Dakota Datebook

The state was still in the grip of winter when North Dakotans learned another hardship was on the horizon. On this date in 1934, they had grasshoppers on their minds. Just the day before, entomologists warned farmers to expect the worst grasshopper infestation in many years and that no part of the state was safe.

On this date in 1797, fur trader Chaboillez of the North West Company recorded the arrival of Animiikance, Little Thunder, at the Pembina fur trade post. Little Thunder was hired to guide personnel to the Souris River and obtain supplies for the Pembina post from trader McDonnell. The crew was instructed to return their guide to Pembina in the spring.

North Dakota winters have been described as “consistently very cold,” with January and February being the coldest months. This comes as no great surprise to North Dakotans, who tend to take a certain amount of state pride for thriving in such a severe environment. Daytime temperatures tend to hover between the teens and mid-20s. Nighttime temperatures to dip into the -10 to -20-degree range, sometimes falling to -40.

Among the long-running traditions at Wahpeton Indian School was the annual Valentine’s Dance and King and Queen of Hearts coronation. Sponsored by the Student Government Association, the event served as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Beginning in 1965, students used their weekly spending-money allowances to cast votes for a king and queen. The gymnasium was decorated in festive Valentine style, including two thrones on the stage.

If fifty years of anything is something to celebrate, fifty years of a local volunteer fire department is most definitely something to celebrate. On this day in 1964, a write-up on the celebration of the golden anniversary and the history of the Wishek Volunteer Fire Department was shared in the Wishek Star, inviting everyone to join in celebrating this milestone.

In the early twentieth century, automobile makers understood the value of presenting new cars as entertainment. Farmers shopping for new equipment at farm shows and women seeking the latest household conveniences couldn’t help but be drawn to highly polished automobiles and acres of shining chrome.

Americans have always regarded George Washington with great reverence. It became a custom to celebrate his birthday. He was born on this date in 1731. Or was he?

County names and boundaries have evolved since territorial days in North Dakota, and each of our 53 counties has a unique story that enriches the history of the state. Dunn County’s story is one such example.

Peshawbestown, Michigan, is named for an Ottawa chief. On this date in 1797, he came to the Red River fur trade with his relative Net-no-kwa and her adoptive son, John Tanner. Net-no-kwa had rescued Tanner from the Shawnee, who abducted him in Kentucky at age nine.

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we'll listen to Kade Ferris, enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa, in part two of "What Stories Teach Us."