If you see something out of place in the cookbook, please post your question or comment on the Souvenir page.

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Thanks John!

Remember if you have photographs from the 125th or other Forman events you’d like to share, email them to webmaster <at> formannd <dot> com.  If you’d like to share a story or memory from the 125th, add them to the comments of the 125th Photos / Recap post here.  We’d love to hear from you!

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Lake Lithia

Photo courtesy of Elaine Anderson; Information from Forman’s Century of Progress Centennial Book

Lake Lithia has been a focal point in Forman since the town was founded.  It has provided recreation and occasional hazards.  It is the only thing that has always been a part of Forman is Lake Lithia, before there was a town until now.  True, it was much bigger before so much fill took place, but it remains much as always.  No true Formanite would ever allow it to be called a “slough.”

We have not been able to find how Lake Lithia got its name.  Perhaps it was named for a town or lake back East, or a fondly remembered friend or relative of a pioneer.  In an old 1887 newspaper, there was an advertisement for a Lithia water product supposed to be great medicine.  This was made in New York.  Lithia is an element; maybe we can stretch our imaginations and conclude it was named for its mineral content and benefits.  We will probably never know for sure.

“In 1899, Joe Lewis built a wharf and boathouse on the east bank of Lake Lithia, where fishermen in years to come would launch their boats.”  This is according to an old newspaper item from September 1899.

When the old schoolhouse stood across the lake, school children had a shortcut in the winter when the ice became thick enough to hold their weight.  In the early days, there were few buildings or trees to break the wind and it was a bitterly cold walk to school.  Thus, the shortcut was most welcome.

In the spring, after the ice went out, the south winds sent high waves over the bank and sidewalk on the north side.  Pedestrians were forced to walk down the street.  Waves, also, brought up ugly creatures that we called “slough puppies”. They looked like a cross between a bullhead and a lizard.

Recess and noon hour found most of the kids on the ice skating or sliding.  “Kick the can” was also a popular game.  After school and evenings found skaters again for more fun and for all around the bonfire.

Lake Lithia…long may she continue to be a constant reminder of the way it was.

Reprinted from the Sargent County Scoop, June 27, 2009

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Remember if you have photographs from the 125th you’d like to share, email them to webmaster :at: formannd :dot: com.  If you’d like to share a story or memory from the event, add them to the comments of the 125th Photos / Recap post here.  We’d love to hear from you!

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125th Wrap-Up

Mick Kjar broadcast his “Farm Talk” radio program live from Forman on Friday afternoon. Mick set up shop at Bopp Law Office and interviewed a variety of residents, former residents and business persons during the program.

The Sargent Central Activity Center was beautifully decorated with handmade quilts, wedding pictures and other wedding items for the Wedding Dress Style Show. Punch and sweet treats were served at the pre-show reception. Sharon Lock was the emcee for the program. Fifty-three dresses were modeled in the wedding dress style show. The oldest dress worn was from 1910; the newest dress was from 2009. The oldest item on display was the wedding jacket of Minnie Hoel from her 1889 marriage to John H. Dyste, whose suit was also on display. There were a few women who modeled their own dresses.

The Forman 5K Fun Run was held the morning of June 27th as part of the 125th celebration. 68 runners participated in six divisions.

There were over 300 entries in Forman’s 125th parade. The parade lasted about an hour and was announced by Bill Smith and Jim Smykowski. Rumor has it that the kids in attendance collected candy by the bucket full!

Beard Judging was held June 27, 2009 after the parade. Approximately 60 daring men strutted a new look for six months and 52 were not daring (bought shaving permits). More than 40 men were judged and of these, seven were awarded with a pocket knife and a certificate for his individual category. Our four judges, Randy Huffman, Danielle Degenstein, Kayla Mahrer and Sarah Ennis, had a tough call to make with so many contestants. Participation ribbons were given to all contestants. Urban Hoistad and Orville Nelson were the oldest men to grow beards; Brandon Hanson was the youngest. Following the contest, the four judges offered to shave the beards of any contestant that was ready. It was asked that each contestant shaved would make a donation, which would then be donated to individuals in need in our community. $223.00 was donated and will be split between Hal Nelson’s Benefit and Jessica Kjelden’s Benefit. Brothers of the Brush greatly appreciate everyone’s attendance, help and donations!

Share your photos!

If you have photos from the 125th Celebration you’d like to share, simply email them to webmaster {at} formannd {dot} com with a short description and if you’d like photographer’s credit.

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• Bake Sale
• Silent Auction of Baskets
• 25 Forman 125th Cookbooks will be sold with proceeds going to the benefit
• Free will donation supper
• A program will be presented at 7:00 p.m.

Supplemental funding provided by the Ransom-Sargent Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Bake Sale

Bring baked items to the Sargent Central Activity Center by 3:00 p.m. on August 11, 2009.  Please price baked goods.

For more information, please contact Shirley Kudelka (724-3338) or Margo Fauss (724-3092)

Silent Auction Baskets

The deadline for completion of the baskets is Monday, July 27, 2009.  Please contact Sandy Anderson (724-6229) or Julie Dyste (724-3832) with what the theme of your basket will be.

Viewing of the baskets and tickets available at the Sargent County Bank from July 28 – August 10.

Cash Donations

Cash donations may be sent to:

The Al & Debbie Kjelden Family Fund
c/o Sargent County Bank
PO Box 9
Forman, ND 58032

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Mick Kjar asked what was special about Forman.  Each city, whether small or large, thinks its entity is special because that is where our every day lives take place.  Forman is special to us as it has been home to us for over 70 years except for a few years in Korea, working in the Cities, and at college. It’s the home of many good and talented people. We are fortunate to be the physical home of Sargent Central, the Sargent County Courthouse, Museum, and Fair, and a wide variety of businesses which provide the services necessary to make it a city that is holding its own and even growing in many ways when so many others no longer have these services available within their city. The economy at the present time is having an effect on many of our citizens’ lives, and hopefully this will soon become a “remember when?” time.

We thank Jiggs Dyste and Sandy Hanson who volunteered to serve as co-chairpersons for the 125th representing the city and the rural communities respectively.  This 125th committee started working on it almost two years ago, and each had times when other unusual factors played a part in their lives…campaigns, job challenges, family illness…and yet the plans moved forward with the committee as a whole stepping forward.  Shannon Jablonsky served as the secretary and did a great job, as she does each week with The Scoop.  We really appreciate all the information that goes out to more than 500 homes due to her work and the Sargent County Bank with their public service in offering The Scoop.

This is the third celebration in which we’ve been involved as the steering committee…the 75th in June 1959, the Centennial in June 1984, and last month’s 125th.  In 25 years it is our wish that we can be cheering on the committee from the sidelines.  It was great to see 100-year-old Jim Rathert lead the parade as Grand Marshall!  What a remarkable source of Forman’s history he holds in his head as he lived it and continues to vibrantly tell the stories.  It should all be recorded.

All of the events during the weekend were very well organized by each committee, and thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience.  Besides the 125th events, the City Hall was filled with 200 Forman Alumni for its Saturday evening banquet.  There were several family reunions during the weekend as well.

The parade was great! Thanks to all who entered a unit, and to all who sat along the streets on the entire parade route.  It was nice as a parade participant to hear the applause, cheers, and appreciation of candy thrown out.  The weatherman certainly did his job!

The ecumenical church service held on the front courthouse lawn Sunday morning brought the weekend to a perfect ending.  The Millerhagens from Norway brought a gift of music for the people of Forman, and what a gifted young person presented this gift.

Thanks to everyone.  You made me proud to be the Mayor of Forman.

With appreciation to all,
Neil R. Anderson (and Elaine too)

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July 24 – 26, 2009

Forman, ND
www.sargentcountyfair.com

Featuring:

• 4-H Exhibits
• Pedal Tractor Pull
• Pie and Ice cream social
• Demo Derby
• Texas Hold-em Tournament
• Sargent County Queen Pageant
• Live music:
  • Gwen Sebastian with Breakaway
  • Street Dance featuring Geneseo Straight

  … and more!

View full schedule of events

Admission:

Thursday:
FREE

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
Adults: $5.00 / day
Youth (6 – 12 yrs): $3.00 / day

Friday, July 24 – Gate Special:
Purchase passes for ALL 3 DAYS and save!
Adults: $12.00
Youth: $8.00

Saturday, July 25 – Senior Citizens Special:
$1.00 off gate fee

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June 4, 2009

Dear Friends:

With its location on the shore of Lake Lithia and its well-groomed appearance, Forman is among the most handsome of North Dakota’s small towns.

And this anniversary of its 235 years marks a proud history.  But you had your silly moments.  Back during World War II, when there were fears of enemy sabotage, Forman posted an around-the-clock guard.  On duty after dark were Snorri Thorfinnson, brandishing an 1872 rifle with a rusted out barrel, and Pete Nelson, armed with a World War I cavalry saber.  I’m sure the Germans and the Japanese are relieved they never attacked Forman.

Your residents have a long history of good humor, strong faith, ambition and drive, and extraordinary decency.  I’m proud to salute them.

Sincerely,
Byron L. Dorgan
U.S. Senator

“Best wishes!”

From Mayor Neil and Elaine Anderson

In reference to the above letter from Senator Dorgan:

We thank Senator Dorgan for his letter of best wishes for Forman’s 125th celebration as a city and community. Senator Dorgan most likely did not know Snorri or Pete, but somehow heard of their very distinct personalities and activities!  These two men, ironically, touched our lives in different ways as young residents of Forman.

S. M. Thorfinnson, a.k.a. Snorri, wrote the “Sargent County History” book as a part of the Bicentennial observance in the county in 1976. Born on a prairie homestead in Cavalier County, ND, he spent almost all his life with people who made their homes on the plains.  He graduated from ND Agricultural College in 1924 with a B. A., and four years later got his Masters.  He was active in track, debate, and represented the college in 14 intercollegiate debates. In 1922 he was a member of the first debate team from west of the Mississippi River to debate in colleges in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

He taught Vocational Agriculture for nine years and taught on-farm-training for WWII for five years vets. He was Extension Agent in Sargent County for 14 years with a couple of leaves of absences.  He also spent 11 years in research and public relations for the Farmers Union Grain Terminal Association of St. Paul. His writings included two booklets written for the Farmers Union.  He and Olive had five children: Roger (who taught and lived here in Forman); Vaughn, Hugh, Bruce, and Karen.

Pete Nelson, a.k.a. “Rattlesnake Pete”, was a brother of Neil’s grandmother, Gurina Lee, who lived on the farm where Richie and Stella Bell now reside. Pete ran a blacksmith shop at the east end of Forman where Greg Ennis now lives.  Neil and Elaine visited him when he was living with Albert and Elsie Wellman (formerly of Havana) in the Black Hills. They had taken him in as “family” when he was a resident at the Fort Meade home for veterans, and is buried at that cemetery.  The Wellman’s gave Neil a fancy cane that Pete had carved and used (which hangs as decor in their home), and also his helmet from World War I.

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We would love to feature snapshots of all of the events at Forman’s 125th Celebration on the website.  Have your camera out during the celebration and remember to send a copy to the webmaster webmaster «at» formannd «dot» com  with a quick description (ex: which event and where).  We’ll use these photographs in up-coming posts.

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