat. It grew abund-. and Leslie. David J. Morken is married Mueller adopted a baby boy, whom they antly on those new lands. There were to Jill Tweed of Tolna and they have one named Robert (Jr.). All the children constant threats of prairie fires and son, Paul, age 1 year. They farm with loved that farm and grew up there. some to fight those early years on that his parents and live 2 miles S.E. David Dean married Anna Stromme, had a windswept, open range. Always ready also raises cattle and chickens. girl, Clarice (Mrs. Robert Sumerville, to lend a hand, Robert, in the dead of Leslie D. Morken lives in Wayzata, Hamar, N.D.; and three boys, Arthur winter, drove his team hitched to a Minn., where he is employed in who died in 1967; Leonard of Post Falls, bobsled through trackless snow 30 miles sporting goods sales at the Ski Hut. Idaho, and Albert, who died in infancy. to Cooperstown to fetch the nearest They lived in McHenry, N.D. doctor for a gravely ill neighbor. Lucille became Mrs. Frank Mielke This early pioneer worked hard and moved to Clinton, Illinois. They had proving his claim. His wheat fields grew 3 daughters, Louise and Norris Nelson sturdy and tall producing large harvests, were married and had one son, Norris, so he prospered. As the years went by (that marriage was dissolved and she and grain flourished, he built a large later became Mrs. Carl Johnson; Robert barn, a granary and a four bedroom, Jr. married Josie Johnson Mueller of two-story house with wide porches and McVille and they had one son, Michael ornamental railings. To keep back Robert, who is now in business in winter winds, he had planted lots of Minneapolis, Minn. Louise also lives trees, starting almost as soon as he there. decided where he'd eventually have his As the state of North Dakota grew buildings. At first, he put in boxelders and tree-selling nurseries sprang up in and willows for shade in the house yard. its larger cities, from far and wide, they Then, one at a time, he rooted hundreds came to see and take pictures of Robert of fast growing poplars in the earth, on Mueller's (Sr.) apple trees. Trees that the north and west sides to protect the grew, thrived and bore fruit in that farm buildings. Sometimes winds from climate. His wife, Lucinda, whom most the east blew strong too, so he planted neighbors of long standing called Mrs. another windbreak of poplars on the Robert, was full of the joy of living. A quarter he had purchased just across friend and a real help to all who knew Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mueller the road and east of his homestead. her. Money was scarce in the lean His spacious house was heated by years, but she had a gift of brightening stoves - one in the parlor, a nickel and each day. She could make wonderful iron hard coal burner with isinglass delicacies from plain, home-made bread doors so the glow of red coals lit up the dough: coffee cakes dotted with fresh TRIBUTE TO A STEP FATHER nights' darkness in that room. In the raspberries from the garden, buns and By Louise N. Johnson dining room he had a cast iron "pot hand shaped rolls. She could time bread belly" wood or coal stove that really They don't come any finer. dough and feed wood chips into the heated up in a hurry. The kitchen had a No matter where you seek, range to have fresh hot baking at a "cook stove," iron with nickel trim, That he, who reared us children... certain time without any push-button complete with warming oven and reser­ A father, wise yet meek. contraptions. voir so warm water would be available. The deep depressions came with dust He was a wealthy farmer Back then, there was no running water, storms, drought, crop failures, lean When wed to all of us: but he had a cistern for rain water with a animals and sagging prices. No matter The years brought many trials pitcher pump in the kitchen for washing. what farmers planted, it could not Bad crops. Depression...thus... Out in the yard he had his well, and the thrive. Those discouraging and dis- He fed and clothed four children best drinking water for miles. heartenint years lasted through part of Who were not horn to him, With shade and other trees thriving, the 1920's and right on into the 1930's. He loved and guided...gave up all Robert turned to planning his orchard, In January of 1938, before times got To honor each small whim: east of the house, and protected on all better. Lucinda Mueller died from He lost worldly possessions. sides by trees. There he planted apple complications following pneumonia. Died poor as men allow: trees, not just two or three but more That very same year, in December of (We were not blessed enough to help) than twenty: cooking apples, eating Will God make it up...somehow? apples and even crab apples. Because of Contd.

-73- 1938, the gallant heart of that early pioneer, Robert Sr., stopped beating. Francis Stahl and his wife Alice, friends of the family, bought the farm and made it their home, cherishing it and im­ proving it through the long years. * Following the death of the parents, all mm of the children were living, then Dean died in 1953, Robert in 1961, Lucille in 1970, so of that original family, Louise was the sole survivor in 1980. I WANT TO GO BACK TO DAKOTA By Louise Nelson -1942 / want to go back to Dakota To let the wind blow through my hair. And look at swift rolling grain fields And forget about worry and care. I want to go back to the homestead. And browse around in the trees, Bernice & Norris Nelson, Jr. I want to ramble the orchard And hear the low hum of its bees. To go down the path to the garden. Shift open the scarred wooden gate. And startle a toad from its napping Or a slithering garter snake. Over there through the tangled weed thickets Are raspberries - ripening and red; And down by the fence near the highway Are bright blossoms in a lone bed. I want to lie on uncut grasses With their thick folds under me: LOUISE MUELLER JOHNSON And look up at the patches of blue sky Through the blanket of leaves over me. Louise Mueller Johnson, step­ daughter of Robert Mueller, Sr., of To touch the old rail that is broken rural McVille, grew to womanhood on On the porch that faces the sun; the Mueller homestead. 1 want to see the neighbors drive past Louise attended country grade school me in Bergen Twp. and graduated from And greet them one by one. McVille High School. She then went to I want to go out to the mailbox, Mayville College and taught school in On the old buggy wheel by the road; various places in North Dakota for many And look at the cars roaring by me years. Or an old straining team with a load. Louise later settled in Minneapolis, I want to see mother, bless her, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mueller, Jr. Minn., and worked for an investor's Come smiling to open the door. company. In her spare time she did And let the gold sunlight come some writing. She was very active and a streaming the head of the poetry club in Minn. In bright patterns on the worn floor. In the summer, Louise and her husband Carl, spent their time at their But mother is out in the churchyard. lake cottage, swimming and enjoying She has been there for nearly fouryears- the sunshine and peace and quiet. Her memory is clear as of old though I see it through fast falling tears. Louise's son, Norris and wife(Bernice Landberg) have four children: Marie, The farm is no longer ' 'old home place Carl, Susan and Richard, and reside in There are tenants dwelling there; Victorville, Calif. They have fixed, and repaired, cut the grasses And given the place quite an air. I may go back there jar too often. In my dreams and my reveries; But 1 would not part with those memories For the wisest philosophies.

*

Dean and Anna (Stromme) White Lucille White Mueller Mielke

-74- MARIAN & ALBERT MUELLER In 1970 they purchased the former J.T. Rickford farm home, once knows as Albert Mueller was born in Fillmore, "Green-Wood" farm, where they now Wis., on Oct. 17, 1898, and came to make their home. North Dakota with his mother and They are the parents of three child­ family in 1905. He married Marian ren: thier son, Lowell, married Marie Olson, daughter of Olaus and Olga Anderson of Rollag, Minn., and they Olson, Pekin, on Sept. 25, 1930, and have two children, Darren and Angela. they farmed near McVille for many Marie has been with the N.W. Bell for years before moving into McVille in 20 years and Lowell owns "Edgewood 1947, where Albert was employed by Barber Service" in the Valley North Nace Haugen in the Motor Inn, and also Mall, Fargo, which he manages. at the Ford garage as a mechanic. A daughter, Sharilyn Diane, married They moved to Fargo in 1951 where Royal Ness of Comstock, Minn., and Albert was maintenance engineer at the lives in Omaha, Neb., where Royal is Mr. and Mrs. William Mueller and Family Ben Franklin School and Marian worked with the Social Security Office, and at St. Luke's Hospital as Dietary Aid for Picture taken in 1918. Back Row: Nora, Shari is in the upper 10 in the nation in 26 years. Albert was forced to retire Sarah Coventry dealers. Their family Albert. Front Row: William, Edna, Mrs. because of failing health and is now a consists of three boys: Douglas, Bradley Mueller, Oscar and Alvin. resident of McVille Friendship Manor. and Chad. They have three children: Annalea The youngest son, Bryant, who WILLIAM & ANNA MUELLER married Robert DuBord, Fargo, and resides in Rolla, N.D., was investigator they have two daughters, Annette and for the States Attorney in Rolette When William Mueller was 22 years Nancy. Bob works at Dakota Monument County until he became that county's old, he came to North Dakota as a and Annalea at Blue Cross-Blue Shield. sheriff. He is married to Kerry Albert pioneer in March, 1882, with his two Patricia (Patsy), deceased 1978, mar­ who is employed in the administration brothers, Emil and Robert, and com­ ried Odvar Holm and lived in Santa dept. of Belcourt Hospital. They have panions Frank and Edmund Stahl. They Monica, Calif., where Odvar worked at one son, Chad. came as far as Larimore where the Douglas Aircraft, Huntington Beach, railroad ended. Then they came to and they have two children, Delene Nelson County and homesteaded in (Mrs. Glenn Pitzer), and Randy, who is Bergen Twp. Emil returned to Wiscon­ in the Navy. The Pitzers have a sin, but the others lived within a two daughter. Amber Jenine. mile radius of each other for their entire Bill married Judy Mlnarik from lifetimes. Nebraska, and they reside at LaCresent, William was born Nov. 9, 1860, near Minn. Bill is employed by Hartford Fredonia, Wis., and married his broth­ Insurance as inspector at LaCrosse, er's widow, Mrs. Anna Mueller, on Wis. They have an adopted son, Travis. August 12, 1905. Anna Moths, daughter of Henry and Kuniunda Moths, was born May 25, 1878, in Wisconsin and Carolyn, Craig, Carmen, Cynthia, was married to Oscar Mueller there. Barbara and Alvin Mueller. They had three children: Albert, Mc­ ALVIN & BARBARA MUELLER Ville, who married Marion Olson of Alvin Mueller, son of William and Pekin; Anora, who died at Rochester, Anna Mueller, was born Dec. 7, 1915, at Minn., as a result of goiter surgery at their present farm home, and home of age 17; Clara, who died at age eight. his parents, where he has lived and Her husband, Oscar, died when a young farmed all of his life. On Oct. 18, 1936, man and she came to North Dakota and he married Barbara Olson, daughter of married her brother-in-law, William. Olaus and Olga Olson, Pekin. She was They farmed all their lives and were the born in Mayville, N.D. on May 10, parents of three children: Oscar, Pekin, Oscar, Bryant, Maxine, Lowell, Shari 1916, and moved with her parents and who married Maxine Hauge, McVille; Mueller family from Mayville to a farm near Red Alvin, Pekin, who married Barbara Willow Lake. They moved to a farm Olson, Pekin; and Edna (deceased), MAXINE & OSCAR MUELLER which they rented from Bennie Loe near who married Victor Gudim, Minne­ Oscar Mueller was born May 16, Pekin, and later moved into Pekin apolis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin where she finished high school in 1936. Gudim of McVille, and they have two 1906, to parents William and Anna Mueller in Bergen Twp., at the home of Barbara has worked as a waitress at boys and two girls: William, Merrlyn, Red Willow Lake Resort approximately Betty and Gerald. Anna Moths Mueller his uncle Robert Mueller, now occupied by Mrs. Alice Stahl. He and Maxine ten years, and at Anderson's Super died Nov. 9, 1930, and William died in Valu in McVille. She has been an August, 1934. Hauge, daughter of Tom and Lena Haugc, were married Oct. 18, 1933, at integral part of McVille Community the McVille Lutheran parsonage by Lanes for the past 19 years. She has Rev. H.E. Everson. Maxine was born been active in the Sheyenne choir and Sept. 24, 1915, and attended all her ALCW as well as Happy Homemakers school years in McVille, with the Club for many years. Alvin is active in exception of her first year which was at the K.P. Lodge. Center #4. They farmed the Mueller They are the parents of five children: home farm for the first three years of Dixon Dale, born Oct. 1, 1938, and died their marriage, and then purchased in infancy; Carolyn (Mrs. John Oster), additional land of their own where they farms with her husband near Hazen and made their home and farmed until they have three children, Lyn, Todd and retirement. Oscar was a school bus Audra; Carmen (Mrs. George Savage), driver for the McVille School for many resides at Moscow, Idaho, where both Bill, Patsy, Annalia, Albert and years. Contd. Marion Mueller. -75- are employed at the University of Idaho, |MMMMM|lgMM| and they have two children Melanie and Cael. Craig married Virginia Naas, MISS MARIE ODEGARD daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irving Naas, IWBB Kloten, and they reside in Hatton where The Milliner of Pekin Craig is manager of Midland Fertilizer •>j^% MI *"** ; Plant. They have two children, Jana and ^js i B |. Dane; Cynthia married Ronald Ophaug, f. < N ' "**%-% * son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Ophaug of Will have her An­ McVille, and farm the original Eric *•*• nual Fall opening Ophaug farm near Kloten, and have three children, Kristen, Paul and Aaron. walk&k- on Friday and Sat­ <3jgM urday, September 18th and 19thh. Latest Style Fall Hats The Millinery Store $S&" Jilkii>^^^M .v. 'YaUft ^S^mK&mWSkist • :mf ' mf •will be open the last Wb " ^^~ AmW two days of each week. MISS MARIE ODEGARD fel PEKIN, N. D.

*

Marie was truly a pioneer. She was a North Dakota resident seven years prior to statehood in 1889, and almost 25 years prior to the establishment of the Marie Odegaard local towns. The spirit of pioneer life Marie Odegaard rented a small house was quite evident in all her works. She at first for her shop which Ole Houge was 7 years old when she came in a had moved in, near Carl Stenslies covered wagon and oxen, Buck & house, later this was sold, then she Bright, to the 12 x 18 ft. log cabin home Mr. and Mrs. Iver Odegaard moved to J.A. Johnson store and set up her father and John had built on their shop in part of that store. Later she claim on the hillside beside the Shey- Marie and John Odegaard were the enneRiver. daughter and son of Iver and Anne married Helmer Stenslie. Marie is now Odegaard. 81 years old and lives in McVille and On one of her father's shopping trips Iver and son John came to homestead passes time by weaving rugs and to Larimore, he had bought a sewing along the Sheyenne River in 1881. Built painting pictures on canvas and mirrors. machine. This was the only one for a long cabin and barn in June 1882 a miles around, so she became a seam­ year later Iver went to Hillsboro to meet stress, serving the pioneer families on his wife and three daughters, Jonetta, the prairie, and even took the machine Iva and Marie. Marie was seven years along to homes and sewed for weeks at when she came to their homestead a time, depending on how large the where she lived all her life except since family was. She made most of her 1943 when she and husband Helmer girlfriends' wddding dresses. moved to McVille. She married Helmer Stenslie in 1908, Anne Odegaard was a member and also a Pekin businessman. With his helped to organize the first Sheyenne brother Carl and John Clausin, they had Ladies Aid in 1883. Members left their the Pekin Pool Hall. Helmer and Marie homes early in the morning at 9 o'clock. bought the Odegaard Homestead and Full dinners were served, also lunch lived there until they retired and moved later with charge. 1st Thursday of the to McVille in 1943. This was Marie's month was set as their aid day, but first move since she came to this attendance became so great lunches territory in 1882. Times had been were decided upon. The last full dinner rough and farmers didn't get Social was served at Sever Aamodts in 1914. Security at this time, so the only way The neighbors used to serve dinners they could get on was being self- when someone in the family passed employed. They bought a rug weaver away, but with the country more thickly and went to work. Marie also painted populated. The dinner was discontinued and sold pictures. They kept themselves for the first time at Mrs. Iver Ode- very busy. She lived alone for nearly 20 gaard's funeral. years after Helmer died, and was 91 when she passed away on April 26, Iver and John Odegaard were among 1966. God Bless her memory. She was the men who helped furnish logs for the rarely seen without a hat on her head. first Sheyenne Church. Marie Odegaard at age 85

-76- FRANK OLSON FAMILY Frank Olson and Margaret Brekken were married in San Anotnio, Texas, while Frank was stationed there on service duty. They began farming in the Pekin area when Frank returned home from the service. Frank and Margaret had three child­ ren: Darlene, David and Deanna. Darlene married Ken Reinhart. They have three children: twin daughters, JOHN ODEGAARD Brenda and Roberta (Bobbie), and a son, Kenneth (K.J.) Pekin's First Blacksmith David is married to Catherine Engen. 1906-1911 They have three children: Shawn, John Odegaard had the first blacksmith shop, also the first steam threshing Shanna and Sheldon. machine, in this vicinity in 1891, which was drawn by four horses. Straw was used Deanna married Ric Ward. They are for fuel, later he got a tractor engine; he threshed for 40 years. the parents of two children: Jeremy and Prairie fires were common in those days. One evening coming home from work Nicole. he came to a fire, he took his underwear off and wet it in a slough to fight the fire. Margaret passed away Dec. 19, 1974. John died in July 1944. He was never married. Frank is remarried to Bonnie Abraham- son. They have continued the farming operation in the Pekin area through to the present time. MABEL & OLE OMLIE Mabel Omlie was born in Osago Twp. on May 12, 1902. Ole Omlie, born on Feb. 22, 1897 in Trail, Minn., came to Pekin in 1915 to settle and farm in WILLARD F. & VERNITA J. OLSON Osago Twp. The Omlies had two children: Duaine, Vernita J. (Bergsrud) Olson was born farming in Osago Twp., and living in in Pekin on Feb. 8, 1932. She married Tolna, N.D. and Delores (Mrs. Charles Willard F. Olson, born April 2, 1931 in Clute), of Adams, N.D. McHenry. They left the Pekin area in 1956 and now reside in Lake City, Minn., where Willard is Supt. of PEARL JOHNSON SIGETTE OMLIE Schools. They have two children, Randal and Ross. See photQ fu,xt paf,e Pearl Johnson, daughter of Frieda Enstad and Sever Johnson, came to live with Obert Enstads at the age of 2'A after the death of her mother. She graduated from McVille High School in 1938 and on Sept. 2, 1939 married Edward Sigette. They had six children: Stanley, who lives in Devils Lake with his wife, Pat, and ten children. He owns Armour's Truck Stop. Bruce and his wife Carol and daughter Michelle live at Kimball, Neb., where he is a postal clerk. Ellen (Mrs. Walter Cook) and five children reside at Alden, Iowa. Wesley is a teacher in Lankin, N.D. Corey is a student at A.V.T.L, East Grand Forks. Marian, Clarice, Marcus, Robert, Carla lives at home with her mother and Annabelle, Barbara. is a junior in McVille High School. Pearl rented the Pekin Cafe on March ALFRED & SENA OPOIEN Mr. and Mrs. Olaus Olson 1, 1959, from Clarence Pearson. In the Both born in Pekin, Alfred on Nov. 1, Olaus Olson was born on March 14, fall of 1960 when Mr. Pearson died, the 1892 and Sena on March 18, 1891, the 1887 in Wisconsin. Olga Olson was born cafe was sold to Olive Rogness and Opoiens settled in Osago Twp. to begin in Norway on June 3, 1889. Pearl and her family moved to Devils farming. Sena died on March 1, 1973 The Olsons moved to the Pekin area Lake where Eddie was employed. In and Alfred on Nov. 20, 1975. in 1920 from Mayville and into the town April of 1961 she purchased the cafe The Opoiens had 11 children: Mrs. of Pekin in 1930. Olaus was a policeman from Olive Rogness, remodeled the cafe Sam (Amy) Howell, Leavenworth, Kan­ in Mayville; he farmed near Pekin and part and built on living quarters. Pearl sas; Mrs. Otto (Beulah) Gaarder, Ari­ had a shoe shop there. operated the cafe until April 1972, when zona; Wallace, Pekin; Bernard, de­ Olaus died in 1951; Olga in 1961. she moved to a farm after marrying ceased; James, Ruthven, Iowa; Allan, The Olson's had six children: Marian Duaine Omlie. She is now employed as Lehr, N.D.; Mrs. Harold (Ardis) Nilep, (Mrs. Albert Mueller), Fargo; Clarice a cook in McVille hospital. Devils Lake, N.D.; Mrs. Russell (Shir­ (Mrs. Gilman Miller), Binford) Marcus After Pearl left the cafe, Al Jabe ley) Haas, Tolna, N.D.; Mrs. Larry (deceased); Barbara (Mrs. Alvin operated it for about a year; then Ellen (Margaret) Mannie, Hamar, N.D.; Mrs. Mueller), Pekin; Annabelle (Mrs. How­ Cook for another year when Tina Avdem Clinton (Marjorie) Olmstead, Brecken­ ard Erickson), Fargo and Robert of took over for one winter. Since then it ridge, Minn., and Mrs. Harvey Marlys) Omaha, Neb. has not been open for business. Matheson, Fairdale, N.D.

-77- Mr. & Mrs. Willard Olson Family: Willard, Ross, Randal, Vernita, Jodi, (Randal's wife), Tony.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernt Opoien WALLACE OPOIEN FAMILY Sivert - Bertine - Alfred Wallace Opoien was born in the Pekin Bernt Opoien was born in Orkdalen, area on May 28, 1920. His wife, Evelyn, Norway, in 1962. He came to Dakota in was born in Weldona, Colorado, on 1881, passed away in 1912. Mrs. Bernt Aug. 14, 1925. After their marriage, Opoien was born in Gulbransdalen, they settled in Osago Twp. to begin Norway in 1962. She came to Dakota in farming. Mr. Opoien's career also 1886 and became the bride of Bernt included bus driver, pilot and mechanic. Opoien on Feb. 16, 1886. R. I. Lundeby Mrs. Opoien died on March 6, 1971. officiated. She died in 1942. Children They had one daughter, Heather, born to this union are: Bertine (Mrs. B. now Mrs. Fred Bornson of Enderlin, ND Burreson); Clara, (deceased); Sivert, Alfred, Mayme (Mrs. Herb Schindele); Bertha (Mrs. Lee Boyles); Julia (Mrs. F. H. Alberg); and Cora (Mrs. Leo Burke).

Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Paulson Sarah - Ruth - Carl Gabriel L. Paulson, 1853-1929. Mrs. G. L. Paulson, 1857-1928. He came to Dakota in 1881. His son Lars was the first white child born in Osago township. Children are Lars, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Paulson Carl, Walter, Sarah (Mrs. Otto Rasmus- sen), Gena (Mrs. M.T. Hills), Lilly Carl Paulson was born in Osago (Mrs. L. Caxum), and Ruth (Mrs. Anton Twp., Nelson Co., on May 30, 1897. Knutson). Mary Paulson was born Feb. 16, 1899 in JOSEPH & THEA PARMER Norway. The Paulsons were married in 1920 and farmed until 1968, with the Joseph Parmer was born June 29, LLOYD & MARY PAULSON exception of one year when they had the 1893, to Joseph & Sarah Parmer, in Lloyd Paulson was born at Milton, restaurant in Pekin with John and Anna Batesville, Indiana. Thea Bakke Parmer Jacobson (1922). was born Sept. 6, 1892 to Anders and N.D. and his wife Mary, at Osnabrock, Tonetta Bakke, at Ottofy, Nelson Co. N.D. They moved to Pekin on Nov. 30,. The Paulsons moved to Tolna in 1977. Joseph arrived in the Pekin area in 1979, where Lloyd took the position of They have one son, Vernon Paulson, 1913 and was in the dray business. The grain elevator manager for the Pekin born Feb. 7, 1925. two were married on May 7, 1917 at Co-op Elevator. Lakota and settled in Pekin. The Paulsons were married on July In 1926 they moved to Wildrose. 10, 1946 and have five married children. Joseph died on April 12, 1935, at which Lloyd is engaged in farming and was a time Thea and the family moved back to Kaiser-Frazer employee in Ypsilanti, Pekin. She died there on March 17, Mich., for 8 years. He began his grain 1966. elevator occupation in 1954 and has The Parmers had seven children: been a grain elevator manager for the Thelma(Mrs. Adolph Gurke), Williston, past 21 years. N.D.; Warren of Boise, Idaho; Viola The children of Lloyd and Mary (Mrs. Waldo P. McDonald), of Mount- Paulson include Gary of Gwinner; Diane lake Terrace, Wash., Joe and Levi, both (Lindsay), of Cavalier; Dale in LaMoure; of Fargo, N.D.; Dwayne of Beaverton, Candi (Michels) of Munich and Amy Ore., and Russ, living in Willis, Texas. (Bukowski) of Munich, N.D. Lloyd and Mary Paulson

-7.8- Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Petersen Peter A. Petersen came from Den­ mark in 1882 and spent a year in WILLIAM & EMMA POLIS Minnesota with uncles, then settled in Dakota in 1883 on a quarter of land near William C. Polis was born on March the Sheyenne River, where he lived 4, 1869, in Dodgerville, Wisconsin. He, until 1953 except when he took a trip to his parents and a sister came to East our state capital, now and then his Grand Forks in 1881. In 1882 they family relieved him from the care of the moved to Field Twp., Nelson County. farm work so that he could "take it Emma Caroline Helegland was born easy", so he died when near 95 years of at Northwood, Iowa, on Nov. 22, 1872. age in 1953. She, her parents, and 3 brothers came He was a pioneer in the community as to North Dakota in 1882. They home­ well as Dakota state. He came from steaded near the Sheyenne River in Vilbjerg, Denmark. He married Hulda Nesheim Twp. Tornlund in 1905 and leaves four sons, Emma and William were married in one daughter and a widow. 1892 by Rev. Lundeby at the Groom's home. They farmed in Field Twp. and in Nesheim Twp. In 1916 they moved to EDWIN, MINNIE & SYLVIA POLIS Wildrose and lived there 3 years, later Edwin, son of William and Caroline returning to Nesheim Twp. In 1924 they Polis, was born in the McVille area on retired and moved to McVille, but in Aug. 15, 1902. He married Minnie 1940 they moved to Pekin and lived Tangen, Nov. 6, 1926. They farmed 5 there the rest of their lives. Twelve children were born to them. years and then moved to Pekin and lived Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Polis, 1945 there until he passed away on Oct. 19, Four sons and eight daughters. Those living are: Mrs. Anna Ryan, Devils (Mrs. Polis was the 1975. He was a plumber, mechanic and former Emma Helgeland) carpenter. He belonged to the Pekin Lake; Mrs. Raymond (Cora) Rutten, Lutheran Church and the Fire Dept. Lakota) Mrs. John Schindle (Mabel) Minnie, daughter of Sina and Andrew Lakota; Mrs. Thelma Nelson, Devils Tangen, was born in the Pekin area on Lake; Arthur, Stacy, Minn.; Oscar, Nov. 25, 1904. She taught school for McVille; and Roy, Pekin. Deceased many years, was clerk and then are: Mathilda in infancy; Mrs. F. K. postmaster at Pekin. She retired in Thompson, Lake Lillian, Minn., 1929; 1974. Her favorite pastime is working in Mrs. Ida Johnson, Corinth, Feb. 26, her yard, sewing and bowling. She 1977; Edwin in 1975 and Evelyn in 1978. belongs to the Pekin Lutheran Church, The Polis's celebrated their Golden ladies aid, senior citizens, Pekin Legion Wedding Anniversary in Pekin. Bill Auxiliary and Sons of Norway. passed away September 3, 1947 and Eddie and Minnie had one daughter, Emma on December 6, 1945. Sylvia. She was born in the Pekin area. She married Lars Hildre from Peters­ burg in 1947. In 1950 they moved to California, but returned to Petersburg ^^*. in 1974. She passed away on June 12, i m 'I L > 1977. She belonged to the Petersburg

Lutheran Church, the American Legion £-> € wf •- Auxiliary and Sons of Norway. Sylvia enjoyed collecting antiques. She taught *£>L\ |» | school in Bakersfield. Sylvia and Lars had three sons. Donald, his wife Carol and sons Todd l^^^a and Donnie live in San Deigo, Calif. ' VS ,/ 1 Sylvia Polis Hildre and family, 1975 Lionel, died March 4, 1960. Scott lives in Petersburg, N.D., with his Dad and Minnie, Edwin, Sylvia Polis Mother Hazel.

-79- Mr. and Mrs. Olaf S. Quam Olaf S. Quam was born in Winnecon- nie, Wis., October 26, 1874. He moved with his parents from Wisconsin to Freeborn County, Minn., in 1878, and from there to the homestead south of Pekin in 1882. The last stage of the journey was made from Mayville by covered wagon. He learned blacksmith- ing as an apprentice in Michigan City, starting in 1896 and followed the trade briefly at a country shop north of McVille in 1899, then at the Ottofy Postoffice, and moved to Binford in 1901. In 1906 he opened a shop in Pekin where he continued until 1934 when he retired because of failing eyesight. In 1901 he married Delphine Turcotte. They had 4 children, Sidney, who died in 1905, Olive (Mrs. A.L. Hagen of ROY & MAE POLIS Dickinson, N.D.), Cora (Mrs. J.E. Danielson, Ketchican, Alaska), and Roy Polis was born Oct. 11, 1900, in Harold of Everett, Wash. The Quam's Field Twp. He attended school in observed their 50th wedding anni­ Norway School Dist. No. 1. versary June 24, 1951. He was in failing Mae Ensrud was born Jan. 27, 1906, health for several months and passed in Osago Twp. She attended school in away at the Deaconess Hospital in Osago School Dist. No. 1, graduated Grand Forks on June 14, 1956. from Pekin High School and then attended Mayville State Teachers Coll­ ege. She taught school for several years and later worked as a nurses aide in Nelson County Community Hospital at Mr. and Mrs. OlafS. Quam and Family McVille. Mae and Roy were married in 1932, and since that time have made their home in Pekin. In 1934 Roy started a tractor and auto repair shop in a building owned by Andrew Ensrud. In 1940 he purchased the old power plant building where he still has his place of business. Roy and Mae had one son, Clayton. He was born Jan. 11, 1933. He Mr. and Mrs. Sever S. Quam graduated from Pekin High School in Sever S. Quam was born May 25, 1950. He worked on farms until he was 1851, in Gudbransdalen, Norway. He drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. came to Freeborn County, Minn., in After serving 2 years, he received an 1869, and from there to an uncle in honorable discharge. Clayton died Dec. Winneconne, Wisconsin, where he 22, 1955, as a result of a car accident. worked as a painter. He married Cecelie Torberson there in 1874. She was born October 4, 1855, and came from Norway in 1863. They lived in Winneconne, and near Twin Lakes, Minn., before going west to Dakota Territory. In the early spring of 1882 Quam set out to file on a homestead by the Mr. and Mrs. Milton Quam, now Sheyenne River two miles south of what living in Bothell, Washington. Their is now Pekin. He and a companion family, left to right: Julie, Sonia, Marcia walked from Hillsboro, N.D., to their and Robert. destination in a spring thaw where swollen creeks made crossings hazard­ MILTON J. QUAM ous, and to add to their trouble a blanket of new snow almost blinded Milton J. Quam was born in McVille them. His family came two months on August 7, 1927, and lived in Bergen later, going by train to Mayville and by Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Quam Twp. He left the Pekin area in 1952 and covered wagon the rest of the way. Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Quam married on became a manufacturing engineer with They shared with their neighbors the December 7, 1901. Olaf was born The Boeing Co., Everett, Wash. joys and sorrows of pioneer life, and October 26, 1874 in Wenneconnie, Wis. The Quams have four children: Sonia were active in church and community. Delphine Turcotte was born Sept. 15, (Hearsey), Everett, Wash.; Marcia of Born to them were six sons and six 1886, Pekin, N.D. On June 24, 1951, Seattle, Wash.; Julie of St. Petersburg, daughters. They retired in 1916 and they had their Golden Wedding. Olaf Fla., and Robert who lives in Bothell, lived in Pekin where he died in 1929, died June 5, 1956. Wash. and Mrs. Quam in 1939.

-80- IRVIN S. QUAM FAMILY • Irvin S. Quam was born in McVille, N.D. on January 7, 1922 is married to the former Hazel French, born at Killdeer, N.D., July 7, 1924. Irvin has lived on the home farm in Bergen Twp. all his life except for three years in the service during World War II. Both Irvin and Hazel have been active in the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, Farmers Union on the local and county level, as well as church and school. They are members of the Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Quam Sheyenne Lutheran Church. The Quams had three sons, Ardell, Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Quam were Dale and Lonny. Ardell is married to the born in Lesjeskogen, Gudbransdalen, former Wanda Long and has two step­ Norway. They were married in 1879. To children, Randy and Candy. They live in this union 4 children were born: Anna, Mandan, N.D. Ardell is with the police born in Norway; Ingvald, born in Worth department. County, Iowa; Oliva and Melvin born in Dale is married to the former Midg Osago Twp., Nelson County. Forde and they have three children, In the summer of 1884 he and his Staccy, Brian and Shayla. They live in brother Paul, together with the family of Bergen Twp. Dale is Deputy Sheriff of Christoffer Brekken trekked by covered Nelson County. wagon on for 4 weeks and 4 days pulled by oxens, arriving at Nelson County Bue Lonny is married to the former Lana P.O. on June 30th. They homesteaded Miller. They have one daughter, Karissa in Osago Twp., where they lived until and live in Wing, N.D. Lonny is Deputy their deaths. Sheriff of Burleigh County.

Dale, Lonny, Ardell Irvin and Hazel Quam Farmstead Irvin and Hazel Quam

MELVIN QUAM FAMILY Front row, left to right: Sidney, Marie and Melvin Quam, all deceased; Meyer Quam, Placerville, Calif. Back row, left to right: Francis Quam, daughter-in- law; Myrtle Molmen, daughter; Arnold Molmen, son-in-law; Crystal Kinsley, daughter and Evelyn Quam, daughter- in-law.

Marie and Ingvald Quam Family, 1911 Mayme, Olaf and Morris

Mr. and Mrs. Iver Raaen and Family Iver Raaen was born in 1825 in Norway and came to Dakota Territory in 1881. He squatted on land in the Sheyenne Valley 4Vi miles southeast of Pekin. He married Margrette Anderson in Iowa in the year 1856. His son Ole was born in Iowa in 1857 and came to Dakota Territory with the family from Iowa. He rode most of the way on horse back chasing a herd of cattle after the covered wagon. He squatted V4 section in 1881 now occupied by his daughter Dena Urvand and her son Orris Urvand. Front Row: Mr. and Mrs. Iver Raaen. 2nd Row: Mrs. Matt Arlien, Anton Raaen, father of Iver, Thoro, Mattie, Anne and Marie (Mrs. John Arlien). 3rd Row: Ole, father of Dina Urvand; Ingebregt and Ben, father of Henry and Irene.

-81- INGEBRIGHT I. RAAEN Ingebright I. Raaen, together with his mother and brothers and sister, arrived in Dakota Territory in June of 1881. He married Guri Martinson in June of 1888. They lived in a log house near the Sheyenne River until 1901 when a frame house was built near the site of the log house. The cost of the materials of the frame house was about $600. This house later became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Raaen and is at present the home of Gordon Raaen. Mr. I.I. Raaen was a farmer and served in various school, township, and church offices. He also managed the Bergen Shipping Assn. for a number of years. To their union were born the following children: Iver Raaen, 1889-1891; Ole Raaen, 1890-1963; Iver Raaen, 1892; Melvin Raaen, 1894-1971; Lillie Raaen (Mrs. Nels Bue) 1899-1971; Mancer Raaen, 1896-1923; Grace Raaen (Mrs. Thomas Pearson) 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Ingebright Raaen and Family Son of Iver Raaen. Taken in 1908. Ingebright, Grace (Mrs. Thomas Pearson), Guri, Mencer, Iver, Ole, Melvin, Lillie (Mrs. Nels Bue). OLE & ANNA RAAEN Mr. Ole Raaen was born on Oct. 13, 1890, the son of Mr. and Mrs. I.I. Raaen. He attended schools in Fargo and then spent eight years serving in IVER OLSON-RAAEN the U.S. Navy. He attained the rank of musician first class and served aboard Iver Olson-Raaen and his first wife In June of 1881, Mrs. Raaen and Mrs. the U.S.S. South Dakota and the U.S.S. and two sons left Norway for America in Pederson arrived by covered wagon and Arizona. 1853. Three months were spent in horses. Five of the Raaen children Ole married Anna Clauson from Iowa crossing the Atlantic. The two sons died accompanied them. They were: Ole (Spring Grove, Minn.) on Sept. 17, of cholera in Chicago, and his wife died Raaen, 1905; Anton Raaen, 1858-1908; 1921. They farmed on a 160 acre farm enroute to Iowa. Ingebright Raaen, 1868-1938; Bernt north of the Sheyenne River until 1938 In Iowa, Iver lived near the Waterloo (Ben) Raaen, 1870-1917; and Marie when they moved to the I.I. Raaen farm Ridge Church south of Spring Grove, Raaen (Mrs. John Arlien) 1875-1904. near the Sheyenne River. This is on the Minn., and on Sept. 26, 1856, Iver Gertrude Raaen arrived later with her site on which Ole's grandfather Iver married again. His second wife was husband Mr. Mathias Arlien. Olson-Raaen had homesteaded in 1881. Margaret Anderson-Boren. Anna passed away on March 26, In the spring of 1881 Iver Olson- 1954, and Ole on Sept. 18, 1963. Three Raaen, Halvor Holden, and Joe Peder­ In 1882 Iver Olson-Raaen, together with other pioneers, organized the sons were born to this union: Ida Raaen, son left Iowa to make their homes in 1922-1925; Gordon Raaen, 1925; and Dakota Territory. They came via train to Sheyenne Norwegian Evangelical Luth­ eran Congregation. Owen Raaen, 1933. Owen was married Valley City and from there walked to the to Dorothy Miller on August 9, 1959. Sheyenne Valley. They have two children, David and Ann Marie. Gordon has been a teacher in Phoenix, Ariz., for over 20 years. Owen worked for Reiten's Inter­ national Harvester (later Twete Inc.) for many years and is presently employed ! by Wil-Rich, Inc. * j.: J; J !

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Ole and Anna (Clauson) Raaen Gordon and Owen Raaen Owen Raaen Family

-82- John and Lydia Rickford in 1910 Overland

JOHN & LYDIA RICKFORD John Rickford was born to Bill and Maria Rickford on January 6, 1879 in Iowa. He came to Bergen Twp. in August and Jessie (Know) Rickford Nelson County in 1883. John married Lydia Tuftland, who was born in Bergen Twp. on April 1, 1888, and they farmed for many years Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Rickford before retiring and moving to Pekin. John T. Rickford and Lydia Tufteland John was very active in music, being were united in marriage Aug. 22, 1907, a member of the N.D. State Band, a at Lakota parsonage. They made their member of the first orchestra in the home in Bergan Township until 1945, community with his father, William, when they moved to Pekin. They have brother August and cousin Albert two children, Ethel and Vernon. Rickford. Later he lead his own family orchestra which included his son and daughter. He was also a very proficient piano tuner. Mr. and Mrs. William Rickford Lydia died in February of 1958 and Mr. and Mrs. William Rickford came John in August, 1959. They had two in a covered wagon to Bergen township children: Ethel (Mrs. Peter Paulson), from Casselton, Dakota Territory, in Port Angeles, Wash., and Vernon, who 1883. died in October, 1964. Both were Mrs. Rickford was born in Australia McVille High School graduates. in 1852. Mr. Rickford was born in Berlin in 1854. They were married April 6, 1876. They spent their entire lives on the farm they came to in Bergen. Mr. Rickford died in 1910 at the age Arthur Rickford, son of August of 56. Mrs. Rickford died Oct. 30, 1941 and Jessie Rickford at the age of 89 years and 9 months. They had five children: John, Minnie, Lizzie, August and Lena. John and Lizzie are the only members of the family living.

Elmer, llelva and Kay Randklev Red Randklev was a former Pekin barber. They are pictured on their 50th Mathias Rogness Family: Alfred, Gina, Peter, Willie, Ingvald, Mary, Wedding Anniversary. Martin, Olaf, Mr. and Mrs. Rogness.

-83- WILLIE ROGNESS FAMILY Willie, son of Mathias and Gina Rogness, married Bernice Rogness in 1936. Willie was born in this area on Feb. 29, 1908. Bernice was also born in this area on June 4, 1909. Willie has served on the Township Board and Farmers Union Board. They are retired now and live on the farm. Willie and Bernice had 2 sons and 2 daughters. They and their families are as follows: Laverne, born August 5, 1940, living Willie and Bernice Rogness at home. Geneva, born Feb. 11, 1942. Children Lori, Lynn, Jodi and Jamie. Living now in Lakota. Carol was born April 29, 1944. She married George Mertz in 1964. They have two children, Shonda and William, and now live in Bloomington, Minn. Willis was born December 19, 1946. He married Helen Larson in 1972. They have two children, Christina and Bryan and live in Cyrus, Minn.

IMHNMMBHMHI Laverne Rogness

Geneva, Lori, Lynn, Jodi and Jamie Haugen Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Rogness Mr. Rogness was born in Norway and came to this country in 1886 and homesteaded on land at Stump Lake in 1887. Mrs. Rogness was born at Rothsay, Minn. They raised a family of 8 children, 6 sons and 2 daughters. The sons are all living in the Pekin vicinity, one daughter lives in Canada. Gina, the youngest Willis, Helen, Christina and Bryan daughter, passed away 7 years ago. Mr. Rogness. and Mrs. Rogness spent their entire married life on their farm home by Stump Lake. Mrs. Rogness passed away July 24, 1938, at 67 years of age. Mr. George, Carol, Shanda and Billy Rogness passed away October 31, 1938, Mertz, 1973. at 79 years of age.

MARLO & KATHY ROGNESS Mario Rogness was born March 13, 1940 at the McVille Hospital. In 1977 he was married to Kathy, born Sept. 24, 1955, at Lakota. Now living in Pekin, Mario spent his life on a farm nearby and works for Richard Morken on the farm. They have two children, Craig Anthony Cooper (stepson), Lakota and Mr. and Mrs. Mario Rogness, 1977 Christopher Craig A. Christopher Lee Rogness, living at Lee Rogness Cooper home. -84- Conrad Scheetts CLARENCE 0. RUUD FAMILY Clarence Ruud was born March 22, 1903. He was married to the former Viola Selma Johnson, born Oct. 21, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Scheetts 1911, in McVille. They settled in the Mr. and Mrs. Ed Scheetts arrived in Pekin area in 1938 and farmed in Osago the Pekin area in 1944, taking up Twp. farming on the Bliss Farm. Mr. Scheett They moved from Pekin to Tolna in was born in Odessa, Russia, on Sept. 1966. Viola died on Feb. 4, 1973 and 11, 1897. Rose (Sander) Scheett was Clarence died July 1, 1976. born Feb. 16, 1897. They moved from The Ruuds had three children: Verna Pekin in October, 1964. CORNELIA BJERKE SEARS Marie (Gleason), and Grace Arlene The Scheetts had ten children, nine of (Twete), both living in Tolna; and Curtis whom are still living: Mrs. Walter Cornelia Bjerke was born in Brocket, Lane Ruud who lives in Mohall, N.D. (Barbara) Wilhelmi, Grand Forks; Si­ N.D., on Feb. 17, 1910. Her family mon, Bismarck; Francis, Newport News, moved to Pekin when she was three. Va.; Conrad, deceased Oct. 26, 1977; Cornelia was a teacher and married Roy Mrs. Frank (Christina) Schmidt, Ante­ Sears in 1942 and moved to rural lope, Mont.; Edmund, Pontiac, Mich.; Petersburg. Their four children are: Mrs. Leonard (Gertrude) Zahradka, Judith (Mrs. Gene Rose), Micland, West Fargo; Peter, ElDorado, Ark.; Mich.; Jean (Mrs. David Haugen), Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Sateren Anthony, Grand Forks and Gabriel, Anchorage, Alaska; Donald, Fargo, West Fargo. Elinora Malena Stenslie was born N.D. and Corrine (Mrs. James Iverson), March 7, 1917, in Hamlin Twp., to Tilda rural Petersburg, N.D. Vetern Nelson and John Albert Stenslie, on her grandfather, Lars Stenslie's homestead, which her father had bought from him when he was no longer able to care for it. She attended the McVille school and graduated in 1935. Arnold Sigfred Sateren was born Sept. 19, 1911 in Center Twp., to Bertina Flom and Erland Sateren, at the Pioneer Farm. Both Elinora and Arnold were the fifth children in their families. They were married Oct. 11, 1937. The first 11 Keith, Betty, Ray Seidlinger years they farmed for her mother on the Sateren Homestead and took care of his RAYMOND Y. SEIDLINGER mother, Bertina Sateren. Francis Now retired, Raymond J. Seidlinger, They then moved on to the Lier Farm Seidlinger son of Joseph W. Seidlinger, came to for two years. In 1951 they had a chance Pekin on Sept. 1, 1946. He is Past to buy a farm of their own, the Herman Commander of American Legion Post Johnson Homestead in Center Twp., 9 182, a member of the volunteer fire miles south of Mapes. They have lived department, has served as president, there ever since. secretary and treasurer of the Pekin Rod In 1973 they bought the Thorvald & Gun Club and was a Pekin City Rismon home in McVille. It was Alderman for 14 years. remodeled to include a garage and The elder Mr. Seidlinger died on Dec. dining area. They spend the winters in 1, 1973. McVille and the summers on the farm. Raymond and his wife, Betty Ann, They had no family of their own, but have three sons: Francis, married to many young children have shared their Adora Arellano Lirag, lives in Oxon home with them on the farm while they Hill, Md.; Raymond, married to Diane were growing up and they enjoyed Martinson, lives in Las Vegas, Nev., having them and loved them as if they Raymond with their daughter Julie Rae; and were their own. Seidlinger, Jr. Keith, who lives in Fargo, N.D.

-85- Clarence Oliver Skaalrud Family Mr. Skaalund was married to the former Mathilda Bertina Nesheim of Nesheim Twp., McVille, N.D. Oliver was born in New London, Minn. They arrived in the Pekin area in 1918 and farmed in Bergen Twp. and then Hauilin Twp. They moved into Pekin in 1928. Mr. Skaalund was a farmer, cream buyer and served as town marshal for several years. He is also remembered for his story telling. Mathilda was an accomplished cook, and cooked in the town restaurant. They were both mem­ Mr. and Mrs. Otto Sletten bers of Pekin Lutheran Church. Otto Sletten came from Norway at the Oliver passed away Oct. 19, 1955 and age of 10, to Cooperstorn, N.Dak. He Mathilda on Nov. 23, 1972. Rhonda Tweed, Reuchele Tweed homesteaded in Wells County at the age Their son Harold Edgar and his wife Ruth, Melvin, Carlen Skjerseth of 21. Mr. Sletten came to Pekin in Elfie, live in Moorhead, Minn. They are RUTH & MELVIN SKJERSETH 1906 from Manfred, N.Dak., and was the parents of two children: Bruce, a married to Marie Brekken on August 1, dentist and Barbara (Mrs. John Ruth Eliason graduated from Pekin 1907. They have six children: namely Stewart), a speech therapist who lives in High School in 1950, from Deaconess Baudette, Minn. Mildred, Orville, Thelma, Harold, Iva Hospital School of Nursing in Grand and Vernon. Forks in 1953. Ruth first married Reuben Tweed and they had two daughters: Reuchele and Rhona. Reuchele is a dietician at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, Mn., and Rhona is a senior at N.D.S.U. Ruth married Melvin Skjerseth in July, 1967. They have one daughter, Carlen Rae, born in March 1972. The Skjerseths are now residing in Lakota and farm near Brocket, N.D.

Joe Stahl

Oscar Solberg, a former Pekin mail carrier, his wife Emma, and son Robert.

FRANK STAHL FAMILY Frank Stahl was born April 18, 1861, at Sheboygan, Wis. He came to this country from Germany with his 4 brothers to take claims and homestead. Frank, Edmond and Thomas lived at Larimore. The other two brothers stayed back at the east coast and never really kept in contact. Frank married Pauline Russart, also of Sheboygan, Wis., on Jan. 18, 1887, at Kalor, Wis. Pauline was born Feb. 10, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stahl and Family They were farmers who pioneered the hardships of the early settlers and Frank Stahl homesteaded five miles south of Pekin in 1882. This family picture progressed with the years. Pauline was was taken in 1916. Front Row: Frank, William, Pauline. 2nd Row: Agnes, Francis, a great helper to people in need, and Katie, Mary, Thomas and Josie. was what they called a midwife. Frank Stahl died on June 20, 1925 at the age of 64; Pauline died July 17, 1944, at the age of 78.

-86- Francis and Alice Stahl FRANCIS STAHL FAMILY Francis Stahl was born Nov. 28, 1898, The William Stahl Family on his parent's pioneer farm in Bergen William C. Stahl was born April 2, Twp. and attended school there. On 1905, to Pauline and Frank Stahl, at July 1, 1935, he married Alice Stenslie their homestead in Bergen Twp., Nelson of rural McVille. They lived and farmed Lynn Stahl Family County. the Ben Raaen farm in Bergen Twp. for 3 years, and then rented the Robert Myrtle Clauson was born Aug. 20, Mueller farm in 1938, buying it some 1911, to Gurine and Christ Clauson, in years later. Pilot Mound Twp., Griggs County, on her folk's farm. Francis was a farmer and held the usual offices, school board, township They were married Sept. 12, 1934 at board, etc. When Highway No. 1 was Jessie, N.D. They took over the Stahl staked out he was asked to mow the Pioneer farm in Bergen Twp., and have roadbed from Pekin to Binford. He used lived there ever since. to kid about being head man when To them four children were born: Highway No. 1 was built the first time. William Jr., March 4, 1936; Dorothy, This was done with horse drawn mower. born Nov. 27, 1938; Jerome, born Dec. Francis passed away on May 30, S.F.C.6 Lynn F. Stahl receives 22, 1943 and Merlin, born Sept. 4, 1946. 1978. The children all attended country school Sentinel of Security A ward, Berlin, in Bergen Twp., and graduated from The Stahl's had two sons: Allen, born Germany, Sept. 8, 1977 McVille High School. William Jr. in Aug. 30, 1936 in Bergen Twp., at the 1954, Dorothy in 1955, Jerome in 1961 Ben Raaen farm. He graduated from and Merlin in 1964. Pekin High School and married Gale Olsgaard of Binford, N.D. on June 25, Dorothy went on to nurses training 1960. They'have two sons, Michael, in school at St. Joseph's in Grand Forks, his 2nd year at Flagstaff Univ., Arizona N.D. She married Robert Rebholtz in and Mark, a junior at Grand Forks California in 1963. They are now living Central. Allen has been with Border in Boise, Idaho, where he is in the cattle States Elec. Co. of Grand Forks for 21 ranching and management business. years and is a salesman on the road for They have their own passenger airline. them. His wife Gale, taught school at They have four children: Paul, Tom, the Grand Forks Air Base and also in Robert and Theresa. Grand Forks. Billy married Monica Apovitel in 1959. They had one daughter, Debra, Lynn Stahl was born Oct. 4, 1943 at and lived in Arizona until his death. Sharon, N.D. He graduated from Mc­ Ville High School, and married Nancy Merlin married Gale Berg in 1976. Delaney on Jan. 15, 1966 at Fort They live at Minot and have two Bcnning, Georgia. They have three children, Mathew and David. Jerome children: Christine, a freshman; Stephi- and Merlin are both engaged in ane and Michael Patrick in grade construction management. school. He joined the army in 1964, and at present the family is with him at St. Angelo, Texas, where he is attending school and will be teaching there. Nancy is a bookkeeper for a steel company. Stephiane and Michael were born at West Point, New York; Christine at Grand Forks Air Base. They spent three years in Berlin, Germany.

Mark Stahl I Billy, Debbie, Monica, Dorothy, Jerome Merlin, Myrtle & Wm. Stahl

-87- Left to right: Pauline Stahl, Frank Stahl, Anna Brekken, Thomas and Gertie Stahl. (Gertie & Tommy's 25th Wedding Anniversary.) THOMAS STAHL FAMILY Thomas William Stahl was born Dec. the transition from crank to dial Martin and Elizabeth Stahl 30, 1896. As a young man he was active telephones. Always active in the com­ in an organization called the Farmers munity, certainly she is remembered for Club. There he met Gertrude Brekken. the many readings she gave and skits They were married July 4, 1930. The she took part in at showers and other two of them started farming on what get-togethers. Born Dec. 20, 1902, they called the Evanstad place. Like Gertrude Tonia Brekken passed away everyone else who lived through the Dec. 25, 1971. depression years, Gertie and Tommy At age 18 Tommy had become school had "hard times." A son, Frank, was board clerk and continued to serve in born Sept. 28, 1932. When only four that capacity until the schools closed in years of age, Frank had a terrible 1959 or 60, about 45 years. After accident involving a horse that left him marrying Gertie, he served on the in a semi-comatose state for two township board and held several offices months. Miraculously he recovered in the Farmers Union Local. Along with completely. In 1940 the Stahls moved to many of his neighbors, he worked on the Bakke place 7 miles south of Pekin. the WPA project that built Tolna Dam. Shortly after the move, in the spring of He still resides on the farm south of the year, Frank contacted polio. Again Pekin with his son Frank. he was fortunate in that he recovered Frank hires out for seasonal farm without any of the crippling effects of work and rents the farmland to neigh­ the disease. On June 21, 1944, a bors. He presently serves on the daughter, Pauline, was born. Both township board. Frank and Pauline attended grade Pauline, after attending Mayville school in the Bergen schools and State College for 3 years, moved to graduated from Pekin High School. California, where she graduated from Before marriage, Gertie had attended San Jose State. She returned to North Concordia College several years, after Dakota to teach and her met her which she taught parochial school in her husband, Alan Bergman. They were neighborhood along the Sheyenne Ri­ married in 1970 and have four children: ver. Often during the years she was Halona, Alana, Larrin and Leah. The Francis and Beatrice (Stahl) Hoffelt called upon as "relief operator" in the Bergmans are third generation owner- Pekin telephone office. In 1961 she operators of their farm near Jud, North became head operator in Tolna during Dakota.

Back: Elizabeth, Joseph Front: Mrs. Edmund Stahl, Martin, Mr. Edmund Stahl See History next page

-88- MARTIN & ELIZABETH STAHL EDMUND STAHL FAMILY Born May 13, 1894, to Edmund and Barbara Stahl, early Nelson County Mr. Edmund Stahl was born in Koler, Wisconsin, Oct. 16, 1859, and died on June pioneers, in Bergen Twp., Martin Stahl 23, 1936. was married Feb. 14, 1917, to a young He came to Larimore in 1881 with only 50 cents. He spent one year for a Mr. rural school teacher in the area, Spade near Larimore. He came by oxen team to what is now Bergen Township, in Elizabeth Carroll, at Sanborn, N.D. She Dakota Territory, and filed on a claim. The first time he came to Bergen Township was born Aug. 10, 1894. from Larimore, he was taken across the Sheyenne River in a flat bottomed boat by Indians. He returned to Larimore where he spent two more years, earning money Both were public spirited individuals with which to purchase his first farming equipment. He hauled lumber from who spent their lives helping others, Larimore to build his claim shanty in which he batched for five years. becoming involved in all community, civic, and school affairs. They were He returned to Random Lake, Wisconsin, where he married Barbara Schrantz, devout members of their Catholic Feb. 26, 1889. They came to Lakota on March 10th, his bride's 22nd birthday. They church at Jessie, N.D. drove down to his home in a lumber wagon. The day was so warm that Mrs. Stahl wore a hat and a light cape. She thought she had come to a paridise. She was soon The Stahls had one daughter, Be­ to learn how quickly the weather could change in North Dakota. Three days later a atrice, who married Francis Hoffelt, terrific blizzard came and the snow covered the quilts on the bed in which Mr. Stahl raised a family of four children and lay sick with the Flu. They experienced many hardships and also many joys. They resides in Williston, N.D. lived on his homestead for 47 years, until his death. Martin Stahl died on Oct. 7, 1969 and Mrs. Stahl remained for another eight years on the homestead until failing health Elizabeth on June 19, 1970. caused her to go to a hospital in Valley City, where she spent the last 12 years, coming out to the homestead during the summer as long as she was able. She died June 29, 1956. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew Bolken) of Lakota. Joseph of Binford and Martin of Pekin.

LARS STENSLIE Lars Stenslie was born to Lizebeth Ols'dter Kirkbok and Mortin Mortenson Stens-lie at Haltolen, Norway, on Aug. 23, 1843. Lars, at the age of 17, left with two of his brothers, Ole and Anders, by way of Sweden, for America. In 1863 they came to Allmakee Co., Iowa. They had another brother, Peter, who had come to Waterloo-Ridge, Iowa, earlier, and was one of the first settlers there. Lars married Bereth Matts-dter Engels-vold in Iowa. Bereth was born March 31, 1843, probably in Norway. To them eleven children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Lars Stenslie and Family Lars Stenslie and family came to Pekin Territory in 1883 from Fargo, N.Dak., where he had lived for 9 years. Fargo at that time had only a store and a few shacks! This family picture was taken in 1901. Back Row: Carl, Albert, Martin, Helmer, Elim. Front Row: Ella Klefstad (Carl's wife), Beret, Oscar, Lars and Ludwig. Beret Mathiason Stenslie died in 1902. Lars died in 1931. One time Lars went to visit the Indians. They invited him to stay for dinner, so he Carl Stenslie & Ella Klefstad Family did. They had very good meat and he ate very heartily. Later they were smoking their pipes, the Indians asked Lars how he liked the skunk meat. Lars could no Carl Stenslie was born in Iowa on longer hold onto the meat he thought was so good. Sept. 18, 1872, married Ella Klefstad, born Aug. 29, 1875, on Dec. 31, 1900. Carl came to the Pekin area with his folks in about 1882. When he and Ella were married, they had one of the first houses in Pekin, and it is still in use in 1980. He ran a pool hall with his brother, Helmer, for some time in Pekin. He had also homesteaded north of McHenry. All of their 7 children were born in Pekin, N.D. Carl died in 1918 and Ella on May 24, 1955. Their children: Belva (Mrs. Elmer Randklev); Melvin, married Inez Berg- mark, died; Hamlin, born 1904, died 1911; Emma, born 1906, died 1917; Hilda (Mrs. Rodney Pulver, died in 1969; Esther, Mrs. Allen Carmondy, died in 1973, and Verna, Mrs. William Nelson of Spring Valley, Ohio. Melvin, Inez, Irene Stenslie Hilda (Stenslie) Pulver

-89- ALBERT & TILDA STENSLIE HELMER STENSLIE FAMILY Albert Stenslie was born in Fargo in Marie Odegaard and Helmer Stenslie March, 1873, and came to the McVille were married Jan. 29, 1908. Marie was area as a child, growing up in the born in 1882 in Nesheim Twp. Helmer community. He married Tilda Nelson, was from Hamlin Twp., and was a who was born in Dec. 1883, south of farmer. Marie was a milliner and Pekin. They farmed in the area all their seamstress. Helmer held township and lives. Albert died in 1935 at the age of school board offices over the years. He 62. Mrs. Stenslie moved into McVille had the pool hall in Pekin with his where she lived until 1977, when she brother for a time. In 1943 they moved passed away at the age of 94. to McVille. Helmer died June 4, 1953 They were the parents of eight and Marie on April 26, 1966. children: Leonard, Pekin; Kermit, Mc­ Their children include Harry, born Ville; Albin (deceased 1959); Myrtle April 30, 1909. He lives in Gulfport, (Mrs. George Opsahl), Mesa, Ariz.; Miss., with his wife, the former Helen Eleanor (Mrs. Arnold Sateren), Mapes Mentzs, and they have two children: and McVille; Ruth (Mrs. Sterling Tal­ Joan (Mrs. Elmer Bakke) of McVille, bot), McVille; Carl, Fargo, and Doris N.D., and Charles, Oklahoma City. (Mrs. Taylor), McVille. Alice was born June 23, 1911. She married Francis Stahl on July 1, 1935. II They have two sons, Allen and Lynn and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stenslie live in rural Pekin. James was born July 25, 1913, married Esther Rismon on Nov. 28, 1940. They have two girls, Vangie (Mrs. •'X^M KJ | David McConnell), of Lervestown, Mt., and Janice (Mrs. Kenneth Foster) of Redmond, Wash. James and his wife now live in Winnifred, Mont. Mabel was born April 11, 1916. She TJ'WPI now lives in Minneapolis and is married to Earle Messner. They have three girls, Faye (Mrs. Dick Stream), Lorrie Tilda Stenslie's 80th Birthday (Mrs. Jim Webster), and Lisa, all of Minneapolis.

Arnold and Elinora (Stenslie) Sateran

Helmer and Marie (Odegaard) Stenslie Albin Theodore Stenslie

Allen and Doris (Stenslie) Taylor Doris Stenslie Taylor Doris, the youngest daughter of Albert and Tilda Stenslie, worked in Fargo for nearly a year before moving to Minneapolis where she lived and work­ ed until after the death of her husband, Allen Taylor, in February, 1973, when Harry and Helen (Mentges) Stenslie she returned to McVille to live.

-90- Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Stenslie, Clifford, Evelyn, Arthur, Benora, Olga

William and Verna (Stenslie) Nelson and Ella Stenslie PAULINE & OSCAR STENSLIE Oscar Stenslie was born in Hamlin Twp., rural McVille. Pauline was born in Allamakee County, Iowa and they were married in LaCrosse, Wis. They moved to the Pekin area in about 1920 and into the town of Pekin in 1923. Mr. Stenslie farmed the first few years and later he served as a janitor in the Pekin School and in church. He also had the Evelyn, Clifford, Benora, Olga (Stenslie) dray barn for several winters. Mrs. James and Esther (Stenslie) Rismon Stenslie was a seamstress and sewed for James Stenslie and Esther Rismon many in this area. Oscar was known by were married on Nov. 28, 1940. They the name "Happy" and his son, Art, had two children, Vangie (Mrs. David was also called "Happy Stenslie." McConnell) of Lewistown, Mont. The Oscar passed away in Pekin in Nov. McConnell's have two children, Bryan 1938. Mrs. Stenslie moved to Fargo in and Christopher. the early 1940's and died they in May of Janice married Kenneth Foster of 1962. Winnefred, Mont. They also have two The Oscar Stenslies had five children: children, Carmon and Brett. Benora Stenslie of Pekin; Art of Des James Stenslie died on Sept. 17, Moines, Iowa; Evelyn (Mrs. George 1979. Hegvick), Fargo; Olga (Mrs. E.J. Seelye) deceased; and Clifford of Moor­ head, Minn.

Mr. and Mrs. Art Stenslie, 1964

BENORA STENSLIE Benora Stenslie was born in rural McHenry on July 19, 1915. Benora came with parents and brother to Pekin area in 1920 and lived in a new Earle and Mabel (Stenslie) Messner Oscar and Pauline Stenslie house built near the present Ingvald * Hoiberg farm. The house was moved to Mabel Louise Stenslie was born April Pekin in 1923 and the family lived there. 11, 1916, to Helmer and Marie Stenslie. Benora has been office clerk at Ar­ Her husband, Earle A. Messner, was mour's in Fargo, the Manchester Biscuit born Oct. 19, 1913, to Agnes (Stahl) and They lived in Minneapolis and Earle Co. in Fargo and at N.D.S.U. and in Albert Messner on a farm near Tolna, worked for General Mills for 25 years. Oregon. N.D. Earl passed away Aug. 1, 1976. Benora moved to Fargo in 1940, to Mabel and Earle were married at The Messners had three girls: Faye, Portland, Oregon in 1963, and returned Moorhead. Minn, on May 31, 1941. Maria, Lorrie and Lisa. to Pekin in 1972.

-91- Leonard Stenslie Family HAZEL EVELYN STENSLIE Hazel Evelyn Stenslie is married to George Hegvick and was a teacher in ANTON J. STROMME FAMILY rural Pekin. The Stenslie family moved to Fargo in 1943-44. Hazel and George's By Mrs. Oscar (Mabel) Stromme daughter, Mary Pauline, married Randy Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Stenslie Anton J. Stromme was born July 22, Kallod of Fargo, N.D. 1854, in Hyen, Nordfjord, Norway. He came to America when he was 26 years old, in 1880. He worked around at some odd jobs and then filed for a homestead on May 2, 1890, on the NW V* of Sec. 34, Twp. 149, range 60 in Bergen Twp., Nelson County, North Dakota. On July 4, 1897, he finally received the Receiver's Receipt for the NE% of LEONARD STENSLIE FAMILY Sec. 33, Twp. 160, Range 60, in Bergen Twp. 149, Rge. 60, for his tree claim Leonard Stenslie was born in Hamlin and received the patent on what they Twp. on June 1, 1907. Myrtle Ensrud call the tree claim on March 8, 1908, Stenslie was born in Wamduska Twp. containing 160 acres of land known as on Dec. 17, 1905. the tree claim. On Nov. 23, 1911, Anton Both grew up in the Pekin area and Stromme bought the E'A of the W'/i of were married on Nov. 26, 1928. Leonard Sec. 33, Twp. 149, Rge. 60, in Bergen got a job with the State Highway Dept. Twp., Nelson Co., N.D., containing 160 shortly after they were married and they acres. lived at McVille until moving to Pekin in CLIFFORD OBERLIN STENSLIE Anton J. Stromme married Kristianna 1934. He stayed with the Highway O. Solheim, also known as Kristina, Born in Pekin, N.D., Clifford Stenslie Dept. until 1941. date not known. married Mildred Bender. They left this After that he worked for Peavey There were 8 children born to the area in 1943-44. Clifford served in the Elevators for three years, then was Anton and Kristina Stromme union, U.S. Navy and was office manager for called to work for Archie Campbell on namely: Oscar A. Stromme, Aug. 17, Gibb Plumbing & Heating and a construction of airports and roads. He 1887, married Mabel M. Know on Nov. draftsman for Johnson Electric. served in the Navy from 1943-1945, and 11, 1919. (See next history) Their son, Ronald Clifford, is a following that worked two years for Karen Marie Stromme, born May 6, student at Moorhead State College. Fred and John Combs of Minneapolis 1889, married Albert J. Hanson. They on radar stations at Finley and Minot, had two sons and three daughters, painting and sheet rock work. Leonard namely Clarine Mildred, born Oct. 1, worked two years for Smith Brothers of 1915, wed Clarence Jacobson; Joel Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, painting at Arvid born April 10, 1917; Eunice Rivcrdalc, N.D. He started his own Winnifred born July 8, 1920, wed paint crew for contract work in Pekin Stanley Kirkeby, had two daughters, territory which lasted ten years. He had one died in infancy; lona Eileen, born Stump Lake Park for six years, and also Nov. 20, 1921, wed Albin Bjornson, had spent six years as custodian at the Tolna one son and some girls - do not know the School, after which he retired. number; Leland Monroe, married a girl The Stenslies were blessed with two named Evelyn from Hillsboro. sons, Alton and Donald. Alton lives in Minneapolis; he married Virginia Scho- Ida Sophia Stromme, born Oct. 30, enborn and they have two sons, Steven 1892, married Victor Knauff. They had and Douglas. Alton works as mortgage one daughter, Phyllis Victoria. Ida counselor at the North Star Abstract and became postmistress at Glyndon for Title Guarantee Co. many years. She died on Feb. 2, 1980, in Gulfport, Minn., where they had Donald lives in Grand Forks; he lived for many years. married Janice Ham and they have three children; David, Jay and Nancy. Edwin J. Stromme was born April 1, Donald works for the Internal Revenue 1895, on the home farm in Bergen Twp., Service. Nelson County, N.D. He married Hilma Petra Miller in the spring of 1921. Ronald Stenslie The Stenslies celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1978. Contd.

-92- MR. & MRS. LEWIS SUTTON Helen Bjorlie was born March 30, 1923, in Bergen Twp. She married Lewis Sutton of Hunter, N.D., on Sept. 20, 1947. Lewis was born June 3, 1916. They have four children: Linda (Mrs. Tim Folk), William, Robert and Ross. Lewis Sutton died on October 24, 1971. Helen teaches home economics at the Dakota School District in Arthur, N.D. She lives on a farm near Hunter, N.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Stromme Family, Bergen Township About 1907

Hilma Miller was born Jan 13, 1900 in Griggs Co., North Dakota. Edwin and Hilma divorced. She died Oct. 19, 1965. They had two sons, Edwin A. who lives in Momence, 111., and Howard C, who NELS NELSON TANDBERG lives in Brainard, Minn. Albert K. Stromme, born Oct. 27, Mr. Tandberg was born in Modum, 1900. He married Martha Miller. They Norway, on May 4, 1894. He arrived in divorced and he died in 1979 in the Pekin area on March 12, 1912, California. They had no children. settling in Nelson County, Osago Twp. Obert Stromme was born July 9, Mr. Tandberg was a grain hauler for 1904, married Estella Hovel. He died local and area farmers. June 18, 1970. They had no children.

OSCAR STROMME The parents of Oscar John Stromme, the son of Anton and Kristianna Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Stromme and Stromme of Hyen, Nordfjord, Norway, son, Omar bought the farm in Bergen Twp., Oscar Stromme and his wife Mabel Nelson County, N.D., from the heirs of had one son, Omar A., who took over the Anton J. Stromme family, his the farm and finally bought out the father, in 1940. brothers and sisters and after Oscar's Oscar Stromme was born on his death the farm reverted to his son, parents farm on Aug. 17, 1885, and Omar, who has been farming it unti he lived there all his life. He died on Aug. rented it out to his neighbor, Dwight 10, 1972. He was a member of the Arlien. Norwegian Sheyenne Lutheran Church A brother, Edwin Stromme, lives with and was confirmed there by Rev. S.S. Omar and his mother, Mabel. Wold. He married Mabel M. Know on OLE & CLARA TANDBERG Nov. 19, 1919, in Fargo, N.D. Mabel Ole Tandberg was born in Norway on Know was a stenographer, abstractor and court reporter; also a bookkeeper Oct. 19, 1886, and came to the United for the firm Attorneys Brick & Kelly. States, Nesheim Twp., Pekin, N.D. in 1906. Later he homesteaded in South Oscar held no public office except a Dakota where he farmed until 1928 term as township road boss. He was a OLIVER SUNDRE FAMILY when he returned to Bergen Twp., member of the Pekin, N.D. Band which farming there until his retirement. played at many of the local parks for Born March 20, 1892 at Gary, Minn., He married Karen Bjerke, who was picnics and when state officers spoke at Oliver Sundre married Bertha Syverson, born in Norway on July 17, 1891. They the parks. He played cornet and often born Dec. 23, 1907 in Benson County, had four children: Arnold, Palos Park, played at the nearby towns for local N.D., and they moved to Pekin in 111.; Orville, Aurora, Colo.; Edna (Mrs. celebrations and for our best governor, August, 1939, where Mr. Sundre was a S. Ward Huntley), Hoyt Lakes, Minn., Bill Langer. grain buyer. While living in Pekin, Mr. and Einar, who died in 1946. Karen died Oscar lived in this community of Sundre served on the Town Board. in 1935. Bergen Twp. all his life and farmed for They left the Pekin community in Ole married Clara Shedd on Sept. 29, his father most of the time except when August, 1943. Oliver Sundre died on 1939 and they had one daughter, Carol he rented a farm for himself nearby Oct. 31, 1976. (Mrs. Jerry Sand), who lives on the until his father begged him to come The Sundre's had two children: Orlo home farm. back and farm the home farm. A. Sundre of Portales, New Mexico and Ole died January 7, 1975 and Clara is His father died in 1940 and his Betty L. (Sundre) Swenson, now living presently living at the McVille Friend­ mother in 1937. in Houston, Texas. ship Manor. -93- Mr. and Mrs. Erland P. Tangen Erland P. Tangen was born February 2, 1862, and Mrs. Tangen January 28, 1855, both in Lesjeskogen, Gudbrans­ dalen, Norway. He came to America in Andreas P. Tangen Family ' the year of 1884 to Canton, S.D., and Mr. and Mrs. Andreas P. Tangen later that same year to North Dakota Andreas P. Tangen was born December 31, 1871, in Lejaskogen, Gudbransdalen, where he homesteaded in Osago Town­ Norway. He came to America and homesteaded 4Vi miles SE of Pekin. Sena ship in Nelson County. A few years later Engebretson was born April 16, 1872 in Lejaskogen, Norway, and she came here in built their home in Hamlin Township. 1900 and they were married by Rev. Lundeby on July 25, 1900. Their address was He was married to Margrete Morken Harrisburg. They lived here until Mr. Tangen suffered a paralytic stroke, 1932. August 25, 1886. They had five children They were blessed with 8 children. Peder, who passed away August 4, 1955. and one foster son all living. Mr. Minnie Elisc who died in infancy, Minnie Polis, Ella Loe, Einar on the home farm, Tangen passed away Dec. 19, 1939 and Arnot and Crystal Enstad all of Pekin, and Alpha Dezatell of Grand Forks. Mr. Mrs. Tangen May 8, 1942. Tangen passed away December 20, 1943 and Mrs. Tangen 3 months later, February 11, 1944.

EINAR & PHYLLIS TANGEN ARNOT S. TANGEN Einar Tangen, son of Andreas and Arnot S. Tangen was born Sept. 29, Sena Tangen, was born July 12, 1908, in 1910 at the home of his parents, Andrew the Pekin area. He married Phyllis and Sina Tangen, The Evergreen Farm. Talbot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed He lived and farmed in Pekin, Osago Talbot, who was born in the McVille Twp., all his life. area on July 27, 1913. Mr. Tangen served in the army in The Tangens settled on the Evergreen World War II in Europe and Africa. He Farm in Osago Twp. Einar's occupation was commander of the Pekin Legion for was farming and carpenter work. They many years. He bought the Lars farmed until 1959. Then they worked in Bergsrud house which was new, in Pierre, S.D., moved to Grand Forks for 1962. 8 years, and later built a beautiful home Arnot Tangen died on Oct. 18, 1979. in McVille and moved there in 1973 His house was sold to Ua Halvorson on when they retired. They belong to the Dec. 15, 1979. McVille Lutheran Church. Arnot Tangen never married. He Einar and Phyllis were married on Arnot Tangen, 1976 belonged to the Sheyenne Lutheran Oct. 22, 1936, and celebrated their 25th church where he was baptized and Anniversary on Sept. 2, 1962. Einar confirmed. passed away on Sept. 18, 1976. The Tangens had two daughters, Beverly (Thiesen), The Dalles, Oregon and Judith (Dahlcn), Fordvillc, N.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Einar Tangen Beverly (Tangen) Thiesen Judith (Tangen) Dahlen

-94- Mr. and Mrs. Simon A. Tangen and Family Simon A. Tangen was born Sept. 4, 1865, in Lesjeskogen, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway. He came to America in 1886. Homesteaded in Osago Township, Nelson County, on the farm where he lived until his death on July 10, 1929. He married Anna Marie Brekken, and ten children were born to them, all living except Christopher who passed away March 29, 1929. Mrs. Simon Tangen was born on February 26, 1871, in Worth County, Iowa. She came to North Dakota by covered wagon, with her mother and brothers in 1884. She lives on the homestead where she has been for about 64 years. (Boys in picture are Peter and Christopher.)

MR. & MRS. EDGAR R. TANGEN Mr. and Mrs. Edgar R. Tangen were Sons and daughters of Andreas and married Sept. 28, 1940. Since then they Sina Tangen, taken August, 1952: left to have farmed in Hamlin Twp. and own right, front row: Alpha, Ella, Crystal, the former Erland P. Tangen farm. Minnie; back row: Einar, Arnot, Ingvard Edgar was born in Osago Twp. to and Peder. Simon P. and Anna Brekken Tangen. He attended grade school at Divide #1 and graduated from the Pekin High School. He also attended Aaker Busi­ ness College in Grand Forks. Iris was born at Hamar, N.D.; her parents were Clarence and Jennie Anderson Brudeseth. She graduated from Hamar High School, attended Simon Tangen Family Mayville State College and taught school for several years. Edgar has served on township and church boards. Presently he is a / member of the Nelson County Social Service Board. They are members of the Sheyenne Lutheran Church where Iris was organist for sometime.

MISS MABEL TANGEN Mabel Tangen was born October 21, 1894 in Osago Township. She and her mother moved to Pekin in the fall of 1963 where Mabel cared for her mother THE PEDAR A. TANGEN FAMILY until her death on October 4, 1968 at the age of 97 years. Mabel now resides in Pekin. Sharryn [Tangen] & George Beckman Sharryn (Tangen) Beckman was born in Fargo, N.D., on Sept. 20, 1937. She lived in Pekin from March 1937 until her marriage in June 1957, to George Beckman of Tolna. Sharryn is a house­ wife and George farms. She attended UND and was formerly employed at the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Tolna. Sharryn has been very active in church work, serving as Sunday school teacher and Superintendent, church and Peder A. Tangen was born in the choir treasurer, member of ALCW and Pekin area. He married Edith Glans in ladies chorus. She also served for 3 Sept., 1926. He was an electrician and PERDIN & CORA TANGEN years as a den mother for the Lakota past president of the Electrical Assn. Perdin Tangen was born in North- Cub Scouts. He died of a heart attack on August 4, wood on Oct. 31, 1899. His wife Cora The Beckmans now reside near 1955. was born Sept. 1, 1904, at Aneta, N.D. Lakota and farm the Stromdal Farm on Mrs. Tangen was born in the Tioga The Tangen's moved to Pekin on Stump Lake. area. She taught school at Pekin and June 18, 1966, and retired. Their They have four children: Steven Tolna. She became postmaster at Pekin Golden Wedding Anniversary was cele­ Bryan, who attends Valley City State in 1942, serving for 28 years. Following brated June 4, 1975. Mr. Tangen died College majoring in music; Shari Lynn, her retirement in 1970, she moved to on June 1, 1976. who is enrolled in the medical assistant Grand Forks, where she still resides. program at the AVTI in East Grand They had one daughter, Sharryn, who The Tangens had two sons: Gary R. of Forks, Minn; Scott Darrin, a student at was born in Fargo, N.D. She married Washburn, N.D., and William A., Lakota Junior High, and Stuart Dayton, George Beckman, and they live on a Grand Forks, N.D. a student at Lakota Grade School. farm near Lakota, N.D.

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\\mW-- ** '"jfl wLwk /"t~i Tsf11 • t T UtkU* •WKHI "r Mr. and Mrs. Sivert Thorson and Family Sivert Thorson was born in Ulvundfjorden, Stangviks Parish, Nordmore, Norway, on August 21, 1861, and died on June 21, 1938 at the age of 76 years and 10 months. At the age of seven years he came with his mother to Chippewa County, Minn., and lived there until the summer of 1883 when he came to North Dakota (then Dakota Territory) and filed on a homestead in Forde Township, where he lived until his death, with the exception of five years that he lived in Pekin. He was married to Betsy Erickson on May 30, 1888, and they were blessed with eight children, all of whom survive him with the exception of one son, Selmer, who died in infancy. Surviving are two sons, Edwin and Theodore, residing on the home ALBERT 0. TASTAD farm; Gina, Mrs. Martin Flaagen, Pekin; Anna, Mrs. S. O. Hoveskeland, Hamar; Albert Tastad was born August 30, Ida, Mrs. Gilbert Dakken, Pekin; Bergetta, Mrs. Oliver Twete, Tolna; Paula, Mrs. 1915 in Leonard Township, Rolette Melvin Tangen, Pekin. There are 31 grandchildren. County, Rolette, North Dakota. He Mrs. Sam Thorson was born January 25, 1862 and she died November 3, 1931. At arrived in Pekin in September, 1956, present Benhard Flaagan is living on his grandfather's home place. and took the post of Pastor at the Pekin Lutheran Church. Rev. Tastad received his B.A. Degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1946. He graduated from Luther The­ ological Seminary in St. Paul in 1949. Prior to moving to Pekin he served as pastor in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood, Wash. (1949-1953), Lost River, Alaska (1953-1955), Brevig Mis­ sion, Alaska (1955-1956). He also served with the 178th Field Artillery in the North African and Italian Campaigns from 1941-1945. Tonasson Family

Mr. and Mrs. Thorbjorn Tharaldson Thorbjorn Tharaldson was born in Sauda, Telemarken, Norway in 1850. He came to America with his parents at the age of 12. He grew up on a farm in Minnesota and later took a homestead where Grand Forks now is, which is where he met his future wife, Inga Johnson. He sold his homestead at Grand Forks and came by covered wagon to N.D. about 1886 or 87. He took Henry and Angie Turcotte a tree claim in Dayton Township. It was MORITZ & LORRAINE ffONASSON this same year he married Inga John Mr. and Mrs. fonasson have lived in son. They were blessed with 6 children, the Pekin area since Sept. 15, 1980. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Turcotte three of whom died while quite young. They are the owners of E.M.J Market. The other three are Clara Tharaldson of Moritz was born in Mountain, N.D. on Now retired and spending winters in Minneapolis, Mrs. L.S. Johnson (Pearl) Oct. 4, 1922 and Lorraine in Gardar, Arizona, Henry and Angie (Gutting) of Lakota, and Henry Tharaldson of The N.D. on April 15, 1929. Turcotte were both born in Tolna. Their Dalles, Oregon. occupation was farming and raising Thorbjorn Tharaldson died in Dayton They are the parents of eight children: turkeys. Township in 1912 at the age of 62 and James, Jay, Paul, Margaret and Ann, The Turcotte's had one son, Dick, his wife died in 1918 at the age of 54. allot'Pekin; Dale of Fairfield, Ca., Jerry now living in New Rockford. He has four One of their grandsons, Oscar John­ of San Francisco, Ca., Jackie (Mattias) children: Mary Jo, Patty, Terry and son, is now living on the old home place. of South San Francisco, Ca. Scott.

-96- Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Tornlund and Family He came to Dakota Territory from Sweden with his wife and two little girls in 1882. Filed on a homestead and moved there from Grand Forks in the fall of 1882. No neighbors for two years. All who were here settled along the Sheyenne River. While he found a quarter bordering on a school land section, which was very good for pasture. He worked in Stockholm before he married Edla Erickson. While in Stockholm he was laid up with rheumatic fever and then again after being married four years another siege of rheumatic fever laid him up for a year. In 1882 he was told that America was a very good place for making a home. After coming across the ocean and continuing on westward with his family, he worked part of the time and also looked around for a location to get a good farm. Mr. I. Raaen, who already had settled by the river, came to Grand Forks in the fall of 1882 and took all our stuff: trunks, stove, etc., by team and wagon out to the Tornlund Family homestead, in Osago Township, later known as Nelson County. He still was troubled with rheumatism, asthma, and heart ailments so he spent much time in many places, seeing doctors but seemingly found no relief, then he went to Washington, and Portland, Oregon, to try change of climate; while there he was bedridden with the final effects of his ailments and succumbed to them there, in the fall of 1905. His family remained here, and did all possible to provide means for him and to encourage him in those trying years of sickness; his daughters names belong in the pioneer list: Hulda and Emelia.

NELS & DENA URVAND Born Sept. 12, 1873, in Trojen, Georgene, Orville, George, Tilda, Norway, Nels Urvand came to Nelson Gordon, Manfred, Vilas, Myron County in 1903. On April 7, 1908, he married Dena Raaen, who was born in GEORGE & TILDA WALHOOD Bergen Twp. on April 9, 1889. They George A. Walhood, son of Ole and farmed in several different locations in Marie Stcne Walhood, was born in a sod the McVille area, including the Kabeary house on the Nesheim-Bergen Twp. line farm (Fred Bothun farm) which he on September 25, 1887. From the sod Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Turcotte farmed with his brother Lars, and where house they moved Vi mile to where the the two oldest girls were born. Denella home place was built up, or later known Cyril Turcotte was born in Quebec, was born when they lived on a farm in Canada, March 6th, 1846. He came to as the Oran Walhood farm. He re­ Nesheim Twp., and Lester was born on membered well the snow storm of 1896 North Dakota in 1882, spent 3 years at what was called the Moen farm in the Thompson, N.D., came to Nelson when the side-hill stable was buried in Sheyenne River Valley. Later they snow so deep it took them three days to County in 1885. He settled on the shore moved to the Raaen homestead, child- of Stump Lake on the Sisters of Mercy get it shoveled out so cattle and horses hodd home of Mrs. Urvand. could get air. All were alive but would farm where he lived for 10 years. They Mr. Urvand died Feb. 14, 1941, and came to North Dakota with the first not have been had it taken much longer. caravan of the Wrought Iron Range Mrs. Urvand on Feb. 13, 1974. George attended school at the ne­ Company of St. Louis. They had seven children: Mrs. Omar sheim school and then went to Bruflat (Magna) Fitcher, deceased; Mrs. Ken­ Academy at Portland, N.D., before In 1895 he bought the Fred Hall farm neth (Lenora) Keisacker, Lakota; Mrs. 2Vi miles north of Pekin. His wife was teaching school for one year in Osago Sam (Denella) Bakke, McVille; Lester, Twp. He then worked in his dad's store Celeniere Turnelle of Canada. They had McVille; Oris, deceased; Norma, de­ 9 children, 4 of whom are still living. in Pekin (O. Walhood General Merchan­ ceased; and Mrs. Oren (Iris) Resindahl, dise) for several years. When the Pekin In 1922 Mr. Turcotte retired and Kloten, N.D. moved to Fargo, where he lived until band was organized, which later became 1938 when he died. the N.D. State Band, George was For many years his son Arthur actively involved. This band was dis­ Turcotte lived on the home farm. After banded at the time of W.W. I. his death in 1949, his daughter Mr. and In 1916 he married Tilda Arlien, Mrs. Bennie Ensrud moved there, RUTH & LESTER URVAND daughter of John and Marie Arlien and where they still reside. began farming on the eastern edge of Both born and raised in the Pekin Bergen Twp. They were the parents of Surviving children of Cyril Turcotte area, Nelson County, Ruth Brekken and are Mrs. Olaf Quam of Pekin, N.D., Lester Urvand were married in 1940. six children born in Bergen Twp.: Mrs. Mary Finlayson of Montreal, They farmed in the Pekin and McVille Orville, Portland, Or; Manfred, Leon­ Quebec, Mrs. Josephine Marcoux of vicinity until 1958, when they moved ard, ND; Gordon, Albequerque, NM; Great Falls, Mont., and Cyril C. into the city of McVille. Lester works for Vilas, Bakersfield, CA; Myron, Hills, Turcotte of Devils Lake, N.D. Cyril C. the Nelson County Highway Dept. and CA; Georgene (Mrs. Roy Towne), Santa Turcotte sold Home Comfort Ranges to Ruth for Implement dealers and cooks Monica, CA. many of our pioneer families. in the McVille school. At the age of 21 years George bought He used to drive a team of horses for They raised three sons: Larry of his first steam outfit, threshing with Dr. Arneson several winters through Richville, Minn.,; Richard of McVille, steam till 1929. He was a member of huge drifts but they always managed to N.D., and Mark of Devils Lake, N.D. Sheyenne Lutheran Church where he get through before the new arrival. They have five grandchildren. Contd. -97- sang in the choir for 31 years, served on SpifJ s the church council, and was township assessor for many years. He worked hard for the Bergen Community Club and the organization called "Boost the Farmers Holiday." He was employed at the McVille State Bank for a year as assistant cashier. In 1939 the family moved to Leonard, N.D., and quit farming because of health problems. Later they moved to Seattle, Wash., where they lived for four years, moving back to North Dakota to a home they had purchased at Sheldon, N.D. There they continued to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Vrem and Family live until 1973, when they moved to Hillcrest Manor at Enderlin where The Ingebret Vrem family lived in Boe Herrid, Telemarken, Norway. Paul, one of George passed away on June 4, 1975. eight children, embarked on a sailing vessel in 1867 and came to the United States He is buried in the Sheyenne Cemetery. settling in Dutch County, Minnesota. Through the 14 years they lived in Minnesota Mrs. Walhood continues to reside at the family endured many hardships including a three day snow storm which left Hillcrest Manor. them with little for survival. In 1881 he moved to Pekin in Nelson County and settled near the Sheyenne River. In 1888 he married Lena Halstein. To their union they bore four children, Alma, James, Alvin and Tilda. They first lived in a log house in the woods, later building a house on a clearing a short distance from the old location. Mrs. Paul Vrem passed away when Tilda was a baby leaving her family without a wife and mother. After several strokes, Paul Vrem passed away December of 1931 at the age of 73.

OLIVER & HILDA WALHOOD The oldest son of Ole and Mary Walhood was Fred Oliver Walhood, born May 16, 1886, in a sod house across the coulee just east of the old George Walhood farm. He spent the first years of school at Bergen #1 staying with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Lyshagen, who lived south of the schoolhouse on the hillside. Then he finished grade school at Norway #2, going from the Ole Walhood farm which had been established with a small house and barn. He extended his education at Bruflat Academy, Portland, N.D., where he took undertaking and photography. Cyrus Walhood F. O. and Hilda Walhood Oran Walhood Following that he took a business course at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. He had his undertaking and photo­ graphy business upstairs in the Scan- sen-Walhood Store in Pekin. (The old Hardware Store building). CYRUS & CLENORA WALHOOD In 1908 or so Ole Walhood traded his and he entered one ewe lamb each at share in the business for a farm in the Grand Forks State Fair in 1925. Bergen Twp., and Oliver started farm­ Oran's ewe got second place in its class, ing the old Ole Walhood farm in and the ewe Cyrus entered won first Nesheim Twp. On Dec. 21, 1910, he prize in the Junior Class. Then he married Hilda Skaalrud at Pekin. They entered it in the open class and won had four children: Cyrus and Oran, Grand Championship on his 13th birth­ Portland, Ore., Mary Barbara and day. Vernon Harding who died in infancy. On March 25, 1940, Cyrus married Hilda passed away Oct. 31, 1932. In Clcnora Bergstrand, daughter of John June, 1936, Oliver married Delia Carter and Clara Bergstrand of McVille. They of Provo, Utah. In the spring of 1941, he lived at Fisher, Minn., where he was moved the implement business that he employed, moving back to the Pekin had started in 1929 from the farm to Cyrus Walhood Family area late that fall. In May of 1941, they Pekin where it was called F. 0. Cyrus Rudolph Walhood was born moved to Pekin and started in the F.O. Walhood & Son, his son, Cyrus, going July 15, 1912, the oldest child of Oliver Walhood and Son Implement business, into business with him. and Hilda Walhood. He was raised on moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1959. Oliver passed away Dec. 31, 1950, the farm and went through grade school They are the parents of seven and the implement business continued at Norway #2 in Nesheim Twp. At the children: Fred, Steven, Dale, Wesley, to be run by Cyrus under the name, age of 12 he joined the Bergen Twp. Cheryl, Michael and Daniel. Cyrus Walhood Implement, until 1959, when Junior Sheep Club (later changed to passed away very suddenly on May 8, they moved to Portland, Oregon. Shcvcnne Livewires). His brother Oran, 1980.

-98- KEN'S Soren's Standard Jack § Jill NELSON COUNTY Oil Products CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ABSTRACT IS ALWAYS FIRST Linda C. Matejcek and Service Lakota, North Dakota Lakota, North Dakota 58344 -I E.M.J. Market GUTTING DRUG \ Mootl Motor j

GROCERIES - MEATS LAKOTA, NORTH DAKOTA PRODUCE | & Implement : 'Your Family Health Center' Pekin, N.D. 296-4474 Lakota, N.D.

LAKOTA AMERICAN Lefty's Bar j MILLER'S INN • • Official Nelson County Newspaper STEAKHOUSE& LOUNGE IVlyrna McHugh, Owner • Lyle & Ellen Pederson Lakota, North Dakota • 247-2711 LAKOTA, N.D. Publishers • •4 4 • Arlene's Grocery LAKOTA {Binford Farmers Union • toGoast } Grain Co. Groceries • Produce FEED « SEEDS • FERTILIZER Fresh Meats Neil & Lavon Dardis Lonnie Fiebiger, Mgr. 247-2552 Lakota, N.D. 1 247-2837 Lakota Glenn Paulson, Asst. Be sure to pick up your copy of Cliff Foreng's "SING ALONG BOOK" during the Jubilee Celebration *S/packet T Peavey Company • Joe Lamb Oil & Supply Peavey Producer Service OLDSMOBILE J.I.Case - Massey Ferguson Sales & Service McVille, North Dakota Steiger-Wilrich Phone 701-322-5512 259-2121 MICHIGAN, N.D. t

Ijj McVille • •"•JQ Our Own Hardware, Inc. NESS Housewares & Gifts • Hardware PRINTING CO. Lawn/Garden Supplies • Sporting Goods • Tools • Paints • Plumbing • Electric Appliances HIGHWAY 20 NORTH 322-5667 McVille, ND DEVILS LAKE, N.D. 58301 PHONE 662-2552

-99- Ressler's Super Valu • JOE'S BAR • • Ovy & Kathy Aaser 3224733 SUPER VALU McVille

McVille, North Dakota For All Your Grocery Needs McVille Congratulations From • Farmers Union Oil Co. ROY'S GARAGE • Wjffl • TRACTOR & AUTO SERVICE Roy Polis, Proprietor McVille, North Dakota Pekin, N.Dak. Congratulations Pekin $ Community Gary's Service on their 75th Anniversary * of Warwick Oil • STATE HIGHWAY Mobilgas - Mobiloil - Mobil Tires • Complete Lubrication Service DEPARTMENT BULKS RETAIL Harold Enstad - Brian Messner Warwick, N.D. 294-2571

Hot Water, Forced Air and Electric Heating If you want to get 'clipped' • Central Air Conditioning - Sheet Metal Work Chuck's Heating Stop in at & Air Conditioning ELMER'S BARBER SHOP CHARLES WONSER Lakota, North Dakota 322-4715 McVille, N.D.

• International Harvester - New Holland QUAHBECK'S • • Variety & Jewelry • TWETE INC. • • McVILLE, N. D. GIFTS - CHINA - WATCHES 701 - 322-4471 • ® DIAMONDS Melroe, Dual, Farmhand, Crown, McVille 322-4442 • ± Herman Harrows -100- I Minnuz i STONIM*S0N J | "Where Good Friends Meet" • Robert GIGOSOII \ • * i i • Roger Halvorson, Proprietor • General Building Construction • • TOLNA, N.D. 262-4718 t 262-4704 TOLNA, N.D. J j Hamar Co-op j Vern's Repair j { Elevator • TRACTOR STRUCK SERVICE I I Eicvuiur | McVille, North Dakota j | Myron Papachek, Manager • Vernon Japel, Owner • { Phone262-4447 Hamar, N.D. } Phone322-5554 I

j Tolna Public School j j where Your children } Terence P. Deuine X • Are Educated • • | TOLNA, NORTH DAKOTA { I

• — Lee Breckheimer — { Edlund Motors, Inc. j j SUNFLOWER SEED SALES j CASE & NEW HOLLAND

TOLNA, NORTH DAKOTA j BMofd§ N D 7Q] . m_m] \

\ FARMERS & jJOHNER'S FAIRWAY! | /MERCHANTS BANK j Extends Congratulations To j j cooperstown,N.D. eiKlort. I Pekin, North Dakota j j phone 797-3448 Phone^si t on their 75th Anniversary I | F&M INSURANCE \ Byron & EvieJohner |

-101- f T /A FULL (SERVICE • BANK/® • • bLttm • m STATE BANK OF • • • Michigan, N. Dak. /// LAKOTA •

• jet ike & itu Since 1900 omnium ED T0UTGES, OWNER t • YOUR Congratulations to Pekin • NAPA ONE STOP • AUTO-TRACTOR JOBBER Diamond Jubilee •r 9 MACHINE • \SHOP • \fgfa LAKOTA PARTS • Pekin Post Office Staff • — & SERVICE Miles Burthold - Rural Carrier Osborne Brekken - Sub. Rural Carrier • Phone 247-2266 Betty Ann Bina-Clerk • Virginia Enstad - Postmaster ALL NEW MODERN MACHINERY GROTHBERG • ELECTRIC, INC. McVi££e Stateftanh ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING • See us for "Off Peak Heating" • MEMBER FDIC i Commercial or Residential McVille, North Dakota 58254 • Licensed & Bonded 5 Roland Enstad 701 • 322-4345 845-3010 Valley City, N.D. • • •- • "t- 1 Lakota • Electric Appliance Repair • Sutttac IKK Verdun L. Burkland FULLSERVICE MOTEL • Lakota, North Dakota • Open 24 Hours J Amana - Tappen - Speed Queen - Sylvania • • Bernice Johnson & Barry Sundeen PHONE 247-2931 Lakota, North Dakota • MODERN For your Dancing or Listening Pleasure WALTZES COUNTRY Cliff Foreng's Music - - Devils Lake, N.D. POLKAS

-102- Congratulations To The City of Pekin On Their ERNIE'S BAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY from "Where The Elite Meet" Dean, Norma, Teresa, Michael & Debby HAMAR Trost NORTH DAKOTA McVille, North Dakota r CONGRATULATIONS PEKIN Michigan Implement ON YOUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY Congratulations to Pekin on their 75th Anniversary LAMB'S BANK Michigan, N.D. JOHN DEERE & VERSATILE 1900-1981 Jim & Norma Vasichek MEMBER FDIC Happy 75th Anniversary to Pekin, North Dakota From ORVIK PLUMBING, INC. Commercial - Domestic Plumbing * Roto-Rooter Service Gibson Appliances PHONE 322-4714 ORVIN & COLLEEN HANSON FARMERS UNION OIL COMPANY ffijffl AND LUMBER DEPARTMENT LIQUID • DRY • ANHYDROUS FERTILIZERS GASOLINE • FUEL OIL • TUNE UPS • APPLIANCES AUTO ACCESSORIES • ON THE FARM TIRE SERVICE

Telephone 262-4227 Ray Hoffman, Manager

-103- f ETHEN HARDWARE j Farmers Union Oil Co. 0. Z. BAR "Where Good Friends Meet" "More Than a Hardware Store" 4 - CENEX - ZENTZT.V. SERVICE 676-2141 BINFORD, N.D. J Binford, N.D. Oliver and Violet Zentz Phone 676-2341 Binford, N.D. t Binford Binford Grocery {BARCLAY'S WELDING t MACHINES MANUFACTURING Tool Supply \ •»• IWIM w.www.j j MACHINE & MANUFACTURING GLENN & CAROL PAULSON J All Truck Work Distributors Of All t HAND & POWER TOOLS • Richard Barclay, Owner PHONE 676-2391 676-2500 BINFORD 1-800-342-4212 1 SSraS»» I The Hub Bar DON'S ! LOCKER SERVICE WHEREALLSPOKESLEAD SMOKED MEATS & SAUSAGE J FOR YOUR RELAXATION RECREATION Complete Processing Service • Darrel LaPlant, Owner f Larry & Rita Halvorson Lakota, North Dakota 676-2411 Binford Binford, North Dakota STALVIK LAKOTA Grocery & Laundromat I BAKERY JOHNSON STORES • J 676-2491 Binford, N.D. Lyle and Gary Dykhoff McVILLE, N.D. Orville & Helen PHONE 247-2984 Congratulations to Pekin f JOHNSON'S on their Joyce's Tavern 75th Anniversary STORE from Tolna, N.D. Warwick, No. Dak. • S & B Trucking Aneta, North Dakota

CONGRATULATIONS t PEKIN&COMMUNITY Peggy's Jerry's Crop Hail on their 75th Anniversary Insurance Agency • Beauty Shop • Peggy Hoyt, owner Jerry Enstad Harold Enstad Open Thursday and Friday McVille 322-5656 MAYOR 262-4754 Tolna, N.D. Nostalgia . 1956 Pekin Golden Jubilee PROGRAM SCHEDULE - Sept. 11-12, 1956

First Day Second Day Evening 1:30 p.m. Parade 10:00 a.m. Kiddies' Parade 2:30-4:00 p.m. Championship Soft Ball 10:00 a.m. Free coffee & doughnuts Game Modern dance - admission by ticket 2:00 p.m. Softball — Bake Contest 4:00 p.m. Band Concert - Lisbon H.S. 4:00 p.m. Fashion Parade Band under the direction of 8 big prizes will be sold to holders of 8:00 p.m. Pioneer Pageant Kenny Enstad, a native son lucky ticket for $1. Old Time Dance, admission by of Pekin. Jubilee Button 5:00 p.m. Honor Program for Old Timers 7:30 p.m. Whisker Judging Contest

-1 °4- North Dakota State Library 604 E 8oul8vard Avenue FARMERS & MERCHANTS State Bank OF TOLNA

FDI€ F£DE»Al DfPOSIJ INSURANCE CORPORATION

PHONE 262-4211 TOLNA, NORTH DAKOTA 58380

DEANO'S BAR DEAN'S "Dispensers of Sociability" ^ SPRAY SERVICE

DEAN & NORMA ENSRUD COMMERCIAL GROUND 296-1533 . __„ T^ . _--..., PEKIN, N.D. APPLICATION Congratulations to the City of Pekin on their 75th Anniversary

Pekin Cooperative Elevator Company

Phone 296-4438

PEKIN, NORTH DAKOTA 58361 F 644 .P4 D53 1981