The 1999-2003 Star City Guestbook
Here's what folks said about Velva and Star City Online in the years 1999-2002. (Please keep in mind that these are older entries, so most of the email addresses are likely to be invalid now.)
10/08/03 Tom Moore of Paducah, Kentucky, wrote:
I first visited you great city in October, 2001, for 3 days of waterfowl and upland bird hunting. You had 12 plus inches of snow and fierce winds. We stay and hunt with the Bodine family. If they are any indication of the quality of people in ND, it is a wonderful state. I will be returning there October the 15-19th this year. We are again looking forward to a marvelous stay. Your website is outstanding and I love the landscape. Hope to return in the summer real soon.
Email Tom
10/08/03 Edo of Bosnia and Herzegovina, wrote:
Hello everybody! I'm writing from Bosnia and your website is very great!
Email Edo
10/04/03 Bill Senechal of Las Vegas, Nevada, wrote:
09/25/03 Ann (Kramer) Swedlund of Velva, N.D., wrote:
Hope to see all of you at Velva's 100th celebration, July, 2005! Let us hear from you if you have any suggestions for the event. Start sending your recipes for the Community Cook Book, need them by December 1, 2003.
Email Ann
07/19/03 Velva Rawls of Detroit, Michigan, wrote:
Just a little hello from someone who's name is Velva. It's so cool to know that there is something or someone other than me named Velva out there, named after my grandmother. Take care!
Email Velva
07/15/03 Kay Kananewisher Fried of Bismarck, N.D., wrote:
I enjoyed the new format for the Velva website. Lots of interesting information on the city. Looking forward to seeing more on the centennial.
Email Kay
07/12/03 Alyce Heer of Anamoose, N.D., wrote:
You have a great website, lots of information and color. A little slow to come in, but it was worth it.
Email Alyce
06/29/03 Brian Farrel, teacher, US Army Base, S. Korea, wrote:
My fondest memories as a child are those of my grandfather's farm in North Dakota. My parents had to drag me away as I sobbed about leaving them and their farm as a 7 year old in 1963 when my dad was transferred to California. My relatives (Merck's and Jaeger's) are from Karlsruhe and I again visited them and your great state in 1971 for part of the summer as a 14 year old. I played in a baseball game; Karlsruhe vs Velva, in Velva. Velva won. I again didn't want to leave. Longing for years to visit again, my next trip to North Dakota was 20 long years later with my wife in 1991 while on a trip around the U.S. We went to Velva to visit a relative; Fred Kraft. We were both very impressed with your small town. I wanted to stay. I have longed to go back. Finally, on June 30, 2003 my 8 year old son and I will spend a week in your area bird watching, and showing my son why I love North Dakota so much. I plan to make this a yearly event and maybe buy a little cottage. Somehow I need to convince my wife that this is the place for us to raise our 3 young kids. Right now we are showing them the world through teaching in different parts of the world. Will you need teachers in about 5 years when we are ready to settle down? I teach science and math, and my wife teaches language arts and history and we both have elementary credentials as well. I thoroughly enjoyed your site and will definitely visit Velva with my son. We are looking for a place to stay. There aren't any hotels in your area. Any ideas?
PS: Everyone in Korea thinks it's cold in the winter. I tell them "It's not cold enough. You need to go to North Dakota to see what cold is." The colder the better. It's the way I was raised on that farm in North Dakota.
Email Brian
06/20/03 Velva Chaney of Canton, Ohio, wrote:
We are visiting your city the weekend of June 28th and 29th. How did the city get it's name? Thanks.
Email Velva
06/19/03 Nicola Brown & Kirk Robinson, Stamford, England, wrote:
Excellent website - thank you very much. We will be visiting Velva for the first time in July of this year, to see family and looking at this website has made us even more excited. Can't wait to see it all for real.
Email Nicola & Kirk
05/19/03 Cheryl Bulyca of Bismarck, N.D., wrote:
This website is great!! I didn't know about it until a friend from Bismarck told me. I hope this site keeps me informed about the big goings-on in 2005 and so forth.
Email Cheryl
05/19/03 Velva Warsing of Allentown, Pennsylvania, wrote:
I never knew there was a Velva, North Dakota! This was a great surprise to find a town named Velva I would like to know how this town got it's name, beautiful web site. Maybe this is what my mother named me after. Very interesting.
Email Velva
05/15/03 Velva Jones of Atlanta, Georgia, wrote:
Can you tell me how the town got its name? I hope to come to Velva for a visit one day.
Email Velva
04/30/03 Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Newcomb of San Antonio, Texas, wrote:
My wife's family is from Velva. I'm really looking forward to our upcoming visit and the possibility of settling down. From what I've heard, Velva sounds like a small town dream. Great website.
Email the Newcombs
04/04/03 Robyn (Peplow) Thorp of Minneapolis, Minn., wrote:
Hey Cindy. . .great updated website. You do beautiful work! Life in the Twin Cities is great, but will always miss that small-town feel of Velva! Have been here for two years now, but who knows. . .may even move back someday! We will definitely be back this Fourth of July for my 20-year class reunion!
Email Robyn
04/04/03 Alan Althoff of Devils Lake, N.D., wrote:
Just lookin' around.
Email Alan
03/28/03 Judy Anderson of Vancouver, Wash. signed in.
Nice webpage. Very informative.
No email provided
03/27/03 Chuck Hystad of Velva, N.D., wrote:
Just to say hi to everybody. Hi!
Email Chuck
03/27/03 Tom Reishus of Maple Grove, Minn., wrote:
Nice webpage. Very informative.
Email Tom
03/25/03 Tim and Judy Bingen and family of Hillsboro, Ore., wrote:
This website is excellent. Enjoyed reading and searching through it. We are the aunt and uncle of Wade and Whitney and Loren Loftesnes. We are originally from the area and miss the North Dakota life.
Email Tim and Judy
03/18/03 Suzie Markwardt of Lake Stevens, Wash., wrote:
Been to Velva many a time and love the city, you may recogize the last name. The website is wonderful. Will be back in August.
Email Suzie
02/24/03 John Eric Swedlund of Minot, N.D., wrote:
The verdant trees of summer
Are a site that will endure
When I envision Velva,
Where my roots are true and sure.
Nestled in a valley
Through which a river flows,
Surrounded by rich fields
Where farmers' produce grows,
This community is blessed,
Nurtured with nature's bounty
It's the star that shines the brightest
In all of McHenry County!
Email John
02/18/03 Larissa and Amber of Butte and Velva, N.D., wrote:
You need to get more pictures of school events, like WRESTLING and other sports! Thank you!
Email Larissa and Amber
10/22/02 Julia Ryder of Williston, N.D., wrote:
I thoroughly enjoyed your site. I have been contemplating moving to Velva to look for daytime work in the healthcare field. I have 3 children, two of which are in grade school. I am looking for a small school for them, and daycare for my 1 year old daughter in Velva. I would like more information on daycares there in Velva. Sincerely, Julia Ryder
Email Julia
10/17/02 Tim Selzler of Maple Valley, Wash., wrote:
I'm the grandson of Tony and Mary Selzler and the son of Les and Pam.
Email Tim
10/16/02 Wendy Hattel of Minot, N.D., wrote:
WOW! Awesome web page. I have been living in Minot since 1984, and never knew Velva was quite the neat little town it is! Looking to move out of Minot to get a small town atmosphere and decided to browse your website. If anyone can email me any info on a house someone is looking to rent out, I would be very interested. In town or outskirts. My husband and I have one child, a dog and 2 cats, who are very well behaved.
Email Wendy
10/8/02 Ed Knappe of Seattle, Wash., wrote:
Actually, a close friend of mine discovered this most informative, well-configured website. I had mentioned to him that my wife, Mary Lou Anderson, had family roots there that date back many decades. Her mother and father, Harry and Lucille Anderson, are part of a long-standing familial heritage in Velva. I am most gratified by your town's developmental progress in recent years, apparently positioning itself prosperously within the sprawling, upscale, outreaching 'suburb' of Greater Minot. Have visited Velva several times since my marriage to Mary Lou in 1967 ... have personally witnessed over these years a gradual and promising growth pattern, contrary to the rampant decline in population and attendant economic misfortune experienced by most agri-based communities in North Dakota. BRAVO ... and Godspeed!!! :-)
Email Ed
10/8/02 Mary Lou Anderson Knappe of Seattle, Wash., wrote:
I spent 15 summers in Velva from 1945-1958 with my grandparents, P.W. Miller. Spent hours with the Swedlund family, both in town and at Strawberry Lake. Also with Stephanie Rieshus -- Mary and Jeannie were the Swedlund girls. We rode horses -- Flicka, Michey and Beauty -- I will never forget their names. The girls wanted to talk like me and I wanted to talk like them. (I went to school in Texas.) I love my memories there, and I've always loved Velva. I even use the name in my email today!
Email Mary Lou
10/7/02 Marnie Anderson Busby of Scottsdale, Arizona, wrote:
Great web site!! I don't know why it took me so long to figure out "Hey, Velva should have a website with lots of info." I love the sports updates and all the email addresses. Keep up the great work!
Email Marnie
10/2/02 Deanne Ehlert of Baxter, Minnesota, wrote:
Viewing this website has flooded my memory of the wonderful time I spent growing up in Velva. The rural culture of Velva fosters a sense of empowerment in its community members to obtain a higher quality of life.
Email Deanne
9/28/02 Ernest and Arlene Oster of Velva, N.D., wrote:
9/26/02 Ed Selzler of San Jacinto, Calif., wrote:
I love to visit Velva on the Fourth of July.
Email Ed
9/25/02 Mary Beth Bochel of Newport News, Virginia, wrote:
This is my second time in the guestbook. Your website is fantastic! My mother, Louise Kremer Kawecki, was born in Verendrye. I received some great responses from the last time I wrote, regarding the area and people who may remain there who knew my Mom or her family. She turned 80 this week, and my siblings and I were trying to get a hold of people who touched Mom's life through those 80 years. We have asked people to send her a birthday card/note with some memories. I have been trying to get a hold of Walter Gjellstad who was a good friend of hers in her youth. Also, anyone who may have gone to school with her in Verendrye (elementary) as well as Velva (high school). Mom was a mother's helper for the Welo family during high school, to pay for room and board. She helped to take care of boy/girl twins. I believe Mrs. Welo died in the past 8 years or so, the daughter died many years ago. Are the son or other relatives still around? Thanks for your help; and please email me with any info or ideas.
Email Mary Beth
9/20/02 Vernagean (Nelson) Goertz of Abbotsford, B.C., Canada, wrote:
I lived in Velva in the 50's. My grandmother was Maude Baldwin. Uncle Ernie Nelson still lives there, and we come for visits now and again. Great place.
Email Vernagean
9/18/02 Kyle April of Granville, N.D., wrote:
I actually live in Simcoe but I go to school in Velva. It is a very nice school to go to.
Email Kyle
8/28/02 Glenda (Rogers) Lindberg of California wrote:
I am interested in finding teachers who are interested in becoming Pen Pals with my first grade Social Studies class. If you are a teacher and what to participate let me know. I would like to get them from different states. My students will share their knowledge of California.
Email Glenda
8/25/02 Holly (Cline) Braaten of Bismarck, N.D., wrote:
Hello to all in Velva. I just wanted to give people an update on my dad, Bob Anderson. Dad is doing fairly well, he is in Bismarck with us for awhile. He is currently getting a little stronger and more alert all the time. We thank you all for your prayer and well wishes. He is now trying an experimental drug called Iressa, he really has not been on it long enough to know if it is helping, but we are all hopefull and thankful for more time with him. Again thank you so much for your prayers. God bless to all.
Email Holly
8/25/02 Sam Birrenkott of Steele, N.D., wrote:
When I went to Velva it was such a gorgeous town, and so is this website!!
Email Sam
8/22/02 Richard Senechal of Dallas, Texas, wrote:
I am looking to acquire a McHenry County Centennial (1885-1985) book. Thanks in advance.
Email Dick
8/3/02 Jennifer Loehnert of Phoenix, Ariz., wrote:
I would just like to say hello to my grandparents, Dale and Tillie Wasson. I miss you both!
Email Jennifer
8/1/02 Gary D. Lipkin of Springfield, Virginia, wrote:
Just stumbled across your website----what a delight! It is wonderful to know that such places still exist. I hope I can visit your lovely town someday! Thank you for the nice "virtual visit"!!
Email Gary
Kathleen Countryman of San Diego, Calif., wrote:
Thank you for the history of Velva. One day I will come & visit! My great uncle Simon Thompson & wife Borghild Grimstad homesteaded in Henrickson County, and I am looking for their descendants today. If any of the names sound familar, could you please email me. Lucy Thompson & John E. Odland; Caroline Thompson & Frederick G. Hystad; Ingvald Hystad; Lawrence Johan C. Cornelius Odland, Selmer Odland. As a former resident of North Dakota, I feel bad, 'cause I never got the opportunity of visiting the little towns, were my ancestors came from. But there is next year! Thank you!
Email Kathleen
Bruce Carlson of Velva, N.D., wrote:
Christopher Larsen of Cleveland, Tenn., wrote:
Comments: I ran across your website while doing some geneology research. My mother Bettie Irwin was born in Velva as were my aunts and uncles, who include the unstoppable Dale Irwin CPA, golf player extraordinaire. My great grandmother Marit Quammen was a longtime resident of Velva. While I have never visited, it seems a lovely place.
Email Christopher
James H. Bilby Jr. of Hampton, Virginia, wrote:
I have just return from Florida with the Harding Family. SSG Adam T. Harding was added to the Explosive Ordance Disposal (EOD) Memorial at Eglin AFB on 4th of May 2002. He and 172 other hero's are on this wall for a display of heroism in the line of duty. SSG Harding was passed away on 4 November 2001 due to injuries received during an explosion while operating on a humanatarian mission.
Email James
William J. Thorpe of Hollywood, California, wrote:
John Thorpe, lawyer, practiced in Velva 1918-1923. Wife, Marcia. Children, Marcia and William. Family moved to Bismarck 1923 where John served as Asst. Attorney General under his college roommate, George Schafer, later State Governor.
Email William
3/27/02 Nate Erickson of Sebeka, Minnesota, wrote:
Just want to give a shout out to Ernie Nelson. Thanks for the hat, Ernie! I wear it with Aggie pride! Later, Velva.
Email Nate
2/18/02 Mike Porter of Bismarck, N.D., wrote:
Congratulations to Nathan Chilson on his third place finish at state wrestling. Also, we would like to wish you a happy birthday! Love, Uncle Mike, Aunt Theresa, cousins Ethan and Jayden
Email Mike
2/13/02 Amanda Babel of Velva, N.D., wrote:
I love Velva! I am never going to move away! Anyone know what an Aggie really is? Let me know cause it has puzzled me for years!
Email Amanda
James D.F. Grim of Ramona, Calif., wrote:
My grandfather, Frank Grim, homesteaded northeast of Velva in 1910. My father DeeForast Grim graduated from Velva High School in 1918. the farm remains in the family. My brother August, sister Calverna and I visited Velva and the farm in August 2001. Velva was and still remains dear to us as our grandparents are buried in the Velva cemetery. My older brothers, Frank and August, played basketball for Towner when we lived there in the 1930s and 40s. I thoroughly enjoyed your website and invited emails from anyone who might remember the Grim family.
Email James
Thomas Nilsson of Uppsala, Sweden, wrote:
I'm looking for Oscar Anderson, jeweler in Velva in 1929.
Email Thomas
Sarah of Baltimore, Maryland, wrote:
I've never had the good luck to visit Velva, but it seems like the perfect place. I get so tired of the city - thanks for the nice net escape.
Email Sarah
Jan Kersten of Eindhoven, Holland, wrote:
Greetings from Holland! I found your site when looking for info about North Dakota. Very nice and informative. I have added a link on my site to it, so everybody can enjoy it. I hope adding this link isn't a problem. If so, just let me know, and i will remove it from my site. My site is: http://jkersten.topcities.com.
Email Jan
12/10/01 Mary Beth Bochel of Newport News, Virginia, wrote:
My mother was born in 1922 in Verendrye. I am interested in getting more information about the area - is Verendrye still in existence? She thinks not. Any detailed maps of the area? She would like to find family farms, old spots. She went to Velva High School: she lived in Velva during high school and was a mother's helper to pay room and board. Would love any info or help in finding maps. Thanks!
Email Mary Beth
12/5/01 Lee Grossman of Moorhead, Minnesota, wrote:
Hey Velva! College is going just peachy here in Moorhead. I miss all you back home, especially Mom and her great home cookin'! Just wanted to say hi to all you back home. Class of '98 rules man!!
Email Lee
Nate Erickson of Sebeka, Minnesota, wrote:
I've been Lee Grossman's roommate at college for 3 years and all I've heard about velva is good things. One of these days I'm going to come visit and I can't wait! Go Aggies!
Email Nate
Jared Sannes of Crookston, Minnesota, wrote:
I think Velva is the most beautiful place in North Dakota! I just love your website also. Say hi to Mary Grossman for me! Go Aggies!!
Email Jared
Jane Carwright of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, wrote:
What a fun website. I have very fond memories of Velva, which we visited every summer. Our grandmother was Ethlyn Welo and my brother Bruce (Joe), sister Kim and I usually spent August at her house and also at Strawberry Lake. Velva holds some of my best childhood memories. We also loved to hear anything about our mother, Beverly Welo, while we visited there. If any one has any stories/memories about Beverly Welo I would love to hear them. Some of you may be saddened to learn that my sister Kim Cartwright passed away last June. I would love to hear from any of our "summer" friends or anyone with anything to share about Beverly. Thanks.
Email Jane
Tom Schlueter of Aurora, Illinois, wrote:
My name is Tom Schlueter, and I've recently self-published a novel titled "Mouse River," based on my great-grandparents George and Sophia Downing, who were some of the first residents of what is now Velva. George was Velva's first postmaster and a member of the first city council. I visted Velva in May, 1995. At that time I met Duane Thompson when I was visiting the cemetery, where 8-month-old Julia Downing is buried. I also visited town hall, and met the clerk (I forget her name!) She showed me some of the old minutes from council meetings. Please feel free to email me or provide my email address to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks for helping! Tom Schlueter, 2802 Shelly Lane, Aurora, Ill., 60504, 630-978-1446.
Email Tom
James Bilby of Virginia Beach, Virginia, wrote:
I'd like everyone to take a chance and pray for our friend and hero, Adam Harding of Velva, who was injured in the line of duty in Nigeria disarming a rocket. He is in a hospital in Kaisersaulten, Germany, right now.
Email James
Note: Staff Sgt. Adam Harding, 23, died on Sunday, Nov. 4. He was the son of Frances (Thomas) Harding and Keith Harding and a 1996 graduate of V.H.S.
Charles Wegener of McCook, Nebraska, wrote:
I lived in Granville, was raised there. I understand you now print a paper. Is this right and is there any Granville news that you have online. Thank you.
Email Charles
Terry Jutila of Golden Valley, Minnesota, wrote:
This town was a great place to grow up. I have many fond memories playing baseball, building tree houses and crossing the rapids over the Mouse River. I have not been in Velva since the mid-eighties. I hope to make a journey and see how the town has turned out. I would have graduated with the class of 1981. If anyone wants to contact me, feel free.
Email Terry
Jim Baker of Selah, Washington, wrote:
I am really impressed with the nice web site for Velva. I was searching for information about the old school in Verendrye. I went to that school for two years (3rd/4th) and went to Velva for one year (5th)after the Verendrye school was closed up. I made a point to go out of my way to drive through Velva and the "old country" on my way through and I am glad I did. I have a lot of good memories of your area. My wife, born and raised in Seattle, fell in love with Velva. You are lucky people.
Email Jim
Robert E. Weum of International Falls, Minnesota, wrote:
Searching
for information regarding a Women's Finishing School in Velva
that existed around 1910.
Email Robert
Julia Miller of Fargo, North Dakota, wrote:
I really
enjoyed the slideshow of the championship football game. I went
to the game with my grandma (Ruth Larson) and Pam Jemtrud. It
was a crazy but fun day. I'm glad even though I'm not from Velva
(yet) that I can still go to games and know who people are and
have fun. GO AGGIES!!!
Email Julia
Mike Porter of Bismarck, North Dakota, wrote:
I really
enjoyed the slideshow presentation of the championship game,
since I didn't get the opportunity to travel to Fargo. My son,
Ethan, and I have enjoyed watching the Aggies football team for
the past two seasons. He is very proud of his two cousins, Cody
and Nathan Chilson. Ethan always says two words when he sees
his Uncle Bob Chilson, "GO AGGIES!" Pass this on to
Bob when you see him.
Email Mike
Duane Edwards Jr. of Santa Fe, New Mexico, wrote:
I really
enjoyed the site, brings back lots of memories. Velva will always
be my hometown, even though we moved to Minot after the flash
flood in '63. What a great place to grow up as a kid. Hours and
hours playing baseball and swimming at the new pool (and the
occasional swing from the rope at the river.) I hope I can make
it back to Velva next summer for the reunion to renew old friendships.
Email Duane
Carlotta Linrud of Wichita, Kansas, wrote:
What a great
idea! This website is so well done and so informative. I found
the family of a friend that I had lost over the years. It's so
good to be back in touch. Keep up the good work. Velva people
are still the greatest of anyplace on earth!!
Email Carlotta
James Bilby of Osan, South Korea, wrote:
I would like
to say the website is looking good. And to see there is a real
newspaper in town again. Well, I gotta run and get back to work
here in lovely Korea.
Email James
Karol Hystad of Henderson, Nevada, wrote:
It is a neat
site and I see I may have family that lives here. Thank you.
Email Karol
Deb (Hanson) Maves of Woodbury, Minnesota, wrote:
I've visited
the site before but haven't signed in. I was just showing my
mom, Gina Hanson, the Velva Web site as I sit in her kitchen
in East Grand Forks, MN. We were really happy to see the news
of the new Velva paper. Good luck with it, Cindy! We like keeping
up with the news from Velva. And we'll be at the reunion next
summer.
Email Deb
Mary (Ramsey) Bradley of Montgomery, Texas, wrote:
I would like
to ask if some one knows and could send me an address for a Mrs.
Jensen. I believe she now is living in Minot. I got it one time
from her daughter but lost it due to a fire. I knew her two sons
David and Lauren. I would like to drop her a line and say hi.
Also does any one have an address for a Delores Bohlander who
I think still lives in Velva. Sure wish I could be there for
the All School Reunion next year. Even though I only went through
8th grade. I hope everyone has a great time and that you will
post some pictures (with names) on this site so we can all enjoy.
Email Mary
D'ann (Dee) Evashenko Riley of Smyrna, Delware, wrote:
This is a
great idea! Thank goodness there are still a few names in good
'ol Velva that I still recognize. There are less and less people
that I know each time I come home.
Email Dee
Luwie Bautista of Cavite, Phillippines, wrote:
Hello everybody.
I am Luwie Bautista from the Philippines. I stayed in Velva for
my senior year. This was in 1987 until 1988. I stayed with David
and Pat Bendickson's family. I haven't been able to be back there
since. I know that a lot might have changed since I was there.
but rest assured that I will be back. I now have my own family
and I would sure love to bring them there too. Living in Velva
has been a great experience and also a big part of my life. Regards
to everybody and also to Mrs. Iris Swedlund. (I hope you still
remember me!)
Email Luwie
Jean of Waco, Texas, wrote:
I really
enjoyed reading about my friend's hometown. You have a great
site. Thanks so much for the visit.
Email Jean
Sue Smaagaard Litman of Belpre, Ohio, wrote:
Just returned home from a week in Velva visiting relatives (Wayne & Gen Lee & others) and attending the Verendrye Farsen School Reunion at the Sr. Center in Velva. My mother, Ellen Lee, attended there and I only visited the school one day in 1960, but enjoyed hearing and reading about life in the area. You have a town made great by the people that call it "Home." P.S. Does Rick's Market ship that wonderful lefse and his summer sausage?
Email Sue
Deanne Selzler Sullivan of Houston, Texas, wrote:
Somebody
has done a great job with this website. I am home visiting my
parents from June 21-July 18th. Would like to visit with any
"old" classmates. Call me at John Selzler's. We are
having a "really big" family reunion at the park on
the 4th with some of us who haven't enjoyed a 4th of July like
this since we moved. Hope Velva never stops doing this. My grandchildren
get to experience real patriotism this year. Hope to see some
of you there.
Email Deanne
Russell Touchstone of San Diego, California, wrote:
Hello to
all in Velva! What a suprise to see the website pop-up on the
search that I just ran! I graduated from high school in 1992
and joined the Navy. I've been all around the world, (three times
in fact), and there is no place that I miss more than Velva.
To my old classmates, thank you for your friendship. Keep in
touch.
Email Russell
Arlo "Pete" Peterson of San Antonio, Texas, wrote:
Was great to get on the Velva web site. Howdy to all my classmates of 1943 and friends, plan to be there for the 4th. The all school reunion looks great for 2001. Plan to be there too!
Email Pete
Amy (Lee) Oslund of Starbuck, Minnesota, wrote:
Hello Velva! What a great website! Wow - high school graduation in '91 was really a long time ago! I can't believe how old I feel when I see this site. I look forward to hearing from old friends!
Email Amy
John Selzler wrote:
I stumbled across this site while trying to check the status of the baseball team this year. I really have no good sources to keep up on a daily basis. If you know how to do so, let me know. Say hi to the boys for me. P.S. Cool website!
Email John
Nuniek Mokoginta of Jakarta, Indonesia, wrote:
Well, having
seen your website it's such a great job. Now the distance between
Jakarta and Velva is even closer.
Email Nuniek
Gene Feist of Eureka, California, wrote:
Really
a nice site! I graduated from Velva High in 1952. Retired from
the Navy. Retired from teaching high school and now work part-time
for an elementary school as their computer person. I hope to
be in Velva for the school reunion next summer.
Email Gene
Wayne Jensen of Tucscon, Arizona, wrote:
I
was raised and went to grade school North of Velva. We moved
away in 1949. It was nice to find something about the home town
on the computer. I think about Velva so much and all the great
people that lived there.
Email Wayne
Kellie Steffan of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
This site
is great! Keep it up!
Email Kellie
Darrell Trygstad of Lakeville, Minnesota, wrote:
I'm looking
for someone who can help me with research about the family of
Peter and Martha Trygstad whose address was Velva at least from
about 1904 until 1908. They had children Gladys Irene Trygstad
born in Velva in about 1906 and Burnett Scrider Trygstad born
in Velva Feb. 19, 1908. Another son, Everett, was born in MT
in 1910 so the family must have left Velva sometime between 1908
and 1910. I am looking specifically for Gladys' birth date and
any other information about where the family lived, where Peter
might have worked, etc. Peter was said to have been a carpenter,
at least in later life. He was a farmer when first married. I
don't know if the family may have homesteaded land near Velva,
perhaps so. Any help would be appreciated.
Email Darrell
Cindy Peterson of Minot, North Dakota, wrote:
Just like
to mention that Velva had the best girls basketball team in 1998.
Email Cindy
Trevor Kittelson of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
Hey! Cool
website. I came across it on a search I was performing on the
web and thought I would check it out. Keep up the good work!!
Email Trevor
James Bilby of Venice, Italy, wrote:
I would just
like to say nice work on putting this website together. It is
always nice to remember what a great place Velva is no matter
how far away you are from home.
Email James
Joette Turner of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
This is great.
There is going to be an all-school reunion in 2001 and the first
mailing is about to go out. If you don't get one and are an alumni
of VHS let us know here and we will add you to the list or update
your address and get information to you.
Email Joette
Mary Selzler Irving of Post Falls, Idaho, wrote:
Although
it has been a long time since I lived in Velva, I look back and
remember it as a beautiful place to live. We plan to visit here
this summer if at all possible.
Email Mary
Gordon W. Hammer of Ellensburg, Washington, wrote:
Hello, we
have moved and have new email. Class of 1959. New address 306
Indiana Dr., Ellensburg, WA 98926. Phone 1-509-933-2122. Hope
to hear from friends and family.
Email Gordon
Faye Paulson of Perre, South Dakota, wrote:
Notice
to families/friends of graduates of Class of 1980. Pete and Becky
Peterson want contacts for all classmates. After all, this our
20th reunion coming up and we wouldn't want to miss anyone! Forward
any contacts, addresses, phone or email to Pete and Becky. Thanks!
Hope this helps us find some more of us!
Email Pete and Becky
Faye (Peterson) Paulson of Pierre, South Dakota, wrote:
Hi. Thanks
to Stuart Hammer for telling me about this great Velva site.
Hope to hear from some friends, who haven't kept in touch. I
don't move much so not to hard to keep track of. I have been
in Pierre for 18 years. Try to get home to Velva when I can.
Email Faye
Karla Knutson of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, wrote:
This web
site is great Cindy! Keep up the great work. It's a comforting
feeling to have instant access to Velva from a distance of four
hours away. Thanks!!
Email Karla
Jim and Dorothy Selzler of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, wrote:
Brother Ed
put me onto this site. Great site. Thanks to whoever put it together.
Looking forward to seeing the Velva people in July. Best wishes!
Email Jim and Dorothy
Edward Selzler of San Jacinto, California, wrote:
Having been
born and raised on a farm near Velva, I really enjoyed this website:
someone did a great job on this. Thanks to Kim and Tim Selzler
for putting me on to it.
Email Edward
Clarence Hall of Sun City, Arizona, wrote:
My mother's
name was Velva. She died just a year ago. She would have been
89 last March 15th. Can you tell me how your town got its name?
It seems like a real nice place! I know I will try to visit there
someday. Thank you.
Email Clarence
Vincent Nelson of Seattle, Washington, wrote:
I was born
in Drake, and lived in Bremen, Bergen, Butte and Drake. Went
to school in Bergen, 1st grade and sophomore in high school,
then moved west in 1942. Have many fond memories of North Dakota.
Am a nephew of Wallace Vibeto, recently of Velva, now in Minot.
Email Vincent
Barbara (Harmon) Hoffman of Denver, Colorado, wrote:
I attended
Velva High School in '48 and '49. I remember when the Mouse flooded:
my aunt, uncle and myself rowed a boat to the Barry Hotel because
our house flooded; we were able to return in about a day when
the water receded. I'm looking forward to returning to Velva
this summer to see everyone. My brother, Harley Harmon, will
also be returning to celebrate his 50th year high school reunion.
(Hi to sis Delaree and family!)
Email Barbara
Julia Miller of Fargo, North Dakota, wrote:
Hey everyone,
thanx for the support and being there for my family. I am the
oldest granddaughter of Dr. Larson. He is going to be missed
a lot by our family, and by the community, I bet. Again, thanx
for the support.
Email Julia
Leslie (Larson) Gaska of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, wrote:
This is a very impressive website. And like Christine, I want to thank the wonderful people of Velva and the surrounding communities for the love and respect you have shown my father and my family since he passed away. I will cherish forever the bonds between Dad and his community. Thank you all very much. As I said, great website. Kudos to Cindy. I'm forwarding the URL to all my friends, some of whom (like me) are former Velva residents.
Email Leslie
Christine Larson-Bender of Fargo, North Dakota, wrote:
I think this
website is fantastic. I would like to thank you for the tribute
to the memory of my dad, Dr. Larson. The entire community has
surrounded our family with love and concern these past few days,
and I am so proud to say that I grew up in Velva, N.D., a community
that cares. I will miss my dad so much, but I find great comfort
knowing the community grieves with me. I feel truly blessed to
have had a dad like him.
Email Christine
Anita (Hendrickson) Hofsommer of Fargo, North Dakota, wrote:
Great site!
Enjoyed seeing a few familiar names. What a great way to find
"long lost" friends. Keep up the good work!
Email Anita
Kitter Hendrickson Hawks of Oswego, Illinois, wrote:
Just heard
about your website and I love it. It's nice to know I'm not the
only one who will always be homesick for Velva. No matter where
we live, we try to make it back for the 4th of July celebration.
If you haven't been, you need to go because its always a reunion!
Thank you, Cindy, it's great.
Email Kitter
Mike Engel of St. Francis, Minnesota, wrote:
Hi to all
of our friends in good ol' Velva, hope to see you soon.
Email Mike
Justin Kittelson of Moorhead, Minnesota, wrote:
Um......hey...what's
going on? Nice job on the website. I can hardly wait until you
finish it, Cindy. See everyone later...
Email Justin
Ricky Beall of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, wrote:
Hey there Velva! Cindy, I just want to say that you did an excellent job putting up this fantastic web site. Just want to wish everyone in Velva a good day. College is definitely a fun place to be, but it's no Velva. The town is still the best there is. Well, I have homework so I'm off; just wanted to praise the web site.
Email Ricky
Bob Anderson of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
Class of
1967. Looking for any classmates out there. Send me a "Hey."
Email Bob
Connie Loken Dicus of Marysville, California, wrote:
Hi, great web site. My father, Clifford Leland Loken, graduated from Velva High School on June 1st, 1928. I still have his invitation to the Commencement exercises listing the names of all 30 students. In 1938 he was the basketball coach for the grade school. They took the championship that was held in Granville, 18 to 2. Not sure about the name. Some of the players that dad has on the back of the picture are as follows: Willy Schafer, Rierson, Salberg, McDonald, Moen, another Salberg, Ozuber, and Skaglund. Hope I could read his writing well enough to put those names down. Just thought someone might be interested in this. My cousins, Iona and Rollie Loken, still live in Velva. I still remember it as a very nice quite and clean town when went to vist my Uncle Oscar and Aunt Edith Loken. Hope to return some day. My mother still talks a lot of Velva. Hope to hear from some of you.
Email Connie
Paul Kramer of Port Huron, Michigan, wrote:
Graduated
from VHS in 1987.
Email Paul
Todd Goter of Jamestown, North Dakota, wrote:
Hello to
the class of 88! If you wish to contact me, email me at goatboy@buffalocity.net.
I would like to hear from you...
Email Todd
Melba Olson of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
I have just
been browsing through the Velva Website and I must tell you it
is great!! It is very well done and very informative about our
great little city. Thank you!!
Email Melba
Rebecca Petrik of Minot, North Dakota, wrote:
This website
is fantastic! Thank you for all the hard work in gathering information
and displaying the community in such shining arrayment.
Email Rebecca
Rollie Pilipanko of Redding, California, wrote:
As a former
resident of North Dakota and a frequent visitor to Velva, I have
to say "thanks" for the great website. Very well put
together. Thanks again!
Email Rollie
Bill Senechal of Las Vegas, Nevada, wrote:
I was born
and grew up in Velva. My father worked for Otter Tail Power and
at Truax Trayer before opening the Velva Radio Service store
after WWII. I have a younger brother, Calvin, and am related
to the Oscar Jensen family. Would enjoy exchanging e-mail with
anyone from North Dakota.
Email Bill
Teri Kvamme of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
Now we don't
have to be the only ones to know about and be proud of our town!
Thank you, City of Velva and In Your Eye Graphic Design, for
giving us such a great website! This is just one more thing for
Velva to be proud of!
Email Teri
Robyn (Peplow) Thorp of Minot, North Dakota, wrote:
What a great
way to keep in touch with our hometown!! Hopefully a number of
Velva natives will visit this fantastic site and maybe even renew
a few friendships! Great design work on the website!
Email Robyn
Carla Baglien of Velva, North Dakota, wrote:
I just wanted
to comment on what a great site this is and what a wonderful
job you did in setting it up.
Email Carla
Richard (Dick) Sperry wrote:
I am looking
for relatives or friends around the Velva area. My mother's maiden
name was Loken, and her parents lived in Velva, along with her
brothers and a couple of sisters. I still have relatives living
there, such as Rollie Loken and some of his family. My father's
name was SAM SPERRY and I am Richard SPERRY (DICK) to most of
the people I knew around North Dakota. I am a cousin of Connie
(LOKEN) Discus, so if anybody remembers me would they please
contact me.
Email Dick
Mary J. (Ramsey) Bradley of Montgomery, Texas wrote:
Hi, and thank you for your note. I am always interested in hearing from the people of Velva. I would very much like to be included in your new website. My name is Mary Bradley nee Ramsey My father, Richard Ramsey, was the minister of the Nazerene Church from 1960 to 1964. It was a time in my life I will never forget. I was 10-14 years old. My siblings are Dick Ramsey Jr., Maureen Ramsey Poorman, Gregory Ramsey, deceased, and Shelly Ramsey Vasquez. We now live all over the country. I have been in contact with a few of the people through the Velva site and am grateful for the people who put it on the net. Thank you and good luck.
Email Mary
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