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be382c633ca9161dc5637575dc77c497
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE SADDLE
By Bea Peterson
As the Dakota Territory became states and the area became more and more fenced in and restricted for the cowboys, the opportunity to roam about at will was gone. Now and then a cowboy or two would put a pack behind his saddle and take off for a visit with friends down the line or across the river. For the most part, civilization with its fences, gates and road-lines, discouraged many a footloose and fancy free puncher from roaming.
The oldtime cowboys sorely missed the good old get-togethers of the bygone days so much that they decided to organize a club. Only those who had spent at least 50 years of their lives around horses, more or less “in the saddle” were eligible to join. On May 26, 1957 the first meeting of the Fifty Years in the Saddle Club was held, with Fred LaRocque and Angus Kennedy as hosts. The first officers were Fred LaRocgue, president; Angus Kennedy, vice president; Andrew Johnston, secretary and Bryant Kellogg, treasurer. It was decided that to be eligible for membership one must have been a working cowboy since 1907 or earlier.
Honorary memberships at that charter meeting were given to the following oldtimers, who had been outstanding cowpunchers of the earlier era. Those so honored were Sam Rhoades of Killdeer; Clint Randall, Williston; Ben Bird, Medora; Martin Knudtson, Grassy Butte; Christ Lee, Killdeer; William Timmons, Waco, Tex.; Richard Moore, Sentinel Butte; Goob Saunders, California; John Leakey, Texas; Dr. H. Anderson, Dickinson; Usher L. Burdick, Washington; E. H. O’Cain, White Earth; Mert Buckley, Mobridge; Alfred Haugen, Taylor; Charlie Davis, Newtown; Bill Taylor, Dickinson; and Shy Osterhaut, Medora.
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FIFTY YEARS IN THE SADDLE
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Bea Peterson
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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THE NATIONAL GUARD IN DICKINSON, NORTH DAKOTA
By Frank Richards
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state,. . ."
The U.S. Constitution
The National Guard (Militia) began in Dickinson, N.D., June 16, 1897. It became Company "K” of the First North Dakota Infantry at that time and served with the First North Dakota Infantry throughout the Spanish American War and the Philippine insurrection. They returned to North Dakota to become a part of the community and to establish the start of their life as an integral part of Dickinson.
In 1910 they, along with the citizens of Dickinson, established a Military Training School, a corporation, which by selling stock and raising money through other means, including a loan from The State of North Dakota, constructed the Dickinson Armory. That armory remained the home of the Dickinson unit of the National Guard until the new armory was constructed, 1972.
In the, 1930's the old armory was remodeled to later become the Dickinson Community Building and still later the Dickinson City Hall. This was made possible because the Dickinson Military School corporation and the State donated their interests in the building to the City of Dickinson, through a WPA grant from the federal government and with materials reclaimed from the old Dickinson High School building.
In addition to serving in the Spanish American War and the Philippine insurrection, the Dickinson unit served as Company “K” of the First North Dakota Infantry on the Mexican Border in 1916 and during World War I from 1917-1919. Later after World War I the unit became Company “K” 164th Infantry. From 1941-1946 they served in the Pacific Theater of World War II. They returned to Dickinson after that war only to be recalled to serve during the Korean Incident, 1951-1953. They then returned to Dickinson and became Company “B” 131st Engineers, 1955.
The record of the Dickinson unit of the National Guard has been one of distinction. During the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection several of its members were recommended for the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration the U.S. offers its military personnel. During World War II the Dickinson unit was part of the first U.S. Army Force to take the offensive. On Guadacanal in the Pacific Theater as part of that force, they along with the U.S. Marines stemmed the Japanese thrust south and began the drive which brought about peace in the Pacific and ended World War II. For this service the Dickinson unit received “The Presidential Unit Citation."
The National Guard of Dickinson has been organized and trained to serve the community of Dickinson and the state of North Dakota with its equipment and personnel as needed. Fortunately their use as a security force for local purposes has not been extensively used. In the state they have been used as such on several occasions. The unit has, however, given the local young men an opportunity to train themselves for military duty so that when they were needed they could and did render more efficient service. This proved to be effective for those who served on federal duty and enabled many of them to serve with distinction. Their training has also enabled them to be of much greater service locally. Hundreds of young men can trace their outstanding service to Dickinson, the State of North Dakota and the United States to the foundation in their training started here in the National Guard of Dickinson, N.D.
“The Militia is certainly an object of primary importance, whether viewed in reference to the national security, to the satisfaction of the community or to the preservation of order.”
George Washington.
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THE NATIONAL GUARD IN DICKINSON, NORTH DAKOTA
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Frank Richards
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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COUNTRY SCHOOL IN PIONEER DAYS
By Millie Knudson Elkins
I, Millie Knudson Elkins, went to Normal School, Valley City, N.D. to get my teaching certificate.
I taught in my home one-room country school, south of Taylor, for three years, 1909-1910-1911. I walked one and one-half miles from my parental home, in all kinds of weather. During the winter the cold and blowing snow was often a difficult experience. I built the fire in a pot-bellied heater every morning. I had brought the coal and wood in after school was dismissed in the afternoon. The coalshed was built on the north side of the schoolhouse. I would bank the fire good before going home which helped some to keep the building warm. During the coldest time the children were permitted to come near the stove and stand there and study.
The door to the schoolhouse was on the south, a window with four panes on the west and east sides and the blackboard was along the north. There was a low platform built along the blackboard for the smaller pupils, so they could reach to write with chalk and erase with erasers.
There were about 20 children to be taught in all grades, which made a very busy day. The discipline of the children was good as they were taught by their parents to obey and country children were taught to work which contributed to good behavior. Once in a while, if a child needed correcting he might have to stay in during recess or after school, when the teacher tried to have a talk with him letting him know he was loved, which generally helped. A teacher's kindness was a big help to good discipline. As a rule the parents were co-operative and willing to help in many ways.
A bell was used to call the children in for school.
There were two “outhouses”, one for the girls and one for the boys. Only one could go there at a time. There was also a barn by the school as some of the children rode horseback.
Lunch boxes and water or milk were brought by the children. The lunches consisted of home made bread, home-made sausage, home-made jelly and occasionally an apple.
It often seemed that the main reason the children went to school was for the joy of recess time, when they played Pum-Pum-Pull Away, Drop the Handkerchief, jump rope or baseball.
Christmas time at the pioneer school was something never to be forgotten. A tree would be gotten from one of the farmers and the teacher and children had lots of fun trimming it with popcorn and cranberries strung on long strings, also chains made of colorful paper Each link was cut by hand and pasted together. There were some candles on the tree, mostly home-made. For the evening program, kerosene lamps were used to light the building Each child had a Christmas poem to recite and Christmas songs were sung together, which required a lot of practice. The parents enjoyed so much to come and hear their children recite and sing. The evening would always end with the real story of Christmas recited by one of the older children. These were times never to be forgotten. There was something about these country schools that brought the parents, children and teacher close together which is not seen in our town and city schools today.
My last year of teaching was in the Taylor Public School in the intermediate grades. I have many fond memories of my teaching.
Written September, 1977, Age 89.
Her final report for school year 1909-1910, Taylor School Dist. No. 3, School No. 2, lists 16 pupils, all grades but fifth.
Her daily program was as follows: Forenoon Session — Opening Exercises, A-Readmg, B-Reading, 4th Reading, 3rd Reading, 2nd Reading, 2nd Reading (2nd Division), 1st Reading, A-Arith., B-Arith., 4th Arith., 2nd Arith., 1st Arith. Afternoon Session — A-B-C-Geography, A-Grammar, B-Grammar, 1st Language, 2nd Language, Physical Culture, 2nd Reading and Language, 1st Reading and Language, A-History, Writing, B-History, Primary History or Physiology, A-Physiology or Civics, Spelling-A-B-C.
There were 30 books in the library and three were purchased during the school year. She taught a nine month term for salary of $50 a month. The list of pupils include: J. P. Anderson children — Emma, Henry and Hans; Peter Christenson children — Anna, Otto, May, Otto and Alma; Millie's sisters and brothers — Knud, Annie, Warren, Roselie and John; W. Lacher children — Joe, Kunie, Magdalene and Balzer.
Information From Stark Co. Supt. Of Schools
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COUNTRY SCHOOL IN PIONEER DAYS
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Millie Knudson Elkins
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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THE BEGINNING OF STARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
By James Randall
Taken from the minutes of a Stark County Commissioners meeting: “July 10, 1883 at 10 a m board met, all present, also the clerk. On Motion School Township, number One (1) was made to consist of all of Stark County, Dakota, west of the west line of range number Ninety Five (95). School Township number Two (2) be that part of the said county between the east line of range number Ninety Four (94) and the west line of range number Ninety Five (95): School Township number Three (3) to be all of the said county numbered on Range Ninety Three (93); School Township number Four (4) to consist of all of that portion of the said county east of the west line of range number Ninety Two (92) . . ."
The county of Stark was organized in Dakota Territory on May 30, 1883. The county, as organized, ranged from the South Dakota line on the south to the Missouri River on the north, to the Montana line on the west, and to west boundary of Morton County on the east, the same as the present boundary between the two counties.
The first school boards were as follows: Dickinson School District #1: C. H. Klinefelter, director; Charles H. Merry, clerk, and B. F. Fowler, treasurer. Gladstone School District #2: Theodore Dunn, director; A. Jopp, clerk, and R. J. Turner, treasurer. Taylor School District #3: C. B. McVay, director; H. E. Vannier, clerk, and William J. Trivelpiece, treasurer. Richardton School District #4: Edward Hughes, director; Carl Liman, clerk, and Adolph Willer, treasurer.
Through the years districts were carved out of the original districts until the 32nd district, Zenith, was created in 1921. In the 1950's reorganization was started in the county so that by 1975 districts had reorganized and/or annexed, until there were only five districts operating high schools and three districts operating elementary schools.
STARK COUNTY SCHOOLS
Dickinson Press Diamond Jubilee Issue and Records at Court House
The earliest report made on Stark Co. schools in 1883, listed 16 school houses in the entire county, with 346 children attending. Besides 16 school buildings, school was held in homes and churches for short periods of time.
School conditions in 1883 were very primitive, according to the county superintendent at that time and there was little equipment available. The teachers were young and inexperienced and few had any preparation for their work. Attendance was poor and school was usually held for a short time during the winter and a short term during the summer. Rarely did children attend more than 12 or 18 weeks during a school year.
In addition to the four school districts organized in 1883, Newport #5, Springvale #6, Antelope #7 and Alpha #8 were organized July 1885. South Heart # 9 and Belfield #10 districts were added, 1887. Elm Grove was established, 1894 and Plum Creek the next year. Versippi #11 and New Hrades (Novi Hradic) # 12 were organized in 1896. They were followed by Fischer #15 Shipley #16 and Garden #17, 1897. American New Hungary (Lincoln) was organized in 1898. Davis Butte followed, but it was in Dunn Co. and is no longer included. In 1913 Farmers Valley became # 19, followed by Scheffield, Stolz and Wildrose. Green River #24 and Grand Meadow #25 were organized in 1914, Scenic (Duval) and Lefor in 1916. Ash Coulee in 1919. Aurora #31 and Zenith # 32 in 1921.
Records show that even as late as 1905 only 53 teachers out of 111 teaching in the county had teaching permits. Yet the children that they taught became community builders and have helped to make the Stark Co. area what it is today.
Much credit for the development of the Stark County school system goes to the men and women who pioneered as county superintendents. They traveled the county by horse and buggy, sled and occasionally even on foot, doing their duty to raise the standards of the schools within the county. The list of superintendents includes; Charles S. Burk, Tom F. Evans, Alice Ellison, Dr. V. H. Stickney, D. F. Clark Suss Finger, Ida Saunder, Delis Spears, Lloyd Rader, Mary Nolan, Charles E. Ward, H. O. Pippin, Leo E. Witzlaben (appointed but failed to qualify) Petra Lee (acting), R. L. Swenson, Mrs. R. L. Swenson (acting), James Randall and Robert Scott.
Taken from the minutes of a Stark County Commissioners meeting: “July 10, 1883 at 10 a m board met, all present, also the clerk. On Motion School Township, number One (1) was made to consist of all of Stark County, Dakota, west of the west line of range number Ninety Five (95). School Township number Two (2) be that part of the said county between the east line of range number Ninety Four (94) and the west line of range number Ninety Five (95): School Township number Three (3) to be all of the said county numbered on Range Ninety Three (93); School Township number Four (4) to consist of all of that portion of the said county east of the west line of range number Ninety Two (92) . . ."
The county of Stark was organized in Dakota Territory on May 30, 1883. The county, as organized, ranged from the South Dakota line on the south to the Missouri River on the north, to the Montana line on the west, and to west boundary of Morton County on the east, the same as the present boundary between the two counties.
The first school boards were as follows: Dickinson School District #1: C. H. Klinefelter, director; Charles H. Merry, clerk, and B. F. Fowler, treasurer. Gladstone School District #2: Theodore Dunn, director; A. Jopp, clerk, and R. J. Turner, treasurer. Taylor School District #3: C. B. McVay, director; H. E. Vannier, clerk, and William J. Trivelpiece, treasurer. Richardton School District #4: Edward Hughes, director; Carl Liman, clerk, and Adolph Willer, treasurer.
Through the years districts were carved out of the original districts until the 32nd district, Zenith, was created in 1921. In the 1950's reorganization was started in the county so that by 1975 districts had reorganized and/or annexed, until there were only five districts operating high schools and three districts operating elementary schools.
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THE BEGINNING OF STARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
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James Randall
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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DICKINSON STATE COLLEGE 1918-1977
By Eva Wienbergen
October, 1918, a new State Normal School opened its doors to 60 students with five teachers and a president. The doors were the entrance to the third floor of the Dickinson Elks Club. The president was Samuel T. May.
The establishment of the institution in Dickinson was the result of a need for trained teachers in the “West River Country” or “The Slope.” According to figures in Dr. Osbourne Belsheim's book, “The Story of Dickinson State”, there were 1,131 teachers in the area west and south of the Missouri River. Of this number only 155 had attended a Normal School, or, indeed, any school of higher education. Of the remaining 976 some were high school graduates, but 303 could not qualify for even the lowest requirements for a teaching certificate.
The institutions provided by the State Constitution in 1889 were located in the eastern part of the state with the exception of the Capitol in Bismarck. The western counties were so sparsely populated that no need was felt for any institutions there.
However, with the completion of the railroad across the state the homesteaders began to take up claims west of the river. Their numbers grew rapidly as branch lines were established. The city of Dickinson was largely a town of buffalo hunters and buffalo bones collectors and a few stores to provide supplies for an increasing number of farmers.
By 1912 the city was growing rapidly. M. L. McBride was a candidate for election to the North Dakota Senate and H. C. Berry to the House of Representatives. Both men were Dickinson attorneys, and both men advocated the establishment of a normal school in Dickinson. Citizens of the west river country agreed in general that Dickinson was the best location for the proposed institution.
To accomplish the addition of another state school it would be necessary for the legislature to pass a resolution to amend the State Constitution providing for this addition. Then the voters would have to give their approval. In the 1913 session of the legislature the Stark County delegation consisting of M. L. McBride, C. C. Turner, Fred Turner and Henry Kline tried to get such a resolution passed, but it failed. In 1915, however, it passed. Now the voters must accept or reject the amendment.
A state-wide campaign was launched by the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce, Alfred White, president of the Chamber and John Orchard, secretary, took active charge. E. L. Peterson, editor of “The Dickinson Press” was influential in getting most of the newspapers in the state behind the amendment. More than 2,000,000 pieces of advertising material including cartoons were issued and over 200,000 letters were mailed to voters.
The campaign was highly successful. The amendment passed by a majority of some 18,000 votes, and the new normal was officially born. In addition to the Stark County legislators P. S. Berg, supt. Of the Dickinson Public Schools, W. L. Richards, T. D. Casey, Ed Hughes and George Senour are just a few of the business and professional men mentioned as promoters of the school.
President S. T. May had many problems to solve in establishing the school. He was a tall, massively built man whose appearance inspired confidence. He could be stern when necessary, but he was very friendly, a good conversationalist and he loved children. Now he could help the children of the Slope by training teachers for them.
Upon arriving in Dickinson, 1918, he discovered that P. S. Berg had conducted a summer session for teachers in which 104 students were enrolled. This summer school had been authorized by the Board of Regents and funded with $1,500 of appropriated money.
Mr. Berg was a great help to Mr. May. He offered the schools in Dickinson for a practice ground for student teachers. They would work under the supervision of the regular teachers and he would act as supervisor and general critic. Both men deplored the lack of training provided for most of the teachers in the “West River” country.
Space for the new normal, hiring a faculty, determining a course of study, persuading students to enroll securing a permanent location, appropriations from the legislature — these were only a few of the many problems facing the new president.
The first was solved by the Board of Regents’ renting the third floor of the Elks Club building at $222.22 a month, the armory at $50 and part of the city library at $66. Lewis F. Crawford, president of the Board of Regents, was appointed to oversee the progress of the new normal.
For a permanent campus Judge Maser suggested Signal Butte west and north of the Dickinson business area. 67 acres surrounding Signal Butte were purchased by the city and county and donated to the state.
The first building to be erected on this she was Stickney Hall, a dormitory housing 54 girls. It cost $100,000.
The first faculty members were Willis Bell, a PhD from Wisconsin University, in charge of education courses; Martha Emry, PhD from the University of Iowa, to teach history and government and to be dean of women; Grace C. Haag, M.A. University of Nebraska, domestic science; Mabel B. Harrison, music and art and Theodora Schmiler, commercial courses. Of these five only Mabel B. Harrison remained long enough to teach in the new building. (Note: Pictures of the first faculty may be found on page 28 of Belsheim's “The Story of Dickinson State.)
Maude Klinefelter, who had been Mr. May's secretary when he was supt. Of schools, Madison, S.D., became secretary, treasurer and registrar. She remained with the college for more than 40 years and was secretary to the first four presidents. She kept all the records, signed all the checks, acted as banker for many students and did numerous other jobs. She was a tiny little woman with deep religious convictions and a determination to further all college activities. Her insistence on saving the tax payer's money sometimes irritated many members of the faculty When one of the professors asked her for another red pencil, she said, “Bring back the remainder of the one I gave you last week.”
Her greatest joy was her little Ford coupe, which she called 'Tony’ Her salary was $70 a month the first year of the college operation, but her dedication never faltered during her long tenure.
The second building on the campus was the power plant to provide heat for Stickney Hall and all the other buildings which were to appear on the Signal Butte and the surrounding acreage.
It was a great moment for the college when $240,000 was appropriated to construct the main building, later named May Hall. When a deficit of $15,000 appeared, the administration was left with two alternatives — either leave the building in a state of temporary completion or raise the money locally. President May asked the cooperation of the citizens. Money collected would be considered a loan to be returned to the donors when appropriated funds became available. Finally it was decided to borrow $5,000 from each of the three banks. Underwriters for the loans were R. H. Johnson, Dr. V. H. Stickney, Dr. George Perkins, W. C. Crawford, Harve Robinson, John Berringer and Dr. Sam Chernausek. Additional signers were S. T. May, D. A. Cutnaw, Frank Whitney, W. H. Blume, M. L. Ayers, J. W. Reed, Dr. A. P. Nachtwey, J. W. Malloy, J F. Davis, George Senour, Frank Lish, W. H. Lenneville, P. F. Berringer and A. H. Deiters.
This action affirmed the confidence the people of Dickinson had in the college and in its president This confidence has continued over the years.
President May died April 19, 1929, but his plans for campus development continued under subsequent presidents. Wings on May Hall added 10 class rooms. South Hall, a dormitory housing more than 100 girls, was built on a self liquidating plan rather than on a legislative appropriation. This was the last new building on the campus for 20 years.
Mr. May not only succeeded in having a fine physical plant for the college, he also employed a superior faculty, many of whom continued to teach at the college until they reached retirement age. The first of these was C E. Scott, who came in 1922. He remained until 1927 when he took a position at the State College in Minot. He returned to Dickinson, 1939, to serve as president for 20 years.
Many of the instructors hired by Mr. May and continuing on under Mr. Scott were pleased that the political strife was seemingly over Some of these teachers were Florence Somers, dean of women, Roland Harding, manual arts, Nell Robinson, English, Matilda Stoxen, librarian, Erwin Hatch, education, H. E. Murphy, science, Harry Wienbergen, physical education, Robert E. Smith, history and Arthur Selke, geography. All of the above served 10 years or more Seven continued until they reached retirement age. This gave the college a certain continuity and a loyalty among the alumni.
In addition to the fine physical plant and a young progessive faculty, a constantly expanding course of study was required to meet the needs of a growing student enrollment. Although the main purpose of the college was to train teachers some typically vocational courses were offered. Model High School, later called Campus High, became a full fledged institution with quarters on the third floor of May Hall. Iver Grindstuen, former Supt. Of Schools, Beach, was the principal of Model High, and college teachers were the critics of the student teachers. Business, agriculture, manual arts and similar courses were included in the curriculum.
One year of teacher training entitled a graduate to a second grade elementary certificate while a two year graduate was eligible for a first grade professional certificate. Most of the one year students found positions in the rural schools of the area. Two year graduates were usually employed in town or city schools.
Following President May's death, Robert E. Smith of the faculty was appointed acting president for the remaining months of the school term.
July 1, 1929, Conrad L. Kjerstad became president. Dr. Kjerstad was a well educated man, having received his M.A. and Ph.D. (cum laude) from the University of Chicago. He was serving as dean of the faculty at Valley City Teachers College. His quiet manners and reserve were in deep contrast to Pres. May's outgoing personality. His greatest achievement came January 1932, when he convinced the Board of Administration to change the status of the Normal School from a two year to a four year college with the authority to grant the Bachelor Degree in Education to the four year graduate. This change greatly enhanced the prestige of the school. Also during Pres Kjerstad's administration South Hall (now Klinefelter Hall) was built, wings were added to May Hall and the power plant was constructed.
It was the great depression and its ensuing poverty that finally brought about Dr. Kjerstad's resignation. With wheat at 32 cents a bushel and cattle selling at $3 per hundred weight the legislature cut appropriations to the bone and Governor Langer cut them still further. The faculty of D.S.C. took a 36 per cent cut across the board. The average salary was less than $1400. Many faculty members felt that Kjerstad was not aggressive enough in trying to get more money for salaries, and that he was not giving even as much as the legislature had allowed. There was much dissension and bickering between those who wanted Kjerstad out and those who wanted him to stay.
Several faculty members moved into South Hall in 1934. Not only were their salaries very low, but for several months at a time they received no money at all. The north wing on the first floor became Faculty Row. In such close proximity arguments over the Kjerstad situation often grew heated. All sorts of problems arose in this rather communal living, and small arguments became mountainous, not only over whether or not Kjerstad should be fired, but who would use the bathroom first. After several months of this some members moved out. Even basement or attic apartments were preferable. Then checks for back pay were issued and Dr. Kjerstad's resignation was announced. In his letter to the board, January, 1936, he stated that he was resigning to take a position at the University of North Dakota beginning in August.
This action should have settled the controversy, but it had quite the opposite effect. The townspeople became involved. Who would be the next president?
Perhaps the best known and most popular man in Dickinson and the surrounding area was Harrison Otto Pippin, Stark Co. Supt. Of Schools. He was an excellent speaker, friendly and greatly admired by farmers and ranchers, businessmen and professional people. His name was spoken most often as the best candidate for the college presidency. A huge delegation from Dickinson hired a special tram and went to Bismarck to urge the board to appoint him. Having no degree beyond the B.A. which he had earned by attending Saturday and evening classes at Dickinson State, Pippin was considered by some (especially by five faculty members) as having insufficient education for president. However, considering all the support given him, the board appointed him. Because they had supported him, many people thought he owed them personal favors. He was urged to hire this person or that. If the position were already filled he would be asked to fire the incumbent and hire the daughter, son or friend suggested. The whole thing became a political problem involving the board members of the legislature and disappointed applicants. Former supporters turned against him when he refused to accede to their demands. His two years as president were filled with political bickering.
The board as a whole had never been satisfied with their appointment, feeling that they had been pressured into it.
During the summer of his second year Otto (as he was called by almost everyone in the Slope) took a leave of absence to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie. During this time an alleged shortage was found in his reports as superintendent of schools. It was said that he had failed to turn in $424 of the two dollar fee charged to those who wrote examinations to qualify them to teach. This apparent shortage was easily explained, but it was used as a reason for his dismissal.
On Pippin's return trip to Dickinson from Laramie (rumor has it) he stopped in Rapid City, where he read in the Bismarck Tribune that he was fired. He turned around and returned to Laramie.
The board was unable to agree on a permanent successor, and E. S. Hatch of the faculty was appointed acting president.
A new board (provided by legislative action to keep the university and the colleges out of politics) was appointed by Gov. Moses. This new Board of Higher Education appointed Charles E. Scott to the presidency at Dickinson State. Mr. Scott had taught at the local college from 1922-1927. Then he became director of training at Minot State Teachers College, where he remained for 12 years. He was favorably known in Dickinson and was welcomed back as president, 1939.
Dr. Belsheim in “The Story of Dickinson State” characterizes Pres. Scott's administration as “Tranquility in Spite of Wars." After clearing up some of the problems left by former presidents, Scott brought about a high degree of cooperation among the faculty. First, he rid the school of five dissenters who had caused most of the trouble before and after the Pippin affair. Two resigned, two were fired and one died.
Financially the school was staggering. More than half of appropriated funds for the biennium had been used or contracted for during the first year. Faculty salaries were low, and the amount based entirely on sex rather than on ability and training. The men received $2000 a year and the women $1800. No payments had been made toward retiring the bonds on South Hall. Unlike former presidents Mr. Scott took the faculty into his confidence regarding financial affairs. This helped to dispel the complaint that salaries were so small in order that the president might have money to turn back to the board thus enhancing his own image as a fine and thrifty administrator.
In spite of the beginning of the war in Europe and fear of the possible involvement of the U.S., the enrollment at the college (including Model High) reached more than 500.
Homecoming, the fall of 1939, was a great success. Pres, and Mrs Scott led the parade on horseback. Both were excellent horsemen They were followed by the chief and princess, Gordon Reinke and Doris Markland, in colorful Indian attire. The “Homecoming Ceremony,” an integral part of Homecoming, attracted a full house in May Hall Auditorium. This was followed by a huge bonfire and a snake dance downtown.
Pres. Scott was a lover of music. The college needed a pipe organ and C E. (as he was known by his intimates) agreed. A fund was started, and with the financial aid of Maude Klinefelter, a magnificent instrument was eventually purchased.
As war clouds darkened, the character of D.S.C. changed. A Civilian Pilot Training program, funded by the Federal Government, was offered by the college. Harry Wienbergen, long time athletic director was named to direct the program. H. E. Murphy and C. L. Woodward taught the ground courses for the prospective flyers. John Worth was flight instructor. Many young men took the course, and some of them enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
The National Guard was called to active duty November, 1940. 13 members of Company K were in the Guard. They withdrew from college and went with the entire North Dakota Guard to Camp Claiborne, La. For training. The commanding officer was Major Frank Richards, son of Wilse Richards. Mr. Richards had been a cowboy on the Texas trail, a rancher and a banker. He was one of those men who had promoted the establishment of the college in Dickinson.
Major Richards and the entire 164th Division were supposed to be gone a year, but their term of service extended over nearly five years. Some returned to enroll at Dickinson State, but some did not return at all, their bodies buried on the battlefields of the South Pacific.
Alpha Sigma Alpha, the first of the “Greeks,” on campus, was organized at Dickinson State, 1941. Leila Woods, dean of women, was faculty advisor of Beta Eta Chapter of ASA.
The enrollment dropped significantly after Dec. 7, 1941, but it was augmented by the arrival of more than 200 men of the V-12 program of the U.S. Navy. The men and some of the officers were housed in South Hall, which was known as “The Ship." The payments for the cadets kept the college alive during the War. This V-12 program was discontinued 1945.
Many veterans returned to college after the war. Housing for them and their families was provided by moving a number of house trailers back of May Hall.
Coach Harry Wienbergen, on leave of absence for two and a half years, returned to the campus. He had served during that time as supervisor of C.P.T. at the colleges and universities of Michigan, Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Athletics flourished with the return of the veterans, many of whom had been on Harry's teams before the war.
The Board of Higher Education voted to allow the teachers colleges to grant B.A. degrees. This was a boom to those veterans who did not want to become teachers.
Pres. Scott was proud indeed when the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted accreditation to Dickinson State, 1947. This meant that the top accrediting agency in the U.S. considered the college among the best.
Scott Gymnasium was built, 1953, and named for the president who had worked with the higher board through three legislative sessions to secure an appropriation. The amount was set at $325,000. The building was found to be too small almost at once, but it was the best that could be constructed for that amount of money.
One advantage of the new building was that at freed the stage and lower floor dressing rooms for the use of other departments.
It was a happy moment at the dedication ceremony when Pres. Scott turned the keys of the building over to Coach Wienbergen. This was the first new building on the campus for 20 years.
Another important achievement of the Scott administration was the Theodore Roosevelt Symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt, who had come to the North Dakota Badlands to regain his health, said many times that had he not spent several years in the Badlands, he would never have become President. The theme of the Symposium, under the chairmanship of Dr. C. E. Blackorby, was “Responsible Citizenship.”
The first lecture in the series was delivered by Senator John F. Kennedy. His subject was “The Moral and Spiritual Imperatives of Free Government.” Scott Gym was filled to overflowing. Everyone wanted to see and hear this handsome young man whose name was often mentioned as a candidate for the presidency. Accompanying the Senator was Theodore Sorenson, whose name became known to all America.
The second speaker was Prof. Howard Beal from the University of Wisconsin. He addressed the 1958 graduating class at commencement. His subject was “Theodore Roosevelt's Impact on American Life”.
At the summer commencement Dr. Hermann Hagedorn talked on “Theodore Roosevelt — His Family and His Nation.” Hagedorn had written several books on T.R. and was considered his finest biographer. The fourth speaker was Secretary of the Interior Fred Seaton, who spoke on “Conservation" a subject dear to the heart of Roosevelt. Seaton planted a tree on the campus in memory of T.R. Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin, Governor of Maryland, spoke on "The Individual's Participation in Government."
The entire project was considered a great success. It had been proposed to the Dickinson Teachers College Foundation board of directors, who not only approved but volunteered to raise the funds to finance the Symposium.
Pres. Scott was honored by an invitation to spend three months in West Germany setting up a course of study for the training of teachers.
When C.E. retired, 1959, age 70, he left a college well organized with definite goals for each department. A banquet was held in his honor in Scott Gym. Many prominent educators throughout the state attended. A part of the program, arranged by Mrs. Francis Ray, depicted the events in Scott's life. It was based on the T-V program “This Is Your Life”.
Mr. Scott died suddenly Oct. 7, 1967. The entire area felt the loss of this fine man.
With the retirement of Pres. Scott, 1959, the Board of Higher Education interviewed a number of candidates and finally settled on Dr. Oscar A. DeLong. They could have made no better choice. At the time of his appointment Dr. DeLong was the president of Mayville State. He said he wanted to come to Dickinson because it had more potential for growth. As an undergraduate at Dakota Wesleyan he had starred in both football and basketball. His first job was at Geddes, S.D. where he coached the athletic teams. He earned his MA. By attending summer sessions at the University of Iowa and his Ph.D. at Colorado State College, Greeley. After some years of teaching in South Dakota he came to North Dakota as Dean of Education at Minot State College. The next year he became dean of the college, Minot, and in 1954 the board chose him as President of Mayville State College. Dickinson was indeed fortunate that in 1959 he was selected to head D.S.C.
Dr. DeLong was a very orderly person. He divided the administrative duties into five categories with a director at the head of each. These five persons were responsible to the president. This distribution of authority worked very well.
A serious problem to confront the new president was the enrollment. If the college were to show progress there must be a continuous growth in the student body. Dr. DeLong wanted every senior high school student in the Slope to know about Dickinson State and what it had to offer. He appointed W. Ferron Halvorsen, director of public relations. A well constructed plan was devised. Mr. Halvorsen, with various members of the faculty visited every high school west of the Missouri River (and some beyond) showing slides and explaining the possibilities students might have at D.S.C. The drive was successful and the enrollment increased by more than one third from 1959-1961. The figures for those years included the students in Campus High. The high school curriculum was discontinued, 1963, but even without the high school students, the college enrollment was 912 for the fall quarter, 1963. Four years later it was 1525.
With a growing enrollment, DeLong was free to continue a building program. Selke Hall, a residence hall for men was under construction, and the library was in the blue-print stage when Dr. DeLong became president. Selke Hall was so named in honor of Arthur Selke, a well known professor of geography who had retired from D.S.C. after 33 years of service. Selke Hall was a self-liquidating project but for the a corridor, making it easily accessible from classrooms. Small faculty offices were constructed on the lower floor. It was a beautiful building and Librarian Matilda Stoxen was proud to move into it She was extremely proud when the announcement was made that the new building was to be named Stoxen Library. Matilda was in the first graduating class of the Normal School. She was employed by Pres. May soon after her graduation from the Library School at the University of Minnesota. She remained at the college for about 40 years.
In all his building. Dr. DeLong arranged to have the lawns around each building seeded or sodded at once. There were no unsightly piles of dirt or debris left at the site. New buildings on the campus seemed to spring up over night.
Housing for married students had been approved by the 1959 Legislature under the self liquidating plan. Dr. DeLong secured a loan, and in 1961 24 pleasant apartments were ready for occupancy.
Money from assessments voted by the students in the 50's had accumulated to the point where a student center could be built. With the rest of the cost met by a loan, the building was constructed, 1963. Here the cafeteria, snack bar ball room, and, with an addition providing for a swimming pool, many student activities were under one roof.
A home for the president was built on the campus, but facing Fifth Street. It was a charming house, and Mrs. DeLong was a gracious hostess. Groups of students, faculty and friends were often entertained there.
1963, the science department moved into a beautiful new building. It was named Murphy Hall in honor of Harold E. Murphy, long time faculty member and head of the science and mathematics division. Murph, as he was known by everyone, died suddenly in 1967.
A new residence hall for women was built on the corner of the campus between Fifth St. and Eighth Ave. It was named Woods Hall honoring Leila G. Woods, who had served as dean of women for 25 years before her retirement, 1964.
The Division of Speech and Theatre Arts under the direction of Bryan Gackle built Sosondowah Outdoor Theatre back of May Hall. ‘Sosondowah’ was an Indian word meaning ‘Great Nights’. Many popular shows have been played there since its opening, 1965.
Another outdoor facility was Whitney Stadium. Frank Whitney, a Dickinson business man, had offered to provide $50,000 in his will for the purpose of building a stadium. The 1967 Legislature appropriated $300 000 provided the college could raise a similar amount. Harry Wienbergen spent most of the first year of his retirement visiting alumni and friends to solicit donations. Eventually the stadium was built, and the football and track teams had a new home.
Two high rise dormitories west of May Hall have been built The first was named Pulver Hall in honor of L. G. Pulver, who served many years as head of the commerce department and as dean of men. Under his direction the Homecoming Ceremonial was presented each year. Alumni remember this event with affection, especially those who were elected each year as chief or princess.
The second high rise was christened DeLong Hall honoring the man whose drive and determination had made vast changes in the physical plant of D.S.C.
While he was working to secure new buildings, Pres. DeLong did not neglect the older facilities. May Hall, Stickney and Klinefelter Halls were refurbished with paint, carpeting and furniture. Much work during these 10 years of building was done by Palmer Aasmundstad, business manager and superintendent of buildings and grounds.
The most recent addition to the buildings on the campus was a new gymnasium. Most of the money for its construction was granted by the federal government. It was completed, 1973, and in December of that year the dedication ceremony was held. It was named Wienbergen Hall. Many friends, and several relatives came. Harry was able to give a short talk in response to all the nice things said about him. He was not in good health, however, and he died March 6, 1974. Roger Huffman, one of “Harry's Boys” succeeded him when he retired, 1966. He was pleased that his ideas and ideals were continued by Roger.
As D.S.C. was known as an “area college”, Dr. DeLong added several vocational courses to the curriculum One of the more important was the two year nursing program. This course has proved popular with area students.
Dr. DeLong retired as president at age 65 as required by the board. However he continued to teach at the college for the next five years. His 15 years’ association with D.S.C. was one of great accomplishment. He set certain goals for the school and for himself, and he did not rest until these goals became reality.
Chosen to succeed Pres. DeLong was Dr. R. C. Gillund, former vice president at Valley City State College. He was more informal than many. He was known all over the area as “Cam.” In an interview by Turner Lake of the Dickinson Press, he commented on both the good and bad things that occurred during his eight years at Dickinson State. In 1970 enrollment reached its highest peak, 1655 students registered for the fall quarter. After that the numbers began to decline until fall 1976, the enrollment dropped to under a 1000.
This situation was due to a number of factors — repeal of the draft law, two year junior colleges in nearby cities, lower birth rates, a decreasing farm population. Decreased enrollment meant a smaller faculty, and several positions were eliminated. It's hard to fire people who are doing a good job, and Dr. Gillund was forced to do so. To many people college progress is measured by enrollment. Neither increase nor decrease in the student body can be attributed entirely to the president.
During the past eight years several positive accomplishments have occurred. Accreditation for an additional 10 years has been granted by the two most important accrediting agencies in the U.S. Accreditation by the North Dakota League of Nurses for the Associate Degree in Nursing was also granted. Implementation of 11 vocational-technical programs, completion of Whitney and Wienbergen Hall, a faculty senate are just a few of the actions on the positive side of Dr. Gillund's administration.
Fall 1976, at the annual dinner for faculty and staff Pres. Gillund announced that he was retiring at the end of the school year, June 30, 1977. He and his wife have moved to California.
Now a new president, the seventh, has taken over at Dickinson State. He is Dr. Albert A. Watrel, former president of Slippery Rock College, Butler, Pa. The city and surrounding area wish him well.
STUDENTS AND FACULTY
It would be impossible to list all the men and women graduates who have succeeded in their lives and have brought credit to Dickinson State. For the past five years, at Homecoming time, certain alumni have been singled out and honored for their accomplishments. Each receives the Alumni Achievement Award. Those so designated thus far as Alumni Chiefs are:
1971 — Durward Balch and Eilard Thompson
1972 — Blanche Harding and William Wiidakas
1973 — Gordon Olson
1974 — Ward Beck and O. J. Baggenstoss
1975 — Paul Ebeltoft, Gordon Reinke and Robert Stranik
1976 — Donald Cuskelly, Eugene Hagburg and Ralph Newman
Each of these graduates has succeeded in his or her field, and the college is proud of them.
It should be noted that the college athletic teams are no longer known as “Savages.” They are now “Blue Hawks”. This change came about when 12 Indian students insisted that the name was an insult to their race and heritage. All reference to the Indian tradition, including the ceremonial honoring the chosen chief and princess has been abandoned and other activities take place at homecoming.
Many students have received financial assistance through loans, grants and scholarships. Without this help some would not have been able to attend college.
Students may choose any of the extra-curricular activities sponsored by the college. In athletics and in music many talented graduates have made their mark as have those in other activities. Election to the student senate is highly prized.
Social life has been augmented by the organization of several national fraternities and sororities.
Faculty members who served a long time will be remembered by many former students.
Among them were Maude Klinefelter, business office, 1918; Florence Somers, dean of women, 1924; Roland Ha ding, manual arts, 1924; Nell Robinson, English, 1925; Matilda Stoxen, librarian, 1926; H. E. Murphy, science; Arthur Selke, geography; E. S. Hatch, education and dean of men; Harry Wienbergen, athletics; Robert Smith, history. These five men joined the faculty in 1927. All remained at the college until retirement or death ended their teaching careers.
Later appointees included Zoe Beiler, art; L. G. Pulver, commerce and dean of men; Leila G. Woods, dean of women; Charles A. Johnson, teacher training; John Thompson, mathematics; Osbourne Belsheim, music and vice president for administration; John MacDonald, science; Florence Tucker, English; Clinton Sheffield art; Loraine Schumacher, physical education. Many others deserve much credit for the success and for the continuity of the college.
In 1978, D.S.C. will celebrate its 60th year. It has changed greatly from those early days in the Elks Club and it will certainly change in the next 60. It has been a decided factor in the growth of Dickinson. Stark County and all of the Slope have benefited. In the state and in the nation it is recognized as an outstanding college.
References:Osbourne T. Belsheim THE STORY OF DICKINSON STATE
A HISTORY OF DICKINSON STATE COLLEGE, 1918-1968.
DICKINSON PRESS — Clippings
Ozzie Belsheim helped me immeasurably in writing this paper.
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DICKINSON STATE COLLEGE 1918-1977
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Eva Wienbergen
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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“DEDICATION AND SURVIVAL: DOCTORS AND MEDICINE IN STARK COUNTY”
By Russell Veeder
Stark County has been fortunate throughout its history to have had such an outstanding array of medical doctors practicing within its county boundaries. The names of many have become legendary over the years: Reichert, Gumper, Stickney Davis, Perkins, Gilsdorf, Nachtwey, and others. If hard work and dedication could mend bones, deliver babies, and cure illness the people of Stark County would unquestionably be among the healthiest people of the world.
Medical doctors like everyone must adapt themselves to the environment in which they live, and consequently during the early years of Stark County the doctors experienced the same hardships which were characteristic of a sparsely settled frontier area. Just as the farmer or rancher covered long distances to purchase his supplies and market his produce, so too the doctor frequently had of necessity to cover equally long distances to reach the people who needed him and also, on occasion, to acquire the medicine necessary to treat a wound or disease. From 1883 onward until 1914 Dr. Victor H. Stickney became a familiar figure moving about the county on horseback. Life was hard in the early years and doctors because of the uniqueness of their profession were forced to face and deal with the grimmest aspects of that life — illness, suffering, and death.
With the arrival of improved roads, automobiles and more rapid means of communication via the telephone the conditions for both doctor and patient did improve, but still leaving home during the winter months could cause serious problems. The Dickinson Press reported in a front page story, for example, that in November of 1916 two Dickinson physicians were driving into the countryside in their touring car to visit with their patients when they came across a frozen bump in the road about four miles out of town. In an effort to avoid hitting the bump the driver swerved, but in the process the car skidded and the wheel hit the bump which in turn caused the car to roll over with both men inside. Fortunately, according to the Press, neither man was seriously injured.
It is during times of emergency that the true nature of an individual comes to the front. This is true for those in the medical profession as it is for everyone else. One of the great disasters to strike the nation as a whole as well as Stark County was the flu epidemic of 1918. Throughout the nation thousands of people died and additional thousands came near death. In Dickinson all the doctors were vastly over worked. In the county it was reported that “you could not get a doctor, and you could not get a nurse. They were all busy!” In Dickinson it was noted that people were using all sorts of home remedies to ward off the disease In 1918 there was no known cure for the flu, but among the medications used was an opium, quinine, aspirin mixture and perhaps a cherry tree barkcodeine mixture. One of the many Dickinson physicians attempting to deal with the epidemic was Dr. H. A. Davis who has been described as “an outspoken man,” a “comical sort of person yet very competent,” and a man who “had his own ideas about trying to stop the epidemic.” Apparently Dr. Davis while on his visitation rounds found a number of people on the south side of Dickinson burning hair, cooking onions, and eating garlic to ward off or cure the disease. On one occasion he entered a house which had been nearly sealed air tight for the winter. Dr. Davis apparently believed fresh air was superior to garlic so he proceeded to kick out the window panes. One old timer recalls that he came down with the flu and that he experienced a paralysis or numbing sensation in his left hand and arm Even though he was ill he decided to go to work and while at work he accidentally cut a finger on his left hand. Because of the numbness he did not realize that he was injured until he saw the blood which he described as initially black in color. Following this his paralysis disappeared and he became convinced the bleeding at least lessened the seventy of the flu.
In spite of all their efforts, however, the physicians were unable to do much for the flu victims. Schools were closed to help prevent its spread, and the majority of the ill people simply went to bed. Perhaps a little whisky, a lot of liquid, aspirin, hope, and rest were the only cures. The doctors and nurses were all overworked, but there was little they could do.
Although the physicians of Stark County did more than what could reasonably be expected from them they were few in number. This, along with the isolation of the population, the distances between farms and town, and the persistence of customs, accounts for the long use of many home remedies and home cures in Stark County as well as for the use of midwives during child birth. In many instances with the case of midwives it was simply a choice between driving five miles to procure the services of a midwife or twenty-five miles to procure the services of a doctor. In addition a number of the older women refused to let a medical doctor get near a delivery.
At the turn of the twentieth century home remedies were almost a fine art in Stark County. These home devices consisted of poultices of various kinds, tonics, plasters, and various herbal teas. One of the most popular types of plaster consisted of the famous mustard plaster where one would mix regular household mustard with flour and warm water to make a paste and this paste was then put over the upper chest until the skin became red. An onion poultice made of boiled chopped onions and oil was another popular type. To deal with infection of a wound or a sore two types of mixtures were widely used. One was a flax poultice and the other was made of sour cream and flour. The sour cream and flour were mixed together to form a soft dough which was put over the wound. The dough would soften the area around the wound and draw out the infection. In addition, a whole host of other remedies found widespread use. Goose lard and chicken fat provided common ingredients. Some insisted that the best method of treating a cold was pure alcohol, and drinking red liniment which was purchased from the Watkins man and mixed with milk would cure the flu. For head lice kerosene worked as well as anything. Cooked onions mixed with sugar as well as honey mixed with lemon juice were used for coughs. For a sore throat the neck was wrapped with bacon and turpentine. The throat would probably be burned to the blistering stage from the turpentine, but the soreness was supposed to disappear. Flax seed tea made by placing a teaspoon of flax seed in a quart of water and boiling into a thick syrup was also an effective home remedy for many ailments. Then in the spring of the year to aid the body for the change in season herbal tea or a molasses and sulphur mixture were considered by many to be good tonics.
Stark County, since the coming of its first medical doctors in the late nineteenth century, has been afforded the best of medical care. The physicians who lived and worked in the county have given much of themselves to make the county an exceptional place to live and to raise a family.
The above story is based on information gleaned by the author from the Dickinson Press, the Stark County Historical Society's Oral History Project, and a research seminar paper written by Robert Schaible for Dr. Alice Tirrell.
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“DEDICATION AND SURVIVAL: DOCTORS AND MEDICINE IN STARK COUNTY”
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Russell Veeder
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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HISTORIC TOWNS AND STATIONS OF STARK COUNTY
Adobe Walls Station: The eighth relay station on the overland mail route from Bismarck to Fort Keogh, Mont. It was established near Double Wall Creek, 1878 on Sec. 31-137-99; so called for the sod or adobe house in which the stable boys lived. It was discontinued, 1882 with the completion of the N.P.R.R.
Burdette:A short-lived rural post office established in the early '80's on the C. Burdette Williams place, which was near the T. F. Roberts ranch.
Hungary: A rural post office in the south central part of the county established Dec. 28, 1900 in the home of the postmaster, Frank Lefor, who named it for his homeland. It was rescinded Feb. 27, 1901; reestablished Feb. 23, 1906 with John Grundhauser, postmaster; discontinued Nov. 30, 1906 and mail sent to Gladstone.
Knife River:This N.P.R.R. station 3½ miles west of Hebron was established, 1882, named for Knife River, which appears to owe its name to the circumstances, that its valley was one of the more important sources of flint used by Indians for knives arrow points and other implements. Pat Keogh, section foreman, with his family came from Swift County, Minn., the first residents here. They lived in a portable wooden building, which they sodded up for warmth in the winter, Charles Krauth and Ferdinand Leutz, July 1883, erected and operated the first store in which the post office was established Jan. 14, 1885 with Charles Krauth, postmaster; discontinued Oct. 22, 1885 and mail sent to Hebron.
Lehigh: Established in Sec. 8-139-95 in 1883; named for Lehigh, Pa., both being coal mining towns. F. Reilley opened the first coal mine in the early 1880's; soon after 1900 the Pittsburgh Coal Co. operated the mines.
Moltke:On the overland relay mail-stage route from Bismarck to Fort Keogh, Mont., a few miles west of the present town of Hebron on the east part of Sec. 34-140-91, two enterprising merchants, Charles Krauth and Ferdinand Leutz, built a trading post, July 1883. They named their establishment after German field marshal Count Helmuth von Moltke, hoping to attract German settlers to this nucleus of a city. Business was brisk for a short while with the travelers on this trail, gold seekers, Indians, buffalo hunters, cattlemen, soldiers — until lightning destroyed the store and the proprietors moved to the site of Hebron.
Strehlow: This rural post office named for tis township was established June 8, 1894 with Horace W. Smith, postmaster. The township was named for Alfred Strehlow, a local cattle and sheep rancher in partnership with Casper Getz.
Zenith: Henry Truelson, former mayor of Duluth, Minn., purchased a coal mine in Sec. 6-139-98 with a railroad siding constructed to it, which was the nucleus of a railroad station and village. He named it for the so-called “Zenith City” which is Duluth. A post office was established Oct 23, 1903 with Zola N. Truelson, postmaster.
Daglum In 1900 an inland settlement began in Sec. 3 Simpson Twp. In the southwestern section of the county named for John O. Daglum, who erected and operated the first store in which he established the post office Oct. 12, 1906 and was appointed postmaster. The post office was discontinued March 31, 1920 and mail sent to South Heart.
Spalding: A rural post office Aug. 24, 1900 in the ranch home of the postmaster, Peter Kilzer; discontinued Nov. 14, 1903 and mail sent to Richardton. It may have been named for Burleigh F. Spalding, a prominent attorney in territorial affairs, member of the Constitutional Convention, 1889.
From Origins of North Dakota Place Names by Mary Ann Barnes Williams Submitted by Lorraine Dohrmann
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HISTORIC TOWNS AND STATIONS OF STARK COUNTY
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Mary Ann Barnes Williams
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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A HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
By Father Louis Pfaller, OSB,
Assumption Abbey, Richardton, N.D.
STARK COUNTY ESTABLISHED
It seems that the purpose of this “history” of Stark County is to give the reader an overall view of the county and its people, to sort of set the stage for the many family and town histories that will follow. I would like to give you a feel of the land and its people by taking you on an imaginary trip around the county. We are going to commence our explorations by going to the southeast corner. And while we drive to that spot, let me tell you a few general facts.
The county was named for George Stark, an early manager of the Northern Pacific Railway. In the 1880's he operated an experimental farm near Bismarck to demonstrate the fertility of land along the railroad. It does not seem, though, that he ever lived in Stark County itself, though he did visit it.
When Stark County was established in May, 1883, it comprised all of what is now the counties of Stark, Billings, Golden Valley, Slope, Bowman, Adams and Hettinger. But within a few years other counties were cut out of it and it was reduced to its present size: 36 miles long and 24 miles wide, with an extra township on the northeast corner. Its 1332 square miles makes it larger than the State of Rhode Island and 2315 times the size of Prince Ranier's country of Monaco!
Stark County is generally flat, with rolling fields, well suited to cultivation. But there are portions too steep for cultivation: the broken terrain along the lower Heart River, the escarpment and butte in the northeast section, the Little Bad Lands south of South Heart, and the rough lands north of Dickinson. In geological times, the glacier reached only the northeast tip of the county And the upheaval which 12 million years ago produced the mountains in Montana merely lifted up this region and gave it a slope which hastened the erosion of the thick sediments which once covered the entire area. Further back in geological times there were dense forests here, in the midst of humid lowlands. These forests account for the presence of the coal deposits in the county today.
I cannot tell you much about the geology of the region, and I feel more at home in recent history. So let's consider instead the coming of the first men to this area. We do not know exactly who first came here, or when. But an educated guess would place the Paleo-Indian man in the area 10,000 years ago as he sought big game. And it seems that the Indians who lived along the Missouri River came to what is now Stark County a thousand years ago in search of the bison. A modern tribe, the Mandan, hunted in the region for at least 300 years before European man arrived. Later came the Ankara and Hidatsa, and finally the Sioux. It seems that the area was strictly hunting grounds, and not the place of permanent villages, as existed along the Missouri River.
SULLY CORRAL ON HEART RIVER, 1864
Who were the first white men to enter the county area? Possibly the Verendryes passed through here in 1742, and maybe Larocque traversed the region in 1805, but neither of these is certain. My vote goes to the Sully Expedition of 1864, and it is for this reason we are beginning our travelogue in the southeast corner.
General Alfred Sully was in charge of 3500 soldiers in the summer of 1864, pursuing the Sioux. Traveling along with them to Montana was the “Tom Holmes Expedition”, a civilian contingent of 123 covered wagons drawn by oxen, with about 200 men, women and children. They entered present Stark County on July 24, 1864, and we can say this was the first civilian government in the county. The wagons were organized into six divisions, each with a wagonmaster A captain general superintended the entire train, aided by a court to try any cases that might arise, a sheriff, a postmaster and a chaplain. Miscreants convicted of pilfering provisions were placarded with THIEF signs, while the army band played the “Rogue's March.”
As we drive east with ease over the Burt road we recall that on the day the Sully expedition entered the county, 22 head of cattle died of exhaustion in the 110 degree heat. When they reached the Heart River, Sully decided to corral the immigrants and his baggage train, give it a strong guard under Captain Tripp, and strike fast to the northwest and surprise the Sioux. About a mile south of the river we get out of the car and climbed up to some huge boulders to see the carvings made by the soldiers One of them reads: “L. D. Barker, Sully's Neb. Scouts, July 25, 1864”. Then we cross the river and turn into the pasture of the Sievert farm, where the North Dakota Historical Society has erected a plaque telling of the encampment there. We walk around and examine the many rifle pits and trenches, still quite visible today. When Sully set out, July 26, to fight the Sioux at Kill-deer Mountain, he left behind 400 soldiers to guard the baggage and the immigrants. It was almost a week before Sully returned, and in the meantime the corral on the Heart River underwent many anxious nights, punctured with false alarms, and accompanied by much feverish activity to dig more rifle pits.
Even when Sully's tired troops returned to the corral on July 31, there was not much peace at night. One of the officers recorded: “First the shrill yell of a wolf startled the drowsy senses, and then another, and then the air was filled with piercing, harrowing sounds: a picket gun was fired, and then another . . . The men thought they had seen something and fired . . . The firing kept up all night long, and only the warm sunshine of the morning dispelled the delusions of the night."
We will not follow the Sully trail farther, but I should say where it went. After a few days rest, the expedition broke camp on August 3, going west. They camped overnight near present Gladstone and South Heart before fighting the Sioux again in the Badlands.
Leaving the historic Sully's corral, we drive north through farm lands. Most of the farmers in the eastern quarter of the county are of German-Russian extraction. They are descendants of the Germans from the province of Baden, Alsass, Wurtenberg and Pfalz who had migrated to the Ukraine at the invitation of the Russian Czar in the first decades of the 19th century. Those on the eastern border of the county are mostly Protestants, and consider Hebron as their center. Most of the other German-Russians of the county are Catholics, with their centers in Richardton and Dickinson. Some Germans came directly from Germany in the 1880's (Hunke, Rixen, Bleier, etc.), and the German-Russians came mostly in the 1890's.
YOUNG MAN's BUTTE
We are approaching our second historic site, Young Man's Butte, three miles east of Richardton. We drive to the base, and then climb to the top of the highest point in Stark County. Geologists can tell you that its camp of rocks were once the bottom of a huge lake some 40 million years ago. To the Indians who gave the butte its name, the butte had more romantic associations. One legend tells of a band of Ankara Indians who left their homes on the Grand River after a quarrel. When they reached the butte, two young braves were overcome by loneliness for sweethearts left behind, turned about and sped to their loved ones. The others continued and were never heard from again.
A second version of the naming of the butte was related by the Sioux warrior, Rain-in-the-Face. In his story, the Sioux fought and killed a band of 106 Crow Indians who were hunting there. One of the Crows escaped and went to the top of the hill where he sang and danced, calling out that no Sioux would ever kill him. He then stabbed himself. To the Sioux, this act showed supreme courage, and so they buried him with honors and called the place Young Man's Butte. Years later, Rain-in-the-Face, riding in a Northern Pacific train, excitedly pointed to the butte and exclaimed: “Brave Indian! Brave Indian!”
The panoramic view from the top of Young Man's Butte takes in many points in Stark County, including Davis and Dodson Buttes near Dickinson, and even the Killdeer Mountains, 60 miles away. In the wooded escarpment which runs about eight miles northwest from the butte are springs of water. One of these, a mile from the butte, was the rendezvous of a number of military expeditions in pre-settlement days. They were all connected with the building of the Northern Pacific Railway through the lands of the Indians.
ARMIES PROTECT RAILWAY SURVEYS
It took the railroad until 1873 to reach Bismarck, but in the meantime the surveyors were busy searching for a good route west of the Missouri. In the fall of 1871 500 men and 50 Indian Scouts under Gen. N. G. Whistler were sent out from Fort Rice to protect the surveying crew of the Northern Pacific, under assistant chief engineer, Gen. Thomas L. Rosser. They decided on the course at the Heart River as the best route for the railroad. In 1872 Col. David S. Stanley led a similar expedition farther south, and touched Stark County only on the mid-southern border.
The surveying expedition of 1873 was the most interesting, because it was attacked several times by the Sioux Indians. The first attack came at the very start, when 200 Sioux attacked the escort for the engineers near Fort McKeene, resulting in the death of four braves.
The expedition of 1500 soldiers, including newly arrived George A. Custer, and 40 Indian scouts moved west and to the north of the Heart River. When they got to Young Man's Butte part of the troops stopped for more than a week while some of their 300 wagons went back to Fort Rice to get more provisions and whiskey. There was plenty of water, grass and wood at the campsite a mile from Young Man's Butte. Eventually the supply train caught up with the main party in the Badlands. When they reached the Yellowstone, Rain-in-the-Face was surprised and killed the sutler, Baliran, and the surgeon, Dr. Honzinger.
It was no wonder, therefore, that great surprise was expressed when, near present Glendive, the troops saw a small, white-topped buggy, drawn by a single horse, coming over the hills toward the camp. One of the soldiers recorded: “No one could surmise what its business was or where it could have come from, as no such vehicle was along with the command. Soon it came up and it was seen to contain a single man, who was enveloped in a black gown. He alighted, introduced himself as the Rev Father [Valentine] Sommereisen, a Roman Catholic missionary [pastor at Yankton], and stated that he had left Fort Rice on the 19th [of July] and had followed our trail for 260 miles in the intervening six days. This seemed at first incredible, but when he produced letters from friends at Fort Rice, dated 19th July, they were forced to believe it. The brave old gentleman had actually traveled alone over an Indian country a distance of over two hundred and fifty miles, when it was considered necessary to send a force of 1500 soldiers to protect a party of engineers going over the same route He told his story with modesty and evidently felt relieved to find himself safe in a friendly camp” To our knowledge, Father Sommereisen was the first clergyman to enter Stark County.
Due to financial setbacks, the Northern Pacific was not able to resume construction beyond the Missouri from 1873 until 1879. But military expeditions probed the west-river country. In the summer of 1874, George A. Custer led an expedition from Fort Abraham Lincoln to the Black Hills. On his return trip he came through Stark County. On August 25 they camped at Young Man's Butte and buried there Sergeant Henry C. Stempker who had died of typhoid dysentery. Two years later Custer's Seventh Cavalry on its way to death on the Little Big Horn, stopped at the butte and the news reporter Mark Kellogg noted in his journal that the headboard on Stempker's grave was still undisturbed. This first known grave in Stark county was discovered by Major Frank L. Anders of Fargo about forty years ago, but he refused to share his findings with us.
Much could be said about the passage of Custer's Troops through Stark County in 1876, but we will give only the dates and places of the camps: May 23, at Young Man's Butte; May 24, on the Green River, about a mile from present Gladstone; May 25, about two miles north of present South Heart; and May 26, 3½ miles directly south of Belfield.
KEOGH MAIL ROUTE
Less than a year after Custer's defeat, the government built Fort Keogh near present Miles City Montana. Mail service between Fort Keogh and Fort Lincoln was needed, and so in 1878 the government hired a contractor, John R. Miner, to carry mail six days a week both ways over the 310 mile stretch. Since stage stations had to be established about every fifteen miles, these became the first semi-permanent settlements in the county. The Stark County stations on the Keogh Road were located at Young Man's Butte, on the Green River (near Gladstone), on Antelope Creek (near the present airport of Dickinson), and at Double Wall (or Adobe Walls) Creek, in the extreme southwestern corner of the county. In 1878 the Keogh Trail went directly west, and the stage station was at Camp Houstin, the present site of Belfield, but soon the route was changed and crossed the Little Missouri west of Amidon. Settlers going to Montana often used the trail and stopped at the stations for food and lodging. We do not know much about the station keepers, except that those at Young Man's Butte in 1879 were Sherman and W. A. Slater. In 1880 a surveyor for the Northern Pacific, Rufus S. Brookings of Maine established a ranch at the station at Young Man's Butte, and, to our knowledge, became the first permanent settler in Stark County. He ranched there for many years, and was succeeded by Roy Gress, and the present farmer, Ambrose Hoff.
For about five years, until the railroad was completed, the Keogh trail was the main thoroughfare for travelers going West. There was always danger of attacks from Indians, and it became a practice to send along a couple of soldiers to protect the stage wagons. Mischievous whites took advantage of this fear to play jokes occasionally. A. C. Huidekoper relates that in 1881, he and two other Badlands Ranchers, Gerry Paddock and Howard Eaton, came upon the Adobe Walls station, where they mounted a hill, and pretending they were Indians, covered themselves with a blanket and shot a few shots. “The way that driver played his whip,” wrote Huidekoper, “and the way those soldiers shouldered their guns was a caution”
THE RAILROAD ARRIVES
It was in 1879 that construction of the Northern Pacific began west of the Missouri. Various crews of construction workers spread out along the route and began grading and building bridges. There was a large crew out in the Badlands, and another large crew at the mouth of the Green River. It is quite certain that another encampment of workers was on the site of present Hebron, and .. Is likely that another crew encamped at the stage Station at Young Man's Butte. Two settlers who came in 1883, Herman Breum and Robert Hunke, told me that they saw 50 or more log cabins at the station, and enough discarded clothing to fill a wagon box. These may have been left by the soldiers who protected the construction crews Settlers in the area later dismantled the cabins for lumber.
Most of the towns along the Northern Pacific in Stark County were laid out in 1882. The next year the railroad company published a guide, which listed the new towns and gave a description of the advantages. For our travelogue, we will quote each of the descriptions, then make our comments as we follow the tracks.
KNIFE RIVER (72 miles west of Mandan.) This station is situated on the Big Knife River, a stream larger than the Heart at Mandan, which pursues its way north through a beautiful valley, until it finally empties into the Missouri. There are here a section house, water tank and side track. Antelope, seven miles beyond, is also provided with similar facilities for carrying on the work of the railroad.
The station of Knife River was west of present Hebron, near the county line. Two enterprising merchants, Krauth and Leutz, built a trading post near there in July 1883, and they named their “town” “Moltke”, hoping to attract German settlers. But lightning destroyed the store soon after, and the proprietors moved to Hebron. The Antelope siding, a mile and a half from Young Man's Butte later had a postoffice, a grain elevator and a store. None of these remain today, but the name is perpetuated in the Antelope interchange on I-94. Joe Haag's farm is adjacent to the site of the village of Antelope.
RICHARDTON
RICHARDTON (86 miles from Mandan) is a new place, founded only in the autumn of 1882, and named in honor of Mr. C. B. Richards, of the firm of C. B. Richards & Co., of New York, passenger agents of the Hamburg Steamship Line. The town is situated in Stark County, near Young Man's Butte, a prominent elevation not far from the railroad, and the promoters of the place have already succeeded in giving it importance. There are a number of stores, a hotel, a lumber yard, a brick yard, an elevator, a creamery, and building operations are active to supply the needs of a rapidly growing population The surrounding country rolls in regular undulations through miles and miles of fertile soil, offering superior advantages for farming. The soil is a dark, rich and somewhat sandy loam of great depth, underlaid with a clay subsoil, and is well adapted to the cultivation of wheat, rye, oats and barley. To the north of Richardton the country is somewhat broken, interspersed with well watered valleys that afford abundance of wild hay. The small streams are generally fringed with a growth of cottonwood trees, thus making the region admirably suited to successful stock and sheep raising. Inexhaustible beds of coal, which may be inexpensively mined, underlie the whole region.
The Richardton Improvement Company expended considerable money in erecting community buildings in Richardton and trying to get people from Germany to settle there, but after a few years they had attracted only a few families from Germany, and gave up the venture. The Yankee settlers soon left, and in the 1890's the German-Russians and German-Hungarians came in great numbers to homestead around Richardton, and soon they replaced the Yankee merchants in town. In 1893 and again in 1898 a visiting missionary, Father Vincent Wehrle, preached to the German-speaking congregation. He wished to make Richardton a center for missionary activity for all the Germans pouring into this part of the State, and so in 1899 he returned to build the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary's (now known as Assumption Abbey) and soon had a school for young men which was to have great influence in the area The Abbey church, completed in 1908, became widely known as the Cathedral of the Prairies. Over the years Richardton has had a slow and steady growth, and is now about 800 people.
TAYLOR
TAYLOR (91 miles west of Mandan.) This town is surrounded by a wide expanse of fertile country. The soil is of vegetable mould, eighteen inches to three feet deep, with a fine subsoil similar to that of the James River Valley. Four miles south of Taylor flows the Heart River, while to the north is the Big Knife. Both these streams have broad, grassy valleys skirted with groves of oak, cottonwood and ash. Here, too, are found excellent cattle and sheep ranch sites. Many springs of good water issue from the outcropping bed of coal in the bluffs bordering the valleys, and wells give a good supply at a depth of sixteen to thirty five feet. Besides the fuel that is furnished by the oak and cottonwood trees, the whole country is underlaid with a bed of good coal five feet in thickness, which can be mined by digging from three to fifteen feet deep. From the bed the settlers obtain their own fuel at leisure times, highly appreciating so great an advantage. Taylor has several stores and a hotel.
In the 1880's many Norwegians came to this area and took up farming from six miles south of Taylor to 20 miles north. In 1953 I interviewed one of them, Herman Breum. He told me that in the Spring of 1882, at the age of 14, he came to Gladstone with his father, Louis Breum. One day while hunting deer east of Taylor (called Antelope at that time), his father discovered a paradise spot in a tree-filled ravine, with a strong spring of sweet water and coal veins cropping out of the banks. He raced back to Gladstone, tore down his shack and on July 6, 1882 rebuilt it near the springs east of Taylor. Since the land was not yet surveyed he could claim it by squatter's rights.
Another point of interest is a buffalo jump about four miles south of Taylor, where the Indians used to drive the animals over a bluff in order to kill them. Many artifacts have been gathered at this site. A few miles west of Taylor was a railroad siding called Boyle, made somewhat famous by a train wreck there in the early 1900's.
GLADSTONE
GLADSTONE (98 miles west of Mandan; population, 300.) This town was laid out in the spring of 1882 by a colony from Ripon, Wisconsin, near the fertile valley of the Green River. The situation of the town is pleasant and the surrounding country for many miles is settled by the colonists. During the first year of the colony's existence about 150 families took up lands in the neighborhood, and the crops raised upon the upturned sod were bountiful. Near Gladstone are great fields of coal of a good variety for heating and cooking purposes The coal is apparently of a recent formation and emits no smoke or disagreeable odor, but burns like wood and equally as fast. Gladstone has a hotel and a number of stores and shops.
Much history clings to this spot at the confluence of the Heart and Green Rivers. As we saw, both Sully and Custer camped here, there was a stage station here for the Keogh Trail, and in 1879 a construction crew of 75 men used this as their camp for building the railway. That year fine weather permitted work well into December. Some of the workers, weary of inactivity, tried to walk back east to “civilization” and froze to death along the trail. When spring came, April 1880, contractor L. E. Shields brought his bride from Bismarck to the Green River camp, and the newlyweds were greeted by quite a shivaree. Though Captain Nolan camped nearby with a detachment of Cavalry, Indians stole into the camp at night, stampeded the horses and got away with the pick of the herd.
On July 4, 1880, Jerold Douglas was buried with military honors on a knoll near present Gladstone. Only recently he had received an honorable discharge from the army and set out with Ed Donnivan along the Keogh Trail headed for Bly's Logging Camp on the Little Missouri. Ambushed and wounded by Indians, they hid in some bushes and the next day were brought to the Green River Camp by the mail driver. The army surgeon and Mrs. Shields tended the wounds. Donnivan recovered but Douglas died of infection. An early settler, Gilbert S. Cryne recalled: “Some kind hand erected a substantial wooden headboard and burned into the board his name and that he met death at the hands of the Indians.”
Not all of the 150 families stayed around Gladstone, but of those who did there were family names like Kitell, Bissell, Birdsall, Scoffield, Cryne (Krein), Jopp. Letts, Little, Kono and Turner And they named the town after the famous English statesman, William Gladstone. Soon the town became the center of a large settlement of German-Hungarians, that extended north into Dunn County and south into Hettinger County. The German-Hungarians were Germans who had gone from Germany to the Banat region after Austria-Hungary had taken it from the Turks, and is now in the modern countries of Rumania and Yugoslavia. Then dialect and customs differed from that of the German-Russians, and in the first generation in America insisted on their own parishes. This initial clannishness has gradually disappeared, and intermarriages are now quite common.
DICKINSON
DICKINSON (110 miles west of Mandan; population. 400) is a bright new town in the valley of the Heart River, at the terminus of the first freight division of the Missouri Division. It lies in the midst of an agricultural and grazing country, and promises to become a great shipping point for cattle and grain. The ground on the outskirts of the town gradually slopes to the south, giving a fine opportunity for drainage. The buildings are of a permanent order, superior in appearance and construction to those usually found in new towns. There are a good hotel, a large general store, a fine bank building, church organizations and schools, with commodious railroad shops, round-house, passenger depot and freight warehouse. Dickinson will doubtless be the county-seat of Stark County. The tributary country is well watered, and the rainfall in spring and summer is sufficient to ensure good crops. Many thousands of acres are already under cultivation, and there are excellent stock ranges within thirty miles of the town. The coal beds in the immediate vicinity produce a good quality of lignite, and a fine grade of clay for brick making and sandstone for building purposes is found in the neighboring bluffs.
The railway survey of 1871 listed the area as Pleasant Valley, but when the townsite was platted in September 1882 it was named for Wells S. Dickinson, who then managed the railroad lands and owned much of the townsite. The town lived up to the estimate of the 1883 writer, above, and became the trade center and shipping point not only for Stark County, but also of the whole Slope region.
On May 30, 1883, the Commissioners for Stark County held their first meeting. They were Horace L. Dickinson, James G. Campbell and James Collister. Pending a general election they voted for the temporary location of the county seat. Gladstone got one vote and Dickinson two. The board appointed the following county officials: Register of Deeds, N. C. Lawrence; Sheriff, William Cuskelly; Treasurer, E. Lamoreux; Assessor, C. T. Klinefelter; Superintendent of Schools, Charles Burke; and Justice of the Peace, John Nagle.
The first inhabitants of Dickinson were largely Anglo-Saxon and Irish, but soon many other ethnic groups settled on the farms nearby. The German-Russians settled mostly to the south, with a heavy concentration in the Schefield area. Bohemians settled mostly north and northwest, with New Hradec (in Dunn County) the center. Southwest of Dickinson was a mixture of Bohemians, German Russians and German Hungarians.
SOUTH HEART
SOUTH HEART (121 miles west of Mandan.) This station has a water tank and a section house. The soil is productive and farm houses are fast dotting the landscape.
There were three railroad sidings between Dickinson and Belfield which tried to develop into towns — Eland, South Heart and Zenith. Only South Heart survived, and that only after a shaky start. Settlement began in South Heart in May 1881 when William Kennedy came from Minnesota as the first section foreman Later the Monoghan family arrived to work for the railroad. Archabald Morton became the first homesteader in 1882, and in 1883 Bernard Finger took up land, established a store and became the first postmaster. A year later the store burned and with it the post office,which was then set up in the Kennedy home where it remained until 1916 It was only in 1908 that the town of South Heart was platted.
In 1907, through the efforts of Father John Van den Huevel, Gerald J. Perdaems came from Holland to farm a 1600 acre ranch near South Heart. His success encouraged other Hollanders to come and settle in the South Heart-Belfield area. In 1910 bankers in Holland organized the Holland Land Company and bought 27 sections in the area, but the Dutch settlers they sent were not as experienced as Perdaems, and many left the area after a few years, and only about 10 Dutch families remained.
BELFIELD
BELFIELD (130 miles west of Mandan) is situated in a region which is sometimes termed the “Summer Valley.” The Heart River, here a pretty stream, is bordered on each shore with handsome trees. Hundreds of miles north and south of the new town stretches a very fine agricultural country, and its proximity to the well sheltered valleys of the Bad Lands will make it a headquarters for cattle raisers. Belfield contains a church, several general stores, a fine depot and lumber and lime yards. A banking company has been formed, and a flouring mill, a grain elevator and a hotel are to be established. Excellent clay for brick making purposes is obtained in the immediate vicinity, and a brick yard is in operation. Water is found in abundance by digging wells at no great depth. The lignite or soft coal which underlies the whole section will furnish ample fuel to the settlers.
In 1876 a detachment of soldiers under General Merrill camped on the site of Belfield, and the general named it camp Houstin, in honor of his son. The Keogh Trail had a station here in 1878, but soon the trail was located farther south. In 1880 the railroad builders camped on the site, but it was only in 1883 that the town was platted and settlement begun. It was then that the name was changed to Belfield.
Belfield became quite a cosmopolitan town: Anglo-Saxons, Irish, Poles, French, Ukrainians, German-Russians, Norwegians, and Hollanders. North of Belfield and extending into Billings and Dunn Counties is a large settlement of Ukrainians. They began settlement there in 1897 and in the next fifteen years settled much territory up to Grassy Butte and Killdeer. They have brought to the area their beautiful folkarts — handicrafts, music, singing, dancing, embroidery. Deeply religious, they preserve much of the Old World culture in their church service in the Byzantine-Ruthenian Rite.
GAYLORD
Traveling south from Belfield on Highway 85, we come to the Gaylord community, which was a small French colony Determination to continue wheat raising was the occasion for the settlement of the French-Canadians in Stark County. The Fugeres and Dorvals had emigrated from Quebec to Wild Rice in the Red River Valley, but they found the land there too swampy for wheat farming They learned of available land in western North Dakota, and with the aid of real estate men they found land for wheat raising south of Belfield. Some 23 French families settled in the Gaylord area, where they had a store, postoffice and blacksmith shop. In 1912 they built Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which is still in use today. Some of the family names were Sauvageau, Merchand, Leverenz, Le Clair, Cossette, Beaudoin, Bailey and Brunelle.
DAGLUM
Going east and a little south of Gaylord we come to Simpson Township, where an inland settlement was begun in 1900. It was named Daglum for John O. Daglum, who erected and operated the first store in which he established the postoffice in 1906. Many of the Daglum settlers were Norwegians, who had first settled in Beresford, South Dakota, before coming here. They included Halvor, Hans and Ole Peterson, Albert and Ole Burwick and Will Hedge. Daglum had its own school from 1907 to 1961, when it became part of the New England School District. Fires in 1932 and 1957 destroyed the Lutheran Church, and a third church today stands on the site of the original building. Two miles north of Daglum is an interesting geological feature called the Little Bad Lands, covering about five sections of land.
SCHEFIELD, LEFOR AND ST. STEPHEN's
Ten miles southeast of Daglum (and 17 miles southwest of Dickinson) is another off-the-railroad community that grew up in the homesteading days. It is Schefield where the German-Russians once had a flourishing parochial school. The parish of St. Pius still continues today under its long-time pastor, Monsignor Bede Dahmus.
Fifteen miles east of Schefield (and 12 miles south of Gladstone) is the little German-Hungarian town of Lefor. When the first settlers came here in the 1890's they referred to the region as Schnellreich, which means “Quick Rich.” By 1898 they had increased to 42 famines and they built a sod church and Schnellreich became known as St. Elizabeth. In 1903 the crumbling sod church was replaced by one made of prairie rock, reinforced with straw and gumbo as a binder, and plastered with cement inside and out. In 1910 Adam A. Lefor built a store nearby and in 1911 he secured a postoffice for the community, named for the Lefor family. Other businesses were built and a railroad, which never materialized, was planned to run from Dickinson to Lefor and on to New Leipzig. The town of Lefor once numbered several hundred people, but is now struggling to survive as a town.
A good gravel road takes us east of Lefor 12 miles to Highway 8, where the presence of another German-Hungarian settlement is visualized in a modern brick church next to the road. It is named after King St. Stephen of Hungary.
Carl Hamann and other county commissioners viewing early road building.
POPULATION TRENDS
We have made a hasty swing around the county and noted only a few of its features and the people who settled the area. So much more needs to be said, and the individual family histories will supply many of the details. But I would like to make a few general observations about the population of the county over the last century.
A century ago there were no permanent settlers in this county. But between 1880 and 1910 the county and North Dakota followed the pattern of the American frontier states and reached its peak in population. Much of this large population was due to the small size of the farms and the numerous boom towns that depended on the farms for their business. Between 1910 and 1930 the population leveled off, and grew very little, it at all.
Then came the disaster of the depression years. Thousands of farmers lost their homesteads, sold out to larger farmers or banks, and moved out of the state The nine counties of southwestern North Dakota lost population heavily since 1930, though Stark County fared better than the rest. While many people in southwestern North Dakota moved out of the state, many left the farms to seek employment in the evergrowing trade center of Dickinson. Many children and grandchildren of the county's pioneers are now in such places as Dickinson and Bismarck as auto-dealers, merchants, plumbers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, secretaries and nurses. We have prepared a chart comparing the populations of the nine counties which trace the population shift:
County: Population 193 0 Population 19 70 Percent of Change 1930-1970 Average 1950 Farm Acres 1969 Percent of Change 1950-1969
Adams 6343 3832 – 39.6 956 1281 + 34
Billings 3140 1198 – 61.8 980 1430 + 46
Bowman 5119 3901 – 25.8 1253 1789 + 43
Dunn 9566 4895 – 48.8 1063 1756 + 65
Golden Valley 4122 2611 – 36.7 1133 1710 + 51
Hettinger 8796 5075 – 42.3 828 1183 + 43
McKenzie 9709 6127 – 36.9 967 1321 + 37
Slope 4150 1484 – 64.2 1340 1757 + 31
Stark 15340 19613 + 27.9 711 947 + 43
Within Stark County the incorporated towns (Lefor is not included) have had their ups and downs. What the development of coal energy will do to the size of the towns is a matter of conjecture, but the following chart with its projection to 2000 A.D. should prove interesting to the various towns. Keep this chart, and in 2000 see if the projection was accurate:
POPULATION OF THE TOWNS IN STARK COUNTY
Town 1930 1970 Percent of Change 1930-1970 *Projected Increase by 2000 A.D. Total Population by 2000 A.D.
Belfield 650 1130 + 51.3 3581 4711
Dickinson 5025 12405 + 59.5 26991 39196
Gladstone 290 (ca.) 222 – 30.7 274 496
Richardton 710 799 + 11.1 935 1734
South Heart 324 132 – 145.4 103 235
Taylor 263 162 – 62.3 103 265
* The projection is based on the drawing power of the towns to attract population during the development of coal energy in the area. The present size of the town and its nearness to the coal fields would determine its power to attract population during the development of coal energy in the area. The present size of the town and its nearness to the coal fields would determine its power to attract population. This information is taken from the study by Earl E. Stewart and Dr. Robert E. Stewart, Little Missouri Grasslands Study: Southwestern North Dakota, N.D.S.U., 1974.
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A HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
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Father Louis Pfaller, OSB
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Stark County Heritage and Destiny
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Narratives from Stark County Heritage and Destiny, Published by the Stark County Historical Society in 1978
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY COURT HOUSE
From Records of Fred Corkery and a Clipping From Dickinson Press, July 2, 1957.
The building which housed the Dickinson Press was used for our first court house until the building could be built for $15,000 in 1886. The corner stone had the following inscription: Erected in 1886, H. L. Dickinson, T. S. Underhill, R. Lee, Commissioners. P. Plettenberg and Renken, builders. The new court house was built in 1936 and dedicated June 16, 1937. It required a bond issue of $95,000. The mill levy at that time was 10.4 mills. The general committee in charge of the dedication consisted of chairman Kellogg; Henry Brown, Sam Zook, Ed Tobin, Roy L. Swenson and M. F. Lenhardt.
May 30, 1883 was the first meeting of Stark Co. commissioners. H. L. Dickinson was elected chairman, James G. Campbell was elected clerk of the board and James Collister was third member. The board voted for temporary location of the county seat. The vote was Dickinson two votes and Gladstone one vote. The county seat was declared to be Dickinson. The board appointed N. S. Lawrence as register of deeds and county clerk, William Cuskelly as sheriff, R. E. Lamoreux as treasurer, Charles Kleinfelter as assessor, Charles Burke as county superintendent of schools, and John Nagle as justice of peace. License for sale of liquor was $200 a year.
At a meeting June 4, 1883, the Dickinson Press was declared the official newspaper. At a meeting June 18, 1883, Hiran F. Merril and Cuskelly Brothers were issued licenses to sell liquor.
1977 county officials include Warren Vranna, Mike Ehresman and Alex Hauck as county commissioners; Delores Mischel — auditor; Philomine Faimen — treasurer; Thomas Ewing — judge; Leo Sticka — register of deeds; Eddie Malone — sheriff; Irene Smole — clerk of court; and Albert Hardy states attorney.
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY COURT HOUSE
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Fred Corkery