“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
10/20/10
SCHOOLHOUSES
Here is an update on the proposed “Schoolhouse Photographs” book by Charlotte Caldwell. I received an e-mail from her this past week and her schedule reads like this. She is going to cover Hill, Toole, Liberty, Pondera, and Glacier counties and would like to include Chouteau if time permits. (That is quite a schedule.)
She did not realize that I had put together another list of schoolhouses that you readers called in after she left Fort Benton. The list is almost another page of locations. This weather, if it holds, would be the perfect time to drive around the countryside, searching for not only schoolhouses but also a spot that you have never been to before.
I have a book that previews 52 Weekend Scenic Drives. Unfortunately, most of them are on the other side of the Rockies. A friend of ours told us to take a road out of Geraldine which goes east around the Shonkin Mountains and lo and behold, you end up in Geyser. It was a beautiful ride scenery wise with ranches/farms a great distance from each other. You would recognize some of the names on the entry posts.
Two other interesting Sunday afternoon rides are to the Virgelle and Carter Ferry Roads (not on the same day.) The journey would take you there one route and return another after you cross over on the ferry. Most of you readers are probably familiar with and have traveled these routes but if not…there are maps at the Visitor’s Information Center with the roads marked on them. If you would like a map, give me a call and I will see that you are mailed one. Take a snack and water…(just a suggestion.)
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO AFGANISTAN?
A very thrilling “true experience” story last week at Friends of the Library was the our guest author Nancy LaChappell. Nancy resides in Fort Benton as the result of a friendship with our much-loved Nurse Practioner, Debbie Meeks. They were stationed at Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and worked in the same office for three years. When Nancy retired (as a Lt. Colonel,) Debbie invited her to look over Fort Benton as a retirement residence. Nancy, her husband Matt, and her son Charlie did not take long to decide that this was the place.
The book, “Letters from Afganistan,” takes you into the heart of the country and its people. Nancy spoke for over an hour and we could have listened to her for hours more. It says it all when Nancy said that she would return in a heartbeat if she had the opportunity.
The next day, Nancy was the guest of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She again talked about her book and those of us who attended The Friends enjoyed again facts about the people, their culture, and their attitudes about the war. If you have the opportunity to hear Nancy, do so. Just as we have criminals in our United States, Afganistan has the Taliban. If we could rid the countries of those elements, we could live in peace and not in fear. Will that ever happen?????
RECYCLING
No. 9 on the Simple Things list to Protect the Earth is GET OFF. Catalogs are great when they’re from companies you like to order from. But if you’re getting catalogs from companies you don’t buy from, call them and tell them to get you off their list (it’s usually a toll free number,)---and that’s an order.
Just in today’s mail, we received 3 catalogs from company’s we have never heard of. Since it has not helped us to write and call about getting junk mail…we are going to do the above approach. I actually would not mind getting a company’s catalog twice a year but not every month. Some companies mail even more often. STOP. We do not want them. You would think that after sending a catalog for two years with no response…they would get the picture. NOT! So see how many catalogs you can eliminate by next week. I would like to hear from you.
HOMECOMING
What fun! Even though we did not attend many of the events, those that we did were so exciting. The “Snake Dance” after the coronation, wound its way right in front of our home. I dashed onto the front porch to wave the great pom-poms that we found on our kitchen table that afternoon left by the “Pom-pom Mystery Person.”
The football game on Friday was made more exciting because of the new lighting system. Joke…we had to wear sunglasses because of the brightness. All kidding aside…what a great project. It was so much easier to see all the plays no matter where they were on the field. Whoever thought of the idea is another of my unsung heroes.
I wonder if all of the Horns fans will remember that the next game is Wednesday with Centerville. It is Sunday as I write this column and I still do not know what the standings are. Then the playoffs begin and that is when we all have to say, GO HORNS.
By the way, the moon will be two days away from being full. Two years ago, when the moon was full in October, the Horns were pitted against a team who were several touchdowns ahead of us at the half. A group of us Old-Timers began to sing, “Shine on Harvest Moon.” The Horns came back to the game to overcome the deficit and win. We “Seniors Citizens” were convinced it was because we sang. So…what does that mean? Be ready to sing again next Wednesday if you get this message. I will provide the words. This especially goes for you, Janice and Howard Hunter. You have the best singing voices…true story.
UNSUNG HEROS
Ken Knutson mentioned in one of his columns not long ago that I was one of his unsung heroes. I appreciate that Ken, but…I do not feel like one. I sometimes come up with an idea but my unsung heroes carry them out.
The City Crew headed by Skip Ross, (this includes Tim…I cannot sing loud enough. I talk often to Skip and it is always to ask him to do something, (I try to say it is a favor.) It always is done and just the way I pictured it in my mind. Case in point…the five-cottonwood trees that he and the Crew planted this summer. I love looking at them and God willing that I can see them growing next spring. If I named everything that Skip has done for me over the 17 years I have lived in Fort Benton, I would be writing a book. GO SKIP, TIM AND CITY CREW.
My next unsung heroes are Denny and Myrna Allen. These friends put all the plaques on the Memorial Benches and Tables. They have applied about sixty (60) plaques and some of them in the hottest weather we have ever had. They have put in countless hours, which of course make them experts in that line of work. I am sure that if any of you readers ever have plaques to be placed, they would be willing to accommodate you. GO ALLENS.
More of my unsung heroes are my fellow volunteers at the Joel Overholser Research Center. All of them have spent time aiding me in my research for my projects, (example Veterans Photos,) or doing the research for me when I didn’t know which way to turn. They all know so much and are so willing to share. GO RESEARCH CENTER.
Kathy Nelson and Lindsey Krause are the most patient women in the world. I have a deadline to get the View to the River Press and although I always have a good excuse, I am almost always late. They give me some slack depending how honest the excuse is, (example I went to bed very late and overslept my 3:00 p.m. deadline.) Kathy (a teacher in her other life,) and Lindsey (a very talented graphic designer,) are the backbone of the River Press. Oh, by the way, Tim, you do a very fine job too.
Finally yet importantly, Sharalee Smith is another of my favorites. She does all the work to put “View” onto the Fort Benton website. She goes out of her way to put pictures that I provide or that she provides for me. She furnishes me with comments on the blog and provides me with figures on how many people read the View. Another plus for you readers is that she has it on the internet on Tuesday mornings almost two days before the paper comes out. If you need to know what is going on in town ahead of time…you know where to go, www.fortbenton.com. GO SHARALEE.
I have so many more unsung heroes but that would be another book. Just know that if I have not mentioned your name, you are in my thoughts. I appreciate all your support and when you talk to me about something that is in the column, you make my day.
SO LONG FOR NOW
As I said last week…October is half over. There are not many social events going on this week except the football game. Warm weather is returning so get out there and prepare for the time you will be hanging out in the house. So much to do and so little time. Keep thinking kind thoughts and if you lose patience, try to imagine what it is like to live in the other person’s shoes. GOD BLESS AMERICA and all of our Servicemen and Servicewomen.
Showing posts with label one room schoolhouses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label one room schoolhouses. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
View From The Bridge 7/28/10
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
by Muncie
7/28/10
LOST AND FOUND
A woman’s jacket was lost and was found during Summer Celebration. I do not know who found it or where it was found (rumor says on the street.) If you or someone you know lost their jacket please call the Chamber of Commerce (622-3864,) and identify it. It presently rests at the Visitor’s Information Center. I am sure the owner would be happy to get it back. It could have been a woman who does not subscribe to the River Press so ask your family and friends from out of town.
It reminds me of the time that a very good-looking western hat was left at the Center. It was there for about a year and then, all of a sudden, it was gone. No one has any idea who took it. Speculation says that it was the owner but we will never know. I like to think that it was a Visitor from a far away place and returned to find their hat where they left it. They knew the whole time where it was but were not able to return to Fort Benton until a year later. Could a movie be made out of that scenario?
MEMORIAL TABLE
On Friday the 23rd of July, the Janice Brown and Bridget (Janice’s daughter) Ekstrom families returned to Fort Benton for a memorial service at the United Methodist Church for Dorothy Laulo. Dorothy passed away in December 2009.
Janice was a neighbor of the Laulos and she and the Ekstroms purchased a memorial table for George and Dorothy as a tribute to their friendship. All of their arrangements went off as planned and they were very pleased with the memorial they purchased. (See picture.) They were also very pleased with the turnout of friends and neighbors at the Methodist Church, and the reception at the Grand Union Hotel.
Dorothy’s daughter, Dena, her husband and two daughters came from Australia. Dena’s husband spoke about his mother-in-law in a very loving talk as well as her daughters. One of the daughter’s (one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard,) sang “Over the Rainbow,” and the pianist played it while everyone left the Church. It was a true celebration of her kind and loving life.
END OF PROGRAM
I wanted to mention about this table because the Memorial Bench and Table project is ending. After I wind up the financial end of it, have it audited, the account will be closed. There is no more space for any benches and there are tables at the end of the each block (on the Levee side) from The Old Bridge to the Lewis and Clark Statue. It is very gratifying to see these benches and tables being used.
There will be an extension of the Levee Trail whenever the applied for grants are received and the City will be notified sometime early next year. The Trail is a popular venue at the Information Center with its historic signs, the Old Fort and Museum of the Upper Missouri at one end and the B.L.M. Interpretive Center at the other end. My recollection is that the extended trail will go down to river level at the end of the trail beyond the Sunrise Bluffs to near Signal Point. It will circle back to point of origin and that whole area may be a park. I do not think that cement tables and benches will work there. Wooden tables could be picked up and stored during the winter season.
MEMORIAL BENCH
On Sunday, the 25th of July, the Steven B. Higgins family and friends arrived in Fort Benton. They also came to view their bench with its 8 x 10 plaque commemorating his life as a forester and a guide on the river. The plaque reads, “In memory of Steven B. Higgins. A lifelong forester who loved God, his family, Montana, the Missouri River and all things Lewis and Clark. His greatest joy was his son, Colter, named after John Colter, a mountain man who traveled with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.”
Robin Allen, (Steve’s sister,) took pictures at the bench, and she will send them to the River Press when she returns to Iowa. After the picture taking, the whole group of about 20 people proceeded to Virgelle to spend the night. The whole group will be off down the river early on Monday and expect to be off the river on Thursday.
I will have more of the story next week and am so happy to have been a part of this celebration of Steve’s life. My wish is that each time you pass the benches and tables; you will remember the loved ones whose name is on them.
LEVEE TRAIL
I have to ask again that if you are riding your bike on the Levee Trail and you are approaching a person walking, please call out that you are passing on the right or the left. I was again very close to being run into by a bike rider that was going much too fast. I suppose one solution is to keep looking around but step off the trail, as they may be right behind you. Riders, please try to be considerate and use bicycle manners.
I have observed bike riders not observing stop signs. Bike riders are supposed to obey all traffic laws and that includes stopping at stop signs. It would be best to walk your bike across a stop street, especially when approaching 13th Street. I am looking out for your safety and everyone needs reminders occasionally.
A reminder for drivers talking on their cell phones and heaven forbid texting. If you find you have to answer your phone or text, please pull over and do it safely. If you do talk on your cell or text while driving, you are not a safe driver. You may think that you can do both, but research shows that your mind is not at full attention to driving if you are talking on the cell phone. We will not even talk about texting. This action has been reported to me as if I can do something about it. Trust me folks, I can only remind you. I do not have any authority.
OLD FORT TOUR
I wonder if you realize what a treasure the Old Fort is. I went on the tour this morning (Monday) with my 8-year-old grandson, Grayson, who is visiting from Helena. I have gone on this tour a dozen times and each time I learn something new. The displays are expertly complete and you have to see it to believe it. If you have never toured the Old Fort, please do so as soon as you can. If you have family or friends coming to visit, plan on a day to treat them to a day at the Museums. Just do it. My opinion is that they are the best in Montana. I am sure that you will agree.
THE CARTER BAR
I received several phone calls about the history of the Carter Bar. It seems that several people have written papers and a man wrote a book about it. I am going to do this story later when I can check with those people who have already researched it.
If you do have information about the Carter Bar that you think is not locally known, please call me at 622-3217 (after 2:00 p.m.) and on my cell phone (after 9:00 p.m.) if it is a local call or if you have Verizon we can talk anytime.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES
You readers are wonderful. I am still receiving phone calls about the schools that you attended and please keep that information coming. I am still compiling a list for Charlotte Caldwell that she will use when she returns to Fort Benton in October.
I need to repeat once more that Charlotte will only be taking pictures of schoolhouses that are still standing or that have been moved to another location. She is not going to do archival research. This book is a huge undertaking just doing the standing schoolhouses because she is including the whole state of Montana. I wish her the best and envy her determination.
SWIM MEET
Can you believe the turnout for the Divisional Swim Meet here in town last weekend? We do not remember as many motor homes, 5th wheels and tents as there were for this meet. Repeatedly was heard the remark, “We love to come to Fort Benton for swim meets.” Why not! We have the best pool and the best park for them to tent in. Downtown is within a short walking distance and there is no town anywhere in Montana that is as friendly as the Fort Bentonites. Go Gators.
SO LONG FOR NOW
I felt very patriotic last night (Saturday,) as I put together two new flagpoles, one for the American Flag (bought a new one,) and one for the Marine Corps Flag. These poles are made to rotate so the flags will not be twisted around the poles by the wind. So far, so good. The only thing that I felt bad about was that the Marine Recruiter from Great Falls stopped to visit us Saturday afternoon and I did not have the Flags up. Oh well, Murphy’s Law once again.
Have a wonderful day (every day,) and try to do one good deed. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
by Muncie
7/28/10
LOST AND FOUND
A woman’s jacket was lost and was found during Summer Celebration. I do not know who found it or where it was found (rumor says on the street.) If you or someone you know lost their jacket please call the Chamber of Commerce (622-3864,) and identify it. It presently rests at the Visitor’s Information Center. I am sure the owner would be happy to get it back. It could have been a woman who does not subscribe to the River Press so ask your family and friends from out of town.
It reminds me of the time that a very good-looking western hat was left at the Center. It was there for about a year and then, all of a sudden, it was gone. No one has any idea who took it. Speculation says that it was the owner but we will never know. I like to think that it was a Visitor from a far away place and returned to find their hat where they left it. They knew the whole time where it was but were not able to return to Fort Benton until a year later. Could a movie be made out of that scenario?
MEMORIAL TABLE
On Friday the 23rd of July, the Janice Brown and Bridget (Janice’s daughter) Ekstrom families returned to Fort Benton for a memorial service at the United Methodist Church for Dorothy Laulo. Dorothy passed away in December 2009.
Janice was a neighbor of the Laulos and she and the Ekstroms purchased a memorial table for George and Dorothy as a tribute to their friendship. All of their arrangements went off as planned and they were very pleased with the memorial they purchased. (See picture.) They were also very pleased with the turnout of friends and neighbors at the Methodist Church, and the reception at the Grand Union Hotel.
Dorothy’s daughter, Dena, her husband and two daughters came from Australia. Dena’s husband spoke about his mother-in-law in a very loving talk as well as her daughters. One of the daughter’s (one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard,) sang “Over the Rainbow,” and the pianist played it while everyone left the Church. It was a true celebration of her kind and loving life.
END OF PROGRAM
I wanted to mention about this table because the Memorial Bench and Table project is ending. After I wind up the financial end of it, have it audited, the account will be closed. There is no more space for any benches and there are tables at the end of the each block (on the Levee side) from The Old Bridge to the Lewis and Clark Statue. It is very gratifying to see these benches and tables being used.
There will be an extension of the Levee Trail whenever the applied for grants are received and the City will be notified sometime early next year. The Trail is a popular venue at the Information Center with its historic signs, the Old Fort and Museum of the Upper Missouri at one end and the B.L.M. Interpretive Center at the other end. My recollection is that the extended trail will go down to river level at the end of the trail beyond the Sunrise Bluffs to near Signal Point. It will circle back to point of origin and that whole area may be a park. I do not think that cement tables and benches will work there. Wooden tables could be picked up and stored during the winter season.
MEMORIAL BENCH
On Sunday, the 25th of July, the Steven B. Higgins family and friends arrived in Fort Benton. They also came to view their bench with its 8 x 10 plaque commemorating his life as a forester and a guide on the river. The plaque reads, “In memory of Steven B. Higgins. A lifelong forester who loved God, his family, Montana, the Missouri River and all things Lewis and Clark. His greatest joy was his son, Colter, named after John Colter, a mountain man who traveled with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.”
Robin Allen, (Steve’s sister,) took pictures at the bench, and she will send them to the River Press when she returns to Iowa. After the picture taking, the whole group of about 20 people proceeded to Virgelle to spend the night. The whole group will be off down the river early on Monday and expect to be off the river on Thursday.
I will have more of the story next week and am so happy to have been a part of this celebration of Steve’s life. My wish is that each time you pass the benches and tables; you will remember the loved ones whose name is on them.
LEVEE TRAIL
I have to ask again that if you are riding your bike on the Levee Trail and you are approaching a person walking, please call out that you are passing on the right or the left. I was again very close to being run into by a bike rider that was going much too fast. I suppose one solution is to keep looking around but step off the trail, as they may be right behind you. Riders, please try to be considerate and use bicycle manners.
I have observed bike riders not observing stop signs. Bike riders are supposed to obey all traffic laws and that includes stopping at stop signs. It would be best to walk your bike across a stop street, especially when approaching 13th Street. I am looking out for your safety and everyone needs reminders occasionally.
A reminder for drivers talking on their cell phones and heaven forbid texting. If you find you have to answer your phone or text, please pull over and do it safely. If you do talk on your cell or text while driving, you are not a safe driver. You may think that you can do both, but research shows that your mind is not at full attention to driving if you are talking on the cell phone. We will not even talk about texting. This action has been reported to me as if I can do something about it. Trust me folks, I can only remind you. I do not have any authority.
I wonder if you realize what a treasure the Old Fort is. I went on the tour this morning (Monday) with my 8-year-old grandson, Grayson, who is visiting from Helena. I have gone on this tour a dozen times and each time I learn something new. The displays are expertly complete and you have to see it to believe it. If you have never toured the Old Fort, please do so as soon as you can. If you have family or friends coming to visit, plan on a day to treat them to a day at the Museums. Just do it. My opinion is that they are the best in Montana. I am sure that you will agree.
THE CARTER BAR
I received several phone calls about the history of the Carter Bar. It seems that several people have written papers and a man wrote a book about it. I am going to do this story later when I can check with those people who have already researched it.
If you do have information about the Carter Bar that you think is not locally known, please call me at 622-3217 (after 2:00 p.m.) and on my cell phone (after 9:00 p.m.) if it is a local call or if you have Verizon we can talk anytime.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES
You readers are wonderful. I am still receiving phone calls about the schools that you attended and please keep that information coming. I am still compiling a list for Charlotte Caldwell that she will use when she returns to Fort Benton in October.
I need to repeat once more that Charlotte will only be taking pictures of schoolhouses that are still standing or that have been moved to another location. She is not going to do archival research. This book is a huge undertaking just doing the standing schoolhouses because she is including the whole state of Montana. I wish her the best and envy her determination.
SWIM MEET
Can you believe the turnout for the Divisional Swim Meet here in town last weekend? We do not remember as many motor homes, 5th wheels and tents as there were for this meet. Repeatedly was heard the remark, “We love to come to Fort Benton for swim meets.” Why not! We have the best pool and the best park for them to tent in. Downtown is within a short walking distance and there is no town anywhere in Montana that is as friendly as the Fort Bentonites. Go Gators.
SO LONG FOR NOW
I felt very patriotic last night (Saturday,) as I put together two new flagpoles, one for the American Flag (bought a new one,) and one for the Marine Corps Flag. These poles are made to rotate so the flags will not be twisted around the poles by the wind. So far, so good. The only thing that I felt bad about was that the Marine Recruiter from Great Falls stopped to visit us Saturday afternoon and I did not have the Flags up. Oh well, Murphy’s Law once again.
Have a wonderful day (every day,) and try to do one good deed. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
7/7/10
RECYCLING
By the time you read this, a meeting with the Commissioners will have taken place on Tuesday, the 6th. I will report next week the results of the meeting and where the Committee goes from there. What is known at this time is that there are grants that are available for recycling. A particular building is being checked out and it would be the ideal place for recycling.
There was a small item in the U.S.A. Weekend magazine that comes with the Sunday newspaper about “Reduce your wrapping trash.” It said that almost 75% of an average household’s garbage is packaging. In a book titled “A Slice of Organic Life,” by Sheherazade Goldsmith, tells us how to scale back: Choose products with minimum packaging or recyclable packaging, buy fruits and vegetables loose, buy in bulk, skip the prepackaged “snack” foods, and pack your own lunchbox portions.
I would like to add to those instructions by asking when storing leftover foods use washable containers instead of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or waxed paper. Do wrap your sandwiches, cookies, and snacks in waxed paper instead of sandwich plastic bags. Do buy some sort of water containers to carry your water and discontinue buying and using plastic bottles. Every little bit helps. Help a lot this week.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES
The response to the request about knowing where the schoolhouses are located, and attendance at those schools, was very exciting. I had ten phone calls on my answering machine by Friday evening. I have a list of sixteen schools, many students, and several teachers to give the Charlotte Caldwell when she arrives in Fort Benton tomorrow night (7-5-10.)
I had been expecting her in another week but she e-mailed that she would be here sooner. I am sure that she will be making many more trips to this area and so if you still want to call about a one-room schoolhouse, do so. Call 622-3217 after 2:00 p.m.
THE 4TH OF JULY
It was all about United States birthday, our Servicemen and Servicewomen, the wars we have fought to keep the peace, and the protection we have come to know and expect. We owe so much to our Armed Forces and it made my heart about to burst when I saw the gathering of Americans at the July 4th Parade in Great Falls. The Parade time was set for 3:00 p.m. instead of the usual 11:00 a.m. because it was Sunday and the organizers respected church hours.
The crowds were in greater numbers this year and when Wally (as one of the Grand Marshals) would say thank you for coming out…they would shout back…thank you for serving. We say thank you to every Serviceman and Servicewoman we see and they so appreciate it. Please be sure to say thank you when you see them. It is just a small kindness but it really means a lot to be appreciated. They are putting up their lives to protect us. Patriotism has fallen away since 9/11. Please bring it back. Sing the National Anthem, fly an American flag outside your home, write to a Serviceperson, send them a package, and most of all, pray for them every day. They deserve it.
THE 2ND OF JULY
I would like to tell you about Donald J. Ruhl, the only Marine to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII from Montana for his unhesitating courage on Iwo Jima. Donald was born in Columbus, Montana in 1923, graduated from Joliet High School in 1942, and was killed on Iwo Jima on January 21st, 1945. He was 21 years old After he was killed, his parents moved to Greybull, WY and when the Marine’s bodies were repatriated from Iwo Jima, he was returned to the then Hillside Cemetery in Greybull.
The rest of the story, that involves Wally and me, began sometime in February. Wally was invited to be the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Monument and the renaming of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Cemetery of Greybull, Wyoming on July 2, 2010. Thus began a correspondence with Paul Linse of Greybull who is a retired architect who coordinated the whole dedication process. He was asked to design the monument and you know how that story ended. As usual with volunteers, he took on the whole project and spent countless hours, (and his wife Sheryl,) with not only locating long lost relatives back East but also physically working on stonework around the monument.
I began researching Donald J. Ruhl on the internet and planning our course of action with our son, Randy Morger. He was to be our designated driver for the 368-mile trip. During this planning time, someone said that we should take 6 miles off our course and stop in Joliet, MT were Donald went to Joliet High School. We were to check to see if the original high school still existed.
We left on July 1st at 7:00 a.m. and did indeed stop in Joliet. When we found the school, we met Melvin Stene and found that he was responsible for keeping the Donald J. Ruhl story alive. During our conversation, he told us that Donald’s best friend in high school was still living and when Stanley Arthun was called, he came to the school to talk with us. He told us of a very quiet, serious young man who was a hard working farm hand. Donald wanted Stanley to join the Marines with him but Stanley had to remain on the sheep farm to help his father as his two brothers were in the army. Stanley had not planned on attending the Dedication (he is also 87 years old) but after visiting with us, he decided to be there.
We were then off to Greybull and found that it is a beautiful little town and the surrounding area is much like Fort Benton. Greybull is down in a valley, has about 300 more people, is a tourist town, produces Bentonite, and has very friendly people. Paul meet us at the motel and we immediately went to the Cemetery. The monument is made of black granite and stands facing the town. It is an awesome sight. You can check it out by going to KULR Channel 8 in Billings on the internet. You can pick up the evening news on July 2nd and 3rd. You can read more about Donald J. Ruhl by Google-ing (my own spelling) his name.
The ceremony was about an hour and 15 minutes long but those attending did not want it to end. A wreath was placed on Donald’s grave, a gold star was placed on his mother’s grave, there was a Marine color guard from Billings, Young Marines escorting dignitaries, an uncounted number of flag bearers at attention lining the entrance to the cemetery (they later moved to behind the monument in a semi circle,) and the stands were filled with people. It was a very moving ceremony that made one so proud to be an American and the thought that you wished you had known that young man.
We were invited to the Elks Club for a luncheon afterward and after talking to many new acquaintances (they all said they are coming to Fort Benton to visit us,) we took leave and arrived home at 6:30 p.m. We wish that all of you could have been there but hopefully this story gave you some insight into Donald J. Ruhl.
VOLUNTEERS
Show me a person who may be asked to give more than just dedication and I’ll show you a volunteer.
VETERANS APPRECIATION
It’s coming up quickly. Set aside Saturday afternoon the 17th. Have you offered any help yet or taken anything to the Committee for the silent auction? The most important thing is to get all the Veterans there so we can show them how much we appreciate them. Semper Fi to all the Services.
SO LONG FOR NOW
It’s been a very busy week for everyone and perhaps things will quiet down now. It would be nice to sit outside in the evenings and enjoy our yards. It would be nice to walk along the Missouri or take a ride into the Shonkins. We could do all that if it weren’t for those pesky mosquitoes. Oh well, what else do we have to complain about.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
By Muncie
7/7/10
RECYCLING
By the time you read this, a meeting with the Commissioners will have taken place on Tuesday, the 6th. I will report next week the results of the meeting and where the Committee goes from there. What is known at this time is that there are grants that are available for recycling. A particular building is being checked out and it would be the ideal place for recycling.
There was a small item in the U.S.A. Weekend magazine that comes with the Sunday newspaper about “Reduce your wrapping trash.” It said that almost 75% of an average household’s garbage is packaging. In a book titled “A Slice of Organic Life,” by Sheherazade Goldsmith, tells us how to scale back: Choose products with minimum packaging or recyclable packaging, buy fruits and vegetables loose, buy in bulk, skip the prepackaged “snack” foods, and pack your own lunchbox portions.
I would like to add to those instructions by asking when storing leftover foods use washable containers instead of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or waxed paper. Do wrap your sandwiches, cookies, and snacks in waxed paper instead of sandwich plastic bags. Do buy some sort of water containers to carry your water and discontinue buying and using plastic bottles. Every little bit helps. Help a lot this week.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSES
The response to the request about knowing where the schoolhouses are located, and attendance at those schools, was very exciting. I had ten phone calls on my answering machine by Friday evening. I have a list of sixteen schools, many students, and several teachers to give the Charlotte Caldwell when she arrives in Fort Benton tomorrow night (7-5-10.)
I had been expecting her in another week but she e-mailed that she would be here sooner. I am sure that she will be making many more trips to this area and so if you still want to call about a one-room schoolhouse, do so. Call 622-3217 after 2:00 p.m.
THE 4TH OF JULY
It was all about United States birthday, our Servicemen and Servicewomen, the wars we have fought to keep the peace, and the protection we have come to know and expect. We owe so much to our Armed Forces and it made my heart about to burst when I saw the gathering of Americans at the July 4th Parade in Great Falls. The Parade time was set for 3:00 p.m. instead of the usual 11:00 a.m. because it was Sunday and the organizers respected church hours.
The crowds were in greater numbers this year and when Wally (as one of the Grand Marshals) would say thank you for coming out…they would shout back…thank you for serving. We say thank you to every Serviceman and Servicewoman we see and they so appreciate it. Please be sure to say thank you when you see them. It is just a small kindness but it really means a lot to be appreciated. They are putting up their lives to protect us. Patriotism has fallen away since 9/11. Please bring it back. Sing the National Anthem, fly an American flag outside your home, write to a Serviceperson, send them a package, and most of all, pray for them every day. They deserve it.
THE 2ND OF JULY
I would like to tell you about Donald J. Ruhl, the only Marine to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII from Montana for his unhesitating courage on Iwo Jima. Donald was born in Columbus, Montana in 1923, graduated from Joliet High School in 1942, and was killed on Iwo Jima on January 21st, 1945. He was 21 years old After he was killed, his parents moved to Greybull, WY and when the Marine’s bodies were repatriated from Iwo Jima, he was returned to the then Hillside Cemetery in Greybull.
The rest of the story, that involves Wally and me, began sometime in February. Wally was invited to be the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Monument and the renaming of the Donald J. Ruhl Memorial Cemetery of Greybull, Wyoming on July 2, 2010. Thus began a correspondence with Paul Linse of Greybull who is a retired architect who coordinated the whole dedication process. He was asked to design the monument and you know how that story ended. As usual with volunteers, he took on the whole project and spent countless hours, (and his wife Sheryl,) with not only locating long lost relatives back East but also physically working on stonework around the monument.
I began researching Donald J. Ruhl on the internet and planning our course of action with our son, Randy Morger. He was to be our designated driver for the 368-mile trip. During this planning time, someone said that we should take 6 miles off our course and stop in Joliet, MT were Donald went to Joliet High School. We were to check to see if the original high school still existed.
We left on July 1st at 7:00 a.m. and did indeed stop in Joliet. When we found the school, we met Melvin Stene and found that he was responsible for keeping the Donald J. Ruhl story alive. During our conversation, he told us that Donald’s best friend in high school was still living and when Stanley Arthun was called, he came to the school to talk with us. He told us of a very quiet, serious young man who was a hard working farm hand. Donald wanted Stanley to join the Marines with him but Stanley had to remain on the sheep farm to help his father as his two brothers were in the army. Stanley had not planned on attending the Dedication (he is also 87 years old) but after visiting with us, he decided to be there.
We were then off to Greybull and found that it is a beautiful little town and the surrounding area is much like Fort Benton. Greybull is down in a valley, has about 300 more people, is a tourist town, produces Bentonite, and has very friendly people. Paul meet us at the motel and we immediately went to the Cemetery. The monument is made of black granite and stands facing the town. It is an awesome sight. You can check it out by going to KULR Channel 8 in Billings on the internet. You can pick up the evening news on July 2nd and 3rd. You can read more about Donald J. Ruhl by Google-ing (my own spelling) his name.
The ceremony was about an hour and 15 minutes long but those attending did not want it to end. A wreath was placed on Donald’s grave, a gold star was placed on his mother’s grave, there was a Marine color guard from Billings, Young Marines escorting dignitaries, an uncounted number of flag bearers at attention lining the entrance to the cemetery (they later moved to behind the monument in a semi circle,) and the stands were filled with people. It was a very moving ceremony that made one so proud to be an American and the thought that you wished you had known that young man.
We were invited to the Elks Club for a luncheon afterward and after talking to many new acquaintances (they all said they are coming to Fort Benton to visit us,) we took leave and arrived home at 6:30 p.m. We wish that all of you could have been there but hopefully this story gave you some insight into Donald J. Ruhl.
VOLUNTEERS
Show me a person who may be asked to give more than just dedication and I’ll show you a volunteer.
VETERANS APPRECIATION
It’s coming up quickly. Set aside Saturday afternoon the 17th. Have you offered any help yet or taken anything to the Committee for the silent auction? The most important thing is to get all the Veterans there so we can show them how much we appreciate them. Semper Fi to all the Services.
SO LONG FOR NOW
It’s been a very busy week for everyone and perhaps things will quiet down now. It would be nice to sit outside in the evenings and enjoy our yards. It would be nice to walk along the Missouri or take a ride into the Shonkins. We could do all that if it weren’t for those pesky mosquitoes. Oh well, what else do we have to complain about.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
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