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SPECIAL EDITION

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2004 NDCHF Hall of Honorees Induction

2004 NDCHF Hall of Honorees Induction Program • SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2004 • Tjaden Terrace, Medora, North Dakota

12 Noon - Musical Entertainment Celeste Krenz, Nashville, Tennessee

1 p.m. - Welcome

by Master of Ceremonies Phil Baird, Mandan

Keynote Address

by The Honorable U.S. Senator Conrad Burns of Montana

Rodeo Honorees Introduced by Dean Meyer, Dickinson

“Badlands Bill” McCarty Walt Neuens Jim Johnston Whiz Bang Ranching Honorees Introduced by Miss Rodeo N.D. Amanda Schaff, Mandan

Earl Henderson Jack Dahl William “Bill” Hamann Ranch Honoree Introduced by Russ Danielson, Harwood

Long X Ranch Arts and Entertainment

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Published by the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame Inducts Nine Honorees A saddle bronc horse that gained immortal fame at the 1956 Dickinson Match of Champions and a noted livestock marketer who valued even Billy goats and boar pigs are among the seven men, one horse and one ranch composing the seventh round of North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees.

Rodeo honorees are “Badlands Bill” McCarty, Walt Neuens, Jim Johnston and Whiz Bang. Ranching honorees are Earl Henderson, Jack Dahl and the Long X Ranch. Leaders of Ranching & Rodeo honoree is William “Bill” Hamann. Arts and Entertainment honoree is Einar Olstad.

The formal induction is Saturday, Aug. 7, at Tjaden Terrace, Medora.

Free musical entertainment begins at 12 noon with the ceremony at 1 p.m.

Keynote speaker is U.S. Senator Conrad Burns of Montana. Saturday’s pre-induction activities include a NDCHF Trustee’s Meeting at 10 a.m.

Mountain Time at Tjaden Terrace.

Individuals must reserve their own tickets for the evening pitchfork fondue and Medora Musical by calling 800-633-6721. Call that number or the Medora Chamber at 701-623-4910 for motel information.

Activities continue Sunday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m., at the 48th Annual Home On The Range Champions Ride, Sentinel Butte. For HOTR Champions Ride tickets call 701-872-3745.

Hall Construction Ahead of Schedule The sounds of progress can be heard throughout Medora as construction on the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) Center of Western Heritage and Cultures moves ahead quickly.

Or, as Teddy Roosevelt might say, “With dispatch.”

Work began in April when general contractor First Dakota

Enterprises Inc., Fort Pierre, S.D., removed most of the former Museum of the Badlands.

“It's gone quickly,” says NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan. “Most of the old building came down, the foundation forms were poured and the steel work is underway.”

(Continued on page 2.)

Introduced by Walter Piehl Jr., Minot

Einar Olstad

Induction activities continue Sunday, August 8, 1 p.m. at the Home On The Range Champions Ride at Sentinel Butte. The 2004 Hall of Fame honorees will be introduced and the drawing will be held for the Quarter Horse donated by Dean and Shirley Meyer, Dickinson.

Construction on the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Center of Western Heritage and Cultures began in April and is about one week ahead of schedule.

The Hall is located in downtown Medora.

Page 2 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

B it from the B oard Dear Members and Friends: “The Countdown” to our grand opening in Medora has begun. And we’re already thinking beyond May 2005.

I attended the first construction progress meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page to get things done right. Since then, thanks to architect Arnie Hanson and NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan working closely with the contractors, we are ahead of schedule.

Construction bills will get paid, but we’re wondering – how do we finish fund-raising for Phase One ($500,000)?

We continue to stay in touch with our exhibit design experts, Deane Fay and Sally Jeppson. Their biggest challenge is planning for a lot of ideas and details in limited space. Like most projects, as soon as we build the Hall, it will be too small. We’ll stay the course for a first class, yet intimate, setting to share our North Dakota stories.

This spring the Hall was gifted with a tremendous Scriver sculpture collection.

Facing an immediate storage need, Dickinson State University stepped up to help. But now we’re contemplating future storage situations. The Hall will need more room.

There is much work to be done now, and we have to be thinking beyond May 2005.

“The Countdown” entails a dual agenda: planning for today and tomorrow.

On August 7, the 2004 NDCHF induction ceremonies will kick off “The Countdown.” Come join us in Medora; check out the construction progress. And be prepared to help us think about the future of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Your interest, commitment, and support continue to be appreciated.

Phil Baird, Mandan NDCHF President

Montana Senator Burns to Keynote Induction Montana’s U.S. Senator Conrad Burns will keynote the 2004 North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction.

Serving since 1989, Burns is only the second Republican Senator in Montana’s history. As Senate Interior Appropriations Chairman for the 108th Congress, he has jurisdiction over all the country’s federal lands and the National Park Service. Burns pushes for technology and has been praised as “one of the fathers of the modern Internet.”

Burns was born in Missouri, served in the Marine Corps and worked for two airlines before becoming a field representative for Polled Hereford World magazine in 1962. He was named the first manager of the Northern International Livestock Expo (NILE), Billings, Mont.

In 1968, Burns began his career in radio and television broadcasting, reporting on agricultural market news and establishing his reputation as the voice of Montana agriculture. In 1975,

(Hall, continued from page 1.)

He adds, “First Dakota officials say we’re about one week ahead of schedule.”

CA Contracting Inc., Dickinson, holds the mechanical contract while Skeels Electric Company, Bismarck, has the electrical contract. Architect Arnie Hanson, Bismarck, says exterior work on the 15,000-square-foot building and 5,000-square-foot patio should be completed late this year.

Once exterior work is finished, construction will move forward with exhibit design and interior finish work. “The plan calls for a ‘soft opening’ in Medora on May 1, 2005,” Dorgan says.

“Our grand opening is tentatively set for Memorial Day Weekend 2005, in conjunction with the annual Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering.”

The NDCHF Board of Directors has set a goal of raising another $500,000 by opening day. The theater, changing exhibit gallery and three of the main meeting rooms have yet to be funded. If commitments for the additional money can be raised, the Hall of Fame will essentially be paid for when it opens in May. (Continued on page 21.)

Burns founded four radio stations known as the Northern Ag Network (NAN). By the time he sold it in 1986, NAN was serving 31 radio and TV stations across Montana and W y o m i n g . Sen. Conrad Burns Burns served two years on the Yellowstone County Commission, before deciding to run for the U.S. Senate. Conrad and his wife, Phyllis, have a daughter, Dr. Keely Burns, a family practitioner in North Carolina, and a son, Garrett, an executive sports director for an Arizona radio station.

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Executive Director . . . . . . .Darrell Dorgan Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . .Phil Baird, Mandan Vice President . . . . .Robert Tibor, Hebron Secretary . . . . .Russ Danielson, Harwood Board Members Virginia Eck . . . . . . . . . . . .Bismarck Laura Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Medora Shirley Meyer . . . . . . . . . .Dickinson Ray Morrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minot Robyn Nelson . . . . . . . . . . .Pembina Evelyn Neuens . . . . . . . . . .Bismarck Walter Piehl, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . .Minot Winston Satran . . . . . . . . .Bismarck Willard Schnell . . . . . . . . .Dickinson Arlen Sommers . . . . . . . .Valley City Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation Representative:

Randy Hatzenbuhler . . . . . . .Medora State Historical Society Representative:

John Von Rueden . . . . . . .Bismarck

The Cowboy Chronicle Official publication of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Editor . . .Colette Knutson Gjermundson Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Luyben Advisory Committee: Jeri L. Dobrowski Ray Morrell Willard Schnell Robert Tibor Send Letters, Address Changes, Memberships and Contributions to: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 1110 College Drive, Suite 216 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 Phone: 701-250-1833

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 3

2004 Inductees Rodeo “BADLANDS BILL” MCCARTY “Badlands Bill” McCarty was a colorful and rugged horse-trading cowboy.

Born in Iowa in 1875, with the given name Will Harrison, he was part of a family that moved often, searching for a better life. His father died when he was young, and Bill went to live and work for a family named McCarty.

Bill became hooked on horses early in life. By 1896 he had moved on to Texas. “Some people thought he was Mexican because he was black-eyed, swarthy-complexioned and had picked up a lot of Mexican ways down along the Rio Grande,” says Jim Lowman, Fairfield, a student of McCarty history.

Bill also drifted into New Mexico and Arizona.

He came to North Dakota trailing a herd of horses in 1900. His first stop was west of Hettinger where he rented pasture. He soon bought the Winn Pease ranch south of Ragged Buttes near present-day Alexander. Bill had horse corrals all across the range, including at the current site of First International Bank & Trust, Watford City.

In 1907 Bill moved down on the Little Missouri River, near the mouth of Magpie Creek in McKenzie County.

That same year he bought three trainloads of semi-wild horses out of the Columbia Basin. He loaded them on boxcars, 23 horses per car. Bill

unloaded the horses at Wibaux, Mont., and trailed them down Beaver Creek to his McKenzie County ranch. In all, he purchased 3,500 horses, of which about 300 died en route. He sold this ranch in 1910 and bought the Eaton Brothers’ Custer Trail Ranch south of Medora.

He bought other parts of this ranch in 1917 and 1921.

Periodically, Bill would take a crew of cowboys down the trail and return with herds of 1,000 to 1,500 horses that stayed on his range until they were broke and sold. “He knew horses, and broke, used and traded them all his life,” Lowman says. It was a moneymaking proposition because homesteaders and the military both needed horses.

In later years Bill shipped horses by train. He eventually bought an old International truck for horse-buying excursions.

Bill and fellow North Dakotan George Gardner traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. In a movie filmed in Miles City, Mont., Bill was a featured cowboy and acted with Crow Indians from Hardin, Mont. “This movie was shown to the audience before the Wild West Show began,” Lowman says. “In the film, Bill was ‘killed.’”

Bill also produced rodeos; he had the stock and was a contestant and promoter. The “101 Rodeo” became Badlands Bill’s traveling show. He and George took this show around the country. Incidentally, Bill won a silvertrimmed trophy saddle at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1903.

Bill and George put on a wild west show in Medora in 1916, for Romania’s Queen Marie, Prince Michael and Princess Illene, who were traveling through by train.

In 1913, Bill was instrumental in starting the Miles City Roundup. He furnished stock, was the arena director and

“Badlands Bill” McCarty

his familiarity with such performances got the event off to a good start.

Bill was strong and athletic. Standing about 6’2” and stout chested, he was said to be as quick as a cat. In a round corral he could jump on the head of a horse and bulldog it down rather than roping and throwing it. One time a fellow promised a big, strong young man a new suit of clothes if he could whip Bill. When Bill heard of this plan he replied, “By gawd, I’ll buy you one too and you’ll be the best dressed man around!”

By the 1920s the horse market turned sour. Thus, Bill added purebred Hereford cattle to his ranch where livestock were branded “Circle Dot.” He also owned a herd of buffalo that ranged along the Little Missouri River south of Medora as late as the 1940s.

In 1931 Bill sold all buildings and 2,878 acres east of the Little Missouri River to R.S. “Dick” Johnson. He built a new place on his land west of the Little Missouri River, also part of the original Custer Trail Ranch. Bill occupied that land until selling to Adolph Burkhardt in 1947. Tom Tescher purchased the land in 1975 and Tescher’s son, Perry, now owns it.

Bill retired into Medora where he used an old International truck to haul livestock for area ranchers.

(Continued on page 4.)

Page 4 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

(McCarty, continued from page 3.)

“He always carried a six-gun, wearing it on his hip out on the range and in a shoulder holster in town,” Lowman says. Once, after participating in a wild west show in New York, Bill was carrying the receipts in a hand satchel when someone suggested he put the money in a bank. Bill asked, “What for?” The person replied, “Well, New York is a tough town and someone might take it away from you.” Bill patted his gun and said, “By gawd I just might take it back!”

Al Stude, Medora, who worked for McCarty in the early 1940s, confirms, “He was a pretty rough ol’ character.

They told me before I went down there, ‘You can’t work for that guy. He’s a slave driver.’” However, Stude says, “I got along good with him.

“One time we cut studs for two days straight, from daylight to dark, and a lot of them were five- and six-year-olds.”

Another time McCarty was in New York selling horses when Stude received a telegram to ship more horses from Medora to New York. He suggested that Stude come to New York too – adding the enticing news that “girls lay around them water holes like alligators.” Stude laughs and concludes, “I never went though.”

McCarty had married twice, but neither union lasted. Lowman adds, “He liked kids and would sit with them at Saturday matinee movies and buy them soda pop. He also liked to take them fishing.”

Bill became ill while attending a horse sale in Glendive, Mont. He died three days later, on Oct. 11, 1958, in Beach. He is buried in Columbia, Mo.

Walt Neuens

WALT NEUENS Back when transportation was fourhooved, and rodeos were a Sunday afternoon diversion for ranch hands who had no where else to go, Walt Neuens was growing into manhood in the western North Dakota Badlands.

Walt was born Aug. 11, 1911, in Medora, a son of William and Margaret (or Margarette) Schrieber Neuens. He and his six siblings were raised on the family ranch 17 miles north of Medora.

He attended a rural elementary school north of Medora and high school in Medora and Belfield, graduating in 1930.

Walt started his rodeo career at about age 14, working a wild west show with his brother, Jack, and Buck Weaver. Rodeos were held on the weekends and on special occasions. In these shows Walt was the “hand,” doing most of the riding and roping, including working one summer in Wisconsin/Michigan.

In the fall he’d return to school and to helping on his father ’s Rafter H Ranch.

Recalling how he met his future wife, Walt told the Greeter in 1986, “When I was a young buck, the

tourists went by excursion trains that’d stop at different places and show them things. Medora was one of those places. Every time a train stopped we’d have a wild west show for them. We rode broncs for two dollars and a half a head, and they were wild broncs – they weren’t used to being in a pen or nothing.” He laughs, “One day my bronc fell over the fence on top of a new Chevrolet car. And that’s how I met her.” The car belonged to Walt’s future father-in-law, Dan Connell.

Walt married Evelyn Connell of Medora on Oct. 24, 1931. According to one story, they got married so Walt wouldn’t have to ride the 55 miles between his house and where she was teaching. They ranched on the Neuens family home place until 1947, during which time Walt supplemented ranching income by competing in rodeos.

Among the rodeos he competed in were: Mandan, Dickinson, Sanish, Medora, Beulah, Killdeer, Minot and Camp Crook, S.D. He assisted with the Match of Champions, Sentinel Butte, as well as local rodeos, shows and 4-H meetings throughout the state.

Walt also bred prospective cavalry horses for the U.S. Army, using various breeds of government-owned stallions.

“The good Hereford cattle and good horses helped us through the Dirty ‘30s, but the need for cash flow forced Walt to work with the Federal Submarginal Land programs in Billings County,” says Evelyn Neuens, Bismarck.

In 1935, Walt began buying and shipping horses for an eastern horse dealer.

Walt, Evelyn and four-year-old son, Bill, moved to Kent, Conn., for about 20 months to manage the business there. However, they decided that “the Badlands are best,” so returned to the ranch. Walt reinforced the family’s cattle herd and continued competing in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and roping at North Dakota rodeos, as well as some rodeos in Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota. He was also involved in the Medora Grazing Association and Lebo District #3 School Board, Medora.

(Continued on page 5.)

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 5

(Neuens, continued from page 4.)

In March 1947, a rampaging Little Missouri River nearly wiped out the ranch including half of the horses, most of the cattle, miles of fences and roads.

After repairing and rebuilding, the family sold the ranch and moved to the Bismarck area. Walt worked as a brand inspector, a house contractor and as Bismarck Horse Club barn manager.

The couple moved into Bismarck in 1952 and in 1956 began operating a western store in Mandan. They needed a larger building, so in 1961 they opened Neuens’ Western Shop in Bismarck. Friend Bonnie Wilson told the Greeter in 1986, “Their store isn’t only a business; it’s an extension of their living room, with friends stopping to chat.” At one time they also ran the Ferris Store and helped produce the Ranchorama in Medora. Through the years Walt still found time to do what he loved best: ride the range and take leisurely rides along the Missouri River.

Walt and Evelyn raised four sons: Bill (Anne), Don (Mary Ann), Ken (Christi), and Gene (Carol). Today, Evelyn has 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Walt was a member of the DeMores Riders, Badlands Trail Riders, Bismarck Horse Club, Bismarck Mounted Police, Bismarck Westerners, North Dakota Rodeo Association (NDRA), North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, North Dakota Cutting Horse Association, North Dakota Quarter Horse Association and a supporter of Home On The Range Champions Ride. He furnished stock, did arena work and was president and rodeo manager for the Medora Horse Club Rodeo. Walt served as president

of the North Dakota Cutting Horse Association. In the 1950s and ‘60s he served 10 consecutive years as NDRA president. The couple’s good friend, Bonnie Wilson, once stated, “Walt and Evelyn became the driving force behind every horse-oriented organization in the state.”

Long-time friend Orlin Lyng, Bismarck, first met Walt about 40 years ago when he came to Linton to give a horse tack demonstration to Lyng’s 4-H Horse Club. After moving to Bismarck, Lyng continued a relationship with Walt through the store and as a member of the Bismarck Mounted Police. Lyng remembers that Walt could not stand to see any daylight between a horse’s stomach and the rear cinch. “If he saw daylight he’d take out his jack knife and say, ‘If you aren’t going to use that cinch properly we might as well cut it off!’ I never saw him cut one off, but he came close a couple of times.” If Neuens saw someone reward his or her horse with a pat on the neck while mounted he’d say, “Never reward your horse when you are on their back. Get off and then give him a pat on the neck.” Lyng concludes, “Now when I tell someone to tighten up their cinch or not to reward their horse while on the horse’s back, they ask, ‘Who says that?’

I say, ‘My old friend Walt Neuens.’”

Neuens was also involved in the Bismarck Elks, Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Dakota Zoo, Kiwanis, the Shriners and was a 33rd degree Mason. Walt and Evelyn served as Baron and Baroness Von Folkfest in 1986. He was adopted into the Sioux Indian tribe in the late 1950s. Walt died June 8, 1990, in Bismarck.

Dakota Awards 301 East Front Avenue Bismarck, ND 58504 701-222-0827 or 800-626-9562

Supplier of awards and recognition for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Jim Johnston

JIM JOHNSTON James Leon “Jim” Johnston was born north of Watford City on Oct. 6, 1937, to Andrew “Andy” and Leva (Thompson) Johnston. After Jim’s father died in 1939, he and his brothers lived with their Uncle Ben Johnston, a bachelor who ranched north of Watford City, raised bucking horses and produced rodeos. Jim attended Signal and Kinning schools in McKenzie County.

Upon completing the 8th grade, he returned to his Uncle Ben Johnston’s ranch. One of Jim’s first rodeo memories is helping Ben trail horses from the ranch to a rodeo in White Earth, swimming the horses across the Missouri River en route.

Ben was noted for his toughness and passed that trait on to his nephews. Jim had the opportunity to ride many practice horses, sometimes getting on a semi load in a day. “Whenever new horses came to the ranch, my brother, Carroll, and I headed to the arena,” Jim says. There were times when Jim would try out a semi load of horses in a day. He says, “I got on several head of horses before I ever entered a rodeo.”

The first rodeo he ever entered was at the Badlands Saddle Club Arena, near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Jim says, (Continued on page 6.)

Page 6 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

(Johnston, continued from page 5.)

“Uncle Ben told me he would pay my fees, but he also said, ‘It’s all up to you from here on.’” Taking his Uncle’s words to heart, Jim entered and won rodeos all across the region.

In the late 1950s, Jim worked for Fettig Rodeo Company, Killdeer. He worked every end of the arena: driving truck, sorting horses, flanking bucking stock and was a pickup man and competitor. During one memorable trip with the Fettigs, three riders – Jim, Mervel Hall and Angus Fox – tried out more than 200 horses in three days at Wolf Point, Havre and Malta, Mont.

Jim competed in North Dakota Rodeo Association rodeos for more than 20 years. He won at least 23 trophy buckles between 1959 and 1976 in bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping and the all-around.

He was the NDRA bull riding champion in 1960, ‘61 and ‘62 and the NDRA bareback riding champion and the all-around champion in 1961, ‘62 and ‘63. Jim bought his Rodeo Cowboys Association card in 1964 and competed in rodeos in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Canada. Jim won the state RCA bull riding and all-around championships in 1966 and the state RCA bareback championship in 1968.

Among the bareback horses that Jim rode were: Figure Four, Sunburnt, Sleeper, Trails End and Defender.

Noting that he preferred bareback riding over bull riding, Jim says, “Bull riding wasn’t my favorite event, but when I was getting broke, I’d enter and always seemed to win some money.”

Some of the bulls Johnston rode were: Jamboree, Pinky, Bull Durham and

Dark Angel, all owned by Fettigs.

One rodeo highlight Jim recalls was a late 1950s bareback match at Nemo, S.D., where he competed against Dean Armstrong, Casey Tibbs, Bob Abernethy, Lowell James, Jack Buschbom and others. Jim placed second, losing the match to Tibbs by just one point. He was also an accomplished bull dogger and owned an excellent horse named Joe. Doug and Dwight Hansen rode Joe in the College National Finals Rodeo in 1970 where Joe was named Horse of the Year. “Joe was solid, scored excellent and you hardly ever broke out on him,” Jim says.

He ended his roughstock career on a high note when he competed at the 1976 Cowboys Reunion Rodeo in Medora, winning the bareback riding.

After his riding career, Jim became a well-respected rodeo judge, judging from high school to PRCA rodeos. He twice judged the Home On The Range Match of Champions, Sentinel Butte.

Fellow competitor and friend Ed Sundby, Minot, says, “I first met Jim Johnston when I was participating in high school rodeo in the late ‘60s. The years that followed made Jim not only my mentor and fellow competitor in the rodeo arena, but also a very good friend. Jim and I traveled to many rodeos throughout the years and I gained valuable knowledge from his experience. He is very deserving of this induction and I am honored to call him my friend.”

Former rodeo hand Almit Breuer, Garrison, recalls that when Johnston helped his Uncle Benny Johnston he was always busy. “It didn’t make any difference what type of work it was, he’d be right there to get ‘er done.” Noting that Jim was a tough but likable competitor, Breuer adds, “He’d be right there to help you, then of course he’d turn right around and beat you, too. You never counted him

out because he could jump up and get you at any time. But he did it gracefully.” He concludes, “Even to this day he is still one of my better friends.”

Jim married Elva Lou Hartman on Jan. 18, 1961, at Grassy Butte. The couple has three grown children: Debbie Johnston, Watford City; Doug (Emily),Velva; Sindi (Marty) Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D., and seven grandchildren. The couple ranches north of Grassy Butte where they operate a 200-head commercial cow/calf operation and produce feed grains.

In addition to coaching and hauling his own children to rodeos, Jim has offered encouragement and valuable pointers to young contestants on both ends of the arena. Mounted on his horse, Chuck, he was a well-known hazer for high school steer wrestlers.

Jim served as president and director of the North Dakota High School Rodeo Association from 1984-86, and he continues to volunteer at youth and high school rodeos. He served as McKenzie County Grazing Association vice president and director in the 1990s and was a “Pasture Seven” Committee director for more than 10 years. He is a PRCA Gold Card member.

WHIZ BANG Whiz Bang was foaled in the fall of 1948, on the Walt Neuens ranch north of Medora, a ranch which had sold to Jimmie Stevens in 1947. Stevens either sold or gave the dam and foal to Jim Barnhart. Whiz Bang’s dam was a big buckskin mare sired by a Kolbjorn Bye stallion. His sire was a paint. Whiz Bang’s half brother, Big Buck, served as Al Stude’s saddle horse from 194953, at which time Big Buck sold to Jim Barnhart. Though Whiz Bang and Big Buck weren’t raised together, when Barnhart acquired them they became inseparable. It’s said that Whiz Bang would quit eating if Big Buck wasn’t with him.

Whiz Bang’s career as a bucking horse began in Belfield in 1954. Bubb (Continued on page 7.)

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 7

(Whiz Bang, continued from page 6.)

Nunn was the first cowboy to draw him in the bareback riding on day one of the rodeo. Jimmy Griffin (some say Verne Anderson) drew him on day two in the saddle bronc riding. Cowboys were quickly bucked off on both days; thus began Whiz Bang’s reputation as a very rank and spectacular horse. Other top saddle bronc riders bucked off Whiz Bang: Popeye Askins, Wesley Jost, J.D. McKenna and Tom Tescher who says, “I didn’t last 10 feet past the chute gate.”

Jim Barnhart’s son, Clifford, says, “Whiz Bang’s style of bucking with all four feet off the ground at once made him a popular horse and a large attraction for the rodeos in our area. One year the advertising posters for our Labor Day rodeo in Medora simply said, ‘Home of Whiz Bang.’ No mention was made of the fact that the rodeo was in Medora. My dad said that didn’t matter – any one who attended rodeos would know where to come.” Another son, Gaylord Barnhart, recalls that Whiz Bang and Big Buck both bucked Casey Tibbs off at a match in Nemo, S.D. One time Jim Barnhart and Wesley Jost had a side wager of $200, with Jim betting on his horse and Wesley confident that he could make a qualified ride. Whiz Bang prevailed. However, word got around that Wesley had made a qualified ride. The next rodeo was at New Town, where Tom Tescher congratulated Jost. Wesley asked, “For what?” Tom asked Wesley how much rein he had given Whiz Bang. Jost said, “All of it...when he bucked me off.”

Wesley Jost says, “Whiz Bang was a

Whiz Bang

very hard-muscled horse and when he got a good start, his first jumps and his turn back directly in front of the chutes made it very difficult for cowboys to make a qualified ride.” Occasionally, the bucking horse would come out of the chute backward, hindering his first good jump and making himself less difficult to ride. Jost believes that due to Whiz Bang’s bucking pattern, a right-handed rein had an advantage over a left-handed rein.

Whiz Bang gained immortal fame at the 1956 Dickinson Match of Champions when Joe Chase drew Whiz Bang and Casey Tibbs drew Fettig Brothers’ Figure Four. Chase became the first cowboy to ever make a qualified ride on Whiz Bang; the two riders tied for the championship.

“He jumped out of there pretty wildlike,” recalls Chase, Loveland, Colo. “I had seen a couple of guys on him before – J.D. McKenna and Jim Tescher. Both times he fell with them guys. It looked to me like it was because he was fighting his head. I left his head alone and didn’t set my

saddle up – in fact I set it back a little bit because he wasn’t too big of a horse and I wanted to be able to get ahold of something when I spurred him. He had a pretty good day.”

Chase adds, “I was on him three times and rode him three times, but the first time was probably the best that I rode him and the best that he bucked.”

Fettigs leased Whiz Bang for the rest of the rodeo season, but the horse was used quite sparingly because of a severe case of distemper. John Reynolds and other professional cowboys made qualified rides on him.

The Barnharts bucked Whiz Bang until 1960, when he and other bucking horses were sold to Casey Tibbs.

Under Tibbs’ ownership he was renamed Nutri-Bio. In 1962, Nutri-Bio was selected as a saddle bronc for the National Finals Rodeo in Los Angeles.

Ranching EARL HENDERSON Earl Isaac Henderson was born in Rice County, Minn., Jan. 17, 1883, a son of Isaac and Mary (Hobbs) Henderson.

He had two brothers and three sisters.

The family came to Dakota Territory in the spring of 1886. As a child, Earl learned to care for livestock on his father’s ranch located eight miles south of Richardton.

In an unidentified newspaper article written following Earl’s 86th birthday, he recalled his family’s annual trip to the city where they would sell produce such as small tubs of salted butter, dressed chickens and turkeys in exchange for staple groceries and some cash. Earl didn’t have access to ongoing, organized education but was self-taught. He read everything and possessed good math skills used for buying and selling livestock.

In the spring of 1899, Earl and his brother, Esley, moved their horses and cattle from the Richardton area into Mercer County near Zap. They wintered there in 1899, 1900 and 1901, (Continued on page 8.)

Page 8 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

(Henderson, continued from page 7.) staying with their sister, Nettie. In 1899, the Big Burn blackened all of the land between the Missouri River and the Little Missouri River. In December 1900, Earl and Frank Keogh went to what is now McKenzie County, staying with John Goodall.

They cut logs from along the Missouri River, and in the spring, began building new ranches. Earl bought a Sears house and had it shipped to the ranch.

In late October 1902, Esley Henderson and a small crew came to the old camp near Zap to help Earl round up and move about 200 cattle to the new ranch. The weather had been warm, but by the second or third night a wind came up and cattle began to move so the men got on their horses.

By midnight, it was snowing so hard they couldn’t see their horses’ ears.

Still, they herded. They got a little breakfast and then drove all day without any dinner, eventually arriving at the ranch just before dark on Nov. 3, 1902. Earl stayed two days and then headed back to the old camp to check on 200 steers. They were gone, but he found them in a Knife River timber bottom. He cowboyed hard all day to get them back to their own range. Earl started his McKenzie County ranching life in June 1903, and stayed there for 45 years. His brand was VT. Earl was an excellent horseman who

Earl Henderson

sometimes ran up to 800 horses. In about 1915, Earl and some other ranchers – including his brother-inlaw Bryant Kellogg – leased the middle pasture of the Fort Berthold Reservation where they had a house, barn and corrals. In the spring, they packed food and other supplies and headed for the camp. They sorted and branded about 800 cow/calf pairs and sorted about that many horses too.

During the Fourth of July they returned home to rest and celebrate.

Then they returned to the Reservation to hay until September. They did their fall cattle work in October.

Your Western North Dakota Those whom Earl worked with on Land Specialists roundups included Dan Manning, Hans Christensen, Jim Fenton, Joe Spence, Charlie Foreman, Nels and Fred Christensen, John Goodall, Bov Wilcox, Frank Keogh, Pat Rafferty Dick Arnett, J.E. Beach, ND Phelan and Bryant Kellogg.

Business: (701) 872-4172 Henderson was a Home: (701) 872-3145 charter member of Dickinson Office: (701) 483-6789 patrafferty@homeandlandcompany.com Fifty Years In The www.homeandlandcompany.com Saddle and the North Dakota Stock-

men’s Association, a Blue Buttes Association stockholder and president, and a member of the Lutheran church.

Earl had married Olga Isaacson at River Falls, Wis., in 1908. She died in 1922. He married Bessie Olson in 1926; she died in 1968. He was the father of five daughters and one son: Mary, Edna, Jean, Allen, Grace and Fern.

Earl sold out in 1948 and moved into Watford City. In 1968 at the age of 85, he became a Good Shepherd Home resident but remained a hard worker.

He created hundreds of halters, bridles, quirts and reins – cutting the leather with his pocket knife on a board on his bed.

In an unidentified newspaper article written following Earl’s 93rd birthday, Ceph Goddard is quoted as saying that Earl Henderson and Frank Keogh “represent the great American industry of ranching as old time cowboys.

They were never too busy or too ‘big’ to stop and ask how I was and how things are going.”

In the same article, Brooks Keogh reminisced about an occasion when Henderson was returning to his ranch with a hired man. “The horse the hired man was riding repeatedly bucked him off. Finally, the man decided he’d rather walk into the ranch than be bucked (off) again.

Henderson said, ‘Nobody ever walks in, in this outfit.’ He changed horses with the man and rode home without difficulty.”

Earl died in 1980 at Watford City.

JACK DAHL Inside Jack Dahl’s central North Dakota ranch house, the paneled walls of his office are covered with wildlife mounts and nearly 25 recognition plaques. Beneath them stands a stout, oak roll-top desk where he’s studied U.S. Meat Animal Research Center data, marketed cattle and pondered direction for the National Cattlemen’s Association.

Jack Dahl was born Jan. 15, 1930, a son of Max and Eleanor (Reed) Dahl.

He was raised in Cass County, near (Continued on page 9.)

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 9

Thus, he bought an entire performancetested heifer calf crop out of Nebraska.

He became active in the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association, including serving as its first president.

Today the Dahls have some irrigated land and raise livestock feed including alfalfa, corn and small grains for hay.

“We’ve never been involved in the ASCS Farm Program and I’m damn proud of that,” Jack says. Their cattle operation consists of purebred groups of Red Angus, South Devon and Salers; their commercial herd is mostly crossbreds of these breeds. Dahls evaluate carcass performance through retained ownership of their steers and have accumulated a large data base on carcass value and feedlot performance.

“When you measure values from conJack Dahl ception to consumption, crossing the right breeds is much more profitable,” (Dahl, continued from page 8.)

Chaffee, where his family farmed, Jack says.

Jack initiated the Gackle Pen of raised beef cattle and operated a feedlot. Jack graduated from North Dakota Three Feeder Calf Show in 1965.

State University, Fargo. In 1952, he Through the years, Dahl Land & Cattle married Dottie Davis, purchased their Company has claimed numerous grand current ranch at Gackle, and entered or reserve champion awards at that the Army. Stationed in Texas, he show. The family has held 33 bull worked as a meat inspector for the sales. Their most recent sale offering of 84 bulls and 150 females was held May Armed Forces.

He returned to the Gackle ranch in 4, 2004, in Napoleon.

1954. Jack began stocking Dahl Land Jack was active in the North Dakota & Cattle Company with Hereford share and American Hereford Associations, cows, but had difficulty finding the judged numerous county, state, regionperformance-tested bulls he wanted. al and national cattle events and served as a local 4-H and FFA judging coach.

He served as North Dakota Stockmen’s Association president in 1972-74 and has been active in the North Dakota Beef Commission, Downtown Belfield Logan County Livestock Association, and has served on numerous agricultural advisory boards.

He was a National Live Stock & Meat Board board member/executive committee member and a Beef Industry Council Advertising Sub-

STOP IN FOR A DRINK AND A MEAL!

committee member. Jack served the National Cattlemen’s Association in numerous capacities, including as president in 1987. In 1988, President Reagan appointed him chairman of “Farmer Mac,” the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation which provides secondary mortgages for farm loans.

Jack has been honored with awards such as North Dakota Man of the Year in Agriculture and the 1980 NDSU Saddle & Sirloin Club Agriculturist of the Year. His most recent honor came at NDSU’s Harvest Bowl where he received the 2003 Agri-Business Award.

Today, Jack and Dottie continue to work in partnership with their three sons: Dan, Jeff and John. They have one daughter, Margo.

“The Dahls are pioneers,” says fellow rancher and former NCA president Roger Stuber, Bowman. “From Max, to Jack, to Jack’s sons, they’re oriented toward the future of agriculture. They were among the first North Dakotans to have a feedlot. They were some of the first to implement performance testing and then, carcass testing.”

Noting that Jack is a hard-working public servant, Stuber assures, “When he gets involved, he gets involved. He has tremendous common sense and judgement on how ideas and concepts relate to the real world. He’s a visionary.

Under his leadership he has taken several organizations to the next level.”

Long-time neighbor, friend and bull customer Marvin Miller explains that Jack is a Norwegian who moved into a German community. Miller laughs and adds, “He couldn’t speak the language at all!”

Seriously, Miller says Jack is an excellent neighbor and a good church member at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Numerous neighbors breed their cows to Dahl bulls. “He’s upgraded the livestock in the community because he’s a good example to follow,” Miller says.

“You can always count on Jack and Dottie. When I need a friend or need help, my telephone rings Jack’s number.” However, Miller adds, “He does have a tendency to arrive late at meetings. I think it would be very appropriate to someday have a grave marker that says, ‘Here lies the late Jack Dahl.’”

Page 10 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

“stirrup h i g h ” grass made by two fur traders they met near what is now Wibaux, Mont., the brothers m o v e d Long X Ranch their 4,000 Longhorns into the Badlands.

This is said to be the ONG ANCH The Long X Ranch, the largest and first herd of Longhorns to come into most famous cattle ranch in McKenzie the North Dakota Badlands. Arthur N. County, is synonymous with cattle dri- Jefferies was foreman of the first trail ves and the era of open range in Dakota drive and among the trail drivers were Wilse Richards, Frank Banks, W. Territory.

William D. and George T. Reynolds, Arnett, Charles Armstrong and a man brothers from Texas, purchased land named Tarbell.

By 1888, the Reynoldses were bringfrom Hall and Braden, who had intended to operate a sheep ranch on Squaw ing three herds a year into Dakota Creek. However, vigilantes who made Territory. Those who helped in later a notorious raid through Montana and drives included Sam Sellman, Colonel western North Dakota burned their hay. Rush, Ben Arp, Ralph Hatteon, Ralph Being without hay, Hall and Braden Raum, Dan Manning, Frank Poe, Jay lost their sheep and had to sell out the Grantier, Art Mahoney, George Bacon, next spring. Hence, the Reynoldses George Frye, E.E. Chase, and a Merrill. established the ranch at the north end Each cowboy was in the saddle from of Squaw Creek in the mid-1880s. The daylight until dark, and every man original ranch site is located southwest except the cook had to stand guard of Watford City, near the North Unit of over the herd for two hours each night.

The Reynoldses named their ranch for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

In their quest for grazing land, the their official brand, the “Long X,” Reynolds Brothers moved herds to which descendants still use today. The New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado Long X is said to be one of the first before driving their first herd north two brands recorded in North Dakota, toward Montana in the spring of 1884. the other being the AHA. During the early years the Long X Influenced by the glowing report of had the reputation of doing business in the most economical basis of any ranching concern in the West.

The Long X employed a large number of cowboys, especially for spring brandings and fall roundups. The men on the roundups

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worked seven days a week – and in all weather. Nothing stopped them but fire, and if there was a fire, the herd was abandoned at once and all efforts were devoted to saving the range.

The Reynolds Brothers liked the grass in North Dakota, but didn’t appreciate the winter risk. During the severe winter of 1886-87 they had about 11,000 head grazing in the fall, but by spring only 7,000 remained, according to North Dakota Horizons, Spring 1993.

The operation never fully recovered.

The Reynolds Brothers sold their entire McKenzie County business to the Converse Cattle Co. Much of the land that was the Long X Ranch is now part of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The name and history of the Long X lives on. The U.S. Highway 85 bridge over the Little Missouri River south of Watford City carries the Long X name, as does a longtime bar in Grassy Butte.

A sign in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park tells about the Long X Trail passing through the area.

A small herd of Longhorns graze in the park, signifying the many herds brought north by the Long X and others. A new Long X Visitor Center and Museum is opening in Watford City this summer. The center will feature exhibits and information about the historical ranch and trail.

In the early 1990s, descendants of the Long X Ranch founders from Texas, attended the dedication of the North Unit Visitor Center and were inducted into 50 Years in the Saddle. Regarding the ranch’s NDCHF selection, Tom Reynolds, Fort Worth, a great-grandson of William D. Reynolds and greatgrandnephew of George Reynolds, said he and other family members are honored that the Long X Ranch is being inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 11

auctioneer Pat O’Brien, Belfield. He would give you something for anything, for the benefit of the consignor, of course.

“There are a lot of great people in the livestock business,” O’Brien says, “But ILLIAM ILL of the people that I knew, Bill was the AMANN greatest.” O’Brien sold as many as six For 50 years, Bill Hamann was a famil- sales a week for several years and says, iar figure in western North Dakota’s “Bill was a contending bidder at practicattle industry. Bill was born near cally all of them. If he wasn’t there Richardton on March 26, 1904, and himself he had a representative there.” began his livestock career in that area Early one morning Hamann was in the late 1920s. He bought cattle accompanying O’Brien to an eastern through auctions and over local scales Montana sale. “He’d get in your car throughout western North Dakota and and two miles down the road he’d be eastern Montana. During the 1930s he sleeping,” O’Brien says. “About halfestablished many accounts in the Corn way to Glendive he wakes up and says, Belt and southern cattle areas. He and ‘STOP!’ I ask, ‘Stop here?’ He said, his family moved to Dickinson around ‘No, no, no. When we get to Glendive.

1940.

Stop. I gotta make a phone call. I just He and other associates established remembered that I sent a man down in Western Livestock Company in Brush, Colo., six loads of cattle a while October 1948, building it into the ago and I ain’t got paid for them.’” largest auction in North Dakota. He O’Brien laughs and shakes his head, traveled extensively throughout the “That was when cattle probably cost area, gaining many loyal customers $50,000 a load.” over the next 30 years. He saw the evoLivestock marketing was not Bill’s lution of today’s marketing options. only interest. He owned several farms, Dozens of people remember Bill for ranches and feedlots across several his trust and honesty in dealing with counties. He was a well-known source fellow ranchers and businessmen. of cattle for numerous ranchers just When the market was hot, there were starting in the business. Even if a many willing livestock buyers, but banker didn’t have faith in a beginning when the prices took a dive, Bill was rancher, Bill readily stepped in to place always there – sometimes standing cattle with ranchers through share or alone – to put a floor under the live- financing agreements. One such ranchstock market, whether at his market or er was Adolph Burkhardt, Medora, who at other auctions he attended. after purchasing a ranch and household “When Bill Hamann was at an auction goods said, “We didn’t have much everything that came through the ring money for livestock so Bill furnished had a value. I don’t care if it was a us with 300 Hereford cows on shares.

Billy goat or a boar pig or a semi load We’d sell in the fall and split the of cattle,” says friend and livestock check.” He added,“Bill was real good to us.” Bill’s solid advice and unshakable loyalty through hard times provided stability and security to many people who needed it in the worst of times.

There were few roads that he didn’t leave tracks on. Bill started at 4 a.m., 275 Pacific Avenue • Medora seven days a week. If

Ranching/Rodeo Leader W

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William “Bill” Hamann

your phone rang at 5 a.m., you could bet it was Bill. Whether your order was for five head or 1,000 head, you could expect the same quality service. If things got tense, Bill could adeptly douse any fire with a little humor.

A bachelor living along the North Dakota/South Dakota border asked Hamann to come and look at his hogs.

Expecting to see penned-up hogs, Bill was surprised when the fellow produced a saddled horse and a horse harnessed to a two-wheeled wagon filled with corn.

“You drive this horse and I’ll ride my saddle horse,” he told Hamann. “Just follow me.” A mile or two away from his ranch the fella started calling hogs.

Hamann would later proclaim, “Hogs come out of every draw – old ones, young ones, good ones, crippled ones!”

With the corn wagon serving as bait, Bill led the procession of perhaps 1,200 hogs to a nearby stockyard while the bachelor rode behind on horseback. Of course, Bill bought them. “I didn’t know what on earth to do with them,” Bill confessed. He filled two or three stock cars with hogs and sent them East. Then he called a Minnesota feeder and told him the hogs were en route.

“Two or three loads?” the buyer asked, “What am I going to do with them?”

Bill said, “I don’t know. That’s why you got ‘em.” The deal turned out well (Continued on page 12.)

Page 12 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

(Hamann, continued from page 11.) for all parties involved, and the feeder requested that Bill send him more hogs like that. Bill told him he didn’t have any more, adding, “I don’t think there’s any more like that in the world!”

Despite poor eyesight, Bill overcame that disability to become an excellent judge of cattle and people. Standing in his khaki pants, leaning on the cables around the ring at Western Livestock is a scene burned in many minds within the livestock industry. Though he never relished publicity, he earned and received numerous awards from state and regional livestock organizations.

Hamann owned more than a dozen cattle brands and appreciated easy-toread brands. His most used brands were a feedlot brand called the “Seven (connected) Bar,” as well as the “Open E,” a horizontal bar with three shorter vertical bars beneath it, the “L/L” and the “7L7.”

Bill and his wife, Viola, married in 1936. They raised 10 children: Joan O’Keefe, Wayne, Gary, Noel Reinhiller, Bill Jr., Lynnie Melena, Bonnie Hamann (deceased), Charlotte Hamann, Louie and Dan. Bill never really retired, but a stroke slowed him down the last six months of his life. He died July 27, 1979, at age 75.

Arts & Entertainment EINAR OLSTAD Einar Hanson Olstad was born March 7, 1878, at Lillehammer, Norway, a son of Hans and Ida (Kirkebø) Olstad.

He was one year old when the family moved to Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory, where his father established a blacksmith shop.

Einar began painting when he was about 14 years old, shortly after an uncle took him through the National Art Gallery in Oslo, Norway. The young lad sold scrap copper, lead and rags to buy his paints. When Einar was almost 20, his father became ill, and died in 1899, leaving Einar to suport his mother and six siblings. He

Einar Olstad

continued his father ’s blacksmith beauty and charm of the Badlands trade. As a precaution against painting which he had come to love so dearly.” when he should be blacksmithing, During the ‘30s Einar and Bessie Einar burned his brushes, confining lived at Peaceful Valley Ranch northhis talents to designing and forging west of Medora. The first public ornamental ironwork. recognition of Olstad’s talent came The ongoing clanging in the black- when we was again employed as a smith shop started to take a toll on blacksmith, this time through the Einar’s hearing. In 1919 he and his Federal Works Progress Administrawife, Bessie – whom he had married tion. In 1937, he was asked to cut out in 1912 – and their son, Harmon, a wrought iron silhouette of a rearing moved to a ranch north of Marmarth. horse and rider for the entrance piers In 1929 they bought the former Frank at the south unit of what is now Riggs ranch on Garner Creek, between Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Medora and Sentinel Butte. This ranch Weldon W. Gratton, a landscape archiis still in the Olstad family. Harmon tect for the National Park Service, married Pearl Yates in 1936. They had designed the horse and rider to be a five children: Phyllis Jessen, Beach; black silhouette attached to sandstone.

Marion Kerr, Capitol, Mont.; Howard, Instead, Olstad suggested that he Leighton “Dick”, both of Sentinel pound it out in relief to make it more Butte, and a son, Donald, who died at realistic. Gratton granted Olstad permission. Later, Olstad, and other age 23.

In the 1930s Olstad returned to paint- blacksmith helpers from the WPA, ing. “There was no sense in trying to made two horses for the north unit ranch during the drought,” he once (Continued on page 13.) said. “You forget your troubles when you paint. There’s something about working with colors that takes you right out of yourself.” His d a u g h t e r- i n - l a w, MIDSTATE TELEPHONE COMPANY Pearl Olstad, Beach, 215 South Main Street • Box 400 says of the oil paintStanley, ND 58784-0400 ings he produced Serving the Medora, Beach, Golva and Sentinel Butte area during this time, 1-800-523-5436 “They reflect the

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 13

(Olstad, continued from page 12.) entrance of TRNP. Both images were designed to represent cowboys throughout the area.

At age 61, Einar reportedly entered his most productive period of painting. In 1940 he spent two months studying mural painting at Layton School of Art, Milwaukee. Two years later he studied two-plus months at the same school.

These few months comprised his only formal training. Olstad once told editor Robert C. Hollow of his art school experience, “Honest criticism certainly helps; the ravings of friends don’t help a bit.”

Among Olstad’s paintings are “Drought of ‘36,” which depicts a starving young calf beside its dead mother, “Badlands Bull,” “Horse Thief,” “Forty Miles From Home,” “The Banker and the Rancher,” “Drought and Water Hole,” “Kaffee Lag,” and “To Greener Pastures,” which was later accepted by the National Exhibition of American Art in New York City.

Olstad’s first major one-man show as a painter opened in 1942 at the St. Charles Hotel in Dickinson. Many shows and honors followed including an American Artists Professional League Citation Award and a showing of his work at the New York World’s Fair. He was one of two artists featured in the September 1951 “National Geographic” in an article titled, “North Dakota Comes Into Its Own.” Inspired by the people, scenery and ranch life of the Badlands, Olstad captured the essence of the American West in his whimsical and often humorous portrayals of the Dakota cowboy. His paintings have been described as “sturdy, colorful and realistic.” He signed his paintings with a cowboy hat in a ring with the initials E.O. Olstad died March 6, 1955, at his Sentinel Butte ranch.

Celeste Krenz to Entertain at Induction Celeste Krenz, Nashville, Tenn., is said to have a pure, sweet voice as smooth as the great American Plains. She will bring that honesty and warmth to the 2004 NDCHF induction ceremony beginning at 12 noon MDT at Tjaden Terrace, Medora.

Krenz was born and raised in Williston. She started writing songs at age 15 and continued writing through college, with time off traveling around the country as a full-time musician. She returned and earned a marketing degree from the University of North Dakota before moving to Denver in 1990. There, she developed a loyal following.

Celeste recorded four independent albums between 1993 and 1998. Blix Street Records, a specialty label that has built its reputation distributing some of the finest Celtic, folk and world music on the market, signed her in 1999.

For more information visit www.celestekrenz.com.

Raffle Tickets Available for Sorrel Filly The winning ticket for Sheza Hot Cash – a sorrel yearling filly that has the potential to make millions at the track, in the arena or as a brood mare – will be drawn during the 48th Annual Home On The Range Champions Ride Saddle Bronc Match and Barrel Racing on Sunday, August 8, at Sentinel Butte. The Quarter Horse is donated by Dean and Shirley Meyer, Dickinson.

Sheza Hot Cash was sired by Zip Cash SI 102, an AAAT Stakes winning sire that currently stands at the Circle Dot Arena, Dickinson. The stud Dean and Shirley Meyer is owned by M.G. and Sylvia Olson of Pitchfork Stallions, and managed by ed to donate her to the NDCHF. “It’s a Bob and Rose Hansen. NDCHF Board good cause and one that we believe Member Shirley Meyer, Dickinson, in,” she adds. “When the Cowboy says, “When people find out that Zip Hall of Fame is up and running we’ll Cash is standing in Dickinson they are be so proud that we helped build it.”

Tickets sell for $5 each and are availjust amazed. They immediately sign able from North Dakota Cowboy Hall up their mares for stud service.” of Fame Trustees. Proceeds go to the Her grandsire is Dash for Cash SI 114, a 1976-77 World Champion who NDCHF. For more information contact sired 17 champions and winners of the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833. $40,000,000. The filly is out of Zipp Zoro SI 112, an all-time leading brood mare who • Cowboy Opry • Tues., July 13 • has produced winners Entertainers: Stan Howe and Bob Petermann of nearly $800,000.

• Cowboy Opry • Tues., August 10 • Each year, Dean and Entertainers: Jess Howard and Dick Taylor Shirley Meyer pick a • Cowboy Opry • Tues., September 14 • filly to keep in their • 7 p.m. • Boss Cowman Conference Center, Lemmon, S.D. • brood mare band.

“This is the one we Fall Cowboy Opry dates: Oct. 12, Nov. 8, and Dec. 14 picked to keep,” • Sat., July 24 • Ruth Saunders Modern and Antique Shirley says. HowFurniture Auction • Call 1-800-437-2040 for location & information. ever, they later decid-

Penfield Auctions USA

Page 14 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

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John Bearman, Minot

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NDCHF District: 5 Family: wife, Tricia; daughter, Chelsea; son-in-law, Andy; grandson, Aiden.

Occupation: Insurance, registered Paint Horses, commercial Angus cattle, auctioneer.

How did you choose your line of work? “Family business. The others are things I enjoy, along with the insurance business.”

First Horse: “Duchess. I showed her for several years and won a lot of ribbons and trophies with her.”

Special Ranching Memory: “Being able to spend time with Vern and Fern Goldsberry when I was growing up and later being able to show their horses.”

Favorite rodeo event: “Saddle bronc. I’m not sure why, but I really enjoy it.”

Latest book read: “‘Sherlock Holmes.”

Free-time activity: “Spending time at the lake.”

Who do you consider a hero? “I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I would have to say my parents, Don and Cleone Bearman.”

One unique thing about yourself that most people don’t know: “I just love turtles. If I see one on the highway I will always stop to pick it up and get it back to water.”

Advice for a young person: “Try to keep a good sense of humor and remember that the glass is always half full, not half empty.”

Greatest learning experience: “When I actually went into the insurance business 25 years ago and had to learn how to deal with the public. It humbled me and made me a much better customer.”

Recent honors and accomplishments: “Being elected president of North Dakota Rural Water Systems in December 2003.”

Why do you support the NDCHF? “I believe we need to preserve the past.”

Eaton Ranch Featured in North Dakota Living

Cowboy Cafe Offers Vintage Rodeo Photos Medora’s Cowboy Cafe is selling 8”x10” blackand-white action photos of early North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees. Cost is $5 each.

Larger group shots of cowboys at Madison Square Garden in 1954 and ‘55 are available for $25 each. All proceeds go to the NDCHF. For more information call Beth Tescher Clyde at the Cowboy Cafe at 701-623-4343.

Mary Eaton, Towner – a great-granddaughter of J.B. Eaton who founded the Eaton Ranch at Towner – was showcased in the August 2003 issue of North Dakota Living. The Eaton Ranch was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2001.

Mary Eaton has turned her lifelong love of horses into a full-blown business.

She teaches riding students in the ranch’s outdoor arena and on a cross-country jumping course scattered through the surrounding sandhills. Mary also travels regularly to Bismarck, Fargo and Minot to give riding lessons.

She told North Dakota Living, “It’s great to make a living doing work I love.

And through this business I’ve met a lot of really great people!”

NDCHF Commemorative Pistol We are now taking orders for this limited edition commemorative pistol. For more information call or visit us online at:

1-800-619-5729 www.sspromotionalgroup.com

WNFR & PBR Packages!

1-800-732-0553 info@satromtravel.com Bismarck Southridge Centre

Minot Town & Country Center

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 15

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Ray Erhardt, Mandan

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NDCHF District: “I have been the NDCHF District 7 Chairperson for about five years.”

Family: wife, Shirley; son, Shane; three daughters: Carla (Dennis) Nelson, Anita (Jason) Wirtz, Jamie (Tim) Krous; and one grandson, Garrett Nelson.

Occupations: “I was a federal meat inspector for 30 years along with being a rodeo photographer for 25 years, a Quarter Horse breeder for 20 years and a rancher for 30 years.”

First rodeo experience: “In 1945 I went to the Mandan Rodeo where I saw Gene Autry and Champion. I had never before seen so many people in one area. The Fourth of July parade/rodeo crowd was more than 10,000.”

When you were 13, what did you want to be when you grew up? “I think I always wanted to be a rodeo cowboy. I was able to be a part of the action as a rodeo photographer. I am proud and honored to have been the Home On The Ranch Champions Ride official photographer from 1987-2001.”

First job: “I was a meat cutter in 1957 and made $4 a day.”

First Horse: “I helped Don Genere, Towner, build a barn for horses. He gave me a sorrel filly for helping.”

Favorite Horse: “A registered Quarter Horse stud named Mr. Classic Bar who was with us for 21 years and was loved by the whole family.”

Favorite rodeo event: “Saddle bronc and bull riding. Because I think it takes additional skill to be successful. (This answer will not be popular in a family with three daughters who barrel race!)”

Special Ranching Memory: “Being a meat inspector for so many years, I never thought I would be in one place long enough to establish even a small-scale ranch. However, with a supportive wife and a hard-working family, we were able to build a dream – a 148-acre ranch.”

Latest book read: “‘I have a complete set of Louis LaMoure westerns.”

Free-time activity: “Right now, I am not able to do much, but I enjoy fishing with my grandson. When I am able, I still like to take pictures. I have taken rodeo pictures for the past 25 years and have about 40,000 negatives on file.”

One unique thing about yourself that most people don’t know: “I am quite shy.”

Greatest learning experience: “During the course of my life I spent about 35 years in law enforcement and witnessed the ‘bad’ side of life. Then I served nine years on the N.D. High School Rodeo Association Board where I spent time with my family in the rodeo arena. There I was able to see the good and helpful side of youth who have a proud western heritage and strong family values.”

Who do you consider a hero? “All of the people who settled this country.”

Why do you support the NDCHF? “There are so many people and ideals that are being forgotten. Preserving the western way of life and the names of individuals is very important to me.”

The NDCHF expresses sincere condolences to the Ray Erhardt Family. Ray died July 7, 2004, at his rural Mandan home.

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Child’s short-sleeved T-shirt . . . . . . . . . . .$15 each + $2.50/shirt s&h Sizes - XS, S, M, L. Colors - black, forest, maroon, purple Child’s Polo Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17 each + $2.50/shirt s&h Sizes - XS, S, M, L. Assorted colors.

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

Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8 each + $2.50/cup s&h Navy blue w/white logo.

Glass Mug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23 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 (see page 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15 each + $4/order s&h Sunday Afternoon at the Ranch circa 1903, Horizontal, 35” X 23.”

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

“40 Years of North Dakota Rodeo” . . . . . .$5 each + $2.50/book s&h 76-page book by Phil Baird.

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

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 each (no s&h) Specify “Incredible Six” or “induction” and year.

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

Glass Bell Christmas ornament . . . . . . . .$10 + $2.50/ornament s&h Diamond-shaped, about 4” tall, red ribbon with gold lettering.

NDCHF logo with year “2004.”

Brass Boot Christmas ornament . . . . . . . .$5 + $2.50/ornament s&h Boot 3 1/2” tall, red ribbon with red lettering.

“Happy Holidays - North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame”

To order NDCHF merchandise, please send check or Visa/Mastercard credit card number, along with card expiration date to: NDCHF, 1110 College Drive Suite 216, Bismarck, ND 58501. NDCHF office phone: 701-250-1833.

Page 16 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Breneman Gifts Sculptures to Cowboy Hall Rex Breneman is an American original.

The 85-year-old World War II and Korean War Air Corps Bombardier has spent 50-plus years living near Glacier National Park, running a gas station and collecting art. Now, part of his magnificent art collection is slated to become the centerpiece of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame’s permanent art collection and Rex is being called a benefactor.

In May, Breneman and his wife, Iola, donated 95 Robert Scriver sculptures to the NDCHF – no strings attached.

Breneman made the donation, valued at more than $350,000, to help promote and preserve the legacy of his long-time sculptor friend Robert Scriver, who died in 1999.

Breneman began by collecting paintings and sculptures by Ace Powell. But, in 1968 he fell in love with sculptures

by Scriver, who lived in Browning, Mont. “I bought my first Scriver originals in 1972 and have been collecting ever since. Over the years I have probably bought and traded hundreds of Scriver pieces,” Breneman says.

This collector and historian, who wants to perpetuate the legacy of this highly collectable modern-day Charlie Russell, says, “We weren’t great friends, but I admired him (Scriver). He produced roughly 400 different sculptures in his lifetime and they are incredible works of art.”

Why did Rex make this incredible gift to the Hall of Fame? “I thought it was the right place. I believe Bob Scriver will be one of the country’s famous and

acclaimed sculptors, and his work will be viewed by thousands at the Hall of Fame in Medora. Fifty years from now, Bob Scriver will be as famous as Remington or Russell, and his work needs to be someplace where it can be viewed.”

Scriver attended Dickinson State University (DSU) as a young man; the NDCHF is storing the collection there until May 2005 when the Hall opens in Medora. In exchange for the storage space, Dickinson State University will be allowed to display pieces that are not on display in Medora. N D C H F Executive Director Darrell Dorgan calls the arrangement a win-win deal for everyone. “The art will be safe and available for viewing.”

Breneman got wind of the NDCHF from art collector and Hall of Fame Rex Breneman member Tom Gunderson, Bismarck. Montanan Rex Breneman recently donated Breneman, who, like all cowboys loves 95 Robert Scriver sculptures to the North to trade and talk history, says he knew Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. immediately that this could be the place to serve as a showcase for Bob Scriver.

“Bronc Busting” Gunderson calls Breneman, “A one-ofa-kind who knows art. He is a wonderful collector with a great sense of history.”

Breneman recently told his doctor that he has to stay alive for awhile. “I intend to be there for the opening of the Hall next year,” he said.

The Rex and Lola Breneman collection — currently stored at Dickinson State University, Dickinson — is valued at more than $350,000. Robert Scriver produced roughly 400 different sculptures in his lifetime. Rex Breneman adds, “They are incredible works of art.”

Best Western 2611 Old Red Trail Mandan, ND 58554 1-800-597-7327

“A New Camp”

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 17

Trustee/Auctioneer Bob Penfield Named a “Legend” NDCHF Trustee Bob Penfield, Bowman, was recently named a “legendary auctioneer,” by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). As such, he is available to mentor younger auctioneers through a program initiated by the NAA. Penfield represents Region 1, the Northern Plains, and was selected because he is an experienced, yet still active auctioneer. Mentors must be long-time NAA members and either a past president or an Auctioneers Hall of Fame inductee. Penfield is both a past president and an inductee.

In the 1970s Bob became a charter member of the Realtors Land Institute Dakota Chapter. He served on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Auction Committee for five years; he wrote and taught the first Continuing Education Auction Course approved by the NAR. In the early 1970s Bob’s son, Bert, graduated from auctioneer college.

Penfield Auctions became the first and only three-generation auction family in the USA, as Bob’s father, Earl, was still auctioneering at that time. A few years later Bert’s son, Jesse, age 6,

sold a few items at an antique and collectible auction in Bismarck. History was made when reporters noted that four generations of auctioneers chanted at one sale.

In 1998, 30 years after being sworn in as NAA president in Oklahoma City, Okla., Penfield returned to Oklahoma City and organized a prominent auctioneering team to participate in a ranch rodeo. Noting that he was the oldest team member at 68, Bob grins and proudly states, “We won second in the wild cow milking and third in range branding.”

Recalling that the team milked their cow in 39.23 seconds, he adds, “That’s good enough to win a little money in Cheyenne or most any other place!”

Bob was raised at Lemmon, S.D., where his family was in the livestock auction business. He and his wife, Winona – who plays an active role in the auction business – have five children and nine grandchildren. In 2001 the couple purchased the vacant church in Lemmon where they were married and renamed it the Boss Cowman Conference Center. They

NDCHF Trustee Bob Penfield, Bowman, and his wife, Winona, host monthly Cowboy Opry performances in Lemmon, S.D.

host the monthly Cowboy Opry at the center, featuring local and regional cowboy entertainers. The performances are broadcast over the internet. For more information visit www.CowboyPoetry.com/cowboyopry.htm or lemmonsouthdakota.com.

“Incredible Six” Videos are available for $25 each.

• •

Dean Armstrong • Joe Chase Alvin Nelson • Jim Tescher

• •

Duane Howard • Tom Tescher •

To order, call the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833.

Check out the NDCHF website! www.northdakotacowboy.com

Page 18 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Banks in Watford City and Williston Purchase Sculptures First International Bank & Trust, Watford City, and First National Bank & Trust, Williston, have each purchased a set of one-fifth size bronzes matching the one-half life size sculptures that will be displayed outside the NDCHF’s Center of Western Heritage and Cultures in Medora.

The statues feature a cowboy herding four Texas Longhorns and an American Indian pursuing a bison. A set of onefifth size models sells for $12,000.

First International Bank & Trust, Watford City is building a new, expand-

ed facility yet this year. Bank spokesperson Laura Johnsrud says, “We look forward to displaying the bronze sculptures in our new bank facility. The intricate detailing and design reflect our western heritage, which is an important part of who we are today.” Johnsrud adds, “First International Bank & Trust proudly admires our hardworking farmers and ranchers who continue to preserve our way of life.”

David McAdoo, president of First National Bank & Trust, Williston, says, “We’re willing to invest in the preser-

vation and promotion of rodeo competitors, ranchers and Native Americans because of the heritage they represent.

We bought the bronzes because they are great pieces. We think (Arnie) Addicot is a great artist.” Noting that the sculptures will be placed in a prominent location behind the teller line at First National, McAdoo adds, “We want to display them for the public, to remind them of the part that we have in the Hall of Fame and to visit it and support it themselves.”

Bresler and Stevenson Honored With Memorial Plaques North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame supporters may honor loved ones with $5,000 Benefactor plaques, $1,000 Memorial Wall plaques or $250 card file entries. Such a tribute is a perfect gift for family, friends or neighbors as it ensures that one's life and accomplishments are documented for future generations. Phillip M. Bresler and Karen E. Stevenson are currently being honored with Memorial Wall plaques.

•Phillip M. Bresler was born in England in 1932. He was raised in Leicester, England, and attended Leicester College Law School and Karen Stevenson Real Estate School. He served in the Phillip Bresler English and Israeli Air Force and the as a real estate broker, retiring at taried and timed many rodeos. When U.S. Army. He married Cindy Whidbey Island, Wash., in 1990. He asked what rodeo event she participatJohnson, and they had two children, died in 2001 in Las Vegas, Nev. ed in she’d always answer, “I came Mark Bresler and Lisa Nollette. He •Karen E. (Jacobs) Stevenson was along behind to pick up the pieces.” worked in real estate investment and born near Brisbane After retiring, Karen and J.C. spent in 1910. She attend- several winters in Texas. She was active ed Dickinson State in the Carson Senior Citizens and College and taught enjoyed reading, baseball, rodeo, travel, in rural schools. flowers and playing cards. The Karen married J.C. Stevensons had one daughter, Kay Stevenson in 1938. Stevenson, two grandchildren and six They ranched, had a great-grandchildren. Karen died in 2003. hardware store and All honorariums/memorials received implement business, by the NDCHF may be applied toward and a thriving live- a file card or plaque. For more informastock order buying tion or to receive necessary forms, call business. She secre- the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833.

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 19

NDCHF Past Inductees: Rodeo ‘98 ‘98 ‘98 ‘98 ‘99 ‘99 ‘99 ‘99 ‘00 ‘00 ‘00 ‘00 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘02 ‘02 ‘02 ‘02 ‘03 ‘03 ‘03 ‘03

Duane Howard Alvin Nelson Jim Tescher Tom Tescher Dean Armstrong Emanuel Chase Joe Chase Pete Fredericks Gene McCormick Louie Pelissier Fettig Brothers Rodeo Old Shep Elmer J. Clark George Defender Wilfred “Sonny” Ehr Jr. Delvin Reich John Stevenson Old Fitzgerald George Bruington Scott Gore Dale Jorgenson Figure Four George Gardner Alex LaSotta Lyndon “Frank” Marshall Franklin “Tex” Appledoorn

‘00 ‘00 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘01 ‘02 ‘02 ‘02 ‘02 ‘03 ‘03 ‘03 ‘03

Ole Solberg Eaton’s Custer Trail Ranch Jay N. Grantier Andrew Voigt Frank Kubik Jr. Eaton Ranch - Towner Freida Bohnsack William “Bill” Taylor Harris Goldsberry Birdhead Ranch Theodore “Ted” Albers Margaret Barr Roberts Brooks Keogh Nelson Sunrise Ranch

Leaders of Rodeo/Ranching ‘01 ‘01 ‘02

George M. Christensen, DVM Earl Northrop Pearl Cullen

Special Achievement ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘03

Killdeer Roundup Rodeo Dickinson Match of Champions HOTR Champions’ Ride Sanish Rodeo Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo

Ranching

Arts & Entertainment

‘98 ‘98 ‘98 ‘98 ‘99 ‘99 ‘99 ‘99 ‘00 ‘00

‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01

Vic Christensen A.C. Huidekoper Angus Kennedy Sr. John Leakey Paige Baker Sr. John W. Goodall Frank P. Keogh Cannonball Ranch Ben Bird Bill Follis

Louis L’Amour Ted Cornell Cy Taillon Frank Bennett Fiske

Great Westerner ‘99 ‘00 ‘01

LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE DICKINSON NORTH DAKOTA Stockmen’s 1-800-472-2667 Stockmen’s West 1-800-568-2490

Theodore Roosevelt Ray Schnell Sr. Sakakawea

“College Rodeo” Features History

“College Rodeo: From Show to Sport,” is a complete history of college rodeo, available for $29.95 from Texas A&M University Press.

In January 1949, the Rodeo Cowboys Association newspaper The Buckboard, touted the merits of college rodeo as a new, major scholastic sport. “The boy from the country coming to college,” it read, “needs an extracurricular activity to coincide with his classroom work the same as a city boy has his tennis, golf, or football.” As last, student cowboys and cowgirls were gaining respect as athletes.

In “College Rodeo: From Show to Sport”, former rodeo coach Sylvia Gann Mahoney presents the first history of the sport from its origins through the 2003 National Finals held in Casper, Wyo. She draws on personal interviews, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) archives, and newspaper accounts to cover every aspect of intercollegiate rodeo. North Dakotans Joe Chase, Brad Gjermundson and Jeff Kvamme are pictured in the book.

Others mentioned include: Bob Christopherson, Jeremy Crane, Sonny Ehr, Freddie Kist, Matt Otto, Levi Wisness and Dickinson State University.

NIRA Commissioner John J. Smith says of Mahoney, “Her knowledge of the subject, coupled with her actual involvement in college rodeo provides this document with impeccable credibility. Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down until you have finished.” The 352-page cloth book (1-58544-331-X) includes 60 photos and sells for $29.95. It is available at stores or direct from Texas A&M University Press at 800-826-8911; secure online ordering at www.tamu.edu/upress.

Page 20 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Cowboy Hall of Fame Sustaining Members Contributions The following are new North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame sustaining members.

To contribute to the sustaining drive or building fund, complete the form on page 21. (Information is current through June 8, 2004.)

Building Fund Patrick Altringer American State Bank, Williston Basin Electric Power Cooperative Bowman County Commission Bremer Bank, Grand Forks Bremer Bank, Minot Rex Cook* Russ** & Helen Danielson James Danks* Jock* & Betty Eaton Virginia Eck** Sonny* & Mardean Ehr Gate City Bank George* & Sydney Hegge Lowell Malard* City of Medora Ray** & Mary Morrell North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Eloise Ogden* & Bernie Pellenwessel Delvin Reich* Stephen & Debra Russell Winston** & Barbara Satran Joe & Katherine Satrom Slope County Commission Stark County Commission Sue Steen Christiansen* Kay Stevenson* and Jason & Cody Kraft Stockmen’s Livestock, Dickinson Joe Wicks* Vic Wilhelm*

Roger & Anita Johnson Thomas* & Jean Kaspari Allen* & Tammy Ryberg Dennis J. Schaner* Alice Signalness Manfred Signalness* Lawrence Ulsaker Arlon R. Voge

Memberships $2,000 annually Madeline Free

Ranch Boss ($100 annually) Claudia Berg Arnold* & Sharon Burian Ronald* & Neva Carlisle William Carroll & Carmen Chase Carroll Vicki* & Richard Clarys Fay Connell* Byron & Kim Dorgan Darrell & Kathy Dorgan Jerry* & Beaty Engels Lowell & Janice M. Faris Greg & Ruby Feland Wade Feland Clifford B. & Marion E. Ferebee Marlene Fortier* William* & Kay Fortier

Gold Buckle ($500 annually) Don Beckert* Allan G. & Peggy Gustin Allan W. Thompson Silver Buckle ($250 annually) James & Elizabeth O. Berg Bob Brooks* Sue Steen Christiansen* & Randy Christiansen Pat Higgins Caudel* Bob & Cathy Gruman

Trophy Spurs ($200 annually) James & Elizabeth O. Berg Karen M. Brookhart* Arnie* & Cleo Charging Paul Christensen* Merle J.* & Linda L. Clark Kent Conrad & Luci Calautti Ray* & Shirley Erhardt Roxanne Solberg Gillespie* Allan* & Patricia Goerger Victor G.* & Gail M. Goetz Harris Goldsberry George* & Sydney Hegge Dean* & Arlene Helling John W.* & Rebecca J. Hild Marilyn* & Kent Hudson Nevada* & Wendy Jorgenson Tim & Sue Jorgenson Barbra Kennedy Johnson* Robert* & Connie Knudson Frank* & Doris Kubik Thorris* & Lynell Sandvick Donald* & Sandra Sivertson Fred Sorenson* Kay Stevenson* Elsie Trotter*

Bernice Galusha Effie Gerbig Marvin & Nancy Klein Katherine L’Amour Barb Lang* Angelen A. Larson Richard & Susann Lindteigen Lois Northrop* Karen G. Novak Robert & Eleanor Olson Phyllis O’Neil* Sig & Marjorie Peterson Kirt & Rorrie Sabrosky Arlen** & Sandra Sommers Harry & Jennie Speigelberg Bruce Strinden Berk & Kay Strothman Art Todd* Larry & Pat Wilson Jimi Lou Woodard* Florian & Gladys Woroniecki Shayne Yetter Wrangler ($50 annually) John Bearman* Neil & Avis Berger C.J. Bloomquist Du Wayne Bott Shirley Burke Roger Brekke Jim Cook Adrian M. Crowfeather Jack & Dorothy Dahl William Diss Russell & Debra Dressler Virginia Eck** Gary G. & Judith A. Feland Gaylord T. Feland Guy & Colleen Feland Timothy J. Flakoll Allen & Betty Jean Gasho Neal Goerger Paul & Lori Grann Melvin J. & Joyce Gress Margaret Griffin Robert Hanson* Logging Camp Ranch Catherine Howiatow Ellen* & Toby Huber Robert W.* & Donna F. Irwin Dale Jorgenson* Nadine M. Jundt Kiley & Jayme Kallberg Roman Kauffmann

Jake & Virginia Larson Leonard & Betty Lodoen Susie Melby Myrtle Moore Douglas Munski Virginia Nelsen Norma Nelson John & Margaret Olson Thomas & Ruth Orchard Darrel & Zona O’Shea Oscar Peterson & Arlette Payne Pauline Reimer Pete Novotny & Sheila A. Rieman Wesley & Sharon Sauer J.J. Schmidt Betty Trautman W. Cary & Barb Voss Ronald P.* & Lois Wanner Ernest & Sharon Ward Carla Wolf Guys & Dolls Boutique, Center William Wolff* Burton & Esther Yeager Mari Monda Zdunic Kids Corral ($10 annually) John Christiansen Shane Christiansen Alexandra Dorgan Brendon Dorgan Haley Dorgan Paige Dorgan Colton Gillespie Dakota Gillespie Clay Jorgenson Shane Jorgenson Brittany Wieers Other Regina Artz Vern & Dyanne Erickson Michael Hanson Wayne & Connie Herman * Denotes NDCHF Trustees ** Denotes NDCHF Board Members (Please notify the NDCHF of any errors or omissions by calling 701-250-1833.)

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 21

(Hall, continued from page 2.)

Recent NDCHF Building Contributors Listed Recent contributors directing funds and in-kind services toward construction include the Jorgenson Family Trust, which owns several banks including First National Bank & Trust, Williston. First National contributed nearly $19,000 to pay for the two ground-floor rest rooms.

American State Bank, Williston, contributed $10,000, and Western Cooperative Credit Union, Williston and Dickinson, committed $5,000.

Gate City Bank, based in Fargo with an office in Dickinson, has committed $5,000. First International Bank & Trust, Watford City, pledged $5,000.

Great Plains National Bank, Belfield and Dickinson, committed $2,500 and will consider additional funding.

American State Bank & Trust,

Dickinson, has committed an additional $15,000. ASB President George Ehlis, Dickinson, donated the rock necessary for the masonry work. The value of the gift was estimated at $20,000 by Harold Olheiser, Olheiser Masonry, who will complete the masonry work.

“Olheiser, who happens to be Ehlis’ brother-in-law, promptly said that if George was going to donate the rock, his company would sort, collect and transport the rock to Medora for free,” Dorgan says. “That’s going to save us $15,000 to $20,000 and we are grateful.”

Bosch Lumber, Dickinson, is donating much of the exterior cedar, valued at $5,000. West Plains Electric, Dickinson, made an earlier commitment of $20,000. Once work began, WPE agreed to provide the transformers and installation, saving the NDCHF another $15,000.

Join the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame!

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is 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 •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

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Contributions/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 212, Bismarck, N. D., 58501

WESTERN EDGE Books, Artwork, Music

Formerly Book Corral • New Location • Expanded Inventory

425 4th Street • Medora, N.D. 58645 P.O. Box 466 • 701-623-4345 • ellison@medora.midstate.net

Open Year-Round • Mail-Order Service

• 10% off for all NDCHF Members •

Page 22 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

NDCHF Gifts Honoring Loved Ones The NDCHF office has received honorariums/memorials for the following individuals. Entries are from January 24 through June 8, 2004.

Memorials deposited after that date will appear in the next issue. To honor a loved one, see page 21.

In memory of John Aarestad Sr. John Aarestad Jr. In honor of Gordon Albers Joyce Kitt M.J. Healy Ernest Kellar Kent Schwartz, Schwartz Family Chiropractic Center Jack Guenthner Leo & Lena Schafer Gary & Pat Larson, Buehler-Larson Funeral Home Inc. Arthur Olson Charles Thorson Gary & Joann Sheldon Dale Hilton Roger Smith Bob & Laurence Bergloff, Metro Motor Sales W.E. (Wally) Albers Deborah & Kent Albers Henri Lanctin Jeffrey Smith Arlin Thompson Dewey M. Albers Jim Lahman, Jake's Auto Glass Harry & Miriam Huck Richard Peck Don Kautzman, NAPA of New Salem Marty Cleveland Wayne & Judy Heringer, Wagon Wheel Lumber Todd Bornemann & Rick Henke, Center Machine Shop Jim Goetz, Security First Bank Lyle Bagnell Kim Bagnell Wes & Beth Bagnell, Digital Technology Inc. David Yantzer, D&D Sales and Service Carl Goetz, Security Insurance Investment Center Inc. Wyman & Mary Scheetz, Nodak Mutual Insurance of Center David & Dinah Hillard Monte J. Leidenix Mark Moberg, B.N.I. Coal of Center Doug Goehring, President, The Nodak Mutual Foundation of Fargo Lee Husfloen Kenneth G. Halvorson Louis & Marlene Hagerott Jim Yantzer, J.L.Y. Trans Inc. Darryl Howard, State Chief Brand Inspector, N.D. Stockmen's Association Jerry Theisen Charlene Sampson Delbert & LaVonne Cleveland Jean L. Kautzman Gus Rud, Rud Propane & the Corner Express Scott Brand Sr.

Shannon Brand Jackie Brand David Knudson & Medcenter US.Too Group Donald & Cecelia Albers Thomas Pfliger Judith Poffenberger In memory of Marjorie Boulware Ted & Bev Kirkpatrick Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Phillip M. Bresler Cindy Bresler In memory of Rodena Bruce William & Kay Fortier Alvin & Kaye Nelson North Dakota Rodeo Association In memory of Rosie Chamley William & Kay Fortier In memory of Joey Chase Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Willis Clark Allan W. Thompson In memory of William Connell Verne & Evelyn Anderson Kevin Clyde & Beth Tescher-Clyde Laura & Bud Griffin Ronald & Sharon Kinmark Sheila Marie In memory of Douglas Dettmann Kent & Jocelyn Carlson In memory of Lorin E. Duemeland Skip & Joni Duemeland In memory of Wesley V. “Bob” Engelbretson Roger Kvamme & Marilyn Reisenauer In memory of Ted Eschenko Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Jack Fettig Jim & Elva Lou Johnston Darrel & Jerry Meyer Alvin & Kaye Nelson North Dakota Rodeo Association Willard & Linda Schnell Tom & Lorraine Tescher In memory of Frank Fleck Morris & Mavis Brandvik Jim & Donna Fritz Al & Joyce Stude In memory of Melvin Griffin Margaret Griffin In memory of Hilda Helsper Sheila Marie In memory of Lloyd Henders Jim & Donna Fritz In memory of Ruby Hildre Mortinson Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Jim Hoglund Russ & Helen Danielson Kurtis Gillespie & Roxanne Solberg Gillespie In memory of Calvin “Doc” Hubbard William & Kay Fortier Marlene Fortier In memory of Jean Jacobson Brian & Joanne Allex

Tom & Clarion Breuer Einar & Avonne Dahl Cameron & Jan Dodge Michael & Sharon Endrud Alan & Paulette Estvold Fred & Betty Ann Fridley Curt & Carol Glasoe Kelly & Rondee Hanna Marjorie Hanna Clara M. Helle Elden Jacobson Ted & Bev Kirkpatrick Mark & Jess Anne Knutson Gary & Patsy Levang D.C. & Ruth McConnen Craig & Debbie Munro Alvin & Kaye Nelson Blanche Pelissier Mary Etta Pollock Bruce & Delores Quale Ellis Ross Jon & Joan Rustvang Alice J. Sorenson Violet C. Stenehjem Kevin & Jackie Sullivan Doug & Pam Voll Rose Wangseng Milo & Julie Wisness Rick & Nancy Wisness In memory of Michael Kalil Darrell & Kathy Dorgan In memory of Ed King Marvin Erdmann In memory of Ellen Kist S. Gordon & Elvina Brown Duane & Orpha Howard Gregory & Shari Kautzman Jerry & Korinne Kist Barry & Jacelyn Koch Penny & Barry Lee Alvin & Kaye Nelson Jeffrey & Charlene Olsen Marvin & Carol Ritz Evelyn Russell Gretchen Schaaf Micheal & June Strommen In memory of Marvin Landgren Gail Landgren Don & Diana Peterson In memory of L.E. “Frank” Marshall Douglas & Susan Ketcham In memory of Donna Morris Ronald & Patricia Andahl In memory of Ralph Murray Dean & Fran Armstrong John Combs & Ferne Nordin Combs Pearl Cullen Mike Dettmann Dean & Arlene Helling Bob & Priscilla Keogh Loren & Metta Lundy Don & Cornelia Murray Ella Murray Evelyn Neuens

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 23 (Ralph Murray memorials continued.)

Phyllis O’Neil James & Connie Olson Allen & Lorraine Schmidt Willard & Linda Schnell Arlyce Schulte Ed Unruh Floyd & Sharon Unruh Carol Weigelt Armon & Peggy Jo Wolff Scott & Shane Wolff In memory of Elaine Neidhardt Tom & Lorraine Tescher In memory of Ted Neidhardt Ted & Bev Kirkpatrick Tom & Lorraine Tescher In memory of Ward Northrop Frank & Lois Fleck Jim & Donna Fritz Laura & Bud Griffin Cary & Margie Hande Roger & Peggy Myers Evelyn Neuens Allan Thompson In memory of Nick Oe Jim & Donna Fritz In memory of Inga Olson Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Agnes Reidle Thomas & Jerry Miller In memory of Ole Solberg James Solberg In memory of Karen Stevenson Virginia Augustine Bonnie Hauck Jody & Jim Hauge Richard Miller Evelyn Neuens North Dakota Rodeo Association Carey & Ryan Rivinius Kay Stevenson Jerry & Robbyn Weinberger Jane Winkler In memory of Jim Tescher Dean & Fran Armstrong

Phil Baird Marvin & Karen Brendel Kaye Burian Carmen Chase Carroll Joanne Chase Hutchinson Joe & Jill Chase Steven & Debra Chuppe Fay & Lynn Connell Timothy & Tori Dwyer Eugene & Elaine Fedorenko James Jr. & Diane Fike William & Kay Fortier Denny & Renee Fowler Larry & Linda Fritz Clyde & Elsie Frost Gregory & Debra Gebeke Kurtis Gillespie & Roxanne Solberg Gillespie Casey & Koko Gjermundson Harris Goldsberry Jeff & Kelly Gorrell Marilyn E. Greenwood Laura & Bud Griffin George & Sydney Hegge W.C. Heinz Harold & Antoinette Hoff Glenn Hutchinson Ted & Bev Kirkpatrick Bob & Margaret E. Kreis Allen & Debra Langerud Melvin, Luella & Todd Leland Arthur & Grace Link Chuck & Marleen Lowman Dean & Bev Marmon Jack & Kathy Maus George & Joyce Monson Myrtle Moore Gordon & Joyce Myran Alvin & Kaye Nelson Palmer Nelson Trust North Dakota Rodeo Association Phyllis O’Neil Robert & Lavonne Patten Blanche Pelissier Leah Ray Duane Reichert Inc.

Winston & Barbara Satran Barry & Nancy Schafer Willard & Linda Schnell Al & Joyce Stude Theodore & Beverly Trinka Lorry & Harriet Vining Doug & Pam Voll George & Pam Weinreis Charles & Minnie Williams Lynne Wojahn Armon & Peggy Jo Wolff In memory of Sandra Trotter Faulkner Alvin & Kaye Nelson In memory of Melvin Vanderwal Lester Warnke In memory of Anton “Tony” Wanner Linda Weiss In memory of Cecelia Weir Winston & Barbara Satran In memory of Scot Wilson Evelyn Neuens In memory of Jack Wyse Sheila Marie In memory of Bruce Zingg James & Labeth Bahm James & Nancy Crimmins Jody & Nita Fuchs & Family Jody & Jim Hauge Alice & Laurence Hoesel Alden & Kim Hollenbeck Bob & Tana Houser Allen & Holly Kersten Wilton III & Laurie Kuehn Neil & Karla Martwick Sam & Maryvonne McQuade Jr. Mary Ann, James & Paul Meyer Douglas & Susan Mormann Darren & Kelly Murray Steven E. Neff Delmer Schlenker Ronald Schulz Jon & Pauline Sparrow Clinton & Sharyll Tweeten Robert & Bonnie Tweeten Underwood Education Assn.

Jane Winkler Lamon Zingg

A Scene From the 2003 Taylor Horse-Fest, Taylor Shirts, mugs, cookbooks and memberships were among the items offered at the NDCHF’s booth at the 2003 Taylor Horse-Fest. Karen Novak, (left), Williston Saddlery, Williston, and Dorine Gabbert, Dickinson, were among those who stopped for a visit. Gabbert and Novak are the wife and daughter of noted western North Dakota cowboy Alvin Gabbert, Lefor, who died in 1969.

Also pictured are NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan, Bismarck, board member Ginny Eck, Bismarck, and vice president Bob Tibor, Hebron. The 2004 Taylor Horse-Fest is July 31.

For more information call 701-974-2355 or 3643 or visit www.taylorhorsefest.com.

Page 24 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Obituaries Everett C. Albers Everett C. Albers, 62, died April 24, 2004.

Everett was born March 28, 1942, to Albert and Hulda Albers. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Hannover Township, Oliver County. He attended area schools and graduated from Dickinson State College in 1966. He earned a Master of Arts degree in English at Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Albers traveled many paths during his life – as a Lutheran seminary student, Peace Corps trainee, medical student, ROTC cadet, construction worker, college professor and long-time humanities scholar. However, his life’s work was as North Dakota Humanities Council (NDHC) executive director, from its founding in 1973 until his death.

Albers led the Great Plains Chautauqua Society, bringing the humanities to many communities in a five-state area since 1980. He also wrote or co-wrote many books. His humanities work was celebrated in 2002 at the Federation of State Humanities Councils Conference in Minneapolis and at the NDHC 30th Anniversary in 2003 in Bismarck. He received the Dickinson State University Golden Hawk Award in 2003. Through Albers’ efforts, the NDHC co-sponsored the winter history symposiums with the NDCHF and others.

Albers married Leslie Rae Kubik in 1975. They lived in Bismarck.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie; two children, Albert and Gretchen; his daughter-in-law, Bobbi HermansonAlbers; his brothers and sisters; brothers- and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Joey Chase Joey Chase, 32, died Oct. 29, 2003.

Joey was born Oct. 28, 1971, in Bismarck, the son of Joe Jr. and Jill Chase. He attended schools in Loveland, Colo., and graduated from the California Musicians Institute in 1992. He also attended George Washington University.

Chase, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, served on the staff of the National Congress of American Indians from 1997 to 2001.

He was gifted in technology and was the NCAI’s first webmaster.

He is survived by his parents; Joe and Jill Chase, Loveland, Colo.; his sister, JoAnn Chase, New York City; and maternal grandmother, Catherine Albert, Bethel, Conn.

Willis Clark Willis Clark, 84, died Jan. 28, 2004.

Willis was born Nov. 9, 1919, in Michigan, to Carroll and Elizabeth (Muhlenberger) Clark. He graduated from Dickinson High School and then joined the CCC. He later served in the U.S. Army’s 164th Infantry and was wounded on Guadalcanal. He was honorably discharged in 1944. Clark then worked for the Army Corps of Engineers testing combat vehicles for two years.

He married Alice Lillibridge in 1944 and was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 36 years. Clark was a member of the 164th Infantry Association, DAV, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, YorkRite, Shriners, Elks and Odd Fellows Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, Dickinson; a daughter, Susan Westfall, Dickinson; three sons, Terry (Nicci), Broomfield, Colo., Bill (Cheryl), Beach City, Ohio, Bruce (Gail), Siren, Wis.; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Jack Fettig Jack Fettig, 89, died April 3, 2004.

Jack was born Aug. 13, 1914, near Marshall, to Jacob J. and Theresa (Rohrich) Fettig. At age 3, he moved with his family to the family ranch north of Killdeer. Fettig attended school in Killdeer and then began his ranching career, which he continued the rest of his life. Together with his brother, Phil, they purchased the Richards ranch near the Lost Bridge. Fettig and his brothers competed in area rodeos and operated Fettig Bros. Rodeo.

In 1960, Jack purchased the award-winning business, renamed it Fettig Rodeo, and continued promoting and producing rodeos until 1976. He raised bucking horses with his brother, Ray, and nephew, LeRoy, until his death. Fettig Brothers Rodeo was inducted into the NDCHF in 2000 and noted bucking horse, Figure

Four, was inducted in 2002.

Jack was a North Dakota Rodeo Association (NDRA) charter and board member. The Killdeer FFA Chapter honored him with an Honorary Chapter Farmer award in 1974. He received the Roughrider Days Rancher of the Year Award in 1996. Fettig was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Killdeer Saddle Club, Roughrider Rodeo Association and North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

He was a strong supporter of the Killdeer High School Rodeo Club and the Dickinson State University Rodeo Club.

He is survived by one brother, Ray, Sidney, Mont., and numerous nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Thomas Fettig Thomas Fettig, 80, died May 10, 2004.

Thomas was born July 21, 1913, at Halliday, the son of Thomas and Josephine (Burkhart) Fettig. He grew up on a farm 12 miles south of Halliday and worked for area farmers and ranchers.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1945.

He married Susie Kress in 1950. They lived and farmed north of Gladstone for 15 years, moving to Dickinson in 1965.

Fettig worked for Carlson Construction, the Dickinson Water Department and Twin City Roofing. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles and St. Anthony Club.

He is survived by his wife, Susie; three daughters, Ann (Raymond) Hagens, Minneapolis, Josie (Gilbert) Heiser and Paulette (Bruce) Kadrmas, both of Dickinson; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; one sister and two brothers.

Frank Fleck Frank Fleck, 82, died May 8, 2004.

Frank was born was born March 12, 1922, the son of Mathias (Matt) and Frances (Kowis) Fleck. He was raised east of Grassy Butte and joined the CCC in 1939. He served in Medicine Lake, Mont., where he built wildlife ponds for waterfowl.

In June 1944, he started a trucking (Continued on page 25)

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 25

Obituaries (F. Fleck, continued from page 24.) business that took him throughout North Dakota, other states and Canada, hauling livestock, grain, feed and coal. He married Lois (Dee) Kono in 1949. Shortly after his marriage, he was hired to haul heating coal for the rural McKenzie County schools in the Grassy Butte area.

He farmed/ranched in the Grassy Butte area and did custom combining, haying and baling.

He was a member of the McKenzie County Grazing Association, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, 50 Years in the Saddle, and the Watford City Eagles Club.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; two sons, William “Butch” (Carla), Grassy Butte, and Scott, Corpus Christi, Texas; two daughters, Karen (Jim) Bonnet, Grassy Butte, and Kim (Lonnie) Brown, Willow City; three sisters and six grandchildren.

Kurtis J. Gillespie Kurtis J. Gillespie, 38, died June 6, 2004.

Kurt was born June 1, 1966, in Grafton, a son of John “Jack” and Linda (Lindell) Gillespie. He grew up in Park River, where he was active in FFA and 4-H. He graduated from Park River High School in 1985. He earned an associate degree from NDSU-Bottineau and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Dickinson State University in 1990. While in college, he worked as a horse handler at the Assiniboin Downs Race Track in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

He married NDCHF Trustee Roxanne Solberg on Nov. 4, 1989, in Leeds. They settled on the Solberg Ranch near York, where they trained, bred and managed a herd of 125 horses and ran a PMU line.

In 1997, Gillespie graduated from the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing and became a certified farrier. He worked part-time at Dakota Prairie Supply, Rugby.

He was a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association the Paint Horse and American Farrier associations, and a member of St. Petri Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife; Roxanne; two sons, Dakota John and Colton

James, both at home; his parents Jack and Linda, Park River; two sisters, two brothers, paternal and maternal grandmothers and brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nieces and nephews.

Don Hart NDCHF Founding Board Member Don Hart, 77, died June 17, 2004.

Don was born Oct. 14, 1926, at the family home in Browerville, Minn., the son of Leo E. and Myrtle (Dann) Hart.

The family moved to Fargo in 1932.

Hart enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and was discharged from the service in 1946. He enrolled at North Dakota Agricultural College, graduating with a business degree in 1951. He married Grace Ann Wichmann that same year.

After college, Hart worked as a junior livestock buyer for Armour and Company, West Fargo, as a buyer/livestock handler for McDonald Livestock and as a buyer for Lande Packing, South St. Paul, Minn.

Hart returned to Fargo in 1960. He worked at a sporting goods store and later at a western shop in Moorhead, Minn. In 1966, he purchased that store, incorporating as “Western & Stockman’s Wear, Inc.” He and Grace eventually added stores in Fargo, West Fargo and Alexandria, Minn., owning and operating the stores until 1981. Hart then joined Central Livestock as a buyer and salesman. In 1986 he reopened the West Fargo store as “Don Hart’s Western Shop,” owning and operating it until his retirement in 1998.

Don’s love of horses began at age 13, with his first horse, and he continued riding nearly every day until shortly before his death. He owned and trained several champions and judged horse events in the Midwest and Canada. He conducted 4-H horsemanship clinics and was often a NDSU guest lecturer on horse training.

Hart was a long-time member of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Association, Medora Riders and the Red River Harness Club. He served two terms as president of the North Dakota Cutting Horse Association and was a NDCHF founding board member. He was a founding member of the North Dakota

Horse Park that opened last summer near Fargo. Hart served on the Red River Valley Fair Association board from 1972 until his death, serving as president in 1989. He was a past member of the Elks and Eagles, and an elder and trustee of Shepherd of the Prairie Church, Fargo.

He is survived by his wife, Grace; two daughters, Sharon (Tom) Johnson, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Terrie (Brian) Dahl, Fargo; a son, Bruce (Stacie), Seattle, Wash.; two grandsons; a brother; his stepmother and stepsister.

Ralph Murray Ralph Murray, 92, died May 9, 2004.

Ralph was born Oct. 3, 1911, in Beulah, to Samuel Andrew and Myrtle (Wyatt) Murray. He attended country school and graduated from Beulah High School in 1930. Murray studied at the North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo, and returned to farm with his father and brother, Mug. He also worked as a muleskinner at Knife River Mining Co., from 1936-1942. In 1948, Murray bought his own ranch 12 miles southwest of Beulah, where he and his sister, Opal, cared for their aging parents until their deaths.

Murray married Ella Voegele in 1957.

In 1971, they sold the ranch and built a home in Beulah. He worked at the Knife River Vet Clinic until 1985. They moved into the Senior Suites, Hazen, in the fall of 2003, but he spent his last months in Beulah, cared for by family and hospice staff.

Murray served as Cowboy’s Reunion Rodeo arena director from 1939-1954, was a 4-H leader, a charter member and director of the Beulah Chamber of Commerce and the Mercer County Farm Bureau. He was a 50-year member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and belonged to Beulah Congregational Church. He enjoyed high school sports, rodeos and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Ella, Beulah; his daughter, Patience (Calvin) Sayler; three grandchildren and one sister.

(Obits continue on page 26.)

Page 26 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Obituaries Ward Northrop Ward Northrop, 77, died Feb. 28, 2004.

Ward was born July 30, 1926, in Belfield, to Ward S. and Gladys (Heaton) Northrop. He attended the Blacktail Country School. He was employed with the Fettig Brothers Rodeo, Killdeer. Northrop was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines during World War II. He married Beverly Stigen in Medora in 1950. In 1951, they moved to the Northrop Ranch, 10 miles west of Fairfield. They later purchased the ranch and lived there until retiring in 1977.

Ward was a member of the Belfield Lutheran Church and the William C. Blair Post #144. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, rodeos, baseball and high school basketball.

He is survived by four sons, Walter (Nita) and Wade (Bonnie), both of Belfield, Blaine (Deb), Grassy Butte and Wynn (Nancy), Dickinson; five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one sister, Leah Ray, Bismarck; and two brothers, Bruce, Medora, and Dale (Toby), Klamath Falls, Ore.

James Rausch NDCHF Attorney James Peter Rausch, 52, died June 13, 2004.

James was born July 8, 1951, to Richard and Gladys (Laub) Rausch in Bismarck. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Bismarck, and attended the University of North Dakota, earning a law degree in 1977. He joined his father’s practice and ran the Rausch Law Firm for over 25 years. Rausch loved fishing, music, car maintenance, basketball, animals, Mello Yello and playing Yahtzee.

He is survived by his son, Chris, Bismarck; his girlfriend, Lynn Larson, Mandan, and her children Jennifer, Matt and Ben; his mother Gladys, Bismarck; numerous relatives; his cat and three tarantulas.

Bernice Asbridge Bernice M. Asbridge, 84, died June 13, 2004.

Bernice Wenaas was born Sep. 7, 1919, in Bismarck, to Sigurd O. and Nellie J.

(Jacobson) Wenaas, and was raised in Arena until her family moved to Bismarck. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1937 and married Donald G. Asbridge in 1942.

She worked as a bookkeeper for the A.W. Lucas Co., and then as a clerk-typist and machine bookkeeper for the Burleigh County auditor. Asbridge served as Burliegh County auditor from 1959-1969 and again from 1978-1986.

She also served as state treasurer, state liquor administrator and as a North Dakota State Land Department investment adviser and cashier/accountant.

Among her activities were the Bismarck Elkettes, American Legion Auxiliary, County Auditors Association of North Dakota, Bismarck Business and Professional Women and Burleigh County Cancer Society.

She is survived by her daughter Donna (Joe) LaFave, and a son, Darold, all of Bismarck; two grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; a sister; and many nieces and nephews.

Obituary Policy: If you are aware of the recent death of a NDCHF member, North Dakota cowboy/cowgirl/rancher, or friend of western heritage, please inform us and if possible, provide an obituary.

Send notice/obituary to: North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive, Suite 216, Bismarck, ND 58501. While all submissions will be noted, space availability and NDCHF relevancy may dictate length.

NDCHF Plaques and File Cards Honor Loved Ones Honor someone special with a plaque or file card in the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Memorial Wall and Card File Registry. Such a tribute ensures that one's life and accomplishments are documented for future generations.

A NDCHF file card is $250.

Each 4 x 8-inch laminated card features an honoree?s photo, brand and biography. NDCHF inductees and those receiving memorial wall plaques automatically receive file cards in the registry.

For $1,000, any person, animal or event can be honored with a 9 x 14-inch memorial plaque. Shaped like the state of North Dakota, the wooden plaque includes the honoree's name and town, a screened photo on a metal plate and the NDCHF logo.

Special benefactor plaques honor those who gift $5,000 or more to the Hall of Fame or for whom that amount is received in honorariums/memorials. Similar to the memorial plaque, it measures 10 x 18 inches and includes a biography.

File cards and plaques are currently available for viewing at NDCHF events. Eventually, it will be computerized and displayed in the NDCHF in Medora.

All honorariums/memorials received by the NDCHF may be applied toward a card or plaque.

For more information call the NDCHF office at 701-250-1833.

-by Cathy A. Langemo, WritePlus Inc.

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004 • Page 27

North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Hits Milestone Year Cattlemen representing 22 of the most prominent livestock operations in the upper Midwest crowded into the old Christensen Hall in Watford City, on June 6, 1929. Some brought their wives and children along for a day of fun and shopping in the busy western town. But, for the men, there was work to be done.

Seventy-five years ago, cattle rustling was running rampant on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation where all of the men were grazing cattle, and Andrew Johnston, a Watford City-area cattleman, who was a great uncle to 2004 inductee Jim Johnston, committed to putting a stop to it.

Earlier in the year, he had distributed a reward notice of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone stealing livestock from these operations: Figure Four Cattle Company, Croff; William Connolly, Dunn Center; Thomas McGregor, Arnegard; Charles Howett, Alexander; Hugh Dehlinger, Dunn Center; W.B. Croff, Croff; Frank Buzick, Sanish; Esley Henderson, Croff; Frank Keogh, Berg; Bryant Kellogg, Schafer; John W. Goodall, Sanish; Earl Henderson, Croff, Jay Grantier, Banks; Guy Randall, Sanish; Lumo Denver Stock & Land Company, Sanish; Bank Land & Cattle

Company, Alexander; Andrew Johnston, Watford City; Angus Kennedy, Schafer; Wallace Bond, Schafer; and Cal R. Dodge, Schafer.

The men didn’t know about the reward declaration when it was issued, but were later notified that if they didn’t want to be “members,� their names could be removed from the list. All agreed with the reward wholeheartedly and pitched in $5 each to start the fund.

Momentum began building for this new cattle “movement� as reward notices were published in the Watford City Guide & Farmer, the Sanish Sentinel, the Killdeer Herald and other area papers. More and more producers wanted to join the consortium; so a June 6 meeting was called to determine the next step for this fledgling group.

The cattlemen christened the new organization the Western North Dakota Stock Association and accepted additional members. The name would later change to Western North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and later yet, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA). This was the dawn of the first successful cattlemen’s trade organization in North Dakota’s history. Several other earlier attempts at similar associations had failed.

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Page 28 • The Cowboy Chronicle Extra 2004

Alvin Nelson to be Inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame NDCHF Inductee Alvin 1960-62, ‘64 and ‘66, winNelson, Grassy Butte, will ning the saddle bronc averbe welcomed into the age in 1961 and ‘62 and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame on NFR all-around in 1961.

Fellow competitor Duane Aug. 14, in Colorado Howard, Minnewaukan, Springs, Colo. Nelson is told the Herald, “Alvin’s especially honored to step style was one of the best. into the ProRodeo Hall You didn’t see him on the because it means being ground.” Howard added acknowledged by his that Nelson was a “really peers. “To be complimentgood rider, always concened by other good riders is trating. He rarely missed a the best award in the horse out.” world,” he told the Dunn Williams writes that one County Herald in an April time at Dickinson, Alvin 9, 2004 article. rode a terribly dirty horse Alvin began rodeoing in that caused Bill Linderman 1950 and quickly earned a to exclaim, “I’m glad I saw reputation as a tough comthat. That’s the most I ever petitor in saddle bronc ridsaw anybody spur a horse ing, bareback riding and that was that hard to ride.” even bull riding. He Alvin bought the Einar became the 1952 National Pierce ranch west of Grassy High School Saddle Bronc Butte in 1956 and the Scott Champion.

He broke into professional Gore ranch in 1957. He and rodeo in 1953. Former his wife, Kaye, continue to Rodeo Sports News Editor 1957 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Alvin Nelson spurs the bareranch with their son and George Williams, called back horse, Party Doll, at the 1960 Ellensburg Rodeo, Ellensburg, Wash. daughter-in-law, Louis and him a “quiet, grinning, Allene. They have a 3-yearspur-happy kid.” Referring to a nick- thus credited with cracking the Tibbs- old grandson, Garett. name, Williams adds, “Ole gave them all Copenhaver dynasty. That same year, The ProRodeo Hall of Fame opened in a hardware bath and you couldn’t buck Alvin won the first Home On The Range 1979 and has since honored 167 rodeo him off.” He was “one of the greatest Champions Ride. greats and 22 horses and bulls. Nelson is Alvin then served 21 months as an one of ten 2004 inductees and the second bronc riders of all time and just about the Army helicopter medic in Germany. North Dakotan to be inducted. Four-time most unassuming.”

At the height of his rodeo career, However, he continued rodeoing while World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Nelson claimed the 1957 RCA World on leave and after his discharge. He Brad Gjermundson, Marshall, was Champion Saddle Bronc title and was qualfied for the National Finals Rodeo in inducted in 1995.

Address Service Requested North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame 1110 College Drive, Suite 216 Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

The Cowboy Chronicle Extra

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