ISSN 1086-2307

CLAY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Julyl August 1996

Moorhead's Daily Park in 1936 when it was a popular resting spot for birds. (Story on Pages 8-10)Forum Communications Company Collection

By Gary H. Olson, PresidentThe 10th Anniversary Celebrationof the opening of the HeritageHjemkoDlStCenter on June 13was very well received. The entirebuilding was open to the publicfree from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ourstaff and board members, alongwith volunteers, were involved ina variety of activities.

Pam Burkhardt, Collections Manager, and volunteerDonna McMaster, conducted tours of the normally "offlimits" storage areas containing over 20,000 three-dimensional artifacts. Archivist Mark Pellil gave a slidepresentation called "Welcome to Beerhead" highlightingthe years from 1890 to 1915 when over 44 saloonsoperated in Moorhead. Margaret Ristvedt, OfficeManager, oversaw the Clay County Museum and theFire Truck events in the Center's parking lot.

I have soloed an airplane and parasailed high above amotor boat, but being in a bucket on the end of an 85foot vertical fire truck ladder was a new experience! Foronly 50 cents you could have this once in a life-timeopportunity! With a well-trained Moorhead Fireman atthe controls I got my video camera in 'hand and rode tothe top of a 9 story building via the ladder extension!The view of the Fargo Dome from the HHIC parking lotwas quite a treat. Our board members were busy belowtaking Polaroid pictures of young people sitting in the1936 Buffalo Fire Truck dressed in a coat and fire hat,courtesy of the Moorhead Fire Department.

The CCHS Spring Tour to the Minnesota History Centerand the Science Center went off without a hitch andplans will be made for a Fall Tour soon.

The CCHS Booth at the Clay County Fair featured theexhibit "An End and a Beginning." The exhibitchronicles Buddy Holly's tragic accident in 1959 thatturned out to be a beginning for Bobby Vee, a student atFargo Central High School at that time. A Buddy Hollyaudio was an integral part of the exhibit.

Our 60/10 Anniversary Buttons were distributed at theNational Museum Day open house on May 18 and at thecounty fair in June. The commemorative buttoncelebrates 60 years of collecting for CCHS and 10 yearsat the Center.

CCHS July/August I996 Newsletter

The oldest house in Moorhead still on its original site,the Bergquist Log Cabin, built in 1870, was the site ofan open house June 27-29. Swedish crafts, music andbaking were demonstrated as part of the ScandinavianHjemkoDlStFestival.

New signage will be installed soon to better identify thevarious areas of the Center including the Clay CountyMuseum. A new banner hangs on the street promotingCCHS and its new free admission policy.

Volunteers neededVolunteers are needed to serve as greeters andreceptionists for the,Clay County Museum. Days andhours may vary but our goal is to cover all hours thatthe museum is open. This will provide a wide variety ofchoices for days and time periods. Training will beprovided.

If you e~joy meeting new people and are interested inserving your community, give us a call at 233-4604.

Moorhead Viking Ship Park site of

Archaeological excavationsBy Michael Michlovic

Page 3

The purpose of this field study was to discoverwhether any remnants of the 19th century city ofMoorhead remained after the urban renewal projects ofthe 1960s and 70s. Specifically, archaeologists hopedto find some evidence of the city prior to the turn ofthe century. The excavations involved 16 squaremeters in different parts of Viking Ship Park.Thousands of pieces of glass from windows and bottleswere found. There were also nails, metal tools (awrench, pliers, carpenteri square, kitchen utensils,complete or almost complete bottles and jars. Many ofthese are 1950-1960 era items, such as Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up and Skippy peanut butter bottles and a Folgerscoffee can. Other pieces are older and less familiar,mostly from the 1920s to 196Os.

During early June, 1996, archaeological excavationswere conducted by a joint Moorhead State University(MSU) and North Dakota State University (NDSU)archaeological team in Viking Ship Park, just behindthe Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center inMoorhead. The work was funded by the MoorheadState University Foundation Dille Excellence Fund.M.G. Michlovic of MSU, served as principleinvestigator, Dean Sather as field director, and J.T.Clark supervised the NDSU archaeological crew.Excavators were part of archaeology field schoolsfrom MSU and NDSU.

Work at the site was done under a permit issued bythe Office of the State Archaeologist in St. Paul, withthe permission of the City of Moorhead, and with thecooperation of the staff of the Clay County HistoricalSociety and the Heritage Hjemkomst InterpretiveCenter. The project included site tours as part of theannual "River Front Days" celebration. About 150people from the community toured the site duringexcavations.

Structural finds include a circular cellar ("root cellar")and a wood-lined privy . Portions of two clay pipes anda bottle bearing an 1877 patent date were found in andnear the privy and are suggestive of a 19th centurysettlement. In one other deep excavation unit, hand-painted ceramics were discovered along with large

quantities of fish andcattle bones. Theseceramics probablydate. to the turn ofthe century orslightly earlier.

Moorhead State University archealogy professor Michael Michlovic, at left, explainsarchealogy procedures at the dig in Viking Ship Park on June 13.

The briefarchaeologicalexploration ofhistoric Moorheadwas very successful.Significant historicartifactual andstructural remainsare present.

The excavations athistoric Moorheadindicate that theremay be many otherplaces where

Hitterdal Senior CenterVIen-Hitterdal High SchoolViking Manor, UlenHawley Public LibraryGlyndon Community CenterMoorhead Public LibraryBarnesville Public Library

OpensAug. 12Sept. 5Aug. 12Aug. 12Aug. 14Aug. 14Aug. 14

ClosesOct. 14Oct. 14Oct. 14Oct. 14Oct. 16Oct. 16Oct. 16

The Hitterdal Senior Center will have FUN IN THESUN with summer photos, a 1930s swim suit,sunglasses, fishing lures and other signs of summer.

HAIR TODAY IGONE TOMORROW will be at theVIen-Hitterdal High School library. The artifactsinclude hair jewelry, curling irons, a shaving mug andrazor strop.

The Viking Manor in VIen will open LET THERE BELIGHT with a look at lighting devices.

The Hawley Public Library will have FUN & GAMESwith marbles, doll house furniture, a WW IIserviceman's game kit and other delights.

UP IN THE AIR opens at the GlyndonCommunity Center. Artifacts

include model air planeinstructions, a

kite and a1942 KnowYour

Planes identificationwheel.

The Moorhead Public Library has COLLECTIBLESwith typical (and not-so typical) items representing afew of the many collecting opportunities - buttons,stamps, snow domes, barbed wire and marbles.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF appears at the BarnesvillePublic Library featuring presidential memorabilia.Artifacts include pinback buttons, a partisan cookiecutter and sheet music entitled With Garfield We'llConquer Again.

CCHS July/August 1996 Newsletter

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:··:i·:·!ii.!·:!··.if.··::i.iiiljiiiiii:iiiii·i·:·i··:::iiii:;:::;:.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::;:::;::;:::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;.:.:.: .

May/June 1996Donors include:Moorhead: Marion Gillespie, Alice Grover Estate,

Ila Reierson, Florence Anderson,Wayne IngersollDiane RasmussenGrant County Historical SocietyGothard Knutson, Gary Goodrich,Louise Redmann, Ron G. Kolb, FargoRotary Club

Glen Ellyn, IL:David WoodwardDenton, TX: Jack LesterEI Monte, CA: Janice Dooner

Kragnes:Elbow Lake:Fargo, ND:

Fargo Rotary Club newsletters, minutes, meeting bell,banner & plaque; book, Quaternary Geology of theSouthern Lake Agassiz Basin and materials entitledAgassiz Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, SurficialGeological Map and Quaternary Stratigraphy; (3)photo postcards of Barnesville's GN Depot, FirstNational Bank and High School; (7) vols. records,South Moorhead Betterment Association, ca 1967-1970; (1) annual, Moorhead High School 1917ChoKio; book, Fifty Years in the Hawley LutheranParish, 1950 w/Anniversary program and 1945 Mplsnewspaper feature of Rev. S.G. Hauge;

Lokke family Bible from Sweden 1800 w/familyhistory and (31) identified photos; photocopy of 1979Mandt Family Tree; advertising poster by GillespieStudio; t-shirt promoting Clay County Wellness;bumper sticker promoting Glyndon; Inaugural FMRedHawks Game program, ticket stubs and magneticcalendar; pinback button, Bush/Quayle campaign of1992; Post Cereal pricing kit, radio crystal, tinlocomotive, Jack Armstrong pedometer, 1945dictionary of Jive Talk, home-made wooden tugboat,toy typewriter, model airplane kit items and a JuniorSpelling & Number Board; ukalin-like instrument,banjo, and lute;

Needlework items, clothing and accessories belongingto Alice Grover; MatteI Electronics Intellivision baseunit and game cartridges from late 1970s - early1980s; man's 1914 dress coat; Monopoly-like game,Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo with laminated board,men and currency; token from the Comstock Hotel inMoorhead.

Page 5

Keep the Kids Busy or "Are we there, yet?"

On the Road, AgainFive years ago we printed four road games from abooklet in our collections called Ford Travel Games.We recalled traveling in the 1950s in an non-airconditioned car with the kids bouncing around inthe back seat. Phrases like "I have to go to thebathroom," and ''rm thirsty," might still echo in yourmemory.

One parent, Edmund Beaver of Spring Grove,Minnesota, developed these travel games for hischildren "whose restlessness during childhood days,first made these games necessary." In 1954, FordMotor Company developed this special edition fromthe regular edition entitled Travel Games. The bookletwas distributed through Ford dealerships.

There are thirty games in the booklet. Most of thegames are scavenger type where you fmd any 10 of

the 12 items listed or any 8 of the 12 if you want tomake it easier. Many games have spaces to check offthe same items on the 1st Day and the 2nd Day.Presumably, you've reached your destination beforethe 3rd day dawns. Prizes were suggested for winnersfor "the first Day at 3 o'clock," or "at the end of thefirst 100 miles, 200 miles, etc." The first game in thebook is a Contest of States: "Cars Seen from theFollowing [48] States First Seen By" followed by aline for the child's name. Four lines for recordingforeign cars are at the bottom.

Two of the games from the 1954 booklet are printedhere plus two games developed especially for thisissue. Take this page along the next time you hit theroad.

1st 2DIl'day day

1--{ ) ( )

z--.( ) ( )3-( ) ( )

4-( ) ( )

5-( ) ( )

6-{ ) ( )

7--( ) ( )

8--()()

9--()()

10-+ ) ( )

11--( ) ( ) Road construction equipme:~ 11-() Uprooted Tr~

lZ-( ) ( ) Car p~' Honse trailer ~"12--{ Dead Tree: y8 14 !l

Pages 8 and 24 shown above were taken from the special edition Ford Travel Games, 1954,· regular edition TravelGames, The Beavers, Spring Grove, Minnesota. ]

Highway Contest(Fmd. any ten to win) 1st

Day1--( )

2-{ )

Car making left torn ~ )

Car with top Inggage c:::mier~ 4-{ )

Big Red 6 wheel TIUc1S--( )

Convertible car6-{ )

Jeep tf1J 7-( )

8-( )Car with spot light

Semi-truck standing stiJI &€i2 9-(

Model A Ford ro-(

Nature Contest A.lFmet any ten to win)

2nd.Day

) Bird. on Building . {;

) Bird on wire facing Highway

)

)

)

::dOfG~Flower on Left Side of Road

) Vine on Stone Wall

)

)

Wild Animal as Rabb~ Gopher,etc.

1996 ON THE ROAD, AGAIN(Find any ten to win)

1st 2ndDay Day

1. () () Train with container cars

2. () () Semi with three trailer units

3. () () Minivan pulling a trailer

4. () () Child riding in a [safety] car seat

5. () () Custom van with a scenic design

6. () () Driver or passenger using a cellular phone

7. () () Construction zone sign indicating thata fine is imposed for exceeding the postedspeed

8. () () Portable, concrete lane barrier

9. () () Adopt a Highway sign (telling who picksup litter for a specific number of miles)

10. ( ) ( ) Exotic farm animal (ex. bison, llama, emu)

11. ( ) ( ) Self storage facility

12. ( ) ( ) Rest stop with an information center

CCHS July/August 1996 Newsletter

1996 EXIT ONLY(Find any ten to win)

1st 2ndDay Day

1. () () Balloon used to advertise (ex. at cardealership or on a hot air balloon)

2. 0 ( ) A limousine

3. 0 ( ) Special handicapped license plate, stickeror rear view mirror sign

4. 0 ( ) Day care sign

5. 0 ( ) Fast food business with playgroundequipment

6. 0 ( ) Gas station advertising Full Service

7. 0 ( ) Video store

8. 0 ( ) ATM [Automatic Teller Machine] site

9. 0 () Rummage/garage sale sign

10. 0 ( ) Recycling drop-off container(s)11. 0 ( ) Compost pile

12. 0 ( ) House with one or more solar panels

Family History Workshop XXIset for Saturday, Sept. 21Our European Connection is the theme for FamilyHistory Workshop XXI scheduled for Saturday, Sept.21 at the Moorhead State University ComstockMemorial Union. Ann Wuehler, senior referenceconsultant for British research at the Family HistoryLibrary in Salt Lake City, will present three s~sionson beginning, intermediate and advanced EnglIshresearch and a fourth on Scots-Irish migrations.

Other presenters and their topics include: Leslie Rogneof Kindred, genealogist for the Hadeland Lag ofAmerica, Norwegian genealogical records; RoseSinclair of Fargo, German genealogy; DarylMcCowan Dumaski of Winnipeg, genealogicalresources in Manitoba; Beverly Paulson of Moorhead,Swedish genealogy; Chuck Walen of Fargo,computerized resources of family history librariesacross the U.S.; Jackie Marler of Fargo, introductionto genealogical research; Marlin Thorsgaard,. U.S.Veterans Administration, Fargo, on researchmgmilitary records; Diane Haugen, Fargo-Moorheadwriter, editor and document designer, on how toorganize; archive and handle a family history ~nbookform; Marcela Faflak of Moorhead, on searchmg for

relatives and ancestors in the Czech Republic; Dr.Bernie Altenberg of Fargo, software for genealogicalresearch and publishing; Jeanne AIm, Moorhead StateUniversity computer services, on using genealogicalsites on the World Wide Web; and Ken Smemo,Moorhead State history department, on "The VikingImpact Abroad and Its Relevance for Family History. "

The workshop runs from 8-4:30 p.m. A noonluncheon will feature awards for family historyresearch and entertainment by two Heather and Thistlebagpipers. Booths and exhibits for approximately 20organizations and vendors will be on display.

For further information contact the Office ofContinuing Education, Box 401, Moorhead StateUniversity, Moorhead, MN 56561 or call 218-236-2183. The workshop is sponsored by the HeritageEducation Commission of Moorhead State University.

Daily Park:If you've driven south on Moorhead's 4th Street in thelast 12 years or so, you may have noticed a sign on agrassy traffic divider at 3rd Avenue South saying"Daily Park - Moorhead's Smallest Park." It's nojoke. It really is a city park, all 562 square feet. Thepark owes its existence to two sometimes contradictoryforces - the desire for city parks and the rise of theautomobile.

Moorhead's Smallest Park

In 1904, the Fargo-Moorhead Electric Street Railwaylaid tracks down nearby 6th Street South giving thatneighborhood a boost. But 4th Street remained mudand dirt.

Getting around in a horse and buggy was hard enough,but after 1910, automobiles were also getting stuck onthe city's streets. As internal combustion enginesimproved, the gas powered contraptions becameextremely popular, eventually changing the way welive.

In the late 1800s, 4th Street South was a majorthoroughfare. It was the gateway connecting thegrowing residential neighborhoods around WoodlawnPark and along the River with the heart of Moorhead'sdowntown commercial district. It was alternatelymuddy and dusty, and unpaved, like most Moorheadstreets.

At Barlow Avenue (now 3rd Ave. S.), 4th Streetconnected with another dirt road, Ridge Avenue(today's 3rd Street). Ridge Avenue skirted the highground overlooking the Red River to the west. Ridgecontinued south overa bridge spanning acoulee at 6th AvenueSouth (the samedrainage that runsthrough Knapp Park,Concordia Collegeand Prairie HomeCemetery). Acrossthe bridge, RidgeAvenue headed outonto the prairiessouth of town.

Other streets hadbeen improved intown. In 1894, partsof Center Avenue,Main Avenue andthe section of 4thStreet between themwere paved withcedar blocks. Eight-inch slices of cedarlogs were laid onend on a base of firplanks. Workmenscattered sand over

The first autos were very expensive. Doctors, lawyersand other highly paid professionals were the first toget behind the wheel. These were also people of powerand influence in Moorhead.

In April 1912, local car owners formed the Moorhead(Continued on Page 8)

NO KIDDING, IT REALLY IS A PARK - all .013 acres of it. Daily Park also serves asa traffic divider. At extreme right is the Moorhead Garden Club's "Pioneer Cabin."

Daily Park (Continued from Page 7)

Auto Club to lobby for improved roads and autointerests generally. Many charter members lived along4th Street. One was wholesale liquor dealer andformer 2nd Ward Alderman Ralph Pederson. 1912was a very wet year. Apparently tired of pulling hisRambler out of the mud, in October Pederson begancirculating a petition asking the city to pave 4th Street.Costs would be assessed to property owners along thestreet. Pederson's neighbors signed up quickly, but amajor street improvement in a residential area was stillan innovation. The details of how to pay for thepaving would require changes in the city charter. TheCharter Commission mulled the issue for two years.

Finally, in 1914, the city hired Stephen Birch andSons to improve 4th Street. The contract called forcreosote soaked rectangular cedar blocks to be laid ona concrete bed from Main Avenue south to the couleebridge on 6th Avenue. South of the bridge to 9thAvenue, the city experimented with a new idea:concrete paving reinforced with steel mesh.

Birch fmished 4th Street in September. Within a weekthe Moorhead Weekly News was complaining aboutmotorists roaring down the new paving at 30 to 40miles per hour! A potential danger spot, where 3rd

Street merged with 4th, was made somewhat safer byplacing a 30-foot-Iong, triangle-shaped traffic dividerwhere the streets came together. The grassy dividerhelped sort out who was to drive where.

A nearby neighbor, Michael J. Daily (or Daly orDaley depending on which source you consult) viewedthe intersection with interest. Daily was an Irishwidower and a gardener who owned a nursery. Heasked the city for permission to plant the divider withflowers and shrubs to beautify the area and to helpadvertise his business. The city agreed. Through theearly 1920s, the spot became known as "Daily Park."

In the mid '20s, the aging gardener joined familymembers out west and the plot was neglected.

In 1931, local flower enthusiasts formed the MoorheadGarden Club. One member was 2nd Ward AldermanAdolph W. Bowman. He had been instrumental instarting the Moorhead Parks Department and had donemuch to promote recreational facilities for kids. Apark at 4th Avenue South and 4th Street had beennamed Bowman Park in his honor. (It's now part ofWoodlawn Park.)

Daily Park in 1936. The stone slab was placed in anticipation of abronze plaque from the American Elm Association.

Forum Communications Company Collection

Bowman and the Club planned tobuild a clubhouse in Bowman Parkfrom logs that had originally comefrom Burbank Station, a stagecoachstop that predated Moorhead.(That's a whole other story, whichwe'll tell here sometime.)

While the cabin progressed, theClub took on nearby Daily Park as aproject. In 1932, the Club plantedan elm tree in the divider tocommemorate the bicentennial ofGeorge Washington's birth. Groupsallover the country planted suchtrees at the suggestion of theAmerican Elm Association.Fourteen-year-old Andre Houglumlived right across the street andvolunteered to care for the tree as aBoy Scout project.

Bowman also erected in the littlepark a bird bath made from afountain which had watered horsesin downtown Moorhead for many

(Cont. on Page 9)

Daily Park (Continued from Page 8)years. He set up a stone slab which the Garden Clubhoped would eventually hold a bronze plaque from theAmerican Elm Association. The Association sent apaper certificate instead, so the slab remained blank.

The divider provided a popular rest stop for birdsthrough the 1930s.

By 1940 the creosoted blocks were causing problems.They would absorb water, swell and pop up out ofthe street. The reinforced concrete between 6th and9th Avenues, however, had worked well. InSeptember, Works Progress Administration (WPA)workers repaved 4th Street with concrete. The newdesign did away with the divider. The city moved the

Page 9

bird bath and elm tree to Bowman Park, and DailyPark disappeared.

In 1983, 4th Street was again repaved. This time thedivider was back. Mike Tymkiw of the city's signdepartment had heard about Daily Park from long-timeresidents. As a gag, he made a sign reading "DaleyPark - Moorhead's Smallest Park." Later the ParkBoard decided it was a neat idea and officially made ita park.

According to the Park District's 1996 Spring/SummerRecreation Program, "Daily Park" (301 3rd AvenueSouth, .013 acres) has no amenities. But folks withlawn chairs occasionally relax on the grassy spot andat least one marriage has occurred in Moorhead'ssmallest park.

1928 Chevy Cabrolet representsCCHS at several area paradesMaynard Frisk of Hawley is the owner and driver ofthe green 1928 Chevy Cabrolet pictured here at theFelton Field Days Parade on June 15. The car wonfirst place in the Antique Auto Division.

The car also appeared in the Hitterdal Parade and theHawley Rodeo Parade, both on June 22. The magnetic

. sign on the door of the car promotes Clay County

Museum and Archives with the theme "Look Now - atYesterday. "

Maynard acquired the car through the efforts of hisbrother Malcolm Frisk of Fargo, who is well knownin this area for his restoration expertise.

According to Maynard, when Malcolm got the car itwas in pieces and took alot of work to put backtogether. Some of thepainting, etc. was farmedout. The tires are uniquein that in the early 1930s,a lower, wider tire becamethe norm making it harderto get replacements partsfor this 1928 model.

Maynard Frisk drove his 1928 Chevy at the Felton Field Days Parade. Ridingwith Maynard is Paul Frisk (front seat) and Sarah Frisk and Lisa Pahl in therumble seat.

Traditionally there arefewer Chevys restoredthan the Model A and TFords partly because theChevrolets had a lot ofwood in them andtherefore are harder torestore. This 1928 vintageCabrolet (pronounced cab-row-lay) sports a rumbleseat and a top that can beput down.

CCHS July/August I996 Newsletter

Memorials received for Dewey BergquistDewey Bergquist, well known WDAY Weatherman,died on May 31. One of Dewey's passions was hisSwedish grandfather's log cabin built in 1870. Knownas the Bergquist Pioneer Cabin, the building has thedistinction of being the oldest house in Moorhead stillon its original site. Renovated by the BergquistPioneer Cabin Society in 1977, the building wasdonated to CCHS in 1989 for perpetual preservation.

An open house is held at the Cabin inJune each year in conjunction with thJScandinavian HjemkomstFestival. ~

This year the open ~house served as a .special time forfamily andfriends ofDewey to gatherand reminisce abouthis life and itsimpact on them andthe extendedcommunity he livedand workedin.

Because of ~~Dewey's commit-'ment to thePioneerCabin, hisfamilyrequestedMemorialsbe sent to CCHS for the Cabin Fund.

and Sarah Reed of Moorhead, Marion HaukeboPowers of Minneapolis, Rudy Haukebo of Battle Lake,Margaret and John Brophy of Corvallis, OR, ClariceFalk of Roseau, Noel and Jennifer Haukebo ofBozeman, MT, John and Florence Jenkins ofMoorhead, Lucille Thurlow of Fargo, Bill and IsabelleWeaver of Fargo, Linda Hassoun of Fargo, Reinholdand Crystal Utke of Moorhead, Homer and Esther

Saetre of Battle Lake, Roland andBeth Dille of Moorhead, Herbert

-~and Olive Haukebo ofPelican Rapids, G.K.

and Doris~ Haukebo ofeli~ Rapids, Bill Snyder

of Fargo, Duffy's Inc. ofFargo, Wayne and

Lois Swenson ofBismarck,Bernice

Binford ofMoorhead,Marrion Walshof Moorhead,NancyWucherpfennig

of Burnsville,Grace Landin

iM ofMoorheadand Lucilleand EdgarEwals ofDetroitLakes.

The Bergquist Pioneer Cabin is located on the Red River, just off of 11thAvenue North, Moorhead.

The following Memorials have been received inDewey's name:

Agnes Hornbacher of Moorhead, Katherine Mackay ofMinneapolis, Luverne Kiene of Kennedy, RuthFranzen of Fargo, Jesse and Pearle Parsons ofPonsford, Gail and Norma Rubink of Underwood,Kelly and Merrill Bergquist of Tigard, OR, Larry andSue Bergquist of Silverton, OR, Ruth Swanson ofMoorhead, Loren Helmeke of Georgetown, John andCarol Haukebo of Detroit Lakes, Margaret, Richard

N

tPARGO 00

~amMcm LJ

Page 11

One-room school comes alive •In MayDistrict #3 Woodland School near Rollag was the siteof some hands-on living history in May. Retiredteacher and librarian Bette Haring opened the schoolfor four days in May. Students from Hawley's thirdand fifth grades were invited to attend the school andlearn first hand what it was like to attend school in the'good old days.'

School District #3 has the distinction of being the firstand the last rural school in Clay County. The first

Three graduated monkey bars drewlots of attention from theseHawley 3rd Graders

school was built as a chapel in the fall andwinter of 1872-73. The exterior of thepresent building, built in 1895, haschanged very little over the years.

Third grade students of Mrs. Carol Lewisthat attended District #3 for a day include:Jennifer Dahl, Blake Anderson, BrianneGrandbois, Amanda Hansen, Allan Baer,Travis Rheault, Jonathan Rundle, JesseNorman, Adam Spieker, Laura Swenson,Katie Pruitt, Lydia Hanson, Kristin Aarsvold, HannahJ. Davis, Melissa McKay, Marissa Laddusaw, GregMartodam and Royce Wenner. Roy Jorgenson was thebus driver and Coleen Gruenberg volunteer aide.

three bars, but from the thank you notes received wecan surmise that they enjoyed the old time games.

Here are a few observations from the thank you lettersto Mrs. Haring (spelling original): "Thangs for bringus to that nice school... We had lots of fun playingthat old game that you played .... We like seeing theold, old stuff.... " "Thank you for inviting us to come.I had a great time. I really enjoyed going there. Thedesks were very nice. So was everything else. Did you

know that I have one of those books thatwas in one of those desks? I have We areNeighbors! "

"The best part was lunch. But thank youfor taking us to distrik #3. I had a greattime." "Thank you for letting us come tothe Dist. Number three school. It wasneat, interesting and cool. It wasinteresting learning about the old school.The games we played were fun too!!""Thank you for giving us the buttons and

Teacher Carol Lewis explains the rules of the game as the 3rdGraders took recess. The school's exterior looks much the sameas when it was built in 1895.

According to Mrs. Haring, one of the most impressivethings for the students was recess and being outsidealmost instantly. They weren't too impressed with theplayground equipment, since it consists of only

more information on paper. It was really interestinglearning about the old school. It was FUN!! I learnedalot of stuff about the school that I never knew before.It was fun playing the games they used to when theywere in that school. "

"Thank you for inviting us to Dis. #3. It was reallyfun there. I would like your adress so I could write toyou. P.S. Your realy funny."

CCHS July/August I996 Newsletter

A busy, busy June - - - -Clay County Historical Society Staff and Volunteerswere busy in June with a full schedule. Summerfestivities got a jumpstart on June 13 with aday-long 10thAnniversary Celebrationto commemorate theopening of theHjemkomst Center backin 1986.

CCHS featured behind-the-scenes tours, a slidepresentation and thehighlight of the day -two fire trucks from twovery different eras. The1936 Buffalo FireTruck, an open cabpumper, was availablefor photo opportunitiesand a modern aerialtruck was available,courtesy of theMoorhead FireDepartment, for bucketrides. The two verydiverse trucks proved to be popular.Over 100 people of all ages rode in thebucket 85 feet in the air for an aerialview of the Fargo-Moorhead area.

During the Scandinavian HjemkomstFestival, an open house was held at theBergquist Pioneer Cabin with RuthFranzen coordinating the event co-sponsored by CCHS and the SwedishCultural Heritage Society.

Mary Jane Nelson of Moorhead won the door prize, abobbin lace doily, made and donated by PamBurkhardt. There were 147 people registered for theprize, including many visitors from Sweden.

The CCHS booth at the Clay County Fair atBarnesville featured an exhibit. The exhibit "An Endand a Beginning" tells the story of the tragic planecrash of Buddy Holly in 1959 and the beginning ofBobby Vee's career. The exhibit was

enhanced by an audio of Buddy Holly's greatest hits.The popular exhibit will open in the Clay CountyMuseum soon.

Over 300 people visited the booth with 283 signing upto win a 17" Queen Ann lace doily, crocheted anddonated by Margaret Ristvedt. The doily was won byJoan Olson of Barnesville.

CCHS wants to extend a special thank youto all our volunteers at all the

various events in June.We could not manage

without you.

fYltan£; JrU!!

Viking ShipPark Dig

historic remains arepreserved, even inurban settings.

As the City of~oorhead approachesits 125th anniversary,there is reason to hopethat part of its historystill lies buried in theground, awaitingfuture study.

Page 13

Some of the artifacts uncovered in a cistern, a water catchment that probably satbeneath a home on the Point.

May/June 1996~any thanks to the following for their monetary giftsto CCHS.Katherine Erickson, ~oorheadProsequi Club, ~oorheadDorothy Dodds, ~oorheadCharis, Concordia College, ~oorhead~oorhead Central Lions Club, ~dBetsy Vinz, ~oorhead~ary Ziegenhagen, BurnsvilleSherrie Scambler, Rego Park, NY

Clay County Museum and Archives has a newbanner just outside the entrance to theHjemkomst Center at 202 1st Ave. N.,Moorhead. The theme "Look Now - atYesterday" was developed and designed byretired graphic arts teacher Roger Goettsch ofMoorhead, a CCHS volunteer. The bannerpromotes the new status of our admissionspolicy - with the museum and archives now freeto the public.

CCHS July/August 1996 Newsletter

-CCHS extends a very special thankyou to the following individualswho have renewed theirmembership for another year.

Kenneth Dahl, FeltonRobert L. Gerke, MoorheadGene Christensen, GlyndonLyle and Grace Clark, MoorheadKatherine Erickson, MoorheadJim Fay, MoorheadFrank and Adrie Esraelson, WolvertonVilera Gedstad Rood, MoorheadMarilyn Wussow, GlyndonBurton & Catherine Grover,

Billingham, WADrs. James and Yvonne Condell, MhdEleanor Aarestad, FargoSylvia Larson, GeorgetownNorman Akesson, Davis, CAClara Evenson, FargoEthel Medalen, MankatoGrace Landin, Moorhead

Mrs. Joy Johnson, MoorheadIrene and Justin Swenson, MoorheadDorothy Martell, FargoCraig Baker/Diane Hitterdal, HawleyMatjorie & Kelly Aakre family, MhdRex Evans Wood, MoorheadRalph Lee, MoorheadCindy PalmerlPaul Harris family, MhdMIM Bernard Gill, HillsboroRose Gytri, GlyndonHarry Bergquist, MoorheadMarie Daellenbach, MoorheadLouise Nettleton, MoorheadMarice and Gamet Floberg, MoorheadJustine Swanson, FargoMrs. Polly Ames, FargoCarroll & Joan Engelhardt, MhdClair O. Hauge, MoorheadAlbert Knutson, MoorheadRamona Kooren, HawleyLeona Overby, MoorheadBetsy Vinz, MoorheadEvert Wiisanen, Moorhead

Conn M. Bjerke, MoorheadHoward Roos, St. Louis, MOJean Doly, HawleyJohn Jenkins, MoorheadElna M. Carlson, MoorheadPatrick CoUiton, Fargo

CCHS welcomes the following newmembers:

Susan and Michael Belawski, RosevilleRay Stensrud, MoorheadVera Knapp, MoorheadLorraine Moser, FargoDonna Nelson, MoorheadMary Ziegenhagen, BurnsvilleMIM Loren Ingebretsen, FeltonJudy Yaeger Jones, St. Paul

A1trusa International Club, MoorheadAmerican Bank, Moorhead

Bentley & Bentley, DDS, HawleyCase Corporation, Fargo

Cass-Clay Creamery, Inc.,. FargoCity of Barnesville, Barnesville

F-M Printing, MoorheadFargo Forum, Fargo

Gjevre, McLarnan, Hannaher, Vaa,Skatvold and McLarnan, Attorneys,

MoorheadGunhus, Grinnell, Klinger, Swenson

and Guy, Ltd, Moorhead -Home Builders Association

of Fargo-Moorhead

Hornbachers Foods, MoorheadKorsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead

Mid-Day Lions, MoorheadMhd Area Retired Educators AssociationMoorhead Central Lions Club, Moorhead

Moorhead Kiwanis, MoorheadNorwest Bank MN, West N.A., Mhd

Sellin Brothers, HawleyUnited Electric Serv. & Supply, Inc, Fgo

Wal-Mart Foundation, DilworthWard Muscatell Auto, Moorhead

Wright Awning Company, MoorheadWright Funeral Home, Moorhead

(See the back cover for information on becominga business member.)

Degree of Honordonation receivedThe Moorhead Lodge 160 Degree of Honor haschosen CCHS for a local Civic Project. MarjorieFroemke of the Degree of Honor Lodgepresented CCHS Office Manager MargaretRistvedt with a check for $88.65. The Degree ofHonor group is considering the historical societyfor ongoing volunteer work.

iillltllfiiiilili

Page 15

CLAY COUNTY

MUSEUM features

"60 Years of Collecting"The Clay County Museum opened in1936 with 107 articles on view. Todayour collections total over 20,000artifacts. Come see some of the firstarticles collected and some of the mostpopular, including a few of ourcuriosities and relics.

Closing Soon:"Moorhead, August 1923"A unique view of what Moorhead looked like in1923, frozen forever in a.E. Flaten's photographs.

"Old Ruby: Red River of the North"Topics include: steamboating & recreation

The Clay County MuseumPERMANENT EXHIBIT includes unique characterizations of one facet of the history of towns inthe county. Together they form a chapter in the overall history of Clay County.

Hours are: 9-5 Mon.-Sat., 9-9 Thurs. 12-5 Sun.Lower level of Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Mhd. - FREE ADMISSION

CCHS Business Membership

$ 50 to $99$ 100 to $199$ 200 to $499$ 500 and up .

Supporting MemberSustaining MemberPatronMajor Exhibit Sponsor

As a CCHS Business Member you will receive all benefits of anindividual membership plus a certificate ready to frame anddisplay, extra complimentary passes to the Hjemkomst Center'sexhibits and a listing in all CCHS bi-monthly Newsletters. Tobecome a CCHS Business Member please return this form or afacsimile to CCHS, Box 501, Moorhead, MN 56561-0501 or call233-4604.

Contact Name:---------------Address:

CCHS-1996 Membership Form~

I would like to become a member of Clay County Historical Society .

.• Support preservation of our heritage

.• Bi-monthly newsletter '

.• Discount on Acid-Free Materials

.• FREE Admission to Clay CountyMuseum & Archives and twocomplimentary passes to the Center's Exhibits

.• Discount on Photo Reproduction.• Voting Privileges.• Invitation to all CCHS events

NAME:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: