Alamo Reunion

In Memory of Diane Kay Voeller

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:06:00 +0000

Sioux Falls - Diane Kay Voeller, age 59, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 after a lengthy illness at Avera Dougherty Hospice House.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 23, 2009 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM on Thursday at George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Liturgical Prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 35 years, Rod Voeller; two daughters, Jennifer (Ryan) Reuter and Angie (Tyson) Hilton; grandson, Karsten Reuter; two granddaughters, Kayla Reuter and Brianne Hilton all of Sioux Falls, SD; mother, Alma Monger, Williston, ND; two sisters, Marilyn (Ron) Woitzel, Gardner, ND, and Elaine (Merlyn) Esterby, Alamo, ND; many nieces and nephews. Diane is preceded in death by her father, Orvin Monger.
A complete obituary and online registry is available at www.georgeboom.com

Link to Diane's Obituary

School Fight Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:28:00 +0000

During the 1991 Appam-Alamo-Corinth Diamond Jubilee Pageant/Talent show, former Alamo School Band members played the school fight songs (Our Director prior to 1970, and then Anchors Away) under the direction of Cliff Gronfur. Larry Johnson was the Master of Ceremonies. The video was made by Penny Johnson Slagle.

Dateline 1960: Alamo Defends Title

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Alamo successfully defended its North Missouri Basketball championship title in January of 1960 (it's hard to make out the date - so I hope that's correct) by defeating Wildrose 47 to 32. See "On the Bench" editorial that describes the conditions that favored Alamo's 'deliberate' style.

Other big new events in 1960 include:

January 2nd: U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy announces his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. See Youtube video of NBC news item of an interview recorded with JFK on January 5th
February 9th: Adolph Coors III, chairman of the board of the Coors Brewing Company, is kidnapped and captors demand $500,000. Coors is later found dead and Joseph Corbett, Jr. is indicted.
Theodore Harold Maiman developed and patented the world's first laser, and demonstrated its operation in May at the Hughes Research Laboritories in Malibu, California, using a synthetic ruby crystal grown by Dr. Ralph L. Hutcheson.
The top selling single for the year was "Cathy's Clown" by the Everly Brothers (See Youtube video recorded in 1965) followed at No. 2 by "Please Don't Tease" by Cliff Richard and The Shadows (See Youtube video). I don't know what this says about musical evolution, but it must have been hot stuff at the time.

Dateline February 1968: Trenton Eliminates Alamo

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:57:00 +0000

Well - it looks like another bad year??? But maybe in the grand scheme of things it just wasn't all that important although the bus ride home was probably a little quiet. And, after all, it's not whether you win or lose, but how you played the game!

Grenora Nips Alamo - January 18, 1967

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:37:00 +0000

This Williston Herald article carries a sad headline, but at the same time preserves a moment of history from our little community. There are lots of 'treasures' like this sitting around in peoples archives; the only way they live again is by sharing them in a public forum like this. Please help me find and post them! Dennis: if you have a better copy - let's replace this microfiche version.

Alamo 'In the News'

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:01:00 +0000

The fun thing about looking back at past issues of the Williston Herald is that you run across unexpected news. Well, not exactly news since it is something less than current, but interesting in any case. The article about Donette is from January 11, 1968, followed by January 23rd for Ellen. The Alamo picture was taken in June of '09. Tanner Overland mowed the airport and landed there in July - his picture from the air is looking roughly northwest.

Appam - In the News

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:38:00 +0000

I found a couple of older Appam news updates from the Williston Herald which might interest you. In addition, I have added some air pictures of Appam. I don't know the date of the older one: it is from a picture taken by Dennis and can be seen in his photo archive (see link below). Also included are some from June of 2009. Keith and Barb Overland's son Tanner was kind enough to fly Shirley and I up over the area - I've attached his picture of Appam.

Appam Reunion 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:04:00 +0000

http://picasaweb.google.com/Dakotadj/NDSAVEPICS#

Check these pictures out of the Appam reunion and Eagles Nest and Dance at Alamo Fire Hall..

Alamo Recieves 3rd Place Trophy

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:56:00 +0000

This picture of Harry Millard receiving Alamo's 3rd place trophy is interesting although the microfiche image is poor. But still more interesting is it's placement under the headline announcing that 3500 Marines were sent ashore in Vietnam. A seminal event, to say the least.

From WikiAnswers: When did the Vietnam War Start?

December 11, 1961 -- U.S. aircraft carrier "Core" arrives in Saigon with 33 helicopters and 400 air and ground crewmen assigned to operate them for the South Vietnamese Army. Also, U.S. pilots start to train & fly support missions with the South Vietnamese Air Force. This really marks the first larger scale participation of U.S. military "advisors".
August 7, 1964 -- In response to the incidents involving U.S> naval vessels U.S.S. Maddox and the U.S.S. Turner Joy, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passes the "Gulf of Tonkin Resolution," allowing the President "to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force" to prevent further attacks against U.S. forces. Many people view this as the "official" start of the war, although there was never a declaration of war.
March 8, 1965 -- The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam, as 3500 Marines land at China Beach to defend the American air base at Da Nang. They join 23,000 American military advisors already in Vietnam. The arrival of combat troops is considered by some the start of the war, although American military advisors have been in Vietnam for over 10 years.

Cottonwood Lake Lives Brief Life

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:33:00 +0000

When I was back in Williston, I stopped by the Library and checked out some past editions of the Williston Herald. Unfortunately microfiche is not ideal, but you can still make out much of the original material. Since I didn't have any particular date in mind, I looked at January through March of 1960 through 1967 and ran across a number of Alamo related items. I'll add them here as I get a chance for your enjoyment.

Alamo Pictures - from June 2009 trip

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Here is a link to some old Alamo area pictures I got copies of during our June 2009 trip.

Click for link to Alamo picture album

You can download them, view them individually, or view them as a slide show. Enjoy!

Included is this Press-Graphic article about the dedication of the Alamo airport. Does anyone have more information about this?

Appam Reunion Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Shirley and I attended the dance in Alamo and have a few pictures to show for it. Many people were taking pictures, so I hope you will add or send a link to your picture albums; then we all can see and enjoy! If you need help, please let me know and I'll post them for you.

Dave Hagen's Appam Reunion Pictures (click to be redirected to the on line album - select slideshow to automatically scroll through them)

Lucy Pilgrim Storbakken Appam Pictures - please identify people in the comments for future reference. She handed out a CD with these pictures during the reunion. My grandma Alma Johnson is shown in a couple.

Appam Reunion: June 26-28th

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:37:00 +0000

From Beverly and Gary Sundquist:

The Appam Community Celebration is over. Thank you for coming and making it a great time. A special thank you to our host, Rich Holm, for making each and every one of us feel as if we were an important part of his family. Without his gracious hospitality this event could not have happened. Thanks Rich! We had a wonderful time and created memories to last forever. Thanks also to committee members Arlys Esterby Sovik, Beverly Johnson Sundquist, and Larry Johnson for their generous donation of time and talents as Rich and I (Donna) began planning the activities. Gary Sundquist's band provided a great evening of entertainment with our hosts the Alamo Firefighters. We are so glad that Gary is drinking from the saucer because his cup has overflowed! A special thanks also goes to a great family effort by the children of Stafford and Bertha Johnson as they served a delicious brunch after the Sunday worship service.

Some of those special moments were recorded on digital cameras by our friends and classmates. They are now ready to be shared with each of you. Almost 600 photos have been received by John Anfinson at Comtechnd. He has graciously volunteered his site to house the photos so that you can look at each of them and save or print them as you wish. (If you still have some to share - burn them on a cd and mail them to John at 2015 1st Ave E, Williston, ND 58801 or if you have just a couple to share e-mail them to him at anfinson@comtechnd.com and he will add them to the collection.) Thanks again John.

Click Link to see the Photo Archive

You will then see each of the submitted photos in a small format. If you click on a photo it will appear in a larger format for easier viewing. Any of these photos can be saved and/or printed as you wish at no charge so have fun. Feel free to share them with any and all of your friends and family, especially those who may not have been able to attend the party.

Please find below the Contact List which contains the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of anyone who filled out the form during the registration process at either the dance or at Rich's home on Saturday. I am sending a copy via e-mail to each person who included an e-mail address on the form. Again, please feel free to print it and share with other Appamites or forward a copy of this e-mail to classmates who may not have been included on the list. We don't ever want to lose contact with our friends and family from Appam - A small town with a BIG heart!

Clarice Berve Anderson

afreeman@paulbunyan.net (Janie) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:59:00 +0000

I received a phone call from Betty Pettis [Holm] and Clarice is in the hospital in Sheridan, WY and is not expected to make it...She has had many complications with the Lupus and is failing right now. Her boys have been called by Betty. Betty has been a true friend. I will keep you posted when I hear anything but please pass the message on to those who knew her so that everyone knows. I hope someone can tell Warren Bilquist as well. You can email me with questions as this is a public blog and I do not want to put too much up right now. Thanks. Please send your prayers.

APS Video

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:12:00 +0000

Since no one has posted any new pictures recently (or sent them to me so I could scan and post them), I've created a new video from the pictures I have. It's set to Enya's 'only time' from her 'a day without rain' CD. I hope you enjoy it. But think how much better it could be if you would send your picture, etc., so we could have some new material.

Link to video on Youtube

or view the video below

Videos of old houses (plus a bit more)

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:07:00 +0000

The Appam one appears to be Eldon and Oleda (SP) Johnson's house west of Appam. I have no idea of who posted the video. Any thoughts?

Actually this is a good idea. Do any of you have a video camera that you could use to take and post videos of the houses that remain in Alamo, Appam, and the area around there? It would be nice to have a record of what remains. Also - how about more pictures and old movies - I can help get them converted to video, any scanning required, and get them posted. They don't do anyone any good setting in the back of a drawer or in an old box.

Link to Eldon Johnson house west of Appam

Link to house described as being between Appam and Crosby

Link to St Olaf Church

Link to Temple, ND

How cold is it, anyway?

Dave Berry - Why you shouldn't make fun of North Dakota

Adeline Thoring

afreeman@paulbunyan.net (Janie) — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Today I had the pleasure of attending Adeline Thoring's 80th birthday! Her husband was Raymond Thoring and their farm was just north of Forsberg's and south of ours. Adeline was a Brune. Her sister Rose graduated from Alamo in 1941 and I think her picture might be in one of those class pictures David posted earlier. Her sister Ida also graduated from Alamo. Freddie and Adeline did not as the family moved to Minnesota. I also met George Bibler who now lives in Lewiston, Montana now. I remember Adeline's kitchen as she served me BIG cookies whenever Dad went over to see Raymond. She is sharp as a tack and looks to be in her late 60's early 70's and not 80! I hope I have my info correct. If not, please let me know and I will revise this! The first picture is of Adeline and the second one has Adeline, Rose and George Bibler.

Melodrama

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:40:00 +0000

How many of you attended the melodrama that was presented during the 50th anniversary back in 1966. It played down at the old locker and was quite a 'hit'. I'm guessing that there is more memorabilia from this event out there somewhere.

Hartland School Desks

afreeman@paulbunyan.net (Janie) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Dennis Johnson sent this to me and said...I quote
"Larry brought me these when he came to california visiting probably 83 0r 84. I have had them in the shed since. I recently had them sand blasted and restored to one day go to my grandchildren. I think they turned out excellent, down to the contour, pencil holder and ink bottle holder. They came from Hartland school on the suburbs of APPAM, North Dakota." Dennis also says
"I started first grade in 1956 when:

January:Elvis Presley records "Heartbreak Hotel.",

March: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 500 for the first time (500.24), Pakistan becomes the first Islamic republic in the world.
May: The polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk is made available to the public.
October: New York Yankees baseball pitcher Don Larsen pitches first (and only) perfect game in World Series history in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series.
November: U.S. presidential election, 1956: Republican incumbent Dwight D. Eisenhower is reelected by defeating Democrat challenger Adlai E. Stevenson in a rematch of their contest four years earlier."
My mother and both sisters went there as well I believe...if this is the school on the south side of town? I was there a few years ago and should post the picture I have.

Homecoming Parade Fall 1969 ?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Observe the float being pulled by the lawn tractor; No. 28 is holding a rifle. Obviously a much simpler time....

JV Cheerleaders - 1967-68 ??

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:15:00 +0000

I believe this is Connie Smith, Debbie Otteson, Marge Lohse, and Tanya Weber from a picture dated April 1968. Anyone out there remember the details?

On stage in Alamo

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:06:00 +0000

The play picture is dated May 1968 and the singer picture is dated December 1967. Any idea as to the details of these events. Given the time frame, I no doubt witnessed both - but neither rings a bell. Help!

Ellisville Basket Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Dennis Johnson provided these pictures of the Ellisville BB team in year ??? We need some help here folks to identify the who and when part.

I stopped by to take a picture of the Ellisville school last summer and, to my surprise, it had been burned down (deliberately) the previous year. Cliff Gronfur said it was the old high school from Brooklyn, ND (south of Spring Brook), and was moved to the Ellisville location when Brooklyn faded away. Does anyone out there have other pictures to share? There must be lots of them out there.

AHS Authors

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:05:00 +0000

I'm sure many graduates of Alamo Public School have written books: if you know of some, please share the information with us.

"Vikings of the Prairie" was written by my uncle Norris Hagen and is described on eBay by a seller (Item No. 14018206211) as follows:
" This book is a portrait of the author's parents as pioneers in North Dakota and, in larger sense, of all such early settlers and of the State itself. Vikings of the Prairie, in conversations between N. C. Hagen's mother and father and a friend of long standing, tells the early twentieth-century history of the Flickertail State, particularly in the northwestern area. It also offers an authentic picture of how the early settlers thought and lived in the course of their struggles to tame an unfriendly wilderness, and givers overdue recognition to the quiet and stoic (though often humorous) heroism of a people whose truly remarkable exploits have been neglected because they were not conceived in the usual Western tradition of gun smoke and cattle towns. Finally, it evaluates the contributions of the pioneers of the Dakota prairies to the development of the United States. The relentless enemy of these settlers was weather. They were plagued by snowstorms, droughts and tornadoes. Also important to them were methods of farming, and the book contains illuminating discussions of the relative merits of oxen, horses and tractors. Vikings of the Prairie is not only an accurate and compelling picture of some men and women who helped to make America great, but a valuable piece of Americana of more than regional interest! "

My sister Jane Hagen Freeman has written and published a book on watercolor techniques: "A Celebration of Light: Painting the Textures of Light in Watercolor". It's available online at Amazon books and other fine booksellers. You can see her work on her website: www.janefreeman.com

Sun sets on the harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Harvest pictures from the area; there has to be a lot of them out there. How about sharing some of yours with the rest of us - if you can't post it, send them to me and I will be happy to (and I'll return the pictures if they're hard copy).

This particular photo is a snapshot of Keith and Barb Overland's 2007 harvest experience and is taken a few miles northeast of Alamo. I'm sure the scene evokes memories for all of us who grew up on or around the farm.