Dakota Datebook

Einar Mickelson was born in York, North Dakota, in 1915 and died in China in 1944 at the age of 29. In between, Mickelson lived a life of adventure.

When the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1788, the framers faced a challenge: how to balance the representation of large states with fair treatment for smaller ones. They designed Congress to ensure fair representation for all states, regardless of size. The House of Representatives allotted seats based on population, giving larger states more representatives. To balance this, the Senate gave every state two senators, regardless of size.

Andrew Miller began his long law career in 1894, opening a private practice in Buffalo Center, Iowa. He served as county attorney for Winnebago County and was elected mayor of Forest City, Iowa, in 1897, serving one term. After a failed bid for a seat in the Iowa state legislature, he moved to Bismarck in 1905 and opened a private practice.

On this date in 1931, the Bismarck Tribune reported on "local swains who flooded the mails here… with dulcet missives protesting unbounded love for their lady-loves" in honor of Valentine’s Day.

On this date in 1885, Mrs. Dill awaited trial in the Richland County jail. The Wahpeton paper reported that a search of the Dill farm had turned up the missing August Dill, buried in the cow stable under a pile of manure. Mrs. Dill, her sons, and a hired man were arrested and taken to Wahpeton. Mrs. Dill confessed, saying she alone was the murderer and had placed the body there without help.

Winter in North Dakota can be a challenge, but it also offers great experiences and traditions. Dakota Datebook joins in the celebration of winter with a look at Vinterfest!

On this date in 1904, Pat Gourneau was born at Turtle Mountain, rushed by sleigh to the priest for baptism, and given little chance of survival due to his premature birth.

On this date in 1919, Grand Forks woke up to learn that their neighbors in East Grand Forks had suffered a devastating fire.

Arthur C. Townley was one of North Dakota’s colorful characters. Born in Minnesota, he moved west with his brother to try farming. After facing failures in Colorado and North Dakota, he turned to politics. He joined the Socialist Party, where he found success due to his organizational and oratorical skills, but his abrasive nature eventually led to his expulsion from the party. He then had to find a new outlet for his political ambitions.

During World War I, Americans were asked to make do with less. One thing in short supply was labor. The war hit farmers especially hard. They were being asked to grow more food while facing a labor shortage. Agriculture was crucial to the war effort, so many farm workers were exempt from the draft. But that didn’t stop eager volunteers from leaving the farm to join the military or work in factories producing goods for the war.