suggestandchfhallofhonornomineecontactalocaltrustee.deadlinefor2005nominationsisjan.14.seepage3.•h

“America is at a crossroads,” saidMontana’s U.S. Senator Conrad Burns.The former ag broadcaster, auctioneer andfounder of the Northern Ag Network spokeat the seventh North Dakota Cowboy Hallof Fame induction ceremony held Aug. 7in Medora. Burns, who chairs the Interiorand Related Agencies subcommittee of theSenate Appropriations Committee said,“We have children being raised who arenot being taught who they are and wherethey are. We have to teach our young peo-ple to be Americans.”

Stressing the significance of the NDCHFCenter of Western Heritage and Cultures

Burns added, “Stay with these tales, theselocal people. Tell our young people whatkind of country we inherited from our par-ents. This is important because you pass onhistory, and history is the blueprint of thefuture.”

Noting that most U.S. servicemen andwomen realize that they inherited some-thing very special in America, Burnsadded, “Younger folks need to reallyunderstand what America is -- especiallyhere in the West where we value freedomabove anything else. And make sure theyunderstand that freedom is not free.”

(Continued on page 2.)

• Hall Highlights •• If you wish to suggest a

NDCHF Hall of Honor nominee contact a local Trustee. Deadline for 2005 nominations is Jan. 14.See page 3.

• Don’t miss Medora’s Cow-boy Christmas, Dec. 3-5.For more information call 701-623-4378 or visit the City of Medora’s website at www.medorand.com.

• The tenth NDCHF Annual Meeting and Banquet is scheduled for Feb. 25-26 at the Seven Seas, Mandan.Call 701-663-7401 or 800-597-7327 for banquet tickets or room reserva-tions. Specify your affilia-tion with the NDCHF to receive the special rate.

• Inside •

Hall of Honoree NominationsDeadline set for Jan. 14 . . . . . .3

Now and ThenFeaturing Jim Jefferies and Evelyn Neuens . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Oklahoma InductionJim Tescher honored . . . . . . .10

Colorado InductionAlvin Nelson honored . . . . . . .11

Y’s Men’s RodeoCelebrating 50 years . . . . . . .12

NDCHF Shirts and OrnamentsWrap up some NDCHF spirit thisholiday season . . . . . . . . . . . .13

The Cowboy ChronicleVol. 9, No. 2 • Fall/Winter 2004 • Published bi-annually by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Dream Taking Shape in Downtown Medora

Montana Senator Burns Speaks at NDCHF Induction

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees and representatives gathered following the ceremonyheld Aug. 7 in Medora. Nine new honorees were welcomed into the Hall in 2004.

A long-time dream ofmany is taking shapeon the edge of Medora.The two-story struc-ture, destined to be thehome of the NorthDakota Cowboy Hallof Fame (NDCHF), ismoving toward com-pletion.

“Barring unforeseenproblems, the Hall ofFame will open in early May 2005,” saysNDCHF Executive Director DarrellDorgan. “A grand opening is tentativelyscheduled for the Saturday of MemorialDay weekend.”

Ground was broken last December for the15,000 square feet of exhibit, gallery and

meeting space. Contractors began workingin April. Employees of First DakotaEnterprises Inc., Fort Pierre, S.D., concreteand steel workers and electrical andplumbing contractors were on the site allsummer. The building was enclosed in


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Our 25th Issue

The North Dakota Hall of Fame is slated to open in May 2005, in Medora.

$1.50newsstand price

Janice Rustad, Kindred, was elected president of theNorth Dakota CattleWomen at their annual conven-tion in June. “We are the auxiliary to the NorthDakota Stockmen,” Rustad explains. “Our mission isto be involved and support the Stockmen by promot-ing beef and the cattle industry.”

CattleWomen focus on beef education and beef pro-motion. From educating school children to promotingnew products to sharing old recipes in new ways,members spread the message of beef’s goodness.

Rustad stresses that the organization isn’t just forcattle producers -- anyone who enjoys beef can beinvolved. She concludes, “If you’ve ever eaten ahamburger, you can join CattleWomen.”

Other officers for the current year are MaryFroelich, Williston, president-elect; Al Stoltenow, Wahpeton, secretary; SharonTecca, Solen, treasurer; and Theresa Tokach, Mandan, immediate past president.For membership information contact Rustad at 701-428-3780.

• The Cowboy Chronicle • Fall/Winter 2004

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Executive Director . . . . Darrell Dorgan

Board of DirectorsPresident. . . . . . . . . Phil Baird, Mandan Vice President . . . Robert Tibor, Hebron Secretary . . . Russ Danielson, Harwood

Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Representative:

Randy Hatzenbuhler . . . . . . . . . MedoraState Historical Society of North Dakota Representative:

John Von Rueden . . . . . . . . . . . Bismarck

The Cowboy ChronicleOfficial publication of the

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Editor . . Colette Knutson GjermundsonLayout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Luyben

Advisory Committee:Jeri L. Dobrowski

Ray MorrellWillard Schnell

Robert Tibor

Send Letters, Address Changes,Memberships and Contributions to:

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame1110 College Drive, Suite 216

Bismarck, North Dakota 58501Phone: 701-250-1833

Rustad Leads CattleWomen

(Induction, continued from page 1)This year’s Hall of Fame inductees

were introduced following the Senator’scomments: Rodeo - “Badlands Bill”McCarty, Walt Neuens, Jim Johnston,Whiz Bang; Ranching - Earl Henderson,

Jack Dahl, William “Bill” Hamann,Long X Ranch; Arts and Entertainment -Einar Olstad.For complete inductee biographies see

the August Cowboy Chronicle Extra. For2005 nomination information see page 17.

Board MembersVirginia Eck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BismarckLaura Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MedoraShirley Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DickinsonRay Morrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valley CityRobyn Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PembinaEvelyn Neuens . . . . . . . . . . . . . BismarckWalter Piehl, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MinotWinston Satran . . . . . . . . . . . . . BismarckWillard Schnell . . . . . . . . . . . . . DickinsonArlen Sommers . . . . . . . . . . . . Valley City

Marge Gratton, Medora, indicatesthat an error in previously publishedhistories caused an error in theSummer 2004 Cowboy ChronicleExtra, page 3. The story notes that“Badlands Bill” McCarty andGeorge Gardner put on a wild westshow in Medora in 1916, forRomania’s Queen Marie, PrinceMichael and Princess Illene. Grattonsays the show was actually held in1926. She confirms the year by thefact that she and her sister bothattended the wild west show — afeat which would not have been pos-sible ten years earlier. (Editor’s Note:The incorrect year [1916] is alsoprinted in The Cowboy Chronicle,Fall/Winter 2000, page 6.)

Dear Members and Friends:

It is with sadness, joy and gratefulnessthat I inform you that as of this issue, Iam resigning my position as editor ofThe Cowboy Chronicle.

I feel sadness, because it is difficult forme to let go of a publication that I creat-ed, along with the NDCHF Board, in thespring of 1996. What a kick it’s been tohelp the publication grow along with theHall. Still, I believe it is time for me tohand over the reins.

I feel joy as I recall the thrill of stand-ing beside dozens of folks as they havescanned the horizon and shared the sto-ries of their lives. What a pleasure it hasbeen to learn to know those whom theNDCHF seeks to honor. Thank you forthe incredible privilege.

I feel gratefulness because I am trulyhumbled that the NDCHF Boardallowed me to initiate the Chronicle. I

am honored that you have given of your-selves to help me steer it through its first25 issues. To those who have stood withme along the way -- including past andcurrent board members, trustees andmembers, executive director DarrellDorgan, office assistant Cathy Langemoand current layout director Dave Luyben-- I extend a hearty thank you. I greatlyappreciate your assistance and kindness.

Finally, I salute my intrepid proofread-ers and unwavering supporters: EmilyTescher Johnston, Velva, and Jeri L.Dobrowski, Beach. It is your heart andwisdom that has helped guide theChronicle. It is your assistance andfriendship that has allowed me to ridethe big circle during these past eightyears. Thank you.With Warm Regards,Colette “Koko” Knutson Gjermundson,Richardton

Letter from The Cowboy Chronicle Editor

Bill McCarty correction:

Janice Rustad

Fall/Winter 2004 • The Cowboy Chronicle •

NDCHF Annual MeetingScheduled for FebruaryThe tenth North Dakota Cowboy Hallof Fame Annual Meeting is scheduledfor Feb. 25-26, 2005, at the SevenSeas, Mandan.

Friday evening’s no-host ice creamsocial begins at 7 p.m. Highlightingthe gathering is the premiere of theorientation video, which will play con-tinuously in the theater at the NDCHFCenter of Western Heritage andCultures. The 14-minute piece, in sur-round sound, was written and pro-duced by Dakom Communications,Bismarck. The audio was handled byMakoché Recording Studio, Bismarck,while Digit Productions, Bismarck,was in charge of videography/editing.

Saturday’s annual membership meet-ing begins at 1 p.m., followed by theNDCHF Trustees’ meeting at 2:30 p.m.Trustees will discuss 2005 nominations.

Saturday evening activities com-mence with a no-host social at 5:30p.m. The annual fund-raising auctionalso begins at 5:30 p.m. The SevenSeas buffet banquet begins at 7 p.m.Entertainment features a full-lengthprogram by the Bismarck PublicSchool’s Strolling Strings. The auctionconcludes following the banquet.

Banquet tickets are $25 each; only300 will be sold. To reserve tickets ora motel room see “Hall Highlights” onpage 1.

Like snowflakes in the moonlight, thetown of Medora will glisten as it cele-brates its ninth annual CowboyChristmas, Dec. 3-5. Sponsored by theMedora Chamber of Commerce, thepopular event features sleigh andwagon rides, “Treats and Eats on theStreets,” visits with Santa andCowboy Christmas poetry. Otheractivities include a traditionalChristmas supper, mass and familydance. An ecumenical worship serviceis slated for Sunday morning.

For further information call 701-623-4378 or visit the City of Medora’swebsite at www.medorand.com.

Medora Hosts Cowboy Christmas Dec. 3-5

Dear Members and Friends:

The holiday season is upon us. It’s atime for family, friends, great food andtaking stock of what we are thankfulfor.

Because of you, our supporters, we’vehad a great year at the Hall of Fame.Construction is moving forward and,although there are variables such asweather, we hope to open the center ofheritage and cultures Memorial Dayweekend 2005.

‘Looking for a meaningful gift ideafor Christmas or another special occa-sion? How about a North DakotaCowboy Hall of Fame membership?How about a memorial? NDCHFTrustee Ernie Krabbenhoft, Argusville,gives memberships as gifts. Keep inmind, that includes a subscription to theChronicle. It’s a great gift and, based onthe number of recipients who renew,they must agree!

We’re still about $500,000 short ofhaving the Hall paid for when we openthe doors, There are gifting opportuni-ties available for everyone so we canreach that goal.

For those who wish to remember aloved one, there is the beautiful, yetaffordable, Memorial Wall. So far,about 45 families have purchased sucha memorial. We have a plaque for myparents. Their photo and life historywill always be on display and their his-tory will be in the computerized cardfile. One hundred years from now, ifsomeone types Emmett and DorothyDorgan into our data bank, their infor-mation will be available. It’s a greatlegacy and a wonderful way to remem-ber a loved one for as little as $1,000.

For those looking to make a signifi-cant contribution to the Hall, the build-ing needs to be furnished. Meetingrooms and exhibits are available forfamilies and companies to sponsor. Thecost? It depends. You may want tomake an outright gift or set up a trust.Depending on the type of trust, youmight not have to pay anything.

A Charitable Remainder Trust allowsyou to designate a non-profit, like theHall of Fame, as the recipient of assets.The trust pays income to the donor for aspecified number of years or until death.Then, the charity receives the remainderof the assets. It has immediate taxadvantages and insures that the personsetting up the trust will not outlivehis/her income.

A Charitable Lead Trust pays a non-profit like the Hall of Fame a specifiedamount for a set number of years; thenthe principal reverts to heirs as thedonor wishes. This plan has multiple taxadvantages for both the donor and heirs.

There are numerous other financialvehicles available. They allow you togive to the Hall of Fame while providingfor your needs and those of your family.Investigating such options allows you toleave a legacy that demonstrates thatyou cared about the heritage and historyof the Plains.

Not long ago I talked with a man whowanted to do something special for theHall of Fame. However, he recently diedunexpectedly and without a will. Assetsthat he hoped to direct toward the Hallof Fame were distributed according topredetermined state regulations. A manwho could have, and wanted to, put hisname on an exhibit lost that chancebecause there was no will. He didn’t getto choose where his assets went.

If you’re interested in planned givingthat will provide financial security foryou and your loved ones and benefit theorganizations you believe in, please giveme a call. Accountants and financialplanners can provide protection for yourassets and make certain your wishes aremet.

Have a great holiday season and a won-derful 2005.

Best regards,

Darrell DorganExecutive Director

A Meaningful Gift For Christmasor Other Special Occasion

It isn’t often that a North Dakota cow-boy is just as well known and respect-ed along the Little Missouri River ashe is along the Red River. But such isthe case with Jim Jefferies who isdescribed as “a cowboy’s cowboy.”

Jim was born in Dickinson on March12, 1925. He learned to be a cowboyearly in life. His father, WilliamJefferies, and his grandfather, A.N.Jefferies, had trailed cattle from Texasto North Dakota and settled in theKilldeer/Grassy Butte area.

Jim was raised with five siblings:William Jr., Donald, John “Jack,”Mary Jane and Nora Jean.Unfortunately, their father died whenJim was five years old. Left with sixkids, his mother, Claire (Hemmer)Jefferies, struggled to keep them inschool. Jim graduated from the eighthgrade as a 12-year-old and beganworking on various ranches, first forPat Woods and then, Leighton Trotter.

It was while working for Leightonthat Jim learned the art of black-smithing, creating bits and spurs.Leighton taught Jim how to inlay sil-

ver on his pieces: a skill that landedhim in the hot seat with his motherwhen she discovered that he had cutup her silver napkin rings while mak-ing a bit and a pair of spurs!

Jim taught himself to braid and toolleather, as well as braid rawhide. Hemade bridles, hobbles, reins and otheruseful tack that a cowboy couldn’t getalong without. He was eager to teachthe craft to anyone who wanted to learn.

Jim entered the U.S. Army in August1944, riding a horse to catch the trainthat would take him to basic training.He served during World War II andsaw action in the Battle of the Bulge,where he received numerous badges,medals and ribbons. “He went througha lot of hardships and had some roughtimes there,” recalls his brother-in-lawRex Cook, Dickinson. Jefferies alsoserved as a guard in the NurembergTrials before his discharge in October1946. He receivedhis high schooldiploma while serv-ing in the Army.

Jim quickly re-sumed his cowboylifestyle, riding inFort Worth shortlyafter his return tothe United States.He rode saddlebronc and barebackhorses, earning hisRodeo CowboysAssociation cardthat same year,1946.

He marriedMarlyn Cook, ateacher and daugh-ter of North Dakotarancher, TaylorCook, on June 1,1948, at SentinelButte. Jim contin-ued ranching,working for CarlOlson, widow Mary

Leland, and Ole Ogaard.Mary’s son, Melvin Leland, Sidney,

Mont., remembers that Jim seemed totake a shine to him and his brother,Howard. Jim once took them toCharlie Allen’s near Sentinel Butte, tobuy their first horse: a little paint aptlynamed Charlie. “Jim braided a horse-hair headstall that he gave us to use onCharlie. I regret that six or seven yearslater we let someone trade us out ofit.” Another time Jim took Howardand Melvin -- and their savings -- toDickinson to buy boots. “I can see Jimsmiling yet as he let us pick out thefanciest boots on the rack. Howardpicked blue ones for $23 and minewere green for $17.”

Further, Leland says of Jefferies,“He liked to have fun and play tricks.He was always looking for somethingto enjoy in life.” The Lelands had



OW & HENN TJim Jefferies:Taking the West East

Jim Jefferies

Jim Jefferies managed the Short Ranch north of Medora from 1953-64. From1964-83 he managed an 1,800-acre ranch near Hawley, Minn.

In the 1950s, while enjoying a routine,leisurely horseback ride along theMissouri River at Bismarck, Walt andEvelyn Neuens spotted an unusual tree.Riding closer, they could scarcelybelieve their eyes: the biggest DiamondWillow tree that either western NorthDakota native had ever seen. “It wasalive, but dying,” Evelyn recalls. “Werode home, got our axes and catch ropes,cut it down and brought it up here to thehouse. Walt spent one whole winter ofspare time working on that.” From thatpoint on the carved and finished, floor-to-ceiling Diamond Willow trunk stoodas a sentinel beside the fireplace in theNeuens’ home on West Avenue C.

Flanked by horseshoe bookshelvesfilled with family photos, horse trophiesand dozens of knickknacks -- each with astory to tell -- Evelyn surveys her long-time home, peers out the south windowand recalls, “We could see five barnsfrom our house when we built it.”

Evelyn Connell was born July 16, 1912,to Dan and Olive (Syverson) Connell, ona ranch 20 miles south of Medora. Shewas born in a house that featured arevolving bookcase with a bullet holethrough it and what may have been thefirst indoor bathroom in Billings County.The house and ranch previously belongedto Cliff Dennison of the TIX.

Evelyn grew up with five siblings:Lester, Blanche (who died in her youth),Nora, Sid and Goldie. They attended theLebo School -- located three miles fromtheir home -- through the 8th grade.Horseback was the usual mode of trans-portation because, Evelyn says, “We hadto cross the river three times and (gothrough) umpteen gates.”

As a youth, Evelyn worked outside alot. “I was kind of the cowboy of theyounger (Connell kids),” she says, not-ing that Lester worked away from homeand Sid had back ailments. “I used totrade off my inside chores and do mysisters’ outside chores. They were afraidthat they’d get a freckle, and I couldn’thave cared less.” Hence, Evelyn grew

into adulthood not knowing much abouthousekeeping. “Iwas the one thatgot to ride Dad’sstock horses,” shesays. “I was pret-ty privileged.”

Unfortunately,Evelyn’s motherdied when Evelynwas a high schoolfreshman. Her dadeventually marriedher mother’s sis-ter, Sarah. “AuntSarah was a veryimportant part ofour lives,” sherecalls.

Evelyn attendedone year of highschool in Mis-soula, Mont., andthree years inDickinson. She

attended Dickinson State for one year,earning a teaching certificate. She taughtone year at the Lebo school and one yearat the German School near Amidon.

A few years earlier -- as a high schooljunior -- Evelyn attended a wild westshow in Medora. There, she met a youngcowboy whose saddle bronc horsejumped over the fence and landed on thehood of her dad’s new car. She explains,“Our car was parked right next to thechutes and the outlet gate. It was scary,but fun.” On Oct. 24, 1931, Evelyn mar-ried that cowboy -- Walter Neuens.

After their marriage, Walt and Evelynboth rodeoed. Walt competed in saddlebronc riding, bareback riding and rop-ing; Evelyn entered in cutting and barrelracing.

Once Evelyn finished her secondyear of teaching, the couple moved ahomestead shack into Walter’s parents’backyard. They lived on the NeuensRanch -- 17 miles north of Medora -- forabout four years. The Neuenses ranchedand raised horses for the Army.



OW & HENN TEvelyn Neuens: From Country Curiosity to Western Icon

NDCHF Founding President Evelyn Neuens,Bismarck, stands alongside a DiamondWillow tree trunk that she and her hus-band, Walt, spotted while riding along theMissouri River in the 1950s.

Evelyn and Walt Neuens, circa 1955.


ALKIN’ ITH RUSTEEST TW

(Jefferies, continued from page 4.)a neighbor named Phil, who wasknown for driving slowly down themiddle of the road. Passing him wasnot a prudent action. One time Jimcrept up behind Phil, bumped him abit and eased the tandem vehicles upto about 55 miles an hour. Lelandlaughs and says, “When Phil caughtup to Jim the next time he really letloose with his Dutch lingo!”

Jim always liked really good horses.Leland says, “When he was out herehe had a big dun named Bill. His wife,Marlyn, had a good roan. Jim alwayssaid he had to marry her just to getthat horse!” Leland adds that Bill wasa good horse, but pretty rank in the

morning. “I remember him blowing upbefore Jim got him out of the barn oneday. He nearly tore a wall out.”Another time Jim was heeling at aneighbor’s branding when Bill got arope under his tail and bucked Jim off.Leland concludes, “Jim loved thosekinds of wrecks and excitement andlaughed as hard as anyone, eventhough it happened to him.”

In 1953, Jim began his most notedwestern North Dakota position, that ofmanaging the Short Ranch north ofMedora. U.S. Rep. Don Short servedNorth Dakota in Washington, D.C.,from 1958-64. Recalling Jim’s ranch-ing abilities, Rex Cook, Dickinson,assures, “He was really good at han-

dling big bunches of cattle. He couldrope, was a good hand with a horse,and when he was younger he couldride pretty bad horses. He could doanything that had to be done.”

At the same time, Jim was passinghis work ethic, cow savvy and cowboyways on to he and Marlyn’s fourdaughters: Rita, Roxanne, Ramonaand Roberta. Jim continued to rodeoduring this time. In 1962, he and RexCook claimed the North DakotaRodeo Association Team Tying cham-pionship.

In 1964, the Jefferies family movedeast, taking the West with them.Explaining the move Jim’s son-in-law,- (Continued on page 7.)

Dale Chilson, West FargoNDCHF District: 12Family: Four daughters: Michele, Beth, Suzanne and Jennifer; six grandchildren;two stepkids; two sons-in-law.Occupation: Retired after 40 fun years in radio and TV broadcasting. I used to

announce rodeos and have announced horse shows for more than 20 years. “I worked in North Dakota Horse Park horse racing media relations in 2003 and ‘04.”

What was your first job? “Setting pins in the Velva bowling alley for 10 cents a line.”

First Horse: “Dude, a big, bay Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred gelding that had been exposed to loud, moving machines of every kind. One day we encoun-tered bicyclists. The sight of silent creatures on wheels was too much for hislittle horse brain to assimilate and we were off! Traveling at warp speed and struggling to stay upright on slick blacktop, he was determined to get away from those fearsome brutes. I finally got him into a field and circled him to a stop. All in all, a pretty thrilling day for both of us.”

First rodeo experience: “As a little kid I crawled under the fence and into an arena with a rodeo in progress. My mother nearly had a heart attack.Years latershe got even with me by getting rid of my entire collection of Western comic books. Today they’d be worth...oh, Lord, I can’t even stand to think about it!”

Favorite rodeo event: “Saddle bronc riding. There’s a reason it’s called the classic event of rodeo and over the years we’ve had an impressive number of nationally ranked bronc riders from North Dakota.”

Name five things you like: “Horses and riding ‘em in the sandhills southwest of Fargo or in the Badlands; rodeos; horse shows; photography; being around my kids and their kids.”

Who do you consider a hero? “Anyone who can earn a living in the saddle has my admiration.”One unique thing about yourself that most people don't know: “I enjoy writing limericks. A few years ago I won $100

for winning The Saturday Evening Post’s regular limerick contest.”Latest book read: “Chicken Soup for the Horse-Lover’s Soul.”Greatest learning experience: “The years I spent in the Marine Corps.”Why do you support the NDCHF? “It’s an excellent opportunity to preserve our Western heritage for future generations.

Being involved with the NDCHF is one of the most worthwhile things I've done.”

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ALKIN’ ITH RUSTEEST TW

(Jefferies, continued from page 6.)Ron Kramer, Leoti, Kan., writes, “Jimmoved his family from western NorthDakota to western Minnesota so thathe and Marlyn and their four daugh-ters could spend every day togetherwhile the girls were in school.” Priorto that time the Jefferies girls hadlived in Sentinel Butte with theirgrandparents during the school week.If the weather was bad or roads wereimpassable, they sometimes didn’t gethome for several weeks at a time.

Hence, when opportunity knocked,Jim and Marlyn answered. Fargoinvestor Doug Schnell had purchasedan 1,800-acre ranch east of Fargo,near Hawley, Minn.; Jim took the job

as ranch manager. There, Jim and hisdaughters continued riding pasturesand calving cows. They enjoyed intro-ducing Fargo-area folk to brandingcalves, too. Several big football play-ers from the city came out to helpwrestle calves. After watching themstruggle, get kicked and run over sev-eral times, Jim told his girls, “Show‘em how it’s done!”

Jim’s love of rodeo continued in theeast, too. He taught high school andcollege students to rope during weeklyclasses at Winfield Manor south ofFargo. He helped initiate the SheyenneRed River High School Rodeo Club,West Fargo, and served four years asclub president. He also became a

western region director for theMinnesota High School RodeoAssociation. Jim provided top-qualitymounts for many high school contes-tants and helped others learn theirevents. He also taught young people torespect their horses and develop hon-est cowboy values. Friend ErnieKrabbenhoft, Argusville, adds, “Hetouched many lives and did a great jobteaching individuals what an honor itis to be a cowboy.”

Jim eagerly promoted college, ama-teur and professional rodeos. Amonghis efforts were assisting with theNorth Dakota State University LittleInternational and the North Dakota


Sue Mosser, MedoraNDCHF District: 3Family: husband, Randy.Occupation: Ranching, part-time secretary at the

Medora Grazing Association.First rodeo experience: “When I was 10 or 11, there

was a Little Britches Rodeo in Sidney, Mont., and I knew the neighbor boy was going and taking his horse. Since there weren’t any phones in our com-munity at the time, I drove our automatic car over to the neighbors and asked if I could go along. The neighbor’s dad showed up with his pickup with stock rack, loaded my horse and away we went!” Sue adds, “I’m not sure why I didn’t ask my folks. I guess I didn’t want to be a bother.”

Favorite rodeo event: “Saddle bronc riding, because it’s pure poetry in motion!”

Five things you like very much: “Country music, horses, cats, traveling and riding the range on a sun-baked plain with a good horse between my knees.”

If you had $1 million, how would you spend it?“Pay off the ranch debts and buy another one!”

One unique thing about yourself that most peopledon’t know: “In June I traveled to Norway where I visited the village that my maternal grandmother came from in 1900. I

met some of my second cousins. I traveled with my husband’s family and met some of his relatives too.”Latest book read: “The Way of Women, by Lauraine Snelling. She is the author of the Red River of the North series

about immigrants coming to North Dakota from Norway. I snatch up everything she writes.”Greatest learning experience: “Being Miss Rodeo North Dakota 1980 took me down some happy trails of learning. More

recently, being a student of natural horsemanship has taught me a lot about myself and my horse.”Why do you support the NDCHF? “I would like to see the history of our area and state preserved and to promote the

western way of living.”

(Jefferies, continued from page 7.)Winter Show, Valley City. He was apickup man at rodeos in the 1960s andbegan judging rodeos in the ‘70s. Hewas very involved in helping producethe National High School Rodeo Finalsin West Fargo in 1970, and again in1979. Ranch owner Doug Schnellhelped bring the finals to West Fargo, as

he was local chamber president in 1970.Jim’s family had a history of heart

trouble; his poor health forced thewestern Minnesota ranching operationto shift from cow/calf pairs to year-lings. All of the cattle were sold in1980. From then on, Jim worked as ahealth inspector at the West FargoStockyards, working until his death on

Oct. 31, 1983.Today, Marlyn

Jefferies Langerudand her husband,Gordon, live atHawley, Minn.Three of her daugh-ters live in NorthDakota: Rita (Keith)Myers, Grand Forks,Roxanne Burnside,Fargo, and Roberta(Paul) Nistler,

Fargo. Jim and Marlyn’s third daugh-ter, Ramona (Ron) Kramer, Leoti,Kan., carries on her dad’s cowboyways in her own family’s ranchingoperation. Marlyn has nine grandchil-dren and five great-grandchildren.

Jim Jefferies was born into the cow-boy life and during his 58 short yearshe never stopped being a cowboy. RonKramer says, “Everyone who ever hadan opportunity to know Jim remembershim as a darn good cowboy. Jim had aset of values that you don’t find in ordi-nary people. He was probably the bestcowman I’ve ever been around. Jimwas also a mighty good horseman.”Kramer continues, “Jim always saidhe’d put his four daughters up againstanybody’s crew. He was a good familyman who liked good horses, good cattleand loved his family.”--by Colette Knutson Gjermundson


(Neuens, continued from page 5.)In 1935, Walt began buying and ship-

ping horses for Steve Chase, an eastern horse dealer. Eventually, Walt, Evelynand four-year-old son, Billy, moved toKent, Conn. They lived there for about20 months, while Walter managed ahorse barn, but returned to the Badlandsin 1937.

Meanwhile, Walter ’s parents hadmoved into Dickinson, so Walt andEvelyn moved into the ranch house.Explaining that Billy was seven yearsold when the couple’s second son,Donald, was born, Evelyn laughs andexplains, “That was during the dry years-- and I mean dry years in more waysthan one! Nobody had any money andnobody cared, really. We made due withwhat we had.”

Around that time, the Neuens familybecame acquainted with a group ofinfluential Bismarck people becauseBismarck’s Dr. Bodenstab owned aranch northwest of them. George Carroperated it. Through this contact Waltand Evelyn became fast friends with Dr.Paul and Alma Freise, and eventuallymoved to Bismarck because of them.

In March 1947, a rampaging LittleMissouri River nearly wiped out theNeuens Ranch, including half of the

horses, most of the cattle, miles offences and roads. Walt told the Greeterin 1986, “There was seven feet of ice onthe Little Missouri, and when that cameout it really came.” After repairing and rebuilding, the family

sold the ranch and moved to the Bismarckarea. “Other places flooded, but not asseverely as we did. All of our cattle wereright down on the bottoms along theriver,” Evelyn says. “The river cut acrossour place and left them drowned onislands. That was not fun.” They sold theranch to Jimmy Stevens. A second reasonfor moving out of the Badlands was thelack of a nearby high school.

The family initially lived on the undevel-oped, northwest edge of Bismarck. Waltand Evelyn’s third son, Ken, says the bestbreakfasts he can ever remember were atthat time, when his mother would shoot agrouse out of a tree, fry it and serve it withpancakes and gravy.

Walt built a log house that still stands nearRiverwood Golf Course in south Bismarck.“We lived right in the middle of an oat fieldand of course there wasn’t any water norheat,” Evelyn says. Walter worked as abrand inspector, house contractor and asbarn manager for the Bismarck HorseClub. “We got right into that crowd and itwas perfect,” Evelyn assures.

The couple moved into Bismarck properin 1952. In 1956, they began operating awestern store on Main Street in Mandan.By 1961 the couple needed a larger build-ing, so they bought a former floral shop at309 North Third Street, Bismarck. Theyopened Neuens’ Western Shop, “thedowntown shop with the horse on top.”Evelyn says, “We liked it, and it was verysuccessful.”

What had been a floral arranging areabecame Walt’s repair shop. “They(Walt, then his son, Don, and laterDon’s son, Tom) did lots of repair inthere.” She adds, “Walt was very ablein all the things that he did. He was aperfectionist.”

In the 1950s and early ‘60s, Evelynsays no one east of the Missouri wasvery interested in the western lifestyle.“They probably didn’t have 15 saddlehorses in the general populace ofBismarck when we came here with ourhorses. They thought we were a curiosi-ty, flittin’ around in that jeep without anytop on it; wearing boots and hats.” Shelaughs, “They thought we were crazy!”

However, it wasn’t long untilNeuens’ Western Shop and the Neuensfamily fit into Bismarck culture like feet slipping into a favorite pair of - (Continued on page 9.)


(Neuens, continued from page 8.)worn boots. “We’ve had such goodfriends here -- just like we had at theranch,” Evelyn says. She told theGreeter in 1986, “Bismarck andMandan have been very good to us.We’re very, very lucky. Nobody knowsthat better than we do.”

Did Evelyn work at Neuens’ WesternShop six days a week from the verybeginning? “Seven most of the time,”Evelyn quips. Maybe nine! I tell youwhat, we worked hard. (But) it was allfun. We had such good help and ourcustomers were the best people in theworld.” She recalls that boots, hats andWranglers were the best-selling items.“You had to have practically every sizethey made and some that they didn't.”

Through the years Evelyn has beeninvolved in dozens of worthy clubs andcauses including Bismarck Horse Club,Bismarck Mounted Police, DeMoresRiders, Badlands Trail Riders,Bismarck Westerners, Forty Acrescamping/riding group, Study Club,Zonta and Daughters of the AmericanRevolution. In the late 1960s and ‘70s,the couple spent about five summersrunning the Ferris Store at Medora andperforming in the Ranchorama arena.

Reflecting on Evelyn’s many attribut-es, friend Bob Sand, Dunn Center,says, “Evelyn is legitimately ‘western’in the broadest, most respectful senseof the term.” He tells of “Chalky,” acutting horse that Evelyn rode foryears. “After being saddled she wouldoften buck around the corral beforeEvelyn got on her. She rode this marefor years, in cuttings and for pleasure.”

Sands adds, “We have ridden manymiles with Evelyn and Walt andenjoyed their friendship even beforeour children were married. Now wehave grandchildren and great-grand-children in common and know that ourrelationship with the Neuenses hasenriched and blessed our lives.”

Recently, Evelyn moved to TheWaterford in north Bismarck. Still, shecontinues to work some noon hours atNeuens’ Tack and Leather Shop at3934 Memorial Highway, Mandan. Thebusiness is owned and operated by herson and daughter-in-law, Don andMary Ann. “It’s fun to go over there

and I do quite a little,” she says, addingthat some current customers are chil-dren, grandchildren and great-grand-children of original Neuens customers.

Walt and Evelyn raised four sons:Bill (Anne), South Pasadena, Fla.;Don (Mary Ann), Baldwin; Ken(Christi), Longmont, Colo.; and Gene(Carol), Grove, Okla. Evelyn has 11grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Walt died in 1990. “Wehad a real good life together,” sherecalls. “Neither one of us were everbored.” At 92 years young, Evelyn con-cludes, “I’ve had agood life. A good,good life.”

As founding presi-dent and head cheer-leader of the NorthDakota Cowboy Hall of Fame,Evelyn says, “I thinkit’s a necessarything. All of this his-tory is going to belost if we don’t get itdown.” It’s impor-tant to record peo-ple’s history, but it’salso paramount torecord ranch andcommunity history.She adds, “I tell theboard of directors

they better hurry up because I’m goingto kick the bucket some day and I wantto have this done before I die.”

A comment she made to the Greeterin 1986 befits the NDCHF matriarch:“Horseback riding is the best medicinethere is. It’s quiet and peaceful and Ithink anytime you get out with naturewith your horses, you’re better off.”And who knows what treasures youmight come across -- like the biggestDiamond Willow tree that you’ve everseen.

--by Colette Knutson Gjermundson

Evelyn Neuens, Bismarck, enjoys the 2004 NDCHF Induction in Medora with her sons(left to right): Gene, Grove, Okla.; Ken, Longmont, Colo.; Bill, South Pasadena, Fla.; andDon, Baldwin. Their husband/father, Walt Neuens, was inducted into the Hall ofHonorees.

P O Box 69 New Salem, North Dakota 58563-0069(701) 843-7640 • 1-800-642-6090 • FAX: (701) 843-8106

SERVING THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES:Adams, Billings, Bowman, Burleigh, Dunn,

Golden Valley, Grant, Hettinger, Kidder, McKenzie,McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Oliver, Sioux,

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Southwest MutualInsurance Company

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall ofFame’s recent horse raffle netted about$18,000 for the building project andmay help to make a dream come true fora Fort Ransom couple.

Central Livestock, West Fargo, heldthe winning ticket. Sheza Hot Cash, asorrel yearling filly donated by Deanand Shirley Meyer, Dickinson, has sincebeen sold to Jarry and Lisa Lautt, FortRansom. “The Lautts have the fever torun the sorrel at the Fargo horse track,”says Cory Sorby, manager of CentralLivestock's West Fargo branch.

The couple had been thinking aboutgetting into the horse racing businesswhen the opportunity arose to buySheza Hot Cash. Jarry Lautt says, “Mywife has Quarter Horses, but I’m notreally a horse lover. But, I am interestedin horse racing. We hope to have herready to run in a South Dakota race in

May 2005 and then at the Fargo track inAugust and September.” He adds, “It’s afamily affair. Our four-year-old daugh-ter is really excited about Cash, too.”

About the raffle project, NDCHFExecutive Director Darrell Dorgan says,“The raffle was very successful, bring-ing in nearly $22,500 and netting about$18,000. We greatly appreciate theMeyers’ generousdonation. It’s peoplelike Dean and Shirleywho are helping topreserve our westernheritage.” He adds,“A project like theraffle gets a lot oftrustees activelyinvolved in promotingthe NDCHF. We prob-ably gained some newmembers from the

project.”Top ticket sellers in this year’s raffle

were Ray Gress, Dickinson, 661; DeanHelling, Golden Valley, 383; LarryHoffman, Ellendale, 261, and VictorGoetz, Hebron, 200. Proceeds gotoward completing the Cowboy Hall ofFame building and general operations.

--by Cathy A. Langemo


Jim Tescher Inducted into Rodeo Hall in OklahomaDescribed as a family man, rodeo con-testant, rancher, friend and gentleman,Jim Tescher was posthumously inductedinto the Rodeo Hall of Fame at theNational Cowboy & Western HeritageMuseum® in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Accepting the award during an induc-tion brunch at the museum Oct. 24,2004, Jim’s wife, Loretta Tescher, told

attendees that Jim was the middle childof 15. He was raised during theDepression when a noted phrase was“Make it do. Wear it out. Use it up or gowithout.” Jim had a strong work ethicand was a perfectionist, but could maketime for family, camping, fishing, cardplaying and softball.

Jim and his brother, Tom, competed inrodeo mostlyduring the 1950sand ‘60s. Jimindicated duringhis life that thewins that meantthe most to himwere capturingthe MadisonSquare Gardensteer wrestlingtitle in 1955,earning a saddlebronc trophy atCalgary andclaiming thesaddle broncaverage at thefirst National

Finals Rodeo, held in 1959. He also wonthe NFR saddle bronc average in ‘63and was runner-up for the world cham-pionship in ‘64. Those whom Jim con-sidered his toughest competitors includ-ed Alvin Nelson, Bill Smith, KennyMcLean and Winston Bruce.

Jim died Dec. 27, 2003, following afour-wheeler accident.

Representing Jim Tescher during his induction into the NationalCowboy & Western Heritage Museum® in October 2004, were (leftto right): his two daughters, Bonnie Froehlich, Williston, and CindiStockwell, Plummer, Minn.; his wife, Loretta, Sentinel Butte; and ason, Gary Tescher, Sidney, Mont. Jim’s sister, Joan (Tescher)Kittelson, Beach, also attended the induction.

Loretta Tescher (right) enjoys a momentwith noted rodeo announcer and inductionemcee Clem McSpadden, Chelsea, Okla.

Central Livestock Wins 2004 Horse Raffle

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With electrifying fanfare that wouldrival the 10th round of the nationalfinals, Alvin Nelson, Grassy Butte, wasinducted into the ProRodeo Hall ofFame on August 14, 2004. Standing on a

sunlit platform outside the Hall inColorado Springs, Colo., Nelson toldattendees it all started in 1946. He was12 years old at the time and attended theMobridge, S.D., rodeo.

“Jack Buschbom’s dad, Bill, was pro-ducing it,” Alvin recalls. “Jack was rid-ing and winning. After that, my brother,Tillman, and I rode the milk cows afterevery milking. Most of the cows wereShorthorn-crosses and were harder tomilk than to ride!”

That practice paid off. In 1950 as a 16-year-old, Alvin won second in the cowriding at Java, S.D., pocketing $17. Twoyears later he claimed the South DakotaState High School Saddle Bronc cham-

pionship, followed by the National HighSchool Saddle Bronc championship atAugusta, Mont.

He joined the Rodeo CowboysAssociation in 1953. He often traveledwith Duane Howard, Jim Tescher, TomTescher and Joe Chase. “I would havewon more if I hadn’t have traveled with

these guys,” Nelson added. “But theyare the best friends anyone could everhave. They were tough competition, butwe had some great times together.”

Alvin’s first big win was at Phoenix in1955. He rode on to become the 1957RCA World Champion Saddle BroncRider, claiming the national finals aver-age in 1961 and ‘62 and the all-aroundin ‘61. He concluded, “I am very grate-ful for the life rodeo has given me: myranch, my friends, and this wonderfulday.”

--by Colette Knutson Gjermundson

Nelson Inducted into ProRodeo Hall in Colorado

Kaye and Alvin Nelson, Grassy Butte, strikea pose following Alvin’s induction into theProRodeo Hall of Fame in August 2004.

On the big screen: 1957 World ChampionSaddle Bronc Rider Alvin Nelson delivershis acceptance speech in ColoradoSprings, Colo.

Alvin and Kaye Nelson’s son, Louis, daugh-ter-in-law, Allene, and grandson, Garett(left), all of Grassy Butte, attended the 25thProRodeo Hall of Fame induction.

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2004 Induction Snapshots

Above: NDCHF Trustee Pat O’Brien, Belfield, (left), and his wife, Birdie,enjoyed the NDCHF 2004 Induction as their friend/co-worker William“Bill” Hamann was inducted in the ranching category.

Left: NDCHF Board Members Laura Griffin, Medora, (left), and ShirleyMeyer, Dickinson, register attendees at the NDCHF 2004 Induction.


2004 Year-End Rodeo ResultsPROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS

ASSOCIATION2004 National Finals RodeoBareback Riding -- Larry Sandvick, Killdeer native,

Billings, Mont.Saddle Bronc Riding -- Shaun Stroh, Dickinson State

alumnus, Glendive, Mont.

NORTH DAKOTA RODEO ASSOCIATIONYear End All-Around - Jay Mattson, Deadwood, S.D.,

and Jackie Olson, AlmontBareback Riding -- Year-End Champion - Josh

Pennington, Killdeer; Reserve Champion - Brien Wieser, Kindred; Finals Average - Brien Wieser

Calf Roping -- Year-End Champion - Preston Billideau, Parshall; Reserve Champion - Jay Mattson; Finals Average - Jay Mattson

Breakaway Roping -- Year-End Champion - Jackie Olson; Reserve Champion - Heidi Uecker, Hettinger; Finals Average - Jackie Olson

Saddle Bronc Riding -- Year-End Champion - Levi Wolf, Dickinson; Reserve Champion - Take Eck, Kindred; Finals Average - Tate Eck

Steer Wrestling -- Year-End Champion - Jason Reiss, Dickinson; Reserve Champion - Casey Olson, Prairie City, S.D.; Finals Average - Casey Olson

Barrel Racing -- Year-End Champion - Jackie Olson; Reserve Champion - Desiree Weigel, Napoleon;

Finals Average - Jackie OlsonTeam Roping -- Year-End Champion - Jay Mattson;

Reserve Champion - Guy Howell; Finals Average - Jed Bohmbach, Stanley, and Alan Boote, Binford

Sr. Men’s Breakaway Roping -- Year-End Champion - Dwight Hansen, Dunn Center; Reserve Champion - Arlen Hulm, Faith, S.D.; Finals Average (tie) - Neil Karlson, Belcourt, and Arlen Hulm

Bull Riding -- Year-End Champion - Cody Weinberger, Breien; Reserve Champion - Jake Greenstein, Jamestown; Finals Average - no qualified rides

ROUGHRIDER RODEO ASSOCIATIONMen’s All-Around -- Greg Carlson, JamestownWomen’s All-Around -- Ashley Benson, SheyenneJunior Boys’All-Around -- Jake Voigt, MandanJunior Girls’All-Around -- Bobbi Grann,

MinnewaukanBareback Riding -- Mike Knuth, WiltonJunior Bareback -- Jake Voigt, MandanSaddle Bronc Riding -- Tate Eck, KindredJunior Saddle Bronc -- Andrew Clarys, RichardtonCalf Roping -- Greg Carlson, JamestownJunior Calf Roping -- Turner Harris, KilldeerSteer Wrestling -- Jed Bohmbach, StanleyTeam Roping -- Ross Fugleberg, Valley CityMixed Team Roping -- Clay Carlson, Powers LakeBarrel Racing -- Ashley Benson, Sheyenne

Junior Barrel Racing -- Bobbi Grann, MinnewaukanNovice Barrel Racing -- Brookelle Christman, MandanGoat Tying -- Zanna Schaper, HallidayJunior Goat Tying -- Bobbi Grann, MinnewaukanLadies’ Breakaway -- Kristy Thorson, TownerJunior Breakaway -- Shaldon Gjermundson, BismarckSenior Breakaway -- Lee Selland, BismarckBull Riding -- Dan Pahl, EdgleyJunior Bull Riding --Jake Voigt, Mandan

N.D. HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATIONAll-Around Cowboy -- Mark Morrison, KilldeerAll-Around Cowgirl -- Andrea Buerkle, Baker, Mont.Bareback Riding -- Brandon Helfrich, KilldeerBreakaway Roping -- Jessica Whitecalfe, GarrisonCalf Roping -- Chase Carson, Grassy ButteBarrel Racing -- Britta O’Keefe, MohallSteer Wrestling -- Dave Weishoff, RaySaddle Bronc Riding -- Andrew Clarys, RichardtonGoat Tying -- Lizzie Murphy, KilldeerTeam Roping -- Mark Morrison, Killdeer, and

Clint Gorrell, BeachPole Bending -- Kirsten Peterson, VelvaBull Riding -- Kurtis Moran, New TownBoys’ Cow Cutting -- Tyler Bahm, MinotGirls’ Cow Cutting -- Andrea Buerkle, Baker, Mont.Queen -- Vanessa Hardy, Williston

Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo Celebrates 50 YearsSince 1955, the Minot Y’s Men’sRodeo has been entertaining crowds,promoting western heritage and raisingmoney for young people. In markingthe noted event’s 50th anniversary,Professional Rodeo CowboysAssociation (PRCA) official TomMiller, Red Owl, S.D., presented theY’s Men’s Rodeo Committee with acommemorative plaque in earlyOctober.

In the beginning, Jerry Boren,Mandan; Phil Fettig, Mandan; andWillard Schnell, Dickinson, suggested aMinot indoor rodeo. “Minot had thenewest, and what was considered thefinest city auditorium in North Dakota,”Schnell told the Associated Press in lateSeptember. “It was wonderful. Peoplereally took to it. Having one indoors inNorth Dakota...extends our seasonwhen we can’t figure on having rodeooutdoors.”

Since that time the Colin Brown Y’sMen’s Club and the Minot Y’s Men’sClub have contributed more than $1million to the YMCA and the Triangle

Y Camp near Garrison. YMCAExecutive Director Roger Mazurek,Minot, affirms, “The funds that theyraise for our Y really are second tonone.”

PRCA stock contractor Harry Vold,Fowler, Colo., began contracting the

rodeo in 1978. Vold told the AP, “I’vemade a lot of friends up there. “They’rea very good committee. They alwaystreat us royally when we get there andall of that makes a difference.”

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association official Tom Miller, Red Owl, S.D., presents aplaque to rodeo chairman Max Weppler and committee members, commemorating theY's Mens 50th Rodeo held in Minot in October 2004.


North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Merchandise Order Form

Name_________________________________ Address________________________________

City___________________State_________Zip__________Phone________________________

Visa or Mastercard____________________________ Card Exp. Date_____________________

To order NDCHF merchandise, please complete this form (or a copy) and mail to:NDCHF, 1110 College Drive Suite 216, Bismarck ND 58501. If you have questions call the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833.

Item Size Quantity Color Price Plus s&h Total Total Enclosed

Get Your Christmas Gifts from the NDCHFDenim button shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33 each + $2.50/shirt s&hAdult sizes - S, M, L, XL. Logo stitching - navy.

Sweatshirt, adult’s long-sleeved . . .$24 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - S, M, L, XL. (Size 2X - $27 each, Size 3X - $28 each)

T-shirtsAdult’s short-sleeved . . . . . . . . . .$16 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - S, M, L, XL. Assorted colors.Adult’s long-sleeved . . . . . . . . . .$17 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - S, M, L, XL. Assorted colors.Child’s short-sleeved . . . . . . . . . .$15 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - XS, S, M, L. Assorted colors.

Polo ShirtsAdult’s short sleeved . . . . . . . . . .$25 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - S, M, L, XL. Assorted colors.Child’s short sleeved . . . . . . . . . .$21 each + $2.50/shirt s&hSizes - XS, S, M, L. Assorted colors.

Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8 each + $2.50/cap s&hAssorted colors.

Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8 each + $2.50/cup s&hNavy blue or black w/white logo.

Glass Mug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22 each + $2.50/mug s&h

Hat pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 each (no s&h)Gold with brown logo, 3/4” tall.

Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1 each (no s&h)Tan w/brown logo, 3” round.

Poster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15 each + $4/order s&h“Sunday Afternoon at the Ranch” circa 1903, Horizontal, 35” X 23.”

Cookbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15 each + $2.50/book s&hThree-ring binder, 248 pages.

“40 Years of North Dakota Rodeo” . . . .$5 each + $2.50/book s&h76-page book by Phil Baird.

Cowboy Chronicle . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50 each +$2.50/order s&hNewsletter, specify publication date.

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20 each (no s&h)Specify “Incredible Six” or “induction” and year.

Bumper sticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2 each (no s&h)Navy blue w/white logo.

Window decal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.30 each (no s&h)Clear w/blue logo, 3 1/2” x 2 1/2.”

Glass Christmas ornament . . . . . .$10 + $2.50/ornament s&hDiamond-shaped, 4” tall, with red ribbon and gold lettering. NDCHF logo

--with year “2004.”

Brass Boot Christmas ornament . . .$5.50 + $2.50/ornament s&hBoot 3 1/2” tall, with red ribbon and red lettering.“Happy Holidays - North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame”


NDCHF Gifts Honor Loved OnesThe NDCHF has received honorariums/memorials for the following individuals. Entries are from June 9 through October 20, 2004.

Memorials deposited after October 20 will appear in the next issue. To honor a loved one, see page 15.

In memory of Verne AndersonEvelyn AndersonBob & Ann Boner

Doris ConnellFay & Lynn ConnellLarry & Linda FritzLaura & Bud Griffin

Margaret GriffinArnold & Lola Hansen

Elden JacobsonMiles & Marlene JohnsrudMark & Jess Anne Knutson

D.J. LatkaBill Madison

E. Arlene McCutchanGeraldine & Norman McKeen

Paul & Doris MoraskoRandy & Sue Mosser

Jane MuggliRoger & Peggy Myers

Bruce NorthropWalter & Nita Northrop

Ardene O’ConnellKathy O’ConnellAl & Dana OianBlanche Pelissier

Leah RayConnie & Glenda Redmond

James & Sharon ScottElsie & John Trotter

In memory of Rondena BrucePhil Baird

Harvey, Cynthia, Jessica& Preston Billadeau

In memory of Al & Helen BuchliCarol Martinez

In memory of Doris ConnellEvelyn Anderson

Michael & Julia BraceFay & Lynn ConnellLaura & Bud Griffin

Cary & Margie HandeKathy James

Mary JuntunenRandy & Sue Mosser

Ardene O’ConnellGladys Rausch

Leah RayIn memory of William Connell

Duane JohnsonIn memory of Dutch Dralle

Monte & Karen DralleIn memory of Ray Erhardt

Casey ChilsonPaul Christensen

Pearl CullenDarrell & Kathy Dorgan

Casey & Koko GjermundsonLois Northrop

Don & Janice RustadKay & Kon Sorensen

In memory of Lois & Clarence ErikstadMonte & Karen Dralle

In memory of Jack FettigPhil Baird

Harvey, Cynthia, Jessica& Preston Billadeau

In memory of Frank FleckLois Fleck

In memory of Kurtis GillespieDennis & Gail DanielsonDarrell & Kathy Dorgan

Casey & Koko GjermundsonVernon & Lois KnudsonDave & Sharon Laaveg

In memory of John W. GoodallBetty Grantier

In memory of Howard GrantDarrel & Jerry Meyer

In memory of Marge Greenough-HensonCharlotte King & Deanna Rex

Tom & Lorraine TescherIn memory of Shaun Gudvangen

Marlene FortierIn memory of Don Hart

Lloyd & Janice AlmPhil Baird

David & Arnell BeckerCasey Bristlin & Nichole Livingood

Robert BristlinKaren & Dale ChilsonJ.C. Chumley’s, Inc.

B.H. & Beverly ClayburghClutch & Transmission, Inc.

Vicki DahlRuss & Helen Danielson

Foltz Buildings, Inc.Gary Griffeth

Grace HartPaul Heinz

Vicki & Jim IngstadElizabeth & Mark JacksonDiane & Oliver Kendall

Paul & Deborah KukowskiMarlyn & Gordon Langerud

Mark & Helen LundeenArnold W. Mackner, Mackner’s 4 M Ranch

Terry & Angela MacknerNelson International of Fargo

Lois NorthropKenneth & Marlys Radenz

Gregory & Jill RatzC.W. Samuel

Melissa SchermerhornDorvan & Eileen SolbergTon & Andrea StordahlKevin & Sonja TeigenGeorge & Lois WelschBeverly Jean Wenger

In memory of Florence & Arthur JacobsonVern & Marjorie Jacobson

In memory of Richard KraftAlan & Nikki Boote

Robin & Glenn AndersonIn memory of Vern KrinkeJohn & Marilynne MayersIn memory of Dean KutzRobin & Glenn Anderson

In memory of Casey KuylenRobert & Cathy Gruman

In memory of Marvin LandgrenAdele Kesselring

Gail LandgrenMr. & Mrs. Henry Zirbel

In memory of Phyllis Madson HolmsJames & Jane Forthun

Barbara MartinIn honor of George Marback

Gate City BankEmanuel & Bernice Geiger

Bill Kist, Kist Livestock Auction Co.Thomas & Gloria Little

Mark MillerN.D. Association of RECsSecurity First Bank of ND

Starion FinancialIn memory of Beatrice Murray

Steve & Patti GoodallDean & Shirley Meyer

Arlyce SchulteIn memory of Donald O’Brien

Verne & Evelyn AndersonCary & Margie Hande

Leah RayConnie & Glenda Redmond

Allan W. ThompsonIn memory of Leon Olson

Kathy JamesOscar Peterson

In memory of Herb OsterDean & Fran Armstrong

In memory of Jim RauschPhil Baird

Norma & Ervin ElyEvelyn Neuens

Leah RayIva Slag

In memory of Alvin SandEdna Sand

In memory of Dora SchulteArlyce Schulte

In memory of Cleo VeederTex & Pauline Appledoorn

Bethol KnutsonJerry & Anna Schettler

Willard & Linda SchnellIn memory of Andrew Voigt

Roberta A. BoschIn memory of Frank Wetzstein

David & Cynthy ClausnitzerSteven & Donna Koch

Daniel C. Little & Terry D. Schmidt, OptometristsM&W Beef Packers, Inc.

Missouri Valley Petroleum, Inc.Ted Ressler

D.H. & B.A. Wilson

The first Don Hart Memorial Ride wasa definite success, according to GaryPeterson, Moorhead, Minn., who wasone of the organizers.

The Sept. 18 ride, from Medora toBuffalo Gap and back, brought out 37 par-ticipants. The event raised $1,620 inmemorials for Don Hart, a NDCHFfounding board member who died in June.

Peterson and Bob Bristlin, DetroitLakes, Minn., also an organizer,describe Don as a special friend;someone who loved horses and ridingin the Badlands, especially in mid-September. That led to the time andplace selected for this year’s ride.

Peterson says, “Don was an activehorseman for many years and was so

involved in the CowboyHall of Fame. We couldn’tthink of a better tribute tohim.”

Don’s daughter, TerrieDahl, Fargo, and grandson,Hartley, both rode. Theywere mounted on Don’shorses, which Terrie inher-ited. “It felt like the rightthing to do,” Terrie says.“It would bless Dad’s heartto know that this ride

helped his grandson start really appre-ciating horses.”

Bristlin adds, “More people are inter-ested in the next ride, so it looks like itwill be an annual event.”



North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Membership/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 of it) along with your check to:

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive, Suite 216, Bismarck, N.D. 58501

Join theNorth Dakota Cowboy

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The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fameis a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

All contributions are tax deductible.

• Kid Corral . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10 annually

• Wrangler Club . . . . . . . . . .$50 annually

• Ranch Boss Club . . . . . . .$100 annually

• Trophy Spurs Club . . . . . .$200 annually

• Silver Buckle Club . . . . . .$250 annually

• Gold Buckle Club . . . . . . .$500 annually

• Diamond Saddle Club . .$1,000 annually

• Trail Drivers Club . . . . . .$5,000 annually

• Bronc Rider Club . . . . .$10,000 annually

Crossing the Little Missouri on the Don Hart Memorial Ride.

Terrie Hart Dahl and Hartley G. Dahl participated in thefirst Don Hart Memorial Ride.

First Don Hart Memorial Ride Proves Successful

Buildiing FundBud & Pam AndersonDean* & Fran ArmstrongColleen CarmichaelGreg* & Debbie ChildsCloverdale Foods CompanyDavid Dunlop*Joyce Fossum* Great Plains National BankHazen Motor CompanyRay** & Mary MorrellAlvin & Kaye Nelson*Allen* & Tammy RybergDonald* & Sandra SivertsonJohn Tongen,

Professional Hearing CenterDuaine Voigt*

MembershipsDiamond Saddle($1,000 annually)Greg* & Debbie ChildsRichard J. DietrichJames JohnsonPreston & Sharon Leingang

Gold Buckle ($500 annually)Thelma Fenton*

Silver Buckle ($250 annually)Travis Brown Jr. & Teresa

BargerDavid Dunlop*H.L. & Shirley MeschkeKenneth* & Marlys RadenzChester & Joy Reiten

Winston** & Barbara Satran Mark Shoemaker Duaine Voigt*H. Patrick Weir* Vonny Young*

Trophy Spurs ($200 annually)Keath Borchert*Rex Cook*Mary Ann Durick*Jock Eaton*Sonny* & Mardean EhrWallace* & Barbara EideG. Roy Gilbreath*Steve* & Patti Goodall A. Jay Grantier* Roswell* & Mary HenkeDeVerne Hoggarth*Gordon Jensen*Dan Kalil*Phyllis Leutz*Arthur* & Grace LinkJim* & Dona LowmanL. Curtis* & Jill Luchsinger Sue Mosser*Eugene* & Colleen PedersenJoe Wicks*

Ranch Boss ($100 annually)Tom & Celestine AdamsGordon & Colleen BensonArnold Burian*Dan & Grace CashJoe* & Jill ChaseFay* & Lynn ConnellClark Cronquist Jr.

Lois DeHaven* Russell & Marsha DittusGeorge & Myrtle DynesDean & Lila EllisonDelbert* & Donna Eszlinger LeRoy & Carla FettigPete Fredericks*Stan & Sharon GjermundsonCary* & Margie Hande Mildred Henderson (Alfred

Schultz)Harold & Patricia JacobsonSally Jeppson & Deane FayJim* & Elva Lou JohnstonA. Burke Lambourn Robert* & Bonnie LeeLowell Malard*George Marback*Carol MartinezGordon & Joyce Myran Sandy NutterSheila Schafer Alois & Nancy SchallRoger Stuber, Stuber Ranch Norman VangsnessJerry & Rob WeinbergerGeorge & Lois WelschSteve Wetzstein,

Wetzstein Bros. Angus RanchArmon* & Peggy Jo WolfGuida M. Zwick Karlstad*

Wrangler ($50 annually)Elmer Agnew* Carole BarrettJames & Janet ConnollyShane & Sheralee Dolezal

James & Jane ForthunDorine Gabbert Fern GoldsberryBetty GrantierCurtis & Susan HansonJanet Holt Tompkins Donald & Jannene JanssenVivian Knutson Janis & Lina Lamsters Greg Lardy* & Lynae Hansen-

Lardy William & Lorri LengenfelderBart & Lori MarvelElla MurrayGerald & Karen ObrigewitchWilliam & Christine NeuensEvelyn NewtonGene PeltonJack & Corrine RedmondGary & Lois RidenhowerAllen & Lorraine SchmidtButch WinklerDan & Mary Zimmerman

Kids Corral($10 annually)Chance AppledoornKailey AppledoornJayce DoanJaime GietzenAlex GiffenBenjamin GiffenKazanne GjermundsonDanielle KnutsonDestinee Knutson

* Denotes NDCHF Trustees** Denotes NDCHF Board


Cowboy Hall of Fame Sustaining Members ContributionsThe following are new or renewing 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 15. (Information is current through October 15, 2004.)

Students in the carpentry class at Burdick Job Corps Center,Minot, will build storage cases for NDCHF sculptures. “It’s aperfect fit,” said NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan,in a Sept. 30, 2004, Minot Daily News article.

Carpentry instructor John Doubek said the 14 students in hiscarpentry class will spend the winter making the travelingcases of pine and plywood. Dorgan notes that their efforts are

much appreciated by the Hall of Fame.NDCHF Trustee and Job Corps instructor Paul Christensen,

Minot, suggested that the Job Corps students work on the pro-ject. The cases will house 96 statues by sculptor RobertScriver, donated by Rex Breneman, Whitefish, Mont., allowingthe statues to be transported for traveling exhibits and educa-tional presentations.

Job Corps Students Build Sculpture Cases


The following individuals are beinghonored with plaques through theNDCHF Memorial Wall program:•Hubert Blackburn was born inDickinson in 1901. He ranched west of

Killdeer andworked on aranch nearHebron. Hubertm a r r i e dMargaret Leeof GrassyButte. The cou-ple didn’t havechildren oftheir own, but

raised three of Hubert’s brother John’schildren after his early death. Hubertdied of pneumonia in May 1963.

• Kurtis Gillespie was born in Graftonin 1966. He graduated from Park RiverHigh School in 1985. While earning anassociate’s degree from NDSU-Bottineau and a bachelor’s degree fromDickinson State College, he worked asa horse handler at the AssiniboinDowns Race Track, Winnipeg, Man.,Canada. Kurt married Roxanne Solbergin 1989. They settled on the SolbergRanch near York, where they trained,bred and managed a herd of 125 hors-es, including a PMU line. Kurt becamea certified farrier. He and Roxanne hadtwo sons. Kurt died June 6, 2004.• Don Hart, the son of Leo E. andMyrtle (Dann) Hart, was born in 1926.near Browerville, Minn. He moved toFargo in 1932. At 17, he enlisted in the

U.S. Navy. Donenrolled at theNorth DakotaA g r i c u l t u r a lCollege (nowNDSU), gradu-ating with abusiness degreein 1951. He mar-ried Grace AnnWichmann in1950; they hadthree children.Don worked forpacking compa-nies. In 1960, hejoined Al’s Sporting Goods and laterThe Western Shop in Moorhead, Minn.


Seven Honored With NDCHF Memorial Plaques:

It’s time to gather up biographicalinformation and photos of signifi-cant Western heritage personali-ties. The deadline for 2005 NorthDakota Cowboy Hall of Fameinductee candidates is Jan. 14.

All nominations must be sub-mitted by trustees. All nomina-tions must include a good qualityphoto. Applications must be onthe 2005 NDCHF InducteeNomination Form which wasmailed to trustees in November.Nomination forms are also avail-able from the NDCHF office, butagain, they must be submitted bya trustee.

Anyone willing to suggest anominee should contact a localtrustee. For specific informationon category criteria and trusteesrepresenting your district, pleasecall the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833.

If you wish to nominate a pre-viously nominated individual, atrustee must complete page oneof the 2005 NDCHF InducteeNomination Form and submit it

to the office. Please indicate thatyour 2005 nominee has been pre-viously nominated.

A rotation developed by theNDCHF Board of Directorsspecifies which categories willaccept nominees in this round.There are six categories for 2005with a maximum of one inducteefor each:• Pre-1940 Rodeo (1)• Contemporary Rodeo (1)• Rodeo Producer (1)• Pre-1940 Ranching (1)• Contemporary Ranching (1)• Great Westerner (1)

Thus far, 74 individuals, eventsand animals have been inductedinto the NDCHF Hall ofHonorees. Ballots will be mailedto trustees in late spring andinductees will be announced inJuly. The 2005 induction isscheduled for Aug. 5-6 inMedora and Sentinel Butte.

Individuals nominated but notselected for induction in 2005 areeligible for nomination in subse-quent years.

NDCHF Nomination Deadline is Jan. 14

Sculptor Arnie Addicott, right, and his son, Mike,pour molten bronze into a cast on Sept. 29, 2004, inAddicott’s Stanley foundry. Arnie is working on twobronze sculptures that will be placed outside theNorth Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora inMay 2005.

Addicott, who has commissioned 30 pieces in hiscareer, told the Minot Daily News that clay molds aresculpted in the studio and wax is poured into theshells. The wax is later burned away to make roomfor the bronze. Several individual pieces are madeand then welded together.

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(Hart, continued from page 17.)He purchased The Western Shop in1966, incorporating as Western &Stockman’s Wear, Inc. The businessgrew to four stores. The couple operat-ed their chain of stores until 1981,when Don joined Central Livestock. In1986 he reopened the West Fargo storeas Don Hart’s Western Shop, operatingit until retiring in 1998. Don owned,trained and judged horses in theMidwest and Canada and conductedhorsemanship clinics. He was a found-ing board member of the North DakotaCowboy Hall of Fame. Don loved hors-es and rode nearly every day untilshortly before his death on June 17,2004.• Louie Jean Jacobson was born April17, 1932, in Dickinson, a daughter ofLouie Pelissier and Isabel M.(Kennedy) Dahlen. She grew up on thefamily’s ranch south of Medora andattended school in Watford City, whileliving with her grandparents, Angusand Jessie Kennedy. Jean graduatedfrom Watford City High School andattended the Bismarck School ofNursing and the Billings (Mont.)Business College. She married EldenO. “Jake” Jacobson on Jan. 31, 1953,and they had three children. Jeanworked at the First International Bankof Watford City for many years, retiring

in 1987. She enjoyed knitting, readingand traveling. Jean died Oct. 8, 2003.• Owen Lee, born April 13, 1911, inOshkosh, Wisc., was a son of John andMillie (Weber) Lee. He ranched east

of Grassy Butteand was a ranch-er most of hislife. On June30, 1932, Owenmarried BerniceMarucheck inWolf Point,Mont. They hadfour children.Owen was a

member of Redeemer Lutheran Churchin Grassy Butte and served on theGrassy Butte School Board. He neverreally retired, but enjoyed fishing andhunting. Owen died in May 1975.• Ralph Murray was born Oct. 3,1911, in Beulah, a son of SamuelAndrew and Myrtle (Wyatt) Murray. Heattended country school and graduatedfrom Beulah High School in 1930. Hestudied at the North DakotaAgricultural College and returned tofarm with his father and brother, Mug.In 1948, Ralph bought his own ranch12 miles southwest of Beulah, where heand his sister, Opal, cared for theiraging parents until their deaths. Ralphmarried Ella Voegele on Dec. 17, 1957.

They had one daughter. In 1971, theysold the ranch and moved to Beulah,where Ralph worked at the Knife River

Vet Clinic. Theymoved intoHazen in the fallof 2003. Ralphserved as arenadirector for theBeulah Cowboys’Reunion Rodeofrom 1939-1954and was a 50-year member of

the North Dakota Stockmen’sAssociation. He enjoyed high schoolsports, rodeos and traveling. Ralphdied May 9, 2004.• Duane Slovarp was born Sept. 15,1929, in Brittin, a son of Alfred and

Vera Slovarp.He attendedschools in LoganTownship and inM c K e n z i e .Duane farmedand ranched nearMcKenzie. Healso ran a cus-tom harvestingbusiness. Duane

retired in 1985 after 26 years of customcombining.


New Salem, North DakotaPhone: 701-843-7508

800-430-7508


Muscian Celeste Krenz, Nashville,Tenn., provided pre-induction enter-tainment. Krenz is a Williston nativewho writes and sings folk songs.

Dakota Goodhouse of the StandingRock Sioux Tribe, participated in thewelcoming ceremonies at the 2004NDCHF Induction.


The following individuals are beinghonored with file cards through theNDCHF Memorial Wall program:• Lee Galen Bowerman was born in1923, on a homestead in Lake WilliamsTownship, to Bert and Ethel (Roberts)Bowerman. He attended grade schooland one term at the State Normal andIndustrial School in Ellendale. Galenmarried Lucille Hunter Bodvig in1965. He had three stepchildren. Galenwas known for helping his neighborsand others with welding and repairwork and for inventing a scraper fordiscs on grain drills and corn planters.He died Oct. 11, 2003. • Jack Fettig was born near Marshall in1914, a son of Jacob J. and Theresa(Rohrich) Fettig. In 1917, he moved

with his familyto a ranch northof Killdeer. Jackattended schoolin Killdeer andthen began hislifelong ranch-ing career. Heand his brother,Phil, bought theRichards ranch

near the Lost Bridge in the Badlands. Hecompeted in area rodeos and, with hisbrothers, operated Fettig Bros. Rodeo,which was inducted into the NDCHF in2000. Fettig’s noted bucking horse,Figure Four, was inducted into theNDCHF in 2002.• Frank Fleck, the son of Mathias“Matt” and Frances (Kowis) Fleck, was

born in 1922, and raised east of GrassyButte. In 1939, he joined the CivilianConservation Corps, serving atMedicine Lake, Mont. Frank marriedLois (Dee) Kono in 1949. In June 1944,he started a trucking business that tookhim throughout North Dakota and intothe Canadian provinces. He also farmedand ranched near Grassy Butte. Frankand Lois raised two sons and two daugh-ters. He died May 8, 2004.• Beatrice Murray was born in 1910, toHarvey and Christine (Strom) Erickson.Raised and educated south of Beulah,Bea married Glenn Murray in 1929. Thecouple farmed and ranched south ofBeulah until 1976, then retired to ahobby farm east of Beulah. They livedthere until 1997, when Bea moved to theHill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer.She enjoyed people, horseback riding,refurbishing old furniture, sewing andparticipating in the fall round-up on thereservation. Bea and Glenn, who died in1998, had three children. She died July6, 2004.• Clifford Nelson, was born in 1933, inMandan, a son of Adolph and Mary(Soucy) Nelson. He spent his entire lifeon the ranch south of Mandan that washomesteaded in 1883 by his grandfather,Magnus Nelson. The Nelson SunriseRanch was inducted into the NDCHF in2003. Cliff married Norma Olsen in1954; they raised four children. He espe-cially enjoyed ranching, the outdoors,deer hunting and visiting. Cliff died July12, 2003.• Nora O’Hearn was born in 1906, in

Detroit Lakes, Minn., to Olive and DanConnell. She grew up in the NorthDakota Badlands. She attended highschool in Detroit Lakes and inDickinson, earning a teacher’s certificatefrom the Dickinson Normal School.Nora taught in rural schools until shemarried Edward “Eddie” O’Hearn in1929. She owned and operated theDickinson and Rancher motels inDickinson, volunteered at St. Joseph’sHospital, won cooking competitions andserved as a court bailiff. The coupleraised four children. Nora died Oct. 11,2003.• Inga Olson was born in 1908, atHillsboro, a daughter of Chris and AnnaBerg. She moved with her family to theSpring Creek community in 1918. Ingaattended the Shaw School, went to highschool in Mayville and Minot and grad-uated with a teaching certificate fromthe Model Normal School. She taught inMcKenzie and Dunn Counties. Ingamarried Gordon L. Olson in 1929. Theyranched southeast of Watford City andhad two daughters. Inga died Oct. 31,2003.• Bruce Zingg, born in 1959, in TurtleLake, was the son of Byron and Beverly(Kuehn) Zingg. He was raised on thefamily farm in McClusky and marriedGwen Loehrke in 1979. They ranchedand farmed near Pickardville, McCluskyand Carson, while raising two sons. Heespecially enjoyed his family andfriends, a good horse, reading and play-ing guitar. Bruce died Dec. 9, 2003.


Eight Recognized With NDCHF Memorial Cards

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association re-enacted thegroup’s founding meeting during the NDSA DiamondAnniversary Convention on Sept. 24, in Medora.

Among those participating in the re-enactment were (leftto right, standing): Joel Schmitz, Enderlin, as EsleyHenderson; Jim Lowman, Fairfield, as William Connolly;Larry Kinev, Dawson, as George Gerbig; Melvin Leland,Sidney, Mont., as Andrew Johnston; Casey Maher,Morristown, S.D., as John Leakey; Kory Jorgenson, Rugby,as L.B. Burns; Fred Frederikson, Carrington, as RobertHanson; (left to right, seated) Steve Melroe, Gwinner, asAngus Kennedy; Warren Zenker (hidden), Gackle, as HughDehlinger; David Petry, Minot, as Vic Christensen; AlanEffertz, Velva, as Guy Randall; and (at table) Mark Messer,Richardton, as Anders Madson.

N.D. Stockmen’s Association Re-enacts Founding MeetingN

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Obituaries

Verne AndersonVerne Peyton Anderson, 81, died Sept.9, 2004.

Verne was born March 9, 1923, nearRidgeway, Mo., the son of Samuel andBesse (Strickland) Anderson. He spenthis childhood in Missouri, attendedschool in Chicago, and later moved toEdgemont, S.D., with his family. In1935, Verne’s mother died so he and abrother boarded with the Wheeler fami-ly. After the eighth grade he moved toLusk, Wyo., to work for Harry Boner.There, Verne met Jess York and decidedhe wanted to be a cowboy, just like Jess.He worked for several ranchers in theLusk, Lost Springs and Douglas, Wyo.,areas.

When World War II started, Verne andhis sister, Inez, worked in an ammuni-tion factory in Chicago, returning toWyoming in the spring to work for FredWilliams. Verne later worked forMorton’s, Inc., in the cattle operationand breaking horses. To get Verne back,Williams gave him 75 head of cattle,plus wages.

Verne married Evelyn York, Jess’scousin, in 1943. From 1948 to 1957,Verne and Williams were partners in anoperation near Medora. Verne andEvelyn rented for 18 years and thenbought a ranch 10 miles east of Sidney,Mont. They sold that place in 1977 andmoved four miles west of Sidney. Vernebroke horses and worked at a feedlot, atthe Lalonde Hotel and for Holly SugarCompany.

Verne is survived by his wife, Evelyn,Sidney, Mont.; two nephews; and sev-eral great-nieces and great-nephews.

Doris ConnellDoris Connell, 92, died Sept. 23, 2004.

Doris Kinmark was born on April 17,1912, in Medora, the daughter ofHarvey and Mildred (Kendley)Kinmark. She attended school inMedora and Dickinson College andtaught at rural schools for nine years.Doris married Sid Connell in 1941.They went to California where Sidworked on the Shasta Dam. Theyreturned a year later and ranched in theBadlands until October 2003, when

they moved into the Golden ValleyManor, Beach. Doris became a WibauxCounty Nursing Home resident inJanuary 2004.

She was one of the best cooks in theBadlands, known to serve coffee andher famous brownies or an entire mealto whomever dropped in. She enjoyedgardening and playing solitaire.

Doris is survived by her husband, Sid,Beach; a daughter, Sydney (George)Hegge, Medora; two granddaughters;three great-granddaughters; a great-great granddaughter; one step-grand-son; and a sister.

Raymond ErhardtNDCHF Trustee Raymond Erhardt, 66,died July 7, 2004.

Ray was born Jan. 8, 1938, in Center,the son of Kasper and Lokraze(Messer) Erhardt. Raised and educatedin the Center area, he served in theU.S. Army Quartermaster Corps from1957-1959. He married ShirleyBrandon in 1962. He was employedfor the past 25 years as a federal meatinspector, along with farming andranching.

Ray was a rodeo dad to his childrenand his children’s friends and was adirector of the North Dakota HighSchool Rodeo Association for manyyears. He operated Ray’s RodeoPhotos and was the official photogra-pher for the Home on the RangeChampions Ride Match for 10 years.He enjoyed classic country and polkamusic and was a member of theMandan Rural Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley,Mandan; his daughters, Carla (Dennis)Nelson, Mandan, Anita (Jason) Wirtzand Jamie (Tim) Krous, all ofBismarck; his son, Shane (Debra),Craven, Sask., Canada; his grandson,Garrett Nelson; his mother-in-law; twosisters and four brothers.

John W. Goodall John Winfield Goodall, 86, died Oct. 2,2004.

John was born March 23, 1918, inSanish to Winfield John and Margaret(Keogh) Goodall. He was raised on the

family homestead in RiverviewTownship, McKenzie County. He grad-uated from Sanish High School as classvaledictorian in 1936. After one year atthe University of North Dakota, Johnreturned to the ranch. He entered theU.S. Navy on Sept. 22, 1943, where heserved as a mechanic.

After discharge in 1946, he returnedto Sanish and helped his mother operatethe Westlie Hotel. He and his motherspent winters in Florida and Arizona,where he worked as a mechanic. Healso worked on farms and ranches inMcKenzie and Mountrail counties,spending the remainder of his life in theNew Town area. John was a member ofSt. Anthony Catholic Church. Heenjoyed reading and spending time withfamily.

John is survived by many nieces,nephews and cousins.

Charlie HuntThe Rev. Charlie Hunt, 78, died Oct. 8,2004.

Charlie was born Aug. 8, 1926, inJamestown, a son of Charles F. andHazel (Salting) Hunt. He attendedJamestown schools and learned to lovethe Western way of life by workingwith his father and on numerous ranch-es as a young man.

He married Glorine Lee in 1966 inJamestown. Charlie served numerouschurches through the years, including athree-point parish at Crystal, Henseland Hoople.

Charlie earned multiple degrees,including a Master’s of Divinity fromthe University of Dubuque in 1970. In1972, the couple began Three CrossesRanch, a home for juvenile deliquentboys near Strawberry Point, Iowa,operating it for 13 years.

Charlie was a minister, cowboy poet,professional Boy Scout, realestate/insurance businessman, newspa-per columnist and author of two books,including “All the Horses that He’dRode.” Charlie lived what he believedand to him, every day was “glorious.”

He is survived by his wife, Glorine,Rapid City; a son Charles, Golden-- (Continued on page 21.)


Obituaries

(Hunt, continued from page 20.)Valley, Ariz.; two daughters RoxanneKindred, Rapid City, and KathleenHunt, Texas; and three grandchildren.

Richard KraftRichard John “Dick” Kraft died Sept. 5,2004.

Richard was born Jan. 27, 1945, atMobridge, S.D., a son of Jacob andElizabeth (Reis) Kraft. He was raisedwith 10 brothers and 5 sisters. He grad-uated from Mobridge High School in1963 and earned a vocational educationdegree from Black Hills State. He mar-ried Kay Stevenson. They moved toWashington, where he taught Englishand industrial arts.

He enjoyed skiing, boating, fishing,hunting, ranching, rodeoing and carpen-try, with his children. He taught CCDfor many years, and enjoyed spendingtime with his grandchildren, cabinetry,woodworking and bull riding. Dickmarried Barb Zeller on Oct. 1, 2001.

Dick is survived by his wife, Barb,Carson, his daughter, Karen (Claude)Massee, Hot Springs, S.D.; his son,Jason (Cody), Carson; his stepdaughterAlanna Zeller, Fargo; six grandchil-dren; eight brothers and four sisters.

Dean KutzJockey Dean Kutz, 48, died Sept. 26,2004.

Dean was born in Carrington. Hebegan his career in 1972, overcoming anumber of physical setbacks. Dean won2,835 races, with his mounts earningmore than $33.6 million. His victoriesincluded the 1992 Phoenix Breeders’Cup and the 1994 Forerunner. He alsowon at Churchill Downs, Turfway Parkand Ellis Park, all in Kentucky. Deanwas inducted into the North DakotaSports Hall of Fame and the CanterburyDowns Hall of Fame.

Beatrice MurrayBeatrice Murray, 94, died July 6, 2004.

Beatrice Erickson was born Sept. 5,1910, to Harvey and Christine (Strom)Erickson. She was raised and educatedsouth of Beulah. Her mother died whenBea was just three years old. She and

her sister, Myrtle, helped with the cook-ing, sewing and other household choreswhen they were very young. Bea mar-ried Glenn Murray in 1929. The couplefarmed and ranched three miles southof Beulah until 1976, when they retired.They moved to a hobby farm one mileeast of Beulah, living there until 1997when Bea became a resident of the HillTop Home of Comfort, Killdeer. Glenndied in 1998.

Known as Grandma Bea, she enjoyedpeople, horseback riding, refurbishingold furniture and sewing. She partici-pated in the fall round-up on the reser-vation for many years.

Bea is survived by one son, Gary(Marge), of Beulah; two daughters,Phyllis O’Neil (and friend Jim Danks),Killdeer, and Peggy (Armon) Wolff,Golden Valley; 14 grandchildren; 35great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one half-brother.

Donald O’BrienDonald O’Brien, 84, died Sept. 6, 2004.

Donald was born Dec. 11, 1919, in St.Paul, Minn., the son of John “Jack” andLaura (Dahl) O’Brien. He was raised inBillings County; attending Black ButteSchool and Belfield High School.Donald served in the CivilianConservation Corps from 1937-1939,joining the U.S. Navy in 1942. While inthe Navy, he received an electricaldegree and served as an electrician. Hewas honorably discharged in November1945.

Donald married Rose Cinder in 1944.They bought the J. Harold Johnsonranch in Billings County, where theyranched for 35 years and raised their 12children. The couple retired in 1981 andmoved into Belfield. Donald enjoyedwoodworking, feeding the birds andsquirrels, gardening and visiting.

He is survived by his wife, Rose,Belfield; 11 children: Denise (Bob)Person, Dickinson, John (Marlys),Halliday, Dennis (Arlinda), Belfield,Bill (Lana), Fairfield, Tim (Karen),Belfield, Darby (Nita), South Heart,Barb (Ronnie) Boltz, Grassy Butte,Donovan, Medora, Mony Boltz,Belfield, Jeff (Crys), Sheridan, Wyo.,

Aaron (Dream), Dickinson; a son-in-law Aaron Hawkinson, Hamilton,Mont.; 36 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a brother, Pat (Birdie),Belfield; a sister, Patricia (Arnold) Jost,Burlington; and numerous nieces andnephews.

Leon OlsonLeon Olson, 77, died Oct. 2, 2004.

Leon was born Oct. 5, 1926, in a rail-road section house east of Glen Ullin, ason of Bernard and Huldah (Monson)Olson. He was raised in the CurlewValley and attended a one-room countryschool. He graduated from AlmontHigh School and Jamestown College.He served in the Army Air Corps dur-ing World War II. Leon married AudreyNelson in 1949.

He served as a teacher, coach, princi-pal and superintendent in Glen Ullin fornine years, and ran a tight ship as prin-cipal and superintendent in Willistonfor 31 years. In 1968, the U.S.Department of Defense appointed himto a seven-week tour to evaluateschools in Europe and Africa. Leonloved the outdoors, the Badlands, ridingthe range and being a cowboy. In 1959,he went into the cattle business with hisgood friend, Doc Ellis.

Leon is survived by his wife, Audrey;his children: Lorin (Luciele), Billings,Mont., Seth (Casey), Bakersfield,Calif., Teri (Rodney) Nelson, Almont,and Lance (Jennifer), Williston; sevengrandchildren; and two brothersGordon (Carley), Minot, and M.G.(Sylvia), Dickinson.

Edna PlummerEdna Olivia Plummer, 87, died Oct. 17,2004.

Edna Berg was born Nov. 22, 1916, atLake Park, Minn., a daughter of Oscarand Anna (Steen) Berg. In 1924 shemoved with her family to Ollie, Mont.,where she graduated from high school.Edna married Pat Plummer in 1935. Theyranched and raised their family nearOllie.

Edna was a member of the Ollie EUBChurch, the Golva Square Dance Club, -- (Continued on page 22.)

(Plummer, continued from page 21.)and was clerk of the Ollie School Board.She worked at T&M Electric, Baker, andat the Mandan Drug Store, Mandan. Thecouple wintered in Phoenix, for severalyears.Edna is survived by her husband,

Patrick, Beach; a son, Douglas (Judy),Mandan; a daughter, Loretta (Harold)Schlothauer, Fairview, Mont.; fivegrandchildren; two step-grandsons; fivegreat-grandchildren; a step-great-grand-daughter; and three brothers.

Cleo VeederCleo Dale Veeder, 82, died August 22,2004.

Cleo was born Sept. 9, 1921, atKeene, the son of Edgar A. andCornelia (Harrison) Veeder. He grew upand attended school in rural McKenzieCounty. After a short time with theCivilian Conservation Corps in Utah,he returned and worked for area ranch-ers. He married Evelyn Wahus in 1943.They farmed and ranched in the Sidney,Mont., area until moving to Killdeer in1950. Cleo trapped for the government

and ranched in the Oakdale community.He was very active with the KilldeerMountain Roundup Rodeo. In 1959, thecouple moved into Killdeer and pur-chased the local hardware store, operat-ing it until 1978. Cleo drove truck inthe oilfield until retiring in 1983.

He enjoyed creating items fromBadlands Cedar and Diamond Willowtrees and horseshoes. He was a memberof 50 Years in the Saddle, KilldeerSaddle Club, Dunn County Museum,St. John’s Lutheran Church and variousother community groups.

Cleo is survived by three daughters:Barb Reems, Killdeer, Edith (Jim) Brown, Spotsylvania, Va., and Cynthia“Sam” (Frank) Ray, Appleton, Wis.;six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Horace WoodsHorace Woods, 93, died June 13, 2004.

Horace was born Dec. 5, 1910, atBallinger, Tex., a son of Claud andCallie (Bagget) Woods. In 1912, hemoved with his family to the LittleMissouri Badlands south of Alexander.Horace attended the Woods School. Hehelped his father on the ranch and thenbegan ranching for himself. He wasonce married to Edna Wells.

His parents and two brothers, Pat andDan, preceded him in death.


Obituaries

Obituary Policy

I f you are aware of the recentdeath of a NDCHF member, aNorth Dakota cowboy, cowgirl, orrancher; or a friend of western her-itage, please inform us and if possi-ble, provide an obituary.

Obituar ies can be sent to:NDCHF, 1110 College Drive, Suite216, Bismarck, ND 58501. Spaceavailability may determine inclusionand length.

The cast remains of a small horse that lived in North Dakota30 million years ago will be on exhibit in the North DakotaCowboy Hall of Fame. The skeletal cast of a Mesohippus, andother fossil remains from the Badlands will be displayed. Theprehistoric horse was unveiled Oct. 12, at North DakotaGeological Society offices, Bismarck.

“This will be very unique and will be the only Mesohippuscast fossil in the state,” says John Hoganson, a NDGS paleon-tologist.

Financing the exhibit through private donations, the cast wasmade by Dinolab of Salt Lake City. It will be part of the Hall’shorse evolution exhibit. “Horses lived here 230 million yearsago until the end of the Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago, whenthey became extinct,” Hoganson says.

The Mesohippus was much smaller than today’s horses, atabout two feet tall. It also had three toes. Hoganson says,“Otherwise, it was similar to today’s horses.”


North Dakota Geological SocietyDonates Horse Fossil

Fern Goldsberry, Dickinson, was hon-ored with the Dickinson RoughriderCommission Rancher of the Year awardthis past July.

Fern was born in Dickinson, a daugh-ter of Phil and Emma Christenson. As afive-year-old, she moved with her fami-ly to a ranch on Biecegel Creek inMcKenzie County.

She married Vernon Goldsberry in1945, after he had served three and ahalf years in the U.S. Army.

In 1947, the couple bought theTheodore Becker ranch located alongthe Little Missouri River, about 25 milesnorth of Medora. This ranch was justacross the river from where Vernon wasraised. Adding the Chris Hansen ranchto their holdings, the couple operatedthere until 1967. They sold that ranchand bought a place about 40 miles north

of Beach, in the Squaw Gap area justeast of Flat Rock Butte.

Recalling their ranching days, Fernsays, “It was interesting from year toyear; the branding and the neighborshelping.”

The Goldsberrys began raising regis-tered Quarter Horses in 1952, with thepurchase of Copper Nick from HankWiescamp. “We were pretty well knownhorse people when my husband wasalive,” Fern told The Dickinson Press ina July 3, 2004 article. As their horsesgained in popularity, they named theiroperation the Vernon GoldsberryQuarter Horse Ranch.

Vernon and Fern began hosting salesin 1972, holding auctions for 10 years.“We met a lot of people from every-where during our horse sales,” Fernsays. Buyers came from as far away as

New York and New Mexico.Vernon died in 1981, at which time

Fern sold the ranch and moved intoDickinson, where she currently resides.


Goldsberry Recognized During Roughrider Days

Fern Goldsberry

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Two enthusiastic supporters(left): Helen Danielson, Har-wood, and NDCHF BoardMember Ginny Eck, Bis-marck, stand ready to assistwith the next task at the 2004NDCHF Induction.

NDCHF Board Member Arlen Sommers, Valley City, (left), visits withGordon Jensen, Mandan, (center), and Grant Johnson, Colstrip, Mont.,prior to the 2004 NDCHF Induction.

The Cowboy ChronicleNorth Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame1110 College Drive,Suite 216Bismarck,North Dakota 58501

Address Service Requested

Dream Taking Shape in Downtown Medora (Continued from page 1.)November. Interior work is nowunderway.

Exhibit designers Deane Fay and SallyJeppson, Gackle, are anxious to begininstalling the sets and artifacts that tellthe story of the Plains horse culture.They hope to begin in February. Theduo has been doing research for nearlyone year and off-site display workbegan this past summer.

The main floor features galleriesdetailing the use of the horse byNative Americans and Texas trail dri-vers, who brought the first cattle toNorth Dakota. The stories of home-steaders, ranchers and rodeo cowboysare also presented.

The NDCHF Center of WesternHeritage and Cultures features a main-floor exhibit gallery that will bechanged each summer. The openingexhibition is expected to spotlightsculptor Robert Scriver. Last fall,Montanans Rex and Iola Breneman,gave the NDCHF a collection of 95Scriver sculptures. Scriver, who diedin 1999, attended Dickinson StateUniversity, Dickinson, and is a highlycollected, nationally noted sculptor.

A theater on the ground level will beused for orientation films. In the sum-mer, it will operate as a movie theatershowing classic westerns in theevenings.

Dorgan says that the 5,000-square-foot entertainment/program patioattached to the west side of the Centerwill be surrounded by a five-foot fencewith cedar trim. The trim will featureNorth Dakota brands. Nearly 30 mem-bers of the NDCHF and the NorthDakota Stockmen’s Association put thefirst brands on the fence in September.“The patio will be used for entertain-ment, receptions, weddings and meet-ings,” Dorgan says. “We’ve alreadybooked a wedding for June 2005. Wehope to host at least 25 private patioevents in addition to Hall-sponsoredentertainment this summer.”

The second floor of the Center willbe home to the NDCHF Hall ofHonorees, plus meeting rooms with acapacity of 80 to 100 people. “Theview will be spectacular,” Dorgan

says. “The west room features floor-to-ceiling windows looking toward theChateau de Mores, the old beef pack-ing plant, cemetery hill and theentrance to Theodore RooseveltNational Park.”

The meeting rooms can be used forNDCHF functions or be rented by othergroups. Eventually, the rooms will behooked to an interactive television net-work allowing groups to view and inter-act with speakers throughout the world.

The neutral exterior was selected tocomplement the surrounding Badlands.Two large bronze sculptures, currentlybeing poured by sculptor Arnie Addicott,Stanley, flank the entrance.

Dorgan notes that fund-raising effortscontinue. Total cost of the project, oncecompleted, will be approximately $3million.

Our 25th Issue

• The Cowboy Chronicle • Fall/Winter 2004NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S.POSTAGEPAID

BISMARCK,NDPERMIT NO.256

The NDCHF Center of Western Heritage and Cultures: Native American, Ranching and Rodeo.

suggestandchfhallofhonornomineecontactalocaltrustee.deadlinefor2005nominationsisjan.14.seepage3.•h

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