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Vol. 8, No. 1 • Spring 2003
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Published bi-annually by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
Annual Meeting & Banquet Set For February 22
• Hall Highlights • •The eighth NDCHF Annual Meeting and Banquet is scheduled for Feb. 21-22 at the Seven Seas, Mandan. Call 701-663-7401 or 800597-7327 for banquet tickets or room reservations. Specify your affiliation with the NDCHF to receive the special room rate. •If you have items to donate to the NDCHF live or silent auctions, please contact the NDCHF office at 701-2501833 and bring the items to the annual meeting. •The 2003 NDCHF Hall of Honorees Induction is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2003, in Medora, with the HOTR Champions Ride set for Aug. 3 at Sentinel Butte. Call now for motel reservations.
Having already restored a stagecoach that once belonged to Buffalo Bill Cody, western history enthusiast Gerry Groenewold, Grand Forks, is now involved in a nationwide search for the fourth of the Marquis de Mores’ stagecoaches. “I located the third one,” he says, noting that he is working with a Vermont journalist. “Now were researching whether all four of the Marquis’ coaches survived.” Groenewold will bring his ardor for western history to the eighth annual North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Seven Seas, Mandan. Call 701-663-7401 or 800-5977327 to reserve banquet tickets as only a limited number are available. In his cultural heritage and regional tourism presentation, Groenewold will share how visiting a relative’s ranch as a
Cloverdale/NDCHF Market Smoked Beef Sausage Just as roses and chocolate combine for a dreamy Valentine’s Day, Cloverdale Foods and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame are presenting another locally produced, all-beef product. A country-style, hickory-smoked beef sausage introduced in late November, is
• Inside • Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2003 Melanie Jean Marquart..............2 Sanish History Association Contributes to Building Fund.....3 Now and Then Featuring noted team roper Bruce Northrop and Sandhills rancher and agricultural advocate Joe Milton Sr. .................4-5 Memorial Plaques and Cards Purchased to honor loved ones and support the NDCHF...........12 NDCHF Raffle Tveit Family donates horse and saddle......................................16
six-year-old impacted his life. “I just fell in love with the western landscape and western history and I’ve never recovered. Never will,” he says. “My love is history and Dr. Gerry Groenewold the preservation of historic sites, which are incredible economic resources.” He grew up in Illinois, where he enjoyed riding his dark bay horse named “Sam,” but Groenewold has lived in North Dakota since 1967. Groenewold serves as president of the (Continued on page 3.)
Gov. John Hoeven, left, and former Gov. Art Link, who is also NDCHF Capital Funds Drive Honorary Chair, sample Smoked Beef Sausage at a Dec. 11 press conference in the great hall of the State Capitol. Serving the sausage is Bonnie Tharaldsen, Cloverdale Foods. Sausage royalties go to the NDCHF.
being marketed throughout a five-state area. The premium sausage, produced in Mandan, carries the distinctive yellow and orange Cloverdale label and bears the NDCHF logo. Royalties go to the NDCHF. Cloverdale President T.J. Russell, Mandan, says, “This is a partnership that’s working. We’re taking a North Dakota product, adding value to it through processing and using the profits to promote the preservation of North Dakota heritage and history. We’re also creating jobs and a market for North Dakota beef.” In 2001, Cloverdale and the NDCHF introduced 100-percent premium beef franks, an endeavor that resulted in more than $15,000 in royalties for the Hall of Fame. NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan, Bismarck, expects similar results with the beef sausage, calling Cloverdale “a shining example of what a local company can do to improve our quality of life. When asked, they jumped at the chance to produce a high-quality beef frank. NDCHF Trustees help with in-store demonstrations, (Beef Sausage, continued on page 3.)
Page 2 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
B it from the Marquart Chosen Miss Rodeo 2003 ly with deep roots in Newly crowned Miss B oard ranching and agriculRodeo North Dakota, Dear Members and Friends: We are so close. It’s like we’re rounding the last turn of the Kentucky Derby in the lead. Or going into the tenth goround of the National Finals Rodeo leading the average. We’re nearly ready to start construction of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. ‘Almost there. We’ve signed the lease for the building site in Medora. We’ve completed the environmental studies and the engineering and architectural plans for the building. We’ve hired an exhibit design firm to start planning the interpretive displays during the next 10 months. There are enough impressive inductees to create a great showcase in the Hall of Honorees. We now have $2.0 million in memberships, donations, grant monies, and pledges. But we need another $1.0 million if we are to finish the building phase. We are talking to businesses and prospective donors about helping us in the homestretch. Small $5,000 to $10,000 annual pledges over the next three years will help us reach our goal. NDCHF cookbooks are selling like hot cakes. We’re also talking about producing a commemorative pistol to go with the NDCHF commemorative rifle. Most importantly, we need your continued membership support. We know it’s a tough economy right now, especially for those involved with agriculture. But we’re almost there. We want to start construction in 2003 and open in 2004. The 2003 NDCHF annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22 in Mandan. I encourage members and trustees to step up and help the Hall with your valuable time and financial support as we enter the homestretch. Let’s finish the race in the lead. Let’s top the final go-round. We can do this. Happy Trails,
Phil Baird, Mandan NDCHF President P.S. Happy 50th Anniversary to the North Dakota Rodeo Association!
ture has taught Melanie Jean Melanie many imporMarquart has attendtant values that she ed several Hall of applies to everyday Fame activities: living. Giving her best greeting guests and in every aspect of life lending a hand with is a belief that she has presentations and always embraced. auctions. The 22Every day, she revels year-old daughter of in the opportunity to John & Theresa represent America's Marquart, McKenzie, number one sport. was selected in Melanie's family Minot in October. Melanie Jean Marquart enjoys watching her After graduating from Wing High School, Melanie contagious enthusiasm for rodeo ignite attended Dickinson State University excitement, interest and support for pursuing a degree in computer science. rodeo everywhere she goes. She was a member of the Dickinson State rodeo team, competing in barrel racing. Melanie has competed horseNorth Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame back since age four, capturing countless all-around titles at the local, Executive Director..............Darrell Dorgan regional and state levels. In 1999, she Board of Directors qualified for the National Barrel Horse President.......................Phil Baird, Mandan Association world show competition. Vice President............Robert Tibor, Hebron Secretary............Russ Danielson, Harwood The cowgirl manages the Running Heart Ranch south of Wing, caring for Board Members her own small cattle herd and eight Kaye Burian............................Manning Virginia Eck............................Bismarck registered Quarter Horses. A certified Laura Griffin.............................Medora horse show judge and former 4-H Ray Morrell..................................Minot Horse Judging State Champion, she Robyn Nelson........................Pembina Evelyn Neuens......................Bismarck competes in jackpot barrel racings, Walter Piehl, Jr.............................Minot gives private riding lessons and attends Winston Satran......................Bismarck rodeos. During the summer she volunWillard Schnell......................Dickinson Arlen Sommers....................Valley City teers for the MedCenter One Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Representative: Therapeutic Riding Program, Randy Hatzenbuhler.................Medora Bismarck. State Historical Society Representative: Lydia Sage-Chase...............New Town In the summer of 2002, Melanie completed a horseback ride across The Cowboy Chronicle North Dakota, from the Canadian borOfficial publication of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame der to South Dakota, promoting rodeo. She describes rodeo as “action-packed Editor.....Colette Knutson Gjermundson entertainment that is never the same Advisory Committee: show twice ... the best ticket in town.” Jeri L. Dobrowski Melanie was one of six candidates Ray Morrell vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Willard Schnell Robert Tibor North Dakota. She captured the individual horsemanship, personality, Send Letters, Address Changes, speech and photogenic categories. Memberships and Contributions to: This year, Melanie will travel thouNorth Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame sands of miles promoting rodeo, com1110 College Drive, Suite 216 munity and sponsor activities, and Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Phone: 701-250-1833 western events. Growing up in a fami-
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 3
(Groenewold, continued from page 1.) Frontier Heritage Alliance, a five-state organization based in Sheridan, Wyo. “We’re finding some real success in bringing the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming together in researching, preserving, interpreting and promoting historic sites, and in tying historic themes together across state lines,” he says. NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan confirms, “Groenewold really is a walking history book. Besides accomplishing museum-quality restoration of wagons and other items relevant to Plains history, he is a historic researcher who spends thousands of hours tracing and documenting significant historic sites, key artifacts and stories that reveal who we are.” Professionally, Dr. Groenewold is director of the Energy & Environmental Research Center, the primary research entity at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He manages approximately 220 people who focus on research, development, demonstration and commercialization of energy and environmental technologies. He and his wife, Connie, a Tolley native, have three sons. NDCHF Annual Meeting activities begin Friday, Feb. 21, with a free social at 7 p.m. The informal gathering includes musical entertainment, ice cream sundaes and plenty of time to share tales with old friends and new acquaintances. On Saturday, Feb. 22, the NDCHF annual membership and business meeting begins at 1 p.m. central. It will feature an update on Hall of Fame fundraising and building plans. The statewide Trustees meeting is set for 2:30 p.m. Executive Director Darrell Dorgan says, “The process is working beautifully. We have received 42 great nominations for 2003. That number will be pared down to 18 names that will appear on the ballot.” Nominees who do not make the ballot this year will remain on file for future reference. At the meeting, Trustees will have opportunity to promote and (Continued, next column.)
Mandan’s Cloverdale Foods and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame present a second locally produced all-beef product: Smoked Beef Sausage. The first product, 100-percent premium Beef Franks, introduced in 2001, has raised $15,000 for the NDCHF.
(Beef Sausage, continued from page 1.) and we receive a great royalty check that will help build a center of western heritage and culture.” Gov. John Hoeven helped introduce the product at a Dec. 11 press conference at the North Dakota State Capitol, declaring the sausage, “The best I’ve ever tasted!” Cloverdale Vice President of Sales and Marketing Scott Russell noted that extensive trials were conducted to determine the best flavor profile for the beef sausage. He added that sausage is a comfort food that fits breakfast, lunch or dinner menus. “There are a multitude of ways to serve and consume smoked sausage.” NDCHF Capital Funds Drive Honorary Chair and former Governor Art Link, Bismarck, recognized the benefits of Cloverdale’s support and the importance of preserving western history, stating, “Abraham Lincoln said ‘A country with little regard for its past will have little worth remembering in the future.’ That’s what this is all about. We are the last generation that is fairly close to the settling of this
country. This is our time.” The Cloverdale/NDCHF product partnership is just one part of the NDCHF’s ongoing fundraising efforts. The Capital Funds Drive continues. As of late January, the Hall of Fame had financial commitments of $2.0 million. Funds drive zone chairs and committee members are working to raise the $1.0 million still necessary to begin construction. Dorgan says, “We are still aiming to secure $3 million in commitments before breaking ground in Medora. Support for the NDCHF continues to be strong, and we are encouraged that there are several individuals, foundations and companies that may well be able to provide us with the funding needed to begin construction yet this year.” However, he adds, “The state of the economy, the drought and the threat of war has significantly impacted all fundraising endeavors. Many foundation endowments have been cut in half during past two years as stocks have tumbled. We have been more fortunate than many other non-profits.”
(Meeting, continued from column 1.) discuss individuals or entities that will appear on the ballot. Trustees will vote in May, with inductees announced in early July. Saturday evening’s no-host social begins at 5:30 p.m., including the kick-off of the live auction. Anyone
wishing to donate items for the live or silent auctions should contact the NDCHF office and bring the items to the meeting. A bountiful Seven Seas buffet will be served at 7 p.m., followed by Groenewold’s remarks and the conclusion of the live auction.
Page 4 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
NOW & THEN Bruce Northrop: A Consistent Team Roping Veteran Imagine a summer day in the 1950s. You’re horseback amid a skeleton crew of riders in the wide open Little Missouri Badlands north of Killdeer. Daytime brings a myriad of exciting adventures as you help gather horses for Fettig Brothers Rodeo. Nights are spent camping at the Wilcox and Richards place west of the Lost Bridge or at the old Henderson Horse Camp near what became the Spotted Horn Store. “We run horses for three weeks at a time up there, branding colts and gentle bucking horses,” recalls Bruce Northrop, Medora, who began working for Nick and Ray Fettig in 1951. “That was big country then. No fences. Horses would start comin’ west and you probably had some kids spotted along the way where you could change horses after you played one out. There was a few times you just stepped on one that would go cold and run with you.” He admits, “Oh, it was scary until you could get him pulled up and lined out. But it was a lot of fun, especially when you’re young like that.” Bruce Northrop was born in Belfield, Feb. 11, 1933, a son of W.S. “Pete” Northrop and Gladys (Heaton) Northrop. His dad was born in Killdeer and his mother came from Oceola, Iowa. “My (paternal) grandparents had a livery stable in Dickinson and did a lot of horse trading,” he says. Bruce’s father and grandfather both homesteaded along Magpie Creek. “My granddad’s old log house still stands pretty good over there,” he says. Pete later bought a ranch on Whitetail Creek, about 35 miles north of Belfield, where Bruce grew up with three siblings: Ward, Leah and Dale. “Our post office was Gorham, which was like seven miles away,” he says. Bruce attended two country schools as well as school in Belfield, complet-
Bruce Northrop, Medora, worked for Fettig Brothers Rodeo in the 1950s. Today, he is noted as a consistent, successful team roper.
ing the 8th grade. “My dad only went to the sixth grade so he said, “Ah, you don’t need an education to ranch. That’s the way it was.” Northrop gained valuable equine experience while growing up. “We fed cattle with a team and sled and hayed with horses,” he says. “We never had a tractor ‘til I think 1951.” He recalls a day that same year when Nick Fettig pulled into the Northrop ranch looking to purchase horses. “We raised probably 35 colts a year, so sold him a bunch of horses. Three or four of them made pretty good bucking horses,” Bruce says. That same day, Nick asked if anyone wanted to work for him. Bruce accepted the offer. At that time Fettigs tried out bucking horses at their farm just northeast of Killdeer. “They had about three chutes and a trick dummy they’d put on the horse. It had (chains and) big ol’ heavy weights on it,” Bruce says. “We didn’t flank ‘em, we just put that on ‘em with about 50-feet of rope. If the horse made them chains cross over he was in. Then we’d trip it, it would fly off and we’d put it on another horse.”
Horses that didn’t qualify for the bucking string went to a Jamestown packing plant. Fettigs furnished horses at rodeos such as Oakdale, Sanish and Beulah. “You trailed them everywhere,” Bruce says, “It sometimes made for some long rides. You’d ride from Killdeer clear up to the camp at the Spotted Horn Store, gather horses, and get out with enough to go to Beulah, like 125 head.” After the rodeo, the horses had to be trailed back home. Remembering one adventurous ride that he and Ray Fettig took, Northrop says, “It was raining. We left Beulah on Labor Day and kept the horses overnight in a little pasture at Water Chief Hall, just across the river from Elbowwoods. We camped at Guimo’s Store. We had a lot of trouble with the horses – especially with two guys trying to trail that many.” The following morning the river was high. Elton White Bear was there and crossed the river first. “Those horses were wantin’ to go home, I mean bad. They were headed back west at a dead run,” Northrop exclaims. “I was scared, man. I waited ‘til near the end, then my horse fell in the river. Water come clear up to my neck and it was cold, too. But we made it all right.” They trailed the horses to the current mission site east of Mandaree, sorted out the saddle horses, took them to the Henderson Horse Camp and changed horses. Ray and Bruce put the bucking horses in a pasture near Lost Bridge, changed horses again and rode into Killdeer. “Nick was supposed to pick us up (at Lost Bridge) but it was muddy (and he didn’t get there),” Bruce says. “It was 80-some miles of being cold and wet. That was probably the longest, most miserable ride I ever took in my life.” Eventually, Phil Fettig bought Nick (Continued on page 6.)
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 5
NOW & THEN Joe Milton Sr.: Serving Agriculture and Community “As a child grows ... he learns to meet each changing necessity, every imminent crisis, and all daily problems with a direct approach. He dares not stick his head in the sand and refuse to recognize reality, but daily strives to mold reality to his own liking and to his own advantage.” These words, spoken by Sandhills rancher Joe Milton Sr., at the 1957 North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) Convention, echo Milton’s lifelong philosophy and personal dedication to serving agriculture and community. Joseph Milton was born March 30, 1907, near Walcott, one of 18 children born to Peter and Ella (Johnson) Fatland. Joe was orphaned as a youngster and was taken in by an aunt and uncle who ranched near McLeod. As a result, “He developed the philosophy that he had to pay back the community. He did that, over and over and over,” says North Dakota State University Range Scientist Bill Barker, Fargo. Joe’s oldest son, Joe “Skip” Milton, McLeod, adds, “He wasn’t one who wanted to be in the limelight, but he felt that whatever talents God gave a person they should use them to serve others.” Joe was educated in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota and attended Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. Joe intended to become a minister but eventually changed his focus to teaching, graduating cum laude in 1930. Still, Barker says, “Joe could get up and give sermons as well as any pastor that you’ve ever heard.” Milton married Lillian E. Thorsen on Dec. 23, 1929, at Lake Park, Minn. He taught school in Iowa, also coaching football, basketball and track and bringing his football team to a state championship. Later, he became the first president of the North Dakota Amateur Baseball Association. Joe and Lillian had three children:
The 1971 Western Livestock Reporter Annual called Joe Milton Sr., “one of a group of unique men that changed the Sandhills of southeastern North Dakota from a virtual barren wasteland in the 1930s to a highly productive range livestock area.”
Joseph “Skip” (Viola), McLeod, David (Cynthia), Littleton, Colo., and Lola (Gary) Lindquist, Worthington, Minn.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In 1935, the Miltons returned to McLeod where they ranched until retiring in 1974. As of 1971, Joe was grazing nearly 400 cattle on public and private lands and winter feeding more than 1,100 head. Joe served as NDSA president from 1956-58. In August 1957, he wrote in the NDSA magazine, Bar North: “I believe that I am engaged in an industry that is of primary importance to the welfare of America. That as a good citizen I must so manage my livestock operation that I shall not be found wanting when my fellowmen call on me for a supply of the goods which I produce. Nor shall this supply ever be lacking in quality. I believe that ... North Dakota has been blessed with the climate and the range which are conducive to the production of cattle
that are both vigorous and healthy. That as a good citizen of my state and as a good cowman, I must avail myself of these blessings to the end that the cattle I produce shall be a credit to me and North Dakota.” Stressing cooperation between cow/calf producers and feeders he added, “I believe that my character will be the key to a successful operation ... Honesty is and shall ever be the watchword in the representation or sale of my product.” He noted a sincere belief in the future of the beef cattle industry and vigilance in improving livestock production. Obviously, Joe had a good mind. In addition, “He was a good family man, a good citizen and in every sense a community leader,” says Clair Michels, Miles City, Mont., who served as NDSA executive secretary from 1958-83. Milton was NDSA president at a time when eastern and western North Dakota came together within the association and in matters concerning livestock grazing. Michels explains, “Joe was instrumental in (quieting) prejudices and in bringing harmony between east and west.” Milton also played a vital role in statewide brand inspection. Joe was a founding member of the Sheyenne Valley Grazing Association (SVGA), McLeod. He went on to serve 37 years as SVGA executive secretary, retiring from that position in 1987 at age 80. “We figured we could do a better job of management if we got together,” Joe told The Furrow, in a November/December 1968 article. “So we formed a non-profit corporation to cooperatively lease grazing land from individuals, the state, and the federal government.” An article in the 1971 Western Livestock Reporter Annual further notes that Joe was “one of a group of unique men that changed (Continued on page 7.) (Milton, continued from page 5.)
Page 6 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
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Eloise Ogden, Minot
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NDCHF District: 5 Family: spouse, Bernie Pellenwessel, a Realtor and co-owner of Signal Realtors Inc. Occupation: Minot Daily News Regional Editor Special ranching memory: “I grew up in the Ryder area where my family raised cattle and grains. Our neighbors and our community were always an important part of our lives. This rural life influenced me in choosing a career which focuses on people and their lives.” Who do you consider a hero? “Those people who so willingly give their time to our North Dakota communities, large and small, to make them better places to live. Many have a positive attitude about it and do not seek credit for the work they do.” Free-time activity: “Photographing the North Dakota outdoors. This has developed into photo exhibits: ‘North Dakota Badlands’ and ‘Along the Lewis & Clark Trail in North Dakota.’ My Echo Prints company offers photo cards, calendars and large postcards.” Latest book read: “Diplomats in Buckskin” by Herman J. Viola, a book about the Indian delegates, including tribal chiefs from what is now North Dakota, who went to Washington, D.C., as a result of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.” Greatest learning experience: “A close call that occurred when I was 16. My dad, family friend Dwight Paulson and I almost came face-to-face with two semis passing each other in a southern Minnesota fog. The semis spread apart and our car seemed to almost fly between the trucks. Another incident happened Jan. 18, 2002, when Bernie and I fled our northwest Minot home after derailed Canadian Pacific rail cars spewed anhydrous ammonia fumes across the city. Experiences like these make me appreciate each day that we are given another chance at life.” Advice for a young person: “Whether you decide to become a journalist or go into another profession, always strive for fairness, honesty and accuracy. If journalism is your career choice, be inquisitive and have compassion.” Honors and accomplishments: “Being asked to write about ‘why I have stayed in this state to pursue my profession’ for the ‘North Dakota Blue Book’ to be released later this year.” Why do you support the NDCHF? “It is important to help preserve the history of North Dakota cowboys and cowgirls so that present and future generations will know the stories and can enjoy the history. It is also educational.”
(Northrop, continued from page 4.) Fettig’s rodeo stock. Bruce went to work for Phil, who also bought horses and bulls from Greenough and Ore. “We started having quite a few more rodeos then,” Northrop says, “The Sidney (Mont.) rodeo, Garrison and clear to Thief River Falls, Minn.” By that time, trucks replaced trailing rodeo stock but Bruce assures, “You still had to round them up and that was something.” Shaking his head he says, “We’d come down off the wildest places.” One of the first times stock was loaded onto trucks at the old rodeo grounds at Bear Creek, Northrop says, “It was muddy and we had to chain up the straight trucks. Two of them (horses) finally jumped clear out of the trucks.” Other times all the stock except the dogging steers and the pickup horses were shipped
via railroad to Thief River Falls, Minn. Northrop worked for Fettigs until 1956, except for winters when he worked for Badlands ranchers Don Short or Jim Tescher. He also rode for the Figure 4 on a couple of fall roundups. “We were like 23 days on the roundup there – 40 riders and we each had about seven saddle horses. We slept in a tent and everything was cooked outside in big ol’ iron pots over a fire.” While working for Fettig Brothers, Bruce amateur rodeoed for about six years. He remembers bucking off Old Fitzgerald and Whiz Bang. Laughing, he adds, “I didn’t feel so bad after I seen Old Fitz buck Harley May off.” In the late 1950s Bruce began working seasonally for the National Park Service (NPS), in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. In the mid-to-late ‘60s
he worked for the Gold Seal Company, Medora. In 1970 Bruce became a permanent NPS employee. “I was a jack-of-all-trades,” he says. He also participated in numerous wild horse and buffalo roundups, even after his retirement. “There’s nothing more thrilling than riding a helicopter when you’re chasing elk,” he exclaims. “Out above that tough terrain you really gotta know the country to know where you’re at.” During this time Bruce and his wife, Judy, were also raising Bruce’s two sons, Dean, now of Dickinson, and Doug, Littleton, Colo. He also has one grandson. Judy, who was the Medora postmaster, died of cancer in 1988. While working for Gold Seal Bruce helped with the daily rodeo at (Continued on page 8.) (Northrop, continued from page 8.)
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 7
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Ray Riehl, Flasher
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NDCHF District: 7 Family: mother, Clementine; brother, Roy; sisters, Diane, Donna, Penny and Debbie Occupation: “I am self-employed in a business called “RR Supply,” a saddle and tack repair business and I do custom braiding.” Favorite Rodeo Event: “Bareback riding. I like roughstock events.” First horse: “My first horse was a paint named Paint.” First rodeo experience: “Bull fighting and being a pickup man. It was a great experience.” What was your first job? “Farm hand for Jim Souchy. It paid little. Maybe $3/hour.” Who do you consider a hero? “Brad Gjermundson, because he’s a world champion and he originates in North Dakota.” Name five things you like: “Saddle repair, braiding, wood working, rodeos and trail rides.” Latest book read: “Any Louis L’Amour book.” Greatest learning experience: “Learning a trade and living alone after becoming blind (due to a car accident in 1986).” One unique think about yourself that most people don’t know: A friend writes, “A lot of people don’t know that Ray is blind. He has to convince people of his disability when he is doing his trade.” Advice for a young person: “Be conscientious and work to the best of your ability.” Honors and accomplishments: A friend writes, “He has his own saddle and tack repair business after becoming blind.” Why do you support the NDCHF? “Because it’s a tribute to cowboys and the western way of life.”
the Sandhills of southeastern North Dakota from a virtual barren wasteland in the 1930s to a highly productive range livestock area.” “Joe was a key cog for the Sheyenne Valley Grazing Association,” confirms NDSU Range Scientist Bill Barker. “A lot of people called him ‘the cowboy lawyer.’ They trusted Joe to handle ranch business. He’d help with their grazing contracts and marketing cattle. He was just fantastic in that respect.” Milton was instrumental in initiating the National Association of Grazing Associations and served the Public Lands Commission. “He was very protective of the grasslands,” Barker says, recalling a time when a pipeline company intended to run a natural gas pipeline across the grasslands. “I was at Joe’s house when this guy drove up in a Cadillac. He saw Joe as an old cowboy and started telling him how they were coming through with the pipeline and there was nothing he could do about it.” Barker continues, “Joe sat with his glasses down on his nose, listening. Pretty soon he said, ‘I
don’t know where you’re from or how you treat people there but I guarantee you one thing – your pipeline will never cross the Sheyenne National Grasslands.” To this day, Barker says, “The pipeline circles clear around the grasslands. Joe was always looking out for the grasslands and for his neighbors and that’s something that he gained a lot of respect for.” Joe was a practical man who understood resources extremely well. Though some people just want to look after economic interests, Barker says, “He was looking after wise management of grasses and vegetation. Grazing associations are missing Joe a lot now because Joe had the ability to go to Washington D.C. and get things done. They listened to him – they had to. His arguments were so practical and pertinent that they couldn’t ignore him.” Barker concludes, “Joe loved livestock and the people on the land. He worked his entire life for that.” Neighboring rancher Art Hagen Sr., McLeod, says, “Joe was a good speaker who could and would voice his
opinions.” As a longtime friend, he adds, “When things looked bad you could talk to Joe. When you got done talking, things didn’t look too bad.” Joe also helped establish a quality reputation for North Dakota cattle. He was an active member of Dakota Sandhills Feeders, which successfully hosted an annual feeder calf sale each October. Other industry leadership involvement included terms as North Dakota Beef Council President; National Beef Council Vice President; director of the National Live Stock and Meat Board’s Beef Industry Council; president of the North Dakota Chapter of the Society for Range Management and president of the North Dakota Grazing Association. Of course, industry and community involvement breeds honors, and Joe received many. He was given an honorary degree from North Dakota State University, was recognized as North Dakota Chapter of the Society for (Continued on page 9.) (Milton, continued from page 7.)
Page 8 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
Ranchorama. Trick roper Jim Eskew Jr., and trick/jumping horse trainer Bill Buschbom, (a brother to rodeo competitor Jack Buschbom), started Northrop and Roger Vanvig, Medora, competing in team roping. Opportunities to rope with Vernon and Harris Goldsberry while working for Jim Tescher in the ‘50s also contributed to Northrop’s roping ability. Fellow team roper Ron Carson, Grassy Butte, recalls, “At one of my first ropings when Bruce and Roger Vanvig pulled in everybody was like ‘Oh no, they’re here!’ They won everything in them days.” Bruce has never attended a roping school. “I rope different than anybody else,” Bruce says. “I’m a side-armer and everybody laughs at that. I can’t reach very far so I gotta get close. But I guess I’m consistent and that’s what really counts.” During the summer and fall, Bruce competes in ropings in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. His successes include winning the United States Team Roping Championship (USTRC) #9 roping in Dickinson in the mid-’90s while roping with Guy Howell, Powderville, Mont., while also placing second in the #7 and #5 ropings to win more than $6,000. Northrop won the Montana USTRC in 1998, also earning heading horse of the year honors. Bruce retired from the NPS in 1993 and is currently spending his ninth winter in Arizona. There, he competes in at least three ropings per week. “I’ve had good luck in Arizona,” he says. In 1997 Bruce placed fifth in the USTRC #8 at Scottsdale, Ariz., and in 1998 he won the Scottsdale #7, roping with Carl Petersen, Three Forks, Mont.
Bruce Northrop, (right), Medora, heads a steer in Wibaux, Mont., as an unidentified partner moves in to rope the heels. The photo was taken about three years ago – on a day when Bruce earned one of many trophy saddles.
Last February, just days after his 69th birthday, he claimed a diamond-studded Gold Days Roping Champion buckle and a high-money saddle in Aguila, Ariz. “It came down to the last steer,” he explains. “I won the average by less than $100.” Last spring at a Booger Barter Roping in Arizona, Bruce and his heeler were 11th-high call back out of 2,700+ teams. Unfortunately, his heeler missed. Bruce has competed in the USTRC at Guthrie, Okla., four times. In ‘94 he and his heeler were high-team back to win the century roping world championship and about $24,000 a man, but his heeler missed. He smirks, “That’s the way team ropin’ goes.” Ron Carson says of Northrop, “He’s a competitor, there’s no doubt about it. He’s there to win and he has for many years. He’s probably won more saddles than anybody in the state.” Further crediting Bruce’s roping success, Carson says, “He takes good care of himself, rides and practices a lot and always has good horses. He knows where to go and who to rope with. He don’t miss and he don’t choke. A heeler that doesn’t catch for anybody
else can catch for Bruce.” Among Bruce’s favorite horses are two, both named “Baldy.” One was a Goldsberry gelding with four white socks and the other Bruce purchased from Roger Vanvig. Of the Goldsberry horse he says, “He wasn’t very big but man he could run out of that box so hard. Those were probably the two most honest horses I’ve had.” Northrop returns to North Dakota each spring, where he enjoys helping area ranchers with cattle work. “I like to do it because it keeps my horses good,” he explains. “I’ve got four heading horses and they always need riding.” Bud Griffin, Medora, is one of the ranchers for whom Northrop rides. “He’s always ready to help and is at the right place at the right time,” Griffin says. “I don’t know of a rancher that wouldn’t like to have Bruce help ‘em when they’re branding or moving cattle.” Otherwise, Northrop can most often be found preparing for or competing in team ropings. It’s a summer day in 2003. Thanks to a lifetime of experience, you’ve become a successful, seasoned team roping veteran, even as you enter your seventh decade of living. You’re Bruce Northrop and you assure other ropers, “When I’m no longer competitive, I’ll quit.”
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 9
Winter History Symposiums Held Across the State
Range Management Range Manager of the Year, and received the Arnold Seim and Walter Forred Soil Conservation Award, given to a Ransom County citizen “who has demonstrated a sincere awareness of the relationship of God, Soil and Man.” Joe was Ransom County’s
Participants and fans of the Dickinson Winter History Symposium pause for a photo before heading out into the sub-zero Dakota night. Brendon Gourneau (left), New Town, stood in for Native American flutist and story teller, Keith Bear, who was performing abroad. Darrell Dorgan (center), presented a new video documentary
about Mandan Indian chief Shehekeshote, based on the book written by Tracy Potter (right). Mercedes Gourneau (front), Brendon's sister, was on hand to watch her brother perform. The program was sponsored by the NDCHF, Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, KX Television and the North Dakota Humanities Council.
“1971 Man of the Year in Agriculture,” and was inducted into the Northern International Livestock Exposition Hall of Fame, Billings, Mont., in 1975. Perhaps a February 1961 issue of Western Livestock Journal, sums it up best, referring to Joe as “truly a state
and national livestock leader who places his own interests second to his community, state and nation’s welfare.” Joe died April 27, 1999, in Fargo, and is buried in rural Wyndmere.
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, please complete and mail the form on page 10. Building Fund Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Frank Jr. & Doris Kubik* Gilman Peterson* Don Russell Stephen & Debra Russell T.J. Russell Sanish History Association Joseph & Katherine Satrom Willard & Linda Schnell Joyce Schuchart Strasburg State Bank Diamond Saddle ($1,000 annually) Stephen L. & Denise McDonough Gold Buckle ($500 annually) Bette Krabbenhoft* E.F. Krabbenhoft III* Sherry Plummer Silver Buckle ($250 annually) Patricia Higgins Caudel* Susan & Randal Christiansen* Bette Krabbenhoft* Lowell Malard* Glenn & Joanne McCrory* H. Patrick & Diane Weir*
Trophy Spurs ($200 annually) Pauline & Tex Appledoorn* Fay & Lynn Connell* Kurt & Roxanne Solberg Gillespie* Harris Goldsberry Barbara K. Johnson* Bruce & Kathleen Kautzman* Joan Lennick* Dale Pahlke* Ross Rolshoven* Don & Janice Rustad* Bob & Edna Sand* Jerry Schlosser* Frances M. & Edward E. Werre* Ranch Boss ($100 annually) American Petroleum Institute Bud & Pam Anderson Dr. Virgil & Colleen Carmichael Steve & Bev Christensen* Vicki & Richard Clarys* Skip Duemeland Richard & Janet Elkin Fort Abraham Lincoln Corral Joyce A. Fossum* Pete Fredricks Robert & Wilma Freise Robert & Marian Gallager G.R. Gilbreath* David D. Hendrickson Arlene Issak* Tom & Teresa Jorgenson* Curtis A. Juhala Guida Karlstad* Russell Kleppe Richard Kuske*
Jim & Dona Lowman* Gene & Susan Melgaard Eloise Ogden* Alan & Vicki Pennington* Noble & Betty Peterson* Fred Sorenson Lloyd & Jerald Weckerly Beverly Wenger William & Carol Winter Wrangler ($50 annually) James & Valorie Babb John P. Bearman* C.J. Bloomquist John Bryan Roger & Mavis Buchholz Vernon & Mavis Bucholz Dr. James & Loah Clement John & Ferne Combs Adrian Crowfeather Pearl Cullen Fred & Gladys Eberle Cliff & Marion Ferebee John German Phyllis Johnson Chris Jorgenson Vivian Knutson Ron & Ramona Kramer Gordon Langerud Lyle & Ruth McDermott* Susie Melby Don & Mary Ann Neuens Myles & Ranelle O’Keeffe Rick & Sharon Olson Jean Peterson Lenard J. Ressler Steve & Barbara Rogalla
Charles Rothberg Joseph & Katherine Satrom Jerry & Carla Schnell Janet Holt Tompkins Kids Corral ($10 annually) Chance Appledoorn Kailey Appledoorn John Christiansen Shane Christiansen Jaime Gietzen Colton Gillespie Seth Jorgenson Shelby Jorgenson Danielle Knutson Destinee Knutson Other Ron & Dawn Aberle Russell & Helen Danielson Gordon B. Olson Herbert & Lillian Wilson Ron & Nancy Saegers *Denotes NDCHF Trustees. (Please notify the NDCHF of listing changes by calling 701250-1833.)
Have you paid your annual dues?
Page 10 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
Sanish Group Gifts $1,500 to NDCHF The Sanish History Association, which began in 1972, recently gifted $1,500 to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Building Fund. “We started out as the Sanish Picnic Association because we planned on putting on annual Fourth of July picnics for all Sanish people after our t o w n flooded,” s a y s spokespers o n Bernice Houser, New Town. Eventually, the organization hosted several reunions, generating the money. The last reunion was held in 1989. “We don’t plan on having any more (reunions), so since the Sanish Rodeo was inducted into the Hall of Fame I suggested to the few who are left that we should give most of the money to the Cowboy
Hall of Fame to help build their building. They agreed that that was a good idea.” The association’s last three officers include Houser, Ann Hinsverk, Williston, and Agnes Breslin, New Town. Sanish officially dissolved in 1953 as a result of the Garrison Dam project. NDCHF President Phil Baird says, “The Hall of Fame is extremely pleased to receive this donation and honored to use the gift to help develop the NDCHF rodeo exhibit area.” He adds, “There are many similar groups tied to western history that have small amounts of money remaining in bank accounts. The NDCHF would be a fitting and privileged recipient of such funds.”
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Contributions/Memorials Membership Contribution of $_________Category______________________ Memorial gift of $___________in honor of ____________________________ Name_________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City______________State____Zip Code__________Phone______________ Visa or Mastercard________________________________Exp. Date_______ Mail this form (or a copy) with your check to: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive, Suite 212, Bismarck, N. D., 58501
Mandan • Dickinson • New Leipzig Hebron • Taylor • Bismarck
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 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 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 and family history shot on-location in North Dakota. A copy of the tape will be retained in NDCHF archives.
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 11
Scenes from the 2002 North Dakota State Fair Parade in Minot
Several NDCHF representatives participated in the 2002 North Dakota State Fair parade in Minot including: trustees Lynn Asheim, Mohall, John Bearman, Bob Knudson and Eloise Ogden, all of Minot, and 2001 Inductee Sonny Ehr Jr. and his wife, Mardean, Minot. The wagon was driven by Bud Redding, Velva.
Activity Corral
Editor’s Note: The NDCHF thanks Solen artist Scott Nelson for providing the “Be My Valentine” sketch. Be sure to find the 15 hidden words – frontwards, backwards or diagonally – and then try your hand at sketching the scene!
Seven-year-old Jess Asheim, son of Lynn and Janet Asheim, Mohall, eagerly participated in the 2002 N.D. State Fair parade – from holding the reins while the team was hitched up to riding shotgun in the wagon.
“Be My Valentine”
Beau
Main Street
Be Mine
Parasol
Buggy Ride
Posies
Clean Shaven
Romance
Courting
School Teacher
Dance
Sunday Best
Date
Valentine
Hitching Post
Page 12 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
Memorial Wall Plaques and File Cards Honor Loved Ones Earl Northrop and Edward A. Patterson are being honored with North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Memorial Wall plaques, as are Emmett and Dorothy Dorgan. •Earl Northrop was born in Monango in 1921. He was raised on a ranch at Merricourt and at and early age, began trailing horses with his father from Mobridge, S.D., to Merricourt. This experience fostered his lifelong love of horses, story telling, laughter and respect for Native American ways. Earl worked for several commission firms at the Union Stockyards, West Fargo, and married Lois Ellenson in 1953. Earl enjoyed teaching horse-
manship and sportsmanship. He served high school rodeo on the state and national level for 35 years. •Edward A. Patterson was born in Wisconsin in 1885. He and a halfbrother came to Grant County, North Dakota in 1907, eventually taking up a Morton County homestead. Edward married Catherine Tschida in 1913 and they had one daughter. They moved to Dickinson in the mid-1920s where Edward eventually purchased Wardrobe Cleaners, operating it until 1957. He was very active in the community, especially with water/dam projects and parks. Patterson Lake was named after Ed. He loved hunting,
fishing and western North Dakota. Ed died in 1958. •Emmett Dorgan was born in 1909, orphaned at a young age, and raised by his grandfather and two bachelor uncles on a homestead near Regent. Dorothy Bach Dorgan was born in 1915 at Regent and after graduating high school, attended hairdressing school in Fargo. The couple married in 1937. Emmett managed the Farmer’s Union Oil Company, Regent, from 1941-62, and raised race horses and cattle. Dorothy was a homemaker who loved to bake. Dorothy died in 1986 and Emmett in 1989. NDCHF supporters may honor loved ones with $1,000 Memorial Wall plaques or $250 card file entries. For more information call the office at 701-250-1833.
NDCHF Gifts Honoring Loved Ones The NDCHF has received honorariums/memorials for the following individuals. To honor a loved one, see page 10. In memory of George Bruington Elmo & Ellinor Sorenson, Kay & Kon In memory of Jim & Phyllis Connolly Lorraine Gallagher In memory of Emmett & Dorothy Dorgan Andrea Green Willard In memory of John G. Folk Elvera D. Hintz In memory of Bernard Gillund Marlene Fortier In memory of Micki Hellickson Sheila Marie In memory of Jack W. Murphy Michael Rudolph In memory of Ted Neidhardt Tom & Lorraine Tescher In memory of Ethel Nelson Tim Irish Sheila Marie
In memory of Earl Northrop Lois Northrop In memory of Edward A. Patterson George “Woody” Woodrow Gagnon In memory of Donna Reile Laura Griffin Robert & Wilma Freise In memory of Jackie Roberts Oscar Peterson In memory of Ella Sayler Russell & Marsha Dittus In memory of Elaine Schaff Rocky & Darlene Fritz In memory of Jake Schilling Steve & Bev Christensen In memory of Allan Schmidt Steve & Bev Christensen In memory of Roger Sorenson Elmo & Ellinor Sorenson, Kay & Kon
A North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame commemorative pistol, complementing the rifle, will soon be introduced!
Call us for more information.
In memory of Iver Tveit Phil Baird Darrell Dorgan Evelyn Neuens In memory of George Van Daele James & Donna Fritz Cary & Margie Hande In memory of Marla Sandvick Zingg Dean & Fran Armstrong Craig & Carol Kieson Steven Neff Delmont & Laura Rice
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 13
Fort Seward Wagon Hall of Fame Cookbook Market Bullish Street’s performance lately has Posi Lock, Inc., Rustads, Tom & Train Hits the Trail Wall been lackluster – sales of the just Lorraine Tescher’s children, Wanzek The Fort Seward Wagon Train, Jamestown, celebrates its 34th year on the trail June 22-28, 2003, traveling the Silver Spur Trail. The wagon train consists of canvastopped box wagons pulled by teams of draft horses or mules. Wagons are flanked by outriders and walkers. Everyone is welcome but the total wagon passengers that will be accepted is 150. All participants become part of the wagon train community by dressing in proper period clothing and helping perform daily chores such as cooking, serving food, chopping wood, carrying water, cleaning up, latrine duty and building fires. The wagon train stops at known historical sites along the trail. Evening activities include arts and crafts, campfires, music, skits and stories. Fort Seward Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1969 to preserve, protect and promote the history of North Dakota and particularly Jamestown history. For more information visit <www.covered-wagontrain.com>, email <registrar@covered-wagon-train.com>, or write to: Fort Seward Inc., P.O. Box 244, Jamestown, ND 58402-0244.
released NDCHF Cookbook have been anything but. Janice Rustad, Kindred, cookbook committee member, says the books have been selling like the hotcakes featured on pages 42 and 43. “Sales have been exciting here in this part of the state. We’ve gotten a good response from Western State Banks, Hornbacher’s, RCC Western Stores, and all the other western stores in the Fargo area.” Released in November, the 247-page leather-look binder was quickly snapped up by eager shoppers. “We only have about 100 books left from the original order of 1,000,” says committee chair Karen Chilson, West Fargo. A second printing of 1,000 books is on order and is expected to arrive in time for the annual meeting in Mandan. Cookbook sale proceeds go to the Hall of Fame. Sponsorships recognized on the divider pages, along with prepublication sales, covered the initial printing costs. Those investing in the project were Dakota Growers, Dakota Mill, Dan’s Oil & Service, Inc., Fifty Years in the Saddle, Hornbacher’s Inc., PJ’s Trucking,
Construction, and Western State Banks. “Pauline Appledorn, Gladstone, deserves a big thank you,” says Chilson. “She volunteered to help presell books and ... from the locations of the orders that came in, it was obvious that she was busy!” Chilson is pleased by the comments they’re hearing about the cookbook, especially from men. “(Women are) saying that their husbands are sitting down and reading it. They like the recipes, but they also like the history.” Rustad said she enjoyed working on the book and appreciated the ease with which the recipes were collected. “We didn’t have to beg for recipes. We got a good response from across the state, east to west.” The committee is still open to suggestions on where to market the books. They plan to have the books at Bonanzaville USA, West Fargo, and would like to get them into the state’s larger airport gift shops. Books sell for $15 each plus $4.50/book postage if mailed out. Mail your orders to NDCHF Cookbook, 1110 College Drive, Ste. 216, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Amundson Recognized by NDSU Saddle & Sirloin Club North Dakota State University’s Saddle & Sirloin Club chose Van Amundson, Jamestown, as the 2003 Agriculturist of the Year. He was recognized during the 77th Little International in Fargo, Feb. 14-15. Amundson and his wife, Pattie, are third generation owners and operators of Bar V Ranch near Jamestown. He graduated from NDSU in 1971 and is respected for his innovative production and marketing skills. Bar V Ranch is a partner in the Maverick Meat Company, which processes and markets locally produced beef and source-verified pork, lamb, bison and elk products. He also helped establish Cavindish Farms, a potato processing
plant near Jamestown, and is a partner is a group chair for consumer marketin KIDCO Farms which grows and ing. He is a member of NCBA’s executive and marketing committees and processes onions near Dawson. As a North Dakota Stockmen’s has been nominated to run for the organization’s vice presAssociation member, Van idency. has served on the associAmundson says, ation’s feeder council, is “Agriculture is a good a past president of the way of life, an honorNorth Dakota Beef Cattle able profession that has I m p r o v e m e n t many rewards and the Association and is a past personal satisfaction of chairman of the North contributing to society Dakota Beef through agriculture.” Commission. He is chairThe Amundsons have man of the National two grown children and Cattlemen’s Beef one grandson. Association’s (NCBA) Federation Division and Van Amundson
Page 14 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
Obituaries Jean Cambridge Jean Cambridge, 85, died Nov. 20, 2002. Jean Crowley was born Dec. 1, 1916, in Bismarck, a daughter of Matt and Pauline (Shoemaker) Crowley. The family ranched north of Hebron. Jean attended rural school and graduated from Hebron High School. She attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU), earned a degree from Iowa State College, Ames, and worked as a home economist. She married Robert Neil Cambridge of Massachusetts in 1944. They lived and raised two children in Ohio. She was an avid, adventurous traveler and was passionate about Lewis & Clark. She returned to Riverdale in 1987, where she was very active in the community. She is survived by one daughter, Susan Cambridge Harris, Santa Barbara, Calif.; one son, Robert M., Arlington, Va.; five grandchildren and two sisters.
Brian A. Hartman Brian A. Hartman, 41, died Nov. 13, 2002. Brian was born May 16, 1961, at Dickinson, a son of Loren and Carolyne (Jore) Hartman. He was raised on the family’s ranch west of Grassy Butte and attended Deer Draw Country School through 8th grade. He graduated from Killdeer High School in 1979 and attended North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton. He operated oilfield/construction heavy equipment, including working three winters in Antarctica. He
enjoyed pencil and charcoal drawing, making chaps and belts, and was known for his big smile and hearty laugh. He is survived by two brothers, Kevin (Sonya), Grassy Butte, and Dean (Shantell), Beulah; one sister, Jeanne (Rockie) Kukla, Killdeer; and five nieces and nephews.
Forrest Johnson Forrest Johnson, 90, died Dec. 24, 2002. Forrest was born Nov. 3, 1912, to Royal and Margaret (Wood) Johnson on the family homestead near Cartwright. He grew up there and attended local country schools. Farming was his lifelong vocation, and he also became a certified electrician. He married Frances B. Link in 1941 near Alexander. They lived on the Johnson place until recently moving into Williston. He was active in agricultural organizations and helped many young men get started in farming. He enjoyed playing cards and was an avid hunter of upland game, waterfowl, deer, antelope and tracked coyotes in the snow. Forrest was a gentle husband and father, was dedicated to his children and instilled in them a good work ethic. He is survived by his wife, Frances, Williston; his children, Arlen (Patricia), Germany, Betty (Woody) Erickson, Apple Valley, Minn., Dorothy (Greg Parsons) Johnson, Denver, CO, and Janet (Stanley) Anderson, Cartwright; two sisters and six grandchildren.
Wesley C. Lunneborg Wesley C. Lunneborg, 60, died Nov. 13, 2002. Wesley was born Feb. 18, 1942, at Milnor, a son of Ted and Ethyl (Rothhouse) Lunneborg. He graduated from Milnor High School in 1959 and married Sharon Schlotfeldt in 1960. He earned a civil engineering degree from North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton. He was employed at Ingersol Rand, Gwinner, from 1969 until taking early retirement in 1997. He loved horses and participated in many area rodeos. His children joined him in raising, training and showing Quarter Horses. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; one daughter, Jodi (Claude) Severson; three sons, Brad (Kristin), Kyle (Peggy), and Ryan (Jackie), all of Milnor; and 12 grandchildren.
Virgil McCormick Virgil F. McCormick, 74, died Jan. 17, 2003. Virgil was born Feb. 2, 1928, a son of John and Mary (Gabel) McCormick. He was educated in Menoken and married Amelia “Mille” Millett on Oct. 23, 1952. He farmed throughout his life and owned the McKenzie Bar for 20 years. He enjoyed participating in rodeo, especially bareback riding, and liked hunting, fishing, pool and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Mille; three sons, William, Flemming, Colo., Larry (Barb), Wing, Bryan, Lancaster, Pa.; four daughters, Marilou (Allan) Voegele, Menoken, JoAnn (Jim) (Continued, next page.)
Anyone wishing to donate items to the
Live or Silent Auctions
!!!?!?!?!? PLEASE FIX!
to be held during the Annual Meeting and Banquet, Feb. 21-22 in Mandan, please contact the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833 and bring the items to the meeting.
Spring 2003 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Page 15
Dr. Rick Montz Remembered as Supporter of Western Heritage North Dakota native Dr. Fredrick J. “Rick” Montz, 47, Baltimore, Md., died of cardiac arrhythmia Nov. 21, 2002, while jogging near his home. Rick was born in Wisconsin and moved to Bismarck with his parents and sister at two months of age. Montz spent hours at Neuens’ Western Shop, becoming an avid supporter of west-
ern heritage. “He just wanted to be a cowboy,” recalls Don Neuens, Bismarck. “His mom and dad used to bring him down to the store and he’d be there all day, putzing around in the back room.” Montz’s wife, Dr. Kate Ryan, Baltimore, says, “He was fascinated with the whole cowboy-on-the-range
Obituaries (McCormick, continued from page 14.) Tuschscherer, Rugby, DeAnn Kirkpatrick, Bismarck and Carol (Kurt) Hagel, West Fargo; 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ted Neidhardt Theodore “Ted” Neidhardt, 93, died Jan. 6, 2003. Ted was born Dec. 9, 1909, at Hebron, a son of Jacob and Mary (Ding) Neidhardt. He was educated at Hebron with additional education at North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo. He married Bertha Kopp in 1936. Following Bertha’s death, he met Elaine Tetley. They married in 1950. Ted’s life passion was always livestock, mainly horses and cattle. He spent his early years training horses and later raised registered Hereford cattle. Ted and Elaine retired in 1975, the year their dispersion sale ranked in the top ten in the nation. He was a member of St. John Church, the American Hereford Association and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. Ted was a National Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and received the North Dakota Hereford Man of the Year award. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, Dickinson; five children and step-children: Shirley (Bill) Wiley, Kingston, Wash., Marjorie Nelson, Fargo, Marlin (Maureen) Neidhardt, Crawford, Neb., Sharon (Craig) Tetley, Spokane, Wash., and Sandra (Gary) Meyer, Lennox, S.D.; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.
Iver L. Tveit NDCHF District 11 Trustee Iver L. Tveit, 83, died Jan. 22, 2003. Iver was born Dec. 14, 1919, at Forbes, a son of Lewis & Agnes (Hellend) Tveit. He was a farmhand and rode the rails to find work in the 1930s. He married Lola Nicholson in 1940. In 1950 they purchased the “old Dan Hunt” pasture to begin creating Spring Water Ranch, which included dairy, sheep and horses. The Evans Quarter Horses began with quality bloodlines from the Al Buchli Ranch. The American Quarter Horse Association honored Iver and Lola for “Fifty Cumulative Years of Breeding American Quarter Horses, 19502000.” Iver was a historian. He promoted horse shows, rodeos, trail rides, 4-H and served his community. He valued his family, friends, reading, creating poetry and opportunities to tell stories over a cup of coffee. He is survived by his wife, Lola, Forbes; two sons, Jim (Karen), and Bruce (Wendy); one daughter, Joan (Larry) Hoffman; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
thing and was really proud of the people out there ... His favorite thing about being in third grade was reading ‘Cowboy Bob’ books. One of the first gifts he gave me was a Charlie Russell book.” Dennis Johnson, a Watford City lawyer and close friend describes Rick as “an absolutely brilliant man with broad and varied interests and with understanding and appreciation of both sides of every picture.” Johnson says his friend loved Dr. Rick Montz what a cowboy stands for: independence, right and wrong, good neighbors and a love for the outdoors. Montz owned a ranch along the Little Missouri River for 11 years before selling it this past spring. Rick attended school in North Dakota, Minnesota and Texas, earning his medical degree in 1980. Following further study and a faculty position in Los Angeles, he was recruited to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore in 1997 where he became an authority on preserving fertility in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. He is survived by his wife; his children, Charles Robert, Richard Uwe, Jacob John and Rebekah Marie; his parents, Dr. C.R. “Bob” and Florence Montz, Bismarck; and his sister, Jennifer Rechlin, Bismarck.
Cloverdale Sausage Coupon
Page 16 • The Cowboy Chronicle • Spring 2003
Iver Tveit Family Donates Horse and Saddle to NDCHF Raffle dam produced many fillies and two stallions that made a mark for themselves. B i g Daddy’s dam is expected to foal a g a i n this year, Big Daddy Evans is a June d e s p i t e 2000 gelding sired by Al Buchli Evans out of Two suffering Step Evans. The Tveit w i t h Family is donating the sorrel W e s t and a saddle, handcrafted by N i l e Cody Sand, Forbes, to the virus in North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. 2002. Currently, Big Daddy is in training under Carl Kronberg, Forbes. “Carl is a main hub of a 6,000-head feedlot. He starts many young horses each year,” Iver wrote, noting that the gelding would look at a lot of cattle and learn to step properly to open gates. Later, Dallas Schmidt, Schmidt Performance Horses, Cooperstown, will donate one month of training to finish the horse. “Big Daddy has a very gentle mind and a beautiful profile mounted on four black hooves,” Iver concluded. “We think he is a prospect for ranch, arena or pleasure.”
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 1110 College Drive, Suite 216 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
The Cowboy Chronicle
Sand’s Custom Saddlery, Forbes. Big Daddy Evans is direct kin to the first American Quarter Horse Association stallion to come to North Dakota – King Trumpet – and mares Maud Evans and Wren. “Big Daddy’s bloodline goes back to great performing horses of yesteryear ridden by some great North Dakota horsemen such as Alvin Gabbert and Papoose, Howard Schnell and Clarinette and A.R. Buckli, who brought this horse family together,” Iver wrote in a recent letter. Big Daddy’s grandmother on his dam’s side was a survivor. “One day we noticed she was following the band without her mother. Investigation found her dam dead in a draw with a bullet hole in her head,” Iver wrote. “The orphan was taken in and grew to be a beautiful mare. One severe winter day she stood on the top side of a deep ravine. We soon discovered that she had a broken back ankle. The local vet successfully cast the break and later remarked ‘what a great mind this The Iver L. and Lola M. Tveit Family represent the Spring Water mare has,’ as she Ranch near Forbes. Iver is holding an American Quarter Horse hadn’t offered any Association award he and Lola received in 2000 for “50 resistance.” The Cumulative Years of Breeding American Quarter Horses.” What began as Trustee Iver Tveit’s gift to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame will become a tribute to a man who loved early pioneers and registered Quarter Horses. Last fall, Iver and Lola Tveit, Forbes, made plans to donate Big Daddy Evans, a June 2000 sorrel gelding, to the NDCHF. Though Iver died unexpectedly Jan. 22, his family will carry out the gift he initiated. (See obituary on page 15.) Tentative plans are to raffle the registered Quarter Horse and a saddle through trustee efforts, with the winning ticket drawn at the 2003 Hall of Honorees Induction on Aug. 2 in Medora. The saddle is being handcrafted by Iver's granddaughter and her husband, Deanna and Cody Sand,