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Vol. 9, No. 1 • Spring 2004 • Published bi-annually by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
Momentum Builds, Hall Breaks Ground in Medora
•The ninth NDCHF Annual Meeting and Banquet is scheduled for Feb. 20-21 at the Seven Seas, Mandan. Call ahead at 701-663-7401 or 800-597-7327 for room reservations or banquet tickets. Be sure to tell them you are with the NDCHF to receive the special discount room rate. Banquet tickets are $25 per person. •If you have items to donate to the live or silent auctions held in conjunction with the annual meeting, please contact the NDCHF Office at 701-250-1833. You may also bring items directly to the meeting. •The 2004 NDCHF Hall of Honorees Induction is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2004, in Medora, with the HOTR Champions Ride set for Aug. 8 at Sentinel Butte. Call NOW for room reservations!
• Inside • Hall of Honoree Nominations A listing of individuals, ranches, and livestock nominated...........4 Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2004 Amanda Rae Schaff.................8 Vintage Rodeo Photos Cowboy Cafe offers reprints of Hall Inductees..........................8
Jeri L. Dobrowski photo
• Hall Highlights •
Festive red bows adorned gold-tone shov- Chase did a blessing of the project in the els during the Dec. 16, 2003, ground-break- American Indian way. Her prayers are with ing ceremonies for the North Dakota Cow- us today.” The 15,000 square-foot North Dakota boy Hall of Fame (NDCHF). If any other reminders were needed that Christmas was Cowboy Hall of Fame, Center of Western approaching, the dropping temperatures and Heritage and Cultures: Native American, Ranching and Rodeo will brisk breeze would have be built on a lot now occucinched it. pied by the Museum of the “I counted every mile Badlands. The parcel abuts out from Mandan this the southernmost entrance morning,” said NDCHF to Theodore Roosevelt NaPresident Phil Baird, adtional Park. dressing 50-plus supportDemolition of the current ers, gathered in the street single-story museum is to and on board sidewalks. begin in March, after the ar“The only thing I can ever tifacts housed within have think of equaling my feelbeen cataloged, packed, ing of anticipation was and relocated. As a symdriving to a rodeo where bolic gesture, the stockade I knew I had drawn well. around the museum was re“We’re doing this for moved by TRMF workers. our children,” continued First Dakota Enterprises, Baird. “This groundInc., Fort Pierre, S.D., was breaking assures our named the apparent low bidlegacies will be preder as general contractor. CA served. The spirits of Contracting, Inc., Dickinson, those who came before us will thrive and exist NDCHF Founding President Evelyn received the mechanical bid, within the Hall of Fame. Neuens delights in the official while the electrical contract A year ago Lydia Sage- groundbreaking festivities. (Continued on page 2.)
Nominees & Local History at Feb. 21 Meeting Lively tunes and offbeat North Dakota history await those attending the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, Feb. 21. The 7 p.m. banquet closes out a day that includes the ninth annual membership and business meeting at 1 p.m. CDT and the statewide Trustee meeting at 2:30 p.m. All events are at the Seven Seas, Mandan. A limited number of rooms are available at the Seven Seas at a special group discount. Ask for your NDCHF rate when you call for reservations. Banquet ticket sales are limited to 300. Call 701-663-7401 or
800-597-7327 to reserve a room and/or banquet tickets. Bismarck Public Schools’ Strolling Strings, a group of talented, 12-18-year-old musicians, leads off the evening. Known for an impressive repertoire played on violins and other string instruments, the strolling minstrels will play, sing, and dance their way around the room and between the tables. Douglas A. Wick, author of “North Dakota Place Names” and “Automobile History Day by Day,” steps to the microphone after the meal. Wick spent much of 1978(Meeting, continued on page 6.)
Page 2 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
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it from the oard
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Dear Members and Friends: In late December, we signed off on construction and financing paperwork for the Cowboy Hall of Fame. It was a great moment — another important step in opening the Hall in 2005. We left the office feeling plenty excited. We’re moving ahead! We also know there is a lot of work yet to be done. Fund raising remains the priority. The founding NDCHF board had initially hoped we’d have all the money up front and not go to financing. But tough economic times and the 2004 deadline for a large EDA grant dictated a different course of action. Bond financing is going to help the Hall become a reality. Careful planning will continue, guided by talent and expertise. Construction will begin this spring; bills will be paid in a timely manner. And yes, there will be monies due after our grand opening. So more than ever, the contributions of every member and friend become important: today and tomorrow. We’ll have to dig a little more out of our pockets. Trustees need to mobilize their fundraising efforts. Families should consider memorials and estate donations to sustain the legacy of their loved ones — along with the future of the Hall. The NDCHF Center of Western Heritage: Native American, Ranching, & Rodeo will take physical life this spring. We’ll share more information about this exciting North Dakota project at the annual membership meeting this February in Mandan. Please come — and let’s strengthen our commitments to make sure the Cowboy Hall of Fame will continue to move ahead and grow.
Phil Baird, Mandan NDCHF President
(Groundbreaking, from page 1.) went to Skeels Electric Company, Bismarck. Contracts are contingent upon approval from the Federal Economic Development Administration, which awarded a $750,000 grant to the project. The centerpiece of the ground floor exhibit area will be the Hall of Honorees where the stories of NDCHF inductees will be told. Three groups will be highlighted: Native Americans and their use of horses; the arrival of Texas trail drivers, homesteaders and ranchers and their dependence on the horse; finally, how the sport of rodeo developed on the plains. If all goes as hoped, the building will open in spring 2005. Preserving the history of North Dakota’s Western heritage comes with a $3.3 million price tag. Darrell Dorgan, executive director, said the organization has $1.9 million worth of pledges and grants in hand, after paying for several aspects of the project. The City of Medora approved the issuance of Mida bonds to finance construction. Wells Fargo Investment Services is involved in the purchase and/or sale of $1.8 million worth of the bonds. “Drought, low cattle prices, terrorist attacks, and a drop in the stock market didn’t help (the fund-raising effort),” said Dorgan. “It took longer than expected, but it’s coming together.” Meetings directed toward establishing the Hall of Fame were first held in 1995. Organized planning and fund-raising began in 1997 when Dorgan came on board. Baird credits Dorgan for bringing the necessary things together to make the Hall a reality. And, Dorgan expresses thanks to North Dakota State Government for its role — sponsoring an important Community Development Block Grant and Department of Transportation grant. Bill Goetz, chief of staff for Governor John Hoeven, was one of four individuals manning shovels at the groundbreaking. Addressing the gathering, Goetz said, “The fabric of North Dakota history is woven in with the Hall: individuals, culture, regional areas, and the faces of the people. Things to be showcased are the values of honesty, integrity and stewardship of resources.”
Speaking on behalf of members and trustees, Dorgan thanked a short list of vital supporters: “To everyone here from Medora, thank you! You stepped up and said you wanted us here. To the City of Medora, thank you! The Billings County Commissioners stuck their necks out. Roosevelt Custer Regional Council, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Wells Fargo Financial Services. To all of those who helped — we couldn’t have done this without you.” Hall of Fame Founding President Evelyn Neuens wielded one of the shovels during the groundbreaking. Born nearby, in her beloved Badlands, she couldn’t be happier about the Hall finding a home near her birthplace, saying, “This is great country for it.” –by Jeri L. Dobrowski North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Executive Director..............Darrell Dorgan Board of Directors President.......................Phil Baird, Mandan Vice President............Robert Tibor, Hebron Secretary............Russ Danielson, Harwood Board Members Virginia Eck...........................Bismarck Laura Griffin.............................Medora Shirley Meyer........................Dickinson Ray Morrell..........................Valley City Robyn Nelson........................Pembina Evelyn Neuens......................Bismarck Walter Piehl, Jr.............................Minot Winston Satran......................Bismarck Willard Schnell.......................Dickinson Arlen Sommers....................Valley City Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Representative:
Randy Hatzenbuhler.................Medora State Historical Society Representative:
John Von Rueden...................Bismarck
The Cowboy Chronicle Official publication of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Editor: Colette Knutson Gjermundson Co-Editor/Design: Jeri L. Dobrowski Advisory Committee: Phil Baird Ray Morrell Willard Schnell Robert Tibor Send Letters, Address Changes, Memberships and Contributions to: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 1110 College Drive, Suite 216 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Phone: 701-250-1833
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 3
NDCHF Inductee Jim Tescher Laid to Rest Jan. 3 Tescher, Duane Howard and Alvin Nelson. Besides his rodeo achievements, Jim was noted for raising quality Angus and Charolais cattle and registered Quarter Horses. He built good straight fences and was proud of his neat, well-kept Badlands ranches. Jim was seriously injured and partially paralyzed in an August four-wheeler accident at his ranch. He spent nearly five months in Bismarck/Mandan medical facilities. During that time his wife of 53 years, Loretta, two sons, three daughters and their families loved and supported him. Rebecca Tescher Robison wrote that Loretta “wiped his tears and soothed his heart as her own was breaking. A lifetime of love and laughter, ranching, Jim Tescher’s favorite gelding, Bonner, trailed the hearse up the rodeoing, children, card playrugged buttes to the Medora ing and dancing was drawCemetery, carrying an empty ing down.” 1966 Champion All-Around Pure white snow blanCheyenne Frontier Days saddle. keted the Badlands and beBonner was led by Jim’s friend low-zero temperatures and world champion saddle bronc chilled the air on Jan. 3, as rider Brad Gjermundson. family and friends gathered to celebrate Jim’s life. To mourn the passing of a legend. To salute a true — tough — North Dakota cowboy. -by Colette Knutson Gjermundson
end was welcomed into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame during the organization’s inaugural induction in 1998, along with his older brother, Tom
About 500 relatives and friends gathered at the Chuch of St. John the Baptist, Beach, to celebrate Jim Tescher’s life and faith.
Pallbearers included champion rodeo cowboys Winston Bruce, Duane Howard, Alvin Nelson and Bill Smith, and ranching neighbors Don Abernethy and George Wolf.
was laid to rest Jan. 3, 2004, in the Medora Cemetery in a spot overlooking the Badlands and the Little Missouri River. The renowned rodeo cowboy and Badlands rancher grew up northeast of Sentinel Butte and rode in his first rodeo in Glendive, Mont., in 1945. He proceeded to win most major Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos in the United States and Canada in the 1950s and ’60s including Madison Square Garden steer wrestling in 1955, the Calgary Stampede in 1960 and the Pendleton Roundup in 1964. In his career, Jim won over 70 buckles, including five in Cheyenne. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo four times, winning two average buckles. The last year Jim Tescher’s gelding, Bonner, surveys his master’s casket in its final resting place. The cedar he rodeoed he placed in all seven casket was branded with Tescher’s brands and adorned with a spray of Badlands cedar, prairie rodeos he entered. The rodeo leg- trimmings, his worn boots, spurs and a rope.
Colette Knutson Gjermundson photos
“There is only one word to describe Jim Tescher — tough,” reads the 1965 Rodeo Cowboys Association annual. “No one who knew him doubted this. Sometimes he was too tough. But it was that toughness that made him the legend he became,” wrote his niece Rebecca Tescher Robison, in the Jan. 9, 2004, issue of the Yellowstone County News, Huntley, Mont. Despite putting up a good fight, NDCHF Inductee Jim Tescher died Dec. 27, 2003 (See obituary on page 15). He
Page 4 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
Trustees Present 61 Potential Nominees for 2004 Induction This year, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Trustees nominated 61 individuals and entities for potential induction in August. The abbreviated biographies are listed by categories, including how many will be inducted: Pre-1940 Rodeo — two inducted: • Rueben DeCamp competed in the second annual Round-up held at the Weekes Ranch July 3-4, 1924, and in the Mandan Roundup in 1925 and ’26. He also rode at rodeos in Almont, Carson, Sanish and Yucca (near Center). • “Badlands Bill” McCarty was a colorful and rugged horse-trading cowboy who bought the Custer Trail Ranch south of Medora. Beginning in about 1912, he organized wild west shows and rodeos throughout the United States. • Walt Neuens began his rodeo career around the age of 15 as a “hand” in a wild west show with his brother, Jack, and Buck Weaver. In the 1930s he competed in saddle bronc and bareback riding and calf roping to supplement ranching income. • Howard Wanna was a working cowboy on the Old Dog Ranch near Elbowoods in the 1920s. Between 1922 and ’28, he competed in rodeos at Yucca, Beulah, Sanish, Bismarck, Minot and numerous reservation rodeos.
Contemporary Rodeo — one inducted: • Almit Breuer started riding exhibition bareback horses and steers at the Sanish Rodeo as a nine-year-old. He won four NDRA saddle bronc championships and three other NDRA championships while ranching southwest of White Shield. • Jack Chase’s early rodeo experiences came while riding cows and colts on his dad’s ranch north of Watauga, S.D. He started traveling to rodeos in the late 1940s and competed until 1980, winning four NDRA steer wrestling championships.
• Bob Christophersen began steer wrestling in Iowa in 1959. He earned his RCA card in 1967 and qualified for six NFRs in the 1970s, winning the average in 1971 and ’75. He ranches west of Grassy Butte. • Bob Freise entered his first rodeo in Wing in 1947, and competed in NDRA rodeos as a calf roper and then a team roper. He brought foresight and improvements to the NDRA, serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer from 1974-79. • Alvin Gabbert trained, rode and showed performance horses across the country and held roping schools and horsemanship clinics southeast of Dickinson. The soft-spoken man won six NDRA calf roping championships in the 1950s and ’60s. • Jim Johnston rode practice horses for his Uncle Ben Johnston before starting to work for Fettig Rodeo. He competed in NDRA rodeos for more than 20 years, winning nine NDRA championships and three state RCA championships in the 1960s. • Marvin Klein clowned amateur rodeos in the 1960s, earning his RCA card in 1970. He clowned, fought bulls and promoted rodeo in at least 17 states and was named PRCA Badlands Circuit bullfighter of the year in 1979 and ’80. • Tom Needham entered his first NDRA rodeo as a high school sophomore. He claimed four NDRA calf roping championships in three decades, won the PRCA Badlands Circuit in 1976 and has seven RRA calf roping championships. • Jerry Osterhout started rodeoing by riding cows. He became the 1955 state high school bull riding champion and twice qualified for the National High School Rodeo. • Eugene “Pete” Pedersen competed in steer wrestling and calf roping, becoming the 1952 state champion calf roper. He threw a steer in 3.5 seconds at an early New Town rodeo and judged Quarter Horse shows and cow cuttings in eight states and Canada. • Howard Schnell competed in calf roping and cow cutting from 1945-55 and was named state champion calf roper in 1949 and ’53. He helped start the Dickinson Match of Champions and became a purebred cattle auctioneer.
Rodeo Livestock — one inducted: • Ol’ #7 Yellow Jacket came to North Dakota in the late 1950s, purchased by J.C. Stevenson. The smart, athletic bull bucked in both directions, was a rank spinner and became the foundation of the Stevenson and Berger breeding programs. • Little Yellow Jacket was bred and raised by Berger Rodeo Bulls. The two-time PBR world champion threw off 2000 PBR World Champion Chris Shivers in a $1 million challenge in 2003. The bull is jointly owned by Berger/Teague/Taupin. • Whiz Bang was a Buckskin gelding born around 1950, belonging to Medora area rancher/rodeo promoter Jim Barnhardt. The horse first bucked in Belfield in 1954, but gained immortal fame at the 1956 Dickinson Match of Champions.
Ranching Pre-1940 — two inducted: • Clara Bell Rose a.k.a. “Mustache Maude” Black ran a saloon, gambling house and home for fallen women at Winona. Later, married to rancher Ott Black and living north of Lemmon, S.D., she became known for her nursing and midwife skills. • George Gerbig worked for his brotherin-law, Schuyler Lebo, before homesteading south of Medora at the mouth of Third Creek. He was one of the first ranchers to successfully calve two-year-old heifers. • Edward S. Hall was the first white man to settle in Mountrail County and started the first horse ranch in western Dakota Territory. He and his family held many July 4th celebrations at their ranch and trading post. • Earl Henderson was a horseman who sometimes ran up to 800 horses in McKenzie County. A self-taught man with impressive math skills, enjoyed creating western gear in his retirement years. • Arthur “A.N.” Jefferies headed the first large Reynolds Brothers Long X (Continued next page.)
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 5
• Edmund Thursby moved to McHenry County in 1885, raising cattle, sheep and horses until 1890. He strived to supply the Mouse River country with high-grade stock and was active in the Towner community. • Leighton Trotter started ranching at the mouth of Magpie Creek with one quarter of land, four cows and a borrowed bull. A quiet man, he became a good rancher and a self-taught veterinarian.
Contemporary Ranching — one inducted: • Albert “Al” Buchli brought the
first registered Quarter Horses into the state of North Dakota in 1944. He operated the Knife River Ranch and authored two books, “Rusty Spur Jingles” and “Rusty Spur Jingles II.” • Jack Dahl has raised quality cattle since the early 1950s, including developing a composite breed, Dakota Reds. He initiated the Gackle Pen of Three Feeder Calf Show in the mid-’60s and served as NCA president in 1987. • Arthur Fiedler raised registered Herefords, Hampshire hogs and Quarter Horses near Burt, winning numerous shows and sales in Adams County. He was instrumental in organizing the Mott Saddle Club. • George Feland was a one-of-akind cowboy and a good stockman. He broke horses, enjoyed rodeos and was an Indian historian and artifact collector. He and friends instigated the Bottineau County Wagon Train. • Jorgen Haugen grew up in a log home in the Sandhills near McLeod and began ranching in the Sheyenne Grasslands in 1939. He was a fair, honest man and a leader in grassland and water resource management. • William Heid ran the last livery stable in the New Salem area and was a cattle and livestock dealer for more than 40 years. He was arena director for New Salem’s first rodeo in 1947 and became a stock contractor. • Joe “Bud” Hild got a job with the N.O.L. Ranch in 1944. He started working on the Maltese Cross Ranch in 1949, purchasing it in 1960. His favorite pastime
was sharing his knowledge of Theodore Roosevelt. • Jake Larson has operated the Larson TL Ranch at Almont since 1949. He became a pioneer Simmental breeder and helped implement EPDs into the Simmental Sire Summary. He competed in RCA and NDRA rodeos in the 1950s and ’60s. • Iver and Lola Tveit began creating Spring Water Ranch near Forbes in 1950, raising dairy, sheep and horses. They raised registered Quarter Horses from 1950-2000 and were charter members of the Maude Evans Saddle Club.
Ranches — one inducted: • The Long X Ranch was established at the north end of Squaw Creek in McKenzie County in the mid-1880s. Owners William D. and George T. Reynolds were responsible for bringing the first herd of 4,000 Longhorns into the North Dakota Badlands. • The 777 (a.k.a. the Berry Cattle Company or Berry Boice Cattle Company) established headquarters between Horse and Deer Creeks, about eight miles north of presentday Marmarth in 1883. At its peak, the operation ran about 25,000 cattle. (Continued on page 16.)
2003 Horse-Fest Colette Knutson Gjermundson photo
(Continued from page 4.) trail drive in 1884. He later lived in Dickinson and continued in the cattle business with Richards and Frye, and was involved in banking. • Anders Madson homesteaded near the mouth of Cherry Creek, moving to the Birdhead Ranch northeast of Alexander in 1917. He was a man who could tell stories the way cattlemen liked to hear them told. • Coutts Marjoribanks came to the Towner area in 1884, becoming proprietor of the Horseshoe-V Stock Ranch until about 1890. He imported choice Angus cattle from his family in Scotland and was a community leader. • John “Jack” McCrory started ranches at Winona and Dale as well as the Horsehead Ranch northwest of Linton. By 1907 he ran about 1,000 cattle, 300 horses and a large band of sheep. He helped Emmons County settlers get started. • Elwood H. O’Cain settled in the White Earth Valley. In the early 1920s, Fourth of July rodeos were held on his ranch. He broke horses, raised Hereford cattle and published a book titled, “The Trail of the Buffalo Wolves.” • Gordon L. Olson took over his family’s ranch in 1939, raising fine Herefords and becoming known as a cattleman and land steward. He appreciated Badlands beauty and dedicated long hours to running an efficient ranch. • Clinton C. Randall was a skilled cowhand who worked for the AHA Ranch, participating in many drives of Texas cattle from Moorcroft, Wyo. to North Dakota. He built his own ranch on the Little Missouri River. • Sam Rhoades took up bronc riding to earn money to leave Texas. In 1892 he drove steers up the trail to the AHA Ranch in North Dakota and later bought the T5 Ranch. He originated and managed the Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo. • Charles E. Shafer was fluent in the Hidatsa language and was the first permanent settler in what later became McKenzie County. The town of Schafer was established on his ranch in 1905-06. • Thomas M. Stevens joined 16 other men trailing 3,200 head of Texas Longhorns for the Reynolds Brothers in 1895. In 1902 he went into partnership with Pendergast at the 66 Bar Ranch on the Cedar River.
NDCHF Board member Ginny Eck, Bismarck, thrilled parade-goers with her bowing mount, Johnny, in the Taylor HorseFest Parade, Taylor, in late July. Eck raised the five-year-old mare out of a Clark’s Doc Bar bred mare. Ginny taught the roan to bow explaining, “I’m so short! It’s just so much easier for me to get on if the horse bows down.” NDCHF Vice President Bob Tibor, Hebron, carried the NDCHF flag, while board member Willard Schnell, Dickinson, rounded out the trio of Cowboy Hall of Fame riders.
Page 6 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
T alkin’ With T rustees
Ross Rolshoven, Grand Forks
NDCHF District: 10 Family: “Kayle, my better half; Ashley, my 19-year-old rodeo queen; Jensen, my 6-year-old cowgirl-in-training; and Carsen, my 2-year-old clone.” Occupation: “I manage a private detective agency and also pursue a career as an artist.” When you were 13, what did you want to be when you grew up? “James Bond on a horse!” What was your first job? “Selling pop in the stands at the July 4th Rodeo in Mandan. I think we got a nickel out of each pop we sold.” Favorite Rodeo Events: “Bulls and broncs. I like to get in the arena to take black and white photos and hand tint them later. I also like watching my daughter, Ashley, barrel race.” Favorite horse: “My favorite horse was ‘Apollo’s Sun,’ a palomino Quarter Horse that loved to run. He had a mischievous personality so we got along great.” How did you choose your line of work? “I wanted to do something in the legal field but didn’t want all of the paperwork of a lawyer. Being an investigator I Ross Rolshoven work with the law but I’m not chained to a desk!” How would you spend $1 million? “I’d build a huge pole barn, put away money for the kids’ college expenses, buy a couple more horses and a big cabin cruiser.” Name five things you like: “Winning cases, riding horses in the Badlands, having good friends around a campfire, a healthy family and a good night’s sleep.” Free-time activity: “Going to the Rocking R Ranch near Hatton to enjoy riding and the log cabin some friends of mine and I built 15 years ago.” Advice for a young person: “You don’t always have to be the strongest or the smartest, as long as you are the hardest worker.” Greatest learning experience: “The school of hard knocks.” One unique think about yourself that most people don’t know: “I have a vintage boat collection and enjoy restoring and using them. I really need a big pole barn soon!” Honors and accomplishments: “Who’s Who in America. The North Dakota Museum of Art is going to publish a catalog of my work.” Why do you support the NDCHF? “We need to preserve North Dakota’s western and Native history. If we don’t do this no one else will.”
(Meeting, continued from page 1.) 88 researching original records, reviewing existing “jubilee” books, interviewing local residents for anecdotes and folklore, and visiting countless sites of abandoned settlements to create a unique history of the state. The book was first published in hardback in 1988; paperback printings followed in 1989 and 1999. In “North Dakota Place Names,” Wick gives complete post office data, name origin and a brief indication of the nature of the settlement. A handy county index directs readers to the 3,000 listings. It is widely acclaimed
as one of the best books he is one of the nation’s of its kind. Come prepared five largest postal history to stump Wick on the hisdealers. He is quick to tory of North Dakota city add, “There are only five and town names. Prizes of us in the country — but will be awarded to those I am probably the second who are able to baffle the or third largest dealer.” expert. Wick could be called A 1965 graduate of an accidental historian. Bismarck High School “It wasn’t what I inand UND alum, Wick optended to do in my life, erates Hedemarken Colbut strange things haplectibles, an international Douglas A. Wick pen. I worked at Basin mail-order firm specializElectric for 16 years and ing in postal history and paper Ameri- was laid off in the mid-80s.” After cana. Wick says, tongue-in-cheek, that (Continued, next page.)
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 7
T alkin’ With T rustees Thorris Sandvick, Killdeer
NDCHF District: 2 Family: wife, Lynell; sons: Monte, Randy and Larry; daughters: Marla (deceased), Twila and Laura. Occupation: Ranching and tourism. Favorite Rodeo Event: “I like all events. They show a variety of skills.” First rodeo experience: “I competed in calf roping and saddle bronc riding at the Killdeer Mountain Rodeo on July 4,1951.” What was your first job? “I worked for John Quilliam for $1 a day when I was 14.” Special ranching memory: “Rounding up cattle in the Badlands with my wife and six children helping.” Who do you consider a hero? “Bill Linderman. He was a Lynell & Thorris Sandvick spokesman for cowboys.” Name five things you like: “Family, neighbors, horses, rodeos and Badlands.” Free-time activity: “Going to rodeos and cattle sales.” Last book read: “I read ‘Stranger in the Woods’ to my grandkids, (authored by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick).” Greatest learning experience: “Building our five log cabins in the Badlands (Badlands Trail Rides and Eastview Campground north of Killdeer).” One unique thing about yourself that most people don’t know: “(I’m) a good skier.” Why do you support the NDCHF? “It’s important to showcase the history of our western heritage and way of life.”
(Meeting, continued from previous page.) months without a job his friends began suggesting that he turn his hobbies into a job. After about a year without a job, the parameters of what he would consider doing widened. He says, “I never considered being a rodeo cowboy, but I was getting close.” His postal history dealer career grew out of that. Working out of his home, most of his business is via mail order, telephone, internet and auctions. A recent addition to his inventory is a series of affordable North Dakota community images he calls “town views.” Scanned from his extensive real photo postcard collection images are printed on heavy-stock paper. Doug Ellison, Western Edge Books, Art Work & Music, Medora, says their inventory of Wick’s enlarged postcards number more than 100 towns, with two or three views of each town. Ellison also reports that “North Dakota Place Names” is among their best sellers and is undoubtedly the most browsed
book in the store. “Most people challenge it,” relates Ellison, “saying they know a town that can’t possibly be included, yet there it is. I’ve never learned of a town that is not listed.” With all his knowledge about North Dakota, it’s not surprising that Wick has a connection to the Hall. His father was a close friend of NDCHF Founding Board Member and Inductee Dr. George M. Christensen. “He was my dad’s commanding officer in World War II,” says Wick. Raised in Bismarck, Wick lived in Billings for a time but returned to Bismarck. He once considered taking a job in Texas, but decided Bismarck was a good place to raise a family. Wick comments, “I have a sneaking hunch that I’m going to die in Bismarck.” He and his wife, Fran, have one son. Annual meeting activities begin Friday, Feb. 20, with a free social at 7 p.m. The gathering is informal with a heavy emphasis on visiting. There will be ice
cream sundaes, NDCHF videos, and entertainment, so come to Mandan a day early, relax, and have a little fun. The annual membership and business meeting convenes at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. That meeting transitions into the Trustee meeting at 2:30 p.m. Attendees may promote and discuss nominees in advance of the voting that will take place in May. A total of 61 nominations were received by the January deadline. A no-host social begins at 5:30 p.m., along with a live auction. Anyone wishing to donate items for either the live or silent auctions may contact the NDCHF office or bring them the day of the meeting. Proceeds from the auction go toward operation of the Hall. The Seven Seas wait staff will ready the buffet for 7 p.m. dining. Banquet tickets are $25 each; only 300 will be sold. To reserve tickets or a motel room, see “Hall Highlights” on page 1. Following Wick’s comments, the auctions will conclude. •
Page 8 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
Mandan Home to 2004 Miss Rodeo North Dakota
Your
Join the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Corral The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and all contributions are tax deductible: • Kid Corral – $10 annually Scott Berge photo
Amanda Rae Schaff, Mandan, took the reins as Miss Rodeo North Dakota on January 1, 2004. The fifty-first young woman to hold the title, she was crowned in October at the Y’s Men’s Rodeo, Minot, while wearing the banner of “Miss This Old Hat.” The daughter of Jerry L. and Brenda M. Schaff, Amanda is a sophomore at Bismarck State College majoring in public relations. She also works as a certified fitness trainer at Bismarck Chiropractic Clinic and Fitness Center. As the official spokesperson for North Dakota rodeo, Amanda will spend the coming year traveling throughout the state — as well as attending rodeos. Picking up where Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2003, Melanie Marquart, left off, Amanda hosts “Rodeo Chat” on KBMR, Country 1130, every Friday morning at 9:30 CDT. Topics include the latest rodeo standings, news, as well as interviews with contractors, cowboys and cowgirls. Amanda represented North Dakota at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. An illness and a doctor’s “no riding” orders left her afoot. “Miss Rodeo North Dakota traditionally carries the American flag in the grand entries,” relates Amanda. “Since I couldn’t ride, organizers arranged ex-
Membership card and newsletter.
• Wrangler Club – $50 annually All Kid Corral incentives plus bumper sticker and invitations to NDCHF events.
• Ranch Boss Club – $100 annually
Amanda Rae Schaff
tra public appearances for me instead. That was nice of them, but I really hated not being able to ride.” A piece of home traveled along to Denver with Amanda — her custom-made hats. “I’ve been wearing my hats made in Mandan by Shannon and Tina (Reichenberg). I wouldn’t be Miss Rodeo North Dakota if not for them.” Amanda’s February schedule has her at the NPRA Finals Rodeo and KFYR Agri-International in Bismarck, the NDCHF Annual Meeting, and the NDRA Awards Banquet. Her coronation party is at 6 p.m., February 28, at The Post south of Mandan. Festivities include a dinner, dance, and auction. Western North Dakota You can also meet her Land Specialists at the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, March 2-7, 2004.
All Wrangler incentives plus window decal and limited-edition NDCHF coffee mug.
• Silver Buckle Club - $250 annually All Ranch Boss incentives plus autographed photo of first Hall of Fame inductees.
• Gold Buckle Club – $500 annually All Silver Buckle incentives plus limited-edition NDCHF poster.
• Diamond Saddle Club – $1,000 annually All Gold Buckle incentives plus NDCHF founders plaque and listing on member’s wall at Hall of Fame.
• Trail Drivers Club – $5,000 annually All Diamond Saddle incentives plus NDCHF commemorative sculpture and access to reserved seating at NDCHF events.
• Bronc Rider Club – $10,000 annually All Trail Drivers incentives plus a professionallyproduced five-minute video segment on family
NDCHF Commemorative Pistol Pat Rafferty Beach, ND
Business: (701) 872-4172 Home: (701) 872-3145 Dickinson Office: (701) 483-6789 patrafferty@homeandlandcompany.com www.homeandlandcompany.com
We are now taking orders for this limited edition commemorative pistol. ‘Looking forward to seeing you in Mandan Feb. 20-21!
1-800-619-5729 www.sspromotionalgroup.com
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 9
Cowboy Hall of Fame Sustaining Members Contribute The following are new North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame sustaining members. To contribute to the sustaining drive or building fund, complete the form on page 13. (Memberships are current through Jan. 23 deposit.) Building Fund Gordon Albers* Bud & Pam Anderson Bank Center First Arnold & Sharon Burian* Bush Foundation Ron Carlisle* Cloverdale Foods Company Fay & Lynn Connell* Dakota Community Bank Dickinson Ready Mix Co. Darrell Dorgan David Dunlop* Patrick & MaryAnn Durick* Delbert & Donna Eszlinger* Thelma Fenton* First International Bank & Trust, Watford City Joyce A. Fossum* Bud & Laura Griffin DeVerne Hoggarth* Rose Howard* Dan Kalil* Frank Keogh* Bob & Connie Knudson Barbara S. Lang* Curtis & Jill Luchsinger* William & Jane Marcil Family Glenn & Joanne McCrory* Mitzel Builders Inc. - Leroy Mitzel Alvin Nelson* Robyn Nelson Nodak Nubians Eloise Ogden* & Bernie Pellenwessel Phyllis O’Neil* Walter J. Piehl, Jr. Kenneth Radenz* Ross Rolshoven* Don Russell
T.J. & Gina Russell Stephen & Debra Russell Hans M. Siverts Doris Slaaten Kay Stevenson* Art Todd* Steve Tomac* J.D. Van Horn Duaine Voigt* Wells Fargo Financial Services Western Agency Group - Chuck Tompkins Western Cooperative Credit Union Vic Wilhelm* Trail Drivers ($5,000 annually) Theodora Sabrosky Diamond Saddle ($1,000 annually) Dr. Charles & Karen Dahl Dr. Stephen & Denise McDonough Sherry Plummer Gold Buckle ($500 annually) Tom & Marge Gunderson James W. Kack Bette Krabbenhoft* Ernie Krabbenhoft* Silver Buckle ($250 annually) Phil Baird
Russell & Helen Danielson Glenn & Joanne McCrory* Trophy Spurs ($200 annually) Carlon Anderson* Tex & Pauline Appledoorn* Keath Borchert* Pearl Cullen* Jock Eaton - Eaton Ranch* Joyce A. Fossum* Roy Gilbreath* Laura Griffin
Grant Johnson* Guida M. Zwick Karlstad* James & Dona Lowman* James & Beth Mongeon* Dale Pahlke* Noble & Betty Peterson* Ross Rolshoven* Don & Janice Rustad* Bob & Edna Sand* Gordon Schnell Ranch Boss ($100 annually) Monte & Nancy Allen Bud & Pam Anderson Daniel & Norma Baranick Colleen Carmichael Steve & Bev Christensen* Jeri L. Dobrowski* Bob & Wilma Freise John German Jim & Sharon Goetz David D. Hendrickson Arnold & Lois Hilleren Arlene Isaak* Russell Kleppe Richard & Kay Kuske* Gene Langley Monte Leidenix Dr. Roger & Phyllis Leutz* Carol Martinez Roger & Peggy Myers Larry & Lyda Nelson Karen Novak Eloise Ogden* Robert & Sylvia Oliver Lenard J. Ressler Ray & Beverly Sandness Jerry & Carla Schnell Roger Stuber Judy Tibbetts* Lloyd & Jerald Weckerly Beverly Wenger George S. Weinreis* William & Carol Winter
Neil & Delilah Bartelson Bill Bryan Vernon & Mavis Bucholz Rodger & Mavis Buchholz James & Loah Clement* John & Ferne Combs Gavin & Kathleen Dietz Fred & Gladys Eberle Dick Goldberg Robert & Karen Huether Janet L. Holt Marvin L. Kaiser Ted & Beverly Kirkpatrick John & Dorothy Kolden Loren R. Kopseng Gerald & Nona Nunn Lyle McDermott* Gene & Susan Melgaard Joseph & Erna Miller Gordon & Carley Olson Richard & Sharon Olson Gene & Florence Pelton Robert & Jean Peterson Cynthia Pflugradt Connie Redmond* Don & Betty Rehm Steve & Barbara Rogalla Charles Rothberg Craig Schnell James & Virginia Stevens Dave & Kim Utke James E. Werre Carl & Ronda Zeltinger Vic Wilhelm* Kids Corral ($10 annually) Lily Oliver A.D. & Frances Volbrecht Other Deirdre Melby *Denotes NDCHF Trustees (Please notify the NDCHF of listing changes by calling 701250-1833.)
Wrangler ($50 annually) James & Valorie Babb
Moser Honored by NDSU Saddle & Sirloin Club North Dakota State University’s Saddle & Sirloin Club named Wade Moser, Bismarck, as 2004 Agriculturist of the Year. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association executive vice president was recognized during the 78th Little International in Fargo, Feb. 13-14. Moser has served the NDSA for 20plus years. He is an administrator for a staff of 40 and is the organization’s
chief lobbyist, making the cattleman’s voice heard in the state legislature. Under his leadership, the NDSA has implemented the Environmental Services Program, the All Breeds Cattle Tour, the North Dakota Junior Beef Expo, the Mentoring Program, the Feedlot Internship Program and the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Wade and his wife, Lynn, and their
two daughters, Kate and Twila, also own a cow-calf and heifer development operation. Moser, a native of Morristown, S.D., is no stranger to the Wade Moser Little International. He served as Little I Manager in 1979 while pursuing his bachelor degree in animal science at NDSU.
Page 10 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
Join Fort Seward Wagon Train The Fort Seward Wagon Train, Jamestown, travels the Gackle Centennial Trail June 20-26, 2004, to celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary. Draft horses or mules pull the canvas-topped box wagons, which are flanked by outriders and walkers in groups of twos and threes. The wagon train averages three-to-four miles per hour, depending on how hard everyone pushes up the steeper hills. Everyone is welcome but only 120 wagon passengers will be accepted. All travelers dress in proper period clothing and participate in daily chores such as cooking, serving food, chopping wood, carrying water, cleaning up, latrine duty and building fires. The entourage stops at historic sites. Evening activities include arts and crafts, campfires, music, skits and stories. Fort Seward is a non-profit organization established in 1969 to preserve and promote the history of North Dakota and particularly Jamestown-area history. For more information visit www.covered-wagon-train.com, or write to: Fort Seward Inc., P.O. Box 244, Jamestown, ND 58402-0244.
American State Bank Purchases Sculptures A cowboy herds four Texas Longhorns; an American Indian pursues a bison — both in downtown Dickinson. That’s because American State Bank (ASB), recently purchased a set of one-fifth size bronze sculptures matching the onehalf life-size sculptures that will be displayed outside the NDCHF’s Center of Western Heritage and Cultures in Medora. “When we look at the history of American State Bank in southwestern North Dakota, ranchers have been a big reason for our success,” says ASB Vice President Ernie Strube, Dickinson. “We see the Cowboy Hall of Fame as a way to support people who have supported us. We also look toward the future and think that the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora will bring people to North Dakota, which provides a future for our organization and for (our state).” ASB is a devoted NDCHF supporter, having also gifted a $70,000 his-
Mandan Rodeo Honored in Vegas The Mandan Rodeo, Mandan, received two prestigious awards from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) during the PRCA Convention in Las Vegas in December: • The “2003 Small Committee of the Year Award” for the nation, which recognizes the hard work and dedication of persons and rodeo committees who have distinguished themselves in advancing barrel racing and rodeo in general. • The “2003 Justin Best Footing Award” for the Badlands Circuit, which recognizes rodeo committees who put forth extra effort to ensure that their rodeo has the safest, most consistent,
best ground conditions possible. Mandan Rodeo Chairman Jerry Doan, McKenzie, says of receiving the awards, “We were so excited!” He adds that 2004 marks Mandan’s 125th rodeo. “We are planning some special activities to commemorate the rodeo’s history.” Anyone who has Mandan Rodeo photos or other memorabilia to share may contact any committee member or Doan at 701-673-3441.
toric photo collection to the NDCHF in 1999. The sculptures are on display inside the organization’s home bank at 140 1st Ave. West, Dickinson. Created by Stanley sculptor and NDCHF Trustee Arnie Addicot, a set of one-fifth size models sells for $12,000. The NDCHF’s original model set has been displayed across the state, including at ASB, Dickinson. Strube quips, “We missed them so much when he (NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan) took them back, that we had to get another set!” ASB intends to display the bronzes indefinitely. “We think they’re a beautiful piece of art,” Strube concludes. “People notice them and make comments on them, which gives us an opportunity to share information about the Cowboy Hall of Fame.”
Original Sculptures Now Displayed in Williston The NDCHF’s original model sculptures are currently on display at First National Bank, Williston, owned by Jorgenson Holding Company (JHC). JHC recently gifted $18,000 to the NDCHF Building Fund. The Jorgensons have also ordered a set of sculptures which are currently being produced by sculptor Arnie Addicot, Stanley.
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 11
Cowboy Cafe Offers Vintage Rodeo Photos Medora’s Cowboy Cafe is selling 8"x10" black-and-white action photos of early North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees. Cost is $5 each; all proceeds go to the NDCHF. Larger group shots of cowboys at Madison Square Garden in 1954 and ‘55 are available for $25 each with $10 per photo donated to the NDCHF. For more information call Beth Tescher Clyde (May through October) at the Cowboy Cafe at 701-6234343. In the off season contact Beth at 701-623-4405.
Two Honored with NDCHF Plaques Marjorie Boulware and Frank Marshall are being honored with Memorial Wall plaques to be placed in the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. • Marjorie Pelissier Boulware was born in Belfield in 1926. She was raised on a ranch near Medora. Her first horse was a pinto Welsh pony named Peanuts. Marjorie was a nurse and a ranch woman. She marBoulware ried Bill Boulware in 1948; they had three children. She worked as a licensed commodities broker at Miles City Livestock Commission, served on a local bank board for 10 years and enjoyed researching her
Activity Corral
Editor’s Note: The NDCHF salutes Solen artist Scott Nelson for providing the “Wildflower Whispers” sketch. Be sure to search for 18 hidden words — frontwards, backwards or diagonally — and then try your hand at sketching the scene.
genealogy. • L.E. “Frank” Marshall was born near Forbes in 1914, where he learned strong work ethics, thrift, respect and pride. Frank’s best friend, Wallace A. Schulenberg, Eau Claire, Wis., remembers Frank competing in rodeos during college in Fargo. He Marshall writes, “Frank was always the instigator or organizer...He had the ability to resolve a problem and accomplish a task quicker and in a much simpler manner than others.” Marshall was a 2003 NDCHF Rodeo Honoree. For more information on obtaining a plaque or file card, call 701-250-1833.
“Wildflower Whispers”
Downy paintbrush Prairie rose Morningglory Blazingstar Aster Gumbo lily Scarlet gaura Primrose Horsemint
Starlily Prairie larkspur Coneflower Mariposa lily Bluebell Milkweed Crocus Yarrow Goldenrod
Page 12 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
NDCHF Gifts Honoring Loved Ones The NDCHF has received honorariums/memorials for the following individuals. Entries are from Oct. 31, 2003 through January 23, 2004. Memorials deposited after that date will appear in the next issue. To honor a loved one, see page 13. In honor of Gordon Albers See complete listing in next issue In memory of Lynn Amsden Roberta Amsden Green In memory of Niles Barnhardt Blanche Pelissier In memory of Joann Berger Russell & Debra Dressler In memory of Marge Boulware Verne & Evelyn Anderson Dorothy Cretsinger Marjorie Gratten Betty Gray Bud & Laura Griffin Ernest & Marlene Holkesvig Miles & Marlene Johnsrud Viola Kennedy Gene & Mary Nell King Ted & Betty Kirkpatrick Mark & Jessanne Knutson Mr. & Mrs. W. L. Mathers Mitchell Agency R.G. & Nancy Mitchell Jr. Evelyn Neuens Larry L. Nunn
Eloise Ogden & Bernie Pellenwessel Mr. & Mrs. Roger Otto Blanche Pelisser Jim & Tina Pelissier Leah Ray Raymond Schmidt Jr. Willard & Linda Schnell Judy Tibbetts & Tibbetts Ranches, Inc. John & Elsie Trotter Tvetene Turf, Inc. Donald & Doris Winslow In memory of George Bruington Kay Sorensen In memory of Harlan Carlson Morris & Mavis Brandvik In memory of Ruth Christensen Steve & Bev Christensen In memory of Tony Clausen Wayne & Shelley Semrau In memory of Art Dahl Harley Thompson In memory of Orlan Dahl Carlon Anderson
In memory of Larry Grantier Betty Grantier Gary & Jane Miller In memory of Jullian Gunlickson Bob & Cynthia Stauffer In memory of Sue Ingebretson Glenn & Robin Anderson In memory of Jean Jacobson Verne Anderson Marjorie Gratten Bud & Laura Griffin Viola Kennedy Ted & Betty Kirkpatrick Evelyn Neuens Leah Ray John & Elsie Trotter Whittier Community School for the Arts In memory of Brooks Keogh Dick Goldberg In memory of Leo Klatt Tim Irish In memory of Paul Kraenzel Paul & Susan Larsen In memory of Delbert Krumwiede Irene Krumwiede & Sons In memory of Terry Kurle Vernon & Mavis Bucholz In memory of Bus Leary Dwight & Dianne Dronen Pearl Janke In memory of L.E. “Frank” Marshall Robert & Shirley Bailey Vernon & Barbara Benson Lowell & Nona Eschbach Eric & Kathleen Foster Foster Foundation, Inc. Dennis Gamble Nightengale William & Mary Randall Bryan & Jacque Warren Karl Weidel, Inc In memory of Irene McCarten Betty Grantier In memory of Elaine Neidhardt Bud & Laura Griffin Larry & Linda Fritz In memory of Ted Neidhardt Ted & Betty Kirkpatrick
In memory of Nora O’Hearn Phil Baird & Family Mac & Julie Bruce Lynn Culver Agnes Fisher Evelyn Neuens Gladys Rausch In memory of Inga Olson Bill & Shirley Dixon John & Kim Dixon Don & Edna Gast E J & Kathleen Hagen Elden Jacobson Miles & Marlene Johnsrud Dale & Barb Jorgenson Viola Kennedy Mark & Jessanne Knutson Sheila Marie Clara Monroe Dr. Russell L. Odegard Robert & Eleanor Olson Al & Joyce Stude Rudy & Patti Syminow In memory of Mary Palaniuk Fay & Lynn Connell Jack & Sophie Pelissier In memory of Florence Pelton Gene Pelton In memory of Ford Sims Kathy “Jess” James In memory of Homer Sorenson Betty Grantier Clarence & Hazel Jorgenson In memory of Karen Stevenson Glenn & Robin Anderson Phil Baird & Family Ruby Bruington Pearl Cullen Todd Miller In memory of Jim Tescher Vern & Evelyn Anderson Phil Baird & Family William & Carmen Carroll Kent & Lucy Conrad Byron & Kim Dorgan Darrell & Kathy Dorgan Bob & Wilma Freise (Continued, next column.)
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 13
Obituaries Jim Berger Jim Berger, 48, died Dec. 11, 2003. Jim was born July 21, 1955, at Elgin, a son of Joseph and Florence (Schaaf) Berger. He was raised south of Richardton and married Bev Messer in 1977. He enjoyed working for Dennis and Donna Reich, Hebron, for the past 16 years. Jim’s passions were his family, friends and roping. He was a member of the Richardton Saddle Club and Hebron Broken Arrow Saddle Club. He is survived by his wife, Bev; two children, Derrick “DJ” and Amanda Berger, all of Richardton; his parents and five siblings. (Jim Tescher Memorials continued.) James & Donna Fritz Cary & Margie Hande Joan Kittelson Ted & Betty Kirkpatrick Sheila Marie Evelyn Neuens Marilyn Olson Tom & Pam Reichert Sheila Schafer Wayne & Lois Swenson Tom & Lorraine Tescher John & Elsie Trotter Duaine Voigt Jim & Patti Voll In memory of Gertie Turnquist Kathy “Jess” James In memory of Scott Wilson Harriet McClelland In memory of Bruce Zingg Craig & JoDee Bohn Pearl Cullen Robert & Wilma Freise David D. Hendrickson Todd Miller Mabel Tkach Troy & Sheila Stein Wilmer & Harriet Steinley Donald & Carol Zuther
Marjorie Boulware NDCHF Trustee Marjorie Boulware, 77, died Nov. 11, 2003. Marjorie Pelissier was born March 22, 1926, in Belfield, a daughter of Louie and Laura (Lebo) Pelissier. She was raised on the ranch at Medora and graduated from Belfield High School. She attended St. Mary’s Nursing School, Rochester, Minn., and was a Nurse’s Corps cadet during the war. She moved to Miles City, working as a nurse at Holy Rosary Hospital. She met and married Bill Boulware in 1948. They moved to Bozeman and later to Locate, near Miles City, to operate the family ranch. In 1966 they moved to Miles City where the children attended school. Marjorie worked at Holy Rosary Hospital until 1976. She worked as a licensed commodities broker from 1982-92. She served on the First Interstate Bank board for 10 years. Marjorie enjoyed playing bridge, following politics and the stock market, watching football and pursuing genealogy by traveling to Quebec, Montreal, Maine and Salt Lake City with her sister, Elsie. She is survived by her husband, Bill, Miles City; two sons, Jeffrey Schuyler (Holly), Brookings, S.D., John Francis “Jack,” San Francisco; a daughter, Jimi Lou (Gary) Woodard, Miles City; six grandchildren; and a sister, Elsie Trotter, Cawston, British Columbia, Canada.
Art Dahl Art Dahl, 89, died Aug. 17, 2003. Art was born Nov. 23, 1913, on the family homestead near Charleson, to Helmer and Blanche (Griffen) Dahl. He attended Hawkeye School and was confirmed at Keene First Lutheran Church. As a young man he worked on the family farm and neighboring farms. He served in the U.S. Army under General Patton during World War II. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked for area farmers/ranchers including the Grimsteads, Keoghs, Van Dykes and Wisnesses. He was a true cowboy who broke horses and worked cattle. He also worked as an oil field roustabout. He loved country music, children, animals (especially horses), and movies. He is survived by his twin brother, Amil (Doris), Watford City; two sisters, Myrtle (Walter) Sorenson, New Town, and Ethel (Lawrence) Galusha, Garrison; and a sister-in-law, Lillian Dahl, Fargo. Glenn Faust Glenn Faust, 77, died Dec. 7, 2003. Glenn was born Dec. 8, 1925, in Moffit, the son of H. Albert and Selma (Steiner) Faust. He attended Moffitarea schools, graduating in 1944. He was drafted in 1950 and served in Korea, receiving the Bronze Star. He (Continued on page 14.)
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Contributions/Memorials Obituary Policy: If you are aware of the recent death of a NDCHF member, North Dakota cowboy/rancher, or friend of western heritage, please inform us and if possible, provide an obituary. Send notice/obituary to: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive, Suite 216, Bismarck, ND 58501. While all submissions will be noted, space availability and NDCHF relevancy may dictate length.
Membership Contribution of $_________Category______________________ Memorial gift of $___________in honor of ____________________________ Name_________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City______________State____Zip Code__________Phone______________ Visa or Mastercard________________________________Exp. Date_______
Page 14 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
(Faust, continued from page 13.) farmed at Moffit for many years before selling the farm due to health reasons. He married Merle Cochran in 1980. He was interested in horses, cattle and cowboying. He was an avid reader and enjoyed lively discussions about politics and religion. His hobbies included family and community history and leather/ saddle work. He is survived by four sisters, his stepchildren, many nieces and nephews and close friends.
L.E. “Frank” Marshall NDCHF Inductee L.E. “Frank” Marshall, 88, died Sept. 10, 2003. Frank was born to Albert and Almeda (McLain) Marshall, Dec. 13, 1914, on the family farm near Forbes. He graduated from Forbes High School in 1932. Frank became a well-known horse breaker and trader who had his first bull riding experience in Bozeman, Mont., in 1939. His best year was 1942 when he ended the year as the fourth best bull rider in the world and the 25th best all-around cowboy. He was a lifetime Turtles/PRCA member and was inducted into the NDCHF Hall of Honorees in 2003. Frank was a decorated World War II veteran who received multiple Silver and Bronze Stars. In 1951 he earned a civil engineering degree from North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo. He was a licensed civil engineer in five states and had an impressive construction career that spanned 30 years. He is survived by two sons, William, North Las Vegas, Nev., and Pat (Toni) Marshall, Hopewell, N.J.; a brother, Donald; and six grandchildren.
Keith Moore Keith Moore, 80, died Dec. 18, 2003. Charles Keith Moore was born June 23, 1923, in Illinois, the son of Charles and Virginia (Myers) Moore. He attended Sentinel Butte and Camels Hump schools. He married Ada May “Tubby” Chase in 1946. He served in the Pacific during World War II and became known for his skills in operating a dozer. He was an excellent shot, an astute truck driver, and was noted for his easy laugh and quick, dry wit. Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing and even riding broncs in his early days. He is survived by his wife, Tubby, Gillette, Wyo.; five children, Leslie Moore, Bozeman, Mont., Linda Gasho, Gillette, Wyo., Virginia Lechler, Rozet, Wyo., Ramona Sult, Circle, Mont., and Kim Scott, Houston, Texas; a sister, 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Inga Olson Inga Olson, 94, died Oct. 31, 2003. Inga Berg was born Dec. 28, 1908, at Hillsboro, to Chris and Anna Berg. The family moved to the Spring Creek community in 1918. She attended Shaw School and high schools in Mayville and Minot, graduating from Model Normal School. She earned a one-year teaching certificate, teaching in McKenzie and Dunn Counties. The pioneer ranch lady married Gordon L. Olson in 1929. They ranched 25 miles southeast of Watford City, where the cow business was the main means of livelihood. Inga was a North Dakota Stockmen’s Association member for 60+ years and
Member FDIC
was an active, charter member of the North Dakota CattleWomen and national cattle organizations. She was Badlands Saddle Club secretary and drill team member and served 12 years as 50 Years in the Saddle secretary. She was a NDCHF member, was active in Spring Creek Lutheran Church, Rebecca’s and Sons of Norway. She is survived by two daughters, Hazel (Kelly) Jorgenson, Watford City, Joyce (Don) Anderson, Minot; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Calvin “Cal” Petersen Calvin Petersen, 77, died July 22, 2003. Cal was born Feb. 21, 1926, on the family homestead at St. Michael, to Jens and Caroline (Sorensen) Petersen. He was raised and educated there. He married Harriet Berg (Pierce) in 1947. They later divorced. In his younger years he earned a living breaking broncs and harness teams while enjoying rodeo life. Cal ranched at St. Michael before going to Alaska to work. He owned and operated a welding shop in Mandan. He loved raising horses and was currently running a small herd outside of Mandan. He is survived by his companion of 22 years, Lillian Ruff; one foster daughter, Debbie (Kenneth) Dosch, Maddock; two special children, Vickie Voegele, Mandan and Doug Ruff, Billings, Mont.; a special friend, Rodger Skadsen, St. Michael; and several other relatives. (Continued, next page.)
Bismarck • Bowman • Dickinson Glen Ullin • Hebron • Lincoln Mandan • New Leipzig • Taylor
Spring 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 15
Karen Stevenson Karen Stevenson, 93, died Dec. 12, 2003. Karen Jacobs was born Feb. 14, 1910, near Brisbane, to John and Alma Jacobs. She attended Brisbane schools, graduating in 1928. She attended Dickinson State and taught in rural schools. She married John “J.C.” Stevenson in 1938. She taught until the couple opened a hardware/implement business in Carson. They also had a thriving livestock business with rodeo as a sideline. When Karen was asked what rodeo event she participated in she’d always answer, “I came along to pick up the pieces.” Karen was active in Carson Senior Citizens and enjoyed reading, baseball, traveling, flowers, playing cards and watching rodeo. She is survived by a daughter, Kay Stevenson, Carson; a granddaughter, Karen (Claude) Massee, Hot Springs, S.D.; a grandson, Jason (Cody) Kraft, Carson; and six great-grandchildren. Jim F. Tescher NDCHF Inductee Jim F. Tescher, 74, died Dec. 27, 2003. Jim was born Aug. 15, 1929, in Beach, to Math C. and Antionette (Gass) Tescher. He grew up northeast of Sentinel Butte and was educated in various country schools. At age 17 he went to work at the South St. Paul Stockyards for two years and from there to the Walt Neuens Ranch, Medora. He married his 1946 prom date, Loretta Brown, in a double ring ceremony in 1950. In 1952 they bought the old Cliff Wagner ranch in northern Billings County from Henry Townley. Jim’s rodeo career started in his early teens. He joined the RCA in 1948. He won the National Finals saddle bronc riding in 1959 and ’63, also qualifying in steer wrestling in ’59. Jim was 1964 runner-up to the saddle bronc champion of the world and placed third in the allaround standings. In his last year of rodeo competition, Jim entered seven rodeos and placed at all of them. He was among the first group of NDCHF honorees inducted in 1998. Jim enjoyed
hard work, fishing, playing cards, softball, storytelling and tickling his grandkids. He liked raising good horses and cattle and insisted that things be done the right way. He was 1988 North Dakota Commercial Charolais Producer of the Year and 1989 AmericanInternational Commercial Charolais Producer of the Year. He served two terms as Rodeo Cowboys Association vice president and became a PRCA gold card holder. He was a trustee at the Church of St. Michael, Sentinel Butte, and most currently a member of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Beach. He chaired the county weed board, was a North Dakota Stockmen’s Association member for 36 years and enjoyed supporting Home on the Range, Sentinel Butte. Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta, Beach; five children, Gary (Ardis), Sidney, Mont., Cindi Stockwell (special friend Bob), Plummer, Minn., Barry (Rita), Minot, Troy (Joanne), Beach, and Bonnie Froehlich (special friend Shane), Williston; 15 grandchildren, one greatgrandchild; and siblings, Marie Maus, Beach, Cel Rutledge, Sun City, Ariz., Alvin, Beach, Tom, Medora, Joan Kittelson, Beach, Dona Lowman, Fairfield, and Alice Meginnes, Tucson, Ariz.
Lola Tveit NDCHF Trustee Lola Tveit, 83, died Nov. 14, 2003. Lola Nicholson was born May 4, 1920, north of Forbes, the daughter of Ralph and Sadie (Warnock) Nicholson. She married Iver Tveit in 1940. They worked on Crabtree’s sheep ranch and then farmed until 1948, when they moved to Ellendale. In 1950 they purchased the old Dan Hunt pasture and began creating the Spring Water Ranch, their lifelong home which included dairy, sheep and horses. The Evans Quarter Horses began with quality bloodlines from the Al Buchli Ranch. The AQHA honored Lola and Iver for “50 Cumulative Years
of Breeding American Quarter Horses 1950-2000.” The couple was instrumental in numerous horse and local historical endeavors. Lola proudly represented Spring Water Ranch when their horse, “Big Daddy Evans,” was raffled for the 2003 NDCHF fundraiser. She valued and cherished family, history, friends, Democratic roots, Native American culture, her dogs, her rocks, sharing homemade food, phone calls and laughs. She is survived by two sons, Jim (Karen), Ellendale, Bruce (Wendy), Spring Valley, Minn.; one daughter, Joan (Larry) Hoffman, Ellendale; eight grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren and one brother.
Bruce Zingg Bruce K. Zingg, 44, died Dec. 9, 2003, as a result of injuries received in a traffic accident. Bruce was born Feb. 11, 1959, in Turtle Lake, a son of Byron and Beverly (Kuehn) Zingg. He was raised on the family farm in McClusky and baptized and confirmed there. He married Gwen Loehrke in 1979. They ranched in Pickardville, farmed at McClusky, and in 1989 moved to their own ranch near Carson. From the time Bruce was four years old he wanted to be a rancher and before that wanted to be a cowboy. He often mentioned that he was living his dream: to ranch, to cowboy, to enjoy his wife and sons, to have good friends and ride a good horse. He loved to read, play guitar and was very good with children and cattle. He was a marvelous horseman. His memberships included the Grant County Fair Board, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4-H Council and the rural fire department. Bruce is survived by his wife, Gwen, Carson; his sons, Bill, Bismarck, and Tyrel, Carson; his parents, Byron and Bev Zingg, McClusky; a sister, Kay (Steve) Reiser, Washburn; a brother, Noel, Bismarck; and numerous other relatives including nine nieces and nephews. •
Page 16 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2004
A Look at 2004 Cowboy Hall of Fame Nominees
• Clair Cullen was a calf roper, roughstock judge, horse trainer and mentor. He became a charter member of the NDRA and was the 1955 NDRA calf roping champion. He was an avid supporter of the Washburn 4-H Horse Camp. • Leonard Davis ranched on the east slope of the Killdeer Mountains and served 10 years in the state House of Representatives. He was a North Dakota Stockmen’s Association president who had vision, integrity and energy. • Bill Hamann was a cattleman who established Western Livestock Company in Dickinson in 1948. He started at 4 a.m. seven days a week. He was loyal, honest, and was a well-known source of cattle for numerous ranchers just starting in the business. • Ben Johnston managed a family ranching business north of Watford City. The family started furnishing bucking stock for exhibitions in the early 1930s. Ben added rodeo bulls in 1957 and was a strong supporter of high school and NDRA rodeo.
Western Arts and Entertainment — one inducted: • Leo D. Harris, “the cowboy photographer,” chronicled the ranching culture in western North Dakota in the 1930s and ’40s. He depicted roundups and camp scenes and was a master at capturing split-second action in the rodeo arena or corral. • Einar Olstad began painting at age 14, selling scrap iron and rags to buy paints. He worked as a blacksmith and sculptor and lived on ranches at Marmarth and Sentinel Butte. He was inspired by ranch life in the Dakota Badlands. • Leo J. Ray grew up on a ranch south of Medora where learning the art of metal and leather work was a necessity. He designed and built useful bits and balanced spurs, utilizing an old forge, pitchfork tines and files. Leo taught himself to etch silver and gold. • Bob Rindt loved to teach and entertain and was well known for performing rope, whip and tumbling acts and trick shooting. He began producing rodeos at Drake in 1927. As a specialty act, he worked 10-15 rodeos a year for about 50 years. – compiled by Colette Knutson Gjermundson
The Cowboy Chronicle
one inducted:
ing career on the Steve Weekes ranch near Almont. Later known as the “Heart River Kid,” he was an outstanding saddle bronc rider who began producing local rodeos in 1930 and became a public servant.
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 1110 College Drive, Suite 216 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Leaders of Ranching and Rodeo —
• Vincent Kovash raised cattle and horses in southwest Dunn County and was instrumental in developing the town of New Hradec. He helped found a church, operated a general store, helped organize Dunn County and was a banker. • Andy Moore broke horses to ride and drive and became an accomplished teamster. The soft-spoken man helped initiate the Blaisdell Rodeo Club, built a well-known Appaloosa breeding program and had an excellent eye for conformation. • Albert Neidhardt learned to handle horses back when six-horse teams were common. He raised and traded hundreds of horses, helped organize rodeos in Richardton, Dodge and Hebron and worked as a pickup man. • Norman “Peg” O’Neil was the NDRA’s first president, serving 1953-55. He was an avid supporter of the Beulah Cowboy’s Reunion Rodeo, Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo, Killdeer Showdeo and was called the “World’s Greatest Rodeo Promoter.” • Steve “S.P.” Weekes Sr. started the Weekes Ranch along the Heart River in 1882, running up to 1,700 cattle and 400 horses. He and his sons had a rodeo string and organized annual July 4th rodeos on the ranch, roughly from 1924-43. • Frank Wetzstein was a Mandan Rodeo organizer in the 1940s and ’50s. He helped round-up cowboys, contract stars and once sold a horse to Gene Autry. Frank often reached into his own pockets to help pay rodeo expenses. • Joe Wicks began his rodeo and ranch-
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• The VVV Ranch, located along the Little Missouri River in the heart of the Badlands, was first established as the JXL Ranch. The ranch hosted Theodore Roosevelt and became the site of the Yule Post Office. The Weinreis Family has owned and operated it since 1975.
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