Alamo Reunion

The Alamo Farmer

2010-09-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this issue of the Alamo Farmer from 1916; it seems like the author might have slightly exaggerated the commercial prospects for the area. Or maybe he was just an optimist, a not uncommon attitude for a farmer.

Alamo School Update

2010-08-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

The old school still stands, and things are happening in Alamo due to the oil boom. Homes have been sold and there's lots of talk about more people moving in or other development activity. One interesting change is that the present owner (I've forgotten their name) are converting the stage end of the gym into a two story home. Apparently they're remodeling the locker room area too. The picture shows a doorway cut into the gym wall above the locker/entryway, and a new 2nd floor window has also been cut into the opposite side. The roof above the locker room could then be used as a deck? Also are pictures of Shirley and I on the old school steps.

Lorraine (Jenny) Quie

2010-08-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

During our visit to Williston in August, we were fortunate to catch Lorraine Quie at home and were able to spend some time with her. She was Shirley and my 1st and 2nd grade teacher, and made a positive and lasting impression on us, as I'm sure she did for all her students. It was a joy to visit with her!

I've reproduced a class picture from those years here, even though it was posted earlier in this blog.

RIP Hilton Scarr

2010-04-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Published in the Williston Hearld on Friday, April 9, 2010
http://www.willistonherald.com/articles/2010/04/10/obituaries1

Hilton J. Scarr, 80, a Williston and Alamo resident passed away on Wednesday evening, April 7, 2010, at the Bethel Lutheran Home, Williston.

His funeral services are at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Bethel Lutheran Home Chapel. The Rev. Steve Anderson and Associate in Ministry Judi Scarr Martin are officiating. Interment is to follow in the Riverview Cemetery.

Hilton J. Scarr was born to Harold and Judythe (Bloom) Scarr on March 10, 1930, in Crosby. He was baptized at the Opdahl Lutheran Church and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Alamo.

He was raised in Alamo and attended school there, graduating with the class of 1948. After graduation, he attended Minot State College in Minot.

In 1950, Hilton joined the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1954. On June 9, 1956, he was united in marriage to Beatrice Herland in Williston. To this union a son, Terry Jerome was born on Dec. 16, 1966. Hilton was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Williston.

Hilton farmed in Alamo, Saskatchewan, Canada and Thief River Falls, Minn.

Hilton is survived by his wife, Bea, Williston; his brother, L.E. (Betty) Scarr, Peoria, Ariz.; his sisters, Elaine (Archie) Kress, Minot, and Judi (Gary) Martin, Glasgow, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Terry Jerome Scarr; his mother and father, Judythe and Harold Scarr; and his mother and father-in-law, Inga and Bert Herland.

Friends may visit www.eversonfh.com to share thoughts and remembrances of Hilton.

RIP Archie Kouba

2010-04-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is reproduced from the web site for the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot, North Dakota: www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Archie J. Kouba, 89, Watford City, formerly of Alamo, Williston, and Minot, died on Saturday, April 3, 2010 in a Watford City nursing home.

Archie was born on July 30, 1920 in McLean County near Max, ND to Jim and Carrie (Sherbina) Kouba. After graduating from Minot High School, Archie entered military service in 1942 and served in the U.S. Navy until his discharge in 1945. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II. He served a short time on a submarine and then was a Fire Controlman First Class on the USS Forrest DD-461, where he experienced kamikaze attacks and his ship being hit. Following his honorable discharge, Archie taught an electronics course at F. E. Warren Military Base in Wyoming before he returned to Minot. He attended Minot State Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Archie married Stella Knapstad, a 36 year depot agent for the Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad, on March 2, 1951 in Cheyenne, WY. They made their home at various places where she was the depot agent and he was an educator, principal or superintendant. He taught at McGregor and Trenton and was principal at Alamo prior to serving as superintendent at Alamo, Taylor and New District Eight near Williston. During the summer months he earned his master’s degree in school administration from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. Archie had majored and minored in a wide range of subjects so he taught math, science, English, woodworking and drafting. One of his favorite sayings was “coming to class without a pencil is like going to war without a gun.”

Archie was a member/former member of Williston Church of the Nazarene, American Legion, VFW and ND Association of School Administrators. He especially enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, reading, golfing (he was a scratch golfer) and cooking. He was an accomplished electrician and mechanical draftsman. In these days of contracts and legalities a handshake with Archie was binding. His word was his bond. His life’s lessons live on and he will be missed.

Archie’s loving family includes his children: Albert “Rusty” Kouba of Tucson AZ, Ronald (Sheila) Kouba of Minot, David (Julie) Kouba of West Fargo and Debbie (Bruce) Erickson of Watford City; grandchildren: Joseph (Carly) Kouba, Tucson, AZ, Jonothan Kouba, Tucson, AZ, Jeffrey (Rhonda) Kouba, Blaine, MN, Kristin (Bill) Pearson, Yorktown, VA, Brian (Nassim) Kouba, Southern Pines, NC, Michael (Joni) Kouba, Odessa, TX, Jennifer Kouba, Williston, Matthew Kouba, Fargo, Chad (Nicki) Mathiason, Fargo, Laurie (Jeff) Mills, Frederich, MD, Christopher (Javon) Wahus, Bismarck, and Jason Wahus, Watford City; great grandchildren: Jordan, Tatyana, Ramsey, John, Hanna, Lisanne, Nicholas, Alexander, Makenna, Jace, Tyler, Abby, Jordan, Kennadi, Ciera, and Gunner; sister-in-law: Josie Luchsinger of Helena MT and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother: James Kouba and son-in-law: Robert Wahus

In Memory of Diane Kay Voeller

2009-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T16:57:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

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'

2009-07-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-05-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-11T19:40:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-30T05:47:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2008-03-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

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

JV Cheerleaders - 1967-68 ??

2008-03-22T14:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

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

2008-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Years

2008-01-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

So how many of you have read this novel? I admit that, while I vaguely recall it, I don't think I've read it - even though it is set in our old home town.

Publishers Weekly

In September 1917, 18-year-old Linnea Brandonberg steps off the train in Alamo, North Dakota, eager to begin her first teaching job. A town girl, she is not prepared for the dour reception of the Westgaard family, with whom she is boarding. But rather than let people and circumstances master her, she singlehandedly changes them, including Theodore Westgaard, a bitter widower of 35 who never thought he would fall in love again. Spencer has done a splendid job here in making this more than a story of two people enamored of each other. She describes the growth of Teddy and Linnea's love with sensitivity and refreshing candor and brings all the residents of Alamo to life in a way that makes the reader care about their satisfactions and heartaches. (March)

Pictures cerca 1976

2008-01-03T19:15:00.001-08:00

Please identify the people via comments.

Greenwave Basketball Team - February 1976

2008-01-02T18:39:00.001-08:00

Alamo Cerca 1941

2007-12-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is Johnny Jacobson's shop, I believe. At least it was in the '60's. Note in the picture window the spire and cross from the church. So maybe I don't know exactly where this was. The scene is of Superintendent Bolgen talking to Peder Sogard. The picture window is marked Alamo Auto Company.

The school picture is of the faculty and some seniors in 1941. Recognize anyone?

Alamo Basketball - 1964

2007-11-24T13:12:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, Friends

2007-11-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hey - Merry Christmas to all of you from David, Shirley, Marjory, and her husband Cliff!
Click Here

Link to Pictures

2007-11-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Another way to view the pictures or download them is to click the link below which will take you to a web album. Once you are at the site, if you click on the slide show button, it will automatically scroll through the pictures. The problem is that you can't enlarge them as you can in this web site.

Link to Alamo Public School Pictures posed by Dave

Faculty of 1943

2007-10-20T19:21:00.001-07:00

Emily Spikler - Al Learbo (Supt) - Dorthy Johnson
Irene Haugen - Melva Torgeson - Lyla Saretske

Snow in Alamo

2007-10-20T12:20:00.001-07:00

Snow in Alamo
Sometimes deep,
And always cold!

The crafty wind
With quiet sweep
It's snowdrifts mold.

And late at night,
Its shrieks may keep
Our dreams on hold!

But with morning sun
We shake off sleep
And again grow bold!

Alamo from up high

2007-10-08T18:19:00.001-07:00

If you haven't had a chance to use Google Earth, here are some shots of Alamo and the old school. Quite an interesting tool!! Also shown is an image taken (I believe) by Roy Lohse from a plane looking down from the north.

Classes of 1975-78

2007-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Tribute to the Mighty Class of '68

2007-10-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oETWlaV9zmk

AHS Safai Band

2007-09-24T18:05:00.001-07:00

Anybody out there remember when and where this picture was taken. I'm wondering if it could be when we (as I remember it) took third place at Cheyenne during 'the biggest little rodeo of them all' parade. And does someone have a better picture? This one is a bit bleached out. What year is this, any way?

Classes of 1971 and 1973

2007-09-23T18:31:00.001-07:00

Classes of 1971 and 1973: please report! Maybe someone can retake these pictures and get them better focused. They are important records!

Marjory Lohse happened to have some snapshots of the girls of the Class of 1971. Anyone out there know what the occasion was?

Class of 1965

2007-09-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

Earth to Class of 1965 - come in, please. How about posting some pictures of your class, class activities, and the school in general. And how about you and your families; where are you and what's going on?

Class of 1972

2007-09-23T18:10:00.001-07:00

Hey, hey, hey- is there anyone out there from the Class of 1972. What are you all up to?

Click here to see Class of 1970 video!

Class of 1969

2007-09-23T13:23:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping that we'll hear something from the Class of '69. Margaret's picture is partially obscured by glare, so I've added a separate picture for her.

Alamo - Alamo - Rah Rah Rah

2007-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for the Alamo Cheerleaders!!!

Surely someone out there can do better than this video! What we need is for a few of our ex-cheerleaders to put on a reunion show - and record it.

Alamo Public School Memories

2007-09-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Hey - check out the Class of 1951 - which includes Oliver Sovik.

Also, I just posted a video out on www.youtube.com -
do a search for 'Alamo Public School Memories'.
I hope you like it!
click the link below.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAAf0kSfFk0

Dance Band

2007-09-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there were a number of dance bands over the years in and around Alamo. Does anyone out there remember this particular band and the approximate year? I do recall that Cliff Gronfer played in one or more version. And were there there any high school bands or groups that played outside the school setting?

Class of 1938

2007-09-08T08:44:00.001-07:00

My aunt Pearl Hagen White appears to have been a member of the Class of 1938. I'm assuming that there are more young ladies than men because guys tended to not finish high school in that era? Also shown is a more recent picture of the Classes of 1938-40. Can someone help name everyone?

Class of 1960

2007-09-07T19:05:00.001-07:00

Although I visited with Marilyn and Arnie in August, my camera was out of memory so I didn't get a current picture of two members of the Class of 1960. But I did get a look at Marilyn's picture album which was filled with many school related pictures from that time. So please, Marilyn, share those pictures - along, of course, with a recent picture of you and Arnie. Marilyn and Beverly Johnson are shown in an earlier post (Class of 1959).

Band Trip to Regina

2007-09-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

Our band trips were a lot of fun and we can thank Mr. Gronfur and the band boosters for their support. It gave many of us travel experiences that we would never had on our own. It is sad that the small schools have closed and there are so few bands left in the community. For some reason I don't have many pictures of our trips. I'll have to dig a little deeper!

4-H at Sogard's Summer 1958

2007-09-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Pictures from a 4-H meeting at Elmer and Melva Sogard's farm in summer 1958. The first picture includes Susan Sogard, Sorgard's farm dog, Jean Anderson and Gayle Hagen.

The second picture includes members Marilyn Lund, Peggy Lohse, Pearl Nygaard, Pam Nygaard, Marilyn Hagen? with head down, Unknown with head down, Susan Sogard, Orlyn Egge, Marilyn Monger, Diane Lohse, Cynthia Soiseth, Jean Anderson and Martha Millard.

The third picture include Bernice Hagen, Alma Monger, Donna VanBerkum and Thora Millard.

One of our many 4-H meetings where we were probably preparing our projects for the fair. I remember Marilyn and I would wait until the last minute to finish our entries. The one thing that has come in handy was learning how to iron a shirt! Someone had to demonstrate the correct technique and little did I know at the time that it would be useful!

Farmers Union Service Station

2007-09-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

This picture hangs in the Senior Center - although it has faded considerably. It brings lots of memories back to me and it may to you also. Shirley remembers, as a kid, playing in the lumberyard that can be seen on the right. What memories do you have of the old station?

Elmer and Melva Sogard

2007-09-04T19:07:00.001-07:00

Since Melva was kind enough to share many pictures for this blog, here is a short tribute to them. They currently reside in a very nice apartment in Williston - and seem to be getting along reasonably well. The pictures include one from a double date with Carol and Irvin Jacobson along with a current picture taken during my visit in August of 2007. The 1934 basketball team is also shown with an individual shot of Elmer. And lastly, an aerial shot of their dear farm northeast of Alamo. The house was moved to Williston and now stands northwest of town.

Class of 1959

2007-09-03T14:47:00.001-07:00

At least one of the graduates of the Class of 1959 still lives just down the street from the old school, and I happened to catch her and Oliver in time for coffee - and followed it up with the picture in the lower right. Pictured in the upper left are Lawrence Hagen, Melford Johnson, and Oliver and Arlys Sovik at an earlier unknown date. And at the bottom left is a 2007 picture of Arlys Esterby Sovik ('59), Pat Skaare Hagen ('59), Marilyn Hagen Olson ('60), and Beverly Johnson Sundquist ('60).

Class of 1936

2007-09-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Class of 1936 included Lester Lohse (or maybe it's Loyal?). So here are a couple of additional pictures; one of Lester with his mom in 1941 when he took her for a ride in a open cockpit bi-plane (see left background), and Lester with is niece Shirley in August of 2007.

Class of 1974

2007-09-01T19:55:00.001-07:00

I hope I have a match here. The picture of the one hanging in the Senior Center leaves something to be desired, so I hope someone can send me a better version. Class of '74: stand up and be counted - post information about yourself and your classmates.

Service Station and Elevator Men

2007-09-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'm familiar with all the names, but I wouldn't have recognized many of these fellows. Any idea of what year these might have been taken in?

Class of 1966

2007-09-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the mighty Class of 1966. Regrettably - if we don't hear from at least one of these fine people on this blog soon, as an incentive, I may have to resort to editing the first sentence and use words like 'weenie' and 'disreputable'. Please - don't make me do this. Instead, post some pictures and let us know how you're doing and where you are.

Also pictured are the Alamo Public High School Varsity Cheerleaders for the 1964-65 school year: Cynthia, Marilyn, Diane, Donna, Louise, and Jackie. Which of you will be the first to comment?

Carol Jacobson

2007-08-31T18:40:00.001-07:00

Here are a some pictures of Carol Jacobson; (1) with Melva Sogard when they roomed together (and were on a hot double-date - Melva with Elmer and Carol with Irvin), (2) on her way to the Junior/Senior Tea with Adeline Tweed, Verdus Broshot, and Margaret Olson (the Tea was sponsored by the Alamo HomeMakers Primary), and (3) with Lyla and Melva - 'the singing teachers'. For me, Carol was one of Alamo's very best teachers (I can still quote lines from Shakespeare's plays).

Class of 1970

2007-08-30T18:37:00.001-07:00

I don't believe we've heard from anyone in the Class of 1970. However, I did happen to run into Valerie down at the post office. I hope we will soon hear from each and every one of you. The sad news is the death of John in February of this year: I visited his grave out at the Alamo Cemetery located only a short distance from the farm he grew up on. Rest in peace, John.

Class of 1967

2007-08-30T18:13:00.001-07:00

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is the picture of the Class of 1967 that now hangs in the Senior Center in downtown Alamo. The imperfections are due to having to take a picture of a framed picture with glass in front of it - so it is slightly out of focus and there is some glare. Maybe someone can take a better picture or supply the actual class photos.
I challenge the Class of 1967 to profile each of its members: Jane, Dennis, David, Jackie, and Clarice are already members - how about some pictures of you and your families? Where are you and what's going on?

Archie Kouba - August 2007

2007-08-29T18:14:00.001-07:00

Cliff Gronfur and I visited Archie in Watford City where he is living in an 'assisted living' facility. He was in very good spirits and immediately recognized Cliff. Since he is near his daughter Debbie, he gets great care and seemed interested in everything that's going on. His son David and two of David's kids were coming later that day to take him hunting, and he was quite eager to see them.
Debbie and David - although Cliff and I didn't get to see either of you on this trip - we look forward to seeing and hearing from you here. Please send me an email so I can invite you to post pictures, etc., directly to this blog. And please register to comment. All it takes is an account name and password when you register - and it's all free.

1941 - Grades 1-3

2007-08-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

I was back in Alamo country recently and have a bunch of new pictures. Melva Sogard provided this picture of her first class - Grades 1-3 in the 1941-42 school year. Unfortunately I lost some of the names - but here they are from the back as far as I know: Melva, Jack Opperud, Charles Smith, Oliver Sovik, George Wall, Curtis Johnson, Ardelle Anderson, (next row) Charles Myhre, Larry McClean, ?????
Help me out here. Someone knows the rest of these kids.
Also shown is Schulte - who must have been a teacher. What would be nice would be if one or more of the pictured students would bring us up to date on the class.

Class of 1941-42

2007-08-27T12:38:00.001-07:00

I know many of the people listed - but not all. In the comment section, would you mind listing the names of the people from left to right, front to back?

Bonfire

2007-07-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

Dateline Alamo, North Dakota, Fall 1967
Nothing like a bonfire to take the chill off a cool fall evening on the night before the big game. Virgil Bleken is front and center, but who are the rest? Were you there for the big fire?

APS: 1963-64

2007-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

I don't believe I've posted this picture of the 7th and 8th grade under the tutelage of Mr. Willard. I don't remember much about the guy, but I think he was a pretty good teacher. I hope some of you out there have pictures of other classes taken during this fine school year. And what about the graduates of 1964? What happened to all of you? Did the basketball team do well that year? Were there any adventures or other stories that need re-telling?

All of us need to make a special effort to spread the news of this website, and get other interested people involved. Surely there are all kinds of pictures that could be posted for the enjoyment of all. We are a select few who grew up in a particular time and place (some might say peculiar - although others might say that should be reserved for the people, not the place). By sharing our pictures and stories, we enrich our lives and strengthen the (proverbial) ties that bind us. Friends, classmates, and good citizens: lend me your pictures. We gather here not to bury the past, but to rejoice in it! And by doing so, we restore our fellowship. Please, good readers, resolve with me to find those old pictures, newspaper articles, and other memorabilia, and post them. Share them with your friends here and make the past come alive once more, if only in memory. Your friends beg you: "Please, Please!" we cry! Nay, we demand it of you! Release those pictures; let them go! Or we won't love you any more. Share and your reward will be both immediate and tangible. Friends; I bless you - and hope to see you 'in the pictures'!

Anyone Recognize This?

2007-05-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I could not get it to copy and paste so will do something else and get back to this...There...I got it to transfer over...I should just let this be and see who guesses it but I guess in Alamo it is not hard to guess where the sign could have hung...Ha! Andrew Hagen, Lewis's son purchased it at a sale and has it out in Montana! Pretty cool huh? I must say for as many times as I sat under it waiting for my father, or at the cafe eating one of those wonderful hambergers...well I should have remembered it! Which just dawned on me...Marilyn, can you contact Louise and see if they can send a jpeg of the cafe?? That would be ever so cool...I would like an interior one too...boy...I wonder if I will remember that? I always liked the big booth closest to the door! Ha!

Ralph's Place

2007-05-19T09:26:00.001-07:00

Andrew Hagen, Lewis' son, posted a picture of Ralph's bar out on a blog Jane created for the Hagen family (hagenchatter.blogspot.com) and I have reposted it here for the rest of you Alamoites. In addition, Shirley still has a Ralph's Bar key chain she got from her dad. Anyone else have some similar memorabilia they would like to share?

Old Alamo Lutheran Church

2007-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Across the street from the school sat the old Lutheran church. At some point it was moved to Williston and now sits just south of the drive-in theater. I don't have many pictures of the interior, but this one taken at Shirley and my wedding gives some flavor. It seems smaller than I remember. I assume all the furnishings, alter, pews, etc., were moved to the new church? I'm sure many of us can remember the many church suppers, etc. While I wasn't big on the lutefisk, the lefse, mashed potatoes, meat balls, and gravy were 'to die for'.

At some point, there were at least two churches in town. I vaguely remember the other one but have no pictures. Anyone out there have any? When the structure was torn down, the basement was covered and, for a while, was used as a youth center (no doubt to keep troubled youth off the street. I don't remember what that looked like. Anyone care to share some memories?

Persons pictured include David Sogard, Loring Johnson, and Steven Holgerson, Shirley's sisters Diane, Marjory, and Barb, and two of my three sisters, Jane, and Gloria.

Eagles Nest

2007-04-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

How Many of you have stories of Eagles nest ! I can remember having Appam, or neighborhood picnics there as a 3rd or 4th grader. Maybe it was a field day at school too ?? Does anyone remember where Horse Shoe Bend was at. The fable goes, Paul Bunyan's horse stepped there to make the imprint in the farmland.. smile.

Appam House

2007-04-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

How many times did i sit on that roof above the porch !! or get marched down that cellar for a spanking . smile.. Good Ole Appam, with Sam and Kathy Grinolds house in the background I believe.

Hartland Elementary School Appam

2007-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone From Hartland Elementry School in Appam able to identify these young scholars. that is probably me standing in front of the class cause i was misbehaving..smile.. hey. great name for a country song .lol.. The Dullums, Blekens, Johnsons, Esterbys, Knutsons, and sorry for those i have missed.. Anyone recognize the students or teacher, let us know.. Dennis

Calling all alumni....

2007-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Calling all Alamo Public School alumni.

We need pictures, we need prints!
We need stories of your class.
Upload some scans with words and hints:
Or else this blog'll fall on its end.

The real Fred Astaire

2007-03-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Is that Kristy blushing ..smile

Lots of fun At AHS

2007-03-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

Lewis, Jane and Barry having a blast about something. 1967

2007-03-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

And their Still down on the farm..Taken in 03.

Down on the Farm

2007-03-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

L to R, Bertha, David, Larry, Dennis, Penny, Stafford. Toooo cute huh .

Finding more Alamoites!

2007-03-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

I have emailed a number of people but they do not respond and seem to not want to join...this is too bad as I thought this was going to be a great place for everyone to connect and reunite. If you are reading this and want to join, please just email me at Jane@janefreeman.com and I will send you an invite. It will not function with just a few people. We would love to see pictures from other classes and updates on everyones whereabouts. If you have emails of others who might like to join, have them peek at the site and then email me. If some of you have had an invite and did not respond and it has now expired, give me a note. If one doesnt use their login ever, you eventually get bumped out and will have to be reinvited. It is all very easy and takes only minutes to join. Hope to see some new faces here!

Phyllis (Johnson)Gronfur

2007-03-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm so glad that Janie had the insight to create this means of keeping in touch . Duane and I are retired and living in Williston. We are kept busy and active with our youngest grand-daughter's activities. Music,(band and vocal) and sports of all kinds. We love it as it keeps us young at heart. Traveling is another thing we enjoy and we have traveled much. I graduated in 1954.

Diane (Monger) Voeller - Class of '68

2007-02-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Diane and her husband Rod live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Pictured here in the 1st grade and again as a graduating senior, Diane's path to adulthood was shaped, in no small part, by her experiences at AHS. Diane and Ron are pictured here at the 2001 All-School Reunion, and again with their family during the occasion of their daughter Jenny's wedding in November of 2003. About the picture of Diane and I, I will not speculate - although it appears to have something to do with a mind control experiment (and may be why I'm bald today??).

Karen (Edwards) Moorman - Class of '68

2007-02-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

From the 1st grade to the 12th grade, Karen shared the trials and tribulations of the Class of 1968. Friend and classmate, Karen grew to adulthood in the classrooms and halls of AHS along with the rest of us. But somewhere along the way, we've lost track of you. Karen Edwards - where are you?

Girls gone wild!

2007-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

AHS graduates Debbie Kouba, Margaret Egge, Diane Monger, and Shirley Lohse once took a trip to the Bad Lands. And apparently purchased matching hats to celebrate the event. It looks like they enjoyed themselves! Debbie, Margaret, and Diane - let us hear from you! Please post pictures of yourselves and your families!

Barry Haggin - Class of 68

2007-02-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

Barry Haggin, graduate of AHS Class of 1968, now lives in Crosby. He was elected to the NDHSCA Hall of Fame in 2000-2001 for his legendary work at the Crosby Divide County High School. He is a NDOA Football Offical, and a Divide County contact for the National Wild Turkey Federation. We remember him as an AHS basketball and football letterman, but fewer of us recall his days as a male beer model. Speaks to a well 'rounded' education, don't you think?
Barry - I'm sure you can find a few pictures to add to this to 'update' your biography. For my part, I'd like to see some pictures of your family.

Marlene & LeRoy

2007-02-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

This picture of cousins Marlene (Hagen) Martin and LeRoy Johnson was taken in July of '06 at the Dullum reunion in Williston. Marlene attended grade school in Alamo for several years before moving to Williston. LeRoy, of course, is a AHS graduate. Who will be the first to provide the year he graduated? And who were LeRoy's classmates? When I was a little kid, LeRoy worked for my dad over a summer. One Saturday we were in Williston and I invited LeRoy to go to the movies with me. I remember being hugely shocked when, as I bought the tickets, LeRoy's ticket (as a young adult) turned out to be (something like) 50 cents, instead of the 25 cent child's ticket I was expecting. But I had a whole dollar to spend, and so I gamely bought us each a 10 cent box of popcorn too. I couldn't believe how expensive things were (and I still can't).

Larry Johnson Update

2007-02-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

I am still farming and raising cattle. I have the same beautiful wife and she also is a very good cook! I have 2 wonderful children-Josh is married with a 4 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. He is a journeyman electician with Sheridan Electic at Medicine Lake, Mt. His wife works for the Credit Union. I also have a daughter that works with mentally handicapped children. She lives in Minot and is raising her 9 year old daughter as a single parent but she now has a very nice man in her life. I feel I am a very blessed man, not with money but with the family I have. (I'm not bragging... that's a fact!). One of these days I will send a picture. LARRY

Girl's Chorus 1966-67

2007-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

This picture is dated 2/13/67 which would seem to imply that it is for the 1966-67 Year Book. But is it more likely from the 65-66 school year? Friends and fellow students: where are you these days? Please add a comment and let us know what has become of you since this picture was taken so many years ago.

Senior Lettermen - Class of '68

2007-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

The senior lettermen of the 1967-68 school year didn't reign over one of the most successful winning steaks in the history of Alamo High School. However, due to its small size, we all had a chance to participate, and share the joys and sorrows of athletic competition. And, in some small way, those experiences helped shape who we are.
In its storied history, Alamo High School won many tournament championships. However, I don't remember them nor do I have pictures of those celebratory events. But some of you out there do. So please, if you can, share those events with us so that the history of our valued school is not lost in the passage of time. An old brick building with dust filled halls and classrooms still stands in Alamo; but children's voices no longer echo through the classrooms and it is ever so gradually fading from memory. However, here in the vast reaches of internet space, our old school is struggling for life. Old memories and friendships are being renewed, and the past is reborn! Join us, dear friends, in helping to bring back that which has been lost. Post your pictures, publish your stories: keep our school alive!

AHS Chorus 1967-68

2007-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

How many of us have in our possession a genuine 'Alamo School Chorus' patch that we either did or could have sewn onto a letter jacket or other suitable garment? For me, I regret to say, there was no chorus patch. I can still close my eyes and look back to that cold dark day when, while (allegedly) goofing off during choir practice, Mrs Jacobson directed those fateful words to me "Shape up or ship out"! Glibly I responded "I guess I'll ship out then", left the the room, and (politely) closed the music room door behind me with little thought to the literal and figurative implications of that act. So there I was, an innocent freshman in high school and already washed up as a famous vocalist. Yes, my crooning days were over and I was forever relegated to study hall and the proverbial back waters of high culture in Alamo. Did Carol ever regret kicking me out? Who can say. Although for my part I was sorry to have lost the opportunity but was, simultaneously, too bull headed to apologize. And so now you know, to quote Paul Harvey, the rest of the story.

Trenton 72 - Alamo 62

2007-02-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Williston Herald: Dateline February 29, 1968
The defending champion Trenton Tigers led all the way in eliminating Alamo in the second game of the [1968 Class B] tournament.
Byron Ryder started the Trenton scoring. Doug Hoffman and Tom Abell chipping as the Tigers got seven points before Mike Millard got a free throw for Alamo.
Ryder got the next goal. Then the two teams matched points through the rest of the period to leave the Tigers with a 19-12 margin at the stop.
Three times in the second period the Green Wave got within six points before the Tigers spurted to a 38-23 margin at the half.
The Tigers, who had controlled the boards 20-15 in the first half and had committed only two errors, gave up the boards and gave the ball away seven times in the early stages of the third period as Alamo closed to 42-36. But Abell, Ryder, and Hoffman went back to work and Trenton regained a 50-40 margin at the third stop.
Ryder and Abell were the top gunners for Trenton with 16 points apiece. Hoffman and Darrell Falcon each added 13.
Sam Grinolds and Millard each got 14 for Alamo. Barry Haggin followed with 13 and Loring Johnson got 10. Trenton got their margin at the charity line where they cashed in 24 of 34 tries while Alamo came up with 14 of 24. The Tigers got 24 goals in 56 shots for a .429 average while the Green Wave got their 24 buckets on 62 tries for a .387 average.
The Tigers had a slight 41-38 margin off the boards and gave the ball away 14 times to nine turnovers for Alamo.

Meredith (Sogard) and Arvid Gafkjen

2007-02-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

Once again, a picture taken during the reunion in '01 (who is the guy in the background?). It was a great event where old friendships were renewed. We've seen lots of pictures of graduates and attendees of the Alamo Public School system in the era of the great Class of '68 (clearly, one of the best). However, we need to see more pictures of you, your class, and classmates. If you are unable to post them, send them to me and I'll post them. Otherwise, when I run out of school pictures, etc., I'll be forced to resort to my baby pictures. Cute, to be sure, but I'll bet you'd rather see old school chum pictures. So let's get them posted, kids!

Preconcert Junior Band - 1962

2007-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

As everyone appears to be dressed up, this must have been taken before a concert (or other cultural event). Think back to 1962; what was this event?

Alamo High School Band - 1967-68

2007-02-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

So who out there has a picture of the AHS Safari Band that captured 3rd place in Cheyenne (if that was where it was)? Or how about Calgary? And didn't we play in Saskatoon? Someone out there must have pictures from these exotic events. And where else did the band go to represent the fine citizens of Divide and Williams Counties?

Old Classmates

2007-01-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

I am posting a couple of pictures for my sister Marlene Hagen Martin. The first is Helen Thoring who was her best friend through school. This picture is confirmation I think and the year is 1948. If anyone knows where she is or how to contact her we would love to hear. So far the leads we have had have been dead ends. I believe her father was Antone Thoring.
The second picture is Robert Sogard in 4th grade!!! I bet even he doesn't have this! HA! I believe at the time Marlene was rather sweet on this guy and who can blame her!? Pretty cute picture there Robert!

Special Edition: AHS Homecoming - October 1967

2007-01-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

Virgil Bleken - Class of '68

2007-01-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Virgil Bleken - Husband, father, classmate, and friend: the quintessential all-around good guy! He and his wife Paulette live out in Washington (the state). Virgil - when you see this - send or post additional information and a picture of you and your family.

I remember Virgil riding around on this tricycle - but I can't remember why or what the circumstances were. But I do remember there was a lot of laughing. I remember one time when Steven Holgerson cut his finger on a table saw in shop class. Archie sent Loring, Virgil, and I off to take Steven to the hospital in Williston to get his finger stitched up. On the way we had to stop in Appam so Virgil could get some cigarettes (he was very nervous and was smoking up a storm to calm his nerves). Once we got to the hospital, we were waiting around in the hall as the doctors worked on Steven when Loring noticed that Virgil was missing. After looking around, we saw smoke coming out around the door of a little janitor's closet nearby. Sure enough, when we opened the door, there was Virgil puffing away.

For a while, Virgil was a cross-country truck driver and often passed through Boise. On this occasion, we ate together and remembered to take a picture.

Tournament Preparations

2007-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

I know all of you are busily digging through your old boxes and files for old Alamo and school day pictures and, because of this, haven't gotten around to posting stuff. So I've bought you a little more time by sneaking into Shirley's high school scrapbook. This is a dandy little piece from the Williston Herald. I don't know the date of the picture, but (from the back) I can tell you that beef was selling for 35-38 cents a pound. I'm guessing that this would mean it was the spring of 1968.

The Reunion of 2001

2007-01-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the All School Reunion held in July of 2001. I know you all have pictures of that widely attended event. So why don't we add some of your's to this collection. This set includes Rod and Diane Voeller, Loring and Marlene Johnson, Diane/Krystie/Shirley, and Norman/Shirley/Barry/Diane/Virgil.