Ella B. Bowser (Mrs. William N.) discusses her husband's first coming to Bemidji; her early thoughts of Bemidji; the rumored Native American uprising around 1900; Mary Carson selling milk; fleas, lice, and bedbugs; doctors she remembered; going for buggy rides; her early Bemidji neighborhood; getting hit by a horse; memories of dances; the suicide of a druggist; boating; card games; prices; clothing; and hats. The interview includes two unknown women, one referred to as Miss or Mrs. Moody, the other as Jane. Beginning at 49:15, all speakers are in the background, at an unknown gathering of women. The discernable spoken phrases are provided. The women are reviewing old materials and talking about putting on a historical program. The recording continues in bchs075b.
The interview with John Van House was conducted by Dr. Charles Vandersluis on an unrecorded date in an unrecorded location, probably Kelliher, Minnesota. Van House discusses living in Fosston, Solway, and Turtle River, Minnesota starting in about 1892, 1903, and 1906, respectively. He also discusses old village of Turtle versus the later village of Turtle River. He discusses early saloons, hotels, churches, and schools in those areas. He also discusses working in a livery barn and as a saloonkeeper. The interview continues in BCHS 059b.
