With a dump rake

 In farm country, some of us had to work in the fields at a very early age.

Still Writing Limericks

 I may have posted this one before, but the problem persists...

Now that I've turned 80

My scale says I'm weighty

A big appetite

Is my Plight

I'll quit ice cream -- maybe.

Germans from Russia Convention

 GERMANS FROM RUSSIA HERITAGE SOCIETY 51st ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - We recently drove through the heart of the “sauerkraut triangle” while on our way to the Germans from Russia convention in Aberdeen. We first stopped at Eureka, SD for a visit in the Eureka Pioneer Museum that is featured there. With so many items and displays to view I chose only a couple to picture here: a picture of a boy in a washtub getting his weekly bath just like we used to do and a pitcher and water pail like I’d drink from whenever we visited my grandparent’s place.

We drove on to Aberdeen with a brief stop at one of the cemeteries in Bowdle where the artistry of different blacksmiths shows in their craftsmanship of iron crosses. Next stop was Aberdeen and the first evening’s program after a German meal of sausage, sauerkraut, and knoefle. Next we headed to the library at Northern State University for a tour of their Germans from Russia Cultural Center, and I made a solid research contact with the library director for a project I’m writing. Luckily, a booth dedicated to the South Dakota State Archives was set up at the convention center, and I made another great contact to supplement my project with high resolution pictures. And we ate plenty of kuchen.

While this is becoming too wordy, the main reason for being in Aberdeen was for Mary to receive her award for the best essay of the year, the topic being relatives who remained in Russia and suffered under Stalinist rule.

Time to return to business at home. Several books need to be mailed out because orders came in during our absence. I have a few left at 5 + 2.50. I won't print anymore of them. My address: 2840 Calico Dr. S., Unit B, Fargo ND 58104.

Wheat Market

 Having just visited Eureka SD, I wanted to know more about it’s reputation as a one-time grain market. Here are a few facts about its role. “For 15 years, from 1887 to 1902, this ‘end of track’ town was the largest primary wheat market in the world. In 1897 alone, two-thirds of the world’s wheat crop entering the commercial market was shipped from Eureka.”

     

     Over 165 trains of 20 cars each were being loaded at Eureka over a few month period. Several factors made it possible: end-of-the track, richness of new land, and hard work of the German-Russian farmers in the area. The honors ended when the railroad moved north, and new town markets came into being.

     The picture was taken at the Northern State University’s Germans from Russia Cultural Center. It shows the wheat market at Odessa, Russia. That city is in contention in the Ukrainian conflict now. As an aside, Mary visited that city on a tour and said it was a very beautiful city.

Chapbook Published

 I’ve written a number of stories - 10 to be exact - based in Ransom County with the Sheyenne River as a backdrop. They are included in a 36 page booklet. If you’d like one, the price is $5.00 + $2.50 postage and handling. If interested send your address with payment enclosed to Lynn Bueling, 2840 Calico Drive South, Unit B, Fargo, ND 58104. I will reply promptly with your book. Thanks.

Another Award

    Surprising yet good news arrived in the mailbox with a letter addressed to Mary. She opened the envelope, read silently, and broke out in a big grin. The letter informed her that she  was the recipient of this year’s “Joseph S. Height Literary Award” for her essay published in The Germans from Russia Historical Society “Heritage Review.” 

     Her rather lengthy article “Sons of Josef and Veronica (Noel) Fergel” outlines the trials of the family in Russia. Some members of the family wisely came to the US, but unfortunately, one branch of the family chose not to emigrate. They were caught up in the eventual sufferings in Stalinist Russia, the story which she emphasizes. Mary throws herself wholeheartedly into the research and writing of this history with the goal that it must not be forgotten. She will receive the award at the annual convention of the GRHS which will be held this year in Aberdeen, SD.