Barnes County: A Moment in Time
1922 100 Years Ago... New barns rising
Robert Bailey and his crew have recently completed the building of a very fine barn on the farm of O.C. Hanson near Dazey. This new structure is 40x100 and is one of the finest barns in Barnes County. This morning Robert and his crew went up to Rogers where they will build another barn, 32x60, on the farm of Fred Kuder. We are pleased to see these farm improvements being made.
Finklehagen family returns to VC
E.O. Finklehagen, formerly of citizen of Valley City, and at one time employed at the Dakota Drug Co. under the manager of A.S. Sigurdson, has accepted a position as manager of the Dakota Drug Co., in this city. Mr. Finklehagen is at present managing a drug store in Jamestown but will move to Valley City next week and take up his duties in a few days. He has rented the Passmel home on north fourth avenue. He has a wife and three children. Old time friends here of Mr. Finklehagen and his wife will be pleased to know that they are coming “back home.” Mrs. Finklehagen was Miss Mable Campbell and is well known here.
1947 75 Years Ago...
Early VC man, oldest living ex-postmaster, still spry at 93
A pioneer businessman of Valley City who has the distinction of being the oldest living ex-postmaster has made news lately on his 93rd birthday.
He is John Halverson, who operated a hardware store on Main Street here for years and who now resides comfortably at the Sunset Home in Washington.
Attention to Halverson’s bid for fame was a syndicated feature which listed his post office appointment. A clipping was received by the Times-Record from his son, Jean Halverson of Hollywood, and comment was made by Gerrie Sparrow in her column.
More recently, S.E. Harpet received a copy of the Eugene RegisterGuard which carried a featured article on the old-timer.
Appointed by Ulysses S. Grant on July 24, 1876 to serve Fountain, Minn. Halverson believes he was the youngest to hold such a position with his appointment arriving just five months after his 21st birthday.
Post office Side Line
Postmastering has changed, the whitehaired, kindly gentleman observed in his Register-Guard interview, and reflected on how he used to mix chemicals at the Fountain Drug Store and tend the post office as need arose. At 20 he was deputy postmaster in conjunction with his drug store job.
Proud of being “an American in mind and heart,” Halverson was only 15 years old when he left Norway with his 17-year-old brother to come to the land of promise and be naturalized. He was born at Hurdahl, Norway, about 35 miles from Oslo.
Apply for Army Service…
Six Valley City army recruits received application blanks for entrance into the regular U.S. Army from M/Sgt. M.G. Richmond, recruiter at the City Hall.
The new recruits are: Milo C. Schuldt, Melvin K. Schuldt, Magnus Friestad, Clarence H. Tuenage, Curtis J. Sadek, Fred W. Gray and Sgt. Richmond.
See picture above.
1972 50 Years Ago... Driver in critical condition….
Kenneth Christianson, 49, Sanborn, remained in critical condition at Mercy Hospital in Valley City this morning as the result of head injuries received in a onecar accident.
The accident occurred late afternoon when his car went out of control on a curve on old Highway No. 10 near Bera. The car went through a barrier on a overpass, dropped about 15 feet to an approach, then rolled another 20 feet down an incline. The vehicle was demolished. Christianson was alone in the car. A rescue squad from the Valley City Fire Department was called to the scene to assist authorities. Investigating the accident was the highway patrolman from Valley City, personnel from the Barnes County Sheriff’s office and other state and county officials.
Rank promotion
Woman Marine Captain Teryl L. Peterson, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Obert S. Peterson of Valley City, has her rank insignia pinned on by Colonel Haywood R. Smith and Major Jo Anne Kilday, upon promotion to her present rank at Headquarters, 8th Marine Corp District in New Orleans.
She is a 1967 graduate of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and a 1963 graduate of Valley City Public High School.
1997
25 Years Ago... Schroeder, Thomsen outstanding Barnes County 4-H’ers
Dawn Schroeder and Brent Thomsen were named Barnes County outstanding 4-H members for the 1997 year at the annual 4-H Awards Recognition Event.
Schroeder is a senior at Oriska High School and has competed in communication arts, consumer choices judging and expo events. She is a nine-year member of the 4-H Spirit Club and has completed in many 4-H projects including: clothing, foods, home living, beef and sheep. Schroeder attended 4-H Conference. Schroeder is the daughter of Fred and Dorothy Schroeder, Valley City.
Brent Thomsen is a senior at Valley City High School and is the nine-year member of 4-H Spirit Club. He has completed in communication arts and expo events including: garden, citizenship, photography, welding, electricity, woodworking and handicraft. He attended 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress in Memphis, Tenn.
Brent is the son of Dr. Rob and Ina Thomsen, Valley City.
Schroeder and Thomsen were recipients of the Danforth Award. An award given only to youth who have shown personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership.
Special recognition was given to these two outstanding 4-H club members who have show outstanding 4-H leadership ability.