Part 1 of 2: Elderly residents of Pioneer Apartments in 1977. They discuss school memories from early 1900s including teachers, activities, and sports. They also discuss after school activities including their chores, outdoor games, winter sports, dances, picnics, and family life. Other topics include: boarding houses and boarders, the Pengilly Mine, and the Ojibwe families on Burntside Lake and Basswood Lake. Also discussed are the 1910 forest fire and the Vail Hotel fire. Part 2 of 2: Interview with former teacher Mrs. Evancho...? Teacher and principal at the 26-Zenith-Savoy location school which had two classrooms and two teachers. She taught grades 3-6. Mr. Burns, superintendent.
Interview with Frank and Stan Smuk. Frank and Stan were the sons of Yugoslav immigrant parents. The two men began work in the mines in 1941 and 1947 respectively. Stan worked with the mine credit union while Frank was a contract miner. They spoke of the pranks they pulled on other workers. Accidents were frequent. Rocks fell on workers and the tunnels collapsed. Even with broken bones men would go to work and be given light duty. The Smuk brothers did a lot of hunting and fishing. The whole family played the accordion. They also played on the city softball teams that competed against other towns. Frank belongs to the American Legion and the VFW. He had served in the Air Force during World War II. Stan was blind in one eye so was turned down for the army.
Interviews with Mary Mackie, Mary Berrini, and Beatrice Masnari. They discuss immigration. Mackie's and Berrini's parents emigrated from Italy seeking better lives and jobs. Masnari arrived in 1931 to join her husband who had come to Ely some years before. Italian was spoken at home, but they learned English at school. They lived in the Chandler Location where the housing costs were paid by the owners. They discuss their chores, including hauling water in boilers on sleds or wagons, carrying buckets of water using yokes, and pumping well water. Lake water was used for gardens and washing clothes. Drinking water was dipped from a pail. Bringing in wood and hauling out ashes, shoveling snow, scrubbing floors (three times a week). Sense of community: People got along well, helping each other out. Groups of men would hunt together and share game. Families shared garden produce and people would help each other building homes. In addition to gardens, families had chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and cows. Many home remedies were used for illnesses. Making grappa (wine). Games and entertainment included Bocce ball, Briscola, and adult card game, movies, Duck on the Rock, making skimmers from barrel staves, rolling hoops, carnivals and circuses. Shops and peddlers: The Chocolate Shop, Mr. Bismark's candy store, grocery stores that delivered, Mr. Giacomo's ice cream cart, the door-to-door scissors sharpener who came to Ely once a year, the organ grinder and his monkey. They discuss their Christmas memories, when Italian traditions were observed with Italian foods. The Christmas tree was decorated with candy, popcorn, and candles. Christmas gifts included fruit, nuts, and candy.
In an oral history, Albert Bye describes his parents coming from Norway to Minnesota, his family life growing up starting with his birth in 1894, him being drafted during World War I, and his life as a young adult.
In an oral history, Alec Ruttger discusses how his parents started a resort in Crow Wing County, how he took it over and expanded it, and that his three brothers also got involved in the resort business. As a family, they built up the very well known Ruttger empire of resort locations.
This interview discusses the topic of immigration and Angela's parents, Rosalie and John, and their journey from Yugoslavia, circa 1890. Angela was born in Ely on August 17, 1900. She also discusses family life, Lincoln School, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, her marriage, mines, and life in early Ely.
Interview with Anna Camaish. Anna came to America with her mother in 1914. Her father had left Yugoslavia in 1906. The family came to Biwabik, Minnesota first where the father worked in the Bangor Mine. When it closed he worked in the Biwabik Mine and the Aurora Mine until they too played out. Then the family moved to Ely where he worked in the Pioneer Mine. Anna compares life in Yugoslavia with life in America and while they were poor in both countries, being poor in America was a lot better. People here helped each other. Not so in the old country. In Yugoslavia her mother would work weeding gardens for 15 cents a day and often the family went hungry. In America they had a pig, chickens, a cow, and rabbits. They sold eggs and milk, and raised vegetables. Anna remembers the Influenza Epidemic of 1918-1919 with all the schools closed. She compares the way women were treated in Yugoslavia to the way they were treated in America where it was the women and children first, not last. Anna met her husband Joe when working at the Chocolate Shop. She was 21 when they married. He was English and her mother felt inferior to him although he always treated her well. The Englishmen had all the top mining jobs.
In an oral history, Bill Van Essen talks about his family's restaurant, Van's Cafe, which was a Brainerd landmark. He also discusses other lone-gone Brainerd restaurants, and how eating out and the business community has evolved.
Interview with Bob Olson of Canoe Country Outfitters. Bob Olson started the business in 1950 when there were no restrictions on traveling in what was the Superior National Forest. In the 1960s the environmentalists were beginning to get laws passed restricting travel in what became the BWCA. In 1964 the Wilderness Bill was passed with partial bans on motors and no cans and bottles could be taken into the area. Ely became known as "Canoe Town" and it was advertised that way heavily at sports shows and in magazines. Resentment was beginning to grow and even in 1979 Bob was aware of the resentment shown by local people towards the tourists. He goes on to talk about outfitters losing business at the rate of 3-5% per year since 1970 due to the quota system and other restrictions. he estimated that by 1980 it would be 20-30%.
Interview with Ben Richards. Ben Richards was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin and moved to Ely in 1916 when he was 21. He worked for the Todd Stanbow Mining Company and then in the Xenith Mine in 1928 as a superintendent. He would go underground three days a week to inspect the work. He had mostly Finnish and Slovak workers and was responsible for more than 400 men. He attended the Presbyterian church. The population of Ely was around 6,000, so there were many students attending school. The mines provided 90% of the funding for the schools. He loved working in the underground mine. The draft during World War II took most of the younger men so they had to hire men in their late 50s early 60s. He worked in the mines from 1916 to 1959. Ben noted that he didn't see much of a future for Ely without mining.
In an oral history, Burton Stanley tells of arriving in the Pequot Lakes area in 1900, riding on a logging train on a 50 below zero February day. He also talks about his work in the logging industry working with a team of horses, repairing early autos, harness making, and horseshoe making. He explains how he thinks that people were better off in the ""old days"" than they are in 1975, when this interview was recorded.
In an oral history, Carl Byers describes his early work as a lumberjack, working for the WPA during the depression, his dealings with Indians, and returning to the logging industry.
Interview with Cecil Kuitenen. He discusses his immigration from Finland in 1901 at 4 years old. Steerage class aboard the "RMS Umbria" through Ellis Island, New York. He also talks about Winton, Minnesota and sawmills, logging, jobs, boarding house, housing, schools, and Finn Hall including the plays, lectures, library, basket socials, apron socials, and the Winton church. He talks about mining at Section 30. He also speaks about his return visit to Finland and the social/political landscape of Europe. He relates his reasons for leaving Finland, Finnish/Swedish relations, Finnish/Russian relations, the Winter War. He also discusses the social/political aspect of Minnesota including U.S. citizenship, unions, socialists. Individuals mentioned: mill owners, Knox, Torinus brothers, Ely banker Mr. White, Sunday School teachers Mrs. Anderson, and Mrs. Johnson (Ruby Nichols Johnson).
In an oral history, Charles Warnberg, a former sheriff of Crow Wing County, talks about the the old jail/sheriff's residence, the state of law enforcement when he was in office, and some the crimes that were committed.
Interview with Checker Hillman. Checker Hillman was born in Two Harbors in 1911. His maternal grandmother was Irish. His maternal grandfather, William LaBeau (LeBeau), was French and he left home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as a young teenager. Family history claims a relative traveled the Great Lakes in "the big canoes," to Grand Portage and Fort William, possibly a voyageur. William and his wife traveled by wagon from Duluth to Tower, Minnesota where their son, William LaBeau, Jr., was born in 1883 - he was the first white child born north of Duluth. William (Sr.) worked for Bob Whiteside as a driller with a team of several men that traveled by canoe form Tower to the Ely area to explore for ore. William never worked as a miner, but he did work as a fireman, the chief of police in Ely, and a policeman for the Oliver Mine. Checker's father, who worked for the D & IRR, died of an unknown illness when Checker was very young. Checker, his two younger sisters, and his mother went to live with his maternal grandparents. Checker discusses early Ely. There was an influx of immigrants after iron ore was discovered in the Ely area, mostly Finnish and Slovenian with Cornish mine bosses. The adult immigrants segregated themselves, but their children later intermarried. Checker discusses mining. There were no unions in the early days. There were safety issues, i.e. workers wore soft hats, no hard-toed boots. The candles and later carbide lamps provided poor light. Conditions in the mines varied. For example, the Pioneer Mine had many mud slides due to the wet, soft, ground conditions. The Zenith Mine, which had harder ground, didn't have issues with mud slides. Techniques ranged from "drifing and slicing" at the Pioneer Mine to "cave" mining at the Zenith Mine. Augers could be used in softer ground (auger ground) instead of drilling with bits. Checker recounts two fatal accidents in the Zenith Mine. One man was killed when an overhead slab fell on him. Mines were like small communities with teams of men doing various jobs: drillers, tuggers, maintenance, electricians, and so on. Underground miners worked in two-man teams. Checker started working about age 15 or 16 at the Pioneer Mine stock pile for $2.50 for a 10-hour day. Older workers could make $3.50 per day. When he started working in the Xenith Mine in the late 1930s or early 1940s, there was no union. As the union began to organize he was reluctant to join because he had promised an uncle and the mine superintendent, Ben Richards, that he wouldn't. He was pressured by a union organizer, George Kochevar, to join, and did eventually - one of the last to sign up.
In an oral history, Mrs. Burton (Clara) Stanley relates the tough times as a child, not being able to start school until 8 years old in 1903, and only going until the 4th grade because she then had to go to work. She also talks about what various things were like in the early part of the 20th century, her husband's place of business burning down, and wildlife that existed.
In an oral history, Ed Ruttger tells of his father, who came from Germany and was a machinist, got started in the resort business on Bay Lake near Deerwood, and his family's involvement.
In an oral history, Emery Dibble discusses several topics including moving to Crow Wing County via a covered wagon pulled by a team of oxen, a fire destroying all of his family's possessions, his mother having to work to support the family, his life growing up, and jobs he's had over the years.
In an oral history, Ernie Cate discusses his early family life near Brainerd, his elementary schooling, being in the service during World War I, and working with Indians in his business.
In an oral history, Mrs. Charlie (Esther) Jokela discusses various topics including growing up in a Finnish family near Brainerd, going to a country school, and life on the farm after she got married.
Interview with Frances Nelson. Frances Nelson tells her granddaughter what Ely was like in 1915. There were no sidewalks or cars but transportation was by horse and wagons. There was one grocery store. There were a lot of Finnish and Slovenians and many of them didn't speak English. Milk was 5 cents a quart. Her family used the wood for heat and cooking because they had no coal. They walked everywhere and carried their lunches to school. When World War I broke out there was a diphtheria epidemic and they were quarantined. Native Americans would come around and ask for work. She said her family was very poor with no changes of clothing. When World War II broke out all of her brothers were drafted. One brother came home with yellow jaundice. She felt people were healthier then though because there were no chemicals in their food.
In an oral history, Frank Gutz talks about moving to Pequot Lakes after his wife died during the flu epidemic of 1918 to keep his children from going into an orphanage. He also discusses what Peqout lakes was like during the 1920s and the Depression, his work as a painter, rationing during World War II, and various other things.
Interview with Frank Muvich. Frank's parents were born in Yugoslavia, but they met in Michigan where his father worked as a stevedore on the boats. He had a cousin in Michigan. His mother came to this country because others were immigrating and life was so hard there that she felt it had to be better in the United States. They arrived in Ely in the late 1880s where he worked at the Chandler Mine and later the Pioneer Mine. Conditions were terrible as the only tools used were the pick, shovel, and dynamite. There were nine children in the family with Frank being the eighth child. His younger sister died. Frank started working at 19 and was given his father position when he retired after 35 years. He was glad to have the position as it was 1936 and during the Great Depression. He became a contract miner but the Pioneer Mine didn't play fair with the contracts and cut the price if they felt the miners were earning too much. He joined the union on day 1. They met at Pink Hall where the company would position people to write down the names of the men attending the meetings. The company tried to organize their own union for their favorites but as it was illegal they had to disband. Frank talks about mine accidents, acid rain in the mine, and of his relief when the Pioneer Mine closed for good. He liked the crew, but he hated the work. Happy and relieved, Frank went to work for the EPA and felt he had been let out of prison.
Interview with Harlan and Bertha Krause. Note: This tape is very fuzzy and hard to understand. He talks about his parents moving from somewhere in South Dakota to Browns Valley, Minnesota in order to farm. His family came to Ely from Browns Valley in 1923 because they were sick of farming. His father was hired at the Pioneer Mine as a timberman to start with. Later he was a janitor in the shop buildings. He died in 1939. Harlan began working at the Pioneer Mine in 1926. He retired 41 years later when the Pioneer closed its doors. A religious man, he preached salvation wherever he could. When he was given the choice between joining the union or losing his job, he refused to join the union and he also kept his job. The same was true when he was offered group insurance through the mine. He refused the insurance even though it meant that the quota of insured men was too low for good rates. He felt his sustenance came from God, not the Oliver Mining Company.
Interview with Harold Nelson. Harold volunteered for the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) during the Great Depression. He was stationed in Isabella and decided to stay there after his tour was done. The CCC men were paid $30 a month but $25 was sent to their families. When the CCC camps shut down he was left with out work but managed to get some work with the AAWPS and then worked for the Evergreen Mine for three years. When it closed he worked for the Zenith Mine and then the Sibley Mine where he stayed until World War II ended. Eventually he was hired at the Pioneer Mine where he worked for 20 years until he retired.
In an oral history, Henry Mattson tells about his father coming from Sweden to homestead near Brainerd about 1896. He also talks about things he remembers from his childhood up to World War I like life on the farm, his schooling, and cutting wood to sell. He also speaks of things concerning the 1920s and 1930s and how he help to build the telephone lines in the area.
In an oral history, Herb Anderson describes his family coming to Crow Wing County from Sweden experiences he had as a youngster, encounters his famly had with Indians, his parents starting a resort, and general information about the area in the early part of the 20th century.
In an oral history, Herbert Frank Thiesse tells about how life was growing up on a dairy farm during the Depression years and what the family did to survive.
Note: This tape does not begin at the beginning but jumps into the subject mid-sentence. Isabel speaks of being on the school board and the problems faced when the Superintendent was a Catholic and many on the board were Lutherans. She said that a man she had admired and thought most upright and decent remarked when a majority of the board were Lutherans that now they could "get" the superintendent. Women, for the most part, did not run for public office. Their husbands would not like having their wives in the public like that. In thinking it over she was proud that she had run for school board and served her term but wouldn't do it again. Talking about Ely's future (in the 1980s), she saw Ely as stuck with tourism now that the mines were closed. However more restrictions were being placed on tourism as well making it difficult to make a living as a resort-owner, too. In the mid-1950s, drilling companies were busy drilling along Highway 1 for precious metals, gold in particular. Now even those explorations were gone as the government put more restrictions on land usage. She speaks of declining populations citing how whole neighborhoods that once teemed with children now house old, single women. One thing, she said, is that as you get old you don't lie awake thinking of the things you shouldn't have done, but instead you think of the things you should have done. The children suffer, she said, when women try to have it all and their marriages pay the price as well.
In an oral history, Mrs. Ed (Jessie) Berg describes her family coming to Crow Wing County, her experiences as a teacher starting in 1903, her husband's work, and her thoughts on various historical events.
Interview with Julia Purdy. Julia was born in 1890 and taught school in Tower until she met and married her husband John. Most of her interview is on her husband and his job on the D & IR Railroad where he worked from 1905-1914. As his lungs weren't strong he wintered in California or Colorado where he worked as a switchman for various railroads. He as also the constable and town clerk for the Town of Morse. Julia then held that position for 25 years and she also worked as janitor a the DM&IR depot. When tourism was being developed they began a bait service and rented fishing boats on Shagawa. John died of TV at Nopemming in 1948.
Interview with Lee Brownell. Lee Brownell was born in Wisconsin. His mother was from Wisconsin. His father was from Michigan. Lee's father came to Tower in 1886, and later arrived in Ely in 1888. His father was a supervisor for the Forest Service in Ely until 1919 and then transferred to Colorado. When he came back from Colorado he quit the Forest Service and opened a meat market. Lee discusses his work as a miner, including the Pioneer Mine in Ely.
In an oral history, Lucille Shaw, a life-long resident of Brainerd, relates how she contracted polio as a child (which she recovered from) and her teachers would come to her home so she could get her education. She also tells about starting a successful book store business, and buying a house which she paid for by having renters in the upstairs. She speaks of her family history, life during the Depression, and old businesses of Brianerd.
In an oral history, Mabel Foss talks about her husband and her running a restaurant, coming to Brainerd in 1929 and running a grocery store, and her church.
Interview with Marion Columbo. Marion Columbo speaks on Ely history and promotes her two books, "Roaring Stony Days" and "The History of Incredible Ely." She speaks at length about Ely schools and the quality of its education.
Interview with Mary Anderson. Mary Anderson was born on Burntside Lake. Her mother was an Objiwe (sometimes called Chippewa) who was born on the Indian Reservation near Tower, Minnesota, the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. Her father, who was French and Irish, was born in Norway, Michigan. When her father was 14 his family moved to Tower. Mary said her parents each had to learn the other's language. Mary explained about how her father's family never accepted his Native American wife.
Interview with Mary Marsnik. Mary Marsnik was born in Ely in 1906. Her parents were married in Austria/Hungary and their first two children died and were buried there. Her father came to Soudan, Minnesota in 1900 and worked in the mine there. He meant to go back to get his wife but instead moved to Ely where he worked in the Pioneer Mine. His wife came in 1905 reluctantly and she never liked it here. She remembers her father coming home and changing clothes in a shed in the yard. His knees would be all dirty and bleeding as all his work was done on his knees as the drifts were so low. Mary would take hot water and a towel and bathe her fathers' knees. He was paid $1.50 a day. Later, the pay was raised to $2.00 a day. There were nine children in her family. As the oldest she had a lot to do and could bake bread by the time she was nine. They had a garden plot where Vermilion College is today. Mary married at 15. Five years later she was a widow with three children and a fourth on the way. Two years later she remarried and had nine more children. All finished school and four graduated college in the same year! In 1976 she was named Mother of the Year in Ely and the following year she was runner up Mother of the Year for the State of Minnesota.
She came from Yugoslavia by ship to visit her brother, aunt and uncle, arriving in New York on February 16, 1913. She came to Ely by train and decided to stay. She met her husband in Yugoslavia. They were married in Ely by Father Buh. They had six children. Her husband as an underground miner earning $2.40 a day. She as a teacher in Yugoslavia but not in Ely. She spoke English and taught others English and helped with citizenship applications. Shipman Hospital. Dr. Shipman, Sutherland, and Ayres. 1918 Influenza Epidemic. The hospital couldn't handle all the patients so some were housed at the Community Center. The dead were taken immediately to the mortuary above the James Laing store and buried right away. Her brother was one of the first victims. one day there were so many deaths that the Catholic church suspended its tradition of ringing the church bells when a parishioner died. Depression. Job losses. Prohibition, making moonshine. Ely Ely, Camp Street, Sheridan Street, stores, wooden sidewalks. Fourth of July she marched in the parade with Lodge #2. There were four lodges. There were Lodge flags, bands, and dancing at Sandy Point.
In an oral history, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Dropping talks about various topics including his family moving to the Jenkins area in 1901, his life growing up on a farm, her career as a teacher, and life during the Depression years.
In an oral history, Mrs. Annie Bragstadt describes her family life in Norway, the journey from there to Minnesota in 1903, and her life as a young adult, before and after her marriage in 1914.
In an oral history, Mrs. Christine Rowland (nee Olson) discusses her family history and her memories and involvement with her church in Brainerd, of which she has been a member for 82 years.
Interview with Mrs. John Ostlund (nee Ellen Reko, born 1913 in Winton, Minnesota. In the interview Ellen discusses her parents- Finnish immigrants, William and Hilma Reko; father worked in the mine. He walked to work along the railroad tracks or rode a bicycle. Activities: Games- King of the Hill, Kick the Can, Hide and Seek, Run Sheep Run. Depression era picnics with crackers, butter and sugar lumps. Skating and bonfires on the frozen (glare ice) river; skating on Fall Lake using clamp-on skates, playing Crack the Whip. Rowboats and launches. Camping on the weekends, Winton power dam, site for fishing and picnicking on Fall Lake; Learning to swim at the sandy point across the lake from the power dam. Swimming in petticoats and underwear, no swim suits. Riding a flat car to Cedar Lake to pick blueberries. Waling to Section 30 to pick raspberries and have lunch. Waling to Ely in groups to go to the movies. Ticket price 15 cents. Silent movies. She remembers All Quiet on the Western Front. Favorite actors- Joan Crawford, Clara Bow, Rudolph Valentino, Gilbert Roland, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford. Bobsled parties with teachers. Winton sites: Bob Bedford's livery stable with carriages, sleighs with velvet tapestry. He had one of the early cars in the area. The ice cream parlor located whter the old post office was. A saloon located withe the playground is today. John (or Jeff) St. Marie owned a touring car and gave rides to local children.
In an oral history, Mrs. Emily Cline describes her family coming to Crow Wing County in 1896, her life as a youngster in the Pequot Lakes area, and job working at a resort during the Depression, where she met several Hollywood movie stars.
In an oral history, Mrs. William Dickson discusses her family coming to Crow Wing County in the late 1800s, her early schooling, her German-born father's feelings about World War I, and the Depression years.
In an oral History, Nora Bye describes her parents coming to Crow Wing County from Norway, her family life from her birth in 1901 until her marriage in 1920, and her elementary school experience.
In an oral history, Oscar Gravdahl talks about growing up on a farm near Pequot lakes in the ealy 1900s, his schooling, his work in a logging camp and with the railroad, what Pequot Lakes was like and conditions that existed during the Depression, and his service with the fire department.
In this oral history interview, Ray Bang recounts his childhood, early job as a short order cook, and his time in military service as a mess sargeant where he worked as a cook and baker. Note: parts of this interview are not clearly audible.
In an oral history given on February 13, 1975, Ruth M. Alexander relates her family history, her experiences as a teacher, and dealing with rationing during World War II.
In an oral history, Selena Molstad talks of her father coming to Brainerd from Norway, her childhood memories of her church, and getting her teaching certificate, and doing practice teaching in a country school.
Interview with Senja Maki. Senja Maki was born in Finland in 1888 and immigrated to the United States when she was 4. She moved to Ely when she was 16. Her parents divorced because her father was an alcoholic and her mother remarried. Senja moved to Ely where she worked waiting tables at a hotel. The hotel burned and she looked for a new job where she worked until she broke her knee. In 1907 she married Gust Maki who owned "Maki Clothing." They had five children and her husband died in 1964. Senja marched for women's right to vote and was part of the Delphin Society. The Delphin Society was a study group for women to learn about art, music, and literature. She has lived in the same house for 77 years. Her philosophy of life is to learn to live the proper way and always do what is right.
In an oral history, Severn Flatagraf relates that his parents came from Norway, how they went about homesteading west of Pequot Lakes in 1896, his schooling, and life growing up on the farm.
In an oral history, Tarz and Virginia Larson realate the history of their families and their involvement and the activities of their church. Tarz's real name is John, but he got his nickname as a child. The Tarzan craze was going on at the time. John tried to emulate the character by climbing trees and pounding his chest, and the kids in the neighborhood called him "Tarz". The nickname stuck.
In an oral history, Thelma Johnson relates that, as a child, church services were conducted in Norwegian, going to a country school, rationing during World War II, and activities in her church.
Interview with Tony Klun, age 65, part owner of Klun's Meat Market on Central Avenue, Ely. He is not heard on this tape but it is a report read by his interviewer, Mike Petrich, concerning his method of making sausage. The store, which opened in 1922 was converted from a dry goods store owned by Tony's stepmother. The precise way of making sausage is very clearly explained, but there is no mention of the spices used nor the amounts.
Interview with Urho Hokkanen. Urho was born in Finland in 1909. His family immigrated to America in 1913. His father first arrived in America in 1905, but returned to Finland in 1908, and left again in 1910 for America. They traveled from Helsinki to Copenhagen and on to Hull, England and then caught a White Star ship in Liverpool arriving in Quebec, Canada before making his way to northern Minnesota. His father worked in the lumber camps and occasionally in the Section 30 or Zenith Mine. Urho Hokkanen attended the Winton, Minnesota school through the 8th grade and then graduated high school in Ely. He traveled around a while after high school, but came back to Winton because his mother was so lonely for him. He spent one winter in a lumber camp on the North Shore of Lake Superior and then was hired at the Pioneer Mine in Ely. Urho talks about working in the underground mine, cave-ins and mud slides, the Great Depression and its affect on the area, unionization of the mines, and what he did after the Pioneer Mine closed in 1967.
In an oral history, Vernon Davis, a local historian, discusses various topics such as people he has known, artifacts he'd found at the site of an old Northwest Trade Post, and logging camps.
Interview with Vivian Tumoikoski. This interview discusses homesteading near One Pine Lake in early 1900. Topics include, dairy farm, chores, milking, bottling, selling, haymaking, and hired help. Vivian also discusses making ice and harvesting ice as well as recreation and family travels.
In this oral history inerview, William Hansen discusses his childhood, church attendance, confirmation, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and an incident in which he pours a plate of lutefisk down a woman's back. He also recounts houses he lived in and singing in the choir. Note: parts of this interview are not clearly audible.
A talk given by Lyle Klein, music instructor. He spoke on the origins of bands in Ely beginning with the first band of about 12 people known as the "Ely Cornet Band," or the Brass Band or the City Band, and sometimes all three names were used in the same newspaper article. Bands began in 1888-1889. Klein lists the various band directors through to 1967. Most school students were members of bands and Ely had an excellent instrumental music program. The school music directors followed closely the list of city band directors. Klein speaks of the Sampo Band under the direction of Charles Klemola a trumpet player and composer.The talk touches on the various ethnic bands as well.
Adele Johnson was born in Casselton, ND. She discusses her first teaching experiences, including private music lessons, after graduating from MSC. She later taught music at Concordia College and then Moorhead State. During this time period, her involvement in community affairs, politics, the Democratic Party, and also she worked for Congressman Bob Berglund. She is now retired.
Alice Polikawsky was born in 1904 in Moland township. In 1951, she joined the Moorhead Daily News Staff as their first full-time alumni director. From 1957-58, she was instructor of Home Economics at Concordia and became chairman of that department until her retirement in Nov. 1974. Mrs. Polikowsky discusses her education and teaching experiences in home economics.
In an oral history, Arvid Anderson describes his family settling near Garrison, Minnesota, his work as a heavy equipment operator for the Minnesota Highway Department, and his experiences as one of the first pilots in Crow Wing County.
Mrs. Donald G. Rusness was born July 4, 1913 in Moorhead, MN. Mrs. Rusness discusses her experiences in dance and her position as a secretary to the County Agent and Extension offices.
Beulah Olson was born August 12, 1912 in Ortley, South Dakota. Her family came to Hoffman, MN in 1921. Mrs. Olson relates her childhood, early education, and life as a homemaker. She discusses the changing roles of women as student, teacher, housewife, mother, and finally as grandmother.
Carl Haima was born December 1900 in Raymond, MN. Mr. Haima describes his life as a child. He discusses his father's general store and his small businesses in Moorhead. Mr. Haima served several terms on the city council, a charter member of the Lions Club, and vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Carrol Malvey reflects on his childhood days, his parents, his days at Concordia and teaching before entering into partnership in Malvey Service Stations with his brother and Mom. He relates World War II problems. Mr. Malvey was very active in Moorhead Civic affairs such as Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Fireman, Planning Commission, Concordia Board of Regents, and Trinity Lutheran Church.
Catherine Fossay was born and raised in Fergus Falls, MN. Mrs. Fossay describes her years as a student at Moorhead State, particularly her experiences as a student teacher at the Model School on campus, and as a teacher in the affiliated rural school at Oak Mound. Included in her reminiscences are student activities and productions.
Life long Minnesota resident Dr. Clair Haugen has been the Director of the Concordia College theater program since 1960. He discusses the theaters history, growth and development, recollections of people and productions and the philosophy that governs the Concordia College theater program.
Dr. Clarence Glasrud was born in North Dakota October 15, 1911. He attended Moorhead State and joined the faculty in 1947 as an instructor in the Division of Language and Literature. He received his MA and PhD from Harvard. He taught at MSU from 1952 to 1977 when he retired and was considered an excellent teacher. Interview 2 of 2.
Dr. Clarence Glasrud discusses his involvement with the Moorhead Rotary Club over the past several decaded. He provides background into the history and functions of the Moorhead Rotary Club. He taught at MSU from 1952 to 1977 when he retired and was considered an excellent teacher. This is interview 1 of 2.
Daniel Preston was born in Bangor, Wisconsin and spent his childhood there. Preston gives some brief information on the early activities of the American Legion in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
David Beauchamp served in the Minnesota State Legislature from 1974 to 1978. In his interview, he discusses his political experiences in local and state office, and the issues in Minnesota government during his career. Mr. Beauchamp also discusses his Peace Corps years in Thailand.
Dr. Delmar Hansen is director of the theatre program at Moorhead State University for 30 years, gives his assessment of a number of regional and local literary figures. He also describes some of the changes since he came to Moorhead State University in 1958 such as there was no real theatre program. He is the Chairman and a professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.
Donna Mathisen Dosland was raised in northeastern Minnesota. She moved to Moorhead when she married Mr. Dosland. She has been associated with the Clay County Public Health Nursing Service since its formation in March 1969 and tells of the purposes and functions of the Foundation. Donna Dosland describes the history, organization, and the obstacles that needed to be overcome.
Doris Eastman discusses her experience writing for the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead from 1934-1979. She became women's editor at the newspaper in 1959. She also tells about her days working for the Moorhead Daily News. Now retired, she is working at the Episcopal Church and Clay County Historical Society.
Dorothy Kippels gave a background of her childhood days as well about the Kippels family. The Kippels family, Bruno Kippels, Joe's father, were early Moorhead settlers. Mrs. Kippels, describes the Waterman's Store which she and her husband owned from 1944 to 1967. She told the merchandise they sold and talked about credit, competition in Moorhead, and fringe benefits.
Edward Gudmundson was born June 29, 1917 in Mountain, ND. He graduated from North Dakota State Universtiy (NDSU) in 1949. He joined the US Navy in 1942 and was discharged in 1945. Edward Gudmundson has worked as a pharmacist from 1945 to 1984. He describes his schooling, experiences, and compares drug stores of the 1940s with those of the 1980s.
Elsie Lee was born on a farm near Big Lake, MN on September 2, 1916. Mrs. Lee tells of her many years of experience as a homemaker and describes her life and activities in Moorhead. Elsie tells of her experience as one of the first homemakers to work fulltime while raising a family of 3 children.
Eric Martinson is 97 years old and was born in Moorhead. His Norwegian parents immigrated here between 1870 and 1871. Martinson discusses the coal and fuel oil business in the Fargo-Moorhead area from 1926 to his retirement in 1968.
Florence Jenkins (Mrs. John) was born in Juanita, ND in 1914. Mrs. Jenkins began volunteer work and fund raising for the Red Cross during World War II. After the war she became an office secretary of Clay County Red Cross. She describes her work as a Red Cross volunteer and how it has affected her life. She discusses the goals and work of the Clay County Red Cross Chapter.
Dr. Frederick Walsh discusses his years as a theatre teacher at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Dr. Walsh discusses his interests in outdoor drama, production at Medora, old and new theaters at NDSU, and his philosophy on the role of the theater in the lives of students.
Hazelle and George Nassif were prime movers in Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater. George discusses his early interest in acting, his support of the F-M Community Theater and how some of the financial difficulties were overcome. The construction of the new theater building in Island Park, with labor donated by the Labor Union, is discussed by Hazelle.
Gertrude Saxman lived on a farm near Georgetown, Minnesota. Dr. Saxman discusses her experiences in medicine and her medical practice in Ulen, MN from 1960-1983.
Gladys Westrum was born March 27, 1907 in Moorhead. Mrs. Westrum describes a typical homemaker' day in the age before modern conveniences and how the homemaker's tasks have changed as a result of technology. She discusses the Depression and WWII rationing. She also describes the changes in the attitudes of people toward women working outside of the home.
Gustav L. Schoberg, on the Concordia College faculty from 1930 to 1970, was a professor of German and French and also head of the department. He was also an assistant to President J.N. Brown in public relations, publicity, fund raising, and student recruiting through the Depression of the thirties and World War II.
In this oral history interview, Gus Frey discusses his childhood and the businesses he remembers from his childhood. Note: parts of this interview are not clearly audible.
Hanny Wright was born on the island Tjoeme on the west side of the Oslo Fjord on October 27, 1899. She came to the United States as an infant. Mrs. Wright describes her association with St. Ansgar Hospital Auxilliary, of which she was a president for many years. She has also helped organize the Moorhead Camp Fire Girls.
H.B. Teichmann was 89 years old at the time of this interview. He describes his love of theatre and his training at the Academy of Theatre Arts in New York. He is famous for his character bits and has been in 20-30 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre productions, working under a number of our resident directors.
Helene Kaeding was born in St. Peter, MN. Mrs. Kaeding describes her ethnic background, her father's business, and attending school at Gustavas Adolphus. She began teaching in 1931 and married in 1940. She describes the difference in attitudes toward education in the various communities in which she taught, and how discipline and respect for teachers has changed.
Helen Peterson was born in Kenmare, ND on April 24, 1904. Mrs. Peterson and her husband Wayne owned the Moorhead Daily News from 1930 to 1944. She discusses various features of the paper and how the business has changed over the years.
A resident of Fargo and Moorhead since her birth in 1915, Miss Helen Euren was an employee of Moorhead Public Library from 1934 until her retirement in 1977. She discusses the new library services added during those years, the formation of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library and the bond issue for the new building in 1960.
Henry Grettum, a farmer near Detroit Lakes, recalls his early years of coming to Ulen, MN from Goodhue County in Minnesota. Mr. Grettum tells of his farm life at Ulen and Detroit Lakes and as farm manager north of Moorhead. He tells of his community activities. Mr. Grettum was 93 years old at the time of the interview. His ancestors are Norwegian.
