Dakota Datebook

It might be surprising to learn how early the snowmobile was invented. It was on this date in 1927 that the United States Patent office granted a patent for a “motor toboggan” to Wisconsin native Carl Eliason. He was ahead of his time as he dreamed of a motorized vehicle that could travel on snow.

Thanksgiving is this week. Today we take a glimpse at the holiday from long ago.

A murderer fleeing town, only to settle in a quaint community to start a quiet life sounds like an overused trope. However, that is what happened in Minot over 25 years ago. Dr. Robert Bierenbaum was a plastic surgeon and a cherished member of the community. He moved to Minot in 1996.

In 1955, plans for an Air Force base were being drawn up for a site just off route 83, north of Minot. The base would house 1200 airmen and civilians as well as a squadron of F102A jet interceptors.

On this date in 1954, the Bismarck Tribune reported that a large portion of Bismarck's business district would be decorated with Christmas street lighting for the holiday season. E. V. Lahr, Jr., president of the Chamber of Commerce said a lighted canopy over the streets would "dress up Bismarck for the holidays." The lights would go up about Thanksgiving time and come down around the New Year weekend.

Dr. Frederick J. Walsh and his wife moved to North Dakota in 1952. He took a position as the head of the speech department at North Dakota Agricultural College, now North Dakota State University. Walsh came to North Dakota with a dream. He wanted to bring historical drama to his new state.

Bismarck experienced several strange events during this week in 1933, including a burning cross, ferocious winds, and drive-by gunshots at a cafe.

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we listen to Kevin Finley, enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation, tell the story of Reverend Edward Goodbird.

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we listen to Kevin Finley, enrolled member of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation, talk about "A Time for Stories."

On this date in 1954, Byron G. Allen, Democratic National Committeeman for Minnesota, sent a letter to P. W. Lanier, Sr. Lanier was an ardent Democratic Party activist who had come to Jamestown from Memphis, Tennessee, during the early 1920s.