Kensal Memories 1985 Kensal Name and Location KENSAL is situated in the northeastern part of Stutsman County on the main line of the Soo railway. It is on highway No. 9 north of Jamestown. Kensal is approximately 18 miles southwest of Glenfield; 13 miles northwest of Courtenay; 12 miles south of Juanita; 15 miles east of Melville; or 12 miles northeast of Edmunds. The original townsite was laid out by the Minnesota Loan and Trust Co. and included one quarter section of land. Part of the land was purchased from Anton and his brother, Julius Frederickson. The rest of it from the Metcalf Land Co. In general terms the site extended from just west of E.W. Stroh's dwelling to the row of willows east of C.J. Croonquist's home (today this would Dedication be between Messmer's house and Lillian Wolsky's house) and from a point just north of Albert With this book, we have attempted to record Hanson's residence (later this was the Berg or names and memories of our pioneers, early settlers Garfield Johnson residence) to a line on the lot and also our present day generation. north of the Anton Feckler house (today the house All of these have had a part in the building of our is owned by the Catholic Parish). community. We have represented them with words, Since then numerous additions have been made stories and pictures. and the corporate boundaries extended. There may be mistakes and omissions for which we are sorry. We have tried to do our best with the the material that has been given to us in this short Name - The Origin time. It was named by local settlers for Kensale, a To all who have contributed in any way to the sporting town and watering place in County Cork, making of this book we offer a sincere thanks. Ireland. This information came from a book, Committee "History of Wells County & Pioneers," written by Opal Ableidinger Walter E. Sopkesfield in 1929. The "e" was dropped Anna W. Neva from Kensal in early years. Evelyn Spitzer In 1980, Mary Ann Williams compiled and wrote a Sally Lampert book entitled "Origins of North Dakota Place Gladys Blahna Names". The same information was in that book Ruby Burleson about the early local settlers naming, but with another version. The name came from an early county surveyor.

Kensal — A Busy Place Big city folks say there is nothing to do in a little town. The people who live in Kensal do not have

• Carrington enough days or nights in the week to attend all the Hwy. 52 N social functions or meetings. Please remember everyone here also has to work for a living. t Sutton Some of the activities or the organizations are: Homemakers Clubs - Activities seven of them Boys' and Girls' American Legion Chorus American Legion Auxiliary Band Concerts Hwy 36 y Wildlife Club Class Plays Town and Country Firemen Softball Parent Teachers' Baseball Organization Track Church Organizations for Christmas Programs three churches Halloween Parties

Eckelson Band and Music Mothers' T-Ball Cleveland Windsor Eldridge Club Softball Community Betterment Club Swimming Lessons Park Board Organization available in City Town Board Jamestown -1- Sam spent his grade school days in Kensal. He is a former editor and sports editor of the Jamestown Sun. At the present time he is employed by the Phoenix Gazette and also does free lance writing. In one of his articles he wrote about the "crush" he had on his first grade teacher, Lucille (Walsh) Lloyd. I hear he will be the speaker at the school reunion banquet this year! In 1983 his book containing one hundred of his columns was published by The Phoenix Gazette. The book is named If I Had an Elephant. This is a small sample of his writings. He wrote this after his mom passed away in 1979. Quote: Nellie Elsie Lowe (1908-1979) She was a housewife and a tribute to her Kensal's Mayor profession. She loved the same man for almost a half-century, but didn't like him as a whist partner Wendell Simonsen because even after forty-eight years of marriage, he Due to the timidity and modesty of our mayor, never figured out her hand signals. we, as friends, would like to give you an insight into his life in the past eight years. This is only a resume of what comes to mind and we are sure we have only covered a part of his accomplishments. Kensal Community Park One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four, to which meeting shall I go? This is a weekly decision for Wendell. Wendell has been mayor for the past two terms of four years each. He held this office years ago in the 1960s so he is not new at the job. During the same period of time he also held the office of president of the Community Club. There is never a meeting too far away that he wouldn't attend if he thought it would benefit Kensal. Thru his efforts our village became a city. He was instrumental in getting our streets graveled, our main street black topped and later In 1984 more black topping was done from the highway to the school and back east and around to main street. He helped secure grants for sewer and water Work began on the park in the 1960s, as systems. He was also involved in Community buildings were razed, ground leveled and much Betterment contest of which we were winners for clean up was done over a period of years. two years and still winner in Community Pride The project was partially funded by the Land and Contest. Water Conservation Fund, administered by the Besides his farming interest, his van is never too Heritage and Recreation Service, U.S. Department small to take a load of people to a meeting of Interior. Matching funds was raised by the regardless of where it is. We have heard his wife Kensal Community. say at noon hour if she wants to visit with him, she In July 1979 the first park board was organized. has to take the telephone off the hook or all the The officers were Elliott Paczkowski, Pres. Alice birds on the line will get scorched feet. Wolsky, Secretary-treasurer, board members, Ann Wendell has very broad shoulders, as I'm sure he Neva, Jean Kulla, Gordon Lampert and Harold has heard every complaint in the book. Liudahl. One day someone mentioned to him that they Immediately work begun on building a rest room, were having trouble in training their bird dog. putting in running water, building a picnic shelter Wendell's advice was "Throw him up in the air and planting evergreens around the park. The once more, and if he don't fly this time, shoot him." following year electricity was brought into the park, as well as cement blocks around the park for parking. Playground equipment was also brought Sam Lowe in. Sam Lowe, grandson of the late Ambrose In 1984 an under ground sprinkling system was Ableidinger, son of Nellie (Ableidinger) Lowe, installed by Duane Neva. Edward Wolsky built a manages to keep Kensal on the map. His quips in brick sign in memory of all the service men and "Lowe's Down" once written for the Jamestown women from the community. This was done by Sun and "Lowe's Valley" from the Phoenix Gazette money donated from the Carrington V.F.W. and are enjoyed by all. also with the help of Edward's grandsons, Tory and Culley Hoggarth. Flower barrels were placed in numerous to mention. There are very few homes the park in 1984. The present officers are Gorden in Kensal and very few farms where he has not Lampert, Pres., Alice Wolsky, Secretary-Treasurer, been called to do a "Fix it" job. board members, Jean Kulla, Harold Liudahl, Shelly In January 1984, Ed had the misfortune of losing Nannenga. his shop by fire with almost a total loss of thousands of dollars worth of tools. Many might have become discouraged but not Ed. The ashes had hardly cooled off when he was making plans to rebuild his shop. He is a man with a lot of know- how and a willingness to put it to use. THE MEN AND WOMEr- He is most interested in working with wood. For WHO SERVED IN TH( pastime he has made tables, plant stands, ARMED FORCES OF grandfather clocks, china hutches, chairs and built THE UNITED STATE? his own new home. He dismantled the old hotel OF AMERICA and lumber yard building and much of the lumber 1984 POST 10! was put to use in his house. The old school house floor was also the source of hardwood for the counter in his house. With sanding and refinishing it is beautiful. He also made a child's playhouse complete with furniture. Memorial plaque in park He is called on to hang drapes, lay rugs, fix lawn mowers. The list is endless. He built the brick bulletin boards for the Lutheran and Methodist churches and the brick Town and Country Service memorial board in the park. He has also made In 1975 Derald had started a business working several brick planters for people in the community. out of his garage at his home. In early years, He inherited the love of gardening from his Derald's present place of business had many father and follows in his footsteps by giving the owners. Some of these included The Kensal produce away. Also from his dad he inherited his Implement Store owned by Eric Christensen and pastime of playing cards. Berg. They carried machinery and repairs. Also in Ed has tackled jobs both big and small and has the building was the post office run by Gladys very seldom turned down an appeal for help. Thompson. In later years it was either leased or Kensal has been very fortunate in having Ed as a owned by several different people. It was the E & L "Mr. Fix It". Garage (Elmer and Leonard Nogosek). It was also used by Bill Casey and another time by Gordon Lampert. Joe McGuire used it as a dance hall. Dave A North Dakota Blizzard Vining operated a hardware and miscellaneous By Violet Holm, Kensal kitchen ware store. In 1976 Derald bought it from December the 17th and what do you know! Dave Vining. He concentrates on farm service and The current is off and no place to go. general maintenance on all types of farm Many people are wondering what to do. machinery and vehicles. Derald is the owner and Many staying with friends, day and night too. operator of the Town and Country Garage with the Today is a blizzard and what do you think! help of his two little grease monkeys "Doug and My dirty dishes still sit in the sink. Duane". Many people have the same trouble too, Waiting for electricity to come through.

In some homes it will be a disaster, The rooms are cold, it will crack the plaster. The windows froze over, the house lonely too. When this storm blows over, there's plenty to do, All we can do is hope and pray. The Lord will answer our prayers today. In trouble like this, what should we do? Just believe in the Lord, He will help us through. All this rain and then the snow Has caused all this current to go.

In my kitchen I burn wood and coal. It's all the heat I have you know. Friday morning and what a surprise! A great big gift right in front of my eyes. Ed Wolsky One of the nicest gifts I agree Have you had a leaky faucet, a hole in your roof, Is to know I now have electricity. a washer that won't wash, drapes that won't drape? I hope all the people the rest of the year Ed has cured all these ills and many more too Will all have happiness and lots of good cheer. -3- It was unlawful for trainmen to block street crossings for more than five minutes at a time. A $10.00 fine was made for first offense and $25.00 for second offense. Anyone found driving an automobile, motorcycle, buggy, or other vehicle, through streets faster than eight miles an hour was fined $5.00 This was soon amended to 15 miles per hour. Persons selling milk were required to present certificate from the state veterinarian that cows were tested and were free from tuberculosis. It was unlawful to construct hitching posts or tie rings on main street. This carried a $10.00 fine. No child under 14 was to be found on the street after 9 o'clock. There was also a fine of $5.00 for any child to jump on any wagon, sleigh or other James E. Son vehicle upon the streets. Playing baseball, football or other games on main street or railroad streets was unlawful. Million Dollar Band Business men were instructed to keep minors In the early days of Kensal some of the citizens out of pool halls and to put away dice and dice with musical training joined a band made up of boxes. men from North Dakota. This was the group that Some minors were found guilty of burglaries of was designated the official regimental band during business places. These were their penalties; they WWI. Harold Beckman who served as band leader were confined to their homes from 3 to 6 months; in Kensal became the director. He was joined by they had to report to the marshall every month; four other men from Kensal, James Son, Soo depot refrain from attending "movies", and not to be agent; Emil Pospisal, farm boy from south of town seen at any other place in town outside their own and Otto and Louis Bartosh also farm boys near yards, outside of school hours. Kensal. They were sent to France during the war and were the official band of the army. At the close of the war they returned here and played in the Early Court Cases area including concerts in Kensal. They continued Having their own judge, justice of the peace, and traveling and then disbanded but many remained in attorney, they tried all cases of any lawlessness. the field of music. Son was director of a band in Eight pints of whiskey were seized and held 5 Kensal. days. Party not being located, court ordered same They got their title when Gen. Liggett in to be broken, which was done in presence of 2 commending them on an early performance witnesses. referred to them as the "Million Dollar Band." Case was presented whereby property was searched for skunk hides reported stolen, nothing found. Court was called in case of trespassing cattle. After 1 hour waiting neither party showed up, case was dismissed. Early Kensal Ordinances Suit was brought in case of theft of binder From the beginning of the village of Kensal they canvasses, monkey wrench, S wrenches and oil were interested in the welfare of their people, along can, settled out of court. the lines of health, order and safety. Four elevator companies were arrested for Any person found lurking, lying in wait or breaking Sabbath. All pleaded guilty. concealed anywhere with intent to do mischief or Man arrested for driving his car on the streets of commit crime would be brought to justice and Kensal making noise and annoyance against the fined. peace and dignity of Kensal citizens. No one was allowed to have in house, garden or Man was arrested for fighting and disorderly yard any table for purpose of playing at cards, dice, conduct. He was found guilty and was fined $10.00 or any gambling device for money or bets or cost and ordered to buy a shirt for 98 cents. wagers. It was unlawful to allow to accumulate any slops, refuse or maintain pig sty or cattle yards Comedy Baseball within village. If any cattle, horses, swine, sheep or goats were allowed to run at large in corporate Played at Kensal limits they were fined $1.00 per head. An afternoon of hilarious entertainment was put All dogs had to carry license tags. If not they on at the Kensal ball park when the ladies "The were disposed of. Dog Patchers" met with the men's team, the City officers salaries were trustees $1.00 per "Bench Growlers" made up of men "fat and 40". year, treasurer $10.00 per year, clerk $25.00 and Those women "Patchers" hurled a mean ball. Mrs. marshall $50.00 per year. Gus Spitzer at bat, sent a fast hard one out into the -4- field which was caught by her husband. In making meandering around the trees and bushes. He the catch he suffered the break of a finger. Dr. C.S. finally stopped by the thicket where the cow and Martin, one of the "Growlers" took care of the calf had gone earlier. A single row of trees was injured member. Evelyn informs her backer-uppers between us, so we started walking toward him that she is in the dog house now. using the trees as our cover. When we got to the Ferdinand Wolsky Sr. made two homeruns. He trees I slowly edged around them and there he informs fans that he had only played three games stood, about 350 yards away, looking right at me. I in his lifetime. Kulla, father of the five Kulla boys, took aim, (Don told me to hold high, about at his certainly made it clear to them that they were not horns) and I squeezed the trigger. The shot packing around all the family baseball honors. sounded like a hit but the bull didn't react like he William Schroeder, one of Kensal's earlier day was wounded. He turned broadside and I gave him outstanding ball players flipped around the another one. This time he staggered and ran into bases with the greatest of ease, demonstrating the thicket, about 50 feet away. I reloaded my rifle that he still has what it takes. Dr. Martin, Ward and we started walking toward him. I was having all Barden and all the other "Growlers" worked hard kinds of doubts going through my mind as we and furious in the hope their team would win, but walked across that field. Have I just wounded him? the "Patchers" were too much for them. The ladies My gosh, he's so big. By the time we came upon carried off the honors, the score being 20 to 22. The his tracks I had a good case of Moose Fever. We Mother's Club sponsored this outstanding game started following his trail, about 20 ft. ahead we and cleared $101.75 on gate receipts. The saw blood in the snow, lots of blood. His trail led "Growlers" are waiting for revenge. into the thicket. We decided to walk around the bushes first to see if he had gone through or was still inside. We found no tracks but we could here Once in a Lifetime noises coming from inside the thicket. I could just see this big thing charging out of those bushes Moose Hunt right at us. We waited a few minutes, when By Margaret Carlson, Wimbledon, N.D. everything was quiet we started into the thicket. After going about 10 feet we saw him, lying dead. I The summer of 1984 proved to be full of looked at my watch, it was 8:30, my moose hunt enjoyable surprises. Being drawn as a N.D. moose was all over. Don had brought a tape measure hunter was very exciting. Being a woman proved to along so the first thing we did was measure his be even better. The activity all started at Walhalla, horns which were 50 inches wide. Don had N.D. which is about 5 miles from the Canadian wondered what kind of tail a moose had so he border. Here the Game and Fish Wardens proceeded to check it out and found he only had a conducted a short informational program and then stub. The wardens told us later he probably lost it called us each by name and gave us our licenses, to a wolf or coyote when he was just a calf. We blood collecting bottle and entrail bag, then shook walked back to the pickup, drove to a house down our hands and wished us luck. A local Walhalla the road where we had seen a pay loader sitting. man who was 83 years old, received a standing Here we called the owner of the land (Harlan ovation from the crowd. I only hope I'm at least half Kemprud - local auctioneer) who said he would be that spry when I get that old. After the meeting we right over to give us a hand. We also called Gene left for Hatton, over 100 miles south where my unit, and his son-in-law who were kicking themselves for M-5 was located. We got to our daughters home in not getting up earlier. After loading the moose into Hatton very late and went right to bed. We were up before daylight Friday morning and went out, hoping to spot some moose but saw nothing. We returned to town about eleven, where we joined up with a local hunter (Jerry Pierce) and my daughter's father-in-law (Gene Thompson). Jerry had chauffeured us around the week before and found a bull and cow which were the first moose we had ever seen. Don had looked at me and said, "I don't think you'll have any trouble hitting something that big, do you?" The first day of season proved to be disappointing because we saw nothing but tracks. Don and I once again left before daylight Saturday morning. Our local hunters were going to join us about 9:00 at the Thompson farm. About 7:30 we spotted a cow and calf standing by a row of trees. We watched them until they got spooky and ran off into the brush. We continued down the road about a quarter of a mile and there 'HE' stood in the trees about 400 yards away. One thing about hunting moose compared to deer, a moose is so black and so big you know what it is the minute you see it. This bull seemed very nervous and started Maggie's Moose the pickup Gene led the way to Larimore. A warden May 9, 1930: Kensal Times; Operetta "Miss gutted the moose and we had it weighed at the Cherry Blossom" draws a large crowd. local elevator. Many people from town came to July 2, 1931: Practice golf course laid out in the look and take pictures. At one time there must have city been 50 people with their kids standing around June 13, 1930: C.L. Jensen, Supt. of Kensal visiting and trying to be helpful. This was when I School, organized Kensal's Jr. American Legion realized that I had accomplished something that baseball team. 1st year Kensal represented. very few other women would ever get to do. A great May 23, 1940: Kensal Times; Local Theatre alters many came and congratulated me, any way they all seating arrangement chairs mounted on elevated made me feel good about being a woman hunter. platform When the wardens were all done measuring and July 3, 1947: Last edition of Community Builder collecting they loaded my moose back into the (Vol. I No. 10) Front page pictures of 3 newly pickup and we headed for Hatton. Here the local married couples; Patricia Lipetzky and Louis Neva, paper (Trail County Tribune) interviewed me and William Lipetzky and Norma Spitzer, Roy Lipetzky took pictures. We loaded our suitcase, kissed Terri and Agnes Rausch and the kids goodbye and headed for home. We Dec. 1958: Kensal Community Club sponsored met another moose hunter up town when we farewell party for Nelius Nelson, Supt. of stopped to talk to Jerry, who wanted to see the Arrowwood Game Refuge. He served in this moose before we left. Here again we gathered a position 15 years. crowd and everyone had to have a look. The trip July 1970: First all year school reunion. home was uneventful, and a good time was had by Jan. 10 and 11, 19??: Snirt storm. What a mess! all in the local bar (C.M.'s Place) that night. The Aug. 1962: Carrington Bank purchases Kensal next morning we skinned, cleaned up, quartered Exchange from H.E. Nichols "Bud" continued as and hung up old Bullwinkle. This was when I found manager out I had hit him with both shots. Either one would Jan. 21, 1976: Kensal High opens new gym. have killed him. It had been 4 days of unforgettable Spartans lost to New Rockford. events and people who had been out-going and 1968: Dr. Guy E. Montgomery came to Kensal helpful beyond simple courtesy. It was a hunting every week on Thurs. to aid the sick. Jean Kulla, trip both Don and I will always remember. R.N., his assistant. Oct. 28, 1956: Robert Nogosek ordained a priest. Matt Tanata had a lumber yard in the 1960s. Francis Harbough had several narrow escapes Bits and Pieces while in the service in W.W.II. Luckily a ration can 1893: Kensal surveyed and platted by George A. of cheese which caused a bullet to veer off and go Soule through his side instead of his heart — his life was Oct, 1, 1903: From journal files; 48 pupils were saved. enrolled in the Kensal schools, which opened Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Noble operated the Hotel Monday. Rooming House from 1940-1967. Their family: 1907: Dental chair of Dr. Sprake of Casselton Lloyd, Marvin, Melrae and Vonnie stolen from the depot platform August 29, 1907: From the Journal; Central Hotel closed. Landlord Thayer and family have departed Danish Brotherhood for greener pastures. Because of the large number of people of Danish Sept. 12, 1907: From the Journal; some unknown descent in the Kensal Community, a Danish party passing counterfeit half dollars in Kensal - a Brotherhood was organized with 50 charter good imitation of the genuine members in 1905. Sept. 26, 1907: From the Journal; Debris of late Regular meetings were held at which they fire being cleared and foundations laid for engaged in a variety of interests. There is a rebuilding. newspaper report of one of their meetings "The May 30, 1907: From the Journal; Last Sunday Art Danish Brotherhood held a very successful Tufford of Kensal found a bottle in the alley — meeting. H.P. Nielson, the Ice Cream King of looked like whiskey — pulled the cork — smelled Carrington came here on the 106 (train) to attend — tasted like whiskey — drank — same effect as the meeting. whiskey — only a bit more! By hard work a couple Nearly all of the fraternity are heavy weights, of doctors saved him. averaging from 200 to 320 lbs. The conversation July 1907: Kensal is fighting out an incorporation turned towards strength and during the heated problem. It is one of the busiest little towns in the argument it was decided to settle the question by state as well as one of the most lawless. having a tug of war after the meeting. July 1908: Severe hailstorm and wind — Nels The old war horses went at it about 10:30 p.m. Holm's barn on Sec. 15 now kindling wood. with disastrous results for members from Stutsman June 1902: Jamestown Weekly Alert; Some County. Knud Christensen being very strong in his excitement created in Kensal when a man tried to arms but rather poor on his feet, Chris Bredahl with sell the butcher a cow that had died of sickness, an enormous bodily strength but unfortunately but the man had to haul the animal out and bury it. short of N.D. wind, and the Foster Co. members April 15, 1920: Million Dollar Band stars coming headed by the ex-sheriff Nielson being in good Friday, April 16 to the Paris Theatre, Kensal condition, won the match." A PBM plane from one of the other ships met with tragedy when it crashed into a mountain near the pole. A search found six survivors, but three men were killed. On a calm clear day the water was a deep blue and icebergs blinding white. A very beautiful scene. There were stormy days, too. Winds blew up to 200 MPH. We were in a 100 MPH wind with the waves coming completely over the ship and freezing on the ships metal. This gave the ship a ghostly appearance. One nice day I took the motor launch and a few officers and we went seal hunting among the ice floes. The officer shot a seal. When we weighed it after returning to the ship, it weighed 406 pounds. By the end of January the sun never set. It would dip to the horizon and go back up. Gorden Lampert in park playground The temperature while we were there ranged from -0° to 28° above. In winter, or summer, it gets as cold as 90° below zero. Gorden's Obsession On another nice day we went out in a boat. We The Community Park has become Gorden found a penguin about the size of a tame duck. Lampert's obsession. Hardly a day goes by that Because penguins are very curious, it walked you don't see him in the park, mowing, picking up directly to us. When we tried to pick it up, it ran. debris, trimming and watering trees and flowers. One of the fellows ran after it, dived onto and The community appreciates the many hours caught it. We brought the penguin back to the ship. Gorden has spent in keeping our park so beautiful. After a couple of weeks of being fed our food it He was instrumental in getting playground died. equipment and also acquired the cement The crew got sick of the food, too. Powdered barricades to protect the park from parking cars. milk, dried fruits and canned rations becomes a He also takes care of the outside restrooms. monotonous diet. We missed fresh fruit and Gorden's home is in an ideal location, next to the vegetables. park so he is able to watch over his projects. Once a month a plane would bring us mail from home — a happy day! When we had bad weather, it was difficult to get any rest because of the rolling and pitching of the Operation High Jump (1946) ship. Once we hit an underwater mountain range and did some damage to the underside of the ship. By Leonard Norheim We anchored at Rio De Janeiro on the 18th of Henry Seitz and I were aboard the USS Canisteo, March after 98 days at sea. At the mouth of the an oil tanker, assigned to a task force with Admiral harbor we gave a 21 gun salute three times. The Byrd to go to the South Pole for geological shore batteries of Brazil returned the salute. We exploration of the ocean floor and charting of the had liberty in Rio for a week and enjoyed every waters. Principal objectives were cold weather minute. Rio is a very beautiful city! tests of ships, men and equipment plus studies of From there we sailed to Trinidad, "The Port of the weather, ocean currents and winds. Spain", a very beautiful tropical island. After a We left Norfolk, Virginia, November 27, 1946. couple days we set sail for Norfolk, Virginia. Home Enroute we stopped at Aruba, Netherlands West at last on the 21st day of April 1947. Indies (an oil refinery) to load oil. From there we went through the Panama Canal and sailed to the South Pacific. When crossing the equator we were initiated into the "Ancient order of the deep." We arrived in the South Pole area on December 30, 1946. The icebergs were so thick it was even difficult to count them. The ship took a zigzag V *#% *V- course to evade them. We nearly crashed into an iceberg at night. The radar had failed and the fog was very dense. We then pushed into broken ice so thick it would have been possible to go for a walk by jumping from one ice flow to the next. The ship would rumble and quiver when hitting the ice, or growlers as they were called. An ice breaker ship and another ship got strand­ ed in a lagoon that froze over during the night. The ice breaker had to break their way out at the rate of three miles per day for a week. Leonard Norheim USS Canisteo -7- George Thorp of Jamestown gave an appropriate Depression Dipsy 1934 speech. From this time until noon the crowd was Quite a dance one night in Kensal. The kept in a roar by the sack race, the fat men's race community Hard Time Hop. First only those and the tug of war. dressed in old clothes were admitted. A prize was After dinner everyone went to the race track and offered for the worst dressed couple. Here is the ball grounds and at 2:30 the races began. The first program of dances as advertised. was the farmer's race and this was won by George 1. Grasshopper Glide, 2. Black Rust Rhumba, 3. McKenzie's horse driven by Will Callivan. Hans P. Morman cricket capers, 4. Drought Dip, 5. Wire Johnson came in second and S.J. Wells third. John Worm Wiggle, 6. Depression Blues, 7. Quack Grass Nihill and Fred Burleson also had horses in this Quiver, 8. Sow Thistle Toddle, 9. Jackrabbit Jaunt, race. In the free for all class George Armstrong's 10. Cut Worm Walk. Prince Wilkes won first money, Will Gallivan And many others just as difficult to perform. second and Andrew Joos of Wimbledon third. The advertising continued, "Forget your worries, After the races there was a ball game between come out and have the best and biggest and best Kensal and Wimbledon and was won by time of the depression music. That was by Glenn Wimbledon by a score of 6 to 3. In the evening Burleson's "Torrid Hot Wind Hotshots". there was the usual bowery dance. Early Risers Selective Service Ambrose Ableidinger told this to Gordon Bredahl Registration Held at Fire Hall (grandson of Chris and Dorothea Bredahl) At one time when Ambrose Ableidinger worked February 16, 1942 for Chris Bredahl, they went to Kensal with a team This registration was conducted for men and buggy. Chris hired a "little Swede" to help with between the ages of 20 and 45 years, who were not the harvest. compelled to register in the first selective service The Swede had to sleep in the barn. Ambrose call in October 1940. and Chris went to the barn at 4:30 a.m. to wake The local registration board was composed of him. Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Frederickson and Mr. and Mrs. The Swede came down from the hay loft with a Joe Nogosek. scowl on his face and suitcase in hand. The oddities noted that day were: Fred Schmidt He said, "I'm going somewhere to spend the and his son Frank registered. night." Abraham Lincoln Bean and George Washington I guess the Swede wasn't an early riser. Christensen. One Never Knows By Verna (Bredahl) Anderson Kensal's First Celebration In 1908 the William Koenig family moved from Independence, Wisconsin, to Kensal by train. They July 4, 1904 had all their earthly possessions with them The town of Kensal did itself proud in its including 12 of their 16 children. In October of that celebration on the fourth, the crowd was large and year Bennie joined the family. Five of them were the entertainment good and visitors were much very pretty girls including 13 year old Susan. pleased. When the train arrived in the 1900s nearly all Early in the morning teams bringing in the local citizens became spectators to watch the new farmers, their wives and children, began to arrive arrivals. One of the mischievous boys was Albert and by breakfast time it was apparent that there Bredahl. (He became my father.) He thought that was going to be a large crowd in town before noon. was a large family. Little did he know that the This being Kensal's first celebration pretty, shy girl, Susan, would become his wife in considerable uneasiness was felt by the committee 1916. who fully realized the work and worry connected with the affair, but from the parade, which was the Fido and the Wolf first number on the program, until after the last Contributed by Violet (Bartosh) Gunning dance at the bowery, there was not a hitch in the My grandfather, Anton Bartosh, lived six miles proceedings and while the attractions were all south of Kensal. Late one night, about 1907, his home talent it was the general opinion of the dog, Fido, awakened him by barking frantically at visitors that Kensal's first celebration was a the bedroom window. Grandpa tried to quiet him decided success. but Fido would not stop barking. So Grandpa The parade, which started at ten o'clock was a dressed, got his gun and went outside. Fido raced glad surprise to everyone. Paulsen and Sletten back and forth in front of him, leading Grandpa to captured first prize with a large float beautifully the pasture. There Grandpa found the cows in a decorated and carrying a number of little girls circle, heads facing outward. In the center was a tastily dressed in white. There were twenty newborn calf and his mother. Circling the cows business houses represented in a procession over was a wolf that was trying to get the calf. Grandpa two blocks long. After the parade the band gave a shot the wolf and Fido received his deserved short concert at the depot park. Following that praise. -8- trimming a tree at his home when a ladder slipped and he fell 12 feet. The ring finger on his left hand was badly cut and that will prevent him from playing for several months. A retired Bureau of Reclamation engineer, he has lived here for 33 years and has been a Musician's Union member for decades. His bass man, Orlie Wagner, is president of the union. Keyboard men are George Murillo and Dick Loven who shares shifts. Lawyer Dan McKinnon, a drummer by hobby, is with the band and Presnall describes him as "one of the best drummers in town." Presnall and his wife, June, have a son, William, who is a registered nurse at Presbyterian Hospital, and a daughter, Mrs. Terry (Sharon) Higgins, an artist here. Another son, Dayton, is with Boeing in Seattle. Press started his musical days at age 10 playing a pie pan with knives from the dinner table. Gus Spitzer and wild deer wandered into yard, 1982. Kensal Community A Friendly Deer Betterment One day a deer wandered into the yard. It Records show that Kensal was in a appeared to be quite tame and after a few days beautification contest as far back as 1960. Their Gus could get close enough so that it would eat theme was "Kensal won't stand still". Riebe Park out of his hand. Later we were told that it might was their #1 project and they won 2nd place in the have come from a farm several miles to the south state contest. In 1965 a water and sewer project as a farmer there had been feeding one and it had was began. After meetings were held Ed Wolsky disappeared. circulated a petition to see how the community felt Even more unusual was a rooster pheasant that about the project. Election of new town officials took command of the farm yard that same fall. This took place and the project was soon under way. By bird had been raised next door with a flock of August of 1966 the project was completed. Their young pheasants. Even before turned loose he efforts and paid off as they received 1st place in stood out from the others. Upon entering the coop the state contest. they would all run for cover. Not this one. He By 1968 the "Little town with a Future" had built lowered his wings and stood his ground. He came three new churches to add to the new school built to be an awful nuisance. When mowing the lawn he in 1962-63. They tore down the old school and the would run along side of and in front of the mower main street was paved at this time. The Club and often had to stop to avoid running over him. He worked long hours trying to secure a doctor for our was very independent and would never touch the medical center. After a disappointing experience grain we set out for him nor would he drink the with a doctor from England Dr. Montgomery of water. During harvest Gus caught him and put him Carrington agreed to come each Thursday for in the brooder house to be safe from hunters. As office hours. big a nuisance as he was we didn't want him killed. The Club sponsored a yearly fall festival in which He escaped from the brooder through a six inch they had over 400 exhibits set up and prizes given stove pipe in the roof. for winning entries. A Program was presented by He followed the trucks and tractors in the fields the school students. On one occasion Jean Kulla and often had to slow down or run over him. Gus was honored for all her service to the community. A finally carried a broom on the tractor to chase him dance followed the day's event. away. The time came when he said "Enough is Recreation was an important project. They enough" and didn't stop for him. The pheasant got sponsored swimming for eight consecutive years, too close to the tractor and the wheel ran over his two years the students traveled to Jamestown and tail and pulled all his tail feathers out. He didn't six years thereafter lessons were given at show up for ten days and when he did come back Arrowwood Lake. 117 children took lessons he kept his distance. The last we saw of him he Parents also took turns as chaperones for all the was following a neighbor's tractor down the road. teen hops they sponsored. We sighed with relief but we still missed him... The Kensal Community Betterment was inactive for ten years. On March 27, 1979 the Club was reorganized. They worked hard to clean up vacant Lyman "Press" Presnall lots, old buildings and etc. The first big project was Taken from the Albuquerque Tribune, Mar. 19, 1985. our community park on the lots that the old Soo Lyman "Press" Presnall, 75, is missing from the Line Cafe, Garfield Johnson, Cecil and Frank Smith well-known Albuquerque band, "Press and the 66 houses stood. There was a community auction to Trio." A saxophonist-vocalist, he opens his gigs by raise money for the park. Old buildings were tore singing the "Route 66" song. On Feb. 26, he was down, basements filled, planting of grass and 23 Sept. 26, 1981 "Kensal does it Best in Betterment Contest." The club had placed 1st and received a plaque and $800.00 Gov. Olson presented Mell'O'Dee Hoggarth with the leadership award. In the years that followed the betterment continued with many old and new projects. We held a fall food and craft bazaar, community auction and youth caroling. Much effort went into getting a satellite clinic set up. Many hours of donated labor went into painting inside and outside the clinic, rugs laid, curtains hung and on March 10th we were open for business. The ball diamond project was a big one. AAL matching funds helped to buy fencing and volunteers put it up. In 1983 flower beds were built and bathrooms at the ballpark were built. Betterment members hauled fill for the new cafe. Some of our members Wendell Simonsen and Joe McGuire, 1959 refinished an old piano for the new cafe which was evergreens. Playground equipment, tables and donated by Myron and Lorraine Florhaug. shelter were added. The theme for state contest In 1984 barrel planters were purchased and was Ever Green Ever Clean. All effort got an placed in various places in which flowers were honorable mention award. Gov. Link awarded Alice planted. A dentist became part of the satellite Wolsky with the leadership award. That same year clinic and a wheel chair ramp was built at the the community took over the operation of the Cafe. clinic. Kensal recieved a community pride award in Several new homes were built and the Sunshine Bismarck. Lt. Gov. Sands awarded Karen Lipetzky Motel was moved into town. with a leadership award and Mayor Wendell In 1980 the Club worked hard to place in the Simonsen with a community pride award. state contest. Street signs were made and erected, In 1985 Community Betterment recieved word we yard of the week town and rural contests, low had one of the oldest and largest ash trees in the housing units were under construction, street state which is another plus for our community. We improvements, spring and fall clean up of the town have started Bingo to help purchase dishes, is done every year. Fun Night was held in April to tableclothes, high chair and booster chairs for the raise money for projects. Also a float was cafe. With the reunion and centennial we have constructed for the school reunion in July. We many up coming projects. We indeed are a received 1st place for the club's entry. community that does not stand still. The inside of the Memorial Hall was painted by volunteers. First Aid Course was offered to the community. We supported the baseball and swimming programs. The state contest was held in Minot. Gov. Link awarded Mary Paczkowski with the leadership award. Once again Kensal received Growing up on a honorable mention. The members won many prizes given away at the booths. Mell'O'Dee Hoggarth North Dakota Farm won a $400.00 shopping spree in Underwood, N.D. By Eleanor (Lipetzky) Graupner In 1981 there was a rumor that the betterment Taken from an article written for her family to get contest may be discontinued due to lack of funds. a glimpse of farm life. So we all pulled together to be a finalist this year. Growing up on a farm near Kensal, N.D. was not We put out a newsletter each month to keep our a dull life. Each change of season brought a new community informed on all the activities. A set of activities. Winter meant high snowbanks. welcome wagon was started, a blood drive was Riding a little sled behind a big horse drawn sleigh, held, bike-a-thon for Cystic Fibrosis was held, which was loaded with cornstalks or hay for the health services were provided at the Catholic barnyard animals. Many times the little sled tipped. Church and sidewalks were poured from the low A fast run was necessary to complete the ride. housing to main street. Matching funds were Warm clothes were essential. This meant received from AAL. Bleachers and concession scarves, mittens (attached to yarn pulled through stand were built at the ball diamond, ice skating the sleeves), a stocking cap and long legged rink was leveled off, warming house moved in, ice underwear. The legs of the underwear were folded cream socials, community auction were held. over in the back of the ankle. It certainly made Christmas decorations were purchased and the lumpy looking legs. nativity scene was repainted. The day arrived and There was a coal-fired cook stove in the kitchen the judges came to look over our town. Much to our and a pot-bellied stove in the other room. The stove dismay the bee man with a load of honey bees in pipes passed through the ceiling of the lower room came to town and stopped for coffee and left us a into the bedrooms and into the chimney. There was whole swarm of bees in the park where we were to no heat wave upstairs but it only took a minute to show the judges our projects. Needless to say the blow out the flame of the kerosene lamp and evening was very interesting. Headlines read on jump under heavy quilts. -10- Blowing out the flame on a kerosene lamp from the eighth grade we had to take state exams. meant turning the flame low, holding a hand One either passed the test or attended school until behind and above the top of the chimney, blowing sixteen years of age. across the top of the chimney—but—being careful High school was in Kensal. Country students not to get a drop of saliva on it—or the chimney rented rooms and did light housekeeping in would break. someones home. Rent was three dollars a month. A set of flat irons always remained on the top of We cooked on a smelly, kerosene stove. Can you the stove so they were warm. The iron was slid into imagine anyone having a group of noisy young a heavy sock and placed under the covers at the people living in your upstairs? foot of the bed. After graduation the carefree days were over. It Farmers had chickens, pigs, cattle and horses was time to decide on a career. The choices were to feed making heavy work for the farmers. To have few. The three most common were secretary, nurse water in the water tank, water was pumped by or teacher. hand power or a gas engine on a pump jack, until My dad said, "You're good with the children so windmills came into use. Warm water was carried you become a teacher". That settled my career! to the chickens each time the eggs were gathered- many times a day before the eggs would freeze. Cows were milked twice a day. The cats usually sat To Some Swell People near by waiting for a dish of warm milk. Poem written by Kenneth E. Spillman (Nov. 22, 1942) Spring meant we could walk home from school the son of Walter and Marie (Davey) Spillman with the other youngsters and poke along at our I guess the time has come for me - slowest speed. We usually managed to get muddy To bid you all farewell, or wet. If there were any rubbery ice ponds we had For what may happen out at sea, to try them. We were always happy to see the fluffy No living soul can tell! baby chickens, the little yellow ducks, squealing baby pigs and inquisitive calves. Of course this We may go out and raise the score - was a busy season for the farmers as plowing, Or lower it somehow, harrowing and seeding was done with horse power. But win or lose this still is war, Some of the well-to-do farmers had small tractors. And we are in it now! Summer activities were fun, too. We played farm in the sand pile with all the little toy machines. Whatever odds we meet out there - Turning handsprings on the water pipes extending We'll do our very best, from the pump to the water tank left us with a dizzy We'll fight for home and all that's fair - feeling. Mary Lorraine Lipetzky fell off and broke And put your minds to rest! her arm. She and I spent many hours cutting out and playing with paper dolls. When we played Now many men have played this game - house with our regular dolls, if we went to church, And lost their lives for you, in the little room called the pantry, our church choir But still, good friends, we are not lame, (we) sang "The Little Old Ford Rambled Right And neither are we thru! Along". Picking wild flowers was an enjoyable pastime as was looking in the trees for bird nests. We've just begun to forge ahead - We were always happy to catch bullheads in the With all our freedom might, James River. We all liked the fried fish eggs the And after all the foe are dead - best. We will have won a fight! Fall activities brought another busy time for the family. Cutting grain with a binder, shocking the So if you've ever said a prayer - bundles and hoping the rains would cease until the That you'll be guided right, grain was threshed. Think of all the boys out there - To watch the grain run into the grain wagon And pray for them each night! when it was being threshed was a satisfying time. A bountiful harvest meant some new clothes for In your prayers just think of home - school. The women prepared big meals for the And what it means to you, hard-working men. They had to dig potatoes, churn Then put yourself out on the foam - extra butter, bake bread, cakes or pies, kill some With the boys who wear the Blue! chickens and get vegetables from the garden. Remember there was no electricity! No cake Then visualize a lonely lad, mixes! No running water! I thought harvest time Who daily risks his life - was fun but can understand why my mother didn't To help protect his mom and dad, always agree. Usually I went along to take lunch to And all who feel this strife! the field. School was a time for learning and recess. In the I'm sure you see just what I mean, country school we learned easily because we heard When I say with all my heart, the others recite. By the time we were in the third Keep on bringing forth the green - grade we knew the "times tables" and could even And you have done your part! spell quite well. Sometimes there were as many as twenty pupils and all eight grades. To graduate From any sailor with appreciation! -11- The Farmers and Which One Are You ? OLDIE — if you Ranchers Prayer Wore or wear long Johns Author could be any Stomach hangs over your belt Kensal farmer Wear tri-focals As farmers and ranchers, dear God, give us the Have thinned hair or are bald patience and wisdom to understand why a pound Eat saltless meals of steak at $1.80 is "high", but a three ounce Wear suspenders cocktail at $1.50 is acceptable. Made out a will And Lord, help me to understand why $3 for a Your back goes out more than you do ticket to a movie is "not bad", but $3.50 for a Remember how to mend socks bushel of wheat that makes 50 loaves of bread is Used a sad iron or an early curling iron considered unreasonable. Read by light of kerosene lamp And a 50-cent coke at the ball game is "OK", but Push yourself out of a chair a 20-cent glass of milk for breakfast is inflationary. Remember using 3

We in our glory can do no wrong, Father, Mother, Sisters all God and ourselves we have lost with the fall, Pleading, cursing, dreading to die, Merrily along we fly. Yet we feel the shame We bend the knee in prayer, Front row - Louise Christensen, Lucille Walsh And with thy blessed name (captain), Beaulah Fredrickson, back row - Ruby Our burdened hearts lay bare. Fredrickson, Elizabeth Nichols, Florence Matheny Margaret E. Van Dyke (coach), Idella Florhaug, Lona Ashley -15- Oh Yes Things Have Changed While we are talking about changes, here is a list of rules which was included in the contracts signed by schoolmarms in 1915. The teachers promised: Not to get married. Not to keep company with men. To be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless in attendance at a school function. Not to loiter downtown in ice cream stores. Not to leave town at any time without permission by the chairman of the board. Not to smoke cigarettes. Not to get in a carriage or automobile with any man, except her father or brother. DULCI Not to dress in bright colors or dye her hair. To wear at least two petticoats and not to wear Pure Bred Stallion dresses more than two inches above the ankle. To keep the schoolroom neat and clean; sweeping the floor at least once daily; scrubbing Owned by the floor at least once weekly with hot water and Thos. Hoggarth soap; cleaning the blackboards at least once daily and starting the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be Will Stand Here On warm by 8 a.m.

STATE O" NO.TII I DAKO I"A STALLION REGISTRATION BOARD LICENSE CERTIFICATE PURE BRED STALLION Certificate N.». r.T'JH The pedigree of the Stallion Ditlci No. *>72H (72iV.)^) Owned by Joseph Hogarth. P. 0. Kensal. County Stutsman. Inscribed as follows: Breed Ib-I^ian Color and Markings Itoon; stripe; left bind foot white an I si>m* white on riijat bind fo»t. I'D lie I 1003, has been examined at lhe ARiicuUnr.il College, Division of Animal llmbinfrv, ami it hereby certified that the laid Siallion is of pure hresJin* and is rejiitcred in the National Roister tit Belgian Draft Horses. Tin; above named Stallion has been examined by K. A. Ling, a duly licensed Veterinarian, and is reported as free from the infectious, contagious or transmissible diseases or unsoundness specified In Die North Dakota Stallion LlW. ml Is deemed I I stand for public service in the State of North Dakota. Dated at Agricultural College, N. |)„ I Mi llth day of June. 1010. Seal K. J. THOMPSON I'.of.Hsor nf Animal Husbandry and Serrelai v Stallion I legist ratio :i Hoard RENEWED 10*5

Indispensible Kensal Girls Dinner Party at Mrs. Clancys 1911 or Sometime, when you're feeling important, 1912. 1. Bird Thompson 2. Anna (Nogosek/Schieb) Sometime when your ego's in bloom, 3. Jeannette Carmody 4. Christine Christensen 5. Sometime, when you take it for granted, Mrs. C.A.D. Kolb's sister 6. Georgiana Feckler - You're the best gualified in the room, Sister Rose Anthony 7. Laura Ferguson 8. Marie Sometime when you feel that your going, (Christensen) Simonsen 9. Irene (Clancy) La Qua 10. Would leave an unfillable hole, Emma Johnson 11. Anna (Croonquist) Cummings. Just follow this simple instruction Names given by Mrs. Joe LaQua now living in And see how it humbles your soul. Jamestown. Take a bucket and fill it with water, Put your hand in it, up to the wrist; Pull it out; and the hole that's remaining, Is a measure of how you'll be missed. Too many Kulla's of Kensal You may splash all you please when you enter. for Cebulas of Buchanan You can stir up the water galore, But stop, and you'll find in a minute, Taken from The Jamestown Sun That it looks quite the same as before. Kensal took the championship away from The moral in this quaint example, Buchanan in the northern division of the Stutsman Is do just the best you can, Twin-six league in 1950. Be proud of yourself, but remember Five Kulla boys - manager George, Pete, Hubert, There's no indispensible man. Herman and Matt cavorted for Kensal. Author Unknown -16- Opposing them were the Cebulas of Buchanan, During the years of 1946 to 1950 the Kensal but there were only three, manager Sam, Bob and baseball team formed with the Kulla infield was Ralph. known through out the area and state. They played The winning pitcher was Pete Kulla, who is in the state amateur tournament three years. Pete slated for a trial with the Brooklyn Dodgers. was called for try outs with a couple major league Herman and Hubert, who drove in two runs each teams before going into the armed forces. He was during the 6-4 win, played with the Wahpeton inducted to N.D. Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in Science Wildcats in the Steve Gorman race this 1985. spring. Stanley Kulla Sr., along with Gaylord Blahna, were known as the "Famous Goose Hunters" in the 40's. 1931 - Chronology - 7937 The Kensal Times The following article was compiled from the 1931 editions of The Kensal Times and we hope that our readers will enjoy it. Jan. 9 Kensal Whist Club, backed by years of successive wins, issued a challenge to any team in this section of the state. Challenge was never taken up. Jan. 17 C.C. Tabott, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, addressed a packed house in the Nihill hall. Jan. 23. The Times entered its second year of m service. 1947 Baseball Team Feb. 4. Local Commercial Club entertains several hundred to a free dance and card party. Feb. 6. Two Soo Line agricultural cars were on the local tracks conducting a Pure Seed School. Feb. 9. Father McDonald, former pastor of St. John's Church, passed away at his home at Alice, N.D. Feb. 18. Charles Eaton, one of Kensal's early pioneers, passed away with heart trouble. Feb. 21. Kensal high school girls team eliminated from the county tournament 21 to 16, by Courtenay. Ruth Bartosh, Elsie Ericksen and Margaret Pederson were named on the all-tourney. Feb. 21. Rumor had it that a coal mine was to %&'. opened up on Kelly Creek, 12 miles northwest of town. Mar. 6. Funeral services conducted from the M.E. Kensal Baseball Team - 1949 Church for H.P. Hanson, of Juanita, but formerly of Kneeling: batboy, Mac's son; shortstop, Herman Kensal. Kulla; second baseman, Matt Kulla; first base, Mar. 20. Anton Feckler appointed manager of the Hubert Kulla; center field, George Kulla; left field, Kensal Implement Co. Donald Haugen; catcher, Pete Kulla. Standing: third Apr. 2. The Times was publishing interesting baseman, Dan/id McKenzie; right field, Bob Turner; articles on aviation as written by Evelyn Nicholas right field, Oliver Johnson; pitcher, Eston Burleson aviatrix. Schroeder; left field, Franklin Scott; right field, Apr. 16. Baseball team organized with R.C. Joseph Scott Fredrickson as manager and Joe Nogosek field captain. Apr. 14. Graveling of highway No. 9 through Kensalbegun Added Information Apr. 20. Royal train bearing King Prajodbysok George played with the Eldridge basketball and Queen Rambai Barni of Siam on their trip to team when they won the state tournament. Washington, D.C., stopped here. Madeline played with the Eldridge basketball team May 1. C.L. Jensen talks on American Legion and at Kensal. Matt played basketball, football, Junior baseball over KFYR at Bismarck. and track. He had the county pole vault record for The W.H. Noel Construction Co. of Jamestown several years. Herman played football and started graveling main street and other streets in basketball. Pete played basketball and baseball. town. Stanley Jr. played basketball and went with the May 20. Local billiard parlors ramsacked by Kensal team to the state tournament. midnight prowlers. -17- June 4. Graveling of highway No. 9 completed. and Mrs. Fred Partlow, dies after a short illness. June 4. M.E. McKinnon opens up a garage in the Oct. 31. Harvest Festival held in school Eaton building. auditorium. June 16. The one year old daughter of Mr. and Nov. 20. Mrs. Sarah Thompson, pioneer mother, Mrs. C.R. Baker, south of town, was drowned in a is called to her final resting place. wash boiler. Nov. 21. M.E. McKinnon takes over the repair June 18. American Legion Auxiliary publishes the shop at the Kensal Garage. Times for the current week. Nov. 27. Robert Sinclair purchases the Kensal June 23. Mission commenced at the St. John's Pool Hall. church. Dec. 1. Local Fire Department entertains the June 24. The school house road graveled as a Courtenay 'smoke eaters'. result of a graveling bee. Dec. 4. Safety of the entire business district July 2. Practice golf course laid out in city. threatened in the blaze that destroyed the July 13. Henry Hanson farm home saved by Croonquist store. prompt action of the Soo Line section crew. Dec. 15. Local prominent men appear on P.T.A. July 16. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Decker re-open Soo program. Line restaurant. Dec. 17. G.W. Meade laid to rest, following an July 19. The Courtenay and Kensal Fire attack of pneumonia. Departments held a joint picnic at Arrowwood Lake. St. John's Catholic Church July 20. L.A. Dunnum, local druggist, passes away at his home here, following a lingering Parish History illness. Kate & Joe McGuire, Ursula Lampert, Irene June 24. Joyce, the 11 month old daughter of Mr. Ableidinger, Mary Lipetzky and Opal Ableidinger and Mrs. Leo Lipetzky, died from the effects of gathered at McGuire's and filed some notes for this drinking kerosene. account in 1976. June 25. Rev. Mundinger, who occupied the Two years before the turn of the century, 1898, pulpit of the St. Paul Lutheran church for 11 Rev. J.A. MacDonald came to Kensal from months, returned to school studies at St. Louis. Carrington to care for the spiritual needs of the July 26. A.J. Thompson was named as a member local Catholics. In due time the Rev. Wm. Gallahue of an executive committee at a meeting held at from New Rockford assisted in the same duties. Arrowwood Lake in the interest of the proposed The mission mass and prayers were offered in Arrowwood Dam. the upstairs meeting room of Richard Feckler's Aug. 4. Theives secured $6 in cash when the store. This building was later identified as Olaf Christopherson Store was broken into during the Ekren's implement store. You youngsters probably night. recall watching it go up in flames in the fall of Aug. 13. Miss Lois Nitchey, former Kensal girl, 1972. wins beauty contest at Eau Claire, Wis. The first altar boys were George Nogosek and Aug. 20. Mrs. L.A. Dunnum purchased the Art Brewer. Two altar boys of slightly later time interests of Dr. W.E. Longstreth in the Kensal were Lou Nogosek and Max Feckler. Pharmacy. The business firm changed its name to A public school building, which had been Dunnum's Store. constructed in 1896 on the lot east of Mrs. Engel's Aug. 20. Kit Collins, former editor of the Time, home today, having become inadequate for married at Pittsburgh. educational needs, was purchased by the local Sept. 1. John Cress passed away on the Rob. parishioners in 1904. Then regular Sunday mission Koenig farm as a result of a heart attack. services were offered by Rev. Anthony B. Woeste, Sept. 8. Work commenced on the Arrowwood Rev. Gerard C. Biesens, Rev. J.A. MacDonald, and Dam. Rev. Peter McGeough. Sept. 8. John Sibera, proprietor of the Harness John and Mary Lipetzky, newlyweds, who Shop, failed to rally from an appendix operation at traveled to Kensal by the Soo Line Railroad to Jamestown. establish their first home in the year of 1915, had a Sept. 8. J.W. McGuire purchased the J.J. pleasant surprise when they attended Mass in Nogosek dray line. Kensal on Sunday. The young priest, who had been Sept. 11. Approximately 3000 people attended riding in the same coach in which they had ridden the Izack Walton League picnic at Arrowwood and who had departed from the train at Wimbledon, Lake. officiated at the Sunday Mass. This priest, Father Sept. 21. Kensal Fire Department responds to a Peter McGeough, one of the mission priest, call for help on the Courtenay conflagration. became the resident pastor in 1917 and served here Oct. 5. George Leete, early pioneer of Kensal, until 1925. answers final summons as a result of heart attack. The first baptisms officially recorded in St. Oct. 17. E.L. Christensen and P.J. leave on a John's Parish record books included: Thomas vacation to their native homes in Denmarck. Richard Neva, son of Andrew Neva; Cecelia Neva, Oct. 18. Farewell party held on the Rev. A.L. daughter of Anton Neva; Roman Anton Neva, son Lindstrom family. The Reverend occupied the pulpit of Andrew Neva (now known as Father Roman of the local M.E. church since 1925. Neva); Francis Brewer, son of Walter Brewer; Nellie Oct. 26. Bernard, the eight year old son of Mr. Ableidinger, daughter of Ambrose Ableidinger. -18- The first wedding recorded in St. John's Parish records in 1909 was Wm. Koenig and Annie Pientock. Witnesses were Frances Lonski and Robert Koenig, who later became Mr. and Mrs. Robert Koenig.

After it was moved from first location.

Building St. John's Church, 1911. 1942 - 1949 — Rev. Arthur Nestor 1949 - 1967 — Rev. John E. Moore Our Catholic ancestors knew the school building Father Moore deserves much praise and credit which they had purchased would not be spacious from us. If he hadn't realized the need of a new enough for their future needs. By 1910, $10,000 had church in the future, this day of mortgage burning been donated and saved for the construction of the would not be June 13, 1976, but a much later date. large, new Catholic Church which was built south With friendly persuasiveness and persistence he of the Thomas Nihill residence. Nine years later, convinced the parishioners to initiate and set aside 1919, it was necessary to enlarge the church so it a savings account toward accomplishing this goal, was moved to the location just west of this new the new church. Therefore we had an $87,000 fund brick church. Then twenty feet were added to the when the actual work on the building started. moved church. Again, thanks to Father Moore! We were all sorry With a winch pulled by two strong, well-trained he was not able to stay and assist us with the horses, Grant Partlow, the local livery proprietor project. Before the church was completed Father moved the structure to the location just mentioned. Moore was transferred to Grand Forks. This was the Catholic place of worship until it was The priests who served us since his departure dismantled in 1968. Joe McGuire remembers well were: the moving of the church to its last location 1967 - 1968 — Rev. Robert Benson because he (the naughty little boy) threw stones at 1969 - 1971 — Rev. Richard Rudd the horses because he thought it was fun to make 1971 - 1975 — Rev. John Wanzek the men who were resetting the winch, run and The new structure was dedicated October 13, work faster. 1968. Bishop Leo Dworschok offered the Mass at The last baptisms in the old church were: Ruth 3:00 pm. We served a dinner at 5:00 pm for all Kulla, daughter of Pete Kulla; Brian Joel visiting clergymen, parishioners and visitors. Paczkowski, son of Darwin Paczkowski. The first wedding in the new church was Ramona The last wedding in the old church was that of Hoggarth and Robert Pederson in September 1968. Susan Johnson and Dave Christopherson on June Kurt Darwin Kramer has the honor of being the 22, 1968. first baby baptized in the new St. John's Church. The priests who have guided, led and instructed He was baptized on November 21, 1968. the Catholics of this parish through the years were. 1917 - 1925 — Rev. Peter McGeough 1925 - 1930 — Rev. Francis E. McDonald 1930 - 1931 — Rev. James Corkery Aug. 1931 - 1939 — Rev. Al Zimmerman I understand, after Father Zimmerman officiated at Ursula Paczkowski and Gordon Lampert's wedding, he felt he had completed his duties here and left for Karlsruhe, N.D. 1939 - 1941 — Rev. A. Gallagher 1941 - 1942 — Rev. Osinski We had the pleasure of assisting in celebrating Rev. Osinski's 25th year as a priest while he was here. The new St. John's Catholic Church 1968. -19- This day of mortgage burning means we have the new $140,000 structure and furnishings paid up! St Paul's Lutheran Church The $41,000 we had borrowed toward the goal, plus interest, has now been paid. Thanks to all the people who have made donations. Rev. Robert Branconnier, our parish priest since 1975, is very busy serving in the spiritual needs of Catholics in Bordulac, Courtenay and our St. John's Parish. Rev. Branconnier's mother needed his help after his father died in 1977, so we had a priest from Poland, Father Felix Lubas, who served until 1982. Father Neal Kapaun is the present priest coming from Wimbledon to serve our religious needs. St John's Catholic Church Cemetery Original Church

The year was 1905, the day October 22 when a group of concerned Lutherans met in the Esler school 15 miles south of Kensal. After careful consideration plans were finalized for the formation of a congregation. Up until this time Rev. Wenger served the people in a wide area from Cooperstown to New Rockford and south through Wimbledon, Courtenay area. In February 1906 Adolph Semke donated three acres of land for a building site on which to build a country church. The building committee Adolph Semke, Gustav Gunther and William Forrester presented plans to the group which were approved. Joe LaQua was given the contract to build the structure 22 by 36 ft. at a cost of $1260. It was dedicated October 1906 with a membership of 72 souls. A Lutheran In November 1904 James Moody Watson deeded cemetery is also located in the country by the road 2 acres of land one mile north of Kensal to Rev. west of the Bert Kracht farm. John Shanley. By 1915 the membership had grown with many After having had several owners this land members living in Kensal. It was agreed that the became the property of August Lipetzky who gave people could better be served by having services in it to St. John's Catholic Church for a cemetery. By town. The Congregation Church was rented until it 1915 there were seven graves there. In 1940 an was sold and moved to Dazey, N.D. In 1926 the additional piece of land was donated to the original church was moved into Kensal. The first cemetery by the Lipetzky Estate. parsonage was the house now owned by Todd In 1949 it was decided to organize a group to Kollman and occupied by Bud Kollman family. look after the upkeep of the cemetery. These ladies In 1928 a Ladies Aid was formed under the Mary Lipetzky, Kate Lipetzky, Irene Ableidinger, direction of Rev. C. Mix. The initial group was Mrs. Agnes DeVillers, Maureen Nogosek and Therese Adolph Spitzer, Mrs. Ernie Schmidt, Mrs. Fred Nogosek with the help of Father Moore went ahead Wolsky, Mrs Bob Hess, Ida Tesch, Mrs. Otto Young, with the plans. They contacted families, raised Mrs. Chris Wolsky, Mrs. Fred Spitzer, Mrs. Fred money to purchase lawn equipment and plantings Schmidt, Mrs. Walt Jorgenson and Mrs. Wm. and were on the way to making a beautiful Groskreutz. The following year Mrs. Wm. Spitzer cemetery. and Mrs. Fred Wolsky joined the group. Of the In 1982 much more work was done on the above mentioned, Mrs. Jorgenson and Mrs. Wm. grounds. The cross was moved to the far east, new Spitzer are left of the group and are members of gates were installed and flower beds along the the Naomi Circle. In 1979 we honored these two fence were made. They now have regular upkeep ladies for serving in the Ladies Aid and in the and care and it is a beautiful place with its church for 50 years. numerous plantings. By 1949 the membership had grown so that it The present cemetery board consists of Patty became necessary to enlarge the church building. Neva, Vernette Neva, Donna Lipetzky, Sharon Neva Also the parsonage south of the tracks was traded and lone Bredahl. with Ferdinand Wolsky for his house which is now They are now converting to a Perpetual Help occupied by the Herman Kulla family, as a bigger Program. parsonage was needed. -20- Mrs. J.L. Hoover, Mrs. George McKenzie. They spent much time driving by team over the country contacting others also interested in a church home and who gave them financial assistance. These pioneer builders planted several acres of flax on their farms each year and the returns from their crop went into the church fund. When the Odd Fellow lodge decided to erect a building, the lot on main street where the church stood seemed to them the most desirable, so a trade was made whereby the church was moved to a new location. The Ladies Aid now known as the Women's St. Paul's Lutheran Church, built in 1967. Society of Christian Service, was organized June 20, 1901. There was a membership of eleven. Two In 1962 we started hosting Christmas parties for years later there were 27 members. Meetings were patients at the State Hospital. We serve homemade held each Saturday afternoon and each member cookies and candy for as many as 90 patients. This paid 10

United Methodist Church The Kensal United Methodist Church was organized and built in the years 1898-99. It was erected on the corner lot where the brick building formerly stood. The first pastor was Aldus Smith, a young man just out of college. The teacher in the Kensal School at the time of his pastorate was I Florence Shaffer of Edmunds. Later she and Rev. ap Aldus Smith were married. Pioneers instrumental in making a Methodist I i church for Kensal possible were Mrs. J.E. Jones, Former United Methodist Church -21- In August of 1960 those being members since 1920 were honored. History of Kensal Cemetery The cemetery fence for the Kensal Cemetery was The first meeting of the citizens of Kensal and its purchased by our ladies and the Lutheran ladies surrounding vacinity was held on April 8, 1899 for with donated funds. the purpose of organizing a cemetery association. The decision to build a new church was made in E. Tyler was chairman and J.S. Tufford was 1965 and the new church was built in 1968, with secretary/clerk. The official name of the Rev. Boardman being our pastor. In 1973 the corporation was The Kensal Cemetery Association. church was dedicated with Bishop Armstrong Three trustees with two year terms were elected. preaching. On June 17, 1983 the Kensal U.M.W. They were Albert Hanson, F.W. Bartz and Nels observed the 100th anniversary of the women's Holms. James Nelson was elected treasurer. The society in the church. defined purpose of the corporation was "owning Present officers of the United Methodist Women and controlling a burial place for the dead." are Esther Holm, President; Edna Hoggarth, Co- At the next meeting on April 13, 1899, Albert President; Mrs. Haaken (Marlene Ekren, Jr. Vice Hanson was elected chairman. The clerk and President; Mrs. Glenn (Ruby) Burleson, Secretary; treasurer were each bonded for $100.00 Important and Mrs. Peder(Lois) Florhaug, Jr., Treasurer. business acted upon was to take necessary proceedings for incorporation, purchase a record book, hire a surveyor, reserve 10 feet on each side of the cemetery for trees, (to be cultivated in 1900 and planted in the spring of 1901) have a 40 foot east-west driveway through the center of the cemetery, the south one-half lots will be free and anyone making a request to the trustees will be given a deed for a lot or lots that they may select and the north one-half lots will be sold. (There's no record if and when this policy changed.) A decision was made to have the first annual meeting the first Monday in April 1900 and each year thereafter on the same day. Bills paid by the board at the May 20, 1899 meeting were $20.00 for surveying and plotting, $5.00 to State of North Dakota for incorporation, $1.50 for driving stakes and $1.75 for a record book. United Methodist Church The price of lots 16 x 16 would be $5.00. A fence 50th Anniversary Celebration would be built around the cemetery according to June 20, 1951 the specifications that two hundred cedar pine In membership, we grew from 30 members in posts not less than 4 inches across would be set 8 1950 to 39 members in 1951. Officers for 1951 were feet apart around the cemetery. Albert Hanson was Mrs. Glenn Burleson, President; Mrs. Mary appointed to solicit money from the community for Johnson, Vice-president; Mrs. Carl Simonsen, the fence. Recording Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. Peder The first annual meeting was held on April 2, Florhaug, Sec. of Promption; Mrs. Olaf Ekren, Sec. 1900. Total bills for the year had been $28.25. A of Social Relations and Local Church Activities; contribution of $48.00 was receiving for fencing Mrs. J.L Neva, Sec. of Student Work; Mrs. M.W. materials. Bills paid were $5.25 to J.S. Tufford for Johnson, Sec. of Youth Work; Mrs. H.E. Nichols, digging post holes, $3.50 for blank lot deeds, $20.00 Sec. of Children's Work; Mrs. Hugo Reibe, Sec. of for 200 fence posts, $9.95 for 221 lbs. of wire, and Spiritual Life; Miss Gladys Thompson, Sec. of $2.00 for balls on corner posts. Literature; Mrs. Arthur Loucks, Sec. of Supply On April 1, 1901 the second annual meeting was Work; and Mrs. A.J. Thompson, Secretary of Status held. Total receipts were $52.10, bills were $40.70 of Women. leaving a balance of $11.40. Officers elected were At this time corsages were presented to honored Albert Hanson, chairman, F.W. Bartz and Nels members, Mrs. K. Christensen, who at 82 was the Holm trustees, J.S. Tufford, clerk, and James oldest member in age as well as being a member Nelson treasurer. Three dollars were paid to H.W. continously for 30 years, Mrs. E.L. Christensen for La Frantz for plowing. 30 years of membership and 19 years as president, At the third annual meeting on April 7, 1902, 200 Miss Gladys Thompson for the longest period of cottonwood and 200 box elder two year old trees church membership as well as many years of were purchased and planted on May 2, 1902 four service as musician, president and secretary, Mrs. feet apart around the cemetery. The total cost for H.A. Fredrickson for 10 years of service as trees was $1.25. A gate was built and put up. secretary and treasurer, to Mrs. H.A. Reibe, first From 1902 - 1905 had 2 or 3 people attending. delegate to WSCS Institute and for many years as Elections were not held and previous officers devotional leader. continued to serve. Lots had been sold to H. Decorated anniversary cakes were presented to Tufford, Martin Clark and Frank B. Smith. The first Mrs. Glenn Burleson, President; Mrs. C.F. recorded lot sold was on 9/2/1903 to Martin Clark. Simonsen, Secretary and Mrs. Ed Johnson. On April 2, 1906 at the annual meeting, F.W. -22- Bartz, Knud Christensen and Edward McKennon over by his drag on what is known as the Greenen were elected trustees, Albert Hanson, clerk, and farm was the first one to be buried there. Mrs. Tom J.M. Watson. North who died March 25, 1899 was the first person In 1907 the price of lots were raised to $10.00. to depart this life within the village of Kensal. Records state the trustees approved a 30 day The cemetery was enclosed with a suitable fence delinquent charge of $20.00 for lots. New names the latter part of 1909. appearing as officers were Andrew Thompson, S.C. The site of the original Kensal Cemetery is Shockley, William Armstrong, George E. Berg and described on the deed as beginning at a stake 33 Gladys Thompson. feet west from a stake situated 21 rods and 13 feet The cemetery association in 1908 acted to obtain north of the southeast corner of section 11, the title for the three acre plot of land west of the township one hundred forty-four, north of range City of Kensal that was the cemetery. The deed for sixty-four (11-144-64) west of the 5th principal the land obtained from Andrew N. & Maud Holm meridian thence north 22 rods to a stake thence was recorded on January 9, 1913 with the Stutsman west 22 rods to a stake; thence south 22 rods to a County Register of Deeds. stake, then east 22 rods to a stake; comprising a Maintenance consisted of mulching' trees, parcel of land three acres or thereabout. replanting trees, and pulling weeds. The land was owned by Andrew N. Holm & Maud By 1910 prices had risen considerably. Fencing Holm, his wife. The deed was recorded with the around the front of the cemetery cost $206.03. Register of Deeds office in the Stutsman County Digging a grave without payment for the lot and Courthouse, Jamestown on the 9th day of January erection of monuments weighing over 100 pounds 1913 at 11:30 a.m. without a stone or concrete foundation were not Book 46 of deeds on page 189 the Cemetery permitted. Association filed for the deed in 1908 but it could Very few minutes are recorded in the Kensal not be recorded until January 9, 1913 when taxes of Cemetery Association record book since 1910. The $66.08 + 7% were paid. The sum of one dollar was treasurer kept a detailed reccrd of income and given by the Kensal Cemetery Association for the expenses. The major source of income was from deed. sale of lots. Dividends were received in the A second parcel of land was obtained by the amounts of $9.98 and $9.99 in 1926 and 1927 from Cemetery Association on the 26th day of October, Security State Bank. Disbursements were for fence 1963 from Lansy & Beverly Holm. This deed was upkeep, paint, advertising, cutting weeds, dragging, also recorded with the Register of Deeds in hauling rocks, painting signs, grading road, gravel, Stutsman County book 184 of Mortgages on page nails, lumber, etc. On August 26, 1916, William 118. The amount of one dollar was paid for the quit­ Wright was paid $22.00 for digging a well that was claim deed. The legal description is: Commencing 32 feet deep. Berg Christensen was paid $27.50 for at a point 722.5 feet north and 33 feet west of the a flag pole on May 31, 1918 and later $14.62 for a southeast corner of section eleven, township one flag. The same year a small house was built by F.O. hundred, township one hundred forty-four range Peterson for $30.00 and the Piper-Howe Lumber Co. sixty-four, thence north 363 feet, thence west 363 received $108.25. The bank balance usually feet, thence south 363, thence east 363 feet to a remained around $100-$150. point of beginning containing three acres, more or E.L. Christensen was appointed less. secretary/treasurer at the March 1928 meeting. Mr. Both parcels of land were donated. Christensen continued to serve in this position Kensal Cemetery auxiliary, in about 1943 or 1944, until May 1948 when he resigned and G.F. Johnson a group consisting of ladies organized calling was appointed secretary/treasurer. His yearly themselves the Kensal Cemetery Auxiliary. The salary would be $10.00 Ferdinand Wolsky was purpose of the group was to appoint a cemetery appointed to fill a vacancy left by Andrew J. caretaker. As it was reported the cemetery was Thompson's death. Seventy-five dollars was greatly in need of the attention of a caretaker. First appropriated toward the purchase of a power lawn officers of this group were Mrs. William Spitzer, mower, provided the Catholic Cemetery Board pays President, Mrs. Jack Neva, Vice-president and Miss $60.00 toward it and the mower should be used by Gladys Thompson, Secretary/treasurer. She served the American Legion in both cemeteries. in this position until 1963. This information was taken from a book entitled Mrs. Gena Pearson was hired as the first History of Kensal with Kensal Directory 1910 by caretaker and her salary would be $50.00 a month. William Snape quoting: "The 'City of the dead' is a Her duties began May 1 if weather suitable and she three acre tract in the southwestern part of town, a had authority to hire extra help which would be site donated to the township by Andrew Holm. Rev. paid for by the auxiliary. J. Lincoln Jones, a former pastor of trie The following year Mrs. Gena Pearson was again Congregational Church at Carrington, surveyed and rehired as caretaker with an increased salary of prepared the cemetery plan. It is controlled by an $65.00 a month. organization formed for the purpose, known as the The Scretary/treasurer, Gladys Thompson would Kensal Cemetery Association, whose board of also receive an annual salary of $25.00 retroactive trustees is elected annually by the residents of the to 1945. township. The present trustees are J.S. Tufford, An incinerator committee consisting of Mrs. Albert J. Thompson and Edward McKinnon. William Spitzer, Mrs. Jack Neva and Gladys Tom Dooly, who died as a result of being run Thompson was appointed. Funds for a power -23- mower were also being solicited by Mrs. Edith Present Auxiliary officers for 1985 are: Evelyn Smith, Mrs. Art Loucks and Mrs. Gena Pearson. Spitzer, President; Lillian Wolsky, Vice-president; In 1948, Gena Pearsons salary rose to $75.00 Marlene Ekren, Secretary; and Georgie Simonsen, monthly. Treasurer. New officers were elected at the annual meeting 1985 Kensal Cemetery Board members are Myron in 1949 as follows: Mrs. Art Loucks, President, Mrs. Florhaug, Peter Simonsen, Leonard Norheim and Alice Mead, Vice-president and Gladys Thompson Louis Timm. as Secretary/treasurer. 1985 present cash of lots are a single $25.00, Mrs. Gena Pearson resigned as caretaker in 1950 double $45.00 Lot for 4, $75.00. and Clara Thompson was hired. New caretakers are Rose and Kim Norheim. A "Kensal Cemetery Cleanup Day" was initiated. Two dates in May were selected. Each person would bring their rake and bushel basket. Hopefully someone donated a pickup. Due to bad weather the 7985 Business Places "clean-up days" of 1950 and 1951 could not be held but another attempt would be made again in 1952. Kensal Farmers Elevator The group faced rather ordinary but frustrating Carl Nannenga Manager problelms. Quoting from the 1952 annual meeting minutes "the attendance as usual was very small" Sunshine Motel and "Our cleanup days scheduled were not very Ray & Joyce Sabinash Owners successful so very few turned out". A fence around the rock garden was built by Mr. Loucks and 5'4 Kensal Lumber evergreen trees were purchased for $7.50 each. Bob Mack, Dean Ekren, Darryl Beckley Owners The secretary/treasurer usually reported an income of $400 and expenses of $330 to $380 Kensal Post Office among which were for the caretaker, sec/treas., E & Mrs. Robert Timm Postmaster L Standard $1.30 for 5 gallons gasoline and .80 for Mrs. Cliff Hoyt Assistant Postmaster 2 quarts oil. Joe McGuire Rural Mail Carrier The salary of Clara Thompson, caretaker, was James DeVillers Assistant Mail Carrier raised to $85.00 a month with a $25.00 bonus at the end of the season. Kensal Community Cafe 1958 Cleanup Day was again discussed, but no Community Owned one seemed interested only the same 2 or 3 persons, so we may as well forget about the Derald's Town & Country Garage project. Money was being solicited for a fence by Derald Connell Owner Mrs. Walter Jorgenson, Mrs. Gus Spitzer, Miss Esther Holm, Mrs. H.N. Pearson, Gladys and Clara Kensal Medical Center Thompson and Alice Wolsky. Anna Neva and Community Owned Gabriel Frederickson volunteered to paint the front Dr. Rick Geir Doctors Vi day a week, alternating cemetery fence with aluminum paint. Dr. Ron WagonerDoctors Vt day a week, alternating 1962 the financial statement showed income of Dr. Middleton ... Dentist, Vi day a week, alternating $586.42 and expenses of $522.85. A donation of Dr. Bauer Dentist, Vi day a week, alternating $100.00 was given to the cemetery board for a fencing project. Foster County Bank & Trust Co., Carrington Branch There was a turnover of officers at the 1963 Edmund Kulla Manager annual meeting. Newly elected were: Mrs. Gena Pearson, President; Mrs. H.A. Frederickson, Vice- Harold's Department Store president; Gladys Thompson, Secretary/treasurer; Liudahl's Owners and Mrs. Irven Messmer, Caretaker. There was a meeting held April 1964. Anna Neva Kulla's Bar was elected secretary/treasurer. Caretakers, Mrs. Herman Kulla Owner Carl and Mrs. Lansy Holm. Several men showed an interest in the Auxiliary because of the cemetery C & R Bar board requesting financial assistance. Bud Schuldheisz & Bob Bartlett Owners This was the first joint meeting. Funds for perpetual care are obtained from Clete's Plumbing & Heating interest of CDs and donations. Perpetual care Cletus Lipetzky Owner started this year in 1964. Alice Wolsky was president at this time. Agnes Beauty Salon Cemetery board members in 1977 were Carl Agnes Liudahl Owner Carlson, Russel Nelson, Marvin Parson, Leonard Norheim and Myron Florhaug. Vining Oil Other caretakers have been: Marie Eriksen, Dave & JoAnn Owners LaDell Kollman, Georgie Simonsen, Brenda Hoggarth, Terri Holm, Betty Spenst, Karen Barber Shop Hoggarth, Marshall and Joyce Stenslie. Louis Neva Owner -24 Blahna Gun Shop approximately $200,000. Installed in the northwest William Blahna Owner sector of town was a 50,000 gallon water tank. A six acre lagoon is located on the northeast side of Home Interiors & Gifts town. A federal grant of $10,000 paid for the lagoon Karen Lipetzky Dealer and the village sold bonds to cover the remaining cost. Kensal Fire Department Robert Turner and Pete Kulla went to Community Owned Minneapolis for signing of bonds and to receive check for $215,000. The project resulted in a Satellites $592.00 assessment to every property owner David Kramer & William Holm Dealers payable over 19 years. A total of 100 homes and 10 business places hooked up. Dingers Gun Shop Kent Ableidinger Owner Post Office At Kensal The early residents of our town did not have the Burleson Orchestra Soo Line bring the mail. The mail came to the Ruby Burleson Leader Arrowwood Post Office on the G.E. Armstrong place. Mr. Armstrong was the Post Master. Kensal Light & Power Co. In July of 1917 a deed was sold to Kensal Light and Power Company for $50.00 giving privilege for franchise for erection and maintenance and operation of an Electric light plant for lighting and power purposes. Lights would be furnished until 11:00. Rumor has it that Mr. H.P. Krag, who operated the plant, could be bribed to run the plant another hour at meetings until the lunch was over for an invitation to partake of the lunch. After some agitation from hobos and I.W.W. and other disturbances, lights would be continued all night. Otter Tail Power Company received permission to establish a power plant in Kensal in 1930. At Henry Christensen, RFD Carrier present they still operate here. A.C. Conant carried mail from Pingree to Esler and on to Arrowwood on Tuesday and Saturday of each week. The post office was established in Kensal in 1893. The first building was a small shack located on the lot where the old pool hall has been for many years. The post masters are George Armstrong, C.W. McDonald, served in connection with his job as Soo agent. J.M. Watson, H.S. Stinson, H.S. Hoover, O.E. Holms, who was also the druggist, A.J. Thompson, Gladys Thompson, Alf Dunnum, John Schieb, Anna Schieb, Acting P.M., Clair M. Christensen, Alice C. Christensen, acting P.M.

Kensal Water Tower and Satellite Dish 1985, Cable TV in 1984.

Water and Sewer At a village election in 1960 the water and sewer installation was on the ballot. The vote was 73 yes and 82 no so the project was dropped. In 1964, Ed Wolsky canvassed the town with a petition and secured 87 signers. In 1965 the project was approved by a 39 to 34 vote and work began and project was completed in 1966. The cost was Phillip DeVillers and Clair Christensen -25- while her husband was in the service, Alfred Schrade, Helen Timm. In 1909 two rural routes were created, Martin Larson had the north route, and Henry Christenson, who was a veteran of the Spanish American War, had the south route, Clifford Collison was the next mailman on the south route. Phil DeVillers had the north route from about 1921 to September 1965. The two routes were consolidated and Phil had both routes. Kenneth DeVillers was next, and now Joe McGuire is hauling the mail to both the north and south patrons. Kensal Manor During the winter of 1978 and spring of 1979, Edward Wolsky and Willis Erickson with part time help of August Spitzer, began tearing down the old Kensal hotel. After many hours of hard labor they completed the task. The lots were purchased by H.U.D. and Valley Reality of Valley City. In 1980 they built an 8 plex for low income housing. By March of 1981 it was ready for Barber Shop, 1950s, Ole Ableidinger, Louis Neva, occupancy and the first resident was Elizabeth (barber), and Red Newcome. Seibert. She moved in March 9, 1981 followed by Alvina Bata March 10 and Margaret Haugen March Kensal Fire Department 19th. They were followed by Alma Wulff, Mary Florhaug, Anna Jorgenson, Mathilda Hoggarth and Anonia Schulz. Alma Wulff became ill and was moved to a nursing home. At this time Ruby Karn now occupies that apartment. They are all present tenants. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolsky have been managers since it was built.

Second Fire Hall 1928 First meeting of Kensal Fire Department was October 19, 1908. The Chief was C.A.D. Kolb, assistant chief was E.W. Stroh, Secretary was CM. Wilkinson and Treasurer was Glenn Farrar. They purchased the Fire Hall in 1909, and purchased a stationary engine pumper (man drawn) called a "Watatus". This was used until 1931. The Kensal Manor first Fire Hall was sold to Nellie Cysewski for $100.00. The second Fire Hall was built in 1928 after The Barber Shop issuing bonds for $6,000. J.A. LaQua received the The Barber Shop was built in 1909 and Thomas bid and did the construction. It was also used for Clemo was the barber there until 1925. (Clemo had showers, meetings and roller skating. It is still used started barbering in 1905-location unknown) today as a polling place. Previously he had been in Courtenay. In 1931 a Cadillac was purchased and made into Glenn Burleson bought it, and He and Henry a fire truck. In 1941 a 1937 Ford was purchased Green operated it until September 1927. with a 800 gallon tank. Al Huber was the next shop owner and operator In April 1954 the Rural Fire Department held their for a number of years. He then rented it to Jake first meeting. This same year they purchased a 2 Schlick. ton Chevrolet Truck. May 1, 1979 the town and rural In 1946 Louis Neva bought the fixtures and the fire departments combined. The city annexed on building. He was the local barber from 1947-1974. to the Rural Fire Department and formed a Fire The shop is still there and Louis has his District in 1980. It has on hand three pumpers; 1952 scrissors sharp so he is available if someone needs 6x6, 1954 Chevrolet, 1972 Van (Ford), 1982 a trim. Chevrolet delivered on January 20th. -26- 1983 a New Fire hall was built. The Bartender Knows Joe McGuire joined in 1931 and still is an active member. He served as chief in 1943-1952. Present Author Unknown officers are: Chief Lester Spitzer, Assistant Chief He knows all our sorrows and all our joys, Derald Connell, Secretary-Treasurer David Kramer, He knows all the girls that chase the boys. Directors from town are Derald Connell and James Somsen. Directors of the rural area are Craig He knows all our troubles and all our strife, Hoggarth, Glenn Ableidinger, Dwain Ableidinger, He knows every man who cheats on his wife. Eldon Nogosek, Lawerence Spitzer, Louis Timm and Raphael Frownfelter. There is 38 members in If the bartender told all he knows the department for 1985. He would turn our friends to bitter foes.

He would start a story which gaining in force, Would cause every wife to sue for divorce!

He would get all our homes mixed up in a fight, He would turn our bright days to sorrowful nights.

In fact he would keep the town in a stew If he told one-tenth of ail that he knew!

So when out on a party and from home you steal Kensal Fire Hall 1983 Drop in for a drink—the bartender won't squeal!! The Pool Hall Kensal's Elevators This has been a gathering place since the Osborne-McMillan 1892 earliest days of Kensal. Here was the place to meet First Manager, Ellis Tyler pool sharks, card handlers and those looking for Manager in 1910, C.J. Christensen the company of local citizens. The building has been renovated by the owners The Royal 1893 to keep up with the times. Booths have been Manager in 1910, D.C. Dye installed, special lighting fixtures brighten up the surroundings and a microwave oven is in use for The Atlantic 1898 preparing pizzas and popcorn snacks. There are Manager in 1910, F.T. Kuhry games to test your skill and a nickelodeon, if you want music while enjoying some refreshments. The LaHart 1902 This was sold to Kensal farmers. It was Operators Have Included incorporated as The Farmers' Elevator on May Bredahl & Radke Elton Vaughn 27, 1905. Frank Schieb Clyde Johnson Andrew Petrick Nick Piatz The Woodworth 1907 George Neva Elmer Schweigert Manager in 1910 until 1952 J.D. Schlect Bob Sinclair Today's operators are Bob Bartlet and Curtis The Independent 1907 Schuldheisz Manager, Hans Horgan

The Minnekota 1907 Manager, Swan Nelson

Bartender Herman Kulla, 17 Walleyes and 2 Perch from Jamestown Reservior. Early day elevators -27- The only operating elevator today is the Kensal They also bought a large red house and moved it Farmers' Elevator which is doing an excessive beside the motels and is occupied by the amount of business. Sabinashs' at the present time. The original subscribers were John Nihill, Christ Bredahl, Jensa P. Pedersen, Nels Holm, William Homuth, J.E. Jones, M.P. Christensen and Jens P. Pedersen was the secretary. A. Hansen, elected Chairman of the first meeting of the stockholders and J.C. Johnson, Secretary. The group met at the Tucker Hall in Kensal. There were 53 stockholders. There were 124 shares. 1975 - Main house was built by Jacobson Construction with a capacity of 100,000 bushels. Kensal Motel 1982 - An Addition built by D.W. Wetter Inc. with a capacity of 150,000 bushels. A unit train load out facility was also installed. Community Cafe 1983 - An addition built by D.W. Wetter Inc. with In 1968, Georgie and Pete Simonsen began a capacity of 80,000 bushels. remodeling the office and a portion of the Kensal 1984 - D.W. Wetter built and addition with a Lumber Company, which was to be used and capacity of 160,000 bushels. Total operated as a cafe. They opened for business capacity is 720,000 bushels. March, 1968 and operated, until 1971. For reasons of health and lack of labor, they sold the inventory Managers and equipment. J.C. Ashley 1905-1943 The business changed hands and was closed Robert Turner 1943-1957 several times during the following years, the last Kenneth Mead 1957-1968 time in July of 1976. William Mork 1968-1978 In September of 1976 several local people Carl Nannenga 1978-Present challenged the people of the community to donate enough money to buy the inventory and fixtures, Present Board of Directors $7,200 was raised. The cafe was on its way. An Edgar Turner President organizational meeting was called and the group James Johnson Vice President decided on the name Kensal Community Cafe. This Leon Timm Secretary was to be incorporated as a non-profit business, P.J. Florhaug William Lipetzky operated by a five person board of directors each Kenneth Spitzer Wendell Simonsen serving for a term of three years. Election was held and five people elected to serve on the board. The board organized electing a chairman, secretary, one member having charge of labor, another in charge of meat, another in charge of bookkeeping, paying food bills, labor, making quarterly and yearly reports. With the organizational business taken care of, the board used $2,500 to buy the fixtures, $2,500 to buy the inventory. Local ladies were contacted and asked if they would cook or wait tables. Ten ladies consented to try with each to work two 8 hour shifts, two days a week. With everything organized, the Kensal Community Cafe opened for business on the 3rd of October, 1976. Everything went quite well and

Kensal Farmers Elevator and grain storage bins, 1985. Sunshine Motel In the fall of 1979 the north section of the Down Towner Motel of Jamestown was purchased by Ray and Joyce Sabinash. These units were moved into Kensal that same fall and were open for business in time for the 1980 Reunion. There are 7 units at the present time. It has been operated by them since. Kensal Community Cafe -28- everybody learned alot about the cafe business, thanked for their generous donations and support rules and regulations, meeting sanitary of the cafe project and for their continued support requirements, filling out reports, etc. etc. and patronage since it opened. It's great to live in a After operating for about two years, the old gas place where there is so much love and concern for cook stove began giving trouble. It was patched each other. and repaired until one day it backfired and burned the panty hose off one of the cooks. The cafe didn't have enough profits to buy a new one, so once again fund raisers were held to raise $1,700 to buy a new stove. Bingo parties, card parties, pancake Dentist suppers and donations raised enough, and in about Dr. Sprake arrived in Kensal from Casselton to four months we had a new stove. open a dentist office in 1907. Not much is known Everything went along fine; local ladies did the about him, but according to the Journal his dentist cooking and waiting on tables, many different chair was stolen from the depot platform. It was people serving on the board of directors, volunteer reported that the good dentist offered to fix the workers doing repair work on equipment and the teeth of the thief if he returned the chair. building. Everyone was satisfied and eating good He was followed by Dr. Sawyer and in 1930 Dr. and the cafe not making much profit, which is the Faber's dentist office was located above the intent since it is owned by the community. Fecklers Store. North Dakota has a program to help small Kensal was without a dentist until March of 1985 communities with rehab housing, water, and sewer when Dr. Middleton and Dr. Bauer of Carrington improvements and improve small businesses by started a practice here on the Satellite program. issuing grants. In 1982, working with the South Central Regional Planning Commission an application for a grant to build a new cafe was submitted to the state. In reviewing all applications, 12 projects in our population range Kensal Lumber Company were approved, ours being the 13th, so our request Then & Now was denied. With determined-minds to have a new Kensal's needs for building materials were filled cafe, another application was submitted in 1983. by a Bartlet Lumber Company in 1901. There were After much apprehension and some testifying many buildings going up about that time. Piper before the review committee the State awarded us Howe furnished the lumber in the area for several a loan grant for just under $44,000, payable back in years beginning in 1920. This was followed by such 30 years at 1% interest. companies as Midwest Lumber Company, Rogers Elated with the grant, it was still not near enough Lumber Company, Matt Tanata and Simonsens to build. Once again everyone in the community Lumber Company. was contacted for donations. Being the kind of Robert and Barbara Mack purchased the lumber people we have in the Kensal Community, they yard from Wendell and Peter Simonsen in March of donated another $29,000 to be used with the grant 1983. to make a buildng a reality. In January of '85' Dean Ekren and Daryle Beckley In September of 1984 ground was broken and along with Bob and Barb became partners and Inc. construction began. Again volunteers with trucks the business. and loaders came and hauled clay and gravel to They will do any type of re-modeling projects or build up the lot about two feet. With a nice fall and any building projects. One of their employees, a mild winter, construction moved right along. Donna Blahna, re-does old furniture, stripping it While the contractor was busy building, the down and stains and varnishes it. All types of Building Committee was busy procurring building materials and feed supplies for animals is equipment and furnishings. More small fund raisers sold at the lumber yard. They also sell and build were held to raise $1,500 to be matched by Aid log homes. Association of Lutherans to buy all new tables, chairs and blinds for the windows. In February work was completed, equipment installed, tables and chairs delivered and the sidewalks laid. Moving day was set for February 12th. Again volunteers came with pickups and trailers and started moving furnishings and supplies out of the old cafe. They moved things so fast some of the dishes didn't have time to cool off before they were picked up. Within two hours everything was moved into what you see as the new Community Cafe. The people of the community are real proud of the accomplishments, having an investment in and also being a part of the cafe. The people of the community are also to be Kensal Lumber Co., building a log home.

-29- Banks Harold's Department Store R.W. Miller, W.G. Tubbs and Allen R. Randall came to Kensal in 1902 and having bought from the Of Kensal Minnesota Loan and Trust Company the Contributed by Agnes Liudahl undisposed portion of the townsite became boosters of the town. We, Harold and Agnes Liudahl, with our family They established the first bank January 16, 1903, Ronnie, Keith and LeeAnn, moved from Carrington, called the First State Bank of Kensal. A.G. Randall N.D. in August 1960. We bought the grocery store was the first cashier. owned by Einer Ekren. Later the name was changed to the Kensal State We were first affiliated with Gamble Skogmo and Bank. The officers in 1904 were as follows: the Valley City grocery. After a few years we closed president, C.H. Ross; vice president, C.H. Davidson, out the Gamble Skogmo line and changed from Jr.; and cashier, H.R. Melrose. Valley City grocery to Fairway Foods Inc. Six years The successor of the Kensal State Bank was ago we discontinued with that concern and began dated October 9, 1905, opened for business handling products of L.B. Hartz of Thief River Falls, November 21, 1905, and the name according to the Minn. charter was First National Bank. Glenn Farr was We installed a laundromat in the store in 1970 cashier, George Kern was assistant cashier, and but discontinued it in 1983. Charles D. Funk was bookkeeper. We opened a beauty shop in the rear of the store The bank was located in a building where the in 1971 which is still in operation. new brick bank now stands. The building was moved from there north and was the site of Pressnall's Store, later A.C. Neson store, and still later Gussick's Cafe.

Harold's store before 1983, after old locker plant was removed and before storage room was added. Kensal Exchange, 1985 After the First National Bank built their new We have remodeled our store. We put in new building, it went broke. fixtures in 1979. The Farmers and Merchant Bank was The old locker plant was removed from the back incorporated August 29, 1904. It was located in the of the building in 1983. We then added on a storage Nihill Building. Frank A. Lenz was the first room and a working area. We put all new siding on president, and C.A. Klaus was the first vice the building in 1983. president. This year (August 1, 1985) we will have been in business in Kensal 25 years. Other presidents in order of their elections were Knud Christensen, W.G. Tubbs and F.M. Bailey. F.L. Nichols bought out the corporation about 1909. H.R. Melroe was the first cashier, and his assistant cashier was A.L. Casey. Then the depression hit, and in 1928 the bank closed. F.L. Nichols opened the Kensal Exchange a year or two later, and H.E. Nichols continued in this position until the fall of 1964. In 1964 the Foster County State Bank purchased the building, and it has become a paying and receiving station of Foster Co. State Bank. It is now called Paying and Receiving Station of Foster County State Bank and Trust Company. Pete Kulla is the operator and has been since the transaction Side of Harold's store after remodeling beginning in 1965. -30- The building has had a face lift—refinishing the woodwork, patched and repainted the walls, laid carpeting, reconditioned the plumbing, added shelves in the examination room, built a wheelchair access ramp, and many little changes for a more comfortable place for the doctors and the patients. Serving on the board of directors are; Glenn Ableidinger, Marshall Stenslie, Elaine Timm, and Kent Ableidinger. The board along with some volunteers were the laborers who worked hard and spent long hours giving the building the face lift. Members of the Homemakers Clubs have taken over the responsibility of keeping the place clean and attractive. Front of Harold's store after remodeling. Memorial Building Kensal's Medical Building Stutsman County saw the need to establish a levy for a World War Memorial fund. Kensal used The need of an enlarged modern office for our its share for the contruction of a community doctor to treat his patients was the reason a group buiding, which has many uses. of interested citizens formulated a board of Kensal pitched in to help Stustman County in directors on July 28, 1950. getting the Memorial building constructed. There Adolph Spitzer President was much labor donated by local residents to J.E. Schlosser Vice President supplement the $40,000 which we received for the H.E. Nichols Secretary-Treasurer Memorial fund. From the appearance of the A.S. Ekren Director building one could judge donated labor could be W.J. Spitzer Director estimated at $10,000 to $15,000. Ralph Nordeen Director The main room in the building was used as a Carl Simonsen Director basketball court until the new gym was built on the They decided to solicit and get pledges in the school in 1975-76. Today it is used as a dance hall area and surrounding community. The goal they and any other event that requires a large space. hoped to reach was $15,000. Besides the drive a The building also houses the post office and the talent show was presented August 19, 1950. Senior Citizens meeting room. The upper part is the On June 27, 1951 they advertised for bids in the Auxiliary room complete with kitchen and also the Stutsman County Record and the Foster County American Legion room. The building was Independent. Joe A. LaQua was awarded the constructed in 1952 and stands where the contract. His bid was $8,951.25. Palmer's bid for Croonquist store was located on the south end of plumbing and heating was $2,459.95. Traiser's main street. Electric bid was $225.00. The building was to be completed by November 1, 1951. Dr. Martin was the physician who practiced his profession in this new location until 1961. His Kensal Schools office had been located in the upper area of A.C. The early settlers of Kensal, after establishing a Nelson's store. (The old Feckler store on the S.W. trading center along the Soo Line, decided their Corner of Main street.) little darlings needed some "book learning". All After Dr. Martin left the board tried to get a interested parties assembled at the J.S. Tufford doctor from England but this attempt didn't home (later known as the Clara Thompson abode). materialize. The building was used for a time as a Part of this dwelling was designated as the first dwelling. public school and Miss Queens Scott was hired as the instructor in 1893. The next year Miss Nelia Burdick was the teacher. Elizabeth (Armstrong) Ashley was one of the first pupils. In 1894 the first schoolhouse was erected south of the Soo Line tracks on the lots between Roger's Lumber Co. and the George Dubois home. The Dubois home is the home of the late Mrs. Engels and son, John Miller. The lonesome whistle of the midnight train may have been the cause of the population explosion in Kensal. Anyway only two years later in 1896, a much larger school house (originally one large room - later divided into two rooms) was constructed at approximately the same location as the 1894 school house. -31- to and from school. The school, at a cost of $450,000, is built on a Y shaped floor plan. It has 14 class rooms, a 36x72 foot multi-purpose room, a fully equipped kitchen, teachers lounge, shower rooms, locker rooms for each individual, and has Kensal school about 1910 bathrooms in the lower grade rooms. The roominess of the new building 929,950 sq. ft. The first structure was transported 3V2 miles is impressive and gratifying. The class rooms are southeast of Kensal to Nogosek Township and roomy and modern. It is not at all like the old later moved again becoming part of the Semke school which housed students from the area for 60 farmstead. Now it is a part of the Bert and Marie years. The old wooden structure was built in 1902 (Wulff) Kracht home. and had long outlived its usefulness and has since The second school which had been built in 1896 been demolished. provided a learning area until the third school When it was completed, open house was held on building, an architects dream of beauty and November 25, 1962. Approximately 900 persons elegance was built north of the tracks in 1903. registered. In later years the new building made it Meanwhile, the second school, needing some possible to add a kindergarten, shop, home purification after being occupied by the young economics, music and band plus excellent upstarts, was converted into a catholic church in facilities in the kitchen. Approximately 95 hot 1904. Sometime later it was moved from across the lunches are served at noon. tracks to the site two doors east of the Memorial Even with the new school a satisfactory Building. It was the home of the late Mr. & Mrs. gymnasium was lacking. For many years the Garfield Johnson for many years. Today, in 1985, Memorial building uptown had been used for the memorial plaque in the city park is located in basketball. On January 9th the school board the approximate area. opened bids for construction of the new $157,752 The five rooms of the third school which had addition. The new steel structure 80 x 100 ft. gym been built in 1903 soon became inadequate and by enhanced educational and physical education 1910 enlargement was necessary, therefore an opportunities for the students. It also alleviated the addition built on the north doubled the size. problem of having school activities several blocks The first superintendent in the five room school from school. was an attorney from New York, Attorney J.S. Carr. School district funds via private contractor were Imagine the fright of the wee ones Christine used to finance the structure. Much local volunteer Christensen (Mrs. Erick Christensen), Astrid labor and donated funds from several school and Christensen (Mrs. Willis Erickson), Marie community groups finished the interior. A dance-a- Christensen (Mrs. Carl Simonsen), Bertha Guenther thon netted $1,600 from the students. The epoxy- (Mrs. Jack Schlosser) when the attorney caught covered cement floor features a free hand drawing them plastering gumwads on the undersides of the of the Spartan design within the free throw lane. desks. The first game played in the new gym was played Miss Belle Wilson (Mrs. George Berg) said there with New Rockford in January 1976. The new floor were no strikes by teachers demanding higher was initiated with a loss for Kensal. wages or better working conditions. Her top salary was $75.00 per month. The $5.00 was for teaching music. Alumni Reunions In the dirty thirties the P.W.A. or W.P.A. In 1970 the alumni of Kensal decided it was time government programs provided highly unskilled for an all class reunion. This included graduates labor and matchless funds to construct a basement from 1914 through 1970. Represented were 25 gym. Twenty three seniors received their states. They came by plane, bus, automobile, certificates in this gymnasium in 1936. trailers and motorcycles. A total of 494 were The latest institution, after many pros and cons registered. Everyone was very excited over regarding the needs of a new building, cost and renewing acquaintances and reminiscing. On location, was constructed in the northwest corner Friday a tour of the three new churches and the of town. The new building houses both the new school, with a community picnic in the late elementary and high school students of the Kensal afternoon, and a street dance in the evening, all School District which includes some 10 Townships well attended. A parade on the 4th of July with in and around town. Currently there are 64 students color guard, bands, floats of every description were in the elementary grades and 35 students in high among the highlights. In attendance were Helen school. Three busses transport the rural students White from Los Angeles, Belle Berg, Jamestown, -32- Marie Simonsen and Mrs. Willis Erickson, Kensal, all teachers in the early days. The Alumni dance was held in the Memorial building with the Burleson orchestra furnishing the music.

-34- Being the first place winner was not unusual or farmers food patches consisting of 4 acres to a unexpected in our own T-Ball Invitational plot have been maintained. The corn seeded in the Tournament. After beating teams such as G-S-M plots was donated by the ASCS office and the N.D. and Hannaford, we beat Cooperstown with smiles Game and Fish Department. The farmers received and hurrays to spare. $13.00 an acre for their effort. The club had five such plots last year and hopes to have more in 1985. They have raised 500 pheasants each year and released them in the fall, with the hope pheasants could again be established in the region. The trap house has been restored with a new roof, benches have been rebuilt and the backstop improved. Paul Lipetzky has been the one in charge of having movies for the regular meetings. They have had a wild game stew feed in the fall, held a fishing derby at Jim Lake this year and have sponsored a "Big Buck" contest during deer season. The members hope each and every member will continue to be active workers for the organization and even recruit more interested members. Mothers' Club In the early 1950's the school patrons decided we L-R, Back row Coach Zerr, Tyson F., Mike L., Missy needed an organization to benefit projects for the M., Jenny S., Chris - Ann - Travis N. Front; Duane school, it was then that the Mothers Club was C, Mike M., Chad W., Rick S., Cody K., Janine J. organized. The most popular money maker was the two act plays. Two of the early plays were "Coming Around the Mountain" and "Swept Clean off her Feet". Participants were Mrs. Jack Schlosser, Mrs. Bill Briss, Mrs. Carl Holm, Clarice Bredahl, Jeanne Kensal's Wildlife Club LaQua, Al Schrade, Charles Thompson, and Kensal's original wildlife club was organized in Wendell Simonsen in the first play, and Mrs. H.E. the early 1950's, when Rev. John Moore of St. Nichols, Mrs. Ed Wolsky, Mrs. Wilf Snow, Ed John's Catholic Church, a hunting and fishing Schlosser, Herman Olig and Marvin Oppegard in enthusiast, promoted the idea. He was the first the second. president of the unit. Another of the active leaders The high school auditorium was packed to was the late Rev. Boardman of the Methodist capacity for the program. The plays came to be an Church. annual affair and looked forward to with The first meetings were conducted in the anticipation. Not only was the plays given in basement of the old Catholic Church. The trap Kensal but also went to neighboring towns. shoots, which were well attended by hunters from a The club was a big boost to the school. In 1951- wide area, were held on the quarter of land just 52 through their efforts a band was started. The north of the Gale Blahna residence. The Catholic club was instrumental in organizing the band and Cemetery is located on that quarter of land. The helping them secure instruments. In 1953 the club club held raffles, had movies at every meeting and approached the town board for financial help and raised wild turkeys. There were over 100 members. were given $15.00 a month to help with the band. For some reason soon after the original promoters It was also through the efforts of the Mothers' left the club became inactive. Club that the hot lunch was started, with the help In 1981 some of the younger members of the of LL. Evans. Three plays, card parties, talent club, or new enthusiasts, decided to re-organize. shows and other entertainment the club purchased The money from the original club had been drawing a stove for the kitchen (what kitchen?) a interest in a bank account so this helped create refrigerator and dishes. Hot lunches were served more interest among the local hunting and fishing under the most adverse conditions. Meals were fans. A new trap house and rifle range was served on the stage and only to rural students. The constructed on land southeast of Kensal belonging stage was used for other purposes so tables and to the Simonsen brothers. The leaders since that chairs had to be folded and put aside. Water was time holding office as the presidents of the club piped in but had to be carried up the back steps in have been Kent Ableidinger, James Johnson, and 5 gallon pails and dumped outside. It was difficult at the present time Paul Van Egan. to get a cook under such conditions and being a The club has approximately 70 members today. new venture didn't help. In desperation they hired In their first year, six nesting structures for geese Lillian Wolsky and Evelyn Spitzer as guinea pigs to were erected. The last two years round flax bales start the operation. Being hardy farm women and have been placed in the "pot holes" for nesting of having cooked for 15 to 18 men at harvest time, 3 geese and ducks. With the cooperation of local full meals a day plus afternoon lunch, it didn't -35- prove to be too big a disaster. The pay made up for In 1975 our big project was making a Holly everything. $5.00 a day between the two cooks. The Hobby quilt. Each of us embroidered a square following year while it was still difficult to get toward the final production. Dorothy Kulla was the cooks they did hire different help. Since Lillian and winner of the quilt at the 1975 school reunion. We Evelyn were both farm women and had hired help sold chances on it. to cook for both spring and fall, they turned down For our 25th anniversary we had dinner at the the challenge the second year. Elks Club in Jamestown. The six charter members The Mothers' Club was a very active group, the remaining in our club were presented corsages. A entertainment always attracted a large crowd. The brief history of the club by Hertha Timm, a review Club was a big help to the school financially and of club highlights by Agnes Lipetzky and a provided entertainment for the public. humorous reading by Lois Turner was enjoyed by all. The Town and Country Homemakers By Agnes Lipetzky The Town and Country Homemakers' Club was organized on a hot, stormy evening July 26, 1954 at the Mary Ellen Kulla home, with the assistance of Mrs. M. Clausen, Phyllis Herigstad and Leah Lipetzky. The nine charter members were Margie and Mary Ellen Kulla, Norma and Arlean Lipetzky, Maxine and Shirley Spitzer. The following charter members are no longer members of the club: Clarice Kulla, Marlys Johnson and Arlean Wolsky. Other former Town & Country Homemakers, 1979 members were Shirley Hoggarth, Nadine Johnson, Jean Kulla, and Mildred Schrade. Today the members in the club with the six Kensal Korners Homemakers remaining charter members are Arlean Kramer, The first meeting of the Kensal Korners Agnes and Donna Lipetzky, Jean Olson, Lois Turner Homemakers was held at the Linda Ableidinger and Hertha Timm. home in November 1967. Magdeline Clausen, The activities in which we have participated are: Stutsman County Home Economist was present to Funded child safety program for infant car help organize our group. seats There were ten charter members. Planted area to flowers in Kensal beautification Diane Hoggarth President program Linda Ableidinger Vice President Community Fall Festivals Elaine Timm Secretary Sponsored a dairy princess several years Sharon Neva Treasurer Built floats for Kensal reunion parades Patti Lampert Program Chairperson Helped Senior Citizens paint their center The other original members were: Mell O Dee Assisted in fund raising activity for Darryl Neva Hoggarth, Elizabeth Doyle, Karen Hoggarth, and Stephanie Knoble Adeline Olson, Theresa Kracht. Delivered meals on wheels Some of the clubs outstanding events have been Donated to the Kensal Park Board for the family picnics, taking part in Buffalo Days and youth programs Courtenay Bar-B-Q Days, packed Easter Baskets for Gave funds to the Kensal Cafe for buying the shut-ins in Kensal, sponsored a bake and take dishes day, sponsored a Girls State delegate, took part in Cleaned the Medical Building a CPR demonstration, sponsored a bike-a-thon for In March 1966 several members made a trip to Cystic Fibrosis, made floats for all the school Minneapolis. We have had representatives at two reunions and held a babysitting clinic. National Conventions, one at Baltimore and the other in Florida. The club members who have gone on the Kensal Homemakers Club Homemakers' tour all reported the tours were The Kensal Homemakers Club was organized enjoyable, educational and a time for fun. The last October 4, 1928 with Magdeline Heiberg Clausen, tour was to Washington, D.C. in October 1984. the home economist. We learned the value of Our families haven't been neglected. We nutrition of foods in the home. We learned all the entertained them with picnics at Arrowwood Lake, aspects of homemaking. This includes sewing, Sibley Resort, Fort Totten and Lake Ashtabula. Our patching, altering clothes. We were taught canning husbands have had special dinners with us. We of all foods including meats, making easy to "picked up the tab". prepare bread and rolls. We were taught home Our money making projects have been management. As a club we take part in community conducting whist tournaments, raffles and affairs, sponsoring a clinic in the old school house personal donations. by Dr. Longstreth, a mobile x-ray for two years, an -36- ice skating rink and roller skating at the Memorial Every summer we have held a club picnic with building. In early days we took part in Achievement the members, family included. And every year our Days in Klaus Park in Jamestown. We took part in husbands have been guests at our Christmas party. several parades, the Bar-B-Q at Courtenay and the The club now consists of fifteen members, eight Community hobby show twice. of which are from the original group. Members are: We started the club with six members and only Linda Parsons, Linda DeVillers, Shelly Wanzek, one charter member is still living. The club will be Karen Wolsky, Sherry Florhaug, Brenda Ekren, Barb 57 years old October 4, 1985. We have 15 members Mack, Peggy Spitzer, Pam Spitzer, lone Somsen, at the present time. Beth Kenna, Karen Lipetzky, Lynn Spitzer, Kathy VanNingen and Shelly Nannenga. Club officers are: President, Karen Lipetzky; Vice President, Peggy Spitzer; Secretary, Shelly Nannenga; Treasurer, Linda DeVillers and Program chairman, Linda Parsons. Hidden Talent Homemaker's Club By Pam Bredahl The Hidden Talents Homemakers Club was organized in February 1982 with 12 members. Our Kensal Homemakers Charter Members. L-R, Mrs. E. first officers were: L. Christensen, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. Huber (No Brenda Bischoff President Charter), Mrs. Garfield Johnson, Mrs. Chris Eriksen, Jodi Beckley Vice President and Marie Eriksen. Andrea Huus Secretary Gail Kollman Treasurer Pamela Bredahl Program Chairman Free Spirit Homemakers Sheila Johnston Program Chairman It all began on October 24, 1974, at the home of Other members included are: Lyla Ableidinger, Barb Mack. Anyone interested in organizing a new Donna Blahna, Bonnie Hoggarth, Sue Piatz, Laurie homemakers club was to attend. The biggest Snow, and Tanya Timm. decision that had to be made that day was a name On May 8, 1982 our club held a Benefit Style for the club. We came up with some pretty wild Show at Kensal Public School. Club members and suggestions. And so was formed the "Free Spirit" children modeled the current spring style's homemakers club. featured in the spring wardrobe as presented by The first meeting as a real club was held at Simplicity Patterns. Donation went to the Anne Linda DeVillers home on November 4, 1974. The Carlson School in Jamestown. Many local people club consisted of fourteen members at that time. attended the show. Dancers from the Top of the They were: Barb Mack, Sherry Florhaug, Linda Stairs Dance Studio performed a dance routine. Parsons, Linda DeVillers, Shelly Wanzek, Karen Harold's Department Store donated coffee and Wolsky, Lynn Spitzer, Charlotte Janes, Karen lemonade, Foster County Bank (Kensal Station) Lipetzky, lone Somsen, Connie Hess, Renee donated cups and napkins, Leaf and Shutter Hoggarth, Margaret Harding and Bonnie Hoggarth. donated Floral Bouquet, and Zieglers Fabric's Club officers at that time were: President, Barb donated Simplicity Pattern Catalogue. We thought Mack; Vice President, Linda DeVillers; Secretary, our first project for our club was a success and lots Bonnie Hoggarth; and Treasurer, Linda Parsons. of fun. Others that belonged to the club at one time June through August of 1982 we also had were Deb DeVillers, Cheryl Schmidt, Julie Kollman rollerskating at the Memorial Hall in Kensal. Every and Diane Schock. Saturday evening children under 12 years of age Throughout the years the club has been active in rollerskated from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and anyone over such things as bake and craft sales, reunions, 12 rollerskated from 8:30 to 10:30. 50% of the barbecues and participated in a style show. We receipts were donated to the Kensal Community. sponsored a bike-a-thon for Cystic fibrosis and we Donations were received from Community sponsored a contestant for the Stutsman County Betterment, Jamestowns Eagles Club, and Dairy princess. Some of the club members have Carrington Vets' Clubs. been brave enough to donate blood to blood banks. January 30, 1983 our club invited Mary Montee, It hasn't all been hard work. We have had a lot of and IFYE student from West Germany, to speak to good times through the years, like the times we the community. While in West Germany she stayed came to a meeting dressed in long evening a while with the Kemper Jamily of Haltern and dresses, or came as you were caught or we wore made friends with their daughter Maria. Maria our homemade Easter bonnet. And we can't forget came over to the U.S. for 1 month to visit Mary. She about the scavanger hunts we've had and all the accompanied Marie to her IFYE speaking food demonstrations. (We all enjoy those). engagements. While they were in Kensal Maria We have ventured to the Winter Show in Valley spent time visiting with Selma Nelson who is also City and attended the summer theatre in LaMoure. from Germany. Selma really enjoyed the visit. 37- November 1984 and February 1985 Hidden Some members attended the National Talents put together a Whist and Pinochle Card Homemakers convention which was included with Party. Which was held at the Kensal Public School. a two weeks tour. Sometimes there was as many Both times we had very good turn outs. We raised as three bus loads making the trip. the money to put towards the float for the Reunion We still have an annual Christmas party. We help in July 1985. Foster County Bank (Kensal Station) with donations to the state and county youth fund, donated the cups and napkins. state scholarship, coins for friendship and to the Since our club was organized all first time Peace Garden. Mothers have been given a car seat by the other We have eight members left at present, club members. As of 1985 we have a club of 15 including: Ruby Burleson, Sally Lampert, Kate members. They are: Lyla Ableidinger, Rett Bata, McGuire, Vernette Neva, Irene Hoggarth, Mable Jodi Beckley, Tammy Beckley, Pamela Bredahl, Mead, Alice Wolsky and Lillian Wolsky. We meet Donna Mae Blahna, Sheila Johnston, Bonnie once a month. Hoggarth, Colette Kinzler, Julie Kollman, Gail Kollman, Rose Norhiem, Brenda Stangleland, Tanya Timm, and Laurie Snow. McKinley Homemakers Club The McKinley Homemakers Club is this year observing it's 50th Anniversary. The club was Kensal Kosy K's organized in December 1935 with eleven members A special meeting was called at the home of joining at the first meeting. Mrs. Merlin Johnson, November 18, 1948 for the The first president was Mrs. Alice Mickelsen, purpose of organizing a homemaker club. Mrs. Hinrich now residing at San Jacinto, Ca. Charter Clausen, home extension economist acted as chair members still active in the club are Mrs. Anna person. The following officers were elected: Mrs. Jorgenson, Mrs. Myrtle Nihill, Mrs. Ruby Burleson Merlin Johnson, President; Mrs. Edward Wolsky, and Mrs. Alma Spitzer. Some fifty women have Vice President; Mrs. H.E. Nichols, Secretary- been members through the years. Treasurer; Mrs. Marvin Kollman, Program As well as being a wonderful source of learning Chairman. The name of the club selected was experiences and untold information, the club was Kensal Kosy K's. the nucleus for many a social gathering in the Other members joining were Mrs. Clair community, Christmas programs, picnics, showers, Christensen, Mrs. Joe McGuire, Mrs. Paul LaQua, serving lunches at dances, card parties, sales, fall Mrs. Louis Neva and Mrs. Edwin Wolsky. festivals and etc. Members served as leaders for 4- Mrs. Gerald Norheim and Mrs. Gordon Bredahl H Clubs. joined in January. Mrs. Merle Anderson and Mrs. We now have a membership of eight and still Duane Neva joined in April. enjoy "going to Homemakers". Mrs. Edna Hoggarth A sewing machine clinic was held in June 1949. is the present president. Many machines were repaired and oiled. A sewing class was held at the Methodist church basement. We made a dress and an apron with Mrs. Clausen as instructor. In 1961 many of our members began taking lessons in the art of ceramics with Mrs. Roy Anderson as instructor. The meetings were held at her home. We displayed many ceramics at different events. Many members continued this hobby. In July of each year we try to visit some place of interest such as a musical and enjoy a supper afterwards.

Around 1950s

V ^mM*Jw\f V mi fC; KMX

^mT wjz&t'Am " ABBWFM Kensal Kozy K's Christmas Party. Lillian Wolsky, Alice Wolsky, Ruby Burleson, Mabel Mead, Irene Ableidinger, Eva Goodman, Irene Hoggarth, Kate McGuire, Sally Lampert, Vernette Neva. Display of aprons from McKinley Homemakers. -38- Senior Citizens The Kensal Senior Citizens organization "The 50 plus club" was organized January 30, 1967 in the Sponsored by the R. N. A. of Kensal. Kensal Fire Hall, headed by Jerome Lonski as Friday, December 19. 8 p. m. President; Mrs. Art Freeman, Vice President; and Nihill Hall Mrs. Leo Lipetzky as Secretary-Treasurer. The Club 13 received grants from the national organization and )a. - iJLr i" ° AAA Lutheran Association to have water and other THE CAST improvements installed in the Fire Hall, also Mrs. Mollie Tubbs The Sunshine i>f Shanlytuwn MRS. HUBEK repaired sidewalk. There was a membership of 31. Miss Clinjrie Vine Her Lady Boarder, Real Genteel... DORC-IHI Later our meeting place was moved to a room in PETERSON the Kensal Memorial Building on main street. Mrs. Ellen Hickey A Neiyldior who Hates to Gossip MKS. W. BREWER Improvements such as panneling the walls, Maydelle Campbell The. Prtity Young School Tccehcr... RCSE carpeting, stove and refrigerator as well as new JENSEN bathroom facilities. Simon Rubbela The Corner Grocery Man, Looking for a Wife We meet the 4th Tuesday of each month, 2 CHARLES JOHNSTON members acting as hostesses furnish food. Cards Tom kionian A Young Census Taker CHARLES JOHNSTON Queenie Sheba Tubbs Aged Twelve ALICE DAHL are played, bingo, as well as holding our business Methusalem Tubbs ("Scuffles'')--- Aged Elcnn VERN1E MINT meeting and just visiting. Mrs. Jerome Lonski is Billy Blossom Tubbs.. -.Aged Seven.. ..KENNETH SPILLMAN our present President; Mrs. Mathilda Hoggarth, Victoria Hortensia Tubbs ("Punk> Dunks") Aged Three DONNA Vice President; Alma Spitzer who just recently took MUNT Mrs. Ethel Herzog's place as Secretary- Elmira Hickey Aged Ten LORETTA SCHLECHT Treasurer. Mrs. Ethel Herzog held this position for Children ami Noighbnra many years. Our regular attendance is usually over Act /--Mrs. Tiibhs's front room. Shadows in ShantytOMU. 20 at each meeting. Act //--Same scene as Act J. A month later. Mr. Rnbbels conies a wooing, Act ///-Same scene. Thaitlsghiojj Day. Sunshine in Shanty- Royal Neighbors of town.

America Camp #4351 S'i ne el' Playini-About Two Hours and 15 Minutes The Royal Neighbors of America, Sun Rise Camp #4351 of Kensal was organized on September 20, 1905 with 23 charter members. Those that were mentioned were Mary Guenther, Mrs. Hugh Smith, Alice Smith, Mrs. W.E. Longstreth and Gladys Thompson. Veterans Mary Guenther was recorder for 25 years, Ida Dunnum for two years, Marie Simonsen 32 years Our War Casualties and Ethel Herzog 21 years. For many years they The young people of Kensal have served in the met in the Nihill Hall, then in the Fire Hall or in the armed forces. Many have volunteered while others homes. Through the years they put on plays, card have been drafted to preserve the ideals of justice, parties and dances. For twelve years the R.N.A. freedom and democracy. sponsored a Halloween party at the Fire Hall for all In World War II 63 men served in the European the children in the community, all ages. Jackie area and in World War II 134 men and women were Tarpinian our District Deputy came and in the armed forces of the Unted States. During the supervised the games. We always had a big crowd. Korean Conflict 35 men reported for action. In the Due to the R.N.A. Supreme Camp using the Vietnam action 63 men and women risked their computers they no longer need a recorder at each lives for their country. camp. There is 183 members belonging to Sun Rise Those who gave their lives in the service of our Camp #4351. Many living in other states. country were:

World War I John Florhaug Andrew Jorgenson John Burkard

World War II Lamont Dunnum Floyd Fousek Edmund Heil Cletus Lipetzky Albert Loucks LaVerne Nogosek The Mothers at a R.N.A. Halloween party at the fire Orval K. Strouse Julius Rausch hall, 1964. LeRoy Vigesaa -39- camp in Florida. While aboard ship on the way to France in October he died of influenza. The body was brought to Kensal for burial. Services were held at the Methodist church on November 11, 1918, with Rev. C.A. Armstrong officiating. The body was interned in the Kensal cemetery. (Footnote) Marie (Jorgenson) Wulff was the mother of Anna Wulff, (Mrs. Jack Neva) and Dagney Wulff. Mrs. Wulff and her two little girls arrived in Kensal in 1917. Mr. Carl Wulff had come to America earlier and worked to earn money for their trip to America.

John Florhaug (18931918) John Florhaug came to the Kensal area in 1915 with his parents Paul and Ingeborg Florhaug. He - • farmed with his father until he enlisted in the army during W.W. I in the fall of 1917. He was sent to Camp Mills October 3, 1917 and left for France December 12, 1917. He was wounded August 22, 1918 and spent three weeks in a hospital. He returned to his company and was killed in action October 4, 1918. The Kensal American Legion Post is named for John Florhaug.

Floyd Fousek Floyd was born August 16, 1922 in McKinnon Township, Foster County, on the Loder farm, which adjoined the Fousek farm. (Today, 1985, David Kramer lives on the Fousek farm). He graduated from Kensal High School in 1939. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fousek. He helped his father farm and entered the service November 12, 1942, going first to Fort Snelling, Minn, and then to Camp Wolters, Texas. He was with the American Division and stationed in the Fijis, Bougainville and New Caledonia. While in the Philippines he met his death on Leyte, March 7, 1945. Andrew Jorgenson Memorial services were conducted on June 10, 1945 at the Kensal Methodist Church. By Gena Pearson Andrew Jorgenson was born in Visborg, Denmark on April 28, 1888, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Niels Jorgenson. He came to Kensal, N.D. in the spring of 1905, when seventeen years of age. He made his Albert A. Loucks home for a number of years with his sister and Albert A. Loucks was born February 21, 1926 at brother-in-law, Mrs. and Mrs. J.P. Johnson (James Kensal, the child of Albert G. and Florence (Burke) Peter Johnson and Gena Jorgenson). Loucks. In the winter of 1912 he made a trip to his old He enlisted in the navy November 21, 1943. He home in Denmark but came back in the spring of trained at Farragut, Idaho and Shoemaker, 1913. He worked in the Kensal vicinity until 1917 California, going overseas September 30, 1944. As when he went to Montana and homesteaded near a fireman 1st class, he saw service in the Marshall Scobey. Islands. In June 1918 he entered the army and trained at After being hospitalized at Pearl Harbor Naval Camp Dodge. In August he made a short stay in Hospital and in California he was transferred to the Kensal to attend the funeral of his sister, (Marie Veteran's Hospital in Fargo, N.D. where he died Jorgenson) Mrs. Carl Wulff. Later he was sent to a February 1945. -40- th English Channel and sank during the coastal H invasion of Normandy. His body was not recovered. A solemn requiem mass was offered at St. John's Catholic Church, February 13, 1945, honoring Cletus Lipetzky. r I Edmund Heil Private First Class Edmund Heil, son of Marcus and Barbara Heil, brother of Mrs. John Paczkowski, was killed while serving with 147 F.A., 2nd Bn., S.A. Btry. in Australia. He was killed when the universal joint on the weapons carrier failed. Edmund was born April 5, 1941 at Richardton, N.D. He enlisted in the army February 26, 1941 and on March 2, 1941 reported to Fort Snelling, Minn., and from there to Fort Ord, California. He went overseas November 17, 1941 being stationed in Australia. Mr. Heil was notified by the war department of his son's death May 11, 1943. Ed's LaVerne Louis Nogosek last letter home was written March 28, 1943. Ed LaVerne L. Nogosek, son of Louis and Theresa was Kensal's first casualty in W.W. II. Nogosek, attended Nogosek Rural School and Many neighbors and friends attended the graduated from Kensal High School with the Class requiem mass at Kensal to pay their respect to a of 1944, being active in School Band, Dramatics young boy who made the supreme sacrifice. and Basketball. Following graduation he engaged in farming with his father and resided at home, 3 miles south of Kensal in Stutsman County. Being a good carpenter, LaVerne enlarged the farm house and built-in cupboards and also erected a new garage on the home farm. He remained at home and continued to farm until entering the Armed Forces in October of 1950. He was stationed at Camp Polk, Louisiana, and was enroute home on his first furlough when the MidContinent Airliner plane crashed and burned in an ice storm at Sioux City, Iowa, in March 1951 killing 15 people. Besides his Mother and Father, he was survived by 5 sisters, Irene and Harriett of Kensal; Mildred, Lorraine and Marcia all now living in Jamestown; and one brother Leland, presently of St. Louis, Mo. Cletus Foy Lipetzky Cletus Foy Lipetzky was born at Kensal, N.D., January 26, 1922, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lipetzky. He graduated from Kensal high school in Orval K. Strouse 1940 and in 1941 went to Los Angeles, California, Orval Strouse was born November 1, 1917 on a where he was employed in the Bank of America. farm north of Kensal, the son of Mr. and Mrs. In November 1942 he joined the navy and went to Strouse. He was the oldest of eleven children. Farragut, Idaho for his "boot" training. In April 1943 Inducted into the army at Fort Snelling on May he was sent to the Dniversity of Minnesota for a 22, 1942, he received his training before going special 16 weeks course. From there he went to overseas at Camp Wolters, Texas. He like England. Evansville, Ind., and to Norfolk, Va., where he was About May 15 he wrote his parents he was in a assigned to a boat. He made several trips to and foxhole in France. Realizing his danger, he added if from Miami and New Orleans. In March, 1944, he it were God's will for him to lose his life it would left Boston for overseas, landing in England. not be bad. A telegram received August 10 notified Cletus lost his life June 11, 1944, when the USS- his parents of his death. Later word was Orval lost LST-496 on which he was serving struck a mine in his life July 16. -41- going overseas in December. Pvt. Vigesaa was born February 18, 1926. Surviving besides his parents are eight brothers and sisters, Sgt. Norman in France; Vernon, Willard and lla at home; Walter, Edmunds, Mrs. Corlie Hall, Kensal; Mrs. Mencher Stenslie, Courtenay, and Mrs. Ed Gauderman, Juanita. (Fargo Forum, 1945)

LaMont Dunnum LaMont Dunnum, the son of Ida Dunnum, was born in Kensal. He entered the army in October 1942. He received his pilot wings at Williams Field, Arizona August 1943. He was serving in the European theater in March 1944. He was with the 9th Air Force as a Lightning Photographer who had flown over 1500 miles along front lines Julius Rausch photographing enemy installations. He flew alone Airman Julius Rausch, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. an unarmed on the missions. He was killed when Anton Rausch (former Kensal area residents) and his plane crashed... brother of Mrs. Roy Lipetzky was one of the three airmen who bailed out of their plane into the John Florhaug Post #703 Atlantic Ocean near the Azores on July 17, 1958. The bomber was on a flight from Shaw AFB, S.C., of American Legion—Kensal to a European base. Julius was the gunner. Russ Ranney called a meeting on December 9, The Captain, Clyde Trent, had reported to 1919, for all who were eligible to join the American "Duckfut C.B." (an air rescue aircraft that orbits in Legion with the purpose to elect officers and adopt fixed position to report and aid aircraft in distress) a constitution and bylaws. (22 persons attended.) that the navigation and communication equipment At the meeting Mr. Ranney reported a charter of was inoperative. The captain was unable to locate 16 members had been submitted to the state the Azores so he got as close to Africa as possible chairman at Fargo. It was requested charter be before fuel ran out. After sighting the Vespasian, a granted under the name John Florhaug, who gave Norwegian freighter, the captain dropped the plane his life for his country in W.W. I. to 10,000 feet over the freighter. All bailed out. Names on the charter were Martin Christensen, Lt. Owens said Julius bailed out first following Russ R. Ranney, Ernest H. Croonquest, Herbert orders of a preset plan. Lt. Owens saw Rausch's Stinton, Theodore M. Twedten, Gus A. Twedten, parachute open. Theory is Julius was injured Charles Collison, Henry Bredahl, Edwin J. Bredahl, during the bailout and unable to operate the life Vernon F. Peterson, N. Everett Hanson, Godfried vest and life raft. Lt. Owens and Capt. Trent were Heinisch, Jr., Ralph C. Fredrickson, Otto Bartosh, rescued. Louis Bartos and Alfred H. Scofield. The charter A memorial service was held at Dazey, N.D. July was dated November 26, 1919. 29, 1958. Acting under a temporary charter, officers elected were Clifford Collison, Commanding Officer; Russ Ranney, Vice Officer; A.H. Scofield, Post Adjutant; Charles E. Collison, Historian; Edwin J. Bredahl, Finance; and N.E. Hanson, Chaplain. Evidently permanent charter was received before January 13, 1920, when new officers were elected and the American Legion decided to have a dance January 30, 1920, and campaign to secure members. County Health Officer canceled the February 1920 meeting because of the flu epidemic. The John Florhaug Post has been an active unit throughout the years. One big project was clearing the area at the north end of the Arrowwood Lake, boring a well, and then adding recreation facilities, (tables, benches, grills, etc.) LeRoy Vigesaa Another worthy job was done when the Legion Pvt. LeRoy Vigesaa, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. sponsored a neighborhood group to complete the Thomas Vigesaa, Kensal, was killed in Luxemborg, harvest for Joe Neva when he had a relapse from January 27. A cook in the infantry, he entered the his service connected disability. There were five service in May 1944 and trained at Camp Robinson, threshing machines, plenty of trucks, and many Ark., and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before volunteers for each necessary duty. -42- The Legion was intrumental in getting the 1967 Bruce Piatz and Cletus Lipetzky Stutsman County Commissioners to levy and 1968 Joel DeVillers and Leon Mucha allocate funds to build the Kensal Memorial 1969 Kent Ableidinger and Quentin Spitzer Building. The Building committee was as follows: 1970 Roger Florhaug and Owen Lampert Clair Christensen, H.E. Nichols, Henry Clemens, 1971 Joe Messmer and Mark Piatz Roger Nieland, Glen Wilson, M.J. Neva, Melvin 1972 Robb Kulla and Gregory DeVillers Noecker, Derry Fredrickson, and Loyal Bower. Bids 1973 Douglas Lipetzky and Bradley Turner were opened May 1953, and the building deeded 1974 Michael Timm and Roger Lipetzky April 1954. 1975 Dean Ekren and Curtis Timm In the 1940's the Legion sponsored basketball 1976 Steven Turner and Jay Kulla and even conducted tournaments. Baseball and 1977 Curt Kulla and Scott Kulla softball (Junior Legion) have been important 1978 Randal Neva and Thomas Lipetzky activities. Money to sponsor these projects has 1979 Rick Kulla and Robert Lipetzky been earned by having turkey night, whist 1980 Steven Neva and Mark Timm tournaments, dances, and suppers, serving the 1981 Matthew Mack and Brent Janes public. 1982 Tory Hoggarth and Timothy Neva Each year since 1948 local boys have 1983 Darin Spenst and Henry Mack participated in North Dakota Boys' State. Usually 1984 Tom Ableidinger, Patrick Mack, two boys have represented Kensal. Scott Hoggarth Memorial Day has been held in Kensal every Two of the boys who attended Boy's State have year. Markers and flags are placed on the graves of returned to act as counselors. They are Kent the veterans. A flag raising ceremoney is Ableidinger and Thomas Lipetzky. conducted at each of the two cemeteries. Kent Ableidinger served as a city counselor for The color guard and firing squad have been the years 1971 and 1972 and eight years as a active at our military funerals. Dwain Ableidinger Director of County Government and in charge of was honored by our members for commanding the retreat. (The ceremony at the flag pole.) Kent squad for 34 years. This was in 1980. received a plaque from the State N.D. American At the present time we have 87 American Legion Legion for the ten years he served. members. The present officers are as follows: Tom Lipetzky served as city counselor for the Commander, James Bredahl; First Vice two years 1981 and 1982. In 1983 and 1984 he was Commander, Hubert Kulla; Second Vice an Assistant Director of County Government. In Commander, Duane Schwalk; Chaplain, James 1985 he has been called to act as an Assistant Somsen; and Adjutant, James Johnson. Dean of Counselors. Boys' State American Legion Auxiliary John Florhaug (#103) Post has sponsored junior By Opal Ableidinger boys to attend the yearly activities held in Fargo, The Auxiliary unit of the John Florhaug Post 103 N.D., in June. This program, by participation in was organized in Kensal March 15, 1926. The idea parlimentary procedure, teaches citizenship, how of organizing was presented after the Armistice our democracy works and ability to partake in banquet November 11, 1925. governing our nation in the future. The charter members were Mrs. Cliff The boys are selected by their ability to Fredrickson, Mrs. Louis Libor, Mrs. Harry Pearson, communicate, show of leadership, scholastic Mrs. John Schlosser, Mrs. Henrietta Belt, Mrs. performance and desire to participate in James H. Brewer, Mrs. C.J. Croonquist, Mrs. government activities. Charles Bordwell, Mrs. R.C. Fredrickson, Mrs. The boys sponsored include: Phillip DeVillers, Miss Emma Guenther, Miss Daisy 1948 Richard Turner Wulff, Miss Anna Wulff, Miss Amilia Fredrickson, 1949 James Barden and Gordon Bischoff Mrs. Inez Johnson and Miss Ruby Fredrickson. 1950 Joe Scott The president was Mrs. Alf Dunnum. Other 1951 Keith DeVillers and Dale Baumgartner officers included Mrs. Henry Fredrickson, vice 1952 James Schlect and Doran Moriarty president; Mrs. Russel Ranney, secretary-treasurer; 1953 Eugene Briss and Mrs. Harry Pearson, historian. 1954 Richard Lonski The auxiliary is dedicated to assisting in 1955 Harry Sherlock American Legion activities which concern 1956 Gary Bauer rehabilitation of veterans and their children, 1957 Gordon Lampert, Jr. community service, legislation, promoting peace in 1958 Dalton McBain and James Drong the community, state and nation, etc. 1959 Dennis Wolsky A local method of raising funds has been the 1960 Bernard Hoggarth annual rummage sale. The first sale, held in 1933, 1961 James Helmstetler and Randolph Siebert netted $22.50. In 1984 the rummage sale and lunch 1962 Robert Messmer, Jr. and Charles Helmstetler netted $272.00. 1963 Elliot Paczkowski and Bartlett Eriksen Poppies made by veterans in the veterans 1964 Duane Spitzer and George Helmstetler hospitals are sold each Veterans Day. The 1965 William Neva and Gene Lonski proceeds are used for youth care for the 1966 William Lipetzky, Jr. and Leon Ableidinger unfortunate or disabled and Girls' State. -43- Community service has included serving 1974 Dora Mucha veterans a party each year at the State Hospital 1975 Judy Kulla since 1948. Gifts for veterans to choose for their 1976 Linda Kramer families are donated either to veterans hospitals or 1977 Joni Ekren the State Hospital at Jamestown. Each Memorial T978 Kim Kulla and Darlis Mucha Day the graves of veterans and deceased members 1979 Theresa Kramer and Kim Lipetzky are decorated. Boxes of goodies are delivered to 1980 Laurie Wolsky the "Shut-ins" during the Christmas season. Areas 1981 Terri Neva and Karen Kulla in the city have been beautified by planting flowers 1982 Rhoda Neva and Tammy Hoggarth and shrubs. The auxiliary has furnished kitchen 1983 Deedra Harding and Cassie Ekren necessities, drapes and painted in the Memorial 1984 Dawn Olsen and Connie Messmer Hall. 1985 Ruth Kulla and Cindy Mack The fourth district members of the American Legion Auxiliary have been entertained by the local auxiliary in 1931, 1937 and 1956. Mrs. H.E. Nichols was elected 4th district president at McHenry and served in office two years. Ann Neva was sponsored in 1980 as our candidate for Mother of the Year. Our membership dues and activities to raise funds have made it possible to give our share of service to the veterans of the community, state and nation. Girl's State The American Legion Auxiliary of the John Back row, l-r, Al Schrode, Robert Turner, Carl Holm, Florhaug #103 Post has sponsored a junior girl to Bud Mucha, Loyal Bower, Lloyd Noble, Charley participate in the education activities at Girls' Thompson, George Scott. Front row, Andy Holm, State which is at Grand Forks, N.D. in June. The Dominic Mucha, Donald Haugen, Louis Neva, activities include attempts to teach love of God Dwain Ableindinger. and country, citizenship, the study of government and our political system. The girls are selected by their desire to learn PIONEER STORIES more about the government, ability to communicate, leadership and scholastic performance. The Christian Johnson The girls sponsored include: 1947 Lorraine Nogosek Family - 7953 1948 Arlean Jorgensen 1949 Arlean Schlosser As told by Gena (Jorgenson) (Johnson) Pearson the 1950 Betty Clark wife of James Peter Johnson. Contributed for this 1951 Alice Witt book by Mrs. Henry Shultz (Harriet Pitra). 1952 Ruth Turner This was written in 1953 for Mrs. Pitra's Y.C.L. 1953 Karen Burleson pupils. They were Laverne Mack, Judith Kramer, 1954 Shirley Fredrickson Glenn Ableidinger, James Mack and Douglas Talle. 1955 Blanche Lonski The pupils interviewed Gena. 1956 Sharon Kulla and Delia Friday The old Johnson farm on Sec. 26 In Johnson 1957 Eloise Hoggarth (now Bucephalia) township used to be a gathering 1958 Judy Johnson and Irene Schwalk place in early years. 1959 Maria Johnson and Margeret Neva It was homesteded in 1884 by Christian Johnson, 1960 Elaine Helmstetler who with his wife, Bodil, (later-Mrs. Albert Hanson), 1961 Melody Wolsky and Judy Black and five sons and one daughter moved here from 1962 Marsha Erickson and Diane DeVillers Maple Valley, Wise, in 1883. The first year they 1963 Kathy Florhaug lived on a rented farm near Pingree, but 1964 Darla Anderson homesteaded the next year close to the James 1965 Kathy Lipetzky River. 1966 Lorraine Timm They bought cattle, horses, machinery and 1967 Laura Nieland lumber from Wisconsin. Enough lumber to build the 1968 Sandra Norheim big farmhouse which is still used by the Myron 1969 Debra Lipetzky Florhaug family, present owners of the farm.(This 1970 Diane Mucha was known as the Pearson from when Gena and 1971 Carol Lipetzky her second husband, Harry Pearson, lived there. 1972 Janet Bata The house was destroyed by fire in 1983 or 1984 1973 Mary Beth DeVillers when it was vacant.) -44- Ambrose Ableidinger This was written in 1953 for Mrs. Louis Pitra's Y.C.L. pupils. Those gathering the information were Laverne Mack, Judith Kramer, Glen Ableidinger, James Mack and Douglas Talle. The pupils interviewed the early settlers in Bucephalia township. Contributed by Mrs. Henry Shultz (Harriet Pitra). Ambrose Ableidinger was born in Austria on Dec. 3, 1877 and came to Durand, Wise, with his parents when he was five years old. His brother, Vincent, took up a homestead in June 1897. In Oct. 1897 Ambrose homesteaded a distance north of his present farm home, on Sec. 2-145-64 in Bucephalia Twsp. There was only homestaed land available - pre-emptions and tree claims had been claimed. (Carl and Marlys Stangeland now own the farm, 1985). Homestead rules were they had to break up 10 acres each year. Vincent had two horses and the Mrs. Teddy Hyorth, Bodil (Mrs. Christian Johnson, Engeldinger brothers had two horses, so they used Grandma Hanson) the four horses and helped each other plow. The second autumn Ambrose made a trip back to The five Johnson brothers were James Peter Durand on his bicycle. It took him four days. He Johnson, Edward W. Johnson, John W. Johnson, averaged 125 miles a day. Anton K. Johnson, Garfield F. Johnson and the Ambrose said homesteading was a lonesome daughter, Emma, who later married Julius life and he was ready to leave but met J.W. Fredrickson. A sixth son was born after the Johnson (Merlin Johnson's father, who was Jim family came to North Dakota, but he lived only a Johnson's grandfather) and a few more early few days. His Father named him Young West, settlers so it didn't seem so bad. Ambrose snared because he was young and died in the west. He gophers for a pastime, using corn on a fish hook was buried in the Melville cemetery. for bait. There weren't any buffalo anymore but All my information I have received from my plenty coyotes. husband, James Peter Johnson, the oldest of the The Sioux Indians from Fort Totten used to travel brothers. I did not come to America from Denmark to the S.D. reservation to visit. They traveled on until the spring of 1903. foot, in covered wagons or on horseback. This trail He related how he herded the cattle along the was about Va mile west of the Ableidinger river that first year when he was thirteen years old buildings. There was an Indian grave there, too. and his brother, Edward, a lad of eleven, hauled all Many flints and stone hammers have been found. the lumber from Pingree driving four-horse drawn There were drought and grasshoppers. The year loads over the James River hills. of 1900 was so dry that Ambrose had no crop so Melville was the nearest town for many years so he got a job plowing for Frank Miller of Miller's the boys took turns to walk the twelve miles to Spur. Ambrose used five horses and plowed for Melville, every week or every other week, to get the eighty-two days, $1.00 per day. mail. Sometimes they had to carry a two gallon can Most homesteaders plowed fire breaks as prairie of kerosene home, too. fires were numerous. The homestead shacks were Young people from the neighborhood came to 12' by 14'. the Johnson house for parties, dances and other Ed Johnson hauled lumber from Kensal for gatherings. Many of them made their home there Ambrose, Vincent (Glen Ableidingers grandfather) while attending school in the schoolhouse built in and the Engeldinger brothers. Vincent and 1885, just a half mile south of the Johnson farm. Ambrose changed off taking their trips back to Much butter and cheese was made on the farm Durand while they proved up on their claims. Their and taken to Melville and exchanged for groceries. closest neighbor was Bert George who lived on When the crops failed that was the only source of what is now the Louis Pitra farm. income. One year in January as he was coming home Christian Johnson died suddenly of a heart from Kensal in a blizzard, he lost the trail. He left attack in the spring of 1889. He was buried in the the team and found the trail and then had difficulty Melville cemetery. finding the team. He had to use a shovel to help His widow, Bodil, later married Albert Hanson the horses out of the deep snow. It took from 6 and in her later years she was known as Grandma o'clock in the evening until 3 a.m. to make those Hanson. Grandma was a help and inspiration to last miles home. everyone. In the early years she helped as a At another time people didn't get to town for midwife and practical nurse. In her later years she three weeks so Vincent, Victor Lonski (who lived lived in Kensal. Grandma passed away in February where Bernard Kramer lived today-1985) and 1932. She was buried in the Kensal cemetery. Ambrose took six horses and started out with one -45- outfit, trailing four horses, then they would lives in Bismarck. Clyde is deceased. Merlin exchange a team to the lead, as the snow was so married Mabel Nelson, daughter of Anton and Mrs. deep. It took four hours to get to Kensal. Nelson. Merlin is deceased. Dorothy married (Mrs. J.W. Johnson (Mary Nelson) and Alice Mead George Krubeck. They reside in Longview, Wash­ (Alice Nelson) were nieces of Tena.) ington. June married LeRoy Johnson and they live in Glenfield. John W. Johnson This was written in 1953 for Mrs. Louis Pitra's Christian Eriksen Y.C.L. pupils. They were Laverne Mack, Judith This was written in 1953 for Mrs. Louis Pitra's Kramer, Glenn Ableidinger, James Mack and Y.C.L. pupils. They were Laverne Mack, Judith Douglas Talle. The pupils interviewed Mrs. J.W. Kramer, Glenn Ableidinger, James Mack and (Mary) Johnson. Douglas Talle. Contributed by Mrs. Henry Shultz Contributed for this book by Mrs. Harriet Shultz (Harriet Pitra). The pupils interviewed Christian (Harriet Pitra). Eriksen. I, Mary Johnson, was born in 1885 to Mr. and When I came to N.D. in 1895 I worked on one of Mrs. Jens Peter (Jim) Nelson. I came to North the large bonanza farms for which N.D. became Dakota when I was two years old with them. famous, the Casey Ranch at Bordulac. Here I Our first home was three miles east of Kensal learned the fundamentals of good farming with and my father worked on the Casey Ranch near straight furrow plowing. Bordulac. He drove over there with two ponies and In 1896 I filed on a homestead in Bucephalia a light wagon. He only came home on Sunday. We township. lived there about one year, then we moved to my The first year two strong feet were the only father's homestead by the James River, as it was means of travel and two oxen furnished all the good pasture land. We lived on this place a few power. I walked to Courtenay to purchase the oxen. years. Later I bought one horse from James Nelson, The next move was a half mile east. There my (Alice (Nelson) Mead's father), a neighbor to the father took a tree claim. By that time we had southwest, who resided about two and one half enough money to build a good sized house and miles from me. barn. That was my home until I married Mr. John W. The first shelter was made for the oxen, and was Johnson. made with brush and logs hauled from around I didn't lack an education as the schoolhouse Arrowwood Lake. The first shanty, a one room was on our land 1A mile from home. This was the structure, was built with lumber hauled from first school in the district and the first teacher Kensal. there was William Farquer. The school term was The fall and winter of 1896-1897 I stayed at the six months. home of my sister, Anna (Eriksen) Norheim and My father farmed until 1904, when he was Carl Norheim, my brother-in-law, who lived one mile elected sheriff of Foster County and served in that west of my homestead.Except for my shack there office two terms. After serving as sheriff, he was in wasn't a house in sight for miles around. The partnership running a livery barn in Carrington until rabbits were so plentiful I could sit in the shanty on that burned down. He moved back to the farm until a moonlight night and shoot them from the he moved to California, where he passed away in windows. 1919. There were signs of Indians having lived on the I was married in 1905 to J.W. Johnson and we prairie eighty rods north of my barn. A ring of grass made our home on a farm to the north that joined was worn down where the tepee stood, and to this the farm of my folks, also on the James River. This day (1953) a grinding stone stands there. was a good stock farm. We had Angus cattle. In the fall of 1896-1897 a family by the name of These helped us through the years when there were Dahl came from the east by covered wagon. They poor crops. We saw many hard times, but we planned to go farther west. Cold weather overtook always came through some way. J.W. served on the them when they got one half mile west of my township and school boards over twenty years until homestead, to the place known as Regina he passed away in 1938. Pedersen's homestead. They dug a large opening Now, in 1953, my son, Merlin, is farming the land. in the hillside and lived there until spring. When (Merlin was the father of James "Jim" Johnson they arrived a child was ill. Since there was no who now owns the farm - 1985). doctor within twenty-five miles the child died and When I look back over all these years I think the was buried in the snow near by. In the spring when winters were the hardest part as we had to travel the family went on the trail to the west again the with horses. Those days we had to have enough body was taken along. groceries to last a month at a time. When Carl Norheim, my brother-in-law, I remember when my folks and my husband's homesteaded in 1885 he traveled to Melville for folks used to get coffee by the 100 pounds and supplies, as Kensal was not completed. Several of have a load of wheat ground into flour in the fall. his older children who passed away at that time, That would last a year. Those items were the bulk were buried in the Melville cemetery. of the groceries in those days. The winter of 1896-1897 was very severe with J.W. Johnson and Mary (Nelson) Johnson had much snow and many blizzards. four children. Clyde, who married Viola Sadd. She A man, named McEver, who had a homestead -46- south of Norheims, perished in a blizzard on his way home from town. At that time there were no Kensal Area Pioneers fenced in pastures or roads to follow so it was Jens P. and Petrea Hoyer Pedersen easy to get lost. By Carol Jane (Pedersen) Jarman, Larimore, N.D. One experience I had in a blizzard I shall never forget. Mr. Norheim sent me to Kensal with a team Jens Peter Pedersen was born in Bierstad, and sleigh to get Mrs. Albert Hanson, who was a Jutland, Denmark, on November 22, 1871. He came midwife, as my sister, Anna, was expecting a child. to the U.S. as a 17 year old immigrant and lived for (Mrs. Hanson, Bodil, was the wife of Christian a time with his older brothers, Andrew and Carl, Johnson, who died of a heart attack in the spring of who were working in the Leal, North Dakota area. 1889. She later married Albert Hanson). The He worked on a farm near Valley City until he weather was clear with the sun shining when I left homesteaded and built living quarters, in Rolling home. Shortly after I arrived in Kensal, word came Prairie Township, Section 32, nine miles north of by telegraph that a storm was coming and all the Kensal. His homestead document was signed by people in town should stay. I had to get back, so I President Theodore Roosevelt. took chances and started out. Albert Hanson and Jens married Petrea Hoyer, at Valley City, on James Nelson, who had been at a party the night November 22, 1898. The young couple spent part of before at the Anton Fredrickson home, decided to the winter of 1898-99 in Kensal. They went to their follow me with their team and sleigh. The blizzard small homestead house, in the spring, traveling overtook us. I gave the horses loose rein and they pioneer honeymoon fashion, in a lumber wagon took us home. Shortly after, a little girl was born. filled with supplies. She was named Anna Norheim, born on Jan. 21, Petrea (Drea) was born on February 14, 1878. She 1897. She grew up and married Walter Jorgenson. came to Valley City from Harris, Schlesvig- They lived one mile north of my farm. Holstein, Denmark, to join her family. She had lived In June 1897 my wife and oldest son, Sivert, with foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Beyer, when came from Norway to join me on my homestead. the Hoyers immigrated to North Dakota, in 1879. We lived in the one room shack and were very She was left behind because her parents were happy. warned that many children her age had died before The fall and winter of 1897-1898 was mild with completing the long, slow boat trip across the very little snow, which was fortunate for us, as we ocean. The Beyers were a childless affluent couple, had only cord wood to burn in a cook stove. Later who supplied Petrea a good home and an excellent on I built a kitchen onto the one room shanty and a education. She came to the U.S. when she was 18 year later a bedroom. We felt this was a mansion. years old. One of the greatest thrills was when I started In 1913, the Pedersens moved to a twelve room plowing the sod on my own homestead using oxen. home, situated on 15 acres, at the east edge of The only water supply at first was deep sloughs. Kensal. They purchased the property from In them we dug deep holes and watered the oxen. Frederick W. and Louise Bartz. The older children These holes held the water when the other parts of attended school in Kensal and helped with a dairy the slough dried up and we cut hay in Ithe former business. In 1916, when their youngest child, Carol, wet slough. We also hobbled the oxen there at was three months old, they moved back to the night for feeding. Later I dug a well and fenced a original homestead where they stayed until 1932. pasture for the cows as I bought them. They then farmed east of Carrington, in the Grace City area, until they retired in 1943. After living in One of my wife's memorable events was helping Carrington for a year, Jens and Petrea were able to a friend in Haven township, Mrs. Isaac Nysted, after move back to Kensal to the home they originally the birth of one of her children. A neighbor came had in 1913 to 1916. Here they enjoyed their with his team and lumber wagon to get her. Soon neighbors, gardening, tree planting, and visits from after they left the shanty they saw a prairie fire to their eight children and twenty-four grandchildren. the north. They met it near the Ambrose Ableidinger farm. (Carl Stangeland lives there now - The Pedersens were always active in their 1985) three miles north of my place. The grass was community. Jens was the first secretary of the tall and thick and the flames rose ten feet high or Kensal farmers Elevator, in 1905. He served as more. The horses were at full gallop trying to get to clerk of the School Board, in Campbell School the James River before the fire crossed the winding district and on the Rolling Prairie Township Board. wagon trail. For a time it burned right up along side He held offices in the Danish Brotherhood, an of the wagon wheels. Finally there was a break and organization of persons of Danish ancestory, in the they drove through the flames onto the black waste Kensal community. Jens and Petrea were of burned prairie. confirmed, in Denmark. They joined the Methodist Church, when they moved to Kensal. In 1897 Ambrose and Vincent Ableidinger settled three miles north of us. In 1900 Andrew Mickelsen Petrea maintained a loving, supportive, took a homestead on the northeast corner of the optimistic attitude through numerous family same section as my homestead. crisises and hardships of the pioneer homestead Drought, snowstorms and crop failures were years. She encouraged Jens in his annual hope for common but considering all of this, our health was "better times next year", through the crop failures good, there was a living to be made and we feel of the dry, dusty, dirty thirties. Her familiar saying N.D. has been good to us. _. was, "It could have been worse; we still have one another"! Her family learned to appreciate Petrea's M The end -47- morning greeting, "This is another beautiful day to Joseph and Mary's next child was Lawrence, be thankful for"! born on their new homestead Aug. 2, 1888, but he Jens and Petrea celebrated their 60th wedding lived only 10 days. Anna was born the next year, on anniversary, in Kensal, on November 22, 1958. The Oct. 19, 1889, less than 3 weeks before N.D. occasion also celebrated Jens' 87th birthday. entered the Union on Nov. 2, 1889. Then Helena The Pedersens had nine children. Their first born was born April 17, 1891. daughter, Margrethe, died of diptheria, at age 12. In the fall of 1892 the Soo Line railroad came The remaining family are: Mrs. Michael (Johanna) through the area, and the town of Kensal was laid 1 Berger, Klamath Falls, Oregon; Mrs. George (Nellie) out 3 /2 miles northwest of the Joseph Nogosek Fenno, LaMoure, N.D.; Gorm, Lambert, Montana; homestead. Mary used to speak of having Raymond, Yakima, Washington; Einar, Jamestown; laundered clothes for the men working on the Beyer, Seattle, Washington; Mrs. John (Margaret) construction of the railroad, which indeed was as Thurber, Spokane, Washington; and Mrs. Lloyd close as a mile from some of their land. They (Carol) Jarman, Larimore. indeed eked out a living in any way they could in Jens passed away on March 7, 1959 and Petrea those years. The coming of the railroad so near by on January 13, 1964. They are both buried in the and the establishment of the town of Kensal would Kensal Cemetery. mean that they no longer would have to make the trek of 25 miles to Jamestown to sell their hogs Pioneer Builder and grain and to buy provisions, or that they would have to travel almost 20 miles to Fried to get to and Prominent Farmer church. By early 1893 Kensal not only had a depot but also the Osborne-McMillan Elevator and some By Rev. Robert J. Nogosek, (grandson) coal sheds. After all, the railroad was in business Joseph Nogosek was about 8 years old when his especially to haul grain and coal. There were, of family arrived in Wisconsin from Selicia, Poland. course, also available right away a lumber yard and There was no opportunity for him to go to school some sort of grocery store. In 1893 there was also as a child. There simply were no schools and no built Kensal's first hotel, called the "Kensal teachers. Somewhere along the line he may have House", and next to it the home of J.S. Tufford, had 5 months of formal school, perhaps while yet which was also immediately used as Kensal's first in Poppelau. But he did learn to read and write school, with its first teacher being Miss Queen well, and later on in life was noted for spending a Gott. She was succeeded by Miss Nelia Burdick, lot of time in reading newspapers and books. He but already in 1894 the first Kensal School was became a remarkably well-educated man for his built. It was of one room, which already the times as a pioneer, and would be considered the following year proved to be too small, so in 1896 it leader of the family and the one to be consulted in was moved 3Vi miles southeast and just east of the making of important decisions. Joseph Nogosek homestead to serve as Nogosek Word was being received that homesteads were township's first school. Previous to that, the being given away in North Dakota. So in 1879, Nogosek township school had been in the home of when Joseph was 15, the Gregory Nogosek family Joseph Nogosek. Even after they had the school loaded possessions on a train to move to a building, the teacher continued to reside with the homestead near Jamestown (1 mile north of Fried), Joseph Nogoseks. We can see Joseph was Dakota Territory. In 1879 Jamestown was just determined that the lack of schooling that had beginning to come alive as a town. The first happened to him as a child in Independence, settlers came in 1872 when N.P. railroad had Wisconsin, would not happen to his own children, crossed the Red River into Dakota. Stutsman the oldest of which, Mary, was already 6 years old County was organized Jan. 4, 1873. In 1879, the in 1893. It is said that to provide enough students year the Gregory Nogoseks arrived, the first county for the school, one or more of his children began courthouse was erected. school already when only 5. But most of his As soon as Joseph reached the required age of children would have only 5 years of school. 21, in 1885, he laid claim for his own homestead. Kensal's second school building was built on the The land he chose was 20 miles to the north of same location as the first school in 1896. Though Fried, in what would become Nogosek township. In much larger than the first building, it still was only the following year of 1886, he married Mary Weiss, one room. In 1903 it was sold to St. John's parish who had arrived in American from a German part of to be Kensal's first Catholic church building, and a Upper Selicia just two years before. She was 23 much more commodious school building was and Joseph 22 as they started out on their farm 20 erected in the eastern part of town. Classes there miles away from the nearest church or store and were extended to the high school years beginning the first settlers in the neighborhood of what would in the fall of 1909, and of Joseph's family, the first become Kensal, once the Soo Line railroad came one to be able to attend high school in town was through. Stephen. His class of 1919 was the third to Joseph Nogosek and Mary Weiss began their graduate. married life near Jamestown, and their first child, Meanwhile, along with the rapid growth of Mary, was born on Sept. 7, 1887. Next year they Kensal, Joseph Nogosek's family grew. George moved out to their new homestead 25 miles north was born Jan. 24, 1893; Louis Dec. 11, 1895; Joseph of Jamestown. It is said they were the first settlers Jan. 11, 1897; Timothy Jan. 14, 1899; and Stephen in that northern part of Stutsman County. Feb. 15, 1901. By 1900 Kensal had a population of -48- 160. home. He hardly sat down in a chair when he In the early 1900s four more children were born quietly passed away. He had lived 54 years, 9 to Joseph and Mary Nogosek: John Dec. 12, 1903; months and 3 days. His death was attributed to a but died the same day; Margaret March 21, 1904; complication of diseases, particularly of the heart Albert Feb. 2, 1906, but died 12 days later, and and liver. His widow, Mary, continued to live in Earnest was born May 5, 1907. In the meantime the Kensal until her death April 2, 1943. Both are buried name of Joseph Nogosek was become increasingly at St. John's Cemetery, Kensal. well-known through his becoming a county After Joseph's death, of the 7 quarters of land commissioner. This came about in the Nov. 1906 owned by Joseph, three were kept by his widow, general election. At that time the number of county and of the remaining 4 quarters, one quarter was commissioners for Stutsman County was increased given to each of the 4 oldest boys: to George, from 3 to 5. Joseph was elected from the Louis, Joseph, and Tim. George and Lou each built Republican Party as representative of 3rd District, a small house on their land, and lived there alone defeating the Democrat incumbent, Welch, by a until they married. Joe eventually sold his quarter majority of 51 votes. His first meeting with other to Lou, and Lou also obtained an additional quarter commissioners was in Jamestown Jan. 8, 1907. The which he purchased from his mother. George commissioners met in Jamestown the 1st Tuesday obtained a second quarter of land, possibly by after the 1st Monday of each month. Generally they purchasing it from his mother, and also obtained met the morning and afternoon of one day, but 80 acres in addition. Tim sold his original sometimes their sessions went into a second day. homestead quarter to Tony Neva, who eventually The county clerk had their proceedings published tore down the buildings. For some years Tony had in the Jamestown papers each month, and later lived in the homestead house, but claimed it was also in the Kensal newspaper. These published haunted! It was a house with so many additions minutes show that Joseph Nogosek rarely missed made as the family increased that in the end it was a meeting, even in winter. Beginning with the something of the size of a small hotel. No wonder meeting of Jan. 7, 1908, and throughout that year, anyone living alone would hear lots of strange he was the chairman of the board. It is noticeable noises! An additional 80 acres of the original that the reports of the meetings beginning with Nogosek farm was also sold to Tony Neva. This that year are considerable more extensive and land has remained in the family some 95 years — business-like than they had been previously. We part of which is still owned by Nogoseks. see Joseph Nogosek as a continual exponent of better roads for the county and other improvements Kensal, N.D., Jan. 24, 1913 such as rural telephones. In 1908, the Western Home Land Co., commissioners approved a James Lake phone system. Joseph was one of the first in the area to Minneapolis, Minn. own a Buick automobile. For many years he had Dear Sirs: I homesteaded on land near where been the manager of at large threshing rig. Kensal is located, in the year of 1885. I brought no cash or capital with me, and inherited none. After 4 years as commissioner, Joseph ran for a I own 1,100 acres of choice improved land, worth second term in 1910, but was defeated by Charles Schumacher in June primary by 101 votes. He about $50,000, and other property worth over would remain an officer both of Nogosek township, $10,000.00. I never find the winters too cold or the which was named after him, and of the Nogosek summers too hot to give me any inconvenience or School District from the time of their initial discomfort. r organization until his death. By 1910 Kensal had grown to a population of 457. There were now 7 elevators, among which was the 7? Kensal Farmers Elevator, which Joseph Nogosek tT<4^' helped to organize in 1905. In 1911 he was elected to be one of 7 members on its Board of Directors, and subsequently became vice president. J.C. Kensal, N.D., Feb. 10, 1913 Ashley continued those years to be its manager. Western Home Land Co., Joseph was also very much involved in the affairs Minneapolis, Minn. of St. John's Church. The schoolhouse-turned- church was replaced on the same site by a new Gentlemen: I commenced farming in North church completed in 1912 built by Joe La Qua. Stutsman County near where Kensal is now located Among the various lodges at Kensal, the one that on a homestead I had only $15.00 left. Joseph belonged to was Modern Woodmen of I have been and am now farming on that same America. land. I now own 800 acres of improved land worth In Nov. 1918 Joseph and his wife Mary moved to over $35,000.00, and personal property worth at least Kensal. His health had been failing rapidly. The $4,000.00 doctors at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., were Very truly, able to do little for him. Six weeks later on Dec. 21, 1918, he suddenly became very ill while on his way home after visiting with friends downtown in Kensal. Feeling very tired and short of breath, he stopped to rest at a friend's house a block from LV^I^C -49- Headline from newspaper July 17,1916 H.M. HENRY KILLED BY LIGHTNING MONDAY Lightning Stroke Monday Ends Life of Hugh Henry and Seriously Injures J.S. Johnson Monday morning about 11 o'clock, a stroke of lightning killed H.M. Henry, one of the most popular and well-liked citizens of our town, and seriously injured J.S. Johnson, one of the leading citizens of Foster county. E.L. Buck, of Kensal, received a severe shock, which produced deafness in one ear, but is otherwise uninjured. Previous to the rain Monday morning, Hugh Henry, J.S. Johnson and E.L. Buck were working on Dr. Louis H. Bartosh an engine on Mr. Johnson's place in McKinley for Charlotte, No. Carolina, where the 42nd Division township. When the rain came up they entered the was assembled. Our small band was consigned as barn and were standing, engaged in conversation, a concert band of 50 men. By Thanksgiving we awaiting the storm to cease to resume work. Mr. were off for France in a convoy of twelve ships and Henry was standing near a binder chain hanging on landed in Saint Naizare. Our duties were to furnish the wall that in all probability attracted the music and entertain at base hospitals throughout electricity. He was killed instantly, receiving burns France and at military functions. We had a fine about the neck and body, one foot was badly band, at one function General Liggett was mutilated. Mr. Johnson was also burned about the reviewing the regiment and declared: "That band is body. E.L. Buck was between the two and received worth a million dollars to the armed forces in a severe shock, which he recovered from instantly France"... After two years of service in France we and brought the news to Kensal. returned to the states and continued concerts as Dr. Longstreth, E.J. Bredahl, Geo. E. Berg and the 116th Engineers Band. Later director Bachman Tom Walsh were the first from Kensal to arrive at adopted the Million Dollar title. the scene. It was thought at first that the stroke At home we tried to restore the balance of life. had proven fatal to J.S. Johnson, but after several We three brothers; Otto, Louis and Joe, organized a hours he began to revive. The latest report is that dance orchestra including piano and drums. We he is improving, and hope is held out for a dedicated Jerry Snow's round roof barns and complete recovery, in time. played at lake resorts. I am a member of the John The funeral of Hugh Henry was held at the Florhaug Post of the American Legion of Kensal, Methodist church at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. Armstrong N.D., founded in 1919. officiating, under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. Next I got the urge to get back to college, thus Lodge. Interment was made in the Kensal cemetery traveled to Los Angeles, Cal. in the fall of 1921. this afternoon, and in token of the high esteem in After premedical studies enrolled at the College of which he was held in our town, every business Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons. After place was closed. He was an honest, industrious graduation in 1928, opened my office in the young man, and his death will be deeply felt in our Wilshire-Hollywood district and have had a community. He leaves a wife but no children. successful and rewarding practice since. We are proud and appreciative of our sons, Leland and Harold born 1931-33. The family has increased to Dr. Louis H. Bartosh six grand children and five great grandchildren. I, Dr. Louis H. Bartosh graduated in 1916 and We traveled extensively in later years with played on the basketball team. We won the quarter medical groups throughout Europe and Asia state championship and went on to play for the observing medical practices. My hobbies are state title and lost. On the team were Clifford and photography, hunting and fishing. Charles Collision, the Rich brothers and a tall In 1962 the Osteopathic Profession in California Fredrickson. Next I studied a year in electrical was reorganized and I served on the state board for engineering at the agriculture college in Fargo, ten years and was elected president in 1978. We N.D. reorganized the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Our country in April of 1917 declared war on the Pacific in Pomona, Cal. and I serve as adjunct Germany and immediately there was unrest among professor. the young guys. In July an officer of the No. Dakota I am listed in the book "Who's Who of National Guard came to Kensal to recruit California", published since 1950 by the Who's musicians for a band to help in the campaign to Who Historical Society, of San Clemete, Cal. 92672. enlist men in the National Guard. Four of us My wife Gladys joins me in congratulating the volunteered: Emit Pospishal, James Son, Otto Alumni Society in their growth and memorial Bartosh and myself... In September we entrained records of their many members. She is the former -50- Gladys Williams and teacher who shaped the portion of the oval track and it was in this dirt hole, achievements and future of the students in the filled by spring rains, that many a Kensal boy Bucephalia (Ableidinger) country school. Gladys is learned to swim. an accomplished musician. Dad and Mother were married in Kensal on June We share a comfortable home in the Hollywood 20, 1906. The building, in which the ceremony was Hills with a view, beyond the smog and the rush of performed, was the first Kensal school but the city. purchased later in 1903 by the Catholic parish. Our In March of 1985 I attended the convention of the parents moved into a small house just west of the California Osteopathic Assn. and it was my 90th new school building. At that time Dad said Kensal birthday. I received a citation from the president had a population of 800 to 900 and boasted of 25 to "For Service and Devotion to my Chosen 30 business enterprises consiting also of three Profession". From Dr. Walter Wilson, President of doctors, two lawyers, two ministers, three the American Osteopathic Association, A.O.A., an churches, seven elevators, newspaper, hotel, a ovation on my long and sincere service to my bank and the said blacksmith shop. fellow man. Kensal Village was incorporated in 1908 and My younger sister, Clara Bartosh graduated from the first officers were Jacob Peterson, Anton Kensal High School and went on to the University Feckler, Albert Hanson, O.M. Wilkenson, Glenn of Los Angeles and a long and successful teaching Farar, Ben Jones, L.C. Lane and T.J. Walsh. Kensal experience. had a volunteer fire department in the early years. Dad was always an active member throughout his The Village Blacksmith Kensal years and served several as Chief of the By Lucille (Walsh) Lloyd Department. Dad (T.J. Walsh) arrived in Kensal shortly after After Mr. Bowe retired (about 1914, I believe) the turn of the century to work for Mr. Bowe, (who Hugh Henry and Dad ran the blacksmith shop. started the first Kensal blacksmith shop), and to Some years later, Mr. Henry was struck by lightning play semi-professional ball with the newly and killed during an electrical storm while re-fluing organized Kensal baseball team. a steam threshing engine at the Nelson farm north The blacksmith shop was located just north of of Kensal. He was struck by the bolt while standing the Tom Clemo Barber Shop on the east side of in the door of the barn while waiting for the storm main street. It was soon found to be too small to to pass. handle the trade of the fast growing Kensal area. Some years later, Dad found the main street Horses were the mode of transportation and horse location of the shop too small for its expanding shoes had to be made and horses shod frequently. operations and so in cooperation with Kensalite, Blacksmiths shaped and welded iron farm Martin Christensen, bought vacant property located implements, sharpened plow shares and repaired west of the old Commercial Hotel and east of the threshing machine engines as well as making and Andy Thompson residence. They opened the repairing many other farm and household tools and Christensen Livery Stable and the Walsh implements. Blacksmith Shop. (The Kensal manor today) Another very important task performed by the The front portion of the livery stable had living smithy was that of "setting" wagon wheels. Over quarters in the second story used by Mr. months of use and the dry Dakota summer Christensen and his livery helper, a Mr. Johnston. A temperatures the wood in the wagon and buggy few years later the entire structure was burned to wheels would shrink, causing the iron rims to fall the ground during the night, claiming the life of Mr. off the wheels. The recovery process required the Johnston, asleep in the upper quarters. It was replacement of worn spokes, heating and shrinking believed at that time the fire originated from a of the iron rims, and while still glowing-hot, discarded match or cigarette following a card party replacing the rim on the wheel circumference and held in the town hall the same evening. then plunging the wheel into a trough or tank of I well remember walking with Dad the morning water, thus resulting in the tightening of the whole following the fire still a heap of smoldering embers, wheel assembly. and witnessing his despair at the almost When Dad came to Kensal in 1902, a race track impossibility of recouping his loss. However, the was already in operation in the southeast part of Kensal community, especially the rural areas, the village on the south side of the Soo railroad realizing what a hardship it would create if they tracks and its horse meetings became widely were to lose their local smithy, quickly reacted in a known throughout state circles. Kensal merchants concerted effort to help Dad through his crisis with actively supported the town baseball club by giving the offer of bartered items such as farm produce in the out-of-town players positions in their places of exchange for shop work to be performed at some business to supplement their limited ball club future date. Those customers with past due salary. The baseball diamond of this time adjoined accounts, and who were financially able, promptly the horse racing track. Games were played with came forth with cash money. surrounding towns, including Jamestown, and This display of community spirit so encouraged competition was keen. An interesting side note of Dad that he lost no time in purchasing the old the racing track history is that in the early years unused blacksmith shop on main street and moved following the collapse of racing operations, the it to a location just north of the burned livery youth of the village dug out a swimming hole in a stable. He continued to ply his trade from this

-51- location, serving Kensal and its vast trade area The old brick building known as the Nihill hall until his retirement in 1937. He had been a village was built by the I.O.O.F. lodge. In later years smithy for some thirty years. shares were sold and eventually Tom Nihill became The CCC camp came to Kensal in 1937 and Dad the owner. was asked to come out of retirement to take over In the 1920s and 1930s the hall was used for the blacksmithing operations of the camp and to many occasions. High school graduations, home serve as instructor in class training. He served in talent plays and a favorite place for Saturday night this capacity until its abandonment a few years dances. Silent movies were also a weekly event. later. He remained in Kensal until 1941 when he The lower part of the building housed a store on joined his daughter and family Mrs. Raymond the north side, and a bank in the southwest corner. (Helen) Beauclair at Carpio, N.D. Dad passed away When it was demolished by Ed Johnson from in 1955 at Los Angeles, Cal. and interment was Carrington, a skeleton was salvaged and taken to made in the Kensal Catholic cemetery beside the the Andrew Englebrektson farm for safe keeping. body of this wife who proceeded him in death in Some kids found it and was given a home in the 1924. office of Dr. Clarence Martin. His survived by three daughters Mrs. Ray (Helen) Submitted by Committee Member of "Kensal Beauclair, Mrs. Raymond (Marian) Gullstrand both Memories", Evelyn Spitzer. of Los Angeles, Cal., Mrs. Harold (Lucille) Lloyd, Fullerton, Cal.; two sons Tommy of Willmar, Minn., and Stanley of San Francisco, Cal; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The replacement the past half century of the horse from the farm scene by mechanized equipment, mass production, introduction of modern welding techniques, all served to hasten the departure of the Village Blacksmith as the early pioneers knew them. Readers of our American history are well aware of the prominent role attributed to these craftsmen in the development of American midwest.

The Nihill Hall

Kensal Hotel Office, Jim Wright, Millie Wright, Jim Wright, Jr., Mr. Swanson, a man that roomed there. Telephones First private line connected, First National Bank, Allen S. Randall's house (later known as the Glasner home - 1910), L.D. Thayer's home (Anton Fredrickson lived there in 1910), W.G. Tubb's rooms - These rooms were over Rollef Berg's furniture store in 1910. Later added - Citizen's Lumber Co., and Anderson's Harness Shop. At a later date: C.W. McDonnell built line from the Soo Depot to his claim two miles from town Seated: John D. Schlect, Elev. Operator; Mr. Kroeze, (connecting with the restaurant) This building later teacher; Peter Lorsung, lumber yard manager; J.D. known as the Central Hotel. Also line to Hugh Munt, depot agent; Dr. W.E. Longstreth, Doctor; Smith's livery barn. L.A. Dunnum, druggist. Standing: Ole Tweeden, Another private line: Osborne-McMillan elevator Grocery store; Frank Schieb, pool hall; Otto Young, (J.O. Johnson, Mgr.) with his home. This place was meat market; J.A. Aarhus, lumber yard; A.C. known as the Chase residence in 1910. Nelson, grocery store; Ralph Fredrickson, Garage; Fourth private line: H.S. Stinson and Co. Store Richard Feckler, hardware store; John Schieb, with J.W. Watson home. (Greenen place in 1910). postmaster; F.L. Nichols, banker; E.L. Christensen, In 1903, J.O. Johnson and H. Stinson formed a Implement store; Herbert Croonquist, general store; co-partnership named Kensal Telephone Company, C.L. Jensen, Supt. of schools; Olaf Ekren, and established the Kensal Exchange the same Implement dealer. year. -52- The year 1904 lines extended to McHenry and the Uses of the fiber: McHenry exchange was established. L.C. Lane The flax was run through a series of corrigated purchased the entire outfit from the above parties rollers (brakes) to separate the fiber from the stalk. taking possession March 1, 1906. The fiber (tow) was shipped to furniture In the spring of 1907, the McHenry Exchange and manufacturers in the eastern U.S., Europe and rural lines tributary, and one-half of the toll lines South America. Tow was also used for making were sold to a company formed at McHenry, and a linen paper used in legal documents. Now the tow new 200 line capacity switchboard was installed at is used in cigarette paper. Kensal. Haakon Ekren Jr. keeps the building in repairs The fire in the fall of 1907 was a serious and uses it as a grain storage unit. He had handicap even though not apparent, the loss was beautified the area by planting a shelterbelt and in excess of $2000. evergreens in landscaping. In 1908 two rural lines totaling forty miles of poles and lines, and the installation of the lockout phones meant a great stride forward. The lockout phones gave patrons central energy and private line service. The service had been extended by 1910 to 110 phones and sixty-five miles of poles. Kensal was the smallest exchange in the state in 1910, giving day and night service. In 1909 Irene Clancy was employed by L.C. Lane as chief operator in his lock-out system. In 1912 she began working for Northwestern Bell when they installed their telephone system. Tow Mill, 1985

Johanna Clancy, Irene's mother, was honored at • i. • * a Retirement Party by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company on June 1, 1937 following twenty years of **HE£25>*. service.

'TWiiilirnriiiiimi IIIJIIJ . L. HIIIWIWHII i_ Tow Mill, Prairie Fiber Co. Information given by Myron and Charles Thompson and Mrs. Haakon Ekren, Sr. Ekren's Tow Mill, 1985 The original tow mill was built on the old site in 1896 or 1897 by Andrew Thompson Sr. while he lived on the farm west of Kensal. He had inquired The Depot on the Soo from the U.S. about the shipping point that shipped The depot, coal sheds, section house and the most flax seed. Andrew Thompson Sr. and Osborne-McMillan elevator were erected and George Thompson ran the mill until 1926 when completed in the order named, in 1892 and 1893. Andrew Thompson Sr. passed away. Andrew J. The first depot was a small shack 10' x 12', Thompson had helped out at the mill when he was which contained the telegraph instruments. The only eleven years of age. After the death of Andrew shack was used as a handcar shed in 1910. Thompson, Sr., Andrew J. Thompson came from The first telegraph operator, G.W. Hawes. He Ladysmith, Wis., to run the mill. was succeeded by (First station agent) C.W. The years of 1926-27-28 were excellent years for Pottgeiser. Second Soo agent C.W. McDonald 1893- the fiber because there was a good amount of 1905. James Son, Andrew Thompson V.J. Mundt rainfall. Forty to sixty carloads of tow was shipped 1916-1940. Jack Madsen, Leo Herzog 1946-1965. out each year. The average price per car $2500- Millard Flewell. Since Millard Flewell left there has $3000. Andrew J. ran the mill during these years. been no permanent agent in Kensal. Kensal no The mill was closed down during the depression longer has passenger train service. years. In 1940 it was sold to Mr. Burke of Duluth, Minn. George Thompson ran the plant under the name of Dakota Fiber Co. until it burned down in 1946. Haakon M. Ekren purchased land and rebuilt in 1947. (He was injured in a car-train accident in Nov. 1947) This delayed the completion of the new mill until 1948. Thirteen carloads of flax straw had been processed when he got the word no more - please! Stacked baled flax straw had been bought, all of $20,000 worth from Kensal and neighboring communities. With no call for it, Haakon burned the flax straw. This meant a big loss to him as the mill had been quite expensive to rebuild — besides the loss on the straw he had purchased. Last steam engine through Kensal -53- Some of the others who were in this line of work were: Walter Larson, Jack Nogosek, Abe Bean, and Grant Partlow. This gentlemen had about the most beautiful team of black horses that was ever seen on the Kensal streets. Sometimes during very cold weather it was not uncommon to see this team and driver with a bob sleigh waiting outside the school to give children a ride to their homes. It was not only merchandise that was hauled by the dray line men, but they also hauled coal from the local coal sheds along the railroad. And, not the least of this work was hauling water from a soft water well owned by Stanley Kulla. This water of course was put into the cisterns and every house had one of these. This was a very cold job because it was usually in January and February that the cisterns were dry and it was a long time before the rains came to fill them. Joe McGuire was also a dray man, as was Bob Hess. Another job that was connected with the dray line was that of cutting ice at Arrowwood Lake. This ice was put into the ice house right north of Gladys Thompson's house. The ice was packed in sawdust to keep it from melting. In the summer the ice was hauled to homes lucky enough to have an ice box. It is understood the going wage was $1.00 a day for cutting ice.

Water tank and coal chute

Joe McGuire and Roman Nogosek 1931. Blacksmith Shops The first blacksmith shop was built by the first blacksmith, F.W. Bartz, where the Guenther butcher shop was built later. The shop was moved and John W. Wilson, who had been the blacksmith in Bordulac was in the business. He sold the shop to N.M. Boe who was the blacksmith in 1910. Tom Walsh had a blacksmith shop on the east First diesel engine through Kensal side of the street north of the barber shop. Next he moved his place of business to the lot west of where the Manor now stands and south of the Dray Line Methodist Church. In the early days of Kensal the Soo Line brought Stanley Kulla came from Eldridge in the spring of the needs of the people. There were no trucks in 1936, when Tom Walsh retired. Kulla had his shop the early times. These commodities came on the in the rear of Einer Ekren's building. The next move local freight train and had to be hauled to the was to the building just west of the old fire hall. Mr. merchants from the depot. Kulla's three boys Herman, Pete and George were This of course was a business in itself known as his assistants. The building had once housed Pete the Dray Line. Kraig's power plant in Kensal. Just prior to its use Frank Smith had a dray line and livery stable for as a blacksmith shop it was used as a beauty shop about a quarter of a century. managed by Mrs. Troseth. Mr. Kulla died in 1954.

-54- Pete and George took over the business. Pete left was the owner. She sold the store to Alice Mead in 1964 to take employment with the Foster County when she moved to Rochester. Alice was the owner Exchange. George operated the business alone during the war years in the 1940s or so. I remember until 1978 when he closed the doors and went to coming in there one Saturday when she was work for the Kensal School. making candy. Of course I asked her why she was making candy when sugar was rationed. She said, "I just have to have something for those little A Building of Many Uses country children to buy with their nickels and I The building, now The Town and Country Motors, can't get any candy to sell." is located on the Main Street of Kensal on the east When Alice moved to California she sold the side just north of the Kensal Cafe. It is owned by D. store to Tim Nogosek, who in turn sold it to George Connell. Christensen. Then Dr. Martin came to town and Its uses: there was a need for a druggist. Herman Olig filled Berg and Christensen Furniture was in the south the need and he had a beautiful pharmacy. When side. Dr. Martin moved to Medina, Herman and Gloria Post office was on the north side and their family moved to Hankinson. E.L. Christensen mortuary in the north side after Then the building became Burleson's grocery the Post Office moved. and later Herman Kulla bought it and moved the Bake Shop and Lunch Counter, operated by Mrs. Kulla Bar one door to the south A.W.N. Oscar Schroeder. William and Alberta Schroeder. Casey's Garage operated by William Casey Joe's Garage and Service Station: Joe McGuire purchased the building in 1941 after the death of Wm. Casey. Joe operated this business until 1943. Dance hall and Roller Rink, operated by Joe McGuire from then until 1949. E.and L. Service Station, Joe McGuire owned building. Station operated by Elmer and Leonard Nogosek. Hardware Store: Joe McGuire sold the building to David and JoAnn Vining. The Vinings operated the business. Garage, the Vinings sold the building to Derald Connell and at present he is the owner and L — R: Dagny Wulff Probst, lone Langstreth operator of the garage. Coorington, Ida Dunnum

Kensal Variety Store This building, now The Town and Country Motors, pictured in 1907 Anton Pedersen and Knud Kensal Race Track Christensen Furniture Store Many years ago a Kensal farmer, being fond of horses and horse racing, built a half mile dirt track in his parture. Horse races were held and crowds Kensal Drug Store came from miles around. Later came cars to The Kensal Drug store was a meeting place for challenge the horses and attain some of the people. Many times ladies and children enjoyed ice spotlight. There was a grandstand in those days cream sundaes or malted milks and visits there. and a box for the judge and timekeeper. These It was first owned and operated by druggist O.E. were later depleted and the track was idle, and Holms. Then by L.A. Dunnum, and later his wife, returned to being a pasture. In 1970 it was again Ida Dunnum. It became a variety store when Ida restored by a handful of men under the director of -55- How the News of Kensal Was and Is Reported Before any paper was edited in Kensal the Lyceum met each week in the Soo depot waiting room. The meeting known as the Kensal Kicker had a different leader each week, who conducted the affair. Some items of interest were introduced and the discussion began. Anyone and everyone was allowed to state his views on social, political, theological and local issues.

The first newspaper published in Kensal. The Races, Kensal, N.D. July 23-25 North Dakota State Journal — 1902. 1. Wm. H. Dudley (Publisher and Editor) Derald Connell. They acquired some land 2. E.L. Allen (Editor) — 1904 belonging to the Simonsen brothers and Kensal Next The Kensal News again had a race track. To get the raceway under 1. W.G. Tubbs (Manager) - 1904 way a corporation was formed and stock was sold. 2. W.H. Dudley (Editor) Support was tremendous. However it was of short Only printed about six months duration because of competition from the biggier Then W.H. Dudley induced George T. Richmond to towns. buy E.L. Allen's outfit, the type and machinery of The track being restored again and in 1971 the the two offices which merged. first snowmobile race was held at Kensal with 52 Next The Journal competitors and about 400 spectators present. 1. W.H. Dudley (Editor)- 1905 Gorden Lampert, Wendell Simonsen and Bruce This passed through many different editors Tweten were in charge of competition. Stock car The pastor of the Kensal Congregational Church races were also held in the summer. published a weekly in the interests of the religious field he represented. The Messenger-1. Wm. Snape (Pub. & Ed.) 1909 Next - The Kensal Journal - 1910 1. J.S. Tufford (Pub. & Editor) Later there were these newspapers Kensal Times 1. K. Collins (Ed. & Owner) 1930 A* 2. A.K. Isackson (Editor) 1932 •*• ?Am C.A. Renwick (Publisher) H.S. Lloyd (Co-Publisher) Kensal Progress 1. Russ Ranney (Editor) 1920 2. W.H. Nye (Editor) 1928 Community Builder Folded after 10 editions, the last one was on July Auto Race, July 3-4, Kensal, N.D. 3, 1947. The front page carried pictures of three weddings: Agnes Rausch and Roy Lipetzky; Norma Spitzer and William Lipetzky; Louis Neva and Patricia Lipetzky

Today's News Today Kensal doesn't have a local newspaper. Marie Eriksen is the reporter of our news for The Foster County Independent and The Jamestown Sun. Our active Community Betterment Club edits a local news bulletin at the beginning of each month. This paper lists the time and place for school and The first snowmobile racing held at Kensal was community activities. Church events are reported quite successful with about 50 competitors on each Sunday in the church bulletins. hand with their machines Sunday. Pictured at one At the local cafe every morning the men gather of the race starts by Ray Tracy of Carrington are to discuss their problems. These include weather two Carrington racers, Wes Miller (closest) and Jim conditions, new machinery, grain prices and Skadberg next to Miller. Both proved to be capable fishing or hunting prospects. Maybe they even competitors. gossip a bit! -56- The women have an afternoon session at the Through disuse and vandalism, the structure cafe. Their problems and their accomplishments deteriorated. The hall was destroyed by fire on Nov. are aired, thus the stress of each one is relieved or 23, 1970. Cause unknown. increased. Everyone is posted on the condition of the sick, the travelers, club activities, and the projects each one is trying to complete. They never Putnam Building gossip! John Putnam It doesn't seem that Kensal has any need for a John Putnam is given credit as Kensal's pioneer local paper today. merchant. In the fall or winter of 1892 he received a carload of lumber from Minneapolis and erected a store. He sold a few groceries and some dry goods that he secured from Carrington. The following spring the store closed and he left for Minneapolis. McKinley Club Hall His want of success forced the closing of the store Taken from a history of Foster County • By Agnes and his removal. Lipetzky In the fall of 1893 C.J. Croonquist opened a The board of directors of the Farmers' Hall business with a line of general merchandise in the Association met at McKinley School #2 June 17 in Putnam Building. 1915. Officers elected were: Pres. James Nelson, J.S. Tufford bought the lots and sold the building Vice Pres. Ed McKinnon, Sec. J.W. Johnson, Treas. to F.W. Bartz who moved it to the eastern part of Henry Bredahl. The seal of the corporation bears town and used it for a granary. the words "Farmers' Hall Association, Kensal, N.D." The charter was issued June 8, 1915. There were 28 members. Dump Grounds On July 1, 1916 stock certificates were ordered On May 24, 1926, 2 acres of land were bought issued. J.S. Johnson, C.W. McDonald and Tom from Carl Harbaugh in the west part of town for North were appointed to draw up a constitution $150 for a dump ground site. and by-laws. The hall was built in 1917. Grand Later after many arguments pro and con, it was opening on June 14. Every year on June 14 people decided to lock up gates and let the 2 dray lines came from many miles to celebrate the event. The handle the hauling of garbage to the sites. day's activities included a family picnic, races, Later Henry Gast operated the Honey Wagon. horseshoe games and a dance in the evening. Now done commercially by Medina Garbage In 1921 rent for political meetings was $5.00. Service. School meetings and activities were free. In 1925 stock was sold for $5.00 each for an electric light plant. The sale of stock was $200. The The Christopherson Store Delco Light System was purchased on July 18, This is the brick building on the west side of the 1926 for $125. This system replaced the carbide street. It was erected in 1919. Until last fall it was lights. the Wood Shop operated by Duane Herman and By Jan. 30, 1926 there were 436 shares sold at James Gilbert. Through the years there have been $5.00 each. $2180 worth of stock was issued. many different merchants and a variety of On May 4, 1928 members decided to share the businesses there. hall with the McKinley Farmers' Union members. 1909 O.B. Christopherson Store On July 18, 1931 they decided to dispose of the 1917 CO. Twedten, Mgr. barn by sealed bids. The wind blew the barn down 1919 Present building erected, $25,000 before it was sold. 1924 A.G. Jensted, Mgr. There were two occasions that many people 1926 Peter Lorsung, Mgr. remember. One was a play that was given at the 1932 Ferdinand Wolsky, Mgr. hall brought here from Minneapolis. The other a Ferdinand Wolsky, managed it until 1937 when three day blizzard in Feb. 1923. It was a beautiful he bought the business and the store fixtures. evening, so many people went to the Valentine From 1926 until Mr. Wolsky bought it, the dance at the hall. At this time many people brought business was operated through L.M. McKay as their children along. About midnight a storm blew trusteeship. in from the north. They knew when it arrived Mr. Wolsky had many years of merchandising because the north door on the hall blew open and experience. In 1920 he was associated with the the snow blew in. Some who had to try to go home Farmers' Cooperative Store until it went out of because they had left babies at home went in business in 1923. groups. Most of those lived east of the hall so the Mr. Olaf Ekren acquired the building in the late horses went with the storm. Those who had stayed 1940s. He had a general hardware store and the used the scraps of food left from the midnight John Deere and automobile agencies. He retired lunch for food. They probably scrimped on the about 1975 or 1976. midnight lunch, too. It was still snowing and Duane Herman and James Gilbert operated a blowing on the third day, but all were safe. While at woodworking business in the building in 1982 and the hall, people would play cards, dance and take a 1983. They sold the building to Raymond Sabinash snooze while stretched out on the double chairs or in 1984. sit up and sleep. At the present time it is unoccupied. -57- From Kensal Progress Thursday, May 24, 1928 From Kensal Progress, May 24,1928 Economical Prices on BETTER VALUES Seasonable Groceries 7 Bars Electric Spark Soap for 24c No. 2 tins of Sauer Kraut and Weinners, a can.. 20c N.J.C. Cream of Wheat, a package 21c 1-pound Lanning's Sliced Bread and Butter Pickles 3 cans Extra Standard Peas for 35c in glass jars, per jar 25c These are not soaked Peas 1-quart fruit jars Home Medium Olives 75c Large size round package Oat Meal 24c Half pint screw top jars Sandwich Spread, four N.J.C. Sweet Potatoes, none better packed, size 21/ cans, only 20c varieties, per jar 25c 2 Why pay 30c elsewhere 1-quart Mason jars Dill Pickles 33c Fresh Mackerel in cans, per can 25c No. 1 cans mediun Red Salmon 25c Copper Rivets, assorted sizes, Vi-pound box... .18c 1 pound of Atwood's Coffee and 1 crackled ice Fancy Seed and Eating Potatoes in 3 bushel lots, effect touraine shaped 9-oz. tumbler, all for.. .50c Mixed Cookies, at least ten varieties to select from per bushel 79c 20c a poumd, 5 pounds for 90

O/i, yes, My Club Hall Days! the music of the Burleson Orchestra - Ruby, Glen, By Bjerge Erikson Walt, and Lloyd. Tickets were 25c, a hot dog cost a Between 1936 until 1950, I was janitor and also nickel, and pop also 5c. The orchestra got $15. cop for dances at the McKinley Club Hall. In the When the crowds were large, they received $25 and days of the gas Delco plant for lights, the Delco the cop got $2. would run out of gas so I had to use a flashlight to The public respected the cop so there was no see to fill the tank. trouble, and the cop got along well with everybody. The highlight of Saturday nights was to dance to That was the good old days!!

A

McKinley Hall Association

-58- resumed teaching again when their son, Kent, was in grade school in Kensal. Ole had been in the CCC's from 1934-36 at Two Harbors, Minn, and Medora. He joined the National Ambrose and Guard at Carrington in 1938. They were inducted into Federal Service in February, 1941. Along with Tena (Nelson) Co. F, he was placed on active duty with the troops Ableidinger in Guadalcanal and Bougainville. He earned a commission on Dec. 26, 1943 on Guadalcanal. Ole and Opal still reside on the farm where Opal was born and raised. Now that they are retired, Kent farms the land. Ole's outdoor activities which are ice fishing, hunting, trapping and summer fishing keep him quite busy. He still likes to take part in farming activities. Opal has done some work on "Family Tree" for the Ableidinger, Lipetzky and Evans Ambrose Ableidinger families.

Ambrose, son of Casper and Johanna Ableidinger, came to America at the age of five from Austria. The family settled in Wise. He married Tena Nelson in Wise, in 1905. Ambrose had come to Kensal in 1897 and homesteaded in Bucephalia Township. Tena, the daughter of Andrew and Elsie Nelson was born May 16, 1884 at Suring, Wise. She came to N.D. in 1903 to visit her brother, James Nelson, and found employment here. Ambrose died in May 1954 and Tena died in 1940. Abrose was a township supervisor in Bucephalia Township many years and also served on the Dwain & Opal Ableidinger Dec. 1981 schoolboard in the same township. Joe LaQua, a carpenter from Kensal, built a big barn on the farm in 1923. Everyone in the area enjoyed the barn Kent and Lyla Ableidinger dances held there in the twenties. Tena suffered from a stroke in 1930 but with her Kent and Lyla (Safely) Ableidinger met on a blind cane, she managed to move around by herself. She date and were married a year later on April 4, 1981. was a member of the McKinley Homemakers Club. Kent farms six miles northeast of Kensal. In She did much of her own housework and managed addition to farming Kent is a musician who has to go to church with the family. been playing with dance bands since he was 17 Ambrose and Tena's family consisted of: Gordon years old. He got his first experience playing with married Zelda Brooker. They resided in Carrington bands when he played two dances with the until they moved to LaChine, Mich, in the forties. Burlesons at age 15. He later played trombone with Earl married Margaret Nelson, daughter of A.C. the Verle McDaniels Band and Myron Sommerfeld Nelson, who was a Kensal storekeeper. Ambrose and the Bon Bon Brass. In 1983 Kent, Roger and made his home with them on the farm before his Nadine Florhaug, and Rex Kulla formed a death. Nellie married S.F. Lowe of Wimbledon. country/rock band "Second Street". The band plays They lived in Kensal and later moved to Jamestown locally. where Sam worked on the railroad. Dwain married Kent worked as a Boys State Counselor one Opal Lipetzky and Wilfred married Eunice (Kappy) week each summer from 1971-1981. He currently Kapuniai of Hawaii. They reside in Yakima. Wilfred serves as a Foster County Soil Conservation had a government job. He is now retired. District Supervisor and the McKinnon Township Clerk. His other interests include woodworking, gardening, and wildlife. Dwain (Ole) and Opal When Lyla met Kent she was working at the state office of the North Dakota Farmers Union in (Lipetzky) Ableidinger Jamestown as Assistant State Youth Director. Lyla grew up on a ranch in Western North Dakota near "Ole", son of Ambrose and Tena Ableidinger and Alexander. A graduate of Dickinson State College, Opal were married at St. John's Catholic Church in she holds the distinction of being the first woman Kensal on June 7, 1945. student body president at DSC. After graduation Opal had taught school at Newport, Wash, the Lyla taught English, speech, and theatre at Reeder, previous two years, after teaching in McKinley N.D. In 1982 she took the position of Personnel school district, Bordulac and McHenry. She Director at Carrington Hospital. She held that job -59- until the birth of their son, Lewis at which time she worked for the John became full time homemaker, farm wife, and Deere Company. mother. Sylvestor "Pat" never Lyla serves on the Foster County Farmers Union married. Mildred married Board of Directors and does substitute teaching. "Pat" Larson and lived in Her interests include cross stitching, sewing, Fargo until her husband reading, playing piano and organ, and gardening. retired and they moved to Lewis Ableidinger was born November 18, 1983. Lindstrom, Mn. He loves being outdoors, music and dancing - Leo drowned when 18 interests he must have inherited from his parents. years old in the James River.

Vincent Ableidinger Sr.

Lyla and Kent Ableidinger Vincent and Mary (Leible) Ableidinger Glenn Ableidinger family, Tom, Glenn, Curt, Linda and Amy. Ableidinger Family History Vincent Ableidinger Jr. and Irene Sandvold were married on June 17, 1933 at Fargo, N.D. They farmed north of Kensal all their lives on land homesteaded by Vince's father, Vincent Sr. Their children were Moneen, Glenn and Leon. They were members of St. John's Catholic Church. They were active in many community activities such as Vincent Sr., Vincent Jr., Daro Ableidinger (son of Ed Vince's serving on the Kensal School Board in 1962 Ableidinger) Three generations when the new school was being built. Vince passed away in July 1964. Irene then moved to Kensal in Vincent Ableidinger Sr., a son of Mr. and Mrs. 1969 into a mobile home on the lot where the old Casper Ableidinger, was a native of Austria, born Kensal School once stood. She enjoyed sewing and Jan. 19, 1872. He came to American with his fancy work. She passed away Thanksgiving Day in parents in 1883. Mary Leible, whom he married on 1983. Her mobile home was purchased by Dr. March 31, 1902, was a Minn, native born on May 8, Clarence Martin, former physician in Kensal. He 1878. They homesteaded on Sec. 19 in Bucephalia moved it to Kalispell, Montana, where he resides. Township, Foster Co. Moneen received her teaching degree at Valley Mary was a member of the Kensal Order of City State College. She married Dennis Edinger Foresters and the Catholic Altar Society. Vincent from Cathay, N.D. Dennis farms and Moneen died in August 1948 and Mary died in May 1942. creates and sells crafts items. They have two Vincent's father lived with them from 1917-1925 children, Patrick, a sophomore at Valley City State when he passed away. College, majoring in computer science and Mary Vincent and Mary's family were: Sue a freshman at Fessenden. Vincent Jr. who married Irene Sandvold. They Glenn married Linda Lampert, daughter of lived on the homestead. Edward who married Olga Gorden and Sally Lampert, on October 28, 1965. Spitzer. They farmed in the Kensal area, lived in They live on the same farm that was homesteaded California for a while and later bought a home in by Glenn's grandparents. Glenn was instrumental Jamestown. Olga was a beauty operator and Ed in creating a Community Cafe in Kensal and also in -60- establishing a satellite Medical Clinic. He still they decided to move to N.D. to join friends from enjoys playing softball. He and Paul Lipetzky being the same locality in Wise, that had moved to N.D. the only 2 players of the original 1963 softball team These were Henry Hanson family. Hans Pete still playing. Glenn spends his free time restoring Johnson family and Henry Bredahls. The old cars. When Glenn and Linda aren't remodelling Andersons settled on a homestead near their farm home, she enjoys refinishing antique Arrowwood Lake in Stutsman County. This was a furniture and teaching kindergarten cathechism. new life for them, making their living by raising They have three children. Tom is a senior at Kensal grain and livestock. High School and his future plans are to attend In 1907 another daughter Mildred was born. They Jamestown College this fall. He plans to major in remained on the old homestead, known as the math and computer science and to play college Cody farm, occupied many years before them by baseball. Curt is a junior in high school and his early settlers. After a few years they decided to future plans are to find a college near a fishing invest in more land and moved to a larger farm 3 hole as that is his favorite pastime. To their miles north of Kensal. father's delight, Tom and Curt play high school The next several years were prosperous years for baseball and basketball and play on the Carrington grain and dairy farming. In these days field work Legion Baseball team. They are also active in was done with horses. Carl was equipped with marching and jazz band, softball in the summer modern machinery of that time; threshing was done and CYO activities. Amy is in the 6th grade in by large threshing machines and steam engines Kensal. Amy plays basketball, cheerleads and is a with crews of men to do the harvesting. He also did spelling champ. threshing for other people. Leon (Mick) married Geraldine Ruud from Grand By 1923 three sons and a daughter were born. Forks. They have three children, Paul (deceased - Gordon, Richard and Albert, daughter Evelyn. Carl Dec. 1971 - April 1972) Sara 12 and Mac 10. Mick became ill and entered the hospital at Rochester teaches industrial arts and physical education at where he died in 1926. Marie stayed on the farm Tuttle Public School. Gerry teaches 1st and 2nd until war was declared and Gordon and Richard grade at the same school Mick is also co-owner of served in North Africa, Italy, France and Belgium. Arena Welding and Manufacturing. Because they Albert worked in the shipyards and Mrs. Anderson enjoy camping and fishing in the summer, they left for Wis., to live with her sons and daughter. have renovated a camper for their enjoyment. Mick She passed away in 1976. Both are buried in the and Gerry both play softball and both teach GED Kensal cemetery, also Bud who passed away in classes. Sara enjoys playing basketball and Janesville in 1984. cheerleading and Mac started his first year of ,f 4 basketball and pee-wee baseball. •^ ,'~:'iife' j |?¥K1 r Sylvester Ableidinger Sylvester, the son of Vincent Sr. and Mary Ableidinger, was born Dec. 12, 1904, in Bucephalia Township, Foster County. He attended school in Kensal and later worked as a barber in Kensal and Carrington, N.D. He served in the armed forces during W.W.II. He was employed at Herbst Dept. Store in Fargo for 18 years and later worked part- time at the Edgewater Golf Course. Golfing was his favorite pastime. He had a dream come true in 1979 when he made a "hole-in- Family of Carl Anderson, Richard, Mildred, Bud, one". Mary, Evelyn, Gordon and Mrs. Anderson. He passed away on the golf course of a heart attach in April 1980. J.C. and Elizabeth Carl and Henrieta Marie (Armstrong) Ashley Anderson By Lona Mc Clernan Carl Anderson came to America from Aarhaus, Mr. Ashley came to Kensal when a young man Denmark, the land of his birth at the age of ten, and managed the Farmers' Elevator many years. with his parents, in the late 1800s. His parents Elizabeth was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George resided in Racine, Wise, where he attended school Armstrong, Kensal's first postmaster. Their three and was confirmed in the Danish Lutheran Church. children were Glenn, Sheldon and Lona. In his early manhood years he was employed at Sheldon, after graduation, attended school in logging camps and sawmills in northern Wise, Washington, D.C. He, too, became an elevator around Oconto and Suring. Carl met Marie manager in Russel and in Kensal, N.D. He then Mikkelson in that area and they were married in worked for the Federal Government until about Oconto Falls, Wise, in 1904. Their daughter 1945, when he and his father became business Marjorie was born in 1905 and a few months later partners in Moscow, Idaho. Both families went to -61- Glendale, Cal. in 1951 and Sheldon became Procurement Officer at Edwards Air Force Base. His first wife, a former Kensal High School teacher. Ruth Lundgren, died 10 months after their marriage. In 1935 he married Helen Bulman. Sheldon died in 1963. Glenn attended Jamestown College for one year, went to dental school and graduated in 1929. He was a dentist in Scranton, N.D. before enlisting in the army as a Lt. in the Dental Corps. Because of a heart condition he was honorably discharged. He had married in 1929 and after his discharge, with his wife, Anna, and adopted son, Robert, they settled in Vancouver, Wash. He practiced dentistry until 1951 when he died of a heart attack. Lona graduated from Jamestown College in 1929. She taught two years at Fessenden, N.D. Mattie and Wensel Bartosh one year at Park City, Mont, and two years at area. All five are graduates of Kensal High School. Shelby, Mont. In 1934 she married Henry McClernan, Wensel Bartosh has been mistaken for President County Attorney. A year later they moved to Truman many times. He was stopped many times Helena, Mont, as he was appointed Asst. Atty. on his daily walk and asked for his autograph. General of Montana. Only six months later he was appointed Special Asst. Atty. General of the United Charley J. and Alvina Bata States so they moved to Washington, D.C. Charley Bata the only child of Charley and He was sent to California in 1937 to try a case Pauline Bata was born Nov. 2, 1888 in against Standard Oil which took three years. Czechoslavakia. In 1892 at the age of four, he came During that time he studied for the California bar, to the U.S.A. with his parents. His family first passed it and when we were ordered to return to settled near Langdon, N.D. before venturing a bit Washington he resigned and was appointed City south to settle at Kensal. He was educated in a Atty. of Glendale where he served until his death in country school near Langdon, N.D. He married 1966. Alvina Pitra on Oct. 28, 1911. He had homesteaded I have been active in civic affairs, seven years a near Kensal in Bucephalia Township and farmed substitute teacher in junior highs in Glendale, until 1955. They then moved and lived in Kensal. church work, seven years of volunteer work with Charley passed away July 9, 1973. children who couldn't speak English and for ten Alvina Pitra, the daughter of Joseph and years have been delivering Meals on Wheels once a Josephine Pitra, was born March 1, 1894 at week. I have also been a volunteer in one of our Domanice, Czechoslavakia. In 1906 at the age of hospitals for ten years. I'm still occupying the twelve she came with her parents to the U.S.A. home we bought in 1941. After a week at sea, they landed at New York City. Mother died in 1965 and Dad in 1968. Her parents acquired land in Foster County. She attended school in Bucephalia Township. All of their nine children were born on the farm Elmer Bakke near Kensal. They are: Val Bata - Sun Valley, Cal.; Elmer Bakke came from Rosyln, S.D. in 1920 with Gerhard - Deceased; Frances Dahl - Cooperstown, his wife Nanna and baby daughter, Mildred. He N.D.; JoAnn Somsen - Jamestown, N.D.; Rose purchased section 21 in Kensal township with high Somsen - Kensal, N.D.; Helen Schlotmen - Grace hopes for the future. Prices on wheat dropped the City, N.D.; Charles - Kensal, N.D.; Arlene Page - first year from $2.15 a bushel down to $.65 a Belfield, N.D. bushel. The Bakke's are now 89 and 91 years old There are 24 grandchildren and 32 great grand­ and in good health. They have three children. children in the family. Mildred, the oldest, is living in San Francisco, California. Charman (Mrs. John Pederson) is living Charles and Jane Bata in Montana with four children. Winston, the Married in June, 1954 in Kensal, Charles served youngest, is head engineer in a chemical plant in in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. Their first home Maryland. They have two daughters. The Bakke was in Olympia, Washington, while Charles was farm is located between Courtenay and Glenfield, stationed at Fort Lewis Army Center. N.D. Charles and Jane returned to the Bata family farm in Oct. 1954. Wensel Bartosh They are the parents of two children: Mr. and Mrs. Wensel Bartosh moved from A daughter, Janet, who graduated from Kensal Nebraska to the Kensal area and lived on a farm High School in 1973 and from Mayville State north of town. They sold their farm to Phil DeVillers College in 1977, with a degree in education. She and moved to California. Their children Gerald, was married to Gregory DeVillers, also of Kensal, in Violet, Anne, Ruth and Richard had preceeded 1977. They reside in Grand Forks, N.D. They are them to California and all live in the Los Angeles the parents of three children: Melissa, Brian, and -62- Carrie Beth. Janet teaches first grade at Central Gerhard and Mildren have been members of the Valley School at Buxton, N.D. Gregory is a St. John's Catholic Church of Kensal all their sportswriter for the Grand Forks Herald. married life. Mildred continues to be active in A son Jeff, who graduated from Kensal High community and church affairs. School in 1976 and from Mayville State College in 1980, with a degree in Business Administration. After college Jeff worked 4 years as an Agricujture Loan Officer for the Norwest Bank in Grafton, N.D. Lincoln and Martha (Eaton) He was married to the former Shelley Misialek of Bean Grafton in September 1982. They are the parents of a son Brandon, and a daughter Brittany. In June, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Bean, settlers of the early 1984 Jeff and Shelley moved a new home onto the days, lived on SEVi, Sec. 22 in McKinnon family farm. They are the third generation to live on Township, Foster County. Mr. Bean homesteaded the Bata family farm. Jeff has been active in there in 1895. He married Martha Eaton Jan. 1, college and amateur baseball and other sports for 1900. The house was moved to SEVi, Sec. 23 where many years. Paul Lipetzky lives today. The Bean family: Myrtle, Theodore (Butch), Gerhard and Mildred Bata Walter, Abraham, Violet, Hulda and Glenn. Gerhard Bata was born and raised on the family farm near Kensal, N.D. He was educated in rural schools in Foster County. His parents are Alvina Abraham Bean Bata and the late Charley Bata, Sr. of Kensal. Abraham operated a dray line in Kensal for Gerhard's family includes seven sisters and one several years. In the later years he worked as a brother. farm laborer. He died in 1961. In 1946 he bought his farm located 3 miles north of Kensal. Gerhard married Mildred Braun of Edmunds, N.D. on July 31, 1953. Mildred is the George and Hulda (Bean) daughter of the late Pearl and Edward Braun of Edmunds. She comes from a family of nine sisters Lambrecht and four brothers. They lived at the present day Hulda married George Lambrecht. When in Kensal farm from 1953 until Gerhard's death on January 3, they resided in the house that was located just 1983. Mildred continues to operate the family farm east of the depot. George drove the gasoline truck. and keeps busy with her hobbies of sewing, After George's death, Hulda moved to fishing, flowers, wood crafts, and oil painting. Jamestown, where she resides today. Gerhard and Mildred have three children, Mrs. Their family include: George Jr. works as a Wayne (Susan) Triska, Mrs. Nick (Peggy) Lemer, mechanic at Fredrick's in Jamestown. Darrell is and Gerhard E. Bata, Jr. Asst. Supt. of School in Tioga. Gordon works at the Susan is married to Wayne Triska of Wilton, N.D. State Capitol in Bismarck. Gregory is the manager They reside in Bismarck where Susan is a sixth of White Mart at Devils Lake. Larry works for grade teacher and Wayne is the Coordinator for the Melroe in Bismarck. Gloria lives at Rosemont, Vision Impaired Program in the Bismarck Public Minn, and she and her husband, Eugene Olson, Schools. They have three children, Vicki, Ashlee, work in Minneapolis. and Michael. George Sr. passed away in Dec. 1977. Peggy is married to Nick Lemer of Drake, N.D. They own and operate a dairy farm near Harvey. Peggy is an elementary/music teacher. They have four children, Bronson, Brandon, Nikki Ann, and Bo. Gilbert and Violet (Bean) Gerhard E. Jr. is married to Loretta Carr of Bordulac, N.D. He is employed by the Soo Line Holm Railroad and Loretta is an elementary teacher. Gilbert and Violet married on Aug. 27, 1936. They They reside in Kensal. live on the John Holm homestead claim of 1888. Gilbert was killed in a haying accident in July 1975. Violet continues to live on the farm. They liked animals so they were farmers in the full sense of the word. Horses, pigs, chickens and cows meant they had family outside chores every day. Tragedy seemed to occur in July. Their daughter Norma, died in July 1948 of a ruptured appendix; son, Theodore, died in an accident July 1964; and then Gilbert died in July. Today Lester Spitzer rents the land. Violet still tends a big garden and lawn. Her daughter, Marlys, (Mrs. Darrel Vining) who L - R, Back, Susan, Gary, Peggy. Front, Mildred and lives in Jamestown, provides automobile service so Gerhard Bata Violet and Hulda can enjoy each other's company. -63- pre-cut house purchased from Sears Roebuck in The Gale Blahnas this area. Gaylord and Gladys (Ronholm) Blahna were The Blahna homestead shack was moved to a married in 1937. He farmed with his father until new location, where in 1916 a large eight room 1947 when he retired early due to arthritis. They house was built, modern for those days with then moved into Kensal having purchased the Joe running water, steam heat and a delco electric Nogosek home. He loved the out doors and his plant. They farmed until 1942 when they moved hobbies were fishing, hunting and trapping. When into Kensal having purchased Grandma Hanson's he began hunting fox he rode horse back with his house where Carroll Karn now lives. He died in hounds. 1945 and his wife in 1957. In 1960 he flew to Alaska and hunted polar bear. In 1967 we both went to Alaska in a camper by way of Inland Passage. We visited the Elton Aarstads, (formerly of McHenry, N.D.) in Palmer, Alaska. We also visited Johnny Martins, brother of Dr. Clarence Martin. In Seldonia we visited John Ekren, brother of Olaf and Einar of Kensal. The camper was parked in Anchorage and a young man noticed the "Kensal Betterment" sticked on the pickup. He was very happy to see some one from Kensal. He was the son of W. Hyland and brother of Opal Hyland (Burchill) of Jamestown. This was on the John Blahna farm, then moved into Gale hunted big, brown, grizzly bear, dall sheep, Kensal. Now occupied by Quentin Spitzer family. moose, caribou and mountain goats. We saw much destruction in Anchorage as it was after the big earthquake on Good Friday. Gale Leonard and Elizabeth has many trophies from this trip. (Rebischke) Blahna Leonard Blahna was born in Prairie Du Chein, Wise, in 1892 to John H. and Mary (Atchinson) Blahna. John was known as "Honest John". Leonard moved to N.D. in rural Kensal as a young man. Leonard was a lifelong farmer in the Kensal- Bordulac area. He was the eldest of seven children born to John and Mary Blahna. He had four brothers, Gaylord, John, James, Lance and two sisters, Blanche and Hattie. Leonard married Elizabeth Rebischke of rural Randall, Mn. in 1916. She was the eldest of fourteen children of Emil and Hulda Rebischke. Elizabeth and Leonard were the parents of nine children. Pearl (Mrs. Harold Shorey) who resides in Little Falls, Mn. Geraldine (Blahna) Motzko who lives in Little Falls, Mn. They have two children. Gale & Gladys Blahna, 1937 Lyle who resides in North Branch, Mn. They have two children. Aldon who was in Minneapolis is now John Blahna Family deceased. The father of four children. Mary In 1898 J.H. Blahna and family came to N.D. from Lorraine (Blahna) Poppen who resides at rural Eastman, Wise. He homesteaded in Eastman Wyndmere, N.D. They have five children. Gaylord township, five miles east of Kensal. Blanche, who resided in Milwaukee, Wise, (deceased). John K. who lives in Milwaukee, Wise. The father of two Gaylord, Howard and Lance were born here. He children. Leonard Jr. died in infancy. William who loved to hunt and would go to Arrowwood Lake resides in rural Kensal. The father of nine children. with his sons and camp during goose hunting season as at that time prairie chickens were plentiful and were used for food. William And Irene He was active in community affairs, and was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge for 40 years and was (Mettler) Blahna also a member of the school board. Early neighbors were Pete Dahl, John Mucha, William, the youngest child of Leonard and Stanley Paczkowski, Nels Johnson, Roy Parson and Elizabeth Blahna, was born near Kensal and has Axel Anderson, J.S. Carr (lawyer), Wm. Walker, Sam been a lifelong resident of rural Kensal. He Atchinson, Bob Walker, Andrew Jorgenson (brother graduated from Kensal High School in 1945. All of Gina Pearson) and Walter Jorgenson, bachelors, eight children of the Leonard Blahna family lived on the Moran farm, east of Kensal where graduated from Kensal High School. At the time of Chris Bredahl now lives. That house was the first William's graduation, the Blahna family was one of -64- the largest families to have had all their children Albert Bredahl and his classmates helped build graduate in Kensal. the top floor on the old schoolhouse. William and Irene Mettler were married in 1949. Albert attended high school there and played on Irene was from rural Beulah, N.D. They had a family the basketball team. Albert and Susan (Koenig) of nine children. Bredahl's four children all graduated from the same Jackie Lynn Blahna works in Business school. Their daughter Verna taught two years in Management of Anderson,Wade, and Barnes the old school and seven years in the present Architectual Firm, Minot, N.D. building. Betty Lou Storhaug is an R.N. and cath. lab. Albert Bredahl and Susan Koenig were married technician at Medical Center I in Bismarck, N.D. on October 16, 1916, in Wimbledon, N.D. They William L. Blahna is Asst. Mgr. of the V.F.W. and made their home on the farm on Nogosek resides in Jamestown. Township origianally owned by his father Chris Suzanne Kay Matlwick is a drafting person at Bredahl. Elma, Wn. Gordon Bredahl has been on the farm sixty Kenneth Otto is deceased. Michael Lance is years, being born, raised and living there with his deceased. wife and raising his family. His sons Chris and James P. Blahna lives in rural Kensal and is Dale farm with him. This makes four generations of employed on the Soo Line and also farms. Bredahls on the same farm. Christie Elizabeth Blahna is a store manager at Albert Bredahl was on the Nogosek Township Bismarck, N.D. boards and a county commissioner in Stutsman Cynthia Annette Blahna is employed in retail County for twelve years. He also served on the business at Minot, N.D. A.S.C. Board.

Chris and Dorothea (Hanson) Bredahl By Mrs. Verna (Bredahl) Anderson In the early 1880's Chris and Dorothea Bredahl filed a homestead on the NW VA Section 34-145-64 in Bucephalia Township. This was south of the farm where Jim and Kathy Johnson live today and was on the Fort Totten Trail. Many times the Indians traveling from Fort Totten to Fort Seward would stop, and Mrs. Bredahl would give them food in exchange for blankets. The Indians called her "Good Woman, Good Woman". In her spare time Darla, Mark, Eric and Verna Anderson she trapped geese in gopher traps. His farming was done with a team of oxen. The oxen were also used to get wood from along the James River. Sometimes the oxen went into the Henry & Bessie Bredahl water to cool off. This meant the Bredahls had to Henry, son of the Chris Bredahl family, grew up wait until the oxen decided to return to land. in the early years in the Kensal area. He was At one time the Arrowwood Lake bottom was dry married to Bessie Engebretson. She was a sister of and Mr. Bredahl seeded flax there. Many of us can Mrs. Tom Skretting. Henry enjoyed playing remember when Arrowwood Lake was dry in the checkers and took part in many tournaments. He 1930's, too. was also one of the sharpest whist players in the Their oldest son, Henry, was born on the neighborhood. homestead. One time when Henry was two years ^ They had four children, Doris (Mrs. Vincent old, he was lost. Many of the neighbors helped to Schaack), Calver who resides in Jamestown, Edwin search for him. They found him near the river sound (deceased), Violet now Mrs. Stanley Gulstad lives asleep in a clump of bushes. in the rural Glenfield area. After four years, Mr. Bredahl proved his homestead, sold it and moved back to Maple Valley, Wisconsin. Ed and Albert were born in Wisconsin in 1890 James & Delia (Moran)Brewer and 1896 respectively. In 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Jim Brewer came to Kensal in 1898 and his Bredahl moved back to Kensal to the farm where family joined him three years later on his the Stanley Mack family now resides in McKinnon homestead north of Kensal. Delia and James were Township, Foster County. married in 1882. At one time they owned seventeen Mr. Bredahl built a building in Kensal known as quarters of land. After retiring from farm life they the "Pool Hall." It is now the C & R Bar. He also resided in Kensal. built part of the garage where the E & L Station is Their family included: Walter, George, Arthur, located. He owned three houses in Kensal. One is Mrs. Mary Cress, Mrs. George Kerns and Mrs. the Herman Kulla residence. Martin Sebastian. -65- Gordon and Lucille (Hastings) Bredahl Family Gordon Bredahl and Luciile Hastings were married Sept. 1946. They lived on the Albert Bredahl farm. They had four sons. Dennis is married to Jill Spitzer and they have two children, Nicki and Beau. They live in Jamestown. Dale lives on the home farm. Jim is married to Jodi Spitzer and they have one daughter, Alessa. Their home is in Jamestown. Chris and Pam (Rohrer) have one daughter, Amanda and they live on a farm near Kensal. Lucille passed away in Sept. 1971 and the family continued to live on the farm. Gordon and lone Mucha were married in 1983 and now reside in Kensal. Gordon farms and enjoys collecting antiques, Mr. & Mrs. Osmer Burleson. Early homesteaders having many at the farm home. came in 1887 Glen Burleson Family Glen Burleson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Osmer Burleson and Ruby Zimmerman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Zimmerman, were married at Fargo Aug. 4, 1925. They established their home in Kensal where Glen had purchased the barbershop and their home from Thomas Clemo. In 1930 they moved to the Zimmerman farm, and a few years later bought the Carl Simonsen farm where they lived for several years before moving into their home in Kensal. Through the years Ruby and Glenn Gordon Bredahl farm were very active in community affairs, serving on town, school and church boards and in muisic circles. Ruby was choir director and church organist all through the years. She was active in the United Methodist Women's Unit, charter member of McKinley Homemaker's Club and Mr. & Mrs. Osmer Burleson member of Kensal Kosy K's Homemaker's Club. She The Burlesons came to N.D. from Michigan in began her music career as a small girl, playing at 1887 and homesteaded in what is now Lyon dance jobs at Elizabeth, Minn, when nine years old. Township. He acquired several quarters of land. Her family moved to Blackduck, Minn, where she They lived in a sod shanty and moved to played for silent movies. Her brother Walter was a Jamestown for the winter months where he worked talented violinist and brother Lloyd and Ruby had for the newspaper The Jamestown Alert. They had an orchestra and played their first job in a barn a family of seven children who are all deceased. north of Kensal. There has been a family orchestra Louis was a barber in Juanita for many years, then all through the years. After her marriage Glenn farmed on the homestead south of Kensal, later joined the orchestra and it was known as moving to Cottage Grove, Oregon. "Burlesons", the little band with a big reputation. Lena, Mrs. Tom Clough, who lived at Sauk They played for dances in the area and when the Center, Minn, later moved to Albany, Oregon. Arthur farmed and later moved west. Ernest farmed and when he retired moved to Abilene, Kansas. Howard was an airplane pilot and ran the airport at Jamestown and taught students to fly. He later moved to Albany, Oregon. Cora and husband (Ed Jacobson) farmed near Kensal and later moved to Leland, Iowa to farm. Glen operated the barbershop in Kensal and later farmed. He was leader of the family Burleson orchestra. They also operated a grocery store for a few years. Osmer had one of the few threshing machines in the neighborhood at that time. They moved to Kensal where he managed a pool hall and recreation center. He was assesor for many years and owned the house ' N now occupied by Mrs. Stanley Kulla. Burleson Band -66- children were old enough they also played in the time. They were in business for 12 years when Dr. group. Martin moved to another location. They looked for Ruby taught school in McKinnon Township and another location and selected Hankinson where also taught piano lessons to many students of they are now. While here Herman and Gloria were whom she is very proud. They are the parents of active in music circles and community affairs. Four five children. Gloria (Mrs. Herman Olig), Hankinson, of their children were born in Kensal and the fifth N.D. Arlys, who passed away at the age of four. at Hankinson. They are active in community affairs Karen (Mrs. George Pomeroy) of Sauk Village, III. and music at Hankinson. Each year Gloria Byron Burleson of Dyer, Indiana. Blaine Burleson of conducts a community chorus composed of 40 Glendive, Mont. She has several grandchildren. voices in a Christmas cantata, is choir director and Gloria taught school a number of years. Karen is an vocalist in their church. Herman accompanies the R.N. at St. James Hospital on Chicago Heights. choir on the piano and also plays the organ. Byron taught school and is a band leader but now is a Promotion Consultant. Blaine taught school several years as a science teacher and now has the Bill Busche Family franchise for Service Master. All are active in music Bill and Ann Busche and boys, Mike, Bill Jr. and circles. Glenn passed away Oct. 1970. Steve, came to Kensal in 1969 from Tappen, N.D. Bill graduated from Beach High School and is originally from Valley City and Forman. He works for Roger Hoggarth. Anne is from Milnor, a graduate of Valley City State College, and is a teacher at Kensal. Mike, a 1978 Kensal graduate, attended Science School in Wahpeton and lives in Milnor. Bill Jr. lives in Kensal and works for Tough-T Manufacturing in Glenfield. Steve graduated from Kensal in 1961 and from Science School in 1963. He married Debbie Tanata from Carrington and they live in New Rockford where he works for B.R. Chev.-Olds as a mechanic.

Glenn and Ruby Ruby Burleson, organist Mr. & Mrs. Ben Chmelik and choir director at Burleson They farmed in McKinnon Township for many United Methodist Church years since early days. Today William, a son and his wife, Madonna (Abbas) live on the same farm. Mr. Chmelik was a concert violinist, as well as a fiddler. He also played an accordian. William still cherishes his father's musical instruments. They had four children. Edward farms and lives north of Kensal on what was known as the Croonquist farm. Mary resides in Fargo. Valasta Kolousha of Orland, Calif, operates a beauty parlor. William at the present time and for several years has been treasure of McKinnon Township. William and Madonna enjoy reading and fishing. Knud and Christiane (Pedersen) Christensen Both born in Biersted, Denmark. Knud on Herman Olig, druggist, at the home of Ruby March 1, 1860; Christiane on Feb. 24, 1869. Married Burleson in Denmark, November 5, 1889. Came to the U.S. in 1893 settling four miles SE of Leal, N.D. One child, Christine. In 1898 they took up Gloria (Burleson) Olig a homestead 12 miles north of Kensal. Gloria Burleson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn They built a home in Kensal in 1905 that is still in Burleson and Herman Olig of Napoleon, N.D. were family use. The home was one of the first built by married in Kensal in 1935. She taught school in Joe LaQua. The family continued farming. Knud Kensal and then at Napoleon where she met her would make a daily trip to the farm. Those riding husband. They lived at Williston and Bismarck with would remember the stop in the Martin Larson after his graduation in pharmacy. They came to hill to get out and stretch and check the car. Then Kensal, bought the former drug store building and on the next three miles to the farm. started their own business. They needed a druggist Knud was active in community affairs such as as Dr. Martin was serving the community at that Farmers Elevator board, church and Rolling Prairie -67- Township. One of the first presidents of the John C. (Jack) Ashley was the first person that Farmers & Merchants Bank, incorporated August Erik met while in the depot waiting room. Jack 29, 1904. knew that the Danes went north of town. Erik Family members were Christine, Holger, Dagmar, attended Grandview College, 1909-1910, at Marie, Astrid, Louise, Christian, George, and Gerda. DesMoines, Iowa. After 35 years in the implement, Mr. and Mrs. Christensen lived in the home they funiture and undertaking business, he retired in built in 1905 until their death, Knud on June 15, 1948. He moved to Jamestown in 1952. 1950 and Christiane on Sept. 12, 1955. Grandson Erik now has the trunk that is still in Knud bought touring cars such as Buick, Cole 8 good condition. and Dodge. The first Buick was purchased in Valley City, it had a windshield that cost $60.00 extra. Daniel and Sarah Ralph Frederickson, mechanic, drove the car to Kensal. (Hoggarth) Clancy Knud spent many leisure hours at the pool hall Daniel was born in 1863 in Wise. He came to card table. C.J. Croonquist's dog nipped Knud's N.D. in 1885, homesteaded on the NEVi of Sec. 24 heel during one of the card sessions. Knud wanted in McKinnon Township, Foster County. In 1893 he to fight Croonquist because of the dog's action. married Sarah Hoggarth, a sister of Thomas and Their friends helped them settle the matter Zachariah Hoggarth. Daniel and Sarah resided on peacefully. Croonquist was a much larger man than the homestead until 1908. They lived in Kensal until Knud. After Rev. McGough moved to Sanborn, 1914, where he operated a hotel. They returned to Knud visited him for cards. farming on SWVi of Sec. 19, Eastman Township, Knud and Jack Nihill were the only two driving Foster County. their cars on the wide Kensal street when they had Their family included: Daniel Jr., Grace (Mrs. a fender bender. Apparently both too stuborn to John Schlecht), James, Thomas, John, who married avoid. Lawsuit was heard by J.S. Carr. Verdict Florence Lonski, Cecilia who married Joe Haugen unknown. and after his death married Peter Leick, George who died at the age of seven from a ruptured appendix, Frank, Margaret married Norris Brudvig and Eileen married Lester Backer. Erik L. Christensen and Christine (Christensen) Christensen

Both born in Biersted, Denmark. Erik on Jan. 1, 1887, Christine on Oct. 5, 1890. Married at Kensal on Jan. 12, 1913. Family: Clair and Katherine. When Erik came from Denmark he had all of his possessions in a wooden trunk, 2'x2'x3', made by his father. He ate the last of the hard white bread that his mother made while waiting in the Kensal depot for his brother Pete, to meet and take him to Pete's farm north of Kensal. That farm is now owned by Joe Vlach. 4 if Sara and Daniel Clancy

John & Johanna (Harrington) Clancy Johanna Harrington was born May 24, 1872 in Michigan and came to Kensal with her husband, John Clancy, and children in the early 1900s. Her children were: Helen, Ethel, Jack and Lyda, deceased, and Margaret and Irene living. In her early years she operated a boarding house and cafe for which she was long remembered for her culinary talents. She assisted Dr. Longstreth as a Knud Christensen's first airplane ride in an open mid-wife on emergencies. She was always willing cockpit plane with Pilot Roberts. Local merchants to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. On June provided $15.00 to pay for his ride. Took place in 1, 1937 Johanna was honored at a retirement party the 1920-25 area. L—R, Oscar Fossen, Grandpa by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company Tesch, Knud Roberts and George E. Berg. following twenty years of service. She was a -68- charter member of the Royal Neighbors of America, 1959, graduated from K.H.S. in 1977. He is life member of the Telephone Pioneers, and an employed at the Anne Carlson School in active member of St. John's Catholic Church. She Jamestown where he makes his home. passed away April 17, 1940. Kevin born in 1960, graduated from K.H.S. in 1979. He is married to the former Pam Leigh and they have a son, Derald, two years old. Their home Derald Connell Family is in Jacksonville, Florida. Derald, son of Raymond and Sylvia Connell, was Kenneth Rutherford was born in 1962. Daniel born Aug. 23, 1934. Derald has an older brother, Le Rutherford was born in 1967 and is a sophomore in Roy, born in 1924. Kensal High School. Derald has two sons and two daughters. Mike Derald and Karen have two sons. Douglas was born in 1954, graduated from high school in 1972 born 1974 and is in the fourth grade, Duane was and is married to Joan Mauer. They have two born in 1977 and is a first grade student. children, Melissa 4 years old and James three months old. They make their home in Sawyer where Mike is a physical education instructor and Einar Ekren coaches basketball. Terri, born in 1956 is married to Philip Busche Contributed by Mrs. Pete Florhaug and are paraents of three children, Shane, Ben and Another of our early day business men was Linzee. Terri graduated from Wapheton as an LPN Einar Ekren. He came to Webster, S.D. from and is employed at Mercy Hospital, Valley City, Norway. It was there he met and married Martha where they live. Eglund. They came to Kensal and joined his Tim Connell, born 1958 is married to Kristie Kulla brothers in a hardware store. A few years later they and they have two children, Jessie and Karl. Their became owners of their own store which combined home is at Verona, N.D. where Tim is working on a hardware and groceries. They also started the first farm and Kristie is an R.N. at a nursing home. talking picture theater and locker plant in Kensal. Patricia, born 1961 is married to Russel Koenig, a During World War II, Einar put in a year in a ship worker in the oil fields. Their home is at Dickenson. building plant in California. On returning he Pat graduated from Valley City High School in invested in a farming enterprise. 1979. Einar and Martha sold their store to Agnes and Derald and Karen Gast were married in 1972 at Harold Luidahl and retired from buisness. Fargo, N.D. Karen has four sons. Keith born in The Ekrens were parents of three children. Marguerite (Ekren) Thompson, Professor of English at Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, III. Bartlett Ekren, geologist at Evergreen, Colorado. Dr. Winston Ekren, neurosurgeon, at Santa Rosa, California.

Karen, Duane, Derald, Doug and Danny H.M. Ekren Sr. farm Mrs. & Mrs. H.M. Ekren Sr. The Ekren farm was homesteaded by Nels N. Holm, brother-in-law of the Ekrens. The oldest of the Ekren children was Beata Ekren Holm and she married Nels N. Holm whose farm is one mile west of Kensal. He came to Kensal when he was about 19 years old in 1876. He died in 1929 and Beata Holm in 1935. She was born in 1878. Haakon came from Malde, Norway in 1909 when he was 12 years old. His sister, Beata, and another sister, Johanna Peterson, went to Norway to visit and brought Haakon back with them to have a Kevin, Daniel, Keith and Kenneth mastoid (ear) operation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. -69- He lived with the Nels Holms until 1919. He was a Four more children were born to the Nelsons partner in the Ekren Hardware store in Kensal. before this sad time. Robert "Pat" who is a Haakon purchased the present farm 2Vi miles Lutheran minister at White Bear Lake, Minn. Jessie south of Kensal in 1923. Later a number of Nelson Rosen Dahl, a retired army nurse and evergreen trees were added along with a shelter teacher in Minneapolis. Gordon "Mike" Nelson at belt. Kent Wash, and Lee Ann Nelson Roebeck Krueger Haakon also bought the George McKenzie farm at Madison, S.D. Mrs. Nelson passed away when in the 1920's. Haakon Jr. now lives there. He took Lee Ann was born in 1922. She was adopted by over the farm in 1957. Haakon Sr., also had a August and Hattie Roebeck (old family friends of section of land in Nogosek township. Anna and Elbert Nelson while they lived in Minn.) Mr. Ekren represented Stutsman county in the Lee Ann became a teacher and lives in Madison. N.D. legislature from 1943-1953 and was active in Clayton Nelson, (oldest of the first four Nelson the Republican party in the county and state. He children) became a navy man. He was Admiral served as Kensal township assessor for 34 years, Richard E. Byrds Engineer on the Bear Ship to and was a member of the township and Kensal Antartica (Little America) they and the crew were school boards several different years in the 1930's there from 1939 to 1940. and 1960's. He was a Mason and a member of the In the war at Pearl Harbor, Clayton, now Lt. Shriners' Lodge. Commander in the navy, Captioned the Submarine Mr. and Mrs. Ekren built the Kensal tow mill in that went down on the 4th of July and never was 1947-48. It is still an attraction, as it is always well located, in 1944. kept up by Haakon "Buffa" Ekren Jr. Mr. Ekren passed away in June 1977. Maybelle Haakon Sr. in the early days sold Delco Light Ekren now farms alone with the aid of Haakon Jr. Plants to numerous farm homes from Glenfield, and grandsons Dean and Kelly. McHenry, Melville, Juanita, Carrington, Courtenay and Kensal, long before rural electrification came to the community. Mr. & Mrs. Dean Ekren He put up dozens of windmills, including all the Dean, son of Buffa and Marlene Ekren, married Holms brothers, Nels, Andrew, John, Lars and Brenda Rindy of Carrington on October 11, 1980. Swan. These men were all original homesteaders of They have two children, Dustin Dean, born August their farms. They came from Sweden. Nels was 4, 1982 and Andrew Haakon, born January 14, 1985. born in 1857 and Lars was the oldest. Dean and Brenda are engaged in farming. Dean I have heard Haakon tell about his brother-in-law, recently became a partner in the Kensal Lumber Nels, when they needed supplies like flour and Company. Brenda is a cosmetologist. such staples, they walked to Jamestown and Dean is a private pilot and enjoys hunting, carried the flour on their backs, took off their fishing, running and most sports. boots, threw them over their shoulder and forded Brenda's hobbies include bowling, hunting, the river (James River) I believe. Who today would sewing and craft projects. walk to Jamestown over the prairie, no roads, and carry home a sack of flour? Carrington did not exist. Lumber was brought in from Melville with Olaf A. Ekren which to build homes. Olaf Ekren arrived in Kensal in 1904. He had left Haakon married Maybelle L. Nelson in Fargo, Norway in 1901. The intervening years were spent N.D. They have four children. Mrs. Robert Lovell of in England, where he served a medial doctor as a Corpus Christi, Texas. Mrs. John Fisher (Anna coachman. This time helped him with knowledge of Marie) Milton A. Ekren and Haakon M. Ekren Jr. of the English language which would help him in Kensal. missionary work. Two sisters had preceded him to Maybelle Nelson Ekren came with her parents America. One settled in Kensal with her husband from Wisconsin and Minnesota in 1911. She and who set up a hardware store. Olaf worked here for three borthers, Clayton, Raymond and Russel at 6 years, then started to buy land. In 1911 he traded that time. Mr. Nelson came the year before and had his land for a hardware and machinery business in a home on the George Brewer farm. Mr. Nelson had the Bottineau area. Ekren returned to Kensal in been a great northern railroad engineer before 1915 which he called a "rough place" with hoboes coming to Kensal. After coming here he was and transients ane there was danger of being shot. engineer on threshing rigs and did custom He was still in the hardware business having threshing. Elbert lost his leg in seperator accident purchased the store from his brother-in-law. in 1910 while threshing. He fell through the feeder Rapid expansion came in the thirties. By 1934 on a wooden seperator. Ekren had acquired the John Deere and Chevrolet Mr. Nelson also was a windmill engineer. He put dealership. Mrs. Ekren assisted her husband in the up mills and serviced them all over the territory. It business as bookkeeper. was on a business trip of putting up a mill at He also owned the Christopherson building. He Davenport N.D. that he lost his life in May 1932 at had become a businessman rather than a Valley City. There was a 90 degree hill there then missionary but he did not abandon his Christian and he swerved his truck to avoid hitting a little principles having been Sunday School lady in a car coming down the hill at a terrific Superintendent for 30 years at the Kensal speed. Nelson could not brake the ford truck so it Methodist Church. was out of control. At a two day dispersal auction on July 19-20 in -70- 1972 the Olaf Ekren buildings were emptied. Many bidders came. Four Auctioneer cried the sale. After Bjerge & Hazel Eriksen 70 years in business the Ekren "empire" came to a Bjerge Eriksen, son of Christian and Melene close. Eriksen, was born in Bucephalia Township on Olaf passed away at the age of 99, September 26, December 4, 1901. He married Hazel Nelson, 1982. His wife still lives in Jamestown. daughter of Andrew and Clara Nelson of Juanita, The Ekren's had one daughter Delores who lives on June 9, 1944, at the Kensal Methodist Church. in Birmingham. They are still living on the homestead but have sold their farm to Clyde and Robert. This is the third generation. Bjerge has always lived on the farm. Hazel worked several years in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Fargo. She also taught school in Foster County. Bjerge and Hazel have traveled several places with their families since their retirement. Bjerge enjoyed hunting and in recent years likes reading and helping in the garden. Hazel has always enjoyed her big garden and flowers. She loves to bake and cook. She has a big Olaf Ekren, Margaret Ableidinger, Lois Florhaug, collection of antique plates and several state Gabriel Fredrickson, Mabel Ekren. plates. She has done many quilts. She has always done a lot of walking for exercise. Christian & Melene (Holand) Bjerge has held several offices; Clerk of Bucephalia Township for 42 years, treasurer for the Eriksen United Methodist Church for 12 years, treasurer for Christian and Melene were both born in Varhaug, Kensal Rural Fire Department for 25 years, Stavanger, Norway. He on August 30, 1874 and treasurer for Kensal Community Club. Melene on December 31, 1871. They were married Bjerge and Hazel's family consists of four in Norway April 7, 1892. He came to Foster County children; Marsha and Dave Parker, Rhonda and in April 1895. He filed for a homestead in 1896 in Erik, who live in East Lansing, Michigan, Marsha is Bucephalia Township on SEVi of Section 24. Mr. a nurse. Bart and Helen Eriksen, Amy, Amber, and Eriksen proved up his homestead and became a Ashley, who live in Fairmont, Minnesota; Bart is a citizen in 1902. His wife and son, Sivert came in medical doctor. Clyde, who lives at Rogers, N.D., is June 1897. They had eight children. principal at North Central High School. Robert, who The children were Sivert, Martin, Bjerge, Richard, lives in Bismarck, N.D., is a chemical engineer at Marie, Christine, Myrtle and Elsie. Basin Electric. Sivert married Fay Walker and resides in California. Martin married Molly Monahan and lives in Portland, Oregon. Bjerge married Hazel Nelson and lives on the homestead. Richard married Esther Steffans (a former Kensal teacher). She still lives in Montana. Marie never married. She lives in Kensal. Christine married Larry Stiles and lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Myrtle married Ernie Pewe and lives in Dillon, Montana. Elsie married Georgie DuBois. She and her daughter live in White Bear, Minnesota. Back row, l-r, Robert, Bart, Clyde, Marsha. Front - Hazel, and Bjerge on 40th Wedding Anniversary. Marie Eriksen I was born on my fathers homestead 5!/2 miles northwest of Kensal. I was one of eight children born to Christian and Melene Eriksen. I attended school at Bucephalia school no. 1 about 1V4 miles from my home farm. I was a typical farm girl, raising turkeys and working inside and out as needed. When my parents retired and moved into Kensal, I moved in with them and took care of them. I was given the house I now live in. I was active in church work having taught both Sunday school and Bible school. My hobbies are crocheting, making afghans and knitting. I also collect spear heads and flint and Chris and Melene Erickson display dolls at hobby shows. -71- Oscar attended a rural school in Lyon School Edwin Forsberg Family District and had farmed in Lyon Township most of Edwin Forsberg, son of Mr. & Mrs. John Forsberg, his life. was born in Nashult, Sweden on November 21, Oscar passed away on April 2, 1979. He was 1881. In 1887 the John Forsbergs came from buried in Pingree where he was a member of the Sweden with their four young children, Henry, Lutheran Church. Edwin, Ottilia and Hannah. Another baby was born in Dakota. The John Forsbergs farmed in the Buchanan area. When Edwin was about ten years old he was nearly blinded by lightning that struck his parental home, killing his parents and the baby brother. Edwin and Henry went to live with their uncle Andrew Forsberg on his farm at Kensal near Jim Lake. Ottilia went to live with friends in Pingree later with an elderly lady in Jamestown. Hannah was adopted and raised in New York. Years later Ottilia and Henry joined the Salvation Army. Edwin Forsberg stayed with the Andrew Forsbergs until he was old enough to get a homestead. His forty acre homestead was located about a mile from Andrews farm in Lyon Township on Section twenty, Kensal, N.D. The Oscar Forsbergs Mathilda Johnson, born in Smaland, Sweden on November 1, 1879 came to North Dakota in 1903. Arther Forsberg 1907-1976 She and Edwin were married on October 29, 1906. Arther married Marjorie Ochiltree, a former They settled on Edwins homestead, rented land teacher, in 1944. He farmed at Kensal and Pingree. near by and bought some land on section sixteen Later he operated a service station in Pingree and in Lyon Township. To this union six children were worked at the N.D. State Hospital. born; Arther, Oscar, Rudalph, Bertha, Amy and Eric. Arther and Marjorie had one son, Gayle Forsberg, Edwin and Mathilda retired to Pingree, N.D. Rapid City, S.D. Arther had two daughters by a Edwin passed away on February 13, 1951 and former marriage; Mrs. David (Jean) Erb and Mrs. Mathilda died on February 1, 1952. Donald Trowbridge (Shirley) both residing at Frazee, Minn. Rudolph Forsberg Rudolph graduated from Pingree High School in 1930, attended the State Teachers College at Valley City. He spent several years teaching and worked as a barber. He was employed as a Mortician in Fargo when World War II was declared. He enlisted in the Navy, January, 1942, served as a Chief Pharmacist Mate on a Sub-chaser in the Pacific War Area. He was discharged in 1945. Was later employed by the Atlantic Richfield Oil Co., as Manager of Employee and Labor Relations at Long Beach, Ca. Rudolph married Miriam Brown a teacher in Long Beach in 1950. He retired in 1975 and they reside in Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Forsberg Long Beach, Ca. Oscar & Edna Forsberg Family Oscar Forsberg, son of Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Bertha Forsberg Nogosek Forsberg was born November 17, 1908 on his Bertha graduated from Pingree in 1930 and fathers homestead near Jim Lake, in Lyon attended State Teachers College at Valley City. She Township, Kensal, N.D. taught school for nine years in Stutsman County. Oscar Forsberg married Edna Moran of Pingree She and Ted Nogosek were married in 1942 at St. on October 1, 1932. Later they bought a farm on Marys Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado. They Section 17 in Lyon Township. Oscar served many have one son, Randy Nogosek, Fessenden, N.D. years on the Lyon School and Township boards. He She resided in Long Beach, Ca. (while Ted was was a member of the Kensal Rural Fire overseas) employed at the Naval Air Station, Department. Oscar and Edna have one son, Ronald Terminal Island, Ca. They returned to Jamestown, Forsberg. He is employed in Parts Department at N.D. in 1945, moved to Mandan in 1973, living there R.M. Stoudts Ford Garage, Jamestown, N.D. three years, until Ted retired from the Northern Ronald now owns the homestead on Section 20 Burlington Railroad. They now reside in which belonged to his grandfather Edwin Forsberg. Jamestown, N.D. -72- business during his long illness. He passed away Amy Forsberg Dion in 1934. Daughter, Rose resides in Jamestown. Amy graduated from Pingree in 1933 and Mr. Feckler was one of Kensal's outstanding attended Beauty College in Fargo. She worked as a pioneers. He organized Kensal's first commercial beautician at Bismarck for several years. Moved to club in 1907. He was the first president of the club. San Francisco, Ca. and later to Long Beach where He drafted the articles of incorporation and by-laws she was employed at the Naval Air Station, for incorporating the village of Kensal in 1908. It Terminal Island, Ca. was then the boundaries of three wards were Amy and Paul Dion were married in 1946 at Long determined. Because of this effort the Soo Line Beach, Ca. They have one son, Lawrence who lives consented to furnish the early fire department with in Torrance, Ca. and one daughter, Patricia Kunard water needed for their fire fighting. During W.W. I who lives at Fountain Valley, Ca. Amy and Paul are he sent interesting letters of home news to our now retired and living in Long Beach, Ca. boys in camp. He was active in church affairs and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric Forsberg Eric graduated from Pingree in 1933. Later moved to Minneapolis, Mn. Was employed at an Insurance Co. and attended Business College. He enlisted in the Army in 1943, served as a Medic in various hospitals, was discharged in 1945. Eric and Jean Crew were married in 1944 at Minneapolis, Mn. They moved to California several years later where Eric was associated with Carl Warren & Co. as an Insurance adjuster at Los Angeles, Ca. He is now semi-retired and lives at LaCanada, Ca. Anton & Minnie (Sutter) IT/i Rose Feckler Feckler Rose has been a career person. This was Mr. Feckler came to N.D. about 1881 and located probably because of having to help her father at on a farmstead near Dazey. After his marriage to such an early age. Minnie Sutter of Salesbury, Mo. in 1892 they She graduated from Interstate Business College resided there until 1897. They moved to Wimbledon. in Fargo in the spring of 1937. On August 15, 1937 In Wimbledon, with Anton Fried, he conducted she was employed by John and Arthur Knauf in an implement business. They had four children. Jamestown. Another girl, named Myrtle, worked Georgia (Sister Rose Anthony), Max, Wilfred and there too. Rose could understand there was not Richard. enough income for all so she found other work. In Kensal Mr. Feckler established himself in an At the Welfare Office she was paid $50 a month. implement and hardware business in 1906. He Her work required much searching through files to purchased the business of H.N. Tucker Co. The prove the age of receipients. She worked there a new firm was incorporated as the Kensal couple of years. The Welfare Assistance is now a Implement Company. thing of the past. He built the largest most modern home in the In 1939 she worked for Rural Resettlement for community. (In later years this was donated to St. $60 a month. She had special training in John's Catholic Parish and used as a parsonage). Milwaukee, Wise, and Lincoln, Nebr. While with the Mrs. Feckler passed away a short time after Farm Security Administration, she was employed residing in Kensal. Daughter, Georgia, assisted in for a year working throughout the state while living the management of the home as well as helping in Bismarck. She was transferred to Minot. in the office a number of years. Because traveling became inconvenient she came In 1918, Mr. Feckler married Helen Albrecht of back to Jamestown. She spent thirty-seven years in Wimbledon. They had one daughter, Rose, who this work. eventhough very young assumed entire From 1977-1982 she was employed at the responsibility of the office routine and her father's Community Credit Cooperative. Severe surgery has forced her to retire and enjoy all her mementos.

Florhaug Family The Paul Florhaug family came to the United States from Norway in 1901. They first settled at Climax, Minn. The children John, Peder, and Mary 1 •JrffirHJi ~ mm'mw^wm"mmS:jmt fieffe. JKlfWI j'5*j| were born in Norway. Pauline, Idella, George and Norman were born in Climax. In 1915 the family Anton Feckler House, 1919 moved to a farm seven miles northwest of Kensal. -73- In 1918 son, John, was killed in action in World War I. Daughter, Mary died during the influenza Joseph Fousek epidemic. Joe Fousek was born February 6, 1890 in Prairie The family left for Saum, Minn, in 1925, Idella DuChein, Wise, to William and Anna Fousek, and Pauline having graduated from Kensal High whose mothers maiden name was Anna Vismicus. School in 1924 & 1925 respectively. Peder stayed in Joe came to Kensal with his parents in 1901. In the Kensal area and married Mary Pitra. They were 1911 he went to Cosmopolis, Wash, to work in a the parents of four children namely: Myron, Peder saw mill. Later the same year he went to Pincer Jr., Phyllis, and Mary Jean. Creek, Alberta, Canada. In 1913 he came back to Peder and Mary retired from farming in 1965, and N.D. the home farm five miles northwest of Kensal is In 1914 he started farming with his brother-in-law operated by Myron's son, Kent. five miles northeast of Kensal. In 1917 he sold out Myron married Lorraine Spitzer and they farm his share in farming. In December 1917 he married two miles west of Kensal. They have three Effie Proffit in Floyd, Virginia to which two sons children; Janene, Kent and Curt. were born. Floyd was killed in WW II in March, 1943 Peder Jr., married Lois Nelson and they have at the age of 21. Lorney passed away in August of three children. They are Kathy, Steven and Roger. 1973 at the age of 55 years. Phyllis married Donald Schlecht. They live in July 10, 1918 Joe was called to serve his country. Wimbledon and have ten children. He went to camp Custer, Mich. Co F. Fourteenth ammunition train on Feb. 7, 1919 and was Mary Jean married Alvin Partlow and they have discharged at Camp Dodge, Iowa. On April 1, 1919 eight children. She lives in Fargo. he started farming 6V2 miles southwest of Juanita. Peder Sr. passed away in 1970. His wife, Mary resides at the Kensal Manor. In the fall he moved 6 miles north of Kensal and farmed until 1960. Effie died in 1960. One sister Mary Knorr of Long Beach, Ca. now deceased, one half brother A.C. Loder of Mesa, Az., two half sisters Clara Keppel, Boscabel, Wics. and Mayme Nettle, Pamona, Calif. Preceding him in death were his wife, two sons, two sisters and three brothers. He held a life membership in the John Florhaug Post 103. He passed away May 6, 1979 at the age of 79.

Myron & Lorraine Florhaug Myron Florhaug, son of Peder and Mary Florhaug, served his little stint with the U.S. army and while home on furlough waiting to be discharged, he met this gal, Lorraine Spitzer, then teaching in a rural school near the Louis Pitra farm. He had to contend with a few competitors, but continued his persistent wooing and they were finally married. He chose farming as his occupation and moved to the George Berg farm in McKinnon township. Effie and Joe with Lorney and Floyd Fousek While living here, Janene and the twins, Kent and Curt were born. Now we needed a bigger house so we purchased the Pearson farm. Things went OK here but we decided to expand a bit and moved to my farm home where we now live. The kids are all married. Janene (Mrs. Dale Donat) living in Gackle, N.D., has two boys David and Darrin. Dale works in a bank at Gackle. Kent married Sherry Peterson and has two children, Dawn and Tyson. He farms with us. Curt married Jean Loberg and has two girls, Leah and Amber. He drives for U.P.S. Myron's favorite past time is watching television and fishing even though his trips are mostly fruitless. I love to cook and bake and spend a few hours each week at the Kensal cafe. Myron is looking forward to retirement. I certainly am NOT... Lorraine Florhaug Lorney Fousek Family -74- Sophus belonged to the 100F Lodge for 30 years Frederickson Families and the Danish Brotherhood Lodge and was The five Frederickson brothers, Sophus, Julius, treasurer of the Kensal School for twenty two Anton, John, and August, sons of Jens and Ellen years. Frederickson of Hillestad, Denmark immigrated to Anton (Tony) married Betsy Swanson. They had the United States in 1890. four children, Mabel, Henry, Edna, and Delia. Sophus, Julius, Tony, and John all worked on the Casey Ranch near Bordulac. Gust, who was a baker by trade in Denmark, ran a bakery in Kensal before moving to California, where he continues in that Henry Frederickson Family profession. Henry Frederickson is the son of Anton and Betsy Frederickson. Anton, his father, came from In 1891 Sophus, Julius, Tony, and John Denmark and homesteaded on the area which homesteaded at Kensal. Sophus was south of the included Kensal Main Street and West His brother town, Julius on the east edge, Tony to the north, Julius, homesteaded from Kensal Main street east. and John to the west. They were all active in Another brother of Anton was Sophus who school and community affairs. homesteaded south of Kensal. Ralph, son of Julius and Emma Frederickson, Anton built the first part of the hotel in Kensal. was the first child born in Kensal in 1894. Other He also operated a livery stable, and farmed. children were Villie, Bert, Florence, Waldo, Henry's mother, Betsy Swanson, came from Beaulah, and Ruby. Wisconsin. Sophus and Tina Johnson were married in 1894. There were four children in the Anton To this marriage four children were born, Clifford, Frederickson family. They are Mabel, Henry, Edna, Lillian, Jennie, and Clarence, Tina passed away and Delia. and Sophus married Christine Marn Hanson in Henry Frederickson was born north of Kensal in 1904. To this marriage ten children were born, Otto, 1899. He served in Europe in World War I. He Ellen (Mrs. Herbert Fields) of Jamestown, Emelia married Gabriel Davey, daughter of Michael and (Mrs. Albert Pederson) of Carrington, Ted, June Nellie Davey of Kensal. Michael Davey was a Knudson, Jamestown, Astrid King, Pequot Lakes, section foreman on the Soo Line. - Mn., Gladys (Mrs. Earl Liddle) Carrington, LeRoy, Henry was a bulk oil dealer in Kensal for many Clara (Mrs. Eldo Lee) of Carrington, and Lorraine years. There were four children born to Henry and (Mrs. Clarence Schroeder) of Bordulac. All the Gabriel, Leone, Lois, Leland and Leon. children attended the Kensal Public School. Gabriel Frederickson passed away in September 1981. Henry has resided at home in Kensal, also in the Veteran's Home in Lisbon and is presently in the nursing home section of the Veteran's Hospital in Fargo. Delia, daughter of Anton and Bessie Fredrickson, married Henry Davey. They had three daughters, Maxine (Pete) Hoggarth, Phyllis (Jay) Nelson, and Beverley (Chuck) Egerton. Delia latter married Clarence Walker. They had two daughers, Janice (Leonard) Otterson and Janet (Robert) Johnson. Henry & Ada Gast Ada Gast, the former Ada Hoefs, was born April The Sophus Frederickson Farm, new home built in 5, 1914 at Lidgerwood, N.D. and married Henry 1925. Gast at Wahpeton, N.D. on February 25, 1930. They lived in Fairmont many years where they both worked. They later moved to a farm in Minnesota where they lived for ten years, then sold it and moved to Galesburg, N.D. where he worked for a plumber. Both Ada and daughter Karen worked at the Galesburg school as cooks. They moved to Kensal in 1964 when they bought the cafe from Frank Smith. Henry continued with his plumbing. The lived above the cafe and continued with the cafe until ill health forced Ada to quit. Henry coverted the cafe into a plumbing shop and many can remember climbing the stairs to visit Mrs. Gast, and remember hearing Henry down stairs in his shop either whistling or singing in a loud voice, Taken in 1950. Sophus Frederickson Family. L-R in German the songs he had learned in church. Ada back row - Clarence, Otto, LeRoy, Ted. Middle row - and Henry were blessed with eight chidlren. Eileen June, Lorraine, Cliff, Clara, Gladys. Front row - Peasley, born in 1930 lives in Erhard, Minn. Alvin Astrid, Jennie, Lillian, Ellen, Emelia. Gast born 1932 lives in Elgin, Ohio and has four -75- children. Gerald Gast born 1934, has three children Albert Hanson also had a homestead south of and lives in Bagley, Minn. Ronald, born 1937 lives the Jim Nelson farm on the same section. in Grafton, and has three children. Karen Connell Mrs. Chris Bredahl was a sister to both Albert born 1940, has 6 sons and four step children. Fred and Henry Hanson. Gast, born 1942 died 1974. Patsy Gast Ferguson Henry Hanson and Kathryn Bredahl were married has two children and lives in Rugby, N.D. Ralph in 1897. They had three children, Bertha, who Gast has three girls and lives in Little Falls, Minn. passed away in 1976. She had married Charley Ronald Gast helped his dad with plumbing for a Hertel and to this union five children were born. few years. While living in Kensal Henry also picked One lives in Pingree the other four live in up garbage in his "Honey Wagon" along with his California. plumbing jobs. He finally called it quits and moved Norman passed away in 1975. James still lives in to Breckenridge, Minn, where he worked in a bank Long Beach, California. as janitor until he retired. He bought a trailer and moved it to Pleasant Lake, Minn, where he spends his summers and lives with his son, Gerald, at Marcus Heil Family Bagley in the winter months. Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Heil and family of six children moved to Courtenay, N.D. from Haynes, N.D. They lived on a farm northeast of Courtenay in Corrinne Township. (In early times this was known as the Koenig farm.) One of the Koenig children was Susan (Mrs. Albert Bredahl). Heils farmed in the area until 1960. By this time all of the family except one son, Victor, had left home. The two older boys, Ed and Ray, enlisted in the armed service. Eunice, Eleanor and Martha are married. Eleanor 1 married John Paczkowski. They live on the farm, once occupied by the Charles Pierce family, north of Kensal. Marcus, Barbara and Victor purchased the former Otto Young residence and moved into Kensal. Mr. Heil worked in the Kensal lumber yard for several years until he took complete retirement. He passed away April 17, 1971. Mrs. Heil and Victor are presently residing in the Holy Family Guest M Home at Carrington, N.D. Ada Gast's 60th Birthday, 1974

Ben Hannon Ben Hannon moved to the Kensal community in 1928, and farmed the land for many years until it was sold to the Goodhart Bower family. After he quit farming he still lived in the buildings and was a salesman for McNess products. Mrs. Jerry Snow was a sister of Ben. While they lived on the farm they boarded the teachers for the Holm school. Ben was noted for his square dance calling.

Henry Hanson Family Henry Hanson was born in Denmark in 1860 and Ltnm»< came to the U.S. in 1877. He homesteaded on the Barbara & Marcus Heil farm now owned by Leland Wolsky west of Kensal in 1885 and resided there until his death in 1940. Leo & Ethel Herzog At that time Chris Bredahls lived on their Leo and Ethel moved to Kensal in July 1946 homestead west of the Jim Nelson and Meade along with their family, Maxine, Donald and farm. The lone tree that stands on the bluffs of the Albertine. They lived upstairs at the depot for James river was planted by Chris Bredahl. Their eighteen years. They then bought and moved to the trading point at that time was Melville because A.C. Nelson house. Kensal was not in existence. The Soo line came to During the time Leo was the agent here, the the area in 1892. The N.P. railroad came through railroad changed their engines from steam power many years before. Jamestown was the county to diesel power. This meant three men were out of seat and the towns on the N.P. branch going north work at Kensal. The Soo no longer needed the coal from Jamestown were there. chute or the water tank. -76- Leo's hobbies were gardening and fishing. For a pastime, he enjoyed listening to good music on the phonograph. He died in 1965 in Montana while they were on a trip to the west coast. Ethel's hobbies include needlework, raising house plants and making replicas of buildings using chipped stones.

Matt and Mary Hockert Joe Sr. & Grace (Williamson) Hoggarth Joe Hoggarth was born in 1825, died in 1895. His wife, Grace Williams was born 1826 and died 1884. They came from England to Goodrich, Ontario, Leo & Ethel 40th Wedding Anniversary Canada. To this union twelve children were born. j»3 m Joseph, Benjamin, Zackariah, John, Robert, James, Richard, William, Thomas, Agnes (Mrs. Don McKinnon) Margaret (Mrs. Joe Thurlow) Sarah (Mrs. Dan Clancy). They lived at Grandin, N.D. and then moved to Glenfield. Tom & Amanda Hoggarth Thomas was born in 1871 and died 1936. Amanda (Timm) born 1879 and died 1970. She was born in Prairie de Chein, Wisconsin and was married at Carrington in 1899. They made their home north of Kensal where four children were born. Benjamin born 1902, died 1973, Gertrude born 1905 and died in 1971, Pearl born in 1909 and died 1973 and Vern born 1911. All were born in McKinley township. Ben married Elizabeth Nihill, Gertrude married Avil Groskreutz, Pearl married Matilda Kauwalski, Ethel Herzog's Hobby Vern married Irene Kramer. Hockerts Matt Hockert was born in Luxenberg, Germany and came to the U.S. when 17 years old and located at Sleephy Eye, Minn. He and Mary Mertz were married April 11, 1899 at Sleepy Eye. Their first home was at Clare City, Minn, before moving to the Kensal community in 1916 where they made their home on a farm north of Kensal in Eastman Township. They lived with their son, Herman, and resided in Kensal for two winters. They were the parents of seven children. Angeline (Mrs. Artie Johnson) John of Fargo, and Vern, Benjamin, Gertrude, and Pearl Hoggarth Arthur of West Fargo are deceased. Living is Mrs. Wesley McDonald of Vancouver, Wash. Mrs. Anna Haugen of Carrington, Joe Hockert of Jamestown, and Herman Hockert of Courtenay. Mr. and Mrs. Matt Hockert were pioneers of the Kensal community and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1959. Mrs. Mary Hockert passed away at Kensal, December 1961 at 90 years, 8 months and 28 days. Matt passed away January 10, 1962 at age 88 years, 4 months and 10 days. Thomas Hoggarth Family lived on this farm. -77- neighbors pitched in and they in turn got their crop harvested too. Down through the years the Hoggarths have all been horse lovers beginning with the grandparents in Lancaster, England in 1825. Thomas Hoggarth, father of Vern, had a Belgian pure bred stallion sent by boat to the U.S. The Hoggarth family have continued on with the tradition down to the present generation having won many awards and ribbons. Granddaughter Kristy is Miss Rodeo Queen and has a class of 40 children instructing them in the training of horses. Vern and Irene left the farm and moved into Clarence Walker & Thomas Hoggarth Kensal in 1969. They built a new home on Kensal's north side. They have 32 grand children and give great grand children. Vern Hoggarths f j 1M&MJHI KJUVH'IIM HIP * Vern Hoggarth, son of Amanda Timm Hoggarth and Tom Hoggarth, was born at the John Norheim farm in McKinley township. Vern married Gertrude McDaniel in 1931, daughter of George and Myrtle Parker McDaniel. They farmed north of Kensal where four children were born. DeVern, Darwin, v Cleon and Eloise. Gertrude passed away with t E m m. # 1 pneumonia in 1941. In 1942 Vern married Irene Kramer, daughter of •M9 H^^^B vB Joe Kramer who was born in 1923 at the Dan Clancy farm. They purchased the Emil Buss farm HI northeast of Kensal in 1942 where they raised 11 Vern and Irene Hoggarth on 25th Wedding children. Anniversary, 1967 DeVern married Margaret Rudnick and raised four children. Cleon married Phyliss Fredrickson and raised 2 children. Eloise married Lyle Klose and have four children, Russel married Eileen Groth and have two chidlren, Roger married Dianne Backer and have three children. Odis married Karen Fredrickson and they have three children. Ramona married Robert Pederson and have 2 children. Clinton married Angela Steckler and have 2 children. Vernon married Renee Kamphuis and have 3 children. Fay married David Falk and have 2 children. Vern in his life time has bought many pairs of Mr. & Mrs. Vern Hoggarth and family - DeVern and shoes. Margaret, Darwin and Shirley, Cleon and Phyllis, Theirs is a diversified farm, raising cattle, pigs, Eloise and Lyle Klose, Russel and Eileen, Roger sheep, milked cows, raised chickens and turkeys. and Diane, Odis and Karen, Ramona and Robert In such a large operation every one has a job to do Pederson, Clinton and Angela, Vernon and Renae, and all are kept busy. Fay and David Falk, 1974. Vern and Irene are active in St. Johns Church. All the children have been members of 4-H clubs. Irene Duane Hoggarth Family received a ten year award as a 4-H leader. She is an Son of Ben Hoggarth excellent seamstress and has taught many others. In the summer of 1968 the Duane Hoggarths, She has held memberships in homemakers clubs Duane and Cheryl came with their two children, and served on the country school board for 18 Tammy and Scott, to the Kensal community. They years. With all her activities painting is her favorite. purchased a home southeast of Kensal from Orville Her work has been entered in many art shows in Karn. Both Cheryl and Duane were born in the N.D. where she has won many awards. The pictures Courtenay community and attended school there she painted at Christmas as gifts to her married also. children are treasured possessions with much Tammy graduated in 1983 from Kensal high sentimental value. Another of Irenes hobbies is school and is a student at N.D.S.U. Fargo, Scott working with ceramics. She has made many graduated from high school in Kensal and will be beautiful pieces, many given as gifts to be attending N.D.S.U. in the fall of 1985. treasured. Duane and Cheryl are engaged in farming and Vern also held different township jobs. He enjoys since moving to Kensal have two other children trying new seed and new ideas in farming. In early Michael and Susie. This year Susie enrolled in days Vern had his own threshing machine. The kindgergarten. -78- Hoggarth and Bonnie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe & Edna (Larson) HoggarthLaDel l Kollman, were married at Kensal. Craig was Joe and Edna were married in Bismarck in 1938. doing construction work in Fargo and Bonnie At that time Joe was working for the State at the worked for the Pioneer Mutual Life Ins. Co. N.D. State Penitentary. They moved back to the In August 1972 they moved to the Joe Hoggarth Kensal community and started farming on the farm where Criag farmed with his father and Clara Cooper, vought, Palmer farms. In 1943 they brother. purchased the M.J. O'Neill farm. In 1948 they June 23, 1973 their twins arrived. They are named moved the buildings from the farm to a location Matthew and Michelle. In 1975 Craig and Bonnie across the road from what was known as Clancy's moved to the Leon Hoggarth farm, formerly the school in Eastman Township. Raymond Kramer farm. On March 5, 1979 Amber They raised four daughters and two sons. Name­ was born. Matthew and Michelle are now in the ly: Fern, Connie, Leon, Nicole, Norma, and Craig. sixth grade at the Kensal school and Amber will be During the time the family was growing up, farming in the first grade this fall. went through many changes. Craig still farms in the Kensal area and does Fern married Donald Sherlock and their home is some work as a carpenter. Bonnie likes to do at Surrey, N.D. Donald is the custodian at Minot needlework. State College. Fern returned to college at Minot and will receive her degree this spring. They have six children. Connie married Leland Nogosek. They live in St. The Leon Hoggarth Family Louis. Leland works for Civil Service and Connie Leon Hoggarth and Mell-o-dee, Wolsky, were works part time as a saleslady. They have three married September 11, 1964. Their first home was a children. mobile home located on the Joe Hoggarth farm. Nicole (Mrs. Allen Kiesacker) is a R.N. at St. They lived there for five years, then moved to the Luke's Hospital in Fargo. Allen works for the farm formerly owned by Raymond Kramer. After Steiger Co. They have two children. another five years the family moved back to the home place of Joe and Edna Hoggarth. The house Norma's husband, Dr. Derek Oldenburger, was moved to its original site in 1949. The practices at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D. Hoggarths have three sons. Tory Joe born October Norma works part time at the same hospital. 12, 1965 and is now a sophomore at UND Grand Craig married Bonnie Kollman. They have three Forks. Culley Richard was born May 15, 1968 and is children. He farms the Joe Hoggarth land. now an 11th grader in the Kensal school. He is a Leon married Mell-o-dee Wolsky. She is a beauty member of L.Y.F., the jazz band and letterman. operator and also works as a saleslady at Justin Wade was born November 14, 1972 is a 6th Luidahl's. Leon also farms Hoggarth land. They grader. Leon is a member of the school board have three children. having served three terms and is a member of the After a serious illness in 1975, Joe and Edna Kensal firemen. Mell'o'dee is a member of Sarah retired in Cooperstown, having purchased a house Circle, P.T.O., homemakers club and part-time in that city. Joe did not like being away from employee at Harold's Department Store. All are farming activities, so they sold that house. The members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. following spring they purchased a new house and moved back to the farm. Joe passed away in November 1979. Edna remains on the farm. She enjoys her work with church and homemaker activities. Her yard is a place of beauty with a neatly kept lawn and beautiful flowers.

Leon and Mell'o'dee Hoggarth Farm

Lars Holm Lars Holm was an immigrant who came from Edna Hoggarth's home today Eate Sweden in 1852. He was employed on the Casey ranch. As an early settler he built a sod Craig & Bonnie (Kollman) shanty which was heated with buffalo chips. In the winter he and his brother shared the same shanty Hoggarth for the purpose of saving fuel. Many hardships On July 9, 1971, Craig, son of Joe and Edna were endured in the early years, especially during -79- the severe winter cold. The nearest railroad stop bring the charolais cattle into the Kensal and grocery store was Melville. Here they walked community in 1964. We also have brown swiss milk and carried their supplies in a gunny sack slung cows, sheep, chickens and we grain farm. We are over their shoulder. Finally the Soo railroad came interested in work for the betterment of the through Kensal. community. The Sioux Indians traveled through the Holm pasture on their way to the Fort Totten Reservation at Devils Lake. The old trail can still be seen in the pasture, which the Indians used on their way to get bread and chickens. Lars was finally able to buy horses from the Indians. He homesteaded in Stutsman County south of Kensal. As a pioneer he endured many hardships. If you went anywhere it was over prairie trails as there were no roads. At first oxen were used in farming. Hay was Old house and barn, 100 years old stacked by hand after it was cut by a grain binder, shocked and left to dry, then put through a seperator to seperate the grain from the straw. The Ray & Esther Holm working day was from daylight till dark and horses Esther, daughter of Lars and Annie Holm was fed by the light of a kerosene lantern. born on the homestead southwest of Kensal. She Lars died on his pioneer farm one cold and attended school in a rural township school and snowy day in the winter of 1932. His wife Annie, finished her education in the Kensal Public school three sons and daughter continued to farm. Annie when the rural school closed. Esther holds Urbanea Holm Stal was born in Sweden. She came membership in many clubs and organizations. She to Moorhead, Minn, where she found work. In later has many hobbies and is interested in antiques. years she came to Jamestown and worked at the They built a new house on their farm and kept the first hospital. She married Lars Holm and came to old house and is still in use. Nels, Andy, Ray and their homestead south of Kensal. She had 4 sons Esther work and live together. Ray has his own and two daughters. Two sons died in infancy. Much farm a mile south of the home place. He bought a of her handwork she entered in the Stutsman house in 1957 from the Fish and Wildlife Service County Fair, such as woven rugs, handmade quilts and moved it to its present location. He raises and canned goods. She died October 6, 1963. charolais cattle. Ray has served on the township board for 20 years, a member of the Farmers Union The old farm home still stands and is in use. The Oil in Jamestown for 29 years and a 10 year farm is now owned and operated by the children, member of the Edmunds Farmers Union elevator. Ray, Nels, Andy and Esther. They have since added to their holdings other land and all work together.

Esther's doll collection Andrew Holm Andrew Holm and his brothers came to the U.S. from Sweden. Nels Holm came in 1880, Swan in 1881, Andrew at the age of 20 with his brother John, in 1888 and Lars in 1889. All homesteaded in Lars and Anna Holm the Kensal community. Andrew was employed on the Casey Ranch near Bordulac from the time of his arrival until 1892. He Holm Family then homesteaded on his farm on the west edge of Esther, Ray, Nels and Andy Holm are all still on Kensal city limits. He sold this to his nephew, the old homestead south of Kensal and still own Lancy Holm, in 1950. and operate the farm. In August 1970 a new house Andrew was well known for his honesty, was built. We are all farmers and were the first to kindness and generosity. He never married. -80- Ray & Agnes (Nogosek) Oscar Haugen Oscar M. Haugen was born in Kensal on Hopkins September 3, 1903. He was born in what, at that Peter and Magdalene Nogosek, one of the early time, was called the section house. In the 1940's pioneer families, reared fifteen children. and 50's it was the home of the George Lambrecht Agnes was born Dec. 31, 1907 near Buchanan, family. It has been torn down in recent years. It was N.D. The family moved to three different farms in located east of the Soo Line Depot. Oscar's father the Edmunds area. Because a hail storm took their died from thyphoid fever and pnuemonia when crop, they moved to Melville for the winter of 1921. Oscar was 5 years old. He spent his growing years While living in Melville, Clarence was born. In the in the Kensal area. His mother married Tom spring, another move, this time to Kensal and next Skretting and they spent most of their remaining to a farm southeast of town. After two years in the years farming in the Juanita and Glenfield area. same location Peter, the father, died, so Mrs. Margaret Kramer was born in Luxembourg, she Nogosek moved to Kensal. came to the U.S. at the age of 3. The family first Agnes worked at the hotel from 1928-1932. She settled in White Rock, S.D. They lived there for 5 cleaned twelve upstairs rooms, besides the dining years and then moved 4 miles southeast of and kitchen area. She did the dishes and waited Bordulac, N.D. When Margaret was about 13 the tables. Because the train crew came for breakfast, famlily moved to a farm closer to Kensal. Oscar Agnes had to be an early riser. Ottertail workers, and Margaret were married Sept. 27, 1925. They (the power lines were being constructed) traveling farmed on the Ed McKinnon farm north of Kensal. salesmen, and regular boarders stayed at the hotel They also lived on the Moran farm (Chris Bredahl for lodging and board. farm now) and the Lipetsky farm north of town. Mr. and Mrs. James and Millie Wright were the They were the town dairy for many years. Fire owners. They had two children Violet and James. destroyed the home in 1946 and their son Lester Ray and Agnes were married on Feb. 16, 1933. was killed. There were four children. Donald, They bought the Alf Dunnumn house in March Marvin, Alfred and one daughter Margaret. Oscar 1933, and Agnes has lived there since that built and started Haugen Repair in the fall of 1947. purchase. They made their home there until Oscar passed They had eight children, Genevive, Joyce, away on July 25, 1963. Margaret continued living Jeanette, Eugene, Wallace, Dennis, Duane, and there until November of 1980 when she sold her Darrel. home to Tut and Bette Nogosek and moved into the Manor where she lives today. Donald lives in Metaline Falls, Wash., Alfred lives in Denver, Colorado, Marvin lives in Kensal and Margaret (Mrs. Don Carlson) lives on a farm east of Spiritwood Lake.

Genevive, Joyce, Jeanette, Ray and Agnes Eugene, Wallace, Dennis, Hopkins Duane, <*nd Darrol Hopkins

Rudolph & Mary(Steckle) Haugen Repair Horesji Rudolph and Mary (Steckle) came to the Kensal area in 1912, where they purchased the southeast 1/», Section 6, McKinnon Township, Foster County. They had immigrated to Detroit from Czechoslovakia and married in 1907. They spent the rest of their lives on this farm. Rudolph served on the McKinnon Township board. Mrs. Horesji did sewing and baked delicious kolaches. Joe lives on the farm home, retired. Albert and Lola live in Jamestown. George, a chemist lives in Fremont, California. Henry, who is retired, lived and worked in Detroit 35 years or more. Oscar & Margaret Haugen -81- Anton and Thora with their family first resided on a farm north of Kensal. Later they moved to a farm west of the city. At this time a baby daughter was born to them. In 1920 Anton moved his family into Kensal and worked for the Soo Line railroad. He passed away C.L. Jensen in 1927. Contributed By: Thora Jensen continued to live in Kensal and raise her family. All attended the Kensal School Mrs. P.J. (Lois) and participated in athletics. They were members of the Methodist Church and Mrs. Jensen was Florhaug active in the W.S.C.S. In 1939 Mrs. Thora Jensen moved to Rochester, Mn. to be near several of her children, who were already there. Later that same year her son Simon passed away. He had been in St. Paul attending Barber School. During World War II, six of the family entered the service. Mabel and Dorothy were with the Army Nurses Corp. Mabel in Europe and Dorothy in the Mr. & Mrs. South Pacific. Bertha with the Navy in the States. Clarence Jensen Carl was with the Army in Europe. Jens and Jorgen with the Marines in the South Pacific. They all One of our well remembered Supts. of Kensal returned to Rochester after the war. School was Clarence L. Jensen. He and his wife, For 26 years, Mrs. Jensen lived in Rochester Lillian, came to Kensal in 1928 and spent eleven making her home with Mabel and Ann. She was a years in this community. They were both devoted mother and grandmother. She was active graduates of N.D. Agricultural College in Fargo. until her death in 1965 at age 85. The Jensens put their talents to work in the Her son Carl passed away in 1972, her daughter community. They both had beautiful singing voices Rose in 1974 and her daughter Ann in 1983. and were noted for their duets. Mabel, Jens and Jorgen still reside in Rochester. C.L. Jensen was active in sports, mainly Bertha (Mrs. Walter Kercher) lives in Seattle, Wash. baseball. He was elected to the N.D. baseball Hall Dorothy (Mrs. CM. Carter lives at Enid, Okla. There of Fame. are 8 grandchildren and six great grand children. Another of his interests was beautifying our town. He landscaped the grounds around the old Hans Peter Johnson school. It was known as the Arboratum. He also Hans Peter Johnson was born on a small island grew many evergreens and sold them as an extra off the coast of Denmark in 1864. He came to the means of income. Many will remember his U.S. in 1881, and resided in Wisconsin. The Hans beautiful rows of peonies planted south of his Pete Johnsons, the Henry Hansons, the Bredahls home in north Kensal. and the Carl Andersons were all neighbors in The Jensens were very active in the Methodist Wisconsin. Hans came to N.D. in 1895 and Church, partaking in the choir. They were always homesteaded one mile south of Kensal. He married ready and glad to help in any worthwhile Christina Bredahl in 1897. They lived in the Kensal community endeavor. area until 1924 when they moved to Juanita, N.D. In 1939 they went to Scranton, N.D. where he Hans Pete passed away in 1931. To this union eight was Supt. for several years. He then settled in his children were born. Bessie, Gladys, Helen, and home town of Esmond, N.D. where he went into full Edward who have passed away. time nursery business. The little town of Esmond One son Wilford lives in Kelso, Wash. Hans lives was soon beautified by hundreds of evergreens. in Bend, Oregon, J.E. Johnson lives in Fountain The Jensens were parents of two daughters and Valley, Calif, and Howard lives in Long Beach, three sons. Two of the sons are deceased. Calif. The Jensens celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September 1984. Edward W. & Adele (Homuth) Johnson Anton Jensen Family Edward Johnson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. In 1917 Anton and Thora Jensen accompanied by Christian Johnson, was born March 27, 1874 in their eight children, left their home near Northfield, Maple Valley, Wise. In 1886 he filed his homestead Mn. and settled near Kensal, N.D. claim on southeast VA, Section 14-145-64. Adele, Mrs. Jensen had relatives in Kensal. Her mother Homuth, was born at Mayville, Wisconsin, February Christine Simonsen lived with Mrs. Jensen's 26, 1876, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William brother Simon on a farm north of Kensal. She had Homuth. Ed and Adele were married July 15, 1903 another brother Carl, who also was a farmer near at Carrington, N.D. They resided on Mr. Johnson's Kensal. homestead. Ed was known as veterinarian, grain -82- and livestock farmer. They called their farm "Green I married Lawrence Spitzer in 1944, on a cold Acres". They had two girls Verna and Ruby. They November day, 30 below to be exact. We raised 6 moved into Kensal in 1943. Adele passed away in children in the next 23 years. Leon, living in Fargo 1954 and Edward in 1959. with his wife, formerly Donna Messmer of Lefor, Adele's father came to Dakota Territory in March N.D. and their son. Leon served his country during 1882 and worked in Jamestown on the Gladstone the Vietnam conflict. Jill lives in Jamestown with Hotel as a brick layer and stone mason. The family her husband Dennis Bredahl and 2 children. Bruce came in June 1882. William's parents, Mr. and Mrs. lives in Kensal. He served in the army for 6V2 years. Frank Homuth came with them. There were eleven Two of which were in the Panama Canal Zone as a children in the Homuth family. medic. Jeff married Renee Sabinash. They are Adele did not attend school regularly but took raising their 3 children in Jamestown. Sue lives in her books with her and studied while herding the Fargo. Dana is a student in Kensal high school. cows. She finished grade school, went to Valley Lawrence (Bud) and I have lived on the old Morris City State Teachers College and taught school in farm south of Kensal for 32 years. Glenfield for $35 a month of which $10 was taken Written by Shirley Johnson Spitzer out for board and room. One of her first pupils was Robert Turner, the father of Edgar Turner, who resides near Kensal. At parties Adele played the harp or the guitar and her brother played the violin. When she taught school near the Christian Johnson home she met Ed.

Signe and Garfield Johnson Ed and Adele Johnson Family of Susan Koenig Garfield Johnson Family By Verna (Bredahl) Anderson I would like to begin the story of my family When William and Francis Koenig arrived in history at the very beginning. My mother Signa Kensal with their family in 1908, they settled on a Iverson, was born in 1892 in Alborg, Denmark. She Dan Clancy farm 11 miles northeast of Kensal. This immigrated to the U.S. in 1912 where she met big house was known for many years as the Garfield Johnson, born in 1883. They were married "Koenig Place". In later years Marcus and Barbara in 1914. To this union was born four girls. Pearl, Heil lived there. (Today Roy Lipetzky owns the land living in Missouli, Montana with eleven children. and the big house is gone.) This had been the Lorraine, in Trona, Calif, with four children, Shirley, homestead of Daniel Clancy M.E. V*-24-145-63 in in Kensal reared six children. Marlys lives in McKinnon Township. Ridgecrest, Calif, with four children. The younger members went to a country school, In 1936 Garfield quit farming and opened the old but Otto and Bennie attended school in Kensal for Soo Restaurant, known as Garfield's Place, which some time. was just east of the memorial hall. Four years later In the 1920's Koenigs lived where Chris and Pam they bought a different place just north of the bank Bredahl now live. Mrs. Koenig died there in 1925, and operated a restaurant in the Nelson building. In and Mr. Koenig died in 1929 on a farm west of 1942 they moved across the street into what is now where Leland Wolsky resides. the north half of Harold's Dept. store. When laws Of the 16 family members only 4 are living, prohibited the sale of food in the same Susan (Mrs. Albert Bredahl), Mathilda Ramer| establishment, Garfield locked the doors. Fannie (Mrs. Ralph Fredrickson), and Louise He then went to work for the County road system Mayers. in the summer. For winter employment they The deceased family members were Bennie, operated a cream station in the north half of the William, Joseph, Robert, Phillip, Emma, Frank! Soo restaurant. Isabel, Louis, Emit, Ralph and Otto. Several of the In 1960 at the age of 78, Garfield passed away. 8 Koenig family members lived in Kensal and the years later Signa left her earthly home. surrounding area. -83- He had an inventive mind, and in the Sept. 1958 Leroy and June Johnson issue of the N.D. Outdoors there was an illustration June Johnson was born June 23, 1919, at Kensal of the Kolb Game Carrier. to John and Mary Johnson and attended Kensal He died Oct. 3, 1959. Burial was in the Kensal High School three years and graduated from cemetery. Jamestown High School. Her teacher's training was at Valley City. After several years of teaching she married LeRoy Johnson of Glenfield on June Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph Koves 23, 1945. The couple lived on his farm in Glenfield Mr. and Mrs. Koves were born in Germany. They Township. The third generation is now living on the came to the U.S. with their parents when they were farm. very young. They grew up in the Hankinson area They had five children, Robert, Brach, Barton, where they were married. Our dad ran a Livery Jon and Julie. Stable in Hankinson and our Mom was a June has served as state president of the dressmaker. Rebekah Assembly and is currently serving as In the early 1900 they moved to Kensal, where assembly secretary. they purchased land and farmed nine and one half LeRoy has been Foster County Commissioner for miles southwest of Kensal, in Lyon Township. eight years. To this union five children were born; Vieta, living in Enderlin, Ruby, Erma, and June, living in Carl Walter (Walt) & Kensal, one son Roy, an electrician lived in Hebron, Neb. passed away in 1971. Anna (Norheim) Jorgenson Retiring from farming our folkes built a home in Walter Jorgenson was born in Vinji, Denmark Kensal where they resided. They were members of April 5, 1890. He came to Kensal as a young boy the United Methodist Church. joining his three sisters Sophia (Sornson), Marie (Mrs. Hans Hansen) and Christine. He farmed with Andrew Pearson east of Kensal. He enlisted in the Darold Kracht Family army in April 1918 in W.W.I, and saw duty in the Darold Kracht and Theresa Hoggarth were Argonne Forest in France. married in 1964, on Oct. 2nd. In June 1965 their November 10, 1920 he married Anna Norheim at daughter Kim was born. Tina arrived in 1968 and in the Norheim farm. Anna was born Jan. 21, 1897 in Oct. 1970 Lisa was born. June 17, 1980 Rae Ann Bucephalia Township, Foster Co. In 1926 they was born. The family lived in a mobile home on the bought land on Sec. 26 in Bucephalia Township, Kracht farm southwest of Kensal until Jan. 1982, moved there in 1927, lived there until 1955 when when they purchased the Anna Jorgenson home in they moved to Kensal. They bought the Frank Kensal. Kim is presently going to school in Grand Schieb residence. Forks and plans on being married to Joel Their son, Alfred, and wife, Adeline (Short) Beiswinger on June 29, 1985. (Briss), now live on the farm. A son, Dennis resides in Livingston, NJ and Arlean, Mrs. Donald Lipetzky, lives on McKinnon Township. Walter died July 3, 1966. Anna lives in the Kensal Joseph Kramer Manor. Joe came across the ocean when he was just seven years old with his folks. They came to White Rock, S.D. Later they came to Bordulac, N.D. on the C.A.D. Kolb old Hopes farm. Going to dances and house Conrad A.D. Kolb was born Jan. 24, 1871 in parties, he ventured out to Edmunds, N.D. and LaCrosse, Wise, and came to Kensal in 1902. He found his bride, Helen Nogosek. She was born in operated a harness and shoe repair shop. The 1904, the daughter of Peter Nogosek. Joe was born harness department went out when mechanization in 1875. came in, however, he continued his shoe repair Joe and Helen were married by Father McGough business until 1956. He also carried a stock of in Kensal in 1922. They stayed and farmed in ladies' and mens' shoes. Foster county, including Juanita and the Kensal His first shoe shop was located where Charlotte Communities after moving many times through Janes lives now. Bert Nelson (father of Mrs. May their married life. They finally bought the Victor Belle Ekren) had another section of the same Lonski farm and in 1957 they decided to call it building as his business location, selling and quits and moved to Jamestown. erecting windmills. Later C.A.D. Kolb had a shop on They observed their 40th wedding anniversary in the site between what is now Al Schrade and Gus 1962. Joe worked for St. James Catholic church Spitzer homes. until the death of his wife in 1966. At this time he Mrs. Gordon Lampert says she always hated to made his home with his daughter Judy and spent go past Kolb's shop because he scolded her for the rest of his life enjoying himself wherever he put wearing high heeled shoes. his hat. He passed away April 29, 1984 at the age of Mr. Kolb was the first fire chief of Kensal's Fire 81. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, 2 Department and was honored in 1958 during the sons Ronald in 1976 and Raymond in 1983, one fiftieth anniversary of the organization. He was the grand child Kenneth Kramer Jr. and one great grand child Nathan Wanzek. most colorful figure in the festivities. -84- Their daughters are Lora Jean (Mrs. Miles Kleven), Irene (Mrs. Vern Hoggarth), Delores (Mrs. Kenneth Kramer Family Lester Spitzer), Judith (Mrs. Marvin Sund) and sons On April 14, 1953, Kenneth Kramer married Irene Bernard and Kenneth, Raymond and Ronald, (Fredrickson). They lived out in a trailer house in deceased. Glenfield before moving to a farm 4 miles south of Kensal where they still remain. During their years J00^^ they've had a number of bouncing babies. Rhonda, who is married to Jay Wolsky, living in Devils Lake, N.D. Her husband is employed as an Assistant Manager in Sully's Nill Wildlife Refuge. Rhonda is a housewife with 1 son Jason, 7 years old. Shelly (Rochelle) is married to Bernard Wanzek, they live on a farm near Courtenay, N.D. They have 1 son, Jarrid, 6 years. James is at San Haven Institute. Renee lives in Jamestown, employed by White Drug Enterprises, Inc. also has a 4 year old son, Andy. Linda, living in Baker, Montana with husband David Kollman, who works in oil fields. Linda's a housewife with 1 daughter, Kayle, 1 year old. Denise is married to Paul Wolf, living in Fargo. Denise works as a CPA and her husband is Helen and Joe Kramer employed by Holsum Bread Company. They also have 1 son, Chad who is 2 years old. Janine lives in Jamestown employed by Pamida. Raymond Kramer Family She is married to Alan Smith who is employed by Raymond Kramer and Elmere Martineau were Porter Brothers. born in April 1922. Raymond son of Joe Kramer and Jolleen graduated from Rochester Tech. Institute Helen Nogosek and Elmere, daughter of Lorenzo in New York this spring. She has a degree in and Maggie Martineau were married in San Diego, business accounting. Calif. Raymond was with the U.S. Navy. He Kenneth Otto was born in 1966 and died as an received an honorable discharge after his ship, the infant. U.S.S. Bush destroyer was sunk having been Lisa who graduated this spring is planning to attacked by a Japanese sucide plane in the Iwa attend college in Wahpeton this fall. Jima water zone. The destroyer was destroyed and Kurt, the baby of the family, will be a junior in Raymond was in the water eight hours in shark high school this fall. infested waters before being rescued. The family is close enough for any family They returned to Kensal and purchased a farm gatherings they may have. north of Kensal known as the Jack Nihill or Thompson farm. The farm was owned by the Martineaus. In 1970 the family decided on a move and sold the farm to Craig Hoggarth. They purchased a bar "The Corner Bar" in 1970 at Pembina, N.D. Raymond passed away Sept. 18, 1983 and is buried in the Kensal cemetery. Elmere and son Joel remain in Pembina. The Kramers had 4 other children. Wanda Wagner, Beverly Wirtzfeld, Kerry Crotty, Dennis married Joyce Ellenson. The Kramers were members of St. John's Catholic Church.

Kenneth Kramer family June 1983 Bernard and Arlene (Gums) Kramer At the time Bernard and Arlene were married in 1955. Bernard was farming with his father, Joseph, and Arlene was employed as a registered nurse at Trinity Hospital in Jamestown. Bernard served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan for thirty months. Arlene is a graduate of the Sisters' of St. Joseph's School Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kramer & family of Nursing. -85- In 1957 they purchased the farmstead of College in Fargo in 1929, he was employed by Ai Bernard's father and have been living there since. Huber in Kensal for several years. In 1973 they won the Foster County Soil Dorothy Johnson was born in Bucephalia Conservation award. They have added considerable Township, March 1, 1912, to John and Mary acreage to the farm over the course of years. (Nelson) Johnson. She attended grade school there Bernard and Arlene are the parents of seven and graduated from Kensal High School in 1930. children. They are David, a graduate of Bismarck After attending Valley City State Teachers College Junior College. While there he took pilot's training she taught school for two years in Bucephalia #2. and is licensed as a private pilot. David farms with The couple were married and lived in Jamestown his father and is married to Colleen Erickson, in 1934 and moved to Longview, Wash, in 1963. formerly of Glenfield, N.D. Their daughter, Lindsey They had three children, Carol, Jerry and Joyce. Jean, was the centennial baby of Foster County in George returned after fifty years in the barber 1983. business with twelve summers commercial fishing Susan is a graduate of the University of N.D. She in the Pacific Ocean. is employed in the Tax dept., at the State Capitol, Dorothy retired as newspaper librarian after Bismarck, N.D. twenty-seven years. Diane is a graduate of Bismarck Junior College. She is employed in the State Department at Bismarck. Her engagement to Randy Rambosek of Stanley & Dorothy Kulla Bismarck has been announced and a wedding is Stanley Kulla was born in 1892 at Wells, Mn. planned for September 1985. where he received his education and later farmed Kathy is a graduate of Valley City State College. with his family. Dorothy Schultz, who became She is married to Todd Peterson formerly of Stanley's wife, was also born at Wells, Mn. in 1897. McVille, N.D. She is employed as a music teacher She worked in a restaurant and at a laundry while at North Shore Public School This school is attending high schol. Later she worked in a cigar operated by Makoti and Ryder. factory deveining tobacco leaves. Teresa is a graduate of North Dakota State Stanley and Dorothy were married in 1916 and University and is married to Scott Stromsodt. They set out for Windsor, N.D. as newlyweds. For a time live in Sharon, N.D. She is employed as a Stanley farmed and then operated a blacksmith registered nurse at Northwood, N.D. shop at Eldridge. Seven children were born at Eldridge. Stanley was encouraged by his brother-in- Sandra is a student at the University of N.D. law, Stanley Paczkowski, to move his business to Patricia is a student at Kensal High School. All of Kensal in the spring of 1936, as the local the children have attended and graduated from blacksmith, Tom Walsh, had retired. Kensal Public School. Arlene is employed part time at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Carrington. For Stanley and Dorothy and eight children moved relaxation she does needlework. She collects State into what was known as the Peterson house on the cups. Bernard, when time permits, likes to fish or east side of Kensal. (This house was demolished golf. and there is a trailer home on that hill now.) Shortly after the family settled in their home four of the children were stricken with diptheria and two year David Kramer Family old Donald died. The family being quarantined, David, son of Bernard and Arlean Kramer Stanley had to live away from home to continue attended school at Kensal. He graduated from high his business. school in 1974 and attended Bismarck Junior In 1937 Stanley bought their present home from College for two years, graduating in May of 1976, the late Fred Spitzer. Besides being remembered with a degree in applied science. He returned home for his blacksmith work, Stanley is remembered for to farm with his father. his interest in sports, especially hunting. He David is the secretary and treasure of the Kensal passed away in 1954. Fire Department and also a trustee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. David enjoys sprint car races and Matt and infant daughters, Jan and Joy, came to ice fishing. make their home with his mother after his wife He has gone into a partnership business selling, Clarice (Bredahl) Kulla passed away in 1955. building and installing satellite dishes which has turned out to be a very interesting adventure. On June 6, 1981 David married Colleen Erickson, originally from Glenfield, N.D. and now live on a farm north of Kensal. They were joyfully blessed with the arrival of their first child, a daughter, born Jan. 2nd 1983 named Lindsey Jean. She was the New Year baby and awarded the honor of being the Foster County Centennial baby. George & Dorothy Krubeck George Krubeck, son of Edward and Mary Krubeck, was born June 13, 1912 in Lyons L-R, Sharon (Kulla) Sherlock, Mrs. Dorothy Kulla, Township. After graduating from Moler Barber Madeline (Kulla) Kehoe, March 1984 -86- Dorothy has maintained her good health and Lou Ann attended Valley City College. She spirit. She is well known as an enthusiastic card taught school and is now employed in the county player. A.S.C.S. office at Hamel, Minn. She is married to Stanley and Dorothy had Randy Narlach of Minto, N.D. They live in Maple nine children: George, Matt, Grove, Minn. Herman, Hubert, Pete, Stanley Curtis attended Wahpeton State School of Jr., Donald, Madaline (Kehoe) Science and is a sheet metal worker at Williston, Portland, Ore. and Sharon N.D. Sherlock of Albuquerque, N. Rex attended Wahpeton State School of Science Mex. Stanley Jr. passed away and is a Tool and Dye Maker at Aberdeen, S.D. He in 1984. Five members of the also plays with a dance band. He is married to the family were in the service former Jane Thompson of Breckenridge, Mn. They during W.W.II and two sons have one son named James. were in the service during the Korean Conflict. Gorden & Ursula Lampert Stanley Kulla Gorden Lampert, son of Phillip and Inga Lampert, The Blacksmith Glenfield and Ursula Paczkowski, daughter of Joseph and Hattie Paczkowski, Kensal, were Jean Kulla married in Oct. 1939 at Kensal. They purchased a (Wife of Herman Kulla) farm in Eastman Township. They farmed there until moving into Kensal in 1960, where Gorden worked Jean Kulla moved to the Kensal community with at the E & L Service for a number of years. In 1967 her family in 1940. She enrolled in the Kensal he purchased the Station from Bonnie Nogosek school and graduated from high, school in 1953. and operated the E & L Service there for five years. She entered Mercy School of Nursing graduating in In 1972 he purchased the Ekren Garage building 1956. She worked at the Kensal Medical Center for and moved the E & L Service to that location. He Dr. Clarence Martin for many years. operated it there until he retired in 1976 and he In 1958 she and Herman Kulla were married and then sold it to Elliot and Mary Paczkowski who still to this union four children were born. Kristi is operate it. married to Tim Connell. Their home is at Englevale, Gorden has served on Township offices, school N.D. and are parents of Jesse John, four years old board, church board, town board, and cafe board. and Karli Jean, one year old. Scott and Kim are He now keeps busy in this pride and joy the Kensal students at N.D.S.U. Fargo. Karen is enrolled at Community Park being the current president and Moorhead State, Moorhead, Minn. has a Lawn Boy Service. Jean has been employed by Foster County as Ursula attended Valley City State College and Nurse Supervisor for Home Health and the past taught for a number of years in the McKinley and three years as Public Health Nurse of Foster Eastman School Districts in Foster County. She County. jean Kulla has also worked at the Kensal school and cafe and enjoys working in the yard. George & Margie (Pitra) Kulla They have five children, Gorden Jr., married Patti George Kulla, son of Stanley and Dorothy Kulla, Peterson of Kensal and is farming the home farm. was born at Windsor, N.D. George graduated from Jeanine married John Steckler lives in Harwood, Windsor High School in 1936. That year both N.D. and teaches at Interstate Business College. George and his sister, Madaline played on the Linda married Glen Ableidinger and farms on the winning Windsor teams in the State Class C home farm near Kensal. Emmett and his wife, the basketball tournaments. former Deb Bultema of Wimbledon live in Raleigh, George was in the service during W.W.II. He has N.C. and are affiliated with the State College there. served on the city council and Volunteer Fire Dept. Owen and Jeri Boulden of Newcastle, Wyoming He has maintained the City Water and Sewer Plant were married there and both teach at Riverton, since its beginning. George's hobbies are fishing Wyoming. and reading. Margie Pitra, the daughter of the late Frances and Louis Pitra, and George were married in 1950. She attended Valley City College and taught school in the rural Edmunds and Kensal areas. Her hobbies are crocheting, cross country skiing, and golfing. George assisted his father in the blacksmith shop and operated it alone until 1978. Now, assisted by Margie, he is the custodian of the Kensal High School, having this position since 1978. They have four children. Craig attended the Lake Region Junior College after his discharge from the Navy. He is employed at the N.D. Air National Linda, Gorden, Ursula, Jeanine, Guard in Fargo. Gorden Jr., Emmett, Owen -87- They married in March 1901, farmed for a time Gorden Lampert Jr. Family in Minnesota and in 1903 farmed near Brinsmade, Gorden was born April 9, 1940 to Mr. and Mrs. N.D. They moved to the Kensal area in 1904. They Gorden Lampert Sr. and Patricia was born July 20, farmed west of Kensal and then moved to a farm 1939 to Mr. and Mrs. Walt Peterson. They both grew north of Kensal, farming until 1956, when they up in the Kensal community, graduating from the moved to the Glenfield area and eventually to Kensal School in 1958. They were married on June Courtenay. 2, 1960 at St. John's Catholic Church by Rev. John Mr. Larsen was the first rural mail carrier out of Moore. To this union their two children were born. Kensal, starting in 1908 and leaving this position in Joel and Jacqueling also graduated from the 1918. Kensal High School in 1979 and 1982. Their family included: Charles, Ames, Irene (Mrs. The Lamperts farm in Eastman Township. They Urban Potter), Irvan, Norman, Mabel (Mrs. Floyd enjoy square dancing, camping and bowling. Beach), Edna (Mrs. Joe Hoggarth), Woodrow, Allen Gorden's hobbies are collecting belt buckles and and Andy. coca cola items. Martin Larsen passed away in Sept. 1960 and his Their son Joel presently lives in Fargo. He wife died in 1969. married Janet Thorn on Oct. 13, 1984. Jacqueling resides in Kensal and is married to Darci Simonsen Sept. 23, 1983. Darci farms near Kensal Jackie is employed at the Anne Carlson Joseph A. & Irene (Clancy School. They are presently living in the Frederickson house in the east part of town. This LaQua has been attractively remodeled even through it is Joseph A. LaQua born in Watertown, S.D. April believed to be one of the oldest homes in Kensal. 12, 1884 and came to Kensal on October 23, 1904. At that time his father, brother and he built the barn and out buildings on the Bartosh farm and the Anton Feckler residence in Kensal. The first church he built was St. Paul's Lutheran Church in 1906 in [p-» sM HI '< vjH the country. After the fire in 1907 he constructed all ^^ i the buildings on the west side of main street and B <:m many buildings on the east side. He built many ^^ ™ farmsteads, one room schools, churches, and 1 4 i g^v . J| residences in Kensal. Among his other projects

: were the Kensal gymnasium in the old school, ., Wkfm^M * %& ^Hj McHenry School, and the lower level of the Carrington Armory all with W.P.A. labor. \ 9 nB H '~^Tfc •&&& Irene Clancy was born May 19, 1892 in Foster l '_4*«P! County. She came to Kensal with her family in 1907. In 1909 she was employed by L.C. Lane as i / I chief operator in his telephone lockout system. In Gorden Lampert Jr. family 1912 she began working for Northwestern Bell when they installed their telephone system. Joe and Irene were married on Feb. 11, 1920. Their children are Catherine, Dorothy, Shirley, Paul, Phyllis, and Jeanne. Joe and Irene LaQua resided in Kensal until they moved to Jamestown in 1955. In Jamestown Joe operated a Lumber Yard and construction business with his son, Paul. Joe continued working until he was 85. He passed away July 4, 1973. Irene resides in her apartment in Jamestown. She spends her time crocheting afghans, watching television, and making her own meals. She has twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren. Jackie & Darci Simonsen Joe & Merle (Evans) Lipetzky Joe Lipetzky, son of William and Elizabeth (Kaseforth) Lipetzky was born near Springfield, Martin L. & Betsy (Evanson) Minn, on July 30, 1890. Merle Evane, daughter of Ephriam and Fora (Ross) Evans was born near Larsen Wanda, Minn, on June 23, 1896. Martin and Betsy were born in Minnesota, in After their marriage Sept. 19, 1916, they came to Olmstead Co., and Rockdale, respectively. Martin Kensal and lived on the northeast VA of Sec. 27 in was born in August 1879 and Betsy was born Dec. McKinnon Township, Foster County. Later they 14, 1883. moved to the former Dan Clancy residence in -88- Eastman Township and the Edward Johnson farm in Bucephalis Township before retiring in Kensal Roy & Agnes (Rausch) after purchasing the former Ed and Adele Johnson Lipetzky home. Joe is remembered for buying many Roy, the son of Joe and Merle Lipetzky, and watermelons, large amounts of candy and peanuts. Agnes, the daughter of Anton and Margaret He and his brother, John, lived near each other Rausch, were married on June 18, 1947. They have during their entire lives. Together they had rented lived on the farm known as the Clancy farm since land for hay crops and they jointly owned a that time. threshing machine. They saw each other nearly every day. In later years they went fishing together. Roy enjoys farming, playing cards and hunting. Agnes finds pleasure in sewing, crafts and On one of their fishing jaunts west of Kensal at cards.They have enjoyed traveling in the winter. Simonsen's Dam, while they were walking down They have four children. the hill, Joe's red car, without a driver, passed Gary married Linda Adams from Hawaii. Gary them and went into the water. Joe had forgotten to graduated from the University at Grand Forks and put it in park! Jim Johnson, (now Kathy Lipetzky's earned a Master's Degree. He served in the army husband) was the fellow who dived in and and has worked for the i.R.S. as an Appeals Officer connected a tow cable to the car. Elmer Nogosek's out of Houston, Tx. This winter they decided to wrecker furnished power to pull it from the water. move back to Hawaii. Now he is an auditor for the After days of drying out, Bobby Petersen restored U.S. Air Force. Linda is working for a home life to the vehicle. It needed a new voltage Mortgage Co. regulator. The radio was also replaced. Roy still has the car on the farm. (Impala 1963) JoAnn graduated from the University of Arizona. She married James Unruh of Atascadero, Calif. Merle liked to embroider, especially pillow cases. They have both been working for the National Park She collected stamps and organized them in old Service. Jim is a Park Ranger. They were employed scrapbooks. When she couldn't stay alone in 1979, at Death Valley National Monument until they but while living with her daughter, Opal, they spent transferred to Big Bend National Park, Tx., this many evenings putting her collection into three year. stamp books. One book for each of her children, Opal, Eleanor and Roy. Kevin graduated from North Dakota State University. He worked as an Assistant County She always liked to take something to the Foster Agent in Burleigh County and County Agent in County and Kensal Community Fairs. She received Dickey County. He was employed as Loan Officer one hundred eleven ribbons on the entries. at Community Credit in Jamestown and worked at In their younger days they both liked to dance or the Wyndmere State Bank before he decided to entertain friends for Sunday dinner. farm with his dad. Both Joe and Merle and his brother, John, and Tom graduated from N.D.S.U. and has a Master's his wife, Mary, were able to celebrate their golden Degree. He has been working as an intern on the wedding anniversary. Mrs. Leo Lipetzky baked both Agriculture Committee during the Legislative anniversary cakes. Session in Bismarck. Joe died at the Jamestown Hospital following surgery. Death occurred April 26, 1975. Merle died April 1, 1981 at the Central Dakota Nursing Home where she had been confined because of a stroke. Two of their children live at Kensal and Eleanor lives in Spokane, Wash.

Tom, Gary, Kevin, JoAnn Merle & Joe Lipetzky Agnes and Roy Lipetzky family -89- They came to Kensal on the train on Oct. 1, 1915. Eleanor (Lipetzky) & Roy Joe Lipetzky, John's brother, came in the Graupner immigrant car, which carried five cows, four horses, a buggy, wagon, and some furniture. After Eleanor, second daughter of, Joe and Merle putting the animals in the stock yard, John, Mary, Lipetzky, attended Kensal High School and Valley and Joe stayed overnight at the George DuBois City State Teachers' College. She was teaching in home. The next day they went to the farm on the Newport, Wash, when Roy and she married June northwest VA of Sec. 26-145-63 Foster County which 17, 1950. Roy's work was in Spokane so they had been purchased from Ed. McKinnon. John and settled there. She has managed to come home to Mary lived there until Oct. 1954, when they built a Kensal nearly every year. Roy passed away May 1, house in Kensal. 1982. Their children Linda, (Mrs. Dave Broucht), Gary and Steven live nearby. John died on Sept. 3, 1972. Mary is presently Today Eleanor keeps busy making crafts from residing at the Holy Family Guest Home in seeds, weeds, stones, bits of wood etc. She enters Carrington, N.D. She is the mother of seven them in two craft shows each year in Spokane. She children, thirty grandchildren and thirty great enjoys her two grandchildren and likes to travel. grandchildren. Cleo (Mrs. Ervin Fecker) of Mesa Arizona, Elaine (Mrs. Edward Sellner) of Kensal, Dolores (Mrs. James Sellner) of Oldsmar, Fla., Cletus (a W.W. II casualty), Mary Lorraine (Mrs. Leland Fredrickson) of Waite Park, Mn,) William (resides north of Kensal on northeast VA 15-145-63 Foster County), Donald (resides on the home place).

Eleanor Graupner Cletus & Karen Lipetzky Cletus, Karen, and Bradley Lipetzky moved to Kensal from Jamestown on Sept. 1st 1974. Bradley was 2 years old. At this time, Cletus was employed by Arneson's Plumbing and Heating in Jamestown, and Karen worked as a secretary for Dr. John & Mary Lipetzky Zimmerman and Urban. In early 1975, Karen quit her job in Jamestown. Shortly thereafter, Cletus left Arneson's Plumbing and Heating, and went to William (Bill) & work for Miller Electric in Carrington. In June of 1975, Clete started his own business, Clete's Norma (Spitzer) Lipetzky Heating and Air Conditioning, which he still Norma, daughter of William and Alma Spitzer, operates today. and William, son of John and Mary Lipetzky, were On Jan. 18, 1978 they had another son, Michael married at Kensal on June, 1947 and have lived on John. Having out-grown their home, they started the southeast VA Sec. 15-145-63 in McKinnon construction on a new house in June of 1979. They Township since that time. sold their home to Kent Ableidinger, and moved This place was known as the Joe Paczkowski into their new house in November of 1979. farm. Bill and Norma tore down the old house and In May of 1980, Karen started her own business built a new modern one. Many improvements, such as a displayer for Home Interiors and Gifts, which as a big quonset, grain storage and drying facilities she still does today. have made it a convenient farmstead. Bradley will be 13 years old on June 29, 1985 and They are the parents of six children and eleven in the 8th grade. Michael is 7 years old and will be grandchildren. Kathy is married to James Johnson. in 2nd grade in Kensal Public School. They live on their farm northwest of Kensal with their family of four children, Peter, Jeffery, Janene and David. John & Mary (Foy) Lipetzky Bill Jr. is married to Betty Schmidt, formerly of John Lipetzky, son of William Lipetzky and Devils Lake. They reside in Jamestown with their Elizabeth (Kaseforth) Lipetzky, was born March 30, two children Michelle and Bryan. Bill works for 1889. Mary was born Oct. 4, 1895 to Michael and Acme Welding and Betty has worked at Leever's Kate (McCormick) Foy. John and Mary were both Market in the meat department. born in Redwood Co., Minn. They were united in Cletus is married to Karen Martin of Wimbledon marriage on Sept. 15, 1915 at Sanborn, Minnesota. and lives in Kensal. He has his own business, -90- Clete's Heating and Refrigeration Their boys are Elaine worked as a beautician. Ed served in the Michael and Bradley. Army Air Force in W.W. II. They resided in Edgeley, Debra is married to Art Moga and they live Wyndmere and Fargo. In Wyndmere Elaine Minneapolis. Debra is an R.N. at Unity Hospital operated a dry cleaning establishment and Ed Fridley. Art is supervisor for a construction firm. owned Ed's Bar and Lounge. His lounge became Susan is married to Brent Nogosek. They live in well known because of sign boards that read "Ed Evanston, Wyoming with their two children, ain't mad at Nobody". In Fargo Ed worked at Vanessa and Nathan. Brent works as an electrician Dakota Clinic and Elaine worked for the State and Susan was employed as a medical secretary. Highway Dept. as a photographer for the license Douglas is married to Sharon Grendahl of bureau. They moved to Kensal Nov. 1, 1984 and are Bismarck where they live. Their son is named living in the home where her mother resided. Daniel. Douglas works for the State Health Ed will do most anything "for a buck". While in Department in the Environmental Division, Sharon the service he made a bet with four other guys that is employed by Basin Electric in Bismarck. for $10 from each, he would jump out of a three Bill has enjoyed assisting in remodeling and story building. Since it had rained a fair amount, the designing many changes in the homes of his ground was soft and Ed knew he was betting a family. His latest achievement has been advising cinch. He proceeded to jump, landed perfectly and Elaine and Ed Sellner how to enlarge the home of wasn't injured. His commander reprimanded him by Mary Lipetzky, then doing most of the inside telling him he should have been a paratrooper and projects. Norma and Elaine did the painting, had him do three hours of continuous walking. The sanding and varnishing, following his advice. sad part was only one of the four guys ever paid Ed They farm but still find time to visit their children $10. and even do some golfing. As is true with most They have three children, Edward C. of Saint everyone today, collecting is a hobby. Norma Paul, Dale of Fargo, Marybeth (Mrs. James West) of collects music boxes. This is understandable Argusville, N.D. because they are a musical family.

Donald & Arlene (Jorgenson) Lipetzky

Donald Lipetzky, son of John and Mary Lipetzky, was born on the farm where they reside. He married Arlean, daughter of Walter and Anna Jorgenson at Kensal on Nov. 23, 1953. Arlean taught school before her marriage. They have made many improvements on their farm home and beautifying the yard. Since their children are now grown up they are enjoying traveling. In 1982 they went on a Back row, l-r, Kathy, Debra, Norma, Susan. Front, Caribbean cruise with other local couples. Cletus, Billy John, Douglas, Wm. (Bill) Lipetzky. Their children are Carol, of Jamestown, a speech therapist at Anne Carlsen's School; Jane, of Bismarck, a teacher; Roger, of Columbia, S.C., he taught at Verona and coached basketball. Doreen, Mrs. Chuck Moore, of West Fargo, N.D. has two children, Chris and Brian. Robert is employed at UPS in Fargo.

Norma and Wm. Lipetzky

Edward & Elaine (Lipetzky) Sellner Edward Sellner of Sleepy Eye, Mn. and Elaine, daughter of John and Mary Lipetzky, were married Back Row - Chuck Moore, Roger, Robert, Arlean, Dec. 26, 1942 in Minneapolis, Mn. Donald, Doreen Moore, Carol, and Jane Lipetzky -91- Leo & Kathleen Lipetzky

I, Leo, third son born to William and Elizabeth (Kaseforth) Lipetzky, Sundown Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, at age two moved to Springfield, Minn, grew to manhood, along with six brothers and sisters. I attended Catholic School through eighth grade and found wrestling was the best way to conquer my brothers. I farmed in Minnesota, my sister Elizabeth was my housekeeper. In 1919 I decided it was time to see more of the world, so in an immigration boxcar, along with four horses, plow, drill, binder and $80 cash, which I hid under sacks of oats, I came to Kate & Leo Lipetzky taken in 1975 rural Kensal and settled on land by dad bought for me. I resided with brother, John and his wife, Mary, until I built a house on my own land. Don & Leah (Lipetzky) Four miles east of my farm lived Mary Kathleen, (Kate) the oldest of three children. Born to John Schaaf and Bridget Kienast. Kate attended school in I, Leah Delayne, daughter of Leo and Kathleen Kensal and eastman township and assumed Lipetzky was born at Kensal, Aug. 4, 1932. I household responsibilities at an early age, caring attended McKinley #4, Kensal High school and for her brother, Charles, and sister, Alda, after their Valley City St. College. I taught our "home" school mother died. On September 23, 1927 we were two years and worked for the extension service in married at St. John's Church, Kensal, with Joe and Jamestown before I met Donald Schaaf. Don is Merle Lipetzky, attendants. We had five children from Glen Ullin and at the time we met was who are: Patricia Florence married Louis Neva and telegrapher at New Rockford. He decided to live in Kensal; they have five children Leah Delayne continue on to college so transferred to Kindred to married Donald Schaaf and live in Houston, Texas, work on the railroad and attend N.D.S.U. we were they have three children. Paul Julian married married Feb. 17, 1955 at St. John's Church and Donna Cox and live at rural Kensal, they have lived in Kindred untl 1956, when we replayed the seven children. movie, "The Long, Long Trailer" and ventured to Two daughters, Joyce passed away in 1930 after Houston, Texas, supposedly only staying long drinking kerosene and a baby girl passed away at enough for him to finish college so we could return birth in 1941. to N.D. I worked for an oil field equipment Alda, Kate's sister, lived with us for many years manufacturing firm while Don went to school and until her marriage to Harry Helmstetler. after being here a few years and meeting new As years went by with crops producing some friends, we liked Houston and this has been our years and milking a lot of holsteins, we were able home since. Don, along with a partner went into to buy more land and with the help of Paul, enjoyed real estate and construction in 1960 and later Don farming. The only misfortunes I had were in 1973 split up and took the construction phase. I went to when I bought a horse to ride and he bucked me off real estate school and we now have sandtech and in 1976 when the ladder slipped, I fell and construction and real estate, however, our main broke my leg. phase is the construction part. Kate passed away Feb. 9, 1976. She enjoyed We have three children and they are: Stacy Leo, pretty glassware which I still look at through out born March 23, 1960, graduated from Mt. Carmel my house today. She was active in community activities and most of all enjoyed making wedding cakes for newlyweds in the community, the first being for Vern and Irene Hoggarth forty years ago. Our grand daughter Gail (Neva) Kollman evidently inherited the desire to carry on with the cake baking activity. She does a beautiful job with the cakes. In 1956 when Paul married, we moved to the John north farm, remodeled it for our retirement home. Paul and his family reside on the home place and continue farming. I, at age 93, continue to live alone, enjoy a good boxing and wrestling match on TV, play the mouth organ for my grandchildren and great grandchildren, and keep up the household and do my own cooking, with the help of daughter, Patty. I have 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children. Back, l-r, Leah, Don, Middle - Stacy, Merri, Front Leo Lipetzky Tammy, Sonda (Stacy's wife) -92- high school and the university of Texas, Austin; married Sondra Lee Wilkerson August 13, 1983; Dr. W.E. Longstreth Stacy is in business with sandtech and is a pro at Dr. Longstreth, a native of Mohaxala, Ohio was weight lifting. Sondra has a dancing degree, works born in 1871, one of six children. He graduated for the State Employment Commission and teaches from Startling College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1896 dancing. and did his post graduate work at Ohio University Tamara Kay, born Oct. 23, 1964, graduated from and University of New York. He practiced medicine Mt. Carmel high school and attends San Jacinto in Ohio six years and in 1902 he came to Kensal. college where she is a member of the San Jans He moved to N.D. thinking the climate might Dance Team, dancing for their school activities and benefit his wife whose health was not the best. the Houston Rockets Basketball games. Merri Two years later she died. In 1908 he married Mary Patrice, born March 25, 1968, attends Mt. Carmel Elizabeth June Leete at Carrington, N.D. She died High school, is a cheer leader and active in sports. in 1948. Since 1970 our family has enjoyed trips in our The pioneers remember the many hazardous motor home and in recent years we enjoy the trips he made by team over snow blocked roads, Galveston Beaches where we have a small retreat. through bitter cold weather. During his service in Kensal he had delivered over 3000 babies. The first was a baby delivered to Mrs. Frank Thomas in 1902. Mrs. George Nogosek (Maurine Schieb) was the Paul J. & Donna (Cox) second baby he delivered. The last baby was Rosella Margaret, daughter of the Anton Rauschs, Lipetzky April 8, 1945. Paul was born on the farm where he still resides. Another outstanding service he rendered to the He has been engaged in farming since finishing community was the position of president of the high school. He is the only son of Leo and Kate Kensal school board for 30 years, during which Lipetzky. time his efforts were untiring in making our school Paul married Donna Cox on Nov. 17, 1954 in one of the outstanding in the country. It was a Jamestown, N.D. He has been a softball enthusiast pleasure to both the Dr. and the patrons to attend and player for many years. He has done excellent commencement exercises and witness high school work in modernizing their home. Donna is a diplomas given to many hundreds of the babies he member of a homemaker's club, drives a school bus had brought into the world. part time, and is a member of the school board. They are the parents of seven children. All are Shortly before his retirement he was honored by graduates of Kensal high school. the community at a picnic at Arrowwood Lake for his 50 years service. He died in California of a heart Geoffrey Alan married Nona Crabtree June 17, attack while visiting there in 1954. 1978. They have one son, Kyle, and they live in San Diego, Calif. Three children had been born to this union, Andrea Marie married Carl Huss on July 22, 1977. Gordon, Eldon and daughter lone Longstreth There are two children named Erin and Katie. They Carrington. live in Jamestown. Robin David married Jill Wennerstrom. They live John Lonski in Gilette, Wyo. Their two children are Monica and John B. Lonski was born August 4, 1876 at Winoma Michael. Minn. He was the oldest child in a family of ten, Richard Paul lives in Kensal and works for born to Joseph Lonski Sr. and Melvina (Maluski) Scheer Construction of Valley City. Lonski. He received his education through the Kimary Ann married Dale Edlund July 11, 1981. fourth grade in Winona. Came to Jamestown area They have one son, Tony, and live in Glenfield, N.D. in 1890 and worked on a farm north of Jamestown Sharon Kay, a beautician, works and lives in owned by Schmidt. After working for several Carrington, N.D. farmers in the area he homesteaded VA section Linda Elizabeth is a senior in Kensal High School where the Kaiser farm home is now. He sold this land to his Dad and bought from Frank Neva, Sr., a and lives at home. farm six miles South of Kensal. John and Martha Readel, daughter of August and Julia Readel were married July 2 at Fried. Mrs. Lonski's parents came from Gdansk, Poland. Martha was the only one of her family born in the U.S. They lived on the farm till 1908 them moved to Jamestown. John worked for the Ford garage in the building that is now the Red River Printing. Moved back to Kensal April 1912. Lived in the house now owned by Roy Lipetzky. He was in partnership in Kensal Implement with Anton Feckler, John Brum, Glendenning, Burns and Mike Feckler. He stayed till 1917 when partnership was dissolved. He moved L-R, Back - Richard, Andrea, Robin, Geoffrey, back to farm March 1917. Early in 1920 a co-op grocery was formed for which he served as Middle - Sharon, Kim, Front - Linda, Paul, Donna -93- president. He served on the schoolboard, was a Florence was never too busy to deny her help to member of St. James Catholic Church Kensal, anyone. She made a home for her nieces while member of Kensal Fire Dept. He farmed till 1942 they attended high school. She was also kind when he retired and lived for a time in Republic, enough to come into your home and care for your Wash where he passed away in 1945. Mrs. Lonski children and the house when it was necessary for passed away in March 1955. To this union five the parents to be away from home. children were born and are still living: Jerome, In 1962 Gary married Ruth Backer of Courtenay. Kensal; Mrs. David Galvin (Martha) Jamestown, Florence sold her home to the Robert Messmers Florence and John both Seattle, Wash, and Leona and moved to Renton, Wash, and made her home Kutz, Jamestown. with Gary and Ruth. To this union three sons were Jerome is living on the Schroch farm and is only born, David, Daniel and Dean. one left in the community. He and Lucille Foster She is still a member of the Kensal Methodist were married at St. John's Church, Kensal on Sept. Church, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, 9, 1936. They moved to their present home in April Royal Neighbors, camp 4352 of Kensal. The family 1937. They have nine chidlren, Richard, Kansas lot is in the Kensal Cemetery. City, Mo.; Mrs. William Gunderson (Blanche), Florence has traveled a lot, visiting friends and Racine, Wis., Bryan Billings, Mont., Mrs. Francis relatives in other states. She still says Kensal is Harding (Mafgeret) Kensal, Mrs. Gary Davis (Rose) her favorite place, where the people are friendly. Hastings, Minn., Gene, Fullerton, N.D., Beryl, "They take pride in their town and work together Fargo, Martin, Minneapolis and Robert, Enid Ok. for the good of the community". Florence says, The Lonski's are still farming in the community "Kensal is the best". and are members of St. Mary's Church, Courtenay, N.D. Art & Florence Loucks Art Loucks and Florence Kurtz were married at Washburn, N.D May 18, 1923. To this union, one son, Albert was born. In 1941 they came to Kensal and lived on the Herb Croonquist farm four miles north of town. When Albert joined the navy in 1942, Loucks decided to move into Kensal and purchased the Emma Croonquist home. In 1945 while still in the • navy Albert passed away with an illness. To fill a void in their lives and to give some child a real home they took care of foster children. In 1947 they fell in love with and adopted a cute, peppy Florence & Art Loucks and Florence Loucks, youngster named Gary. adopted son, Gary farewell party, 1975 About this time Kensal got a new, young, energetic doctor who was also blessed with compassion and the desire to help the community grew. Between Dr. Martin and the Loucks, the Kensal Nichols Louck home became a landing field for the stork. For miles around it became known as the "Loucks F.L. Nichols met the evening Soo-Line passenger Maternity Home". train at the Kensal depot to greet his family, who The first baby to arrive at the maternity home were coming to Kensal to live from Rock Rapids, was Herman Karn, son of Carrol and Lillian Karn, Iowa. Jeanie M. his wife and four children, Francis born Aug. 15, 1949. The last baby to be delivered LeRoy, the eldest was seven years of age and was Scott Larson, July 21, 1961 born to Norvel and Henry Eugene "Bud" who had just turned six years JoAnn Larson. In those 12 years approximately of age on that very day upon arriving in Kensal on seven to eight hundred babies were delivered by Dr. October 28, 1909, daughter Mary Elizabeth, and Martin in the Loucks Maternity Home. William Thompson, "Bill", the youngest. In those days the stork was probably wishing for They all moved into a dwelling that Forest L. the help of a U.P.S. truck to help with the deliveries Nichols had purchased which was about a block as sometimes it was two and three deliveries a day. from where the old Kensal Public School was One case as an example: Oliver Johnson and Vern located. Hoggarth had made countless laps around the The children all attended the Kensal Public front room while Nadine and Irene were anxiously School, and graduated from Kensal High School, waiting to see who would get to the delivery room except Francis, who at the young age of seventeen first.Mary Ann Johnson won the race over Fay enlisted in the U.S. Navy. This was about the time Hoggarth by an hour. that World War I was ending. Before his eighteenth Art passed away Jan. 1953. He was greatly birthday peace was declared. He worked as an missed by every one. Florence especially, since he inspector for Ball Brothers Glass Co. in Covina, had been her right hand man around the house, California until his retirement in 1967. He passed doing the laundry, cleaning and what ever else away in March of 1978 and is survived by four needed doing. children. -94- Henry, "Bud", the second son graduated from where he was employed as a clerk in the Railroad the Kensal High School at the young age of fifteen. Cooperative Grocery Store. He worked there for He enrolled in the Agricultural State College in several years after which he was employed by Fargo. After a two year course, he decided to go Nash-Finch in Minot as a grocery salesman. After a farming. After farming for one year, he became ill few years he began work for Hamms Brewery as a with Typhoid Fever, after which he went to work for company representative with his territory being all his father in the Farmers & Merchants Bank, his of the state of North Dakota. He later purchased father being the manager. The bank was closed in the Hamm Distribution Co. in Bemidji, Minnesota. 1929 after which F.L. Nichols started the local He met and married Ann Grindal of Walker, Mn. Kensal Exchange and "Bud" moved to Jamestown They had one son, Bill Jr. who is married and to work for the M.A. Nashold Co. on the road as a has a daughter and resides in Bemidji. Ann passed salesman selling pop, candy and tobacco. In 1938 away in 1979. He has since remarried to Agnes he went to work for the Grand Forks Mercantile Co. Niedenfuer of Sun City, Arizona where they make operating a beer warehouse. Two years later he their home in the winter. They spend the summers returned to Jamestown to work for Nashold Co. as in Bemidji, Mn. sales manager. In 1942 he enlisted through the draft board and was sent to Camp Crowder, Missouri and after eighteen months he was sent over seas with the 57th Field Hospital. The Field Hospital saw service along a number of points on the Western Front from Heidelberg, Hielbrann, Nancy, Djion, Colmar Pocket, and at the war's end was working at an Evacuation Hospital near Munich. All evacuation was worked out of a Tent City that often handled over a thousand per day. Bud returned to the states and was discharged from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin in October of 1945, after nearly three full years of service. He returned L to Kensal and found his father gravely ill with Mr. & Mrs. Henry "Bud" Nichols terminal cancer. After his father's death, he took over the Kensal Exchange. In September of 1946 he Carl & Tillie Mack Family married Viola Mae Gossett of Jamestown and they Carl Mack married a rural Strasberg native by the made their home in Kensal. He acted as secretary name of Otillia Silbernagal on November 7, 1932. and treasurer of the Kensal Farmers Elevator; We made our first home in Pettibone, N.D. and Kensal Memorial Building; adjutant of the John moved to Kensal in March 1938 to a rock house Florhaug American Legion Post #103 in Kensal located along the James River by Clark's bridge. A from 1946 to 1965. He was elected together with few years later we purchased the Art Brewer farm. four others as an original member of the Stutsman County School Reorganization Committee, serving The Mack's had eight children; Carl Jr., Otillia, as a Northeastern District Representative, for a Laverne, James, Albert (deceased), Robert, Dennis period of twenty-five years. and Dianne. Carl passed away on Christmas Day 1971. Otillia He retired from the Kensal Exchange and moved moved into Kensal in the fall of 1972. They have 18 to Jamestown where he was appointed by the grandchildren. Stutsman County Commissioners to serve as Stutsman County Veteran's Service Officer, retiring in the spring of 1976. Bud and Vi enjoy their home, gardening and traveling, and are active members in Stanley & Carol Mack Family the Methodist Church. The Mack family moved to Kensal from Emerado, Mary Elizabeth, after graduating from Kensal N.D. in 1970. We bought the Henry Bredahl High School, attended Valley City State Normal farmstead from Vernon Anderson. Then the Mack School and graduated with a teacher's degree. She family consisted of Matthew, Henry, Patrick, Cindy taught in a number of North Dakota schools and and Beverly. Angela was born a year after our move then took a position in American Falls, Idaho. to Kensal. A few years later Nathan and Deann There she met and married Bert Payne and they joined our family. had a daughter, Mary Jean, and a son, Don. Mary Matthew and Henry enjoyed basketball and track Jean is married and lives in Pocatello, Idaho. They while in school. Henry is still enjoying basketball have four grandchildren and five great­ and track while attending Jamestown College. grandchildren. Their son, Don is deceased. Matthew is working part time in Fargo. Patrick, a Elizabeth has taught school almost continuously senior, was the camera man for both girls and boys until 1980 when she retired; however, she still does basketball teams. The boys all enjoy hunting. The substitute teaching in the American Falls Public girls Cindy, Beverly and Angela also enjoy School. basketball and track. William T. Nichols, "Bill", worked in the bank for Stanley is formerly from Pettibone, N.D. and nearly a year after which he moved to Jamestown Carol is a Ganser from Cleveland, N.D. -95- Her children all had homes and worked jn Robert & Barbara Mack California. Leroy returned to Kensal in later years. Family He has two sons. Leroy is now deceased. Jim now lives in Missouri and has three sons. Norman Robert (Bob), son of Carl and Tillie Mack, was (deceased) had one boy and two girls. Lester married to Barbara (Barb) Piatz on Aug. 8, 1970. For (deceased) was the father of one boy and one a short time they made their home in Marshall girl.Zona has one boy and one girl. Marion has no Town, Iowa. In April of 1971 they moved to the Carl children. Kenneth is the father of two girls and Mack farm at Kensal. three boys. Alice died at the age of 83 in 1978. On May 5, 1972 they had their first set of twins: Christopher and Cheri. Six years later they were blessed with another set of twins; Michael and C.W. McDonald Melissa who were born on Aug. 26, 1978. C.W. McDonald was born in eastern Canada in Bob and Barb have a small herd of cattle and 1870. He lived in Minnesota for 10 years and came also purchased the Kensal Lumber Co. from to N.D. in 1893 at the age of 23 years. He served in Wendell and Peter Simonsen in March of 1983, that the state legislature in 1917-1918 and also held keeps them busy. Barb is employed at the Kensal other minor political offices. Farmers Elevator as their bookkeeper, starting In 1921 he began his tenure with the Public there in May of 1983. Service Commission, serving until 1937. In 1941 he was re-elected and served until 1951 when ill health forced him to retire. His wife passed away in 1950. Mr. McDonald passed away at the age of 80 years in 1952. Two sons were born to this union, Wesley and Wilson McDonald.

Two sets of twins, Chris & Cheri, Mike & Melissa Mack

Mr. & Mrs. McDonald

Thomas & Rose (Neidickson) McGuire Contributed by Mrs. Joe McGuire Thomas McGuire was born Aug. 12, 1867 at Warren, Pa. and Rose Neidickson was born March 10, 1884 at Jamestown, N.D. They were married at Sheyenne, N.D. Jan. 2, 1905 and moved to Kensal in Alice Mead 1906. Their nine children were: Thomas Jr., Joseph, Alice (Nelson) Mead was born at Kensal, the James, Francis, Gerard, Eleanor Fisk, Teresa daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Nelson. When her Golemb, and Ann Justis. father was Foster County Sheriff, she lived in Thomas Sr. lived until May 9, 1938 and his wife Carrington. After her marrage she farmed west of died Sept. 3, 1966. All of their children attended Kensal on the James Nelson homestead. school in Kensal and received religious training at Later she and her family lived on the Tom North St. John's Catholic Church. farm until she moved into Kensal and had a Variety Store in the former Dunnum Drug Store. Joseph & Catherine (Kate) When her children were raised she moved to California and cooked for a wealthy family until she McGuire retired. She was a candidate for Mother of the Year Joe was born Sept. 17, 1909 and received his of Pasadena and placed as Merit Mother. She took grade school education while attending the Blahna many trips to Kensal and other places including and Kensal School. He has been one of Kensal's the Holy Land. She was very active in religious outstanding citizens. His occupation and activities activities. include: farm laborer until 1931; having a dray line -96- 1931-35; trucking cattle 1936-38; Standard Oil truck, service station, garage 1938-1968 and also having a Bob & Norma Messmer dance hall. He served on the school board from 1946-54; on Family the town board as chairman from 1946-51; and as a The Messmer family have lived in Kensal since member again in 1951-61; on the fire department 1958 at which time Bob transferred from Bordulac since 1931-1985. He was fire chief from 1943-1953 to Kensal as a section Foreman for the Soo Line and assistant chief from 1953-63. He has been a Railroad. church trustee and substitute school bus driver. At We first lived in the Catholic parsonage where present, for the past three years, he is the mail the Catholic Church is now located. carrier after being sub mail carrier for twenty-three In 1963 we purchased the home we are now years. living in from Florence Loucks. It was formerly the Catherine Nogosek became his bride on Jan. 3, maternity home of Kensal. Florence tells us there 1934 at Kensal. She had moved into Kensal in 1925 were over 600 babies born in our home. and attended school. Kate did baby sitting, Our home is filled with many happy and lasting housecleaning and worked at the Kensal Cafe. memories of our family of fourteen children. Bob, Their family of six children are; Darwin, Phyllis who is now married to Dorothy Fredrickson has (Mrs. Dean Felchle), Marlys Stein, Connie (Mrs. four children: Jason, Angela, Toney, and B.J. They Royce Nelson), JoAnn (Mrs. Dave Vining) and live in Hoquam, Wash, where Bob is a machinist. James. Darwin died Dec. 3, 1960. Glenn is married to Kathy and has one son, Matthew. They live in Wheaton, III. where Glenn is Quite a record is the fact McGuires have a teacher. Jim, who is married to Janel Nogosek, attended Kensal School from 1912 until 1972 when has six children: Holly, Danielle, Justin, Zacharie, the youngest son, James graduated. Quincy and Gabriel. They live in Lisbon, where Jim Today they have twenty-two grandchildren and is employed at Clark's Equipment as a general eleven great-grandchildren. foreman. Joan, who is married to Tony Rhodes, is expecting their first child. They live in Elmhurst, III. where Tony is employed in a factory and Joan is employed by Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Joe, who is married to Marcie, has one child, Kristin. They live in Williston where Joe is vice president of the Williston Hospital. Dean, who is married to Barb Kulla, has two children, Steven and Jessica. They live in Glenwood, Mn. where Dean is employed as roadmaster for the Soo Line Railroad. Debie who is married to Mike Alexander, has one child, Michele. They live in Winnemucca, Nevada where Debie teaches elementary education and Mike is employed by a mining company. Ginger Jim & Mrs. McGuire who is married to Mike Goodman, has two children, Sarah and Stacy. They live in Rochester, Minn, where Mike is employed by IBM. Danny is living in Grand Forks and has just completed four years of college with majors in accounting and advertising. Brian is living in Jamestown and is employed by Goehner Construction Co. He is eagerly awaiting his marriage to Becky Goehner. Connie has just graduated from Kensal High School and is planning to attend Beauty College. Teresa will be a junior, Darren a freshman and Kelly a sixth grader. Bob and the boys like to hunt, while Norma and Marlys, Connie, Joe, Kate, James, JoAnn, Phyllis the girl's hobbies, if you could call it that, is Joe McGuire family, 1983. cooking and cleaning. We have traveled to many places in the U.S. and have had many funny experiences. Everyone is expected to be together this summer Joe & Anna (Pitra) Miklas to celebrate Norma and Bob's 40th Wedding Joe Miklas was born Dec. 24, 1884 in Anniversary. Czechoslovakia. He came to the U.S. in 1901 and the Kensal area in 1906, where he farmed. He married Anna Pitra in 1909. She died in 1943. Mr. John & Sophie (Paczkowski) Miklas died in 1971. Their family Rudolph, Anna Mucha Family and Mary live on the home farm. They are members of the St. John's Catholic Church in Kensal. Joseph John and Sophie (Mucha) of Wells, Mn. came to married Laura Romelfanger, but he is now the Kensal community in 1918 with their two deceased. children, Proxie and Rod. They settled on their farm -97- east of town. They brought their livestock and school teacher. They were the parents of two girls, machinery on a freight train. Three more children Mabel and Margaret. He moved to Bottineau with were born here, Dominic (Bud), Loretta and his family to be a partner in a store. Lois was born Theresa. They lived on the farm until their there. The family moved to Kensal in 1920 where he retirement in Oct. 1951, when they moved into worked at the Farmer's Store for a few years. They Kensal. Rod and his family then moved onto this bought the house in north Kensal, which was their farm. home during their life. Mrs. Mucha was a sister to Joe and Stanley Mr. Nelson bought his own store, located north Paczkowski. John passed away in 1960, Rod in of the present bank, and began a general 1961, Sophie in 1962 and Dominic in 1980. merchandise store. This building also housed the A daughter, Proxie Dick lives in Courtenay, Telephone Company on the second floor. The Loretta Lane in New Castle, Wy. and Theresa Johanna Clancy family, who lived there, operated Encke lives in Merrimac, N.H. the Telephone Company. A son, Elwood, was born to the Nelsons in 1923. Rod & lone (Regnell) The years were good until the drouth came. To support his family, Mr. Nelson sold and planted Mucha Family evergreens for C.L. Jensen, many of which are still Rod and lone were married on Feb. 1950 at the growing in Kensal and at the Cemetery. He was a Kensal Catholic Church. They moved onto the John saleman and taught school in the winter. He had Mucha home farm in Oct. 1951. They had eight earned his teaching certificate in S.D. children: Richard of Owatonna, Mn., Leon is Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were active in the Methodist married and his wife Kelly have a daughter, Church. He was a part of musical groups in Kensal, Victoria; Diane and Donna who both teach and and sang bass in the church choir for many years. have taken the year off to spend in Europe; He served on the town board and the Commercial Deborah works at Home On The Range at Sentinel Club. They were noted for their beautiful vegetable Butte; Dora is married to John Davenport and they and flower gardens. have three children, Levi, Emily and Jesse; Darleen During the war years Mr. Nelson worked in the is married to Steve Turner. They have two children, Mare Island Shipyards at Vallejo, California. Mrs. Rebecca and Eric; Darlis is married to Myron Nelson was employed in the Blueprint Dept. Morth. Returning to Kensal, they started the L.B. Hartz Rod passed away in Sept. 1961. The family Grocery Store on the corner south of Olaf Ekren's continued to live on the farm until Sept. 1969. Then Implement Store. Mrs. Nelson died in 1957. they moved the house into Kensal and lived there In 1959, he visited his native Norway for the first until July 1984. lone Mucha and Gordon Bredahl time since he imigrated. In 1960, he retired from were married in Dec. 1983 and bought the Verna the store business and he died in 1962. Anderson home where they now reside. All the Nelson children went to the Kensal School for the twelve years. All of them went to Carl & Shelley (Brumbaugh) college and chose teaching as their careers. All were and are interested in music. Nannenga The oldest, Mabel, married Merlin Johnson, a Carl and Shelley Nannenga moved tq Kensal in farmer. They raised four children. She taught 22 March 1978. Shelley was from Bellevue, years, 12 of them in the Kensal School system. Washington and Carl from Spiritwood, N.D. After Merlin's death, she married William LeRoy Carl is the manager of the Kensal Farmer's Mead and they continued living on the farm. He Elevator. Shelley works part time at Maurices in died in 1980. Jamestown. Judith Gail Johnson married Dr. Thomas They are members of the Methodist Church in Johnson. They are the parents of four children and Kensal. He also manages the Fertilizer live in Bismarck, N.D. where Tom is vice president Cooperative. Shelley is a member of the park board of Academic Affairs at Mary College. Judy has and was on the Kensal Merchants' softball team. pursued her music and is teaching elementery Her likes include remodeling and getting old music at the United Tribes in Bismarck. furniture to refinish. Carl likes hunting and fishing. Maria Jean Johnson married Alfred Cierpial. They are enjoying their youngsters Melodie 1 1 They have two children and live in Berthoud, Noele age 5 /2, and Kyle Jacob age 3 /2, and are Colorado. Alfred is an engineer and Maria works as expecting a new baby in March 1985. a nurse. Susan Jane Johnson married David Early Day Merchant Christopherson and they live in Delano, Mn. David teaches in Junior High in the Minneapolis school A.C. Nelson & Family system, and Susan teaches first grade in Delano, One of Kensal's early day business men was Mn. They have two children. A.C. Nelson. Anton, better known as A.C. Nelson James Johnson married Kathryn Lipetzky and imigrated from Norway when he was eighteen they live on the home farm north of Kensal. Jim years old and settled in the Webster, S.D. area. He and Kathy have four children in school. Jim spent attended school and worked in the store business 16 months in the service. He served in the Navy- there. He met and married Mabel Hanse, who was a Seabee Branch, and spent 12 months in Vietnam -98- with the Naval Support Activities in DaNang. He is University and present plans are to become a active in the American Legion Program. Kathy physical therapist. teaches piano students in Kensal and does Michelle Ann will graduate from high school this substitute teaching. spring and plans to enter a degree in nursing. Margaret Nelson married Earl Ableidinger and Melissa Jo will be a junior in high school next they farmed on the Ambrose Ableidinger year. homestead until they retired and moved into Mark Christopher will be a ninth grader in the Kensal. Margaret taught nine years, three of which fall. were in the Kensal School District. Earl was an avid hunter and fisherman besides his farming. Earl died in 1973. Lois Nelson married Pete Florhaug and they are still farming three miles northeast of Kensal. Lois taught a total of 14 years, the majority of them in Kensal. For many years Pete has been a member of the elevator board and a director of Nogosek Township Board. As they are reaching retirement years, their son Roger will be taking over the farm. The A.C. Nelsons' Pete and Lois raised three children. Mary Kathleen Florhaug married Walter Odegaard and they live in Mandan, N.D. Kathy is a Public Health Nurse for Morton County and Walter is Supt. of the State Industrial School. They have two children, who are involved in music and sports. Steven Florhaug is married to Karla Hensley. He has two children. Steven lives in Austin, Texas. He spent four years as a Sgt. in the Air Force. Since then he has been employed as a technician for the 3 M Company. Roger Florhaug is married to Nadine Linderman. They have three children. Both Roger and Nadine are teachers in Kensal School, Roger having band Earl and Margaret Ableidinger and chorus and Nadine has math and science. Roger is also involved in farming. Frank M. & Rose (Stampka) Elwood Nelson, 1941 graduate of Kensal High School, served with the 50th Signal Battalion Neva during World War II. He graduated from Jamestown After immigrating to the U.S.A. from Germany at College in 1950. He was a teacher at Rogers and an early age with their families they lived in Tower City, N.D., Campbell, Wheaton and Barrett, Independence, Wise. Frank and Rose were married Mn. Presently he works as a professional musician at Fried, N.D. in 1896. in west central Minnesota. They settled in the Kensal community where they Elwood married Beverly Bowman in 1956. She is homesteaded the farm persently owned by a 1954 graduate of NDSU. He has been at teacher Lawrence and Shirley Spitzer. The Nevas also had a at Tower City, N.D. and Campbell, Mn. tree claim east of the farm. Children: Janelle Linda, graduate in music and The next move was to Kensal where Frank physical education, University of MN. Morris, operated a livery stable until it was destroyed by masters degree from University of LaCrosse, Wis., fire. Was a teacher at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. They also lived on a farm southwest of Kensal, Married Ronald Davis, they have a son, Matthew now owned by the Oscar Forsberg family. Lane. They are presently living in Denton, Tx. where Ron is working on a Doctors Degree in Adaptive Physical Eduaction. Jill Leslie, is a graduate of U of Minn. Morris in Human Services. Jill is the Social Worker in the Hoffman Care Center. Jill's husband, Jerry Olson, is a grade teacher and basketball and baseball coach in the Hoffman-Kensington School System. They are parents of a daughter, Raelee Helena. Jacqueline Lee is a graduate of Moorhead State in Speech-Theatre. At present she is Assistant Manager of a Hardee's in Boulder, Colorado. Meredith Kay is a graduate of Moorhead State in theater. At present she is a member of the Boulder, Colorado Dinner Theater. Michael Eric is a sophomore at St. Cloud State Frank Neva Family, 1919 -99- After moving back to Kensal in 1924, Frank painting, playing the organ, reading and the worked for Otto Young in Otto's Meat Market. grandkids. They had eight children. They were Frank Jr., They still reside on their farm south of Kensal in Anna (Mrs. Ted Prodzinski), Mary (Mrs. LeRoy Lyon Township. Walker), Rose, Albert, Micheal, Julia (Mrs. Chet Kaas), and Louis. Frank Jr. & Helen (Hoffman) Neva Frank and Helen were married Oct. 16, 1923. They lived and farmed south of Kensal. They were the parents of four children. They are Duane of Kensal, Helen (Mrs. Robert Timm) of Kensal, Janice (Mrs. Reynold Buchholz) of Anamoose, and James of Kensal. Helen Neva passed away in July 1961 and Frank in Nov. 1970. Duane Neva family Reynold & Janice Buchholz Janice Buchholz, a 1954 graduate of Kensal High Sharon (Linzbach) & James School, is the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Hoffman) Neva. She received a standard teaching Neva degree in 1956 and a B.S. in Elem. Ed. in 1972, both James Neva, son of Frank and Helen Neva and from the Valley City State Teachers' College. Sharon were married Nov. 14, 1959. They live on the Reynold Buchholz, son of Menga Novits, home farm. They have a beautiful farmstead. Cogswell, N.D. and the late Alvin Buchholz married James has planted many fruit trees and they have Janice at St. John's Catholic Church in Kensal on constructed a large modern house. June 29, 1957. Five children were born to them. They are the parents of four children. They are They are Marcia Ann, born Oct. 30, 1958. She is an Randell, Steven, Teresa and Timothy. Randy, Steve, English and math teacher at Border Central H.S., and Tim are all students at N.D.S.U., Fargo, N.D. Calvin, N.D. Neta Marie, born March 21, 1961 is a Teresa is a graduate of Wahpeton State School of dental hygienist in Minot. Maria Kay, born Oct. 2, Science. She is married to Keith Backer, son of 1962 married Bryan Dusek of Anamoose on Aug. Lester and Eileen Backer. They married in Oct. 22, 1981 and is a hair stylist in Casper, Wyoming. 1984. They live in Courtenay. Russell John, born Dec. 25, 1963, is a computer Jim, along with his sons, grain farm and raise programmer for North Central Rural Electric in registered simmental cattle. Bottineau, Franklin Lloyd, born April 23, 1965, is a petroleum technology student at N.D. State School of Science. Dr. C.S. Martin Reynold has been an administrator in N.D. Born into a missionary family, Dr. Martin once schools for 25 years. Both are currently planned to do medical missionary work in China. completing nine years of teaching at Anamoose After receiving his M.D. degree from the University Public School. of Pennsylvania and doing his internship at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia he served two years in the army and was discharged in 1946 as a Duane & Vernette Neva captain. Following discharge he had just about completed arrangements to go to China as a Family medical missionary, when internal strife in the Duane Neva, Kensal and Vernette Schultz, Tolna, country closed its door to all missionaries. Instead were married June 9, 1948. They are the parents of the prairies of N.D. were to be his destiny. nine daughters: Mrs. Charles (Annette) Lockow, In March of 1946 he married Dora Wolsky of Mrs. Greg (Jeanette) Hoffman, Mrs. Ray (Julie) Kensal, who was employed in Civil Service work Ressen, Mrs. Brad (Francine) Turner, Mrs. Jaime with the army in Seattle. He and his bride came to (Rosolie) Schlecht, Mrs. Jay (Colette) Kinzler, Mrs. Kensal for a visit and he visualized the potential for Neil (Sheila) Johnston, Rhoda and Jill. service which is the role of a country doctor. Through the years the Neva's were engaged in His work in Kensal wasn't confined to medical grain farming, dairying, raised registered holstein and health fields. He served on the school board cattle and had an apiary. for seven years and was active in community The Neva's rented out their farm and now have a betterment projects. partime business, The Neva Tree Farm. They sell Dr. Martin served the Kensal community for 13 evergreens, some nursery stock and transplant years and left for Medina, N.D. in 1961. trees. When Dr. Martin left Kensal we also lost our Duanes hobbies include woodworking, welding, druggist, Herman Olig, who found a new location in raising evergreens and fishing. Vernette enjoys oil Hankinson, N.D. -100- Doc and Dora Martin have five children: and is married to Lloyd Kollman. She finished high Jonathan, Michael, Timothy, Peter and Tamara. school after marriage and now works at Leaf and Shutter, and also enjoys baking cakes for special occasions. They have three sons: Lloyd Jr., Nathan and Prentice. Beth attended the State School of Science and N.D.S.U. She is presently design director with Nat'l. Trans. Design Firms. Cynthia (Cindy) after attending high school is now furthering her education at N.D.S.U. in Fargo. One of the activities which gave us great satisfaction was purchasing our house in 1949 and remodeling it to our convenience. Anna W. Neva It was on a rainy Sunday morning in September 1917 that our mother and we two girls, Denny and I, arrived in Kensal. There were quite a few people at the depot. Of course, our father was there as well Dr. & Mrs. Clarence Martin & family as our mother's sister and her husband. Years later Joe McGuire told me that he was also at the depot that morning. Louis & Patricia (Lipetzky) My mother's sister was Mrs. J.P. Johnson, later Mrs. H.N. Pearson. We went by car to Aunt Gena's Neva farm. This was our second car ride. We rode in a Louis, son of Frank M. and Rose Neva, and car in Copenhagen on the way to the ship. The trip Patricia, daughter of Leo and Kathleen Lipetzky, by ship took fourteen days. Quite a difference to were married June 16, 1947 at St. John's Catholic this last summer when it took us about eight hours. Church, Kensal,N.D. Before marriage Louis served Our father, Carl Wulff, had come to this country in W.W.II. In 1946 he purchased the barbershop. He three years earlier. He was a brick layer by trade, drove a school bus for a number of years and did but until he learned the language, he worked on some farming until health made him slow down a farms around Kensal. few years. Later he worked for the State Highway When we arrived at the farm we had breakfast. I Department for 10 years before retiring. They have can remember dad saying to us, "If you don't like five daughters. this you don't have to eat it today, but from now on Paulette attended Matchie Business College and you have to eat whatever is on the table." I could worked at the Jamestown Clinic for a number of not imagine anyone not liking this wonderful years. Her husband is Andrew Nykolayow. tasting food. It was cornflakes, we did not have dry Pamela attended the State School of Science cereal in Denmark, we did have oatmeal once in and is presently employed at the Stutsman County awhile. I still like cornflakes sometimes. Bank as a personal banking officer. She is married Our mother died the first year we were here and to Frank Baumgartner of Courtenay. They have two we lived with Aunt Gena from then on. children, Timothy and Tamara. I married Jack Neva and we had seven children. Gail Lynn became housekeeper at a young age Jack died in 1960. Our children are Jack Jr., Nadine, Bob, Shirley, Margaret, Elizabeth and Bill. Jack and his wife Jeri live in Houston, Texas where they own Neva Corporation, an air condition and sales & service firm. They have three children, Ronald, Douglas and Suzanne. Jeri is from Houghton, Lake Michigan. They both prefer to live in the south. Nadine and her husband, Oliver Johnson, live near Ellensburg, Washington. They are in the farming and hay business. They have six children, Pat, Mike, Tom, Jim, Mary, Ann and Linda. Bob works at Wil-Rich, a firm that makes tilling equipment for farms. He is vice-president in charge of marketing, and lives in Wahpeton. He and Pat have three children, Peter, Celeste and Keith. Shirley and Darwin live in Jamestown. Darwin is a district manager for a machinery firm, and Shirley Hoggarth works for Vining Oil Company. They have four children, Ameta, Laura, Brenda and John. Louis Neva family, 1979, Louie, Cindy, Patty, Margaret and her husband, Bob VanDyke, live in Pamela, Gail, Paulette, Beth Jamestown. Bob drives for Mayer Truck Line, and -101- Margaret works for Traut Wells. They have five Thomas and Ruth raised a family of eight children, Kay (Mrs. Lyle Dunwoody), Lynda, Carol, children: Elizabeth, John, Madge, Mary, Archie, Andy and Joan. Thomas, Ruth and Peter. Elizabeth and her family live in Wimbledon Thomas Nihill passed away Dec. 21, 1962 at the where she is post master and her husband, Leon age of 93. Ruth passed away March 17, 1963 at the Doyle, teaches in the local school. They have two age of 71. daughters, Michelle and Annette. Bill and his wife Elaine live in Jamestown. Bill is a brakeman on the Burlington Northern Railroad and Elaine has a day care center in their home. They have three children, Audrey, Nancy and Jill. I cooked at the school for three years, also worked at Nogosek's Grocery, and for sixteen years was clerk at the Kensal Post Office. Jack was a mechanic and owned Jack's Service Shop in Kensal. The three boys were in the service. Bob and Jack were in the Air Force in Korea. Bill was in the army Nihill 50th wedding anniversary, 1950, Dan Clancy, and was in the fighting in Vietnam. Ruth Nihill, Thomas Nihill, Sarah Clancy

Anna W. Neva family Thomas & Ruth (Barnes) Nihill Thomas Nihill was born in Marmora, Ontario, Canada on Feb. 8, 1869. He was of Irish descent. Family of Thomas and Ruth Nihill, Elizabeth, John, He came to North Dakota in 1891 to claim Mary, Madge homestead land. The first winters he batched with other homesteaders. Later he spent the winters John & Myrtle (Syvertson) with Mr. and Mrs. Dan Clancy. Late in the fall when Clancy's saw a team of horses and a wagon full of Nihill oats coming down the road, they knew "Tommy" John W. Nihill was born Dec. 25, 1904 to had come to spend the winter. Thomas and Ruth Nihill on a farm northeast of In the winter of 1892 Dan Clancy erected a small Kensal. Myrtle G.Syvertson, daughter of Sam and building where the Croonquist store stood in 1910 Anna Syvertson, was born in Corrine Township and he opened a restaurant. Mr. Clancy used this northeast of Courtenay. They were married August building until the fall of 1893 when he sold it to 16, 1925 in Kensal and resided northeast of there Thomas Nihill, who moved it to his claim, four and on the SWVA of Sec. 28-145-63. one-half miles northeast of Kensal. His homestead In 1962 they moved to Castleford, Idaho and was issued May 8, 1901. returned to Kensal in 1972. They celebrated their On Nov. 27, 1900 Thomas married Ruth H. fiftieth wedding anniversary in August 1975. Barnes, who was born in Neillsville, Wise, on John is a member of the Knights of Columbus in August 25, 1884. Dan and Sarah Clancy were their Carrington. Myrtle belongs to the McKinley attendants. Homemakers. They are both members of St. John's In 1906 he hauled lumber from Cooperstown to Catholic Church in Kensal. They are 7th degree build a house. members of the National Grange in Idaho. Thomas Nihill was one of the settlers who saw There were seven children in their family. They the need for St. John's Parish in Kensal to build a are George (deceased), Shirley, Jean, John S., church. Starting with a $200.00 donation from him, Robert, Sandra and Thomas. $10,000 was raised. Thomas had a brother, John, They have twenty-three grandchildren and nine who donated the chalice. great grandchildren. -102- Theresa's family first lived in Wisconsin after her RtfLJHHI father, Anton Neva, came from Germany and her mother, Anna, from Poland. Her parents St* .idr^ ^ homesteaded 3A mile west of Nogosek's about 4 years later than the Nogosek family. The Neva f?V^1 ^ family had 15 children — 6 of which are still living •k V.: ";£i^H • 1^ ft -. jfl| - and Theresa being the 7th child. The Anton Neva family also lived in Kensal in the former Catholic church parsonage which was torn down before the F^pw« new church was built. Anton operated a harness shop in town and also had a large threshing rig on the farm for many years. •v 1 Louis and Theresa courted in "horse and buggy Jonn and Myrf/e W/'n;'//, 7975, 507/7 wedding day" — went barn dancing and ice skating with anniversary all the other neighbor kids, such as Steele's, Skroch's, Petrek's, Frederickson's, and Morris'. Louis started farming with his 5 horses in 1916 and built his new house in 1919 (which is still there Frank and Valaria on the farm - only an addition built on by son (Wojciehowski) Nogosek LaVerne). Theresa and Louis married in 1922 in the Frank Nogosek, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory first St. John's Church north end of town by the Nogosek, was one of Kensal's prominent farmers Nihill and Brewer houses. Like all other couples of and a pioneer of Stutsman County. He was born the times, they worked hard, long hours on their Jan. 29, 1874 in Independence, Wise. He farm and raised a family of 8 children - six of whom homesteaded in Nogosek Township and later are still living. moved to Durham Township and located five Louis served as Nogosek Township Assessor for miles southeast of Kensal. He and his brother-in- 16 years, Kensal Farmers Elevator Director for 25 law exchanged homesteads. He and Valaria years, St. John's Church trustee for 23 years. married in Jamestown in 1896. Theresa in her busy schedule found time to serve Their family consisted of nine sons and as Nogosek School Treasurer for several years and daughters. Their first child died in infancy. Ed and belonged to South Circle of St. John's Altar Max farmed on the home place until their deaths in Society. 1972. Cecilia taught school for over forty years. In the fall of 1969 Louis and Theresa bought a Eleanor taught school in McHenry, N.D. and in home in Jamestown, having decided they were Washington state where she met Mr. Branner. They getting older and they had fulfilled their duties to made their home in Washington. They adopted two the old farm. Louis passed away in December 1978 children, Mary Kay and Robert. Mary Nogosek at age 84, and Theresa continues to reside at her entered the convent at Crookston, Mn. She is home in Jamestown. known as Sister Clotilde. Anastacia and Margaret Surviving children — Irene and Harriett reside in Nogosek helped in the family home. Julia entered Kensal; Mildred, Lorraine and Marcia in the nursing profession after completing her Jamestown, and Leland in St. Louis, Missouri. necessary education. She worked in Jamestown There are presently 22 grandchildren and 17 great­ hospitals since 1936. At present she is retired and grandchildren. she and Stella reside in Jamestown. Now Julia does volunteer work at the nursing homes and helps those that are confined, unless she aided them Frank Nogosek died in 1942 and his wife" died in 1945. Theresa & Louis Nogosek Louis Nogosek, son of Joseph & Mary Nogosek, and Theresa Neva, daughter of Anton & Anna Neva, (both born and raised at Kensal) were neighbors - living only 3A mile apart - and attended Nogosek School together. Louis' father coming from Poland in 1872 at the age of 8; his mother from Germany at age 20, homesteaded 1 mile north of Fried and also farmed north of Jim Lake, until taking claim about 1890 in that township, being the first to live in that township, which was named after him. Louis was born on the home place, a family of 13 children, all deceased now except Stephen, who resides in South Carolina. Our family of eight -103- At this time (1985) seven children are living. Gregory and Christina There are 69 grandchildren, 210 great grandchildren (Skrock) Nogosek and 75 great, great grandchildren. Contributed by Mrs. Joe McGuire Gregory Nogosek was born in Poppelau, Germany November 17, 1839. Christina Skrock was also born in Germany Jan. 20, 1843. They married in 1860 and came to the U.S.A. in 1872. After settling in Independence, Wise, they came to Jamestown in 1879. They homesteaded 10 miles northeast of Jamestown near Fried, N.D. in 1885. There were nine children in their family. Gregory died Sept. 26, 1902 and Christina died Dec. 24, 1913. Both were buried at Fried, N.D. Their children were: Marie, Joseph, Elizabeth, Frank, Peter, Anna, Thomas, Hattie and Anton. Their descendants formed a large part of the Kensal community. Frank and Elizabeth Nogosek five generation family, Magdalene (Nogosek) Skrock Nogosek, Helen Kramer, Irene Hoggarth, Roger Frank and Elizabeth Skrock lived where Mr. and Hoggarth and Sonda Hoggarth, taken in 1965. Mrs. Harry Lonski live today. Joseph and Frank Nogosek also homesteaded in Nogosek Township south of Kensal. Leonard Nogosek Joseph Nogosek started the first school in Leonard a son of Peter and Magdalene Nogosek Nogosek Township in his home. Later a school was was one of fourteen children and was raised in built on their land. He also helped organize a Kensal. He was employed in the Casey Garage farmer's cooperative elevator in Kensal, namely the from 1937 to 1940. He went into the Army in 1941 Kensal Farmers' Elevator. and returned after nearly five years. For a few years he worked as a carpenter. He later joined his Peter Nogosek brother Elmer and operated the E & L Service Peter Nogosek was born at Independence, Wise, Station in Kensal. on May 20, 1875 and Magdalene Fisher was born at In 1950 he and Betty Walker were married. They Krakow, Poland on May 20, 1882. Magdalene came had two daughters. In 1953 they moved to St. Paul, to the U.S.A. at the age of two with her parents. Minn, and lived there for 28 years. They returned to They first lived at Winona, MN. When she was Kensal in 1981 where they have made their home twelve years old her folks homesteaded at Fried. and retired. After she and Peter Nogosek married they lived at Fried until 1912 and at Edmunds and Kensal until 1925, where they farmed until Peter died Aug. 23, Carl and Anna (Erickson) 1925. Norheim Farm Mrs. Magdalene Nogosek then moved into Kensal with her family. She lived in Kensal until 100th Year • 1985 1978 when she went to live at the Colonial Manor at Carl J. Norheim immigrated from Varhaug, LaMoure, N.D. She died there Jan. 11, 1981. They Norway at the age of 23, working on the railroad in are both buried at Kensal, N.D. Minnesota until coming to N.D. in 1885. He The fifteen children in their family included: Leo, established a homestead six miles northwest of Roman, Helen (Mrs. Joe Kramer) John, Agnes (Mrs. what later became Kensal. Ray Hopkins) Earnest, Isabelle (Mrs. Steve He built a sod house and proceeded to break the Kirscher) Clara (Mrs. Ed Lorenz), Catherine (Mrs. prairie with a one bottom breaker walking plow. Joe McGuire), George, Elmer, Leonard, Gertrude This was drawn by a team consisting of one ox and (Mrs. George Neva) Clarence and Clifford. one mule. Later he broke wild mustangs (horses) to do the work. During this time Carl and Swan Holm helped build the railroad from Jamestown to Carrington. The closest store was at Melville. He carried the groceries on his back. Carrying a sack of flour or whatever, he would ford the James River as there were no bridges. One of the greates threats at the time was a prairie fire. The blaze in the tall native grass was very difficult to control with the fire fighting Magdalene Nogosek Fischer equipment they had.

-104- In 1887 Carl married Anna Eriksen at Jamestown. Some of Leonard's off the farm activities have She was a sister of Chris Eriksen. been St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kensal school Their five children were Gustav, who was killed board, ASC committee, and director of Farmers by a horse at the age of eleven, John, Emma (Mrs. Union Oil. Ernest Stangeland). Emma's son married Marlys Four children were born to this union. Sandra, a Pierce. Halvor married Alice Packard, and Anna RN is married to Arnold Donat of Courtenay and (Mrs. Walter Jorgenson) who now resides in Kensal. now has a home in Bismarck with their three Mrs. Carl Norheim died in Sept. 1923. Carl died in children, Ryan, Brett and Sara. 1939. Larry spent three years in the U.S. navy and is now a draftsman for Construction in Bismarck. He is married to Marsha Olson of Bismarck and have a Halvor and Alice Norheim daughter Heather. Halvor and Alice Norheim along with their family Kim became an auto body mechanic and in the Leonard, Gerald, Kenneth and Phyllis farmed the spring of 1984 moved with his wife Rose (Meadows) homestead until Gerald and wife, Blanche, farmed and their three children, Ann, Travis and Jessica to a couple years. the Norheim farm. In the fall of 1950 Leonard and wife, Edna, took Jason will be a sophomore in Kensal High over the farming operation. They purchased the school in 1985. farm from his folks in 1956. After thirty-five years of farming they have Leonard and Edna raised a family of four, decided that farming is their way of life and built a namely; Sandra, Larry, Kim and Jason. new house on their farm and plan to some day, In the spring of 1984 their son, Kim and wife, retire there. Rose, with the children, Ann, Travis and Jessica moved into the old house. They are the fourth generation of the family to venture into farming on the old homestead. Leonard and Edna have a new home on the farm.

Sandra, Larry, Edna, Leonard, Kim, and Jason Norheim family Thomas North Thomas North was born at Trondhjem, Norway, August 10, 1866. He came to the U.S. in 1879 and to North Dakota in 1893. In 1895 he was transferred from Forman, N.D. to Kensal as the section Carl Norheim foreman for the Soo Line. In 1896 he married Hansena Anderson. To this union was born two daughters, Ida Mae and Rose HI A a I A & BIS ft Hansena. Mrs. North passed away March 25, 1899 OWNER! LIVINGSTON FARMS and Rose in August 1900. FOSTER COUNT! 4 Mr. North homesteaded in the spring of 1897 in BoidulM' N Diik. MS / in// 7/UC McKinnon Township, Foster County. (1985 - Leo K» Lipetzky lives there.) Mr. North left the railroad employment in 1905 and established his farm >/f home. His brother, John, lived with him on the y>«/ iy <* farm. Thomas died in 1947 and is buried in the Kensal cemetery as is his wife. Ida Mae North married L.A. Dunnum and was the mother of Deverne, Lamont, Elaine, Joyce and lone. fttJiC. Ida lives with her daughter, lone, is Seattle. Leonard Norheim Family Ralph Norden Family Leonard Norheim and Edna Rosenau of Eldridge, In the spring of 1948 the Nordens moved to the N.D. were married in June 1949. They moved to the Roy Tesch farm that they had purchased. That fall farm six and one half miles north west of Kensal in our youngest daughter, Judy, was born, making us 1950. After finding farming was their way of life a family of four. they purchased the farm from Leonard's folks, the Our daughter, Doreen (Mrs. Tim Van Devender) Halvor Norheims. and Judy (Mrs. Martin Pfotenhauer) both attended -105- school at Kensal. We farmed and raised cattle They are buried in Calvary Cemetery at Jamestown, during these years. N.D. After our daughters were married we took trips to visit them, which took us to Florida to visit Doreen, her husband Tim and two granddaughters, Vanessa and Erin. We also took a trip to Dhahran, Saudi, Arabia to visit Judy, her husband Martin and grandson James and granddaughter, Rachel. We also took a tour of Egypt and the Holy Land during this trip. In later years after retirement, we have enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, Ariz, but always enjoy N.D. in the spring and summer, back to our Kensal friends and relatives. Emma Norden Joe & Hattie Paczkowski family on Golden Wedding Anniversary 1957. Mr. & Mrs. John Paczkowski John Paczkowski and Eleanor Heil were married on Feb. 2, 1943 at St. John's Catholic Church at Kensal, N.D. by Rev. A.J. Nestor. The first few months of our marriage we lived Vi mile north of Glenfield on a farm that belonged to Frank Paczkowski. In the late fall of 1943 we moved to Kensal on the N.W. Vi of Section 15, living there until 1949 when we moved to our present farm, formerly owned by Joe & Hattie Paczkowski. They purchased it in 1939 and was better known as the Pierce Farm. We were blessed with a family of seven children and six living. Our first child, a daughter died at the age of six weeks. At present time our families are living at the following addresses: Gene and Eldora Walters, Harvey, N.D. have two girls, Sharlene and Doreen, Judy, Emma and Ralph Norden Melinda. Elliot and Mary Paczkowski Kensal, N.D. family of two, John and Carinna. Dave and Elaine Soupir, Courtenay, N.D. family of three, Chad, Joseph and Hattie (Kulla) Jerrid and Tony. Pat and lone Jacobson, Broomfield, Colorado, family of two, Tom and Paczkowski Anne. Richard and Joanelle Winjum Fargo, N.D. family of one, Scott. Elden Paczkowski Kensal, Joseph, who was born in Denver, Colorado and N.D. (single) music teacher at Marion, N.D. Hattie Kulla of Wells, Minn, were married in 1907. For a time they farmed there and then looked for On Feb. 2, 1983 our family hosted a 40th better things in the young state of North Dakota. anniversary supper. We are the grandparents of ten They bought a farm northeast of Kensal in grandchildren, six boys and four girls and also on McKinnon Township where they farmed for many Feb. 25th, 1985 we became great grandparents of a years. great granddaughter. Joe amused his family reminiscing about moving from Minn, by train. He told of riding in the car with the cattle while the rest of the family rode in a passenger car. He smuggled a friend of his to help with the animals and keep him company. Often the friend had to hide in the hay to avoid being seen. The trainmen were suspicious on seeing him come with two cups of coffee and sometimes probed in the hay but found nothing. Upon arriving in Kensal the cattle were driven to the farm eight miles from the depot. They were parents of six children, Frank (deceased), Anna (Mrs. Harry Neva) Jamestown, Dorothy (Mrs. Wm. Livdahl) West Fargo, Ursula (Mrs. Gorden Lampert Sr.) Kensal, Joe Jr. Jamestown and John of Kensal. Joe & Hattie Joe died July 10, 1964. Hattie in Jan. 23, 1974. Paczkowski

-106- She then sold the farm and moved into Kensal. She always loved flowers and trees and made her home a place of beauty. She was very active in the Legion Auxiliary and was its secretary-treasurer for several years.

Elliott, Eldora, lone, Eldon, Elaine and Joanelle, the John Paczkowski family 1981. Elliot and Mary Paczkowski J. P. Johnson and his wife, Gena in their Krit car. We came to Kensal in July of 1976. We purchased the E and L Service Station from Gorden Lampert Sr., and the Olaf Ekren house from Olaf Ekren. Elliot is originally from Kensal, the son of John and Eleanor Paczkowski. He graduated from the Kensal School in 1964. Mary is originally from Courtenay, the daughter of Mean Backer, and the late Lester J. Backer. Gena Pearson We were married, August 8, 1966 and have two children, John, born in 1967 and Carinna born in 1969. Harriet (Pearson) Drury We are members of St. John's Catholic Church. The area north of Kensal and Kensal, is the part Elliot is a member of the Kensal Fire Dist., The of the country I consider my home. I lived with my Wildlife Club, and P.T.O., and Community folks, Gena and Harry Pearson, and brother Betterment. Mary is Altar Society, Community Andrew, on a farm in Bucephalia Township north of Betterment, P.T.O. and Kensal Korners Kensal, went to school near there, and then came Homemakers Club. to Kensal for high school, graduating in 1939. Elliot's interests include: hunting, fishing, and all As I think back for special things that happened outdoor sports. while living there, I find there were many memories Mary's interests include: cross-stitching, for me...staying in Kensal all week while going to candlewicking, almost any kind of craft. school and getting back and forth on weekends in As well as running the E and L Sen/ice Station, a sleigh when the roads were impassable...being in Elliot also farms with his parents. a play and being absolutely petrified to even say Mary is the secretary and clerk at the Kensal my lines during the performances...taking our finals Public School. from Mr. Jensen while he was house-bound with John is active in C.Y.O., Band, basketball, the mumps (or was it measles?)...having Ed O'Hare baseball, baseball and really enjoys outdoor for our coach in basketball when we all played our activities such as hunting and fishing. hearts out to win...going to the state basketball tourney at Buffalo and rooming with Thelma Carinna is active in C.Y.O., Band, Jazz Band, Collison there...the dedication of Mr. Fields with chorus, basketball, is a statistician for fhe boys our band, and playing for the dedication at basketball. Arrowwood Lake and also at Memorial Day programs, where I once played taps...a class party Gena Pearson at the farm when my Mom fed the whole group her Aunt Gena, as she was known to most people in famous fried chicken and ice cream...the Kensal during her later years came to the Kensal friendships that were made and still kept to this area in 1903, she married J.P. Johnson and they day...and so many more it is impossible to put even a few on paper. farmed on a farm in Bucephalia township. The farm is now owned by Myron Florhaug. Pete Johnson After high school I attended Mankato was killed in an accident on the Soo Railroad and Commercial College and worked in Mankato for 4 she later married Harry N. Pearson. They had two years, after which I married Hayward Drury. After a children, Harriet - Mrs. Hayward Drury of Pipestone, few moves, we settled in Pipestone, MN where he Minnesota - and Andrew, who died in early worked for the Mpls. Star & Tribune and I owned manhood. and operated the Pipestone Shopper (an -107- advertising paper) and later Harriet's Quick Print had our own meat, vegetables, and canned fruit for about 30 years before selling it last summer and from our garden and fruit trees. retiring. We have 4 children: Gay (Mrs. Jim Murphy) After passing the eighth grade, I enrolled in who lives on a ranch near Reliance, SD; Jay who is Kensal High School in 1924. It was here that I a pharmacist at Springfield, MN; Roger who is a decided to be a teacher as I often helped the grade computer-analyst in Minneapolis; and David who teachers when they were ill. lives in Florida and works for a construction In 1928 I entered Valley City Teacher's College. company who specializes in building greenhouses When I completed a year, I received a certificate and atriums of moulded glass. We have 8 and could teach rural schools. My first school was grandchildren, and enjoy traveling — which we in Bucephalia District. have done quite a bit of. There were many hardships in teaching in the rural schools and our salary was only $50 or $60 a Walt & Ellen (White) Peterson month, which at that time solved our needs, but left The Peterson family moved from Woodworth to little for extras. Kensal in 1946. Walt did mechanic work in the We built our own fires, did our janitorial work and former Chev. Garage until the year 1965. They had often had to shovel snow to get into the building or ten children who received their education in the get to the coal shed. Kensal school system. The rewards were great. The children were eager Elaine - Mrs. Jack Schaack, Sykeston to learn and willing to help me whenever they could. In one school I especially appreciated it as I Phyllis - Mrs. Charles Ramer, Kensal had twenty three pupils, all eight grades, and Patricia - Mrs. Gorden Lampert Jr., Glenfield served a hot dish to go with their bread and butter. Robert - Wimbledon Shirley - Mrs. Robert Schaack, Conrad, Mt. One day that year I forgot my lunch at home, so JoAnn - Mrs. Hopkins - Siel when a family living nearby found out, they sent their little five year old boy, Donny, over with LeRoy - Fargo "teacher's lunch". Acts of kindness like this were Glen - Jamestown very common as teachers were very much Gene - Washington respected by the parents and children. Sherry- Mrs. Kent Florhaug, Kensal I taught rural schools in the community until I was married in 1939. Olga (Mickelsen) Pedersen After about four years I again longed to teach My deepest roots and fondest memories are with and didn't stop until my retirement in 1964, putting the Kensal Community, beginning on a farm north in thirty five years in that career. of Kensal. It was in 1948 I was asked if I'd like to teach in My parents both came from Denmark about the Kensal School. I accepted readily, and so with my year of 1891, at a very young age, not meeting each husband and our three children, moved to Kensal other until they arrived in Kensal. In December 1900 where I was assigned the 5th and 6th grades. they were married and started farming on land The faculty the first year included Mr. and Mrs. obtained by the Homestead Act. The final papers Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Miss Nelson and were signed by President Cleveland. They never myself. Here I was teaching the children of the went back to Denmark, nor did they ever see any of parents I had earlier in the rural schools. their family. My three brothers, Ben, Carl, and Elmer, and myself had a happy childhood, all going to a small rural school about two miles from home. As any young children, we did not realize the hardships our parents endured. We never had such luxuries as refrigerators or running water. We did have a large cistern which by use of the eaves would fill with rain water and was pumped into the kitchen. This was used for washing and baths. All drinking water was carried Andrew Mickelsen farm home from a well. Two special holidays we enjoyed were Thanksgiving and Christmas. We always got together with our nearest neighbors, the Christ Eriksens. We would ride in a bobsled on a bed of straw. The horses could find their way home regardless of weather. Getting coal for the furnace and a supply of groceries involved a day's work with a wagon or sled. Many times my father walked beside the sled to keep warm. We were glad when he arrived home, as he usually had candy for us and also brought the mail. He had taken cream and home churned butter to exchange for the groceries needed. We Stacking hay on the Mickelsen farm

-108- Getting ready for Christmas programs involved all of us working together. One year the primary teacher and I spent many nights sewing costumes for the little bunnies, fairies, and clowns. Our old building became crowded and a new school was planned. There were feelings of sorrow and happiness in the thought of leaving the building. Here was where many of us had received our education and so many special events had been held. It was exciting when moving day arrived in the fall of 1962. Every pupil took part in packing books and carrying furniture to our new building. Anton and Maria Pitra Our three children, Diane, Larry, and Ron went and son Louis through the grades and all graduated from Kensal High School. In the spring of 1964, after sixteen years in the Louis and Frances (Tanner) Kensal School, I retired and we moved to Jamestown, where our home has been since. Pitra We have loving memories of the Kensal Louis Pitra was born Oct. 8, 1893 in Cedar Community and its people. As we visit Kensal, we Rapids, Iowa. He came to N.D. with his parents in are proud of the many improvements and new 1906. They located on a farm in Bucephalia buildings that we see. Township. He farmed with his father and later for The Kensal people haven't lost any of their himself. He played a trumpet in a community band ambition and fortitude in making their community directed by James Son. He also served on the one of the very best. township board. Frances Pitra was born April 24, 1896 at Milnor, N.D. She attended Valley City State College. She was the first teacher in the new school known as Bucephalia #3. Her salary was $55 a month. Later Anton and Maria (Fait) Pitra she taught the McKinley school, known as the Anton Pitra was born March 10, 1863 in Czechslo- Lipetzky school. Mary (Pitra) Florhaug taught a vakia and came to the U.S.A. as a young man. He school known as the Jones school in McKinley, worked on the railroad in Chicago, III. and later too. In the spring and the fall the two teachers settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. boarded together in the school house. In the winter He married Maria Fait whom he had known when they stayed in homes of nearby settlers. Frances in Czechoslovakia. She was born in 1873. stayed with the John Lipetzky family. In 1906 the family moved to N.D. locating on a Frances and Louis were married Dec. 9, 1919. farm northwest of Kensal. It became the Louis Pitra She returned to teaching Bucephalia #3 in 1948 and farm and is presently owned by Anton's grandson taught until they redistricted with Kensal in 1960. F.E. (Bud) Pitra. Some of her students were the second generation The original house was moved to the farm from of students she taught in 1915. She was township Kensal and thought to be one of the former "Blind treasurer. She was active in community affairs and Pigs". A new set of buildings was built by the late was often called upon to give readings. Her Joe LaQua approximately ten years later for the pastime was spent reading, doing crossword Pitra family. puzzles and crocheting. Anton continued his blacksmith trade on his Frances and Louis retired in Carrington in 1971. farm throughout most of his life. Most of his tools Louis passed away Feb. 14, 1980 and Frances Sept were hand made. He was known throughout the 10, 1981. area for his excellence in forge welding. They had five children. Harriet (Mrs. Henry Maria Pitra passed away in 1922 at the age of 49. Schultz) of Bordulac; F.E. (Bud) of Kensal; Margie Anton made his home with his son Louis and (Mrs. Geo. Kulla) of Kensal; DeLayne Berry, San family. He is remembered by his grandchildren as Clemente, Calif, and Keith, deceased in 1950. being a mustached man of small stature. He There are 13 grandchildren and 7 great relaxed sitting next to the cook stove and smoking grandchildren. his pipe, while his grandchildren waved his hair with setting lotion made from boiled flax seed. Anton passed away in 1941 at the age of 78. They had four children. Louis married Frances Tanner of Milnor, N.D. Mary married Peder Florhaug of Kensal. Jean moved to Calif, as a young lady and married Wm. Witt Hoft. Wilma married Frank Neva, son of Anton Neva. They lived at Kensal and later moved to Wimbledon. In 1950 they moved to Los Angeles, Calif. Since that time Francis, Margie, Frances, Louis, Harriet, DeLayne that has been their home. "Bud" -109- Johnson, Thomas Nihill, Walter Brewer, and Irene & Francis Pitra Thomas Hoggarth. A country school McKinley No. Francis (Bud) Pitra, son of Louis and Francis 3 nearby usually attended by a dozen children or Pitra, and Irene Nogosek, daughter of Louis and more, one teacher for eight grades. Theresa Nogosek, were both born and raised near The Ronholm children who attended the school Kensal. Bud attended rural Bucephalia school and were Alma (Mrs. Wm. Spitzer), Gladys (Mrs. Gale Kensal High School, after which he farmed with his Blahna), Emma (Mrs. Ralph Norden), all of Kensal father north of Kensal. Irene attended rural and Clara (Mrs. Andre Martineau) of Burbank, Calif. Nogosek school, Kensal High School graduating In 1934 this same farm was purchased by Mr. and with Class of 1941, and Valley City State College Mrs. Wm. Spitzer who had a family of 4 children. and then taught 6 years in rural Bucephalia and Kenneth is married to Maxine Herzog with a family McKinley schools. of six children. Norma is married to Wm. Lipetzky Bud and Irene married in 1948 and continued to and they also have 6 children. Carol married to farm north of Kensal. They purchased the former Roger Burtner lives in Fullerton, Calif, and parents Bill Wolsky residence in town and still reside there of a daughter, Pamela. Clarice an R.N. lives and at present. They have a family of 3 children and 2 works in Jamestown. At present the farm is being grandchildren — Quentin, Michael, and Susan, who farmed by Kenneth and sons. all presently live in Jamestown. All attended Kensal School — Quentin joined Job Corps in Oregon and Utah and became a licensed welder. Later he enlisted in U.S. Army and had 2 tours of duty in Vietnam War and is now employed at North Dakota State Hospital. Michael graduated with Class of 1969, followed by 2 years at N.D. State School of Science at Wahpeton, after which he was employed at Western Gear, Jamestown, and has been there for the past 13 years. Susan (Mrs. Arden Holte), graduated with Class of 1973 and attended During time Bill farmed the "Delco" farm before 1927 Town & Country Beauty College in Jamestown before her marriage. She has two children — Melanie (7 years) and Dustin (14 months). Her husband, Arden, is employed at Jamestown Post Office. Riebe Family Hugo A. Riebe was born in Minnesota July 16, 1875 and came to the Pingree vicinity with his homesteader parents in 1883. Both his parents, William and Anna Riebe, grew up in western New York state, both descended from ancestors who came to America from what is Alma & Bill Spitzer now the country of Germany. In 1911 Hugo Riebe married Margaret Thomson Nick and Lulu (Van Vleck) (born in Stenhouse Muir, Scotland in 1879) who had immigrated to this country with her parents, Romelfanger Family Annie and Charles Thomson, in 1885. The Mr. Nick Romelfanger came to homestead land Thomsons had lived in Scotland since an ancestor north of Kensal in 1886. Later he returned to immigrated there from Denmark in the 1400s. Pecatonica, III. his home town where he married Margaret and Hugo Riebe lived on land in Kensal Lulu Van Vleck in 1888 and returned to the farm township he had homesteaded in 1898. They had near Kensal. three children, Ann, Elinor and Jack, all of whom There were thirteen children in the family: graduated from Kensal High School. Birdella, Rolla, Nellie, Martha, Pearl, Mary, Grace, Hugo Riebe was active in civic affairs and served Blanche, Laura, Rose, Merle and Clarice. Of these on the Board of County Commissioners from 1923 six are living: Mary in Chicago, Merle in Minn., until his death in 1948. Upon his retirement in 1938 Grace, Pearl and Rose in Valley City, Laura married he and his wife lived in Kensal until his death. Joe Miklas also of Kensal and they farmed near Margaret Riebe died in Boise, Idaho in 1962. Both Courtenay. Laura and Joe have five children; are buried at Pingree, N.D. Lawrence, Frank, James, Dorothy and Mary. Upon Joe's death in 1982 she returned to Kensal to retire. Her interests are raising flowers and garden and O.K. Ronholm Family caring for her lawn. Birdella married George Brewer In October 1910, Mr. and Mrs. O.K. Ronholm and of Kensal. They lived on the Brewer homestead and family arrived in Kensal by train (Soo Line) from after her passing, George and daughter Janet S.Dak. They settled on a farm 31/2 miles northeast moved to Jamestown. He passed away in 1980. of Kensal, formerly owned by Mr. Sweeney. Close Martha married Gust Sabinash. Ray Sabinash of neighbors were I.C. Johnson, Guslanders, John S. Kensal is their son.

-110- were interested in the same craft and both very Frank and Eileen (O'Neill) talented. In the summer they were invited to teach wood Schieb crafts at summer camps. They instructed youth at Frank was employed on the Casey Ranch near 4-H and bible camps and on occasion they were Bordulac in 1890. On Nov. 23, 1915 he married called to visit camps out of state. Eileen O'Neill in St. John's Church at Kensal. Jack died in 1975. Bertha is in a nursing home Frank operated a recreation parlor in Kensal for near Toronto, S. Dak. where her daughter Carol many yeras. He was active in all community affairs lives. and served as a church trustee for more than twenty years. The family: Clair (now deceased), Mary Eileen and Cletus (Mrs. Fred Stolz). Mary Eileen has lived in Portland, Oregon for a number of years. Cletus taught school in the local area and has resided in the eastern part of the U.S. since her marriage. John D. and Grace (Clancy) Schlecht The Schlecht home is well remembered, by those who grew up when their family was at home, as a gathering place for the many friends of their children. John and Grace married June 21, 1915 in Kensal in St. John's Catholic Church. Mr. Schlecht was the manager for the Woodworth Elevator Company. He was a charter member and the secretary of the Bertha and Jack Schlosser Kensal Fire Department for more than twenty-five years. Grace was a good Christian mother who William and Freda Schroeder made sure her family had a good education in William Schroeder born in 1892 and his wife school and religion. Freda Schroeder born in 1890 moved into Kensal in The family: Loretta (Mrs. Clair Bigelow), Lucille 1943. William had farmed in Bucephalia township (Mrs. George Scott), Mary (Mrs. Robert Beckley), and retired when his son Harold took over the farm. Bernard, James, Eloy, David and Donald. Donald In the summer months after moving to Kensal he married Phyllis Florhaug and resides in helped Harold on the farm. During the winter he Wimbledon. Eloy and family have operated the Red was employed at the tow mill until it burned down. Owl Store in Wimbledon a number of years. Bill, as he was known, was a friend to everyone Grace died in 1957 and John in 1959. and spent a great deal of time at the Ekren store helping his daughter Alice who was employed there for ten years. Jack and Bertha Schlosser Bill and Freda were members of St. Paul's Jack Schlosser, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lutheran Church, where they were active members. Schlosser, was born in York, Penn. in 1892. He Bill passed away in 1957 and Freda continued attended school in York and served in the U.S. living in the home they had purchased from Ralph Navy prior to World War I. From 1918-1919 he Fredrickson. served in the U.S. Army. After ten years Freda sold her home to the Carl Following World War I Schlosser came to Macks and she Minnesota and in 1921 he moved to Kensal and purchased the Pete married Bertha Schlosser. They started farming in Kulla house. Freda will Lyons township and continued living on the farm be remembered as until he retired in 1969 when they moved to "busy fingers". If she Jamestown. wasn't making quilts To this union one son and four daughters were and baby blankets she born. Edward, farming at Spiritwood, N.D. was crocheting. She Winnifred Ptucha of Montrose, Va. Coleen Flemmer lived alone until her of Kearney, Neb. Arlean Wolsky of Corvallis, Mont, death in 1981. They had and Carol Heinrich of Toronto, S. Dak. one son and three The Schlossers have been active in township and daughters. Harold of community affairs. While still on the farm they Bordulac, Ella (Mrs. Eric developed a hobby in wood craft. In their projects Groskreutz) Carrington, they had used 90 different kinds of wood from the Lillian (Mrs. Edwin state of N. Dak. As time passed most of their time Wolsky) Kensal and was spent in creating articles and most of these Alice (Mrs. Edward were original. It was interesting to note that both Wolsky) Kensal. Bill and Freda Schroeder

-111- She, too worked at the State Hospital fourteen "Bill" W.C. and Alberta years until 1975. (Ensor) Schroeder Alberta is an interesting lady who has the ability to make something useful and attractive out of Bill and Alberta married Feb. 21, 1928 and discards. became a part of the Kensal community. Bill worked on the railroad, at the elevator, at the coal docks and in later years worked twelve years at the Carl Simonsen State Hospital in Jamestown. He died in June 1975. They reared a family of seven children who Family History attended the Kensal School. Eston resides in Carl F. Simonsen came to stay in the fall of Yakima, Wash. 1908, having visited here in earlier years. Bernice, who married Carl Holm (son of Swan He was born in Randers, Denmark, the son of Holm) lived near Kensal but since Carl's death Peter K. and Bertha Simonsen, on June 5, 1878. resides in Jamestown. Carl attended school in his native country, and Beverly married Lancy Holm (son of Swan Holm). came to the United States in 1894, with his two They farm on the west edge of Kensal. brothers, Jorgen and Simon. Carl found work at Marlene and husband, Jerald Wolsky, resided at Northfield, Minn.. In 1896, Carl's parents Arrowwood Lake Refuge the past few years. accompanied by their three daughters, Metty, Marlene passed away in Jan. 1985. Thora and Christine immigrated to Northfield to Diana married James Peterson (son of Sam join the three boys. Two years later, Carl's father Peterson). passed away and the mother and family continued Alberta married Clifford March and Billy Jean to make their home there. In the fall of 1907, Mrs. married Albert March. Clifford and James are the Simonsen, accompanied by her sons, Simon and sons of Charles March of the Carrington area. Carl made a trip to Denmark to visit the old home and their many relatives and friends. Here they spent the winter and in the spring of 1908, they Alberta returned to Northfield. In the fall of 1908, Mrs. By Opal Ableidinger Simonsen and family came to Kensal. Carl's Alberta, after having seven children grow up mother lived most of her twenty years as a resident during the depression, knew she could never at Kensal with her son, Simon. The family first lived discard anything which could be of any possible on a farm about six miles northwest of Kensal, use. later Simon and his mother lived and farmed on the She has many hobbies. The needlework includes east side and north end of Arrowwood Lake. Bertha crocheting, knitting, embroidery and patchwork Simonsen passed away on April 19, 1929, at the quilting. She keeps necessary items for one of age of 78 years. Simon, never married, continued to these activities near each easy chair. Her hands farm in the Kensal area until early forties. He are never idle. retired and lived a few years with Carl and family. Flowers, such as African Violets, receive tender Simon was one time owner of the original Kensal loving care. I think she probably sings or talks to race track. He passed away in 1946 at Kenmare, them and they respond by blooming or growing. age 72. The sisters, Metty Simonsen Pleidrup A big garden has always meant oodles of labor married and lived at Verndale, Minn.. Thora in planting, weeding and preserving the produce (Simonsen) Jensen and family lived in Kensal for from her labor in the garden. many years, after her husband died, she remained She loves to bake and treat her visitors, senior here to raise and educate her children. The family citizens or the sick. The ability to cook and bake later moved to Rochester, Minn.. Christine the delicious food has been passed on to her family. youngest lived in Kensal for sometime, then married Hans Larsen of Kenmare, N.D.. Carl's brother Jorgen ventured on to . Montana from Northfield, finally to Canada. Carl went farming on his own, living two miles west of town. On July 17, 1916, he married a local girl, Marie Christensen. Marie came to Kensal at an early age. She was born at Leal, N.D., on Dec. 11, 1893, came with her parents in 1898. The Knud Christensen family homesteaded 12 miles north of Kensal. In 1905, the Knud Christensen family moved in to town. Marie attended only two years at the local high school, not all subjects were being offered in those early years. She finished her high school along with her college education at the Normal School at L-R Standing: Leo Herzog, Bill Schroeder, Cecil Valley City. Her teaching career took her to Wilton Smith, Henry Friday, A. Alswiger, Eston Schroeder, in 1911, a rough coal mining town. In 1912-14 she Bucky Kollman taught in the Kensal Public School. Then to -112- Harvey, N.D., before her marriage to Carl. a school superintendent and his family. The first Marie was very social minded; she belonged to .spring in the house, there was a school strike, lots many organizations. She was a Royal Neighbor of excitement. Recorder, 4-H leader, and a member of the Legion Wendell helped at home on the farm, also did Auxiliary, the Methodist Ladies Aid, Kensal dairy work. The Simonsen's dairy furnished all the Homemaker's Club, Community Club and served on milk for the town, some was delivered door to door. the County Welfare Board. Carl and Marie moved The chore was tiring after working in the field all into Kensal in 1940, on the original Julius day. Some pleasure came when delivering milk to Fredrickson farm. the local cafe, there was Ella Smith's big smile, The Simonsens had three sons, Peter, Wendell friendly words and a free homemade doughnut. and Alton. Alton passed away in 1943, at the age of They were talked into selling their home, moved 12 years. and rented the upstairs above Great Uncle Jens Carl besides grain farming raised purebred Pedersen. After living there several years they horses and Shorthorn cattle. moved again upstairs above Wendell's folks. Next He was active in the community affairs. He was year they built a house across the road from them, one time member of the following boards; the their present location. Kensal Medical board, town board, school, They have three children, Kent, Jamestown; cemetery board, served as township supervisor and Wendy, Franklin, New Hampshire; and Kim, a member of the Danish Brotherhood of America. Riverside, five grandchildren, Gina, Jason, Shala, Carl served eighteen years as president of the Blake and Derek. Kensal Farmer's Elevator. Carl and Marie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 17, 1966. Carl passed away on Oct. 22, 1966. Marie on Nov. 2, 1971. Carl will surely be remembered as a well built man with his famous cigar.

Wendell, Sally, Wendy, Kent, and Kim Simonsen

David Somsen David W. Somsen moved north of Kensal in 1943 after living in the Woodworth and Courtenay areas with his parents, the late David and Phoebe Somsen. His mother, Phoebe Warne, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, was the first white woman born in Alaska. On Sept. 14, 1946 Dave married Rose Bata, who Carl and Marie Simonsen graduated from Kensal High School and was living with her parents, the Charley Batas, right across the field from him. Wendell Simonsen Family They were blessed with three children. One son, Wendell was born west of Kensal on a farm in Jim, and two daughters, Judy and Joyce. 1923, to Carl and Marie (Christensen) Simonsen. Jim was born Aug. 3, 1947 at the New Rockford The farm home was very small, but many friends hospital. Next came Judy who was born at the came and relatives stayed for months. Loucks Maternity Home on Sept. 26, 1951. Last but Early years of transportation to and from school not least was Joyce who was also born at Loucks for Wendell was by a Shetland pony. Grandpa and Maternity Home, attended by Dr. Clarence Martin. Grandma Christensen lived across the street from She was born May 26, 1955. school, made things handy. When older he helped Jim is married to lone Stockland and has three do chores for them. sons. He is employed at the Arrowwod Refuge. The Wendell's younger brother, at the age of six family resides in Kensal. became seriously ill. His mother and father went Judy who lives a home is kept busy on the road back and forth to Rochester with him, this was with her business with Avon, Watkins and hard on the family. Alton died in 1942. occasional babysitting. As her brother Jim says, Wendell Simonsen and Salley Helmstetler were "You're on the road again?" Judy is a member of married in 1947, at Jamestown. Their first home the American Legion Auxiliary. was purchased from Joe ("Irish") McGuire and Irish Joyce Carlson lives in Jamestown with her two it was with green walls, cupboards and woodwork. daughters, Jainae Elaine and Jennifer Anne and is They lived upstairs as the downstairs was rented to employed by White Drug.

-113- Jim and Judy attended school in the grades at I have three children, Darin, Wade and Candace. Bucephalia No. 3 under the wonderful, gentle Darin graduated from high school in Kensal in 1984 supervision of Mrs. Louis Pitra (deceased). From and is now attending U.N.D. in Grand Forks. He there they attended school in Kensal in the old enjoys basketball, baseball, softball and track. In Kensal school. They all graduated from the new his senior year he qualified for the State Track school in town in 1965, 1969, and 1973 respectively. meet. Wade will be a senior in the 1985-86 school David has always been a farmer of grain and year and plans on attending college after livestock. Dave and Rose have worked hard and are graduation. While attending Kensal he has played never idle. They milk cows, have poultry and raise basketball, baseball, softball and has been on the beef cattle. They are also the grandparents of five track team. Candace will be an eighth grader. She healthy, active grandchildren, three boys and two has played basketball and a cheerleader in grade girls who enjoy going to Grandpa and Grandma's school. She will be taking part in track for the first farm. They are all very good at losing Grandpa's time this year. tools and pumping oil on the ground. They enjoy letting Grandma's chickens out and often track up the kitchen floor. Even so they are loved and enjoyed and like getting a cookie when the Frank Smith "Moms" aren't looking. One of Kensal's early promoters, who lived on a claim west of Kensal with his half brother, Hugh Smith, was Frank Smith. He married Mabel Morris James R. Somsen Family in 1906. After her death in 1930 he married Ella James Richard Somsen was born at the New Morris. Rockford Hospital on Aug. 23, 1947 to Rose (Bata) Frank's occupations included being a barber a and David Somsen, their oldest child and only son. couple days a week in a shop set up in Hugh's Jim attended 7 years of schooling in Bucephalia livery barn. In order that old timers could make ice #3 school with Mrs. Louis Pitra as teacher. From cream, Frank cut ice and stored it in sawdust; there he moved into the Kensal School and therefore ice could be purchased even in the completed his high schooling there in 1965. After summer. He was a substitute mail carrier and a graduation he went to Wahpeton S.S.S. for two horse trader. He operated the Kensal Cafe, after years. Then Uncle Sam called and it was off to the purchasing it from Mrs. Harbough, for Army for 3 years, one of which was spent in Viet approximately twenty years. He is remembered for Nam with an infantry outfit, 199th Lt. INF. BDE. the big ice cream cones he dished out for a nickel Medals he received there were: Army or a dime. He retired in 1962 and passed away in Commendation, National Defense Service, Purple 1970. Heart, Rep. Viet Nam Cpgn 1 Year Bat, Viet Nam The family consisted of: Eleanor (Mrs. Frank Service and the Combat Infantrymen Badge. He Hewitt), Maurice, and Marie (Mrs. Herbert was discharged as Sargeant (E5). Groskreutz). On June 1, 1973, Jim (Somps as he is known to many), was married to lone Stockland (a Hannaford native). She was employed and still is with Agnes's Beauty Shop in Kensal. They lived on the family farm in a mobile home until the summer of 1981 when they moved to the city of Kensal. Jim and lone have three sons: Ryan James born June 27, 1975 at the Carrington Hospital, Richard Thomas born Aug. 16, 1977 and Ronald Lee born June 25, 1979. Both Richard and Ronald were born at the Griggs Co. Hospital in Cooperstown. Jim is a member of the American Legion of Kensal, VFW of Glenfield, Kensal Firemen, Kensal Wildlife and is a member of the town board. lone is a member of Sarah Circle (LWML), Free Spirit Homemakers, American Legion Aux., and is the present Sunday School Supt. They are Frank and Ella Smith, Christmas 1957 members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Jim has been employed since 1978 at the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, (Pingree). Fredrick Spitzer Fred Spitzer was born in Kief, Russia near the German border. He served six years in the army. Betty Spenst They had promised land to the German immigrants I moved to Kensal in the fall of 1968, teaching in if they would teach them how to farm. However the Kensal Public School. At first I taught the they never kept their promise. This was a great second grade, then the third and fourth grades, frustration to the people so six ship loads of which I am teaching now. In my free time I enjoy immigrants set sail for America because of working on crafts. conditions in Russia and broken promises. Only -114- five ships arrived, the sixth having been lost at sea. farm near Kensal, Clarence, living in Jamestown, N. This was in 1892. The family located at Gillette, Dak. Shirley (Mrs. Ken Cereghino) on a farm near Arkansas. The following year Fred married Rosalie Sherwood, Oregon, and also teaching school. Wolsky who was from the same locality in Russia. Duane, living in Jamestown. N. Dak. They were cotton farmers for seven years before Mom was kept busy with us five kids and Dad moving to N. Dak. In 1910 he moved with his family continued along with being active in community to a farm west of Kensal which he purchased from affairs. He served two terms in the N.D. House of George P. Drew. In 1926 he retired and the family Representatives and enjoyed woodworking as a moved into town and purchased the Burleson hobby. house. He passed away in 1937 and Mrs. Spitzer in Mom was active in her homemakers club, 1946. enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting and especially The Spitzers had 11 children: Adolph, William, ceramics. They were both members of St. Paul's Emil, Albert, Arthur, August, Oscar, Alma (Mrs. Lutheran Church and are now deceased. Nelius Nelson), Olga (Mrs. Ed Ableidinger), Edna Written by their daughter, Lorraine (Mrs. A.T. Kellerman), and Lena. Art Spitzer I « * -^^ mr Fred Spitzer, died 1937. IflF * **^ Rosalia Wolsky, daughter of August Wolsky, born in Kief Russia in 1873. Died 1945. Nine children are: Adolph, William, August, Arthur, Emil, Oscar, Alma, (Wilfred Snow, Nelius Nelson), Olga (Ed Ableidinger), Edna (A.T. Kellerman). Arthur Spitzer was born in 1903 at Sheldon, N.D. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Spitzer. He moved to i dm '1 Kensal community in 1910 with his folks to the Fred Spitzer family, William, Adolph, Art, August, farm, (known now as the Leland Wolsky farm) and Alma, Edna, Olga attended Stutsman County schools. He farmed in Kensal township all his adult life. He worked in Wis. as a young man an thats where he met Helen. His marriage took place Nov. 1927, when he took Adolph & Evelyn Spitzer as his bride Helen Pinkowski of Antigo, Wis. They Our Dad, Adolph Spitzer, son of Fred and Rose resided on their farm until 1956 when they built a Spitzer was born in Arkansas. He moved to new home in Kensal, where their home has been Sheldon, N. Dak. with his parents, and attended since. Art passed away in 1964. His wife and son school in that vicinity and later in Kensal where he Lester preceded him until her passing in 1984. continued to reside. Lester's family lives on their farm. They have 4 Dad married Evelyn Bower, daughter of Goodhart children: and Anna Bower. Evelyn was born in Hankinson, N. Marlene Dangbar, lives in Carbondale, III. and is Dak. and moved to Kensal with her parents where a computer operator at the hospital. she attended school. She also attended school at Quentin married to Lynn Leininger. He is a Dakota Business College in Fargo and later was an welder at Haybusters in Jamestown- and she is an employee at the Kensal bank. L.P.N, nurse in Carrington. After their marriage Dad and Mom farmed in Reed is a truck driver for Docktor's Trucking Co. Kensal township. To this union five children were in Jamestown. born: Lawrence, living and farming on a farm near Lorie, a senior at Kensal Public School. Kensal, Lorraine (Mrs. Myron Florhaug) living on a

Adolph and Evelyn Spitzer Helen, Art, Quentin, and Marlene Spitzer -115- After retiring in 1982, they purchased a home in Quentin & Lynn Spitzer Kensal from Neil and Bonnie Spitzer. To this union Quentin graduated from Kensal High School in two children were born. Sandra, who shares the 1970. He attended SSS Wahpeton, N.D. in the fall home and Neil who lives at Spiritwood Lake. Neil until the spring of 1971. At that time his dad married the former Bonnie Nogosek. became ill and Quentin came from school to put the crop in. That fall he started working at Melroe manufacturing Co. in Cooperstown, N.D. where he worked for two years. He married Lynn (Leininger) Spitzer in 1972. She was employed at the Nursing Home in Cooperstown as an LPN. In the fall of 1973 Tanya Spitzer was born. In 1974 they moved back to Kensal where Quentin became engaged in farming. The next fall Stacy Beth was born. In 1976 the 4th daughter Jennifer Joy was born and finally in 1980 their son Brandon was born. Quentin is presently employed by Haybuster Mfg. in Jamestown, N.D. as a welder. His wife Lynn is employed by the Carrington Hospital. Their oldest daughter Lisa, will graduate from high school this spring. In the fall she plans on attending Minot State where she will study to become a registered nurse.

Neil, Sandra, Evelyn and August Spitzer Neil & Bonnie Spitzer Neil Spitzer, son of August and Evelyn Spitzer, was born and raised in the Kensal community. He graduated from Kensal high school in 1959. He married Bonnie Nogosek, daughter of Harry and Inez Syverson. Bonnie was born in the Courtenay community where she also went to school. Neil farmed with his father and lived in Kensal. In the summer of 1982 they bought a home at Spiritwood Lake. Neil has been employed at Ladish Malting plant since Nov. 1976. They both like to travel. Neil especially likes hunting and fishing. Aaron Nogosek lives with Bonnie and Neil. Brent Quentin and Lynn Spitzer family is at Evenston, Wyoming. The other Nogosek children are all in N.D. Cheryl Weller, Dazey, N.D., Janelle Messmer, Lisbon, N.D., Nancy Mack, Leal, August Spitzer N.D. and Julie Kollman, living near Kensal. August moved to Kensal with his parents in 1910 from Sheldon, N.D. where he was born. He married Evelyn Anderson who was born and raised in the Kensal community. Both attended local schools and were married in 1933 and celebrated their golden anniversary in 1983. Their first home was what was then the Ferdinand Wolsky farm now owned by Kent Florhaug family. After seven years a move was made to a farm one mile west of Kensal and the next year to the Zimmerman farm north of town. In 1946 they moved to the Wutzke farm (originally the Thompson farm) and later purchased it. The barn was totally destroyed by fire when lightning struck but no livestock was lost and the barn was rebuilt. Neil and Bonnie Spitzer August farmed all his life. His hobbies are hunting and fishing. He served on the Kensal school board for 10 years and served different Kenneth and Maxine Spitzer offices in the Lutheran church where the family Kenneth Spitzer and Maxine Herzog were married holds membership. July 19, 1951 in Kensal. They moved 31/2 miles -116- north of Kensal on the farm of Ken's dad, Wm. They raise beef cattle and grain farm. Spitzer. While their home was being built they lived Their three children attended and graduated from in a mobile home rented from Halvar Norheim. In Kensal Public School. January they moved into their present home and it Gary married Marlys Hoffman Aug. 3, 1979. They continued to grow as their family did. make their home at Houston, Tx., where Gary is They have six children: Gwen, Linda, Bill, Jodi, self employed with cable television. They have four Paul and Tim. children which includes a set of twins. Gwen and Arlynn Leapaldt and their two sons, Cory married Brenda Vining July 11, 1983. They Matthew and Andy, live in Edin Prairie, Minn. They live in Kensal, having purchased lone (Mucha) are both employed at Honeywell. Linda lives in Bredahl's home. Brenda has been employed in the Fargo, N.D. She nurses at St. Lukes Hospital in nursing field at the Carrington Hospital. Cory farms ICU. She also attends Moorhead State University. with his dad. Bill and Pam Spitzer live north of Kensal on the site Pam married Robert Short June 12, 1981. They of the Witt or Funston farm. They have two live in Fargo. Pam is an L.P.N, at Bethany Homes. children, Ryan and Michelle. Jodi and Jim Bredahl They have one daughter. and their daughter Alissa live in Jamestown. Jodi is The Stangelands are members of St. Paul's employed by South Central Human Services. Paul Lutheran Church in Kensal. and Peg live north of Kensal on the site of the Hans Miller farm. They have two sons, Lucas and Adam. Bill, Paul and Tim farm with their father. Tim Mencher and Inga Stenslie lives in Fargo and is a Senior at NDSU. Mencher and Inga Stenslie moved from McHenry Ken is a native Kensalite, being born on the Fred to the community of Kensal in 1943. Their daughter Spitzer farm which is now Karen and Leland Faye, was a year old at the time. The farmstead on Wolsky's home. He attended McKinley No. 2 and which they settled is located about four miles went to high school in Kensal. Maxine moved to northwest of Kensal. It was formerly owned by Ed Kensal in 1946 with her family Leo Herzog, who Ableidinger. This farm was home not only for was the Soo Line agent for many years. Maxine Mencher, Inga and Faye but became home for five attended two years of high school in Kensal and more members of the Stenslie family: Sherry, taught McKinley No. 2 for three years. Marshall, Rodney, Debbie and Julie. All of the children attended and graduated from Kensal High School. Those days of youth are behind us now and many changes have occurred over the years. Faye was married on October 12, 1963 to Granville Capps in Carrington. They live on a farm near Quincy, III. and they have a daughter, Lori. Sherry was married September 5, 1970 in Carrington to James Anderson. They live on a farm near Herman, Minn. Marshall married Joyce Anderson in Alexandria, Minn, on July 7, 1973. They and their two children Jonathan and Joette live in Kensal. Marshall is employed at the Carrington Hospital. Rodney married Marilyn Krueth July 23, 1977 in Bemidji, Minn. They and their two children Tara and Darren live in Bismarck. Rodney is employed as an Maxine and Ken Spitzer with granddaughter, accountant in Underwood. Michelle Debbie and Julie are living in Sioux Falls, S.D. and are employed by City Bank. The farm was sold to Leland Wolsky in 1981. Mencher and Inga decided that they wanted to Carl and Marlys (Pierce) remain in Kensal and purchased the home owned by Ann Neva. They moved to their home in April Stangeland and Family 1982. They have been very happy with their Carl and Marlys Stangeland moved to the Kensal decision to remain in the community. area in 1962, having purchased the Ambrose Ableidinger homestead land from Earl Ableidinger. In 1971 they built a new house. Marlys has some Kensal heritage. Her father was Marshall and Joyce Stenslie Melvin Pierce, the son of Charles and Sarah Pierce, Marshall and Joyce Stenslie and their two who lived where John and Ella Paczkowski now children, Jonathan and Joette, moved to Kensal in reside. Oct. 1978. It was a homecoming for Marshall since Carl has had a band, known as The he was raised near Kensal. It was a new experience Stringbusters, for a least twenty years. Since some for Joyce who is a Minnesota native. of the members of his band have passed away he They were looking for a home to rent when they now plays with another band. saw the for sale sign in the window of the Dave -117- Vining home. Their decision was to buy instead of She taught piano, was a member of the school rent. board and was justice of the peace for ten years. Marshall and Joyce have similar hobbies which She was the news reporter for the Foster County they have really been able to enjoy by owning their Independent, Jamestown Alert, and later the own home. Remodeling and personalizing their Jamestown Record. home and yard have been on going projects. She was an outstanding builder for the Kensal Part of the remodeling involved providing a community, a challenge for others and faithful to sewing closet and ample space for Joyce to the interests of Kensal. She passed away in 1968. continue her sewing and alterations. This is work which she has always enjoyed. The shop they built has given them hours of enjoyment working on their woodworking, picture framing and upholstery projects. The Stenslies say they had opportunities to live in larger towns but would never trade the type of lifestyle the Kensal community has to offer. John Thomas John Thomas with his wife Elizabeth and family of three boys and four girls came from Odessa, Li Russia in 1897 and took up a homestead in Gladys Thompson Stutsman County, in Durham township. He is the grandfather of Mrs. Pearl Hoggarth of Kensal. Leo Timm Family History Leo Timm was born on March 1, 1891 at Sanborn, Minnesota. His parents were Paul and Wilhelmina Neeb, both German immigrants. Leo was the second youngest child in a family of 15 children. Leo's life as a teenager in the Sanborn-Wanda area was challenging and often down right difficult. Manual labor was plentiful at wages of twenty-five cents a day. He frequently talked about digging ditches, tilling land for water drainage and cutting firewood. However, there was time for recreation and relaxation too. Leo enjoyed playing cards and ice skating. He was also musically talented and Mr. & Mrs. John Thomas' sod shanty with boards played a violin and harmonica. around it still standing in 1969. In search of a more independent and better life, Leo ventured to North Dakota in 1917 settling on a 240 acre farm 31/2 miles south of Kensal. His father had purchased the farm in 1915. Aside from the Gladys Thompson responsibilities of farming he was active in Gladys was born Feb. 16, 1886 at Winchester, township government. Living alone wasn't too Ind. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thompson. exciting and consequently on October 20, 1920 Leo The family came to N.D. in 1899, residing one year married Anna Forsberg at Pingree, N.D. During the in Courtenay, then moved to Kensal to a farm following years they had seven children: Dorothy, southwest of Kensal, now the August Spitzer farm. Louis, Robert, Darlene, Jerome, Leon and Russell. Her hobby was music. She was organist of the The family was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Methodist Church at the age of 14 years. In early Church. years she was a bookkeeper for Watson Stinson Dorothy attended Valley City State College and general store, the Oscar Boyd Store at Pingree, later moved to the state of Washington where she Feckler Implement Store of Kensal also the met and married Melvin Junell. Dorothy has four Farmers Co-op of Kensal. children. She was an active member of the Legion Louis and Leon reside on the family farm Auxiliary, Kensal Homemakers, Royal Neighbors representing the second generation. They continue and secretary of the Kensal Cemetery board. to grain farm and raise cattle. Through the years She served as assistant postmaster under the farm has grown considerably. Hoover, 1907 to 1910, was assistant under her Louis attended Wahpeton State School of father, and was confirmed postmaster from 1910 Science, he is a member of the Kensal School until 1917. Board, Cemetery Board, fireman and church elder. During the pastorate of Father McGough she Louis married Hertha Puhlmann on August 11, was organist for the St. John's Catholic church and 1968. They are active members of St. Paul's also for the M.E. church. Lutheran Church. Hertha is a registered nurse and J.E. Son, Soo agent, an outstanding musician, enjoys gardening, sewing and being out of doors. organized an orchestra, Gladys was the pianist. They have two daughters, Mary and Karen who are -118- students at Kensal School. Their interests are church, sports, and music. Leon spent four years serving his country in the Wr- ***K Air Force. He married Elaine Helmstetler on May 1, 1964. They are active members of St. Paul's W ijk Lutheran Church. Currently Leon is secretary of the Kensal Farmers Elevator board and a member of If iB the Kensal Wildlife Club. He and Elaine are league • * ir-^^J bowlers and Leon enjoys volleyball. Elaine is a B **tu beautician and her hobbies are needle work and • *-4>2yf yard work. They have two sons, Todd and Rory. Todd a recent Kensal High graduate is attending *\3l M'ljfgJM North Dakota State School of Science. His interests are farming, softball and basketball. Rory B { is a student at Kensal High School and he ^ J participates in the church youth group, basketball, I baseball and softball. Currently Todd and Rory are l&w., BB^^^SMJ^I starting a registered Simmental cattle herd. 1 Robert served in the air force and married Helen jilBg Neva on November 20, 1947. They reside on a farm B "^ ] north of Kensal. They are the parents of twelve children. Leo and Anna Timm, Oct. 20, 1920 Darlene attended Valley City College and later married Allan Rask. Darlene lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and is the mother of two sons. Turner Family History Jerome attended N.D.S.U. in Fargo. He married Robert and Esther Turner and a carload of kids Carolyn Hanson. They have three children and live moved to Kensal from Sutton, North Dakota in in Valley City. 1944. Mr. Turner became manager of the Farmer's Russell was born in 1939 and passed away in Elevator and remained in that position until he 1941. retired in 1960. Times were not all easy for Leo due to the Robert was born April 30, 1892, on a farm in depression and other difficult things. A constant McKinnon township that his father homesteaded. challenge to him during the sunset years of his life The family lived in the Glenfield and Courtenay were his daughters-in-law Hertha and Elaine. It was area for many years. their duty to occupy his time which was not easy Esther Johnson was born on November 24, 1896, as they tired before he did. We now feel Leo in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Swedish immigrants thought he had to occupy their time and that later moved to the Sheyenne, North Dakota consequently he came up with many projects he area. Esther came to Glenfield to teach school and needed their help with. As a result many laughs met Robert who was working in a grain elevator. were had and many good memories can be shared. They were married on April 6, 1927. Anna passed away March 21, 1977. After her Their family included Dr. Robert and wife, death, Leo continued to actively care for himself. Eleanor Bentz, a teacher, who now resides in He kept busy raising a very large vegetable garden Eureka, California, where Bob teaches at Humboldt and prize strawberries. He was an avid card player. State University. There was never a family gathering without a good Mary Ellen and husband, Hubert Kulla, remain in game of cards. He dearly cherished the company of Kensal while their flock moved away. Mary works his grandchildren and great grandchildren. part-time at the Cafe and Hubert works for the Leo enjoyed a good healthy life for 91 years and County Highway Department. Their children ten months. He passed away January 10, 1983 at include Robb and wife, Deonne and daughter, Tara. Bremerton, Washington while spending the winter They reside in Enderlin where Robb works for the with his daughter Dorothy and family. Soo Line Railroad. Barbara and husband, Dean Mesmer, who also works for the Soo Line live with their two children, Steve and Jessica, in Glenwood, Minnesota. Judy lives in Jamestown and works in administration for the Anne Carlsen School for the physically handicapped. Renee Kiefel and son, Brock, also live in Jamestown, where Renee works at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Center. Richard and wife, Joanne Juers, a teacher, live in San Diego, California. They have two children, Kathryn, a student at Pepperdine University, and John, a junior in high school. Richard is an engineer for General Atomic. Edgar and wife, Lois Headland, reside on their farm near Bordulac. Their four children have moved Leo Timm family away also, but oldest son Bradley, and wife, -119- Francine Neva, and their two children, Brian and Stephanie, have recently moved to Carrington William and Blanche where Brad works at the Foster County Bank. Steven and wife, Darlene Mucha, and two children, (Blahna) Walker Rebecca and Eric, are finishing up their last year in William Walker and Blanche (Blahna) Walker Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where Steve is a Lutheran lived in Nogosek Township all of their lives. Their Seminary student and Darlene, an R.N. works in a parents both came from Wisconsin and hospital. Steve will be ordained in Kensal on July 7, homesteaded in Nogosek Township. They both 1985. Julie and husband, Tom German, and baby went to the same school. Alissa, reside in Columbus, Indiana, where Tom William and Blanche purchased the Stanley works as an engineer for Cummins Electric, and Paczkowski farm in 1942 and farmed there till Julie works in a child care center. Lisa is a student William's death in 1966 and Blanche in December at NDSU and will be marrying Robbie Schanilac on 1971. Their son-in-law and daughter, Ray and Joyce June 28, 1985. now farm there. Ruth and husband, Dale Hamilton, live near The Walkers also had a son, William, who was Franktown, Colorado, where they work together in killed in a car-train accident in Kensal in December their engineering and land surveying business. 1958. Daughters, Rita and Lori, both attend CSU at Ft. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing, which he and Collins. Gale Blahna did often. Blanche also enjoyed Audrey, a secretary, resides and works in joining them in this pastime. Denver. Robert Turner, Sr., passed away January 5, 1970, and Esther Turner died on July 24, 1984.

Bruce and Ada Tweten The original house on the Nels Holm farm was built in 1882. Additions have been built on the house, but the main part is still standing. After Nels Holm died in 1929, Augustine S. Ekren took over the farm for Mrs. Holm, Beata Ekren Holm. He worked the farm and she lived in the house until she passed away in 1940. After Mrs. Holm died, A.S. Ekren bought the farm from the other heirs and lived on it and worked it Wm. Walker and Gale Blahna until his death in 1961. Augustine S. Ekren married Ada Mae Adams in 1949. There were four children from this union. They are Jackie Lee Ekren Bonde, James Carroll Tom Walsh Family Ekren, John Barton Ekren and Judith Marie Ekren The Tom Walsh family lived in Kensal. Tom was Roe. the local blacksmith. Their five children, Helen Bruce A. Tweten and Ada Mae Ekren were (Ray) Beauclair; Luecille (Harold) Lloyd, Marion married in 1965. They have resided on the farm (Ray) Gulstrand and Stanley all live in California. since then. Tom Jr. lives in Wilmar, Minn. All five are graduates There are five grandchildren born to the four of Kensal High School. children.

William G. and Lena (Vick) Witt William Witt was born in Ukraine, Russia in 1881. In 1915 his brother, Rudolph, and he farmed north of Kensal. They lived on SEVA Sec. 29, McKinnon Township, Foster County. This was known as the a I.C. Johnson farm. He married Lena Vick in June 1925. Their family: A son died at birth; Delores (Mrs. Glenn Hoyt), Wilma, Harriet, and Alice (Mrs. Dale Bergan). Delores and Glenn retired in Jamestown. The Bergans and Mrs. Witt reside in Carrington. House built in 1882 by Nels Holm (1869-1929) Bruce Today there is a new home on this above Tweten now lives here. location built by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. K. Spitzer. -120- Edward and Alice have three daughters. Joann Ferdinand Wolsky Sr. Larson, Valley City, mother of a daughter Virginia, Ferdinand Wolsky was born in Russia Aug. 20, and son Scott. 1881. He came to the U.S. in 1892 and settled in Mrs. Leon Hoggarth (Mell'o'dee) Glenfield, Arkansas. In 1895 he moved to Kensal where he mother of 3 sons. Tory, Culley and Justin. farmed west of town and later farmed north of Mrs. Gary Sorem (Patricia) mother of one son town. Monte, Olympia, Wash. In 1916 he married Louise Braach who was born Edward still does service repair work and his in Chicago, III. but later moved to Kensal area. In hobby is working with wood. 1920 he left the farm and moved into town where he owned and operated a grocery and mercantile store and also continued farming. In 1958 he retired and his hobbies were gardening and playing cards. To this union five children were born. Edward and wife Alice have three daughters. Joann Larson who has one son Scott and daughter Virginia. Mell'O'Dee married to Leon Hoggarth with 3 sons, Tory, Culley and Justin. Patricia married to Gary Sorem with one son Monte. Minna married Larry Stober and have 3 sons, Donald, Richard and Duane. Esther married to Cameron Vosper of Bellevue, Wash, are parents of 2 sons Dennis and Glen and one daughter, deceased. Dora married Dr. Martin and have 4 sons and one daughter. Their home is White Fish, Mont. Jonathan, Timothy, Michael, Peter and Tamara. Edward and Alice Wolsky and Mell'O'Dee, Pat, and Ferdinand Jr. married Dorothy Schaffer and live JoAnn in Renton Ore., are parents of 3 sons, Robert, Mark, Joel and two daughters, Nancy and Jane. Christian Wolsky Family Christian and his wife Louise were born in Germany near the Russian border. From there they moved to Romansdorf in the Kief area in Russia. In 1892 Christian and Louise came with their two children together with both his and her parents and their families to America. They settled at Gillet- Sluttgard area in Arkansas. They didn't like it there so moved to N.D. to a farm west of Sheldon, N.D. In 1910 they decided to come to Kensal. They located on a farm west of Kensal. They also purchased 300 Ferdinand and Louise Wolsky acres west of their home. They remained on this farm for the rest of their lives. To this union six children were born. Minnie, the oldest remained in Enderlin. There were 5 boys: Fred, Julius, Emil, Edward Wolsky Family Walter and Edwin. All are deceased. Edward Wolsky, son of Ferdinand Wolsky and Louise Wolsky was born March 9, 1918 at Kensal, baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church and graduated from high school in 1936. He spent his younger years on a ranch in Montana and helping his father in the store and farming. On June 9, 1940 he married Alice Schroeder of Bordulac and lived on his fathers farm west of Kensal now known as the Kent Florhaug farm. After a few years he moved to the former Gena Pearson farm and then returned to Kensal. Here he built and operated a garage. Seven years later he moved to Carrington and was employed as a TV service man. After some years he moved back to Kensal where he owned and operated his own TV shop. He later moved to Valley City where he was employed at Auction City. In 1978 he decided to return to Kensal. Here he built a new house which had been his life ambition. Chris Wolsky family -121- garage. Upon his return he was hired by the Refuge Edwin Wolsky Family as a maintenance man and mechanic for the Edwin was born at Kensal, N.D. He attended Arrowwood Refuge where he has been for the past school in a country school west of Kensal. In 1931 fifteen years. he married Lillian Schroeder. They farmed by They were blessed with three children. Jay who Bordulac for five years. In 1936 they moved to married Rhonda Kramer and have a son Jason, is Kensal, and in 1942 purchased the Fred Spitzer employed by a Refuge at Devils Lake. Their home farm. is in Devils Lake. They have three boys. Ronald is in the dairy Jeffrey married Nancy Alfson and are the parents business in Corvallis, Mont, and reared seven of two sons, Aaron and Matthew. Jeff is employed children. Jerald works for the Arrowwood National at Pamida and lives in Jamestown. Refuge as mechanic and maintenance man. He has Jayne married Jeff Schrader, who works at three children. Leland lives on the home farm and Leevers. They have a daughter Julia Joan. The has two children. family lives in Jamestown. Lillian taught school for 23 years in Stutsman Marlene passed away Jan. 12, 1985. Jerry likes to and Foster counties. She has taken many tours in travel and drive trucks. the summer. The one to Hawaii was the most interesting. She likes to do crafts, crochet, embroidery and travel. She built a new home in Kensal in 1974. She is retired. For years there were five generations living on the Schroeder side. Edwin passed away in 1973.

Jay, Jayne, Jeff, Marlene and Jerry Wolsky Leland Wolsky Family Leland, son of Edwin and Lillian Wolsky was born in Kensal where he graduated from high Five generations of the Schroeders school. He married Karen Hoggarth, daughter of Ben and Elizabeth Hoggarth of Courtenay, N.D. In 1963 they moved to Calif, where Leland worked as a television technician for ten years. He returned to Kensal in 1973 to help his dad farm. That spring his dad passed away and Leland remained on the farm and has resided there ever since. His hobbies are hunting, fishing and traveling. Karen went to school in Courtenay and graduated from Town and Country Beauty College

Lillian Wolsky Jerald Wolsky Jerald and Marlene were born in Kensal where they attended Kensal Public School. They were married in Sept. 1954 in Kensal and moved to Carrington where he worked as a mechanic in the Chevrolet garage. Later they moved to California Wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Tim Erickson, Leland, Karen, and also lived in Kansas where he worked in a Chad and Lillian Wolsky -122- at Jamestown. She has worked in various beauty I married Bert Kracht, we live on a farm south of shops. Kensal. A part of our house was the first school in They have a son and daughter. Laurie graduated Kensal. We have two children, Karen and Darold. from Kensal High School and North Dakota School Darold married Theresa Hoggarth and they live in of Science, Wahpeton, N.D. as a licensed practical Kensal with their four daughters. Darold farms with nurse and is employed at the Carrington hospital. his dad. She is married to Tim Erickson and have their home Karen married Bernard Hoggarth. They have in Carrington. three sons and live in Grand Forks. Chad is in the second grade and loves to go hunting and fishing with his dad. Carl Wulff Family My father, Carl Wulff came to this country in 1914. He worked in the Kensal area until going to Calif, to work in the ship yards. My mother, Alma Peterson, also came here from Denmark. She worked in Minneapolis for awhile then went to Los Angeles, Calif. This is where they met. They were married in Carrington, N.D. and Carl Wulff and Carl Simonsen made their home around Kensal. They had three children, Helen, Buelah and myself. My Dad was a bricklayer by trade in Denmark. Robert and Hattie Wutzke Many of the chimneys in and around Kensal were Robert and Hattie Wutzke moved to what was built by him. When a new chimney was needed on known as the Steele farm from Woodworth in 1937. the old Kensal school a brick layer from out of In 1941 they moved to the farm which is now owned town was hired. This man built only one part. My by Gus and Evelyn Spitzer. In 1945 they moved to Dad had to finish it. He also built the chimney on Jamestown. the Courtenay school. No chimney was too high for Oldest daughter, Audrey is married to Pastor him. David Ebert and resides in Sealey, Tx. They have My sister Buelah, went to Mount Pleasant, Iowa three children. to work in a news office. There she met and Ardis married Andrew Johnson and resides in married Paul Desenberg. She now lives in Norwalk, Jamestown. They have three children. Iowa with their two children. Lois married George Burger and lives in Dayton, Ohio. They have two children. Delbert lives in Jamestown and has three children. Roberta married Richard Luckow. They farm near Crookston, Minn. They have three children. Robert passed away in 1954 and Hattie lives at the Gardenette in Jamestown. Otto Young Kensal Pioneer Merchant Otto Young was born Sept. 19, 1881 in Germany, son of August and Wilhelmina Young. He was one of five children. His father passed away in Germany and the mother came to the U.S. with her children in 1890. They lived in the Pingree, N.D. area. When Otto was a young man he was employed in Marion, Bert Kracht, Carl Wulff, Wm. Schroeder, Charley N.D. where he worked in a meat market. While Thompson there he met Bertha Zielke and they were married in Dec. 1907. In 1901 Gustav Gunther bought a building which was the first blacksmith shop. He later removed the building to make room for his new market. Otto worked for Gunther in the meat market until 1920 when he purchased the store, which became a combination meat market and grocery store. Five children were born to the Youngs. One daughter, Leona died at age 9. Helen Young Pugh lives in Reseda, Calif. She graduated from Kensal High school in 1926, and went to Mankato Business College for a year. In Chicago she worked Carl and Alma Wulff as a private secretary for an insurance company -123- and was married to Orville Pugh in 1935 in the Lutheran Church in Kensal by Rev. Wm. Kupsky. Arlean, after graduation, went to Jamestown for employment. She married Tom McDougall. They live in Grand Forks, and have two sons, Dan and Douglas. Douglas lives in Grand Forks with his wife and son. Dan is a Lutheran minister in a parish in Arkansas. Otto, better known to his friends as Butch, built a reputation in the meat and sausage business and became well-known for his "hot" bologna. It sold 3 rings for 25c. Kensal people knew the days (Thursdays) when Butch was making bologna and made a habit to buy it when hot and eat it for if" J- lunch. Many rings of bologna were sent to our L-R, Wanda, Bradley, JoAnn, David, Brenda Vining servicemen as a treat. Railroad men would hop off the train to get Butch's bologna. He had a great compassion for people and in the lean years he Mr. & Mrs. David helped many a needy soul by a kindly deed. Prior to becoming ill with cancer, a son-in-law, Zimmerman & Family Bud Pugh was associated in Otto's business. Otto Mr. and Mrs. David Zimmerman and family came passed away at age 66, Nov. 1, 1947. Shortly after, to N.D. from Blackduck, Minn, in March of 1918 and the business was sold to Ward Barden who in turn settled on a farm 3 miles north of Kensal which he sold it to Clarence Nogosek. Mrs. Young sold the had purchased in partnership with his brother Dr. family home and moved to Jamestown to be with Samuel Zimmerman of Valley City, N.D. They had Lester and Arlean. Later in life she moved to Grand four children; Walter, Ruby, Lloyd and Ruth. They Forks and spent most of her time with Arlean. She attended the country school and Kensal High passed away Jan. 27, 1984 at a Nursing Home School. Walter went to Portland, Oregon and where she had spent her last 8 months. The passed away in 1975. Lloyd went to Poplar, Youngs are both buried in the Kensal cemetery. Montana where he had a grocery store for many Helen Young Pugh lives in Reseda, California. years. Three years ago he sold his property at After her marriage to Orville they bought a mobile Poplar and moved to Hiawatha, Kansas with his home and traveled before settling in California. family and built a new home there. He passed away They had one son, Randy, living in Cal. Orville in 1982. Ruth married Chester Nelson and lived passed away in 1982. Helen is retired but still north of Kensal on farm. She passed away in 1940 enjoys traveling. Vernon, Lester Young, and Orville leaving two little sons Royce and Bryce. Ruby Pugh all entered the service. When they returned married Glenn Burleson and has lived here home Vernon married Betty Brown, has 5 children continuously. The Zimmermans were very active in and lives in Oshkosh, Wise. Lester is married to the community affairs. Mr. Zimmerman served on the former Bernice Kokott, live in Littleton, Col. and school board and township boards. Mrs. have 3 children. Zimmerman passed away in 1926 and in 1930 he Footnote: We the "Youngs" feel very honored to moved back to Blackduck, Minn, where he passed have had a good life in Kensal and appreciate very away in 1969. much adding the Young history in your book. While in Kensal we appreciated the good life in Kensal with good family and church support. We are truly proud of our heritage. David and Joann (McGuire) Vining David and JoAnn Vining moved to Kensal in May 1968. David started Vining Oil Company at that time. He took over the Standard Oil bulk station from his father-in-law, Joe McGuire. Vinings have three children. Brenda married Cory Stangeland in July 1983. She is employed at the Carrington Hospital. Bradley lives in Jamestown. He married Kari David Zimmerman farm home in 1918 Dahlen in March 1983. He works for Vining Oil. Their daughter is named Ashley Lynn. Wanda is a senior at Kensal High School. The Vining's home was built in Kensal the summer of 1978 on First Avenue. The basement is On the following page is a list of the a wood structure, the first wooden basement constructed in Kensal. residents of Kensal, 1985. -124- Ableidinger, Margaret Herzog, Ethel Kulla, Hubert and Sabinash, Ray and Mary Ellen Joyce Ableidinger, Kent and Hoggarth, Vern and Irene Mark Lyla Kulla, Herman and Jean Mike Lewis Hoggarth, Mathilda Kim Karen Schrade, Al and Sorlie Anderson, Verna Hopkins, Agnes Scott Schrade, Lawrence and Bata, Alvina Hoyt, Cliff and Alana Lampert, Gorden and Adeline Damon Sally Bata, Gary and Loretta Cory Schroeder, Alberta Kayley Lipetzky, Cletus and Blahna, Gaylord and Karen Schweigert, Elmer and Gladys Janes, Charlotte Bradley Jean Sunday Michael Pamela Borah, Al and Winnifred Tanya Cary Lipetzky, Kevin Simonsen, Wendell and Connell, Derald and Sally Karen Jorgenson, Anna Liudahl, Harold and Danny Agnes Simonsen, Darci and Douglas Karn, Carroll and June Jacki Duane Liudahl, Keith Karn, Ruby Somsen, Jim and lone Bower, Louis and Mae Mack, Tillie Ryan Kenna, Beth Rickie Bredahl, Gordon and McGuire, Joe and Kate Ronnie lone Kinzler, Jay and Collette Kelly Messmer, Robert and Spenst, Betty Bredahl, Susan Dionne Norma Darin Theresa Wade Burleson, Ruby Kollman, Lloyd and Gail Connie Candice Nathan Kelly Busche, Bill and Ann Lloyd Jr. Darin Spitzer, August and Billy Prentice Evelyn Miklas, Laura Carlson, Josephine Kollman, Stanley and Spitzer, Sandra Lorraine Miller, John DeVillers, Kenneth and Brenda Spitzer, Quentin and Lynn Harriet Scott Nannenga, Carl and Lisa Shelly Stacy Eriksen, Marie Kracht, Derald and Melody Tanya Karen Kyle Jennifer Florhaug, Mary Kim Brandon Lisa Nelson, Selma Florhaug, Roger and Tina Stangeland, Cory and Nadine Rae Ann Neva, Louis and Patty Brenda Matthew Beth Jennifer Kracht, Janelle Cindy Stenslie, Marshall and Daniel Lee Deann Joyce Missy Nogosek, Leonard and Jonathan Fredrickson, Erma Beverly Betty Joette

Haugen, Margaret Krubeck, Paul and Olson, Jean Stenslie, Mencher and Louise Dawn Inga Haugen, Marvin and Audrey Kulla, Dorothy Paczkowski, Elliott and Vining, Dave and Joann Mary Wanda Hall, Pat Kulla, Matt John Bert Carinna Wolsky, Edward and Patrick Kulla, Pete and Jane Alice Debby Pitra, Francis and Irene Wolsky, Jerry Harding, Francis and Ruth Margaret Randall, Steve and Wolsky, Lillian Carol Kulla, George and Karen Zerr, Allan and Diann Deedra Margie Darin Janelle Dustin Zerbes, Henry -125- ••J i frJw*\jMt,t \A IVI Goose hunt in 1950s, Merlin Johnson, Bill Lucas, Jake Schlick, Pete Kulla, Gale Blahna, Stack Kulla. Duck Hunters, Joe McGuire, Elmer Nogosek

Trapped foxes in 1950 by Gale Blahna

Fishermen, Pete Simonsen, Bud Mucha, Gale Blahna, Leo Herzog, Louie Bower, Elmer Nogosek

Gale Blahna and Buck (husky dog)

Gale Blahna and Brother-in-law and deer got in 1933

Goose hunters in the 1950s. L-R: Merlin Johnson, Bill Lucas, Jack Schlick, Pete Kulla, Gail Blahna, Stanley Kulla, and Andrew Petrick in back Gale's hunt in Alaska 1960 -126- West side of main street Gale Blahna's hunt in Alaska 1960 . . V-t-^r- 5*4 * "- * * ''• "1 i '- '•'

Winter Storm Dwain Ableidinger trapped these animals 1979-80 pj \W>***f?V r*"^ toS^ "i_5—i.• £-:*«• 4- ... %P*^W HHH ..te—r-^iiii'wi^ *•* RTi» r*Sv \ v j£ ***- i •"^te:—**-'

»' \' Kensal N.D. Looking Northwest from elevators, 1910

Garfield Johnson's bar, north half of Harold's Dept Store

Kensal Bank Bldg., Telephone Office & Presnall Kensal hotel 1892 original, built addition a few Variety Store, Dr. Lonstreth's Office years later -127- Old and New Farming

Cutting grain in 1918 Leo Timm's first tractor

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» , '1» "* «K ' W^sim :^^*^L * i $i ' / Small combine 1966 Modern tractor

Threshing grain in 1917

Glenn Ableidinger's combine

Threshing wheat Harvest '84, storm a coming -128- Farms and Homes 1985

Bruce and Ada Mae Tweten farm

jppp^^p^^ WH*- cz *r" John Paczkowski home today >>"*2f-'Tl^are-?mm- ^~ Gorden Lampert Jr. farm

Ray Holm Farm

Kenneth & Maxine Spitzer's home today

Gerhard Bata Farm today

Farm home of Pete & Lois Florhaug today

Roy Lipetzky farm now Vern Hoggarth Home today -129- David Vining house in Kensal today

Home of Earl & Margaret Ableidinger

f llll 1 I i ;«M .... * This is the home of Agnes and Ray Hopkins, March 1933

•JJ.J-: ———a-. Art Spitzer farm, now Lester (son), 1950

Dwain Ableidinger home Gorden Lampert home -130- Old Homes

Old Frank Smith house The house that was on the farm Roy bought, known as the Old Koenig farm, 1952 faj^cuJ)^^ S&JT^^ Amanda and Eva Hoggarth

Bucephalia School Gena Pearson's home

Leo Timm farm, 1915

Was Gladys Thompson's house

Was Vince and Irene Ableidinger's house

Joe and Helen Kramer puchased this home from Victor Lonski Magdalene Nogosek's home -131- »«t A Things washed the LAUN-DRY-EITE Way COttlC OUt MOTOR withafl the buttons on OULDN'T you like an electric Wwashing machine that does not smash norpulloffbuttons ? Wouldn't you like to enroll among those who don't have to match, to buy, or to sew on buttons alter washday ? Vet this is only one of many advantages exclusive with the Lann-Dry-Ette electric washing machine which has no wringer and needs none. To make clothes wringer-dry after washing, IAun-Dry-F.tte users simply press a pedal ami turn a switch and the whole tuhful is whirled wringer- dry in one minute by centrifugal force. Centrif­ ugal force is the gentlest and most scientific method of extracting water; it cannot harm the most delicate fabrics and its use permits the hutn-Dry-Ette to wash even the heaviest articles \'o time lo

OBMWL K»sy to run and dean. Skim* warm or cold mSk. Different from picture which shows large sixe electric washing machine eaay running N«w L. S. Modal. WASHES AND DRIES WITHOUT A WRINGER . WmUrm tittrntnu from Wetter* KHmis MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN 'I' Write today for free catalog. AMERICAN SEPARATOR CO. THE SELBY SHOE CO. ^o* JIM- Bainbrldge. N. T. 133 Seventh St. Portsmouth, Ohio Makers of women's fine shoes , ^Uh for more than forty years •\3 3 ^7, M I Keep Sweet BOSS OIL-AIR STOVE Built to Save Fuel The Boss pays for itself in a short time. The intense, £,Wr*tt>MC is a •mooth *•>'*• unecented rresro- loothim clean, blue-flame plays right end •Jiti»ri>Uc. against the cooking vessel. It n*utr»]i»e» «H bodilf odor*; gives that freeh-from-the-bath Cooks quickly with less oil. eweetneea throughout the day ftnd nisht. No loss of heat nor blacking Juat [.at a little under anna, of pans. Patented OIL-AIR on feet. etc. Hannleaa to clothing and akin. burner is regulated by posi­ At DRUG and DEPT. STORES tive indicator which controls 28c and SOc A JAR EVERWEETC... DMI. *-l size of flame. 62CllffSt..Neataik Equipped with rollers— easy to move. 210,000 in use. 2, 3, 4 or S burner mod­ els with or without high shelf. Nearest dealer's name upon No. request. Send for booklet. 28244 Good territories open for progressive dealers. Write. THE HUENEFELD COMPANY Established 51 Years. CINCINNATI - - OHIO

-132- To make a good r'cord great, play it on the Columbia Grafonola. 9°itl

Suspender Waists Kazoo Suspender Waists, by prop­ erly distributing the weight of clothing without undue pull or strain, tend to prevent stooping shoulders. Romping boys and girls should all wear the Kazoo—it's so comfortable. The sizes are 4 to 18 years. The price of the Kazoo is now 75c. or leather trimmed $1.00—20c extra in Canada. You cau buy the Kazoo at all srood stores. Ju case you cannot get just the Kazoo you want, order direct, giving: name of nearest dealer. If you do not like the Kazoo we will return the full price you paid for it. s You will be glad to see our booklet " T/ie Right Way to Dress Kiddies." Just tell us you want it—there is no charge. THE HARRIS SUSPENDER COMPANY Dept. E, 694 Broadway at 4th St., New York \°m

TftAOC MARK

'TheSchufmaaG./ntJIemi

Sturdy, mannish, modish clothes with all the swagger of man-tailored garments, yet deftly touched with awinsome feminine grace! Style and service are the strong points of, the MARY RUFFIT line. Every gar­ ment ^SurrW/vSJ'-processed—in all the most wanted colors. Rain or shine, MARY RUFFIT CLOTHES bear alike the test of storm and style. I Q. i f-$ Your dealer can supply you. Or turtle for our catalog. THE SCHULMAN CO., Inc. 151 West 26th Street New York s ; ;r gen ••..•"^^^.' l'"7^ £T*TT."~'"""S'7r ' •JKafV'.iifcrau .. ^.W

Model No. 540. The "De, Rio.'"'' What is more (harm­ ing than this (lever (ombina- tion of brown calf vamp topped with field-mouse brown kid ?

Model No. SOS. The "Com­ Mode! Ne. 533. The "Cerei." bination.** Yuu will find a In either the golden brown fly -rrit.ible itorthouse of (omfort the harveit, or in ht.it i glared in the broad ball and mug' kid, this (harming model it fitting heel and instep if this equally appealing ample model.

PIQTE DRESS FOI A CHILD OF FOUR OR .SIX YEARS

-133- '"~^m^ ...... #•"> 'v..'*-. 7 *11

; Mr. & Mrs. Doc Longstreth, Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Nichols, Tornado of '57, barn down for the second time, Mr. & Mrs. Eric Christensen, Mr. & Mrs. A.C. Vincent Ableidinger barn Nelson, at Arrowwood Lake

After the snowstorm

Alma Wulff, Alice Mead, Gena Pearson, Christine Christensen, Betsy Frederickson, sitting, Gabriel Fredrickson, Signe Johnson U Vi^A'v ' .JksV • JK^ESHB* ,s ."fJS'.'

L£ ^ ^ €' r? em B • i

u If 1 I J-'^u • iJi Kristi Hoggarth and her horse Coffee party at Mrs. Tom Nihill'sml home, Mrs. Tom Nihill, Mrs. Jens Pedersen, Mrs. Fred Partlow, Mrs. Pete Dahl, Mrs. Chris Eriksen, Mrs. O.K. Ronholm, Mrs. Wulff, Mrs. Garfield Johnson, Alice Christensen

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•• 0 . ^_ McKinley School May 1st snow, 1948 -134- Standing: Don Clancy, Cliff Collison, Class of 1927, top row: Anna Wulff Neva, Eva Lloyd Beattie, class geo. Keifler. Sitting: Arnold G., advisor - Florence Matheney, Darlene Zollner, Edith Albaugh, Charley Collison Clara Ronholm Martineau, Dagney Wulff Clise, Bill Schroeder, Douglas Snow, Clive Zollner, Eldon Longstreth, Lance Blahna

1927 or 1928. Clair Christensen, Warren Nye, Ervin Larsen, George Horesji, Dwain Ableidinger, Grace Romelfanger, Erma Koves, June Fredrickson, Mildred Bower, Ursula Paczkowski, Ruth Bartosh, Evelyn Anderson, Olga Spitzer, Emma Ronholm, Wilma Pitra

Kensal, N.D. 1912 -135- Madge Nihill, Lona Ashley, Alice Morris, Ellen, June Knudson, Lucille Walsh, Irene Peterson

""SHE' '^Kf^Kms^mwSi - - -n«|- — -

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Ruby Frederickson Hamann, Elizabeth Nichols Payne, Coach Florence Matheney, Pauline Florhaug Kruger, Lona Ashley McClernan, Louise Christensen, Lucille Walsh Lloyd, Buelah Frederickson Callahan

Myri'/e Erickson Pewe, Dorothy Johnson Krubeck, Eleanor Riebe Ahler, Fern Bower Sweet, Coach Pauline Flaten, June Frederickson Knutson, Gerta Christensen, Ruth Bartosh Swien, Alice Dahl Christensen

Piper-Howe Lumber Company, Kensal, N.D. 1915 -136- The Kensal School Band, front row • Byron Burleson, James Neva, Lary Pederson, Margaret Neva, Noel Friday, Harry Sherlock, Phyllis Fredrickson, Janice Neva, Blaine Burleson, second row - James Sherlock, Neil Spitzer, Leland Wolsky, Irene Karn, Karen Burleson, Shirley Fredrickson, Fern Hoggarth, Patricia Krubeck, Yvonne Friday

Kensal School Band 1985

1912, Street in Kensal looking east from the Methodist Church -137- This dwelling was built by Sam Shockley and was built about the first of the 20th century around 1902 or 1903. My (Lee Ferguson) earliest recollection was when L.A. and Ida Dunnum lived there. Joe and Kate McGuire are the present occupants. This dwelling is located on Kensal's north main street.

This is an early photo of the first business built in Kensal, built by Sam Shockley, who is pictured at the southeast corner of the building. There are numerous others pictured that are not identified. Feckler and his two partners a Mr. Braun, who had three sons that attended the Kensal School and John Lonski, who is more or less familiar in Kensal, a son Harry (Jerome) and two daughters, Martha and Florence are still around. Wooden sidewalk along the front of this building and all the way north along main street. This building was the only building left after the disastrous fire destroyed all the other buildings north along main street clear up to the next street (Church Street). This building was destroyed by fire and replaced by the new Kensal Fire Hall in 1984. -138- Printed By Two Rivers Printing, Inc. Jamestown, North Dakota